ã€ŠHis Beloved Ex-Wifeã€‹


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1

    ¡°Lysander, Lysander¡­¡± In her ear was his slightly deep and hoarse voice, gentle and a hint of clinging.

    After getting married for three years, Lysander Thorne was still of the opinion that Josiah Guerra was

    an entirely different being when in bed. On ordinary days, Josiah was considerate and gentle, a true

    gentleman. But when it came to their intimate moments at night, Lysander always felt like she couldn¡¯t

    keep up with his stamina. By the time it was all over, she was so sore that she couldn¡¯t even lift her

    arms. And then, he grasped her arm again. Lysander couldn¡¯t even open her eyes. She pleaded and

    acted coyly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should stop?

    We both have to work tomorrow.¡± She was currently preparing for a job evaluation, busy to the point of

    exhaustion. After finishing her report in the early hours of the morning, she was dragged into a

    ¡°workout¡± by him. At this moment, she felt like a fish out of water, so tired that she could only pant.

    Josiah chuckled softly. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± She blushed slightly. ¡°What do you¡­¡± Hisrge,

    knuckled hands gripped her shoulder des, his fingers gently pressing on her sore spots. With his

    strong grip and great precision, aforting sensation spread through her limbs, causing her to

    involuntarily let out a soft moan. ¡°Feels good, doesn¡¯t it?¡± His voice sounded in her ear, deep and

    hoarse, as gentle as ever. Lysander couldn¡¯t help but blush. As an OBGYN, she actually knew more

    about this kind of thing than the average person. Unfortunately, she was only big on the theory side of

    things. When it came to handling the real thing, she considered herself a novice. Fortunately, Josiah

    was a gentleman, and they wouldn¡¯t spend all their time clinging to each other like some other

    newlyweds, but they still treated each other with respect. In fact, Lysander was very open-minded. After

    all, they only met through a blind date and did not go through the process of dating before entering into

    marriage. It was actually quite fortunate that they got along the way they did now. ¡°Now try moving. Do

    you feel better?¡± Lysander tried to move her shoulder, and after his massage, it did feel much better.

    ¡°Thank you. I feel much better.¡± She turned around. ¡°When did you learn to give massages?¡± ¡°I learned

    it from an old traditional medicine practitioner before. It¡¯s been so many years, but luckily I haven¡¯t

    forgotten.¡± He gently tucked her hand under the nket and instructed, ¡°Go to sleep.¡± What is a happy

    marriage like? There¡¯s no definite answer to that question. Sometimes, Lysander felt a little regretful

    that she didn¡¯t get to experience a passionate love rtionship in her youth because she was so

    focused on her studies and work. But she was content. Whether in terms of family background,

    appearance, character, or knowledge, Josiah was almost a perfect marriage partner.

    He was not a smoker, not an alcoholic, and didn¡¯t have to socialize much. Every time he finished work,

    he woulde home to spend time with her. Even her bestie, Daphne Everhart, who always had a bad

    impression of men, said Josiah was the epitome of a perfect man. Thus, Lysander felt very content with

    this husband of hers. Especially now that she was pregnant. Lysander gently stroked her belly and

    whispered, ¡°Josiah, it¡¯s your birthday next weekend, and I have a birthday gift for you.¡± Suddenly,

    Josiah¡¯s phone vibrated. He picked it up, and his face suddenly changed. Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s

    wrong?¡± Josiah stood up. ¡°I have something urgent to attend to. I need to go out for a bit.¡± ¡°Is it

    something rted to thepany?¡± ¡°Um¡­ yeah.¡± His voice was weak but soon was filled with

    urgency. ¡°I have to go now.¡± ¡°Okay, drive¡ª¡± Bam! The door mmed shut. ¡°Drive safely,¡± she muttered

    the rest of her words. After getting married for three years, she had never seen him so anxious before.

    Maybe something serious happened at thepany. She remembered seeing news about the recent

    equity mergers and acquisitions by the Guerra Group on the finance news channel a few days ago.

    She was a medical student and didn¡¯t understand much about business matters, but if it was on the

    finance news channel, it was probably not a trivial matter. Lysander sped her hands together and

    silently prayed. I hope everything goes well with Josiah and hispany. But just as she was about to

    rest, her phone rang persistently. ¡°Dr. Thorne, pleasee to the hospital immediately. There is a

    pregnant woman in critical condition!¡± After years of studying medicine, Lysander found such situations

    to be not umon. She hung up the phone and immediately changed clothes to head out. When she

    arrived at the hospital, her assistant, Lynn Vale, was already standing at the hospital entrance, eagerly

    waiting. Seeing Lysander, Lynn immediately approached her and handed her the white coat and

    gloves. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯ve been waiting for you!¡± Lysander was a professional when it came to work. As

    she quickly walked inside, she put on the white coat and gloves, asking, ¡°What¡¯s the situation with the

    patient?¡± ¡°It was a car ident. I heard the scene was very gruesome.

    The patient is six months pregnant, losing a lot of blood, unconscious, and showing signs of shock.¡± Six

    months is a long time. Whether we choose to perform cervical cerge or abortion, surgery will be

    necessary. ¡°Have you contacted the family?¡± ¡°Yes, they have been contacted.¡± ¡°Have the family sign

    the consent form. The patient needs immediate surgery.¡± ¡°Right away.¡± Lysander went straight to the

    operating room. The patient¡¯s condition was indeed not good. After reviewing the on-duty doctor¡¯s

    records, she decided to perform a cervical cerge immediately. What followed was the regr work

    procedure that was all too familiar to Lysander. She changed into clean clothes and headed straight

    into the operating room. From emergency treatment to surgery, Lysander worked tirelessly for nearly

    six hours. When she walked out of the operating room, her legs almost gave up on her. Lynn quickly

    held her up. ¡°Are you okay, Dr. Thorne?¡± Lysander shook her head. ¡°Help me over to the chair, will

    you?¡± Lynn helped her sit on a chair, then went to get her a cup of hot water, looking at her with

    concern. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re also pregnant. Technically, you shouldn¡¯t be working so hard. But the

    patient¡¯s condition was really tricky, and you were the only one in the hospital capable of saving her.¡±

    When Lysander heard her say the word ¡°pregnant,¡± her hand trembled slightly. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    Lynn smiled and blinked at her. ¡°Getting pregnant is great news. Why did you hide it from me? I saw

    the test report on your desk yesterday.¡± Lysander smiled embarrassedly. ¡°Yeah, it is great news.¡± ¡°Have

    you told your husband?¡± ¡°Not yet. His birthday is in a couple of days. I¡¯ll tell him then¡­¡± Bam! Bam!

    Bam! Someone was mming on the door outside the operating room. Lynn said, ¡°It must be the

    patient¡¯s husband. He¡¯s anxious to know about his wife and child. Dr.

    Thorne, you can rest here. I¡¯ll go talk to him.¡± ¡°No, let me,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I am her surgeon. ording

    to hospital regtions, I should personally exin the situation to the patient¡¯s family.¡± She stood up

    with the help of the wall, and Lynn immediately opened the door to the operating room. The man

    outside nearly charged in. ¡°Doctor! How is she?!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, both the mother and child are safe. But

    we need to keep her under observation for a while¡­¡± Before she could finish her sentence, both of

    them froze. ¡°Lysander?¡± Lysander looked at the man in front of her in disbelief. ¡°Josiah?¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2

    Lynn was rather taken aback. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I didn¡¯t expect you to know the patient¡¯s husband.¡± Lysander

    took a long, deep stare at the familiar face in front of her. There were hints of bewilderment, surprise,

    unease, but most of all¡ªconcern for the woman inside. Although he seemed to be doing a good job

    restraining himself, he couldn¡¯t hide the look of distress and urgency on his face. ¡°Are you her¡­¡±

    Lysander nced into the operating room, ¡°husband?¡± Lynn interjected, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him. He¡¯s the one

    who signed the surgery consent form.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander felt a chill all over her body. Her face didn¡¯t look too good either. ¡°I see.¡± Josiah gritted his

    teeth. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ll exin this to youter.¡± Lysander forced herself to calm down, maintaining her

    professionalism as a doctor. She then took a deep breath and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the surgery was

    sessful. Both the mother and child are safe. They will need to stay in the hospital for a few days for

    observation and IV fluids to maintain the pregnancy. If everything goes well, they can be discharged

    this weekend.¡± Josiah was visibly relieved. ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± After a pause, he added, ¡°Lysander, thank

    you for your hard work.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Regardless of whose wife she is, as a doctor, I will do my best to

    treat her.¡± Lysander returned to her office, drank a ss of cold water, and took a while to calm down.

    After about ten minutes, there was a knock on the office door. She heard his voice outside saying,

    ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s me.¡± Lysander stood up and went to get the door. Josiah looked better than before, but

    his eyes were still red, and the furrows between his eyebrows had notpletely disappeared. She

    just noticed now that there were bloodstains on Josiah¡¯s white shirt, the clothes were wrinkled, and

    there wererge water stains on the cuffs. There were two possibilities: either he got amniotic fluid on

    him when he carried that woman to the hospital, or it was from her tears just now in the ward. She

    turned around and returned to her seat, asking lightly, ¡°Have you visited her?¡± Josiah nodded slowly.

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s asleep.¡± ¡°She¡­¡± Josiah said, ¡°The child is not mine.¡± Lysander suddenly felt relieved, and

    she sat back in her seat as if all her strength had left her. ¡°She got into a car ident and was found in

    critical condition. I was the one who brought her to the hospital. Later, I received a notification that

    surgery was needed, but the surgery consent form could only be signed by a family member, so I¡­¡±

    Lysander came to a realization. ¡°I asked my assistant to get the family member¡¯s consent.¡± ¡°I know

    now,¡± Josiah said.

    ¡°There were too many people, and it was not convenient for me to exin this to you at the door of the

    operating room. If others knew that I was not her husband, no one would be able to sign for her, so

    saving her life was the priority.¡± Lysander got the full gist of it, and she felt a little guilty. Silly me. How

    could Josiah, such a gentle and steadfast person, possibly have an affair? He must havee across

    the car ident on his way to thepany and couldn¡¯t bear to see the pregnant woman in distress,

    so he hurriedly brought her to the hospital. ¡°Is everything at yourpany okay? I¡¯m here, so you don¡¯t

    need to worry about that pregnant woman.¡± Josiah opened his mouth, seemingly on the fence about

    something. ¡°Lysander, I¡­¡± Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± In the end, Josiah shook his head. ¡°The

    company is fine. Are you done with your work? I¡­ I¡¯ll wait for you outside. We can go home together.¡±

    After she finished the surgery, the pregnant woman would have nurses taking care of her, so she had

    nothing else to do. Changing out of her white coat, she took out the prenatal examination report from

    the drawer, folded it, and put it in her wallet before picking up her bag and leaving. Lysander was

    already very familiar with Josiah¡¯s white Porsche Cayenne. She saw it at a nce and quickly walked

    over. From a distance, she could smell a pungent tobo scent. In the dim light of the night, Josiah¡¯s

    tall figure leaned against the car window. A small, orange light dot could be seen flickering in the dark.

    Lysander frowned and walked over, asking, ¡°Why did you start smoking?¡± Josiah was startled, and the

    cigarette in his hand fell to the ground. Lysander then noticed that there were already about ten

    cigarette butts on the ground, all seemingly smoked by him. He was acting a bit out of character today.

    ¡°What happened exactly?¡± Josiah shook his head, but there was visible fatigue between his brows. Yet,

    he still gentlemanly opened the car door for her. ¡°It¡¯s just work stuff. Come on, get in the car.¡± ¡°Is it

    serious?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Lysander got into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. After a while,

    Josiah finally got into the car, started the engine, and stepped on the gas pedal. ¡°Stop!¡± Lysander

    immediately called out to him. Josiah was startled by her sudden shout. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Just as he

    spoke, they heard a grumbling voice from outside, cursing, ¡°Are you blind? Look where you¡¯re going!

    Can¡¯t you see me standing here? Can you afford the responsibility if you hit me?¡±

    Josiah used to pick her up from the hos

    pital often, always being careful and never making mistakes. Something must¡¯ve gotten into him today.

    Fortunately, the person didn¡¯t pursue further and just left after a few curses. Josiah pursed his lips

    tightly, restarted the car, and merged into the traffic. Lysander was a bit worried. ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    Josiah looked a bit troubled and impatient. ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡± Lysander was stunned for a moment. She

    remained silent and never said anything else. After a few minutes, Josiah¡¯s slightly apologetic voice

    sounded. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lysander. I¡¯ve been dealing with a lottely. My mood isn¡¯t the best, and I didn¡¯t

    mean to snap at you.¡± Lysander nodded slightly. ¡°Okay, just drive carefully.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± There was a

    momentary silence. ¡°Lysander.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°That woman just now¡­¡± Josiah licked his lips, seeming

    hesitant to speak. ¡°The one you operated on, she¡¯s alone in the hospital. Do you think she¡¯s okay?¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°So, you¡¯re thinking about her.¡± ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t thinking about her. I¡¯m just

    concerned.¡± ¡°There are nurses in the hospital to take care of her, and the hospital will also contact her

    family toe over.¡± ¡°What if her family can¡¯t make it?¡± ¡°How do you know?¡± Josiah opened his mouth

    but didn¡¯t say anything. He merely kept his eyes on the road ahead as if focusing on driving carefully,

    just like what she said. After that, there was silence all the way. By the time they arrived home, the sky

    was slowly getting brighter. Josiah parked the car in front of the house, didn¡¯t even get out of the car,

    and said to her through the car window, ¡°You rest well. I have to hurry back to thepany to deal with

    some things.¡± Lysander nodded. As for whether he really went back to thepany, Lysander didn¡¯t

    want to ask. Having too keen of a sixth sense could sometimes be a bad thing. If she were more easy-

    going, perhaps she could pretend that nothing unusual had happened tonight. ¡­

    This Saturday was Josiah¡¯s thirty-first birthday, and Lysander and Josiah had agreed early on to go

    back to the old house together. She had worked a night shift the night before and got off work at eight

    o¡¯clock on Saturday morning. As she was about to leave, she opened her wallet and looked at the

    prenatal examination report, which she had folded into the size of a matchbox and quietly ced in the

    compartment of her wallet. This was the birthday gift she had prepared for a long time, but now she

    was hesitating, unsure whether to give it or not. Lysander put the wallet back in her bag, changed out

    of her white coat, and got ready to leave work. Suddenly, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Daphne.

    ¡°Lysander, I just saw your husband going home with a pregnant woman!¡±

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3

    Should I be surprised? In all honesty, it wasn¡¯t really unexpected. Even though she and Josiah didn¡¯t

    date each other before getting married, they had been together for almost three years, so she felt like

    she knew him quite well. Josiah was a kind person, not like the arrogant CEOs portrayed in novels and

    TV dramas who could intimidate one with just a single word. On the contrary, he was elegant in his

    demeanor, considerate in his speech, and meticulous in his actions. He was a gentle and mature man.

    A woman who could make him lose hisposure must be someone extraordinary. She was almost

    prepared for an emotional reunion filled with memories of the past, but reality turned out to be quite

    different from her expectations. When she returned to the old house, there was indeed a pregnant

    woman present. However, the pregnant woman was seated with her mother-inw, Susan McKay,

    while Josiah was seated alone on a single couch next to them.

    When he saw her return, he quickly stood up as usual, took her coat and bag from her hands, and said,

    ¡°Let me hang these up for you.¡± Susan warmly weed her back. ¡°You¡¯re back, Lysander. Hurry up

    and take a seat.¡± Lysander greeted Susan and then nced at the pregnant woman beside her. ¡°And

    she is¡­¡± Susan smiled and said, ¡°Let me introduce you. This is Lysanne, the daughter of our neighbor,

    Mr. Thorne, next door. She and her husband have been living abroad and just returned recently.

    Lysanne, this is Josiah¡¯s wife, as I mentioned to you earlier.¡± The pregnant woman smiled and slowly

    stood up, holding her belly. ¡°Nice to meet you, my name is Lysanne.¡± Lysander was taken aback. ¡°What

    did you say your name is?¡± ¡°What a coincidence. I¡¯m Lysanne. Our names sound rather simr, don¡¯t

    they?¡± Susan nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, what a coincidence indeed. I was pretty surprised when

    Josiah got married. Perhaps Josiah is destined to have a connection with people whose names start

    with Lysan. One was his best friend since childhood, and the other was his wife.¡± Lysanne said, ¡°Yes,

    how wonderful. You may not know this yet, Madam Susan, but Dr. Thorne was the one who performed

    surgery on me.¡± Susan was even more surprised now. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Lysanne reached out her hand

    to Lysander, seeking a handshake. ¡°I haven¡¯t thanked you for saving me and my child yet. If it wasn¡¯t

    for you, we wouldn¡¯t be standing here safe and sound.¡± Lysanne was frank and straightforward, so

    Lysander saw no reason to be afraid of her. She shook hands with her confidently. ¡°No need to be so

    polite, it¡¯s my duty. Your situation seemed dangerous, but it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Once you rest for a few

    days post-surgery, everything will be fine, but you still need to be careful afterward.¡± ¡°Thank you, Dr.

    Thorne. I will remember that.¡± The servants gradually set the table with food, and Susan invited

    everyone to eat together. Josiah was modest and not fond of extravagance. Since turning thirty-one

    wasn¡¯t a milestone birthday, he didn¡¯t have a grand celebration. Instead, he prepared a feast at home

    and gathered with his family for a meal. Lysander had always been a woman of few words.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    At the dinner table, it was mostly Susan and Lysanne chatting about daily life, and she listened on the

    side, more or less understanding some parts of it. Beside the old residence lived a family surnamed

    Thorne. The two families had been neighbors for decades. Lysanne and Josiah were born in the same

    year, with Lysanne being a few months younger. They were ssmates from elementary school to high

    school, and they didn¡¯t part ways until college. Josiah studied management at the top local university,

    while Lysanne went abroad to studyw. In Susan¡¯s words, ¡°Lysanne and Josiah are so close they

    could finish each other¡¯s sentences.¡± Lysander¡¯s mother-inw, Susan, was a cultured individual,

    having written and published her own books, and she spoke eloquently. Her words subtly suggested

    that Josiah and Lysanne shared a tonic bond, not a romantic one. Concerned that Lysander, with

    her background in science and engineering, might not grasp her meaning, Susan gently patted her

    hand and remarked, ¡°At one point, they were so inseparable that I briefly mistook their rtionship for

    something more, but it turned out¡­ Hahaha, it was just a misunderstanding!¡± Turning back to Lysander

    with a smile, Susan borated,

    ¡°Actually, Lysanne had a crush on one of Josiah¡¯s male friends, and she used to ask Josiah to pass

    notes to him every day!¡± Josiah¡¯s expression betrayed a hint of mncholy as he self-deprecatingly

    remarked, ¡°Yes, I was merely a messenger.¡± Lysander smiled and inquired, ¡°So, did it work out in the

    end?¡± Lysanne, who had been quiet this entire time, answered directly, ¡°We did date, but it didn¡¯tst

    long. It was just a teenage crush, and those rtionships usually don¡¯tst.¡± ¡°True.¡± Susan joked,

    ¡°Lysanne, why didn¡¯t you ever fancy Josiah? I fail to see how that boy is any better than Josiah.¡±

    Lysanne shrugged and replied, ¡°We¡¯re too close to each other. I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to feel that

    way.¡± Susan had achieved her objective, and Lysanne¡¯s lighthearted response lifted the mood. The

    dining room was filled with Susan¡¯s heartyughter. In truth, Lysander was grateful for Susan¡¯s act of

    kindness. Lysander harbored doubts in her heart but refrained from asking directly. Susan saw through

    her doubts, thus spoke up and rified everything. Honestly, Lysander was genuinely content with this

    marriage. Josiah was kind and considerate, Susan was easy to get along with, and they didn¡¯t pressure

    her to have children like other affluent families. On the contrary, they were very supportive of her

    career. It was almost perfect, except for the absence of love. But¡­ Lysanne, Lysander¡­ The simrity

    of these two names led her to overthink. ording to Susan, their neighbor, Mr. Thorne, had

    apanied his wife to a sanatorium in the mountains a few years ago. His wife¡¯s health was poor,

    and the mountain air was beneficial for her recovery, so the neighboring house had been vacant for

    over three years and was temporarily uninhabitable.

    As a pregnant woman, Lysanne stayed overnight at the Guerra Residence that night, either out of

    safety concerns or out of neighborly care. After showering, Lysander returned to the room to find

    Josiah half-reclining on the bed, wearing gold-framed sses and perusing a book. He set aside the

    book as she approached, took the towel from her hand, and helped dry her hair. ¡°Feeling tired?¡± She

    had worked continuously for 24 hours to apany Josiah back to the old house for his birthday.

    Upon returning home, she didn¡¯t get any rest either and had been awake for nearly 36 hours. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡±

    she replied. Josiah¡¯s movements were gentle, and his tone even gentler. ¡°That day at the hospital, time

    was limited, so I didn¡¯t mention Lysanne to you. She flew back from overseas specifically to celebrate

    my birthday, but unfortunately, she got into a car ident on her way back from the airport.¡± ¡°Ah, so

    that¡¯s how it is.¡± So that night, he hurried out, not due to an urgent matter at work but to pick someone

    up from the airport. Josiah stated, ¡°Lysanne and I are the closest of friends.¡± When he mentioned the

    word ¡°friend,¡± he spoke deliberately and with emphasis.

    Lysander responded slowly, ¡°Flying back from abroad while six months pregnant to celebrate your

    birthday, it¡¯s certainly not an ordinary friendship.¡± His hand paused for a moment as he dried her hair,

    and she heard his soft and hesitant voice in her ear, saying, ¡°Mm-hmm.¡± ¡°By the way.¡± Josiah changed

    the subject. ¡°You mentioned earlier that you had a birthday gift for me. The day is almost over, so

    where¡¯s my gift?¡±

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4

    Lysander recalled the examination report in her wallet, her knuckles slightly pale as she clenched her

    hands. ¡°There¡¯s no gift?¡± Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°Forget it then. I understand that you¡¯re very busy, Dr.

    Thorne. It¡¯s already a great birthday gift for me that you could spare some time to have a meal with

    me.¡± ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ve taken the next week off. Let¡¯s go somewhere for a few days.¡± Josiah was somewhat

    surprised. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy with your report recently? Do you have time?¡± ¡°I can make it work.¡± After a

    moment of thought, Josiah nodded. ¡°Alright, we didn¡¯t have a honeymoon when we got married, so this

    is a good opportunity to make up for it.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Lysander asked, ¡°Will it affect your work?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not leaving until next week. I¡¯ll just get my work

    organized ahead of time this week.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Josiah inquired, ¡°What shift do you have

    tomorrow?¡± ¡°I swapped shifts with someone, so I have the day off tomorrow.¡± Josiah said, ¡°We have a

    high school ss reunion tomorrow. You shoulde with me.¡± Having been Josiah¡¯s wife for three

    years, Lysander had never met his ssmates and friends, mainly because she was busy with work

    and didn¡¯t see the need. But this time, since she had broken her promise for the birthday gift, she

    agreed to go. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡­ After working continuously for two days and one night, Lysander slept soundly

    that night. When she woke up, there was no one beside her. Such situations were actually not

    umon. She was a doctor, and whenever patients needed her, she had to stay at her post. Many

    times, it was like this. Although she slept in the same bed as Josiah, they hardly spoke to each other.

    After she washed up and went downstairs, she met Susan. Susan said, ¡°You¡¯re awake. Josiah is

    already waiting for you at the door.¡± Lysander quickly greeted Susan and hurried out the door, where

    she saw the familiar white Cayenne. She walked over and opened the passenger door to get in but was

    startled by what she saw. The person inside was also startled by her. ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡± ¡°Ms. Lysanne.¡±

    Lysanne seemed to have dressed up today on purpose. Although her pregnant belly was protruding

    slightly, she was wearing a long red dress, her ck hair cascading down, and she had put on light

    makeup.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    However, something must have just happened, as her eyes were slightly red, and her voice sounded

    nasal. ¡°Um, I also have a ss reunion today, and Josiah happens to be giving me a ride.¡± It then

    urred to Lysander that Josiah and Lysanne had been ssmates from elementary school to high

    school. His ss reunion was also Lysanne¡¯s. However, while giving a ride was fine, the passenger

    seat in a car was usually assumed to be for thedy of the house. Lysander stood still and waited for a

    while but didn¡¯t see any indication from Lysanne to move to the back seat. She gently reminded, ¡°Ms.

    Lysanne, the back seat is more spacious, and you¡¯ll be morefortable sitting there.¡± Lysanne

    suddenly smiled brightly and tossed her hair. The Porsche Cayenne was an SUV with a high chassis.

    Lysanne sat in the passenger seat, looking down at her almost condescendingly. ¡°I get motion

    sickness, so I can¡¯t sit in the back.¡± For some reason, Lysanne seemed different todaypared to

    yesterday. She seemed to be projecting some sort of hostility towards her. Lysander felt a slight ache in

    her heart but still maintained a smile on her face. ¡°What do you mean by that, Ms. Lysanne?¡± ¡°Dr.

    Thorne, why don¡¯t you sit in the back for a while? Is that okay? Seeing that I¡¯m pregnant and all¡­¡± ¡°For

    a while?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Lysanne said casually. ¡°I haven¡¯t been back in the country for several years. This

    time, I n to stay for a while. I don¡¯t want to give birth to the baby abroad either. It¡¯s better for the baby

    to have citizenship here.¡± She was now six months pregnant. From full term to postpartum

    confinement, it meant she would be staying at the Guerra Residence for almost half a year. ¡°Are you

    nning to have your postpartum confinement at the Guerra Residence, Ms. Lysanne?¡±

    ¡°My parents are at a sanatorium in the mountains, so I can only stay at the Guerra Residence for now.

    But the old house is a bit far from the city center, which is inconvenient for prenatal checkups. I heard

    that you and Josiah are living in the city center now, which is very close to the hospital. I¡¯m thinking of

    staying at your ce for prenatal care and postpartum confinement.¡± This time, she didn¡¯t ask, ¡°Is it

    okay?¡± or ¡°Can I?¡± Her tone was definite, as if the matter had already been decided, and she was just

    informing Lysander. Lysander tilted her head and looked at Josiah in the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Josiah, what do

    you think?¡± Josiah, for some reason, looked a little remorseful. ¡°Our ce is indeed closer to the

    hospital.¡± ¡°So, you have already discussed and agreed on this, right?¡± ¡°Look, Lysander, Lysanne is

    pregnant, and she is my best friend¡­¡± Best friend. If you had called her once in these three years or

    mentioned her name once, I would have believed this ¡°best friend¡± im. You keep saying she is your

    best friend, but there has been no contact in three years. What is the reason behind this, that two ¡°best

    friends¡± could be out of touch for over three years? And why, when you could have openly admitted to

    being friends, did you choose to hide it when you were in my office? Josiah urged, ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s time

    to go. We should leave.¡± He was urging her, not Lysanne. He didn¡¯t even suggest that Lysanne should

    sit in the back seat. Lysander chuckled dryly, opened the back door, and got in. The ss reunion

    venue was set at a sober bar called Mirage. During the day, there were not many people in the bar, and

    the ce was spacious enough, perfect for a ss reunion. Perhaps because there was a pregnant

    woman in the car, but Josiah drove very safely. Lysanne sat in the passenger seat, holding up a small

    mirror to touch up her makeup. ¡°How do I look, Josiah?¡± Josiah nced at her. ¡°Looks good to me.¡±

    Lysanne pouted, seeming a bit displeased. ¡°Now that I¡¯m pregnant, I can¡¯t even put on a full face of

    makeup. What¡¯s the difference between me now and going makeup-free?¡± ¡°You look good even without

    makeup.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the same. For a ss reunion, the key is to look stunning.¡± She put down the mirror

    and asked Josiah casually, ¡°Where did I put my phone?¡± Josiah looked resigned. He nimbly took out

    her phone from his pocket and handed it to her. ¡°You¡¯re still the same as before, always forgetting your

    phone. And you only start looking for it when you need it. Here you go.¡± Lysanne took it andughed.

    ¡°You know, it feels like we¡¯re back to when we were in school. You always have my phone with you.¡±

    Josiah began to reminisce, saying, ¡°Yes, back in school, when those boys sent you love messages, I

    was the one who replied for you.¡± ¡°Haha, those guys were so annoying. By the way, I think I just heard

    a notification. Can you help me check who texted me?¡± Without hesitation, Lysanne threw the phone

    into hisp, not caring that Josiah was driving, and continued to do her makeup. Josiah seemed to be

    used to this kind of thing, without a hint ofint, willingly being bossed around by her. He reached

    into hisp with one hand, took out the phone, unlocked it, and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your phone¡¯s

    password?¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same as before, you know it.¡± Lysander looked over from the back seat and saw

    Josiah tapping on the screen for a while, frowning as he did so. ¡°Your password is like a Morse code.

    Why does it have to be soplicated?¡± ¡°So what if it¡¯splicated? You remember it anyways.¡±

    Lysanne sounded like a spoiled child. ¡°Aren¡¯t you done yet?¡± ¡°Just a moment, I¡¯m almost done¡­¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysander suddenly looked up and saw the iing traffic, shouting, ¡°Watch out in front!¡±

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5

    Josiah immediately regained hisposure and noticed a scooter bike approaching them in the wrong

    direction. He swiftly turned the steering wheel to avoid it and hit the brakes,ing to a stop on the

    side of the road. The scooter bike narrowly passed by them, narrowly avoiding a collision. Lysander¡¯s

    face turned pale with fright. ¡°It¡¯s best not to be distracted while driving.¡± ¡°Right.¡± Josiah also felt a bit

    shaken, and he handed the phone back to Lysanne. ¡°You figure it out yourself.¡± Without even ncing

    at it, Lysanne refused, ¡°No way, I need to touch up my makeup.¡± ¡°But I have to drive¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re not

    driving right now.¡± Lysander sighed and proposed to Josiah, ¡°How about this? Give me the phone, you

    tell me the password, and I¡¯ll unlock it.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Josiah handed her the phone. ¡°The password is ryx2¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing, Josiah?!¡± Lysanne suddenly went ballistic, mmed the small mirror

    shut, and threw it aside, snatching her phone back from Lysander and angrily throwing it into Josiah¡¯s

    arms. ¡°You can¡¯t tell anyone my password!¡± Josiah felt embarrassed. And so did Lysander. But Lysanne

    didn¡¯t feel embarrassed at all, not even a hint of apology. She turned to the back seat and smiled at

    Lysander. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dr. Thorne. Pregnant women are affected by hormones, and their emotions

    fluctuate a lot. You should understand, right?¡± ¡°I suppose, yeah¡­¡± Lysanne said, ¡°In modern society, a

    cell phone is basically the key to a person¡¯s privacy. The right to privacy is a citizen¡¯s legitimate interest.

    I am just legally protecting my own interests, and I don¡¯t have anything against you.¡± Lysander found

    her words amusing. ¡°As expected from someone with a legal background.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a professional

    habit,¡± Lysanne said. ¡°Please don¡¯t get mad at me, Dr. Thorne.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t, but I¡¯d prefer it if you called me

    Mrs. Guerra. We are not in the hospital now, and I am not your attending physician. I only performed

    surgery on you out of emergency.¡± Lysanne politely declined, ¡°Since you performed surgery on me, you

    are my doctor. Doesn¡¯t matter if you¡¯re my attending physician or not. Besides, since we met yesterday,

    I have always called you Dr. Thorne. It feels strange to suddenly change.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not strange at all. I am,

    after all, Mrs. Guerra.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Lysanne¡¯s smile faded slightly, and she stiffened somewhat.

    ¡°But calling you Mrs. Guerra makes you sound old. I might think you¡¯re in your forties or fifties. Calling

    you Dr. Thorne makes you seem younger.¡± Lysander looked at her steadily for a moment. Lysanne

    shed her a triumphant smile, then turned around and ordered, ¡°Start the car, Josiah. We don¡¯t want

    to bete.¡± ¡­ As a medical student, Lysander rarely had time to attend ss reunions. Daphne had

    invited her a few times before, but she had always politely turned her down due to work. As she got out

    of the car and prepared to enter the bar, Lysander¡¯s phone rang. Josiah stopped in his tracks. ¡°Is it from

    the hospital?¡± Lysander nced at the caller ID; it was indeed the hospital¡¯sndline number. ¡°Mm-

    hmm, there must be an emergency with a pregnant woman. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t call me on a

    holiday.¡± Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯ll drive you there.¡± ¡°No, I can go by myself¡­¡± ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne called out to

    him from a distance, ¡°Miles is calling us to hurry up.¡± Josiah furrowed his brows slightly, caught in a

    dilemma. Lysander¡¯s phone kept ringing. She walked away to answer the call. ¡°I¡¯ll take this call first.¡±

    ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Dr. Thorne, this is Lynn. The director just informed us that there¡¯s an opportunity for an

    overseas job next month. Do you want to go?¡± Lysander breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°You called just to tell

    me about this? I thought there was another emergency.¡± ¡°Haha, there aren¡¯t that many emergencies

    every day. Don¡¯t worry, I can handle most situations.¡± ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡± ¡°So what¡¯s your answer?

    Are you going or not? It¡¯s such a rare opportunity! I¡¯ve even printed out the application forms for you. If

    you decide to go, I can fill them out and submit them for you right away.¡± ¡°No,¡± Lysander said softly, her

    hand gently resting on her abdomen. ¡°I also prefer my child to be born in the country. I want them to

    have citizenship here.¡± ¡°Also? Is there someone in your family who recently had a baby as well, Dr.

    Thorne?¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a friend of my husband.¡± ¡°Alright then.¡± Lynn sounded regretful. ¡°It¡¯s unfair that

    women often have to sacrifice job opportunities for the sake of family and children. You¡¯re already a

    respected figure in the OBGYN department at such a young age. If you were to spend a few years

    abroad and return, you would surely achieve even greater sess¡­¡± Lynn, despite being her

    assistant, was only two years younger than her and still a graduate student. Perhaps due to her work in

    the OBGYN department, Lynn, ustomed to theplexities of human rtionships, had been

    feeling sentimentaltely. She believed that pregnancy and childbirth had a significant impact on a

    woman¡¯s life, and she even leaned towards remaining unmarried. After consoling Lynn briefly, Lysander

    hung up the phone and scanned her surroundings. Josiah and Lysanne were nowhere to be seen.

    They must have already entered. Entering Mirage, Lysander was immediately enveloped by the lively

    and noisy atmosphere inside. The main hall of the bar was filled with nearly a hundred people, allThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    around Josiah¡¯s age. However, she quickly spotted Josiah amidst the crowd. He stood tall, with a

    refined and elegant demeanor, and his appearance was striking. Despite his refined demeanor, there

    was a rebellious air about him, with sharp features that gave off a sense of fierceness and dominance.

    ¡°Did Josiah really marry Lysanne?¡± ¡°Of course, why would I lie to you? Didn¡¯t you see the interview on

    the finance news channel? He mentioned his wife¡¯s name, Lysanne.¡± ¡°You¡¯re kidding. They¡¯ve been

    friends for so long. If they had feelings for each other, they would¡¯ve gotten together ages ago. Why

    now?¡± ¡°Beats me. Maybe they just realized their feelings suddenly? But back in school, Lysanne

    always preferred the gentle and wholesome type like Miles, not the arrogant and dominant type.¡± ¡°Has

    Lysanne¡¯s preferences changed then? I¡¯ll have you know that back in the day, Josiah was the epitome

    of arrogance. Nobody could hold a candle to him.¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible that Lysanne¡¯s preferences haven¡¯t

    changed, but Josiah¡¯s demeanor has. Look at him now, dressed in a posh suit and fancy sses, so

    gentle and polite! Who would have thought that the fierce and arrogant Josiah from high school would

    end up like this now?¡± Thud! Lysander¡¯s phone slipped from her hand and fell to the ground, startling

    the two gossiping individuals nearby. One of them, in a blue suit, picked it up and handed it to her. ¡°Are

    you okay?¡± Lysander took it, smiled gratefully, and replied, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Which ss are you from? I don¡¯t

    recall seeing you before.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not your ssmate, I¡¯m¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re not? I apologize, miss, but we¡¯re

    having a ss reunion here today, and the bar is reserved for us. It¡¯s not open to the public. If you¡¯re

    looking to have fun, you¡¯ll have to go elsewhere.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here for fun. I¡¯m looking for someone.¡± ¡°Who

    are you looking for?¡± ¡°Josiah.¡± The man was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re looking for Josiah? Are you¡­¡±

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6

    ¡°I am his wife.¡± The two men in front of her were stunned, looking her up and down, ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°My name

    is Lysander.¡± This time, both men were stunned. Lysander smiled and asked, ¡°Is it not allowed to bring

    family members to your ss reunion today?¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not the case.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go in first.¡± She

    walked into the bar with her bag, but there were indeed a lot of people today. Josiah was the absolute

    center of attention, surrounded by a crowd, chatting with various people. Lysander didn¡¯t want to join,

    so she found a secluded seat and sat down. Mirage was unusually noisy, and Josiah seemed to feel

    warm. So, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over his arm. But a hand quickly took it over. ¡°I¡¯ll hold

    it for you.¡± He dodged slightly, avoiding her hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can hold it myself.¡± Lysanne smiled lightly

    and gently said, ¡°Look at all these people. They won¡¯t stop until they drink you under the table today.

    Give it to me. You focus on dealing with them.¡± Josiah hesitated for a moment but did not refuse again.

    She took the suit jacket off his arm and did not put it aside, holding it in her own hands. Suddenly, she

    gently tugged at his sleeve, indicating that he should lower his head. He obediently bent down slightly

    to amodate her height and leaned his ear close to her lips. She whispered something in his ear,

    and a glint passed through his eyes as he smiled and nodded gently at her. ¡°Hey, what secrets are you

    guys whispering about?¡± Lysanne, with a cheerful personality, spoke up directly, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you all. Josiah

    is under my protection, so be careful with your words, and don¡¯t let him drink too much.¡± ¡°Oh, are you

    feeling sorry for him, Lysanne?¡± Lysanne blushed slightly. ¡°Oh, stop it, you big oaf.¡± Josiah furrowed his

    brows slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Lysanne is already married. Can¡¯t you see she¡¯s pregnant?¡± These

    ssmates seemed to be afraid of him. Once he spoke, no one dared to joke around recklessly

    anymore, and they all restrained themselves. A man standing next to him then chimed in, ¡°Alright,

    enough already. Don¡¯t talk nonsense just because you¡¯ve had a few drinks. The friendship between

    Josiah and Lysanne is unbreakable.¡± ¡°Yeah, even if they were to book a hotel room together, it would

    definitely be to y games together. These people are always talking nonsense.¡± At that moment,

    Lysanne discreetly ced a wine decanter in Josiah¡¯s hand, which was filled with a clear liquid that

    looked just like white wine at first nce. But Lysander saw everything as she was standing nearby.

    Taking advantage of the conversation, Lysanne had emptied the white wine from the decanter and

    reced it with mineral water. Josiah cooperated tacitly with Lysanne as he quickly took the ss in

    her hand and filled his wine ss while saying, ¡°Here¡¯s to everyone.¡± ¡°Here¡¯s to our student days!¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s to youth!¡± This was what a ss reunion was all about¡ªchatting about the days of studying

    and reminiscing about the silly and naive moments of the past. In the end, everyone was swaying from

    drinking except for Josiah, whose face was only slightly flushed, but his mind was still clear. He

    unbuttoned his cor and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows where the deep blue sleeve

    garters secured around his biceps. His slender fingers pushed up the gold-rimmed sses on his nose

    with elegance and grace that made him look tall and noble. But then, he suddenly frowned slightly as

    he looked around before fixing his gaze on a male ssmate not far away. He walked over and kicked

    him, saying, ¡°Put the cigarette out. Lysanne¡¯s pregnant.¡± The man, with a bewildered expression in his

    eyes, was stunned for a moment before realizing what was happening. And he quickly put out the

    cigarette and threw it into the trash can. ¡°Sorry, Josiah. I forgot.¡± Josiah red at him. ¡°Remember for

    next time.¡± The man quickly nodded and bowed with a smile. ¡°Yes. Yes. I will.¡± ¡°Have you ever seen

    Josiah like this before?¡± Suddenly, a man appeared at the booth seat opposite Lysander. She didn¡¯t

    know how long he had been there. Lysander nced at him. He looks about the same age as Josiah.

    He¡¯s probably a ssmate too. He had slightly long hair and wore a pair of ck-framed sses. He

    exuded a schrly air, looked very friendly, and seemed to have a good temper. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°My

    last name is Rangel.¡± She thought for a minute. He¡¯s polite and gentle. Is he the one those two

    mentioned just now? ¡°Miles Rangel?¡± Miles lowered his head and smiled faintly. ¡°You know me?¡± ¡°I

    heard your ssmates mention you inadvertently.¡± Lysander said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go drink with them?¡±

    Miles waved his hand. ¡°Josiah is there.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡± He sighed and chuckled lightly,

    ¡°When we were studying, Lysanne pursued me.¡± Lysander instantly understood. He¡¯s the guy Mom

    mentioned¡ªJosiah¡¯s buddy. ¡°You are Josiah¡¯s wife, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Josiah is really lucky to have a

    beautiful and elegant wife.¡± Lysander smiled slightly in response without saying a word. ¡°Josiah has

    changed a lot now. When he was in school, he was so outstanding that all the boys in the school

    admired him.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Maybe girls of that age like tough guys. Almost all the girls liked him.¡± Miles

    paused, then added, ¡°Except for Lysanne.¡± Lysander then said, ¡°Lysanne likes you.¡± ¡°She likes me?¡±

    Miles chuckled self-deprecatingly as if there was more to it. ¡°Not necessarily.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± He

    seemed a bit drunk as he raised his ss and ced it in front of his eyes to look at the transparent

    liquid inside, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, do you think there can be pure friendship between men and women?¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7

    Lysander was unsure if pure friendship could exist between men and women, but she could tell that

    Josiah had consumed a bit too much alcohol. The wine decanter had long vanished from his hand

    suggesting that the mineral water inside had depleted. And he was being urged by several people to

    drink more. Lysanne was trying hard to stop the drunken men, but her efforts were futile with herrge

    belly. Meanwhile, Josiah was coerced into drinking several more cups, which caused his steps to

    be unsteady. Then, Lysander stood up and dered, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll check on Josiah first.¡± Miles

    refrained from making any oddments and just simply nodded. ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡± Lysander

    hurried over and was just in time to snatch the wine ss from Josiah¡¯s hand as it was being refilled.

    ¡°Hey, who¡¯s this woman?¡± Ignoring the question, she grasped Josiah¡¯s arm and inquired, ¡°Josiah, are

    you alright?¡± He gazed at her for a moment before recognizing her and shook his head slightly. ¡°I¡¯m

    fine.¡± Their conversation was hushed, preventing the drunken group from overhearing. Assuming she

    was hotel staff, they moved to grab her while eximing, ¡°Who do you think you are to approach

    Josiah like this? Are you out of your¡­¡± However, Josiah pulled his hand, shielded Lysander behind

    him, and sternly stated, ¡°Don¡¯t touch her.¡± ¡°Josiah, why are you defending her? This woman seems to

    have ulterior motives. I¡¯ve encountered many like her.¡± ¡°She¡¯s my wife.¡± The drunkard sobered up

    instantly, his face turning pale as he looked at Lysander being protected by Josiah. He then turned to

    Lysanne, whose face was pale, and asked with confusion, ¡°If she¡¯s your wife, then what about

    Lysanne?¡± All eyes shifted to Lysanne standing in the back who was still clutching onto Josiah¡¯s suit

    jacket, She appeared displeased with a hint of redness around her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before. Josiah and

    I are just friends.¡± Despite her smile, it seemed strained and unnatural. The onlookers were not

    oblivious to theplexity of the situation. Lysanne¡¯s expression hinted at something more was at y.

    ¡°Josiah, you and Lysanne¡­¡± Regaining hisposure, Josiah returned to his usual demeanor and

    softly replied, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s all head home. Lysander, let¡¯s go.¡± Lysander nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Okay.¡± She then turned to Lysanne and extended her hand. ¡°Thank you, Miss Thorne. You can give

    me Josiah¡¯s jacket.¡± Lysanne clung onto the suit jacket tightly refusing to let go. ¡°I¡¯ll be going back with

    you anyway, so I¡¯ll hold onto it.¡± With many onlookers, Lysander hesitated for a moment before

    relenting, ¡°Alright, I have to help Josiah walk. Thank you, Miss Thorne.¡± Then, Josiah interjected, ¡°Let¡¯s

    go.¡± Walking ahead with Josiah, Lysanne followed behind with his coat as they exited, leaving the

    spectators inside bewildered. ¡°What just happened?¡± ¡°I have no clue¡­¡± Miles approached with a ss

    of wine, downed it in one go, shook his head, and sighed, ¡°One should seize opportunities when they

    arise; don¡¯t wait until it¡¯s toote to take action.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Miles, the poetic drunkard, what¡¯s that

    supposed to mean? We don¡¯t get it.¡± ¡°It means¡ª¡± He suddenly mmed the ss down, gazing at

    Lysanne¡¯s solitary figure in the distance before sighing, ¡°If only one had known earlier, one would have

    acted differently.¡± As soon as they stepped outside, the cold night wind immediately greeted them.

    Lysander shivered from the cold. Fortunately, Josiah¡¯s body was warm, and his warmth gradually

    spread to her, dispelling the chill from half of her body. Unable to drive after drinking, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll call a

    driver.¡± But Lysanne quickly took out her phone to make the arrangements. ¡°I¡¯ll drive,¡± Lysander offered.

    Surprised, Josiah asked, ¡°You can drive?¡± She smiled. ¡°Yes, but I haven¡¯t had many opportunities to do

    so.¡± For the past three years, Josiah had always picked her up and dropped her off for work. Even

    when she had to workte at night, he would dutifully act as her driver. It was the first time he didn¡¯t

    insist on taking her to the hospital. Lysander then inquired, ¡°Where are the car keys?¡± ¡°In my pocket,¡±

    Josiah replied. Then, Lysander searched through his suit jacket pocket and asked, ¡°But they¡¯re not

    here?¡± Josiah was quite drunk, with half his weight leaning on her while resting his head on her

    shoulder. He frowned and said, ¡°They¡¯re in my pants pocket.¡± ¡°Well, stand up. I can¡¯t reach it like this.¡±

    ¡°I can do it. Let me!¡± Lysanne eximed, bravely walking over and reaching out to dig into Josiah¡¯s suit

    pants pocket. But Lysander stopped her. ¡°Miss Thorne, it¡¯s not very convenient for you to reach into his

    pants pocket, right?¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8

    Lysanne was taken aback for a moment but quickly redirected the conversation, ¡°I¡¯ve been friends with

    Josiah for over twenty years. Everyone knows that we¡¯re just good buddies! Must you think of people¡¯s

    rtionships in such a negative way, Dr. Thorne? If that¡¯s the case, everyone might as well only have

    same-gendered friends since one will get misunderstood if befriending the opposite sex.¡± However,

    Lysander immediately responded, ¡°Of course, opposite-sex friends are allowed, but men and women

    are different. Both you and Josiah are married, respectively, so you should still be cautious.¡± Lysanne

    chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you, a medical professional, to be so narrow-minded. During the surgeryst

    week, a male doctor entered the operating room. I expressed my concerns, but what did you say to

    me? You said, ¡®All doctors are professionals.¡¯¡± ¡°That male doctor was an anesthesiologist.¡± ¡°So what?

    I¡¯m a woman, he¡¯s a man, and it was a gynecological surgery. Shouldn¡¯t we consider the gender

    differences at that time? Aren¡¯t you being double standard, Dr. Thorne?¡± Lysander took a deep breath,

    feeling somewhat helpless. ¡°Miss Thorne, you¡¯re changing the topic. You were losing a lot of blood at

    that time, and it waste at night. The only anesthesiologist on duty that day was a male doctor. If we

    didn¡¯t proceed with the surgery immediately, your child might not have survived! What¡¯s more

    important? The child¡¯s life or concerns about gender?¡± Lysanne crossed her arms, looking disdainful.

    ¡°In any case, you¡¯re a doctor, so your decision prevails. Who knows what the situation was with my

    child at that time.¡± Having her professional skills questioned, Lysander finally lost her temper. ¡°Miss

    Thorne, what are you implying?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not implying anything. I just want to ask. If you could be called in

    from home to perform surgery on me, then why couldn¡¯t they get a female anesthetist?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°Since

    male anesthetists can enter my operating room, what¡¯s the issue with me taking the keys from Josiah¡¯s

    pocket?¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Josiah stood up unsteadily, swaying for a moment before regaining his bnce.

    Frowning and reeking of alcohol, he took out the keys from his pocket and ced them in Lysander¡¯s

    hand while soothing her, ¡°Lysanne is pregnant. It¡¯s understandable for her to be emotional. Let¡¯s not

    argue with her.¡± Lysander held the keys and looked up at him. ¡°Are you two truly friends?¡± Josiah¡¯s

    breathing became heavy, with his chest rising and falling several times before nodding. ¡°Yes.¡± Lysander

    gazed deeply into his eyes as if trying to peer into his soul. After a moment, Josiah was the first to look

    away. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s head back.¡± She assisted him to the back seat and fastened his seatbelt

    before getting in the driver¡¯s seat to start the car. Through the rearview mirror, she saw Lysanne also

    getting into the back seat and gently covering Josiah with his suit jacket. ¡°Aren¡¯t you prone to motion

    sickness, Miss Thorne? Why aren¡¯t you sitting in the front?¡± However, Lysanne remainedposed

    while fastening her seatbelt effortlessly and stating, ¡°I¡¯m feeling fine today. I don¡¯t feel motion sickness.¡±

    Lysander sneered and started the car. Upon returning to the Guerra residence, her mother-inw,

    Susan McKay, was already asleep. Over the years, Susan had prioritized her health and always retired

    to bed by nine o¡¯clock at night. Lysander helped Josiah into the house and headed straight upstairs to

    their room. But Lysanne followed behind while calling out, ¡°Hey.¡± Lysander halted and turned to face

    her. Then, Lysanne remarked, ¡°Don¡¯t you need to take Josiah¡¯s jacket? How can you be so neglectful

    as his wife?¡± ¡°ce it on the living room sofa for now. I¡¯ll clean up tomorrow.¡± ¡°But you have an early

    start at work tomorrow, right? Will you have time to tidy up?¡± Lysander pursed her lips and said in a

    deep voice, ¡°First, tidying up a coat doesn¡¯t take long. A few minutes is enough, and it won¡¯t dy me

    going to work. Second, Mom is already asleep. She doesn¡¯t sleep well. Are you sure you want to stand

    there and argue with me loudly?¡± Lysanne smiled in surprise. ¡°You may be a doctor, but you have a

    way with words too.¡± ¡°Thanks for thepliment, Miss Thorne. But please keep your voice down. Don¡¯t

    disrupt Mom¡¯s rest.¡± Then, Lysanne raised her chin proudly. ¡°Mrs. Guerra dotes on me the most. She

    won¡¯t me me¡ª¡± ¡°Enough, Lysanne!¡± Josiah interrupted her and sighed heavily. He straightened up

    against the railing and frowned at her. ¡°You can ce that jacket anywhere. It¡¯s veryte, and you¡¯re

    pregnant. Go rest.¡± After being interrupted by him, Lysanne was feeling a bit annoyed and said with a

    hint of frustration, ¡°I¡¯m not sleepy.¡± ¡°But I am, and Lysander is, too. She has to get up early tomorrow at

    six o¡¯clock for the morning shift. We need to rest, too.¡± But Lysanne suddenly chuckled sarcastically,

    ¡°Josiah, have you forgotten about me now that you¡¯re married? I¡¯ve been helping you all day, blocking

    drinks for you, and holding your jacket. Is this how you treat me?¡± ¡°How should I treat you then? Am I

    spending my life with my buddy or with my wife?¡± She was speechless. Then, Josiah turned around

    and led Lysander upstairs. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Perhaps it was the alcohol he had consumed, but the usually

    gentle Josiah had an unusually strong grip on her wrist as if there was a long-suppressed resentment

    deep inside him that was now struggling to burst out. Back in the room, Lysander went to take a

    shower. On her wrist, there were five visible red marks from his fingers. After soaking in the hot water,

    they had be slightly swollen. Fortunately, her long-sleeved pajamas could cover them up. When

    she came out of the bathroom, Josiah was not in the room. So she went to the balcony and saw him

    smoking. He hadn¡¯t even changed his clothes and was still wearing the same suit from today. He held

    the cigarette delicately between his fingers and bit it with his teeth before taking a deep drag and

    exhaling white smoke. His movements were so smooth and practiced, indicating that he was already

    very skilled at it. ¡°Josiah?¡± Josiah came to his senses and instinctively stubbed out the cigarette. He

    held the butt in his hand for a while before realizing he couldn¡¯t find an ashtray, so he threw it directly

    into the trash can. ¡°Done showering?¡± ¡°Yes, what about you? What are you thinking about?¡± He shook

    his head. ¡°Nothing. Just had a bit too much to drink and needed some fresh air on the balcony.¡± ¡°Did

    you use to smoke?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± ¡°Then why did you quit?¡± Josiah smiled. ¡°Smoking is harmful to health.¡±

    ¡°True.¡± ¡®Smoking is harmful to health.¡¯ Such a noble reason. He walked into the room and said, ¡°You

    should go to bed. I¡¯m taking a shower.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Then, Josiah grabbed some home clothes and headed

    to the bathroom. As he walked past her, a whiff of tobo scent lingered in the air. Buzz. Buzz. His

    phone vibrated with an iing message on the coffee table. Lyss, ¡®Josiah, are you asleep?¡¯ Soon, a

    few more messages came in. Lyss, ¡®Your wife is a doctor. Why is she so sharp-tongued? She could

    even argue back and forth with awyer like me.¡¯ Lyss, ¡®You¡¯re in trouble for marrying such a formidable

    character. She¡¯ll clutch you in her hands.¡¯ Lyss, ¡®I can¡¯t sleep. Come down. Let¡¯s go to the yard and look

    at the stars just like we did when we were kids.¡¯ Lyss, ¡®Why aren¡¯t you responding? Are you really

    asleep?¡¯ Lyss, ¡®Did you fall asleep, or are you exercising with your wife? You can¡¯t prioritize your wife

    over your friends. We¡¯re the best of friends. If you don¡¯t reply, we aren¡¯t friends anymore. Think about

    it.¡¯This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9

    One would wonder if it was due to trust or candor, but Josiah¡¯s phone was not password-protected.

    Does he believe that I¡¯ll never check his phone? In reality, Lysander didn¡¯t have the habit of checking

    his phone. Firstly, because he had been an exemry husband in recent years and there was nothing

    worth checking; secondly, Lysander also respected personal privacy. Although they were husband and

    wife, everyone had their own secrets. However, the phone kept buzzing and prevented her from

    sleeping. So she picked up the phone and replied, ¡®This is Lysander. Josiah is in the shower, and his

    phone is with me. I¡¯ll ask him to respond to you when he returns.¡¯ After sending this message, the

    phone immediately quieted down. When Josiah emerged from the bathroom, he noticed that Lysander

    appeared to have fallen asleep with a slight frown on her forehead as if she had experienced a bad

    dream. He approached her quietly and picked up the phone from the pillow. After browsing through it

    for a while, he tiptoed to the balcony. Lysander who was sleeping with her back to the balcony slowly

    opened her eyes. Her sleep was always light, especially when someone approached her. Just as

    Josiah retrieved the phone from the pillow and began to browse through it, she woke up. Suddenly, a

    faint smell of tobo came from the balcony. It reminded her that Josiah smoked and used to do it a

    lot as well However, he had never smoked once during thest three years. There wasn¡¯t even an

    ashtray at home. But since Lysanne returned, she had already caught him smoking three times in the

    last few days. Soon, she heard a faint voiceing from the balcony. It was Josiah talking to Lysanne,

    ¡°I really was just taking a shower. I just saw your message.¡± ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. Lysander didn¡¯t

    mean to show off to you.¡± ¡°No, she wouldn¡¯t do that. She¡¯s actually a good person. Although she

    doesn¡¯t talk much, she has a good heart.¡± ¡°Okay. Okay. I believe you. Is that not enough? Please don¡¯t

    cry, okay? It¡¯s not good for the baby if you cry.¡± ¡°Alright, wait a moment. I¡¯ll change my clothes and

    come down.¡± He hung up the phone, returned to the bedroom, and was startled to see Lysander sitting

    by, ¡°Did I wake you up?¡± She shook her head. ¡°I felt a little cold.¡± ¡°Oh, I forgot to close the balcony door

    just now. Sorry.¡± ¡°Why did you go to the balcony? Hasn¡¯t the smell of alcohol dissipated yet?¡± Josiah

    tightened his fingers holding the phone and said, ¡°I received a call from thepany. I was afraid of

    waking you up, so I went to the balcony. Have you¡­ been awake for a long time?¡± ¡°I just woke up and

    saw youe back. Is everything okay with thepany?¡± Lysander asked. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said. ¡°Go

    back to sleep. I¡¯ll go out for a bit.¡± ¡°Josiah.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Lysander raised her head and merely looked into his

    eyes silently. He felt a bit awkward under her gaze and asked with an awkward chuckle. ¡°What¡¯s

    wrong?¡± She withdrew her gaze and said lightly, ¡°Miss Thorne seems to have something to tell you. I

    promised her to pass on the message.¡± Josiah was taken aback for a moment before nodding. ¡°Okay. I

    got it.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to call her back?¡± He hesitated for a moment and didn¡¯t answer directly but

    said, ¡°Get some rest. You¡¯ve been too tiredtely. I¡¯ll give you a shoulder massage when I have the

    chance.¡± She smiled at that. ¡°Okay.¡± He watched as shey down and closed her eyes before gently

    tucking her in. Then, he changed his clothes and went downstairs. After a few minutes, the sound of a

    woman sobbing downstairs could be heard, followed by the sound of a car leaving. Lysander stood by

    the floor-to-ceiling window upstairs and watched the taillights of the white Cayenne car as it headed

    toward the old house until it disappeared from view. ¡°You¡¯re letting them leave just like that?¡± Daphne¡¯s

    voice almost burst her eardrums over the phone. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you confront them right then and there?!¡±

    Lysander leaned against the bed frame while smiling bitterly. ¡°How should I confront them? He¡¯s just

    going tofort his ¡®best friend,¡¯ not meet a mistress. What would I even confront them about?¡±

    Daphne was so angry she gritted her teeth. ¡°And you believe that she¡¯s just a friend? Who calls an

    opposite-sex friend in the middle of the night to go stargazing? And her name¡­¡± When it came to their

    names, Lysander was not naive. As things had already progressed to that point, what couldn¡¯t she

    figure out? When Miles had asked her if she believed in pure friendship between men and women, she

    would answer him yes in the past. She had many good male doctor friends in the department, but they

    maintained a friendly yet non-flirtatious rtionship. They helped each other with family matters,

    asionally had meals together during department outings, and exchanged holiday greetings, but that

    was the extent of it. There was a certain boundary in their interactions. But for someone like Josiah and

    Lysanne, she felt it couldn¡¯t be just friendship, but it shouldn¡¯t be considered cheating either. It felt like

    Josiah was carrying the torch for someone. It was as if a woman had said she wanted to be forever

    good friends, and the man could only bury his love deep in his heart and just stay as a friend. Lysanne

    had gotten married and settled abroad. So he could only continue on his own life path by going on blind

    dates, getting married, and living a normal life. In fact, with Josiah¡¯s family background and his

    capabilities, he could have easily married a wealthy woman with a simr background, but he chose

    someone from an ordinary family like Lysander. Before that, Lysander thought that Josiah chose her

    because she was attractive, had a good job, and had a generous personality. They got along well,

    which made her a good candidate for marriage. But now she suddenly realized that it didn¡¯t matter who

    she was. What mattered was that her name was like Lysanne¡¯s. Lysander couldn¡¯t help but shiver. In

    those passionate nights before, he would lovingly whisper in her ear. Was he calling her, or was he

    calling the person in his heart? She walked to the window and looked at the night sky. The weather was

    indeed good, with a bright moon and stars scattered across the sky, shining like diamonds painting a

    dreamy sky. Where will they go to watch the stars? Will they be like Romeo and Juliet and watch the

    stars and the moon while discussing poetry and life ideals? Ignorant young people who fell in love at

    first sight. Together, they became part of a tangled and sentimental love story. Then what does that

    make me? I¡¯m entangled in this love story. ¡°Lysander, what about¡­ getting a divorce?¡± Daphne

    suggested, ¡°They have had a love-hate rtionship for over twenty years when you have only known

    Josiah for a few years. It¡¯s better to end it quickly. Just let go.¡± She had thought about it, but¡­

    ¡°Daphne, I¡¯m pregnant.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 10 Can We Go Back To The Way We Were?

    Daphne was shocked. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only been four weeks since I found out.¡±

    Daphne remained silent.

    Lysander gently ced her hand on her abdomen. ¡°I was nning to tell him about it on his birthday as

    a birthday gift for him. Now, it seems like it might not be good news for him.¡±

    Feeling somewhat sympathetic, Daphne advised her, Actually, it¡¯s not necessarily bad. Lysanne is

    pregnant, too. Even if Josiah likes her, he might not want to be a stepfather. After all these years of

    treating you well, he might have already given up and just wanted to live happily with you. It¡¯s just that

    Lysanne¡¯s return triggered memories from their youth, causing some emotional turmoil. Once Lysanne

    leaves, you two might be able to return to how things were before.¡±

    ¡°Can we really go back to how things were?¡±

    Daphne fell silent.

    Over twenty years of unrequited love. It¡¯s like an iceberg, only showing a tiny bit above the surface, but

    beneath ity tumultuous emotions known only to myself.

    In the end, Daphne said, ¡°Let¡¯s give him another chance for the sake of the child. If he still chooses

    Lysanne, then I¡¯ll apany you to get rid of the baby.¡±

    The next day, Lysander had the early shift.

    Josiah wasn¡¯t there, so she took a taxi to the hospital herself.

    Mornings for doctors were always busy with rounds and giving instructions based on the condition of

    the pregnant women. After briefing Lynn on the special cases and nursing requirements of several

    patients, she finally had time to return to her office for a drink of water.

    As she pushed the door open, she heard her phone vibrating.

    It was Josiah.

    She answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    Josiah sounded apologetic. ¡°Lysander, are you at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve finished my rounds.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, I wanted to rush back this morning to take you to work, but something came up.¡±

    Lysander chuckled and deliberately asked, ¡°What held you up?¡±

    Josiah stayed silent.

    ¡°It is about thepany?¡±

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    12:40 Wed, May 29 M

    Chapter 10 Can We Go Back To The Way We Were?

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Josiah hurriedly added, ¡°You should finish your early shift at five, right? I¡¯lle pick you up,

    and we¡¯ll go home together.¡±

    Returning to their old house was just to celebrate Josiah¡¯s birthday with his mother. Tonight, they would

    §Õ§à back to their own apartment in the city center.

    Lysander said, ¡°I might not finish by five; there¡¯s a lot to do today.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll wait for you, no matter howte.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a lot of work? Can you leave by five?¡±

    ¡°I pretty much finished everythingst night.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Lysander asked, ¡°So, you won¡¯t be called away in the middle of the night anymore?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice grew solemn. ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡±

    Obstetrics and gynecology was like that-sometimes there were too many tasks for the staff, other times

    it was idle all day.

    Today wasn¡¯t her consultation day, and the pregnant women in the ward were all doing well; there was

    nothing extra to worry about. As soon as five o¡¯clock came, she could leave work.

    Lynn winked suggestively at her. ¡°Dr. Thotne, your husband has been waiting for you at the door for a

    long time.¡±

    Lysander felt warmth in her heart. ¡°How long has he been here?¡±

    ¡°About half an hour,¡± Lynn said. ¡°T¡¯ll let you in on a secret; there¡¯s a surprise waiting for you.¡±

    Lysander was intrigued. ¡°A surprise?¡±

    ¡°Haha, you¡¯ve been married for three years. Your husband still has such a romantic touch; it¡¯s really

    admirable.¡±

    The nurse beside them also looked envious. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you must have saved the gxy in your past

    life to deserve such a good husband in this life.¡±

    Lynn nodded, like setting a timer. ¡°Exactly. If there were men like him, who would fear marriage? I¡¯d get

    married and have children right away; arrange three kids in a row.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel curious and quickened her pace out of the hospital lobby.

    Josiah stood in the most conspicuous spot. He wore a blue and white striped shirt today, paired with

    navy blue trousers. He still had a matching sleeve garter on his bicep.

    He liked armbands, but they didn¡¯t always look good on everyone. Too thin, and it would slip off easily;

    too chubby, and the whole arm looked like a sausage. It had to be someone like Josiah, broad-

    shouldered, well-built, with muscr arms, to make the armband look good. Paired with his gold-

    rimmed sses, he exuded elegance and nobility.

    2/4

    Chapter 10 Can We Go Back To The Way We Were?

    The bustling entrance of the hospital attracted many onlookers.

    Finally, Lysander understood what Iynn meant by ¡°surprise.¡±

    She even tried to recall. What day is it today?

    My birthday is still half a year away, and our anniversary is three months away. What is it, then?

    The day we first met?

    That isn¡¯t right: we met on the day of our blind date. I was busy with work then, so we chose the

    Independence Day holiday for the date.

    However, Independence Day is still some time away.

    Perhaps, as Daphne said, he is just stirred by Lysanne¡¯s sudden return. When reason returns, we can

    still live happily together.

    She smiled slightly and walked quickly towards him.

    Josiah noticed her approach, a smile ying on his lips. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. This is for the great Dr.

    Thorne.¡±

    The bouquet was toorge, and Lysander struggled to hold it. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Although the bouquet didn¡¯t have as many as 999 roses, it still had one or two hundred. Josiah held it

    effortlessly with one hand while she struggled to carry it, unable to see the road ahead.

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, taking the bouquet from her. ¡°Let me carry it for you.¡±

    Lysander blushed. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Josiah held the flowers with his left hand and opened the passenger door with his right hand. ¡°Get in.¡±

    With the shadow of the previous incident, Lysander still felt a bit nervous.

    After a pause, she dared to look into the car-fortunately, the passenger seat was empty, and no one

    was there. She nced at the back seat, also empty. Lysanne wasn¡¯t there..

    Josiah found it amusing. ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    Lysander shook her head slightly. ¡°Just figuring out where to put the flowers.¡±

    ¡°If you like, you can hold them. If you find it inconvenient, just put them in the back seat for now.¡±

    Lysander pondered for a moment, then got into the car and reached out to him. ¡°I¡¯ll hold them.¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±

    He leaned in, fastening her seatbelt before cing the roses in her arms. ¡°Safety first.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡±

    3/4

    Chapter 10 Can We Go Back To The Way We Were?

    On the way, she took an unprecedented selfie with the roses and posted it on her social media.

    Lynn was the first toment, with several rows of ¡°aww¡± and followed by an ¡°envy¡± emoji.

    guy. It¡¯s Daphne also liked the post and sent her a message. ¡°See, I told you. Josiah is obviously a

    smart guy so nice to have a warm family with a wife and kids. No need to suck up and y stepdad.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 11 She Is The Mistress Here

    ¡°Um. Lysander smiled.

    ¡®However, if you guys¡­ you know. Be carefultely; the baby¡¯s still small. Daphne seemed a bit

    embarrassed. ¡®Anyway, you¡¯re an obstetrician and gynecologist; you understand better than me. Just

    take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡±

    As Josiah drove, he asked with a smile, ¡°Who were you chatting with that made you so happy?¡±

    ¡°Daphne.¡±

    ¡°Was that name given by her parents?¡±

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°No, she changed it when she turned eighteen. The day after her birthday,

    she went to the police station; she didn¡¯t waste a single day.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°She had an unpleasant rtionship in high school. She got hurt and decided to break off all ties with

    love, so she named herself ¡®Death me ever heart.¡±¡±

    Josiah said. ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be so decisive. Everyone has a naive first love in their youth. What¡¯s

    past

    past; we should look forward to the future.¡±

    is

    ¡°Do you have one?¡±

    Josiah hesitated. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s been too long. I¡¯ve forgotten.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Josiah asked, ¡°Did you have a crush on a boy before?¡±

    ¡°Of course, but I was just busy, not closed off. It wasn¡¯t in high school; it was when I was much

    younger.¡±

    ¡°Elementary school?¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Not even in elementary school, probably around four or five years old. I was too

    young then; I just thought the other person was really nice, so I mistakenly thought I liked them.

    Looking back now, how could a kid like that understand what love is.¡±

    ¡°By five or six, kids already have a sense of gender. It¡¯s normal to have someone you like.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you have experience with this?¡±

    Josiah chuckled and reached over to push the flower branches away from her eyes. ¡°Be careful. It will

    be bad if it gets in your eyes.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    1/4

    Chapter 11 She Is The Mistress Here

    The apartment wasn¡¯t far from the hospital, just a ten-minute drive.

    This house wasn¡¯t particrly upscale. It was just middle-ss. Josiah chose it himself because it was

    closer to the central hospital where Lysander worked.

    However, it was a bit far from hispany. Josiah didn¡¯t mind, as he drove to and from work

    regardless; the distance didn¡¯t matter to him.

    Upon returning home, Lysander used her fingerprint to open the door.

    ¡°Surprise! Wee home!¡±

    Lysander was startled by the familiar voice.

    She put the flowers in front of her on the ground and finally saw the person in front of her, along with

    this unfamiliar ce.

    Lysanne was wearing a nightgown, no makeup, and Lysander¡¯s pink slippers.

    And the home she had meticulously decorated over the course of a year had bepletely

    unrecognizable.

    The curtains she had picked after visiting three malls were torn off and piled up in a corner; the plush

    toys she had ced on the sofa were all gone; the tablecloths on the dining table and coffee table were

    taken off, leaving only a bare ss tabletop, with something sticky applied to the edges.

    Lysander looked closely and saw that her cherished plush toys were all twisted and taped with

    transparent tape to the corners of the tables and chairs.

    Josiah was also angry. ¡°Lysanne, what are you doing?¡±

    Lysanne smiled. ¡°Dr. Throne is too busy with work, so I tidied up the house myself. How is it? Doesn¡¯t it

    feel refreshed?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened slightly. ¡°Did you discuss this with me before doing all this?¡±

    ¡°Why should I discuss with you what I want to do? Everything you had before was all decided by me.¡±

    Lysander had reached her limit, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°Miss Thorne, this isn¡¯t just Josiah¡¯s home.

    It¡¯s mine, too.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Did you buy this house with your own money?¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°With your sry, you probably couldn¡¯t afford this neighborhood, right? It¡¯s all Josiah¡¯s money. Since

    it¡¯s his money, he has the right to do whatever he wants. If he has the right to do whatever he wants,

    then I have the right to do whatever I want.¡±

    As she spoke, Lysanne smiled throughout, proudly surveying her territory.

    Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed tightly. He pulled Lysander into the house and said coldly, ¡°Lysanne, I was

    2/4

    Chapter 11 She Is The Mistress Hele

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    mistress here.¡±

    ¡°Oh, the bridal chamber. Was it bought after marriage?¡±

    Josiah took a deep breath. ¡°What does it matter if it was bought before or after marriage?¡±

    ¡°The difference is significant. If it was purchased before marriage, then it¡¯s your personal property. Dr.

    Thorne only has the right to reside, not ownership. To be blunt, if you two divorce in the future, this

    house will have nothing to do with her-not a penny. And I¡¯m your best friend; I cane to your house

    anytime.¡±

    Josiah rebuked loudly. ¡°Lysanne, don¡¯t talk nonsense!

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes welled up slightly. ¡°Josiah, people forget about their mother after getting married, but

    you don¡¯t even want friends after marrying her? How many times have you shouted at me because of

    her? You¡¯ve never shouted at me like this before.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not shouting at you. However, you should at least tell Lysander and me. Turning the house into this

    state without a word is disrespectful to Lysander.¡±

    ¡°You did shout at me. What else is such a loud voice if it is not shouting? Oh, my stomach-¡±

    Josiah rushed to support her in panic. ¡°Lysanne, are you okay? Sit down and rest for a while.¡±

    Assisted by him, Lysanne sat down on the sofa, not in a good mood. ¡°Try making me angry again. If

    something happens to me or the child, see what you¡¯ll do.¡±

    A trace of guilt shed in Josiah¡¯s eyes. He asked softly. ¡°Is it still hurting? Lysander is an obstetrician.

    Let her check on you. If you¡¯re really ufortable, we need to go to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need her to check on me.¡± Lysanne turned her face away. ¡°The thing with the male anesthetist

    hasn¡¯t been sorted out yet. I don¡¯t trust her right now.

    Lysander coldly remarked, ¡°It¡¯s my off-duty time now I don¡¯t see patients.¡±

    Josiah sighed. He lowered his stance and approached her. ¡°Lysander, pregnant women can be

    irritable. She doesn¡¯t mean harm; lives are at stake. Please take a look at her.¡±

    ¡°I charge for consultations.¡±

    ¡°Alright, how much?¡±

    ¡°Specialist consultation, $15.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll transfer it to you now.¡±

    Lysanne, on the sofa, suddenly sneered, ¡°Even between spouses, you have to transfer $15. Dr.

    Thorne, you are really meticulous with money.¡±

    Lysander retorted, ¡°Yes, with my limited sry, I have to be careful with money. After all, I need to buy

    a house in the second half of the year. At least I have full control over it. Without my permission, no one

    can run wild in my house.¡±

    3/4

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 12 She Couldn¡¯t Stay In This House Any Longer

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you want me to exin thew to you? If the house was bought during the marriage,

    even if it¡¯s your investment, it¡¯s still marital property. You only have half ownership.¡±

    ¡°Are you suggesting that Josiah also owns half, and she can mess around in my house?¡±

    Lysanne shrugged, implying something. ¡°If you bought it when you were single, then it belongs to you

    alone and has nothing to do with Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Miss Thorne, are you referring to ¡®single¡¯ or ¡®divorced?¡±

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s single or divorced, there¡¯s no difference in the ownership of the house. Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t

    misinterpret my meaning. I¡¯m just educating you on marriage and propertyws.¡±

    Lysander chuckled and turned to Josiah. ¡°See that? Miss Thorne can still argue with me logically,

    proving there¡¯s nothing wrong.¡±

    Josiah apologized. ¡°Lysander-¡±

    ¡°Remember to transfer the $15 to me. I¡¯m going back to the bedroom. As for the living room-this is your

    house; you decide whether to restore it or keep it as it is.¡±

    Josiah caught up, grabbing her. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    ¡°Oh, and one more thing.¡± Lysander added. ¡°Although the house is yours, I bought the curtains, sofa

    covers, and stuffed toys. I have receipts as evidence, so Miss Thorne mustpensate for the

    damages ordingly. I understand propertyw.¡±

    ¡°Lysander-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve put the roses in the entryway; those were fully paid for by you. So, it¡¯s your property. Deal with it

    yourself. Stop hogging space.¡±

    Lysander turned and headed back to the bedroom, closing the door.

    Josiah stood outside, knocking on the door for a while, calling her name, but she ignored him. She

    casually puts on headphones and turns on a TV show, no longer concerned about themotion.

    outside.

    After watching an episode and feeling a bit thirsty, she decided to go to the living room to pour a ss

    of water.

    As she opened the door, she overheard Lysanne¡¯s conversation. ¡°Josiah, what happened to you? You

    used to be so confident, but now you¡¯re so submissive after getting married? Pressed down by your.

    wife, you are not at all like the person you used to be

    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    Josiah sat wearily on the other end of the sofa. His forearm rested on his eyes, and he softly said, ¡°Do

    you think I should argue with her?¡±.

    ¡°At least you shouldn¡¯t be so submissive. Marriage is a mutual thing. Why should you be the only one

    to cate her?¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 12 She Couldn¡¯t Stay In This House Ally

    sial chuckled bitterly. ¡°You understand marriage so well. Has your marriage seeded?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s expression changed-suddenly, turning sharply. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Pregnant, husband cheated, divorced, and left with nothing,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Are you here specifically to

    celebrate my birthday? You couldn¡¯t stand it overseas, right? Mom doesn¡¯t want to expose you, afraid

    you¡¯ll lose your dignity. Do you think we don¡¯t know anything?¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip, was silent, and bowed her head.

    Josiah sighed. ¡°Your own marriage has failed. Stop giving me advice.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m doing it for your own good. I¡¯ve learned a lot from my failed marriage. That¡¯s why I¡¯m telling you

    what¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong, to prevent you from following in my footsteps.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage my own marriage. My mom doesn¡¯t interfere, and so should you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m your best friend. Who else will look out for you?¡± Lysanne said angrily. ¡°I¡¯m not saying Dr. Thorne is

    bad, but look at her these past few days. She¡¯s either busy with work or arguing with me-and she¡¯s not

    close to my mom. It¡¯s like there¡¯s a barrier between them. She doesn¡¯t get along with your rtives and

    friends either. Maybe she should reflect on herself.¡±

    ¡°She gets along fine with my mom.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just superficial. No matter how good she is, can she be as good as me and Mrs.

    Guerra?¡±

    Josiah suddenly sat up. ¡°Lysanne, what are you trying to do? You wanted to stargaze, so I lied to

    Lysander that there¡¯s work at thepany, and I went with you to the mountaintop in the middle of the

    night. You think this ce is close to the hospital and want to live in Lysander¡¯s and my marital home,

    so we¡¯ve both agreed. What more do you want?

    Lysanne bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Okay, I get your point. I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    With that, she stood up, ttering, to start packing.

    Josiah said, ¡°It¡¯ste at night. Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay in a hotel, okay? We can¡¯t be friends anymore. A dog doesn¡¯t recognize a good person¡¯s heart.

    I won¡¯t care whether you live or die from now on.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne.¡± Josiah snatched the luggage from her hands and put it aside. ¡°Stop making a scene, okay?

    You¡¯re pregnant. How could I let you stay in a hotel alone?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Let me tell you. From now on, we¡¯re not friends anymore. You just be a good husband to her

    ¡°Cough!¡± Lysander coughed heavily.

    Both Josiah and Lysanne looked over. He looked guilty. Lysanne¡¯s eyes were sharp and filled with

    tears.

    She couldn¡¯t stay in this house any longer.

    Chapter 12 She Couldn¡¯t Stay In This House Any Longer

    surgeries scheduled for tomorrow, and she had to ensure adequate sleep.

    She said, ¡°I just got a call. There¡¯s an emergency at the hospital. I have to go.¡±

    Josiah immediately grabbed the car keys. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you.¡±

    ¡°No need. Miss Thorne isn¡¯t feeling well. You stay and take care of her. It¡¯s not far. I¡¯ll take a taxi.

    Fortunately, she hadn¡¯t changed out of her work clothes sinceing home. She was wearing what

    she wore off-duty, which made things easier.

    Picking up her bag and changing her shoes, she left in one go.

    As she reached the gate of themunity, it seemed like Josiah followed her out. He called her name

    from behind, ¡°Lysander-¡±

    Lysander waved to stop a taxi. ¡°Sir, take me to the hotel.¡±

    The driver asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a hotel next to thismunity?¡±

    ¡°Go to another one,¡± she said. ¡°The further, the better.

    The car started and merged into the traffic.

    The driver reminded her, ¡°Miss, it seems like someone is chasing the car behind. Should I stop?¡±

    ¡°No need. Just drive faster.¡±

    Send Gifts

    23 170 170

    3/3

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 13 Without a Hint of Hesitation

    Lysander felt like she possessed a strong resilience; no matter how sorrowful events unfolded, they

    wouldn¡¯t disrupt her sleep in the slightest.

    The typical scenario where the protagonist on a television program couldn¡¯t sleep due to a tragic

    incident simply didn¡¯t apply to her.

    Daphne remarked, ¡°This is good. It indicates that you have a clear mind. If I had your awareness back

    then, I wouldn¡¯t have stayed up all night before the college entrance exam, resulting in a mediocre

    score at a second-tier university.¡±

    one excelled as a top student in high school, with both of them consistently ranking in the top two

    of the entire grade.

    Either Lysander ranked first, or Daphne did, leaving the third position far behind.

    In thetter half of the third year of high school, the student in third ce confessed their feelings to

    Daphne and pursued her ardently. It wasplete with dramatic yet sweet scenes.

    How could a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl resist it? In less than two months, she sumbed and

    fell into the depths of love.

    The teachers were aware of the situation, but since both were top students, most of the teachers

    actually pleased with the situation and didn¡¯t interfere too much.

    s were

    However, not long after, the student in the third ce proposed a breakup. It was sudden, decisive, and

    without a hint of hesitation. He was even more ruthless than the most heartless of characters.

    Daphne was deeply affected and couldn¡¯t concentrate on her studies. As Daphne¡¯s best friend,

    Lysander took care of her and tutored her, which consumed a significant amount of her

    energy.

    As a result, Daphne¡¯s grades plummeted and Lysander¡¯s own grades dropped to the top ten in the

    entire grade. The student who originally held the third position in the ss consistently ranked first in

    subsequent mock exams and eventually gained admission to Apex University.

    Nearly a decadeter, whenever Daphne brought up this incident, she would sigh sincerely and say, ¡°I

    suppose that guy must have nned it all along. Seeing that you were determined and clear-headed,

    he couldn¡¯t easily win you over. But I appeared foolish, so he chose me, the unlucky one.¡±

    Lysander consoled her. ¡°Perhaps we are overanalyzing it. Maybe he genuinely liked you at the time,

    but upon getting to know you better, he felt it wasn¡¯t right, and the admission was merely a

    coincidence.¡±

    Daphne responded, ¡°Do you believe that?¡±

    Lysander believed it during her senior year of high school, but now, in her thirties, she didn¡¯t truly

    believe it either.

    The disparity between Apex University and a second-tier university was simply too vast.

    Lysander spent nearly every workday in the operating room,pleting several cesarean sections with

    an equal mix of two girls and two boys.

    1/2

    Lynn

    reviewed the surgical records and eximed. ¡°It¡¯s umon to have such a bnced gender ratio in

    a single day.¡±

    Due to the implementation of the three-child policy, despite the government¡¯s repeated warnings

    against gender testing for fetuses, the final oues were still not very promising, with a significantly

    higher proportion of boys than girls.

    Lysander remarked, ¡°I actually prefer daughters.¡±

    Lynn inquired. ¡°Does your husband have a preference for boys or girls?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t informed him yet.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t informed him yet? Wasn¡¯t it meant to be a birthday surprise?¡±

    There was a slight hup, so I didn¡¯t mention it.¡±

    Lynn patted her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s all right. There¡¯s still time in the month, so you¡¯ll have another opportunity

    in the future.¡±

    ¡°Okay.

    ¡°By the way, why didn¡¯t your husbande to pick you up today? I even checked the parking lot but

    didn¡¯t see his car.¡±

    ¡°He

    probably had some work at thepany and couldn¡¯t leave. Speaking of which, when is the deadline

    for that overseas assignment you mentionedst time?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s at the end of the month. Are you interested in going? It¡¯s a three-yearmitment, and your baby.

    will be born abroad. Is your husband on board with that?¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander realized that there were still approximately ten days.

    remaining until the end of the month. She still had some time to consider her options.

    ¡°Let me think about it.¡±

    Lynn reminded her, ¡°Your annual leave begins tomorrow, correct? You should make a decision soon. If

    choose to go, you will need to submit the application immediately upon your return from leave.¡±

    you

    Lysander was surprised; she hadpletely forgotten about her annual leave.

    She had intended to utilize this time off for a honeymoon with Josiah, but now she found herself unable

    to even return to their shared home, let alone embark on a honeymoon.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 14 I¡¯ll Set You Free

    After finishing work, she took a taxi directly to the hotel.

    However, at the hotel entrance, she spotted a familiar figure.

    that

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah was leaning against the car door while smoking with his head down. Today, he was dressed

    casually, not in a suit and tie. Lysander guessed that he probably didn¡¯t even go to thepany day.

    The reason he didn¡¯t go was definitely not because of her.

    Josiah noticed her and immediately extinguished the cigarette before jogging over to her side. ¡°You¡¯re

    back.

    Lysander nced at the hotel where she was staying. It was almost like a north-south divide from the

    apartment, and it took nearly an hour to drive one way.

    ¡°How did you know I was staying here?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°This hotel is owned by the Guerra Group¡±

    She furrowed her brows slightly and felt a sudden regret.

    She was a doctor and didn¡¯t know much about business. She rarely inquired about hispany, let

    alone what industries were under the Guerra Group.

    She never expected that this hotel was also owned by the Guerra Group.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Lysanne?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Still at home.¡± Josiah felt a bit guilty and exined, ¡°She can stay there if she wants. I¡¯ll apany

    you to stay at the hotel.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°You should go back. She¡¯s a pregnant woman who needs care. I¡¯ll be fine

    on my own.¡±

    She turned, walked into the hotel, and headed straight for the elevator.

    Josiah quickly took two steps to catch up with her. ¡°Lysander, I called your hospital and found out that

    will start your annual leave tomorrow. Let¡¯s go out for a walk.¡°¡±

    you

    Ding! The elevator arrived.

    Lysander walked in. ¡°But I want to rest.¡±

    ¡°We can go to Mount Clindon. There is a resort hotel on the mountain, which is also owned by the

    Guerra Group. If you want to rest, we can stay at the hotel. If you want to go out and see the scenery

    and breathe fresh air, we can also go for a walk outside.¡±

    Bnce 22+0

    1 Coins= 1 Pearls

    Chapter 14 Set You Free

    Josiah said, ¡°I have hired a caregiver to take care of her at home.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±

    ¡°Do you still want to be with me?¡± Lysander suddenly felt bored and decided to be straightforward.

    ¡°These days, I have probably figured out some things. If you still can¡¯t let go of Lysanne, I will set you

    free then. I will not stand in the way of you being together. We will part peacefully, and I will also bless

    you both.¡±

    Josiah looked slightly embarrassed.

    Perhaps it was because she hit the nail on the head, or perhaps it was because her indifferent attitude

    made him feel a little deste.

    The elevator door was about to close when he reached out to stop it. Then, he walked up and stood.

    beside her.

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible¡­ between me and her,¡± he stammered. ¡°It¡¯s never going to happen.¡±

    Josiah seemed unwilling to talk more about his past with Lysanne. Once back in the room, he busied

    himself boiling water and ordering food.

    This was the unspoken understanding between adults

    He rified that he didn¡¯t want to say much, and she wouldn¡¯t keep asking. They gave each other

    enough space, tacitly maintaining a buffer zone between them.

    Daphne said, ¡°Is this what you call dating? Dating is wanting to be together 24 hours a day and wanting

    to be one with each other, not like you guys. Being polite to each other is just getting by in life.¡±

    Lysander thought about it and felt that it was true. They were just getting by in life together.

    She was at the age where her family was urging her to get married, and she needed a stable marriage

    Josiah loved someone whom he couldn¡¯t have, so it didn¡¯t matter who he married. She was in good.

    health herself, and her name was simr to Lysanne¡¯s

    They didn¡¯t have particrly high expectations of each other; as long as things were generally okay,

    they could get by. That was why they could coexist so peacefully.

    However, Lysander was still hesitant about Josiah¡¯s suggestion to stay in the mountains.

    Daphne said, ¡°I know that resort. The scenery is really beautiful, but it¡¯s quite expensive. You should

    go! Why not go? You are now his legal wife and the owner of the resort! It¡¯s free to stay now, but if you

    goter after a divorce, you¡¯ll have to pay a high price, which is not worth it.¡±

    Lysander checked the prices of the hotel online and couldn¡¯t help but

    gasp.

    Daphne also reminded her. ¡°You should confirm with Josiah first if Lysanne is not going with you guys.¡±

    Bnce:

    1 Coins=

    199 +

    1 Pearls

    Chapter 14 Tl Set You Free

    She felt that even if Lys¨¢nne caused trouble again, she wouldn¡¯t take the child in her belly for granted.

    But she didn¡¯t expect that fate-loved to y tricks.

    So, the next morning, she changed into light clothes, left the hotel with Josiah, and was ready to set off.

    However, she saw the pregnant Lysanne in the parking lot.

    Josiah seemed surprised to see her there. He furrowed his brow and asked, ¡°What are you doing

    here?¡±

    Lysanne didn¡¯t even look at Lysander, as if Lysander were invisible. Her gaze was fixed on Josiah, with

    a hint of twinkling stars in her eyes.

    ¡°Josiah, I want to go to the nursing home on the mountain to visit my parents. Aren¡¯t you going vacation

    with Dr. Thorne to the mountains? Since it¡¯s on the way, why not give me a ride?¡±

    Josiah lowered his head to check his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll call a car for you.¡±

    ¡°Why call a car? Is there no room in your car?¡±

    I¡¯m going on a honeymoon with Lysander!¡±

    ron

    ¡°I know.¡± Lysanne smiled slyly. ¡°You two enjoy yourselves. I won¡¯t disturb you. I just need a ride. Dr.

    Thorne, you wouldn¡¯t mind, would you?¡±

    With that, she turned her head slightly to look at Lysander standing slightly behind Josiah. There was a

    confident smile on her lips.

    Lysander chuckled softly and spoke slowly. ¡°Miss Thorne, I have a question that I don¡¯t understand.

    Can you answer it for me?¡±

    Lysanne nodded. ¡°Go ahead, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Can family members stay overnight in the nursing home?¡±

    Lysanneughed meaningfully at that time. ¡°Of course not.¡±

    So, she still had to stay at the Guerra Group¡¯s resort hotel.

    What did she mean by not disturbing then?

    Everyone understood the meaning of Lysanne¡¯s words.

    So, Lysander directly passed the decision on to Josiah. ¡°I¡¯m done asking. You decide.¡±

    Send Gifts

    170

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 15 I¡¯ve Decided, Divorce

    There was a stalemate.

    A long stalemate.

    Lysander and Lysanne stood on a side each, with Josiah in the middle.

    Lysander sneered. How absurd is this situation?

    It felt like shepeted with another woman for the same man, just like the most cliche plot in dramas.

    ¡°Hey! Isn¡¯t this Josiah?!¡±

    The neer was an elderlydy in a wheelchair, with a middle-aged woman pushing her from

    behind. It seemed like they recognized Josiah and approached to greet him.

    Josiah called out, ¡°Old Mrs. Wace, Mrs. Wace.¡±

    Before he could finish. anne had already walked over and held Old Mrs. Wace¡¯s hand. ¡°Hello, Old

    Mrs. Wace. It¡¯s been a few years. You look several years younger!¡±

    ¡°Haha! Lysander, you¡¯re still as charming as when you were a child.¡±

    iddle-aged woman behind her chuckled softly. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re recognizing people now. A while

    you

    Old Mrs. Wace immediately said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Josiah¡¯s wife? How can I not recognize her? Back then,

    Josiah followed her daily, helped her carry her school bag, and bought snacks for her like a little

    follower¡­¡±

    Mrs. Wace suddenly felt embarrassed and pointed to Lysander in the distance before saying. ¡°Mom,

    you¡¯re mistaken. That girl is Josiah¡¯s wife.¡±

    Old Mrs. Wace suddenly became serious. ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong. This is Josiah¡¯s wife! Right, Josiah?¡±

    Who is that? I don¡¯t even know her.

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened, his brows furrowed deeply, and he took a deep breath, wanting to exin.

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne suddenly pulled his hand as if intentionally trying to divert his attention back to

    it started raining heavily.

    herself. ¡°Do you remember? Once, you rode a bike to carry me, and suddenly

    We took shelter under Old Mrs. Wace¡¯s roof.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes.¡± Old Mrs. Wace immediately nodded. ¡°I remember, too. Josiah held up his school uniform

    high above your head to shield you from the rain and got himselfly soaked. I thought at that moment

    that Josiah was really something. He knew how to take care of his wife.¡±

    Mrs. Wace looked at Lysander with some guilt, and she stomped her foot in frustration. ¡°Mom, please

    stop¡­

    She quickly exined to Lysander. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. My mom is getting old and a bit senile. She¡¯s just

    1/4

    talking nonsense.¡±

    Lysanne smiled warmly. ¡°It¡¯s not nonsense, Mrs. Wace. You weren¡¯t home at the time, so you might

    not have seen it. That day, only Old Mrs. Wace was at home, and she even gave us an umbre.¡±

    Mrs. Wace was initially surprised and seemed a bit puzzled as to why Lysanne suddenly said that,

    but she didn¡¯t argue further. She just looked at Lysander with a face full of guilt.

    Lysander advised gently, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mrs. Wace. I understand.¡±

    Beside them. Old Mrs. Wace held Lysanne¡¯s hand tightly, and her actions overflowed with affection.

    ¡°Oh! Look at that belly. It¡¯s so big now. Back then, these two were just kids, and now they¡¯re both going

    to have children. Time really does fly¡­

    to

    ¡°Mom!¡± Mrs. Wace furrowed her brows and quickly pushed the wheelchair away. ¡°We need to hurry

    the hospital. We shouldn¡¯t dy them any longer. They¡¯re all so busy. Um. Josiah, Lysanne, and¡­

    Josiah¡¯s wife, we¡¯ll leave now. Come over to our house when you have time.¡±

    Mrs. Wace didn¡¯t even know what Lysander¡¯s name was, so she could only use ¡°Josiah¡¯s wife as a

    substitute and hurriedly pushed Old Mrs. Wace away.

    Lysander, on the other hand, waved goodbye politely. ¡°Goodbye, Old Mrs. Wace. Goodbye, Mrs.

    Wace.¡±

    Lysander stared at Josiah for a moment, their directly opened the back door of the car, got in, and

    mmed it shut.

    Daphne was correct in pointing out that Josiah and Lysanne had been entangled for over twenty years.

    while she had only known Josiah for a few years. How could shepare?

    By taking a step back, she was clearly stating her position-she had left the front passenger seat for

    them to figure out.

    Josiah wanted to say something, but Lysanne quickly got into the car, closed the door, and urged Josia

    ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s go quickly. We might still make it to the hotel for lunch. I love the seafood there. It¡¯s my

    favorite. If we¡¯rete, it might be all gone.¡±

    Josiah stood still while resisting silently.

    However, Lysanne said, ¡°Dr. Thorne has agreed. Why are you hesitating? Hurry up.¡±

    Josiah got into the car and nced back at Lysander as if wanting to say something. Lysander turned

    her head to the side and looked out the window.

    Finally, he sighed and started the car engine slowly.

    Daphne sent her a WhatsApp message, ¡®Have you departed?¡±

    Lysander replied, I have made my decision.

    Daphine sent several question marks,

    2/4

    The resort was as luxurious and expensive as Daphne had described.

    A regr suite would cost over three thousand for one night, while a luxury suite would cost over ten

    thousand.

    Josiah told the receptionist, ¡°Two luxury suites.¡±

    The receptionist nodded. ¡°All right. Please wait.¡±

    Lysanne asked in confusion. ¡°Why do we need two rooms?¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Josiah said, ¡°One for me and Lysander, and one for you alone.¡±

    She crossed her arms, and there was a yful look in her eyes. ¡°You have really changed a lot. In the

    past, you insisted on having a room to yourself no matter what and even kicked me out.

    ¡°Back then we were already in high school and there were gender differences. Wouldn¡¯t sharing a room

    ruin your reputation?¡±

    She pouted and said to the receptionist, ¡°We¡¯ll need three luxury suites then. One for each of us.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Lysander and I are married. There¡¯s no issue with us sharing a room.¡±

    Lysanne looked disdainful. ¡°What? Are you trying to save a little money? You¡¯re too stingy.¡±

    ¡°How does this have anything to do with saving money?¡±

    ¡°All right. Enough talking.¡± She waved her hand impatiently, then turned to the receptionist and said,

    ¡°Listen to me. We¡¯ll have three rooms.¡±

    The receptionist was a bit hesitant. ¡°But Mr. Guerra said¡­¡±

    ¡°Never mind him. He listens to me, too.¡±

    ¡°All right then.¡± The receptionist quickly arranged it and handed over three room keys. ¡°Check-in is all

    set. The elevator is on the left.¡±

    Lysanne took the keys. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±

    She suddenly looked down at the room keys and was puzzled. ¡°Why are two rooms on the 8th floor

    and one on the 2nd floor?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Miss. It¡¯s peak season recently. The deluxe suites are all booked up. These are the only three

    left. Do you want the rooms to be connected? There are only regr suites:

    regr suites avable-

    ¡°No. Are regr suites meant for people to stay in? Let¡¯s just stay separate.¡±

    Josiah reached out, ¡°Give me the room keys.¡±

    3/4

    Chapter 15 I¡¯ve Decided, Divorce

    Lysanne immediately moved the keys away and avoided his hand. Then, she said in displeasure,

    ¡°Why? The room keys aren¡¯t heavy. I can handle them myself.¡±

    With that, she handed Lysander one of the room keys. ¡°Dr. Thorne, this one¡¯s for you. The restaurant is

    on the 2nd floor. Your suite is close to it. It¡¯s very convenient.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 16 Come Back To Steal Your Husband

    Jostali was growing impatient and reached out to grab the room card from her hand, but Lysanne

    skillfully dodged him once again and gave him a warning nce.

    ¡°Lysanne!¡± Josiah warned.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Lysanne rolled her eyes. ¡°Dr. Thorne has never been to this hotel before, so I¡¯m

    just showing her around. Why are you shouting?¡±

    ¡°Can you please stop fooling around?¡±

    Ignoring him, Lysame firmly ced the room key to the suite on the 2nd floor ¡°¡®s hand

    with a firm gesture. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯ve visited this hotel many times, so if you¡¯re not familiar with the

    layout, feel free to ask me. The restaurant is on your right after you exit the door and contimic walking

    Lysander looked at the room key in her hand, raised her eves slightly, and locked gazes with Lysanne.

    The two exchanged nces, both understanding what the other was thinking. Lysanne was trying to

    show off to her, boasting about her full authority¡± over Josiah, while Lysander looked back without any

    weakness, indicating that she was unfazed.

    Lysander shook the room key in her hand and said softly, ¡°Thank you, Miss Thorne, but I can speak. If

    I¡¯m not familiar with theyout, I can always ask the statt. You don¡¯t have to bother showing me the

    way.¡±

    Iysanne smiled and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true. Dr. Thorne, feel free to do as you please.¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t brought much luggage for the trip, as she wasn¡¯t one to dress up and so didn¡¯t have

    many clothes. Besides, she always wore her white coat at work, so it didn¡¯t matter how nice the

    clothes. she bought were. She had only brought some personal items, all stuffed in her handbag.

    ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room first.¡±

    She didn¡¯t take the elevator, but instead walked up the stairs to the second floor. After getting back in

    her room, she closed the door and felt as if she had lost all her strength.

    The phone had been ringing non-stop with Daphne¡¯s calls, and Lysander finally answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Weren¡¯t you supposed to go on vacation? Why have you suddenly decided to

    leave?¡±

    Lysander briefly exined what had happened that day, and Dapline immediately sneered. ¡°Just

    divorce him. What best friend? It¡¯s all nonsense! This Lysamme has clearlye back to steal your

    husband.¡±

    She asked, ¡°Daphne, are you free tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes, why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to get a ride down the mountain from here, Can youe pick me up tomorrow?¡±

    Dapline readily agreed. ¡°Sure.¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 16 Come Back 16 Ste

    Lysander didn¡¯t even go for lunch at noon. Josiah called her, asking if she wanted to have lunch

    together, but she said, I¡¯m allergic to seafood.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Josiah coaxed, ¡°There are other dishes avable.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need, I¡¯m full.¡±

    ¡°What did you have then?¡±

    ¡°Witnessed PDA.¡±

    Josiah paused.

    She didn¡¯t want to continue the conversation and continued impatiently, ¡°Let¡¯s talk tonight. I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°You did wake up too early this morning. Rest first. I¡¯lle to find you for dinner.¡±

    get ¡°I don¡¯t need directions. I¡¯ll just meet you at the restaurant. Miss Thorne has already told me how to

    g there so I can find it.¡± With that, she hung up the phone without waiting for him to reply.

    Lysander had woken up really early in the morning, so she once again disyed her amazing abilities

    and plunged into a deep, sweet dream.

    When she woke up, it was already past five in the afternoon, meaning she had slept for over three

    hours in one go. She rarely napped during the day but had been feeling more and more sleepy

    recently, as if she could fall asleep anytime and anywhere since she felt entirely drowsy.

    She suddenly felt a sinking feeling in her heart. Years of medical experience told her that her sudden

    drowsiness probably meant that-she was pregnant. Aftering to this conclusion, Lysanne didn¡¯t

    know how to react. The arrival of the child meant that she wouldn¡¯t be kept awake by Lysanne¡¯s anger

    and could maintain a good sleep, but this child¡­ she was afraid she couldn¡¯t keep it.

    The restaurant¡¯s dinner service started at six o¡¯clock, so she headed straight to the restaurant. There

    weren¡¯t many people there, and the whole hall was empty; Josiah and Lysanne hadn¡¯t arrived yet.

    Lysander ordered two servings of chicken broth and then a cup of hot milk. Chicken broth was

    delicious, but too much of it wasn¡¯t healthy, especially for pregnant women, while milk was rich in

    protein, which was beneficial for them. She suddenly felt pitiful as Lysanne had already humiliated her,

    yet Lysander couldn¡¯t abandon her professional ethics and disregard the safety of the pregnant

    Lysanne.

    When the broth and milk came, Josiah and Lysanne Had also arrived.

    Lysander said, ¡°Miss Thorne, I don¡¯t understand your tastes, so I just ordered a cup of hot milk for you

    first. You can order whatever you want to eatter.¡±

    Lysanne nodded slightly, pulled out a chair, and sat across from her. Then, she held the milk and took a

    sip before turning her head and spitting it out.

    Due to her professional instincts, Lysander¡¯s first thought was morning sickness, and she reflexively

    handed Lysanne a few tissues, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    2/4

    for me.¡±

    orme¡±

    Lysander was still holding the tissues in her hand but Lysanne showed no intention of taking them, so

    she could only awkwardly hold her hand in midair.

    Josiah immediately took the tissues and asked, ¡°Is there sugar in the milk?¡±

    ¡°1-I didn¡¯t ask them.

    ¡°Lysanne has only ever drunk pure milk since she was a child and doesn¡¯t drink milk with sugar.¡±

    Lysander came back to herself and chuckled. ¡°So, if there¡¯s sugar added, you¡¯ll vomit?¡±

    Lysanne replied calmly. ¡°Not really. I just can¡¯t stand milk with sugar added, so I don¡¯t want to swallow

    it. I have to spit it out.¡±

    Lysander directly called the staff over, ¡°Just take this cup of milk away.¡±

    ¡°No need. Josiah can drink it. It¡¯s all paid for, so it¡¯s a waste to take it away.¡±

    With that, Lysanne forcefully handed Josiah the cup of milk she had drunk.

    At the same time, she saw the bowl of chicken broth in front of Josiah and directly stirred it with her

    own spoon, picking out a piece and asking. ¡°Is this thyme?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t you know? Josiah¡¯s least favorite food is mushroom, and the taste he dislikes t most

    is thyme.¡±

    This time, Lysander ignored her and focused on eating her food.

    the

    Josiah tried to smooth things over. ¡°So many things happened to Lysander while at the hospital. It¡¯s

    fault for not mentioning it to her. It¡¯s okay, I can still eat a little bit, it¡¯s fine. The mountain air is cold,

    eating some herbs to warm the stomach is quite good

    With that, he picked up the broth and took several mouthfuls.

    Lysanne seemed to be enraged and suddenly stood up, snatching the bowl from his hand and

    mming it on the table. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to eat it, then don¡¯t. Why do you always have to

    By now, more people had arrived at the restaurant, and her actions attracted the attention of some

    nearby customers.

    Josiah frowned, ¡°Lysanne, please stop.¡±

    Lysanne demanded coldly, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand. You two don¡¯t even know each other at all, so

    how are you going to live together while married?¡±

    ¡°Tin full¡± Lysander quickly finished her broth and stood up. ¡°You can order whatever you want to cat.

    3/4

    Chapter 16 Come Back To Steal Your Husband

    Josiah immediately stood up. I¡¯ll walk you back.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Well, how about we go for a walk? The scenery here is quite nice, especially at night-¡±

    She walked out without a word, ¡°No, I have a report to write.¡±

    Send Gifts

    170

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 17 Don¡¯t Take Me For A Fool

    Lysander felt that while she had failed in love, she could seed in her career. The report that had

    been tormenting her for over two months was finallypleted after one all-nighter.

    At five-thirty in the morning, Daphne called her. ¡°Tmsetting off now. I should be there in about an hour.

    Lysander was touched. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to leave so early; you could have set off around seven.¡±

    Daphne sighed. ¡°If I leave anyter, I¡¯ll get into rush hour traffic!¡±

    ¡°In that case, thank you. How about I treat you to a mealter?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Why are we being so formal? Hurry up and pack. I hate waiting for people.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t have much to pack, just her phone charger and a few personal items. She had already

    prepared everything, and her backpack was sitting on the coffee table in the living room, ready to go.

    As she hadn¡¯t nned on writing the report during this trip, she didn¡¯t bring herptop and had typed

    everything on her phone, which made her eyes sore.

    With some time before Daphne arrived, she got up and went to the balcony. The morning in the

    mountains was cool, with a refreshing chill in the air that somehow felt invigorating. She took a few

    deep breaths as if she could exhale all the impurities from her body. While the luxury suite was nice

    with its wraparound balcony where guests could enjoy the mountain views, there was also a downside -

    there was a couple fighting upstairs.

    It was quiet in the morning in the mountains, and standing on the terrace on the second floor, she could

    clearly hear the argument on the eighth floor. She knew it was the eighth floor because she was now

    very sensitive to Lysanne¡¯s voice and was able to ce it urately with just a brief listen.

    Lysanne seemed to be crying, and very sadly at that. ¡°So, you don¡¯t want me anymore. Is that it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already married.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice sounded cold.

    ¡°But you love me.¡±

    He was silent.

    ¡°Josiah, the woman you married has a name simr to mine. Dare you say it¡¯s not because of me?¡±

    Josiah chuckled and his words were even tinged with sarcasm. ¡°Who are you asking me this question.

    as? A best friend?¡±

    ¡°Josiah, you¡¯re ming me.¡±

    He sneered, the faint smell of tobo lingering in the air as he lit another cigarette.

    ¡°It¡¯s right for you to me me; you¡¯ve been so good to me since we were kids, and I was the one who

    let you down first, but now, I know I¡¯m to me, very grievously at that.¡±

    His reply was somewhat aggressive. ¡°You¡¯re not. How could you be?¡±

    1/4

    Lysanne¡¯s voice became softer. ¡°Josiah, can we stop being friends? I want to be yours.

    He was silent once again.

    ¡°This time, let me take the initiative. I want to propose something to you.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t bear to listen to the rest. The words best friend were like a flimsy barrier; she had

    been waiting for so long, and today, it finally seemed to have been crossed. She turned back to her

    room and sat on the edge of the bed, looking through her phone while quietly waiting. No matter what

    Josiah chose, he would definitelye to find her.

    After reading business news for a while and not getting anything from Josiah, she received a message

    from her mother-inw Susan.

    Lysander, which of these wedding dresses do you think looks the best? Susan had sent over a dozen

    pictures, all of them wedding dresses.

    ¡°Mom/why are you suddenly looking at wedding dresses?¡±

    ¡°I just thought that since you didn¡¯t have a wedding ceremony back then, it should be made up for now

    that

    you have time off for your honeymoon. Our family should give you what you deserve, and you shouldn¡¯t

    be ignored.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes felt slightly damp.

    ¡°Plus, you can choose from a variety of invitation styles, box designs, and door gifts. Just let me know

    when you¡¯re finished, and don¡¯t worry about anything else. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    As the knock came, her phone continued to vibrate as her mother-inw sent a plethora of wedding

    supplies, even going so far as tobel them with numbers for her convenience.

    ¡°Lysander, are you awake?¡± It was Josiah¡¯s voice.

    Lysander set her phone down and made her way to the door.

    He stood outside, his eyes slightly red and his expression unreadable. ¡°Lysander-¡±

    ¡°Do you have something to say to me?¡±

    ¡°-yes.¡±

    ¡°Thene in.¡± She turned and headed back in, taking a seat in the living room and gesturing to the

    chair opposite her. ¡°Sit down.¡±

    Josiah pulled out the chair and sat down slowly beside her before ncing around the room and

    inquiring, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you changed into your pajamas?¡±

    Josiah Guerra.¡± This was the first time Lysander had addressed him by his full name since their

    marriage.

    ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase. Small talk is tedious,¡± she stated.

    2/4

    After a few minutes, he finally managed it. ¡°Let¡¯s get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she responded promptly, a smile ying on her lips as if he had just mentioned something

    trivial.

    Josiah looked at her in shock. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask why?¡±

    ¡°I already know the reason,¡± reminded Lysander. ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t treat me like a fool.¡±

    He buried his face in his hands, exhaling heavily. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Congrattions,¡± she remarked.

    He chuckled bitterly. ¡°Congrattions on what?¡±

    ¡°Congrattions on finally fulfilling your wish after over twenty years of waiting for your beloved to

    return.¡±

    ¡°You knew all along?¡± Josiah inquired, ¡°Who told you? Lysanne?¡±

    No one told me, but it wasn¡¯t difficult to figure out,¡± Lysander replied.

    Josiah expressed his pain. ¡°I would¡¯ve wanted to spend the rest of my life with you-¡±

    She finished his sentence. ¡°If Lysanne hadn¡¯te back.¡±

    He didn¡¯t answer.

    She asked, ¡°Is that all? Once we¡¯re done, you can leave Let me know when you¡¯re ready to handle the

    formalities. But as you know, doctors are busy, and I only have time for these few days off. Please

    hurry.¡±

    Josiah stated, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer the apartment we lived in to you aspensation.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your pre-marital property. If I need a house, I¡¯ll buy one myself.¡±

    He was momentarily speechless, then took a step back. ¡°If you ever need money, you cane to me

    and if you encounter any problems in the future, you can alsoe to me.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s not contact each other after the divorce.¡±

    He forced a smile. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re a good girl. We may not be husband and wife, but we can still be

    friends¡­¡±

    ¡°Friends?¡± Lysander sneered. ¡°What kind of friends? Best friends?¡±

    This time, Josiah waspletely speechless.

    She sighed, giving her final statement. ¡°I have plenty of friends, I don¡¯t need more.¡±

    At that moment, the phone rang. It was Daphne. ¡°The traffic was smooth. I¡¯ve already arrived. Come

    down.¡±

    3/4

    ¡°Okay. Two minutes.¡±

    ¡°Great, I won¡¯t go to the parking lot but wait for you at the hotel entrance.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander slung her single-shoulder bag over her shoulder, ready to leave.

    Josiah asked. ¡°Who called you?¡±

    ¡°My friend.¡± She had already grabbed the door handle but then paused, turned back, and smiled. ¡°A

    true one.¡±

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 18 He Doesn¡¯t Belong To Her

    Daphne drove a big red Porsche. Although her family was not as wealthy and influential as the

    Guerras, they still had a good reputation, and she was their only daughter, so she had been pampered

    since childhood. Apart from that unfortunate experience in her senior year of high school, she had

    hardly suffered any setbacks.

    Daphne stated, ¡°Don¡¯t go back to that apartment, and don¡¯t stay in a hotel. Come stay at my ce for a

    while; consider it as keeping mepany.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Take me to the hospital.¡±

    Daphne was speechless for a moment. ¡°Why? Are you trying to numb the pain of heartbreak with

    work?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡±

    ¡°Then why go to the hospital? You¡¯ve finally taken a vacation, so why don¡¯t we go on a trip together? I¡¯ll

    take you to Thand to experience hot guys-

    Lysander paused for a moment and slowly uttered three words, ¡°To have an abortion.¡±

    Lysander started studying medicine at the age of 18, majoring in clinical medicine for her

    undergraduate degree and specializing in obstetrics and gynecology for her postgraduate studies.

    Since she started interning at the hospital, she had seen countless girlsing in for abortions, but

    she had never imagined that one day, the roles would be reversed, and she would go from being a

    doctor to a patient. The pregnancy was still in its early stages, so she didn¡¯t need surgery and could opt

    for a medical abortion directly. She was more familiar with these procedures than anyone else.

    Therefore, without rming anyone, she went directly to find Lynn, who was initially stunned and

    mind?¡± couldn¡¯t close her mouth for a long time. ¡°Dr. Thorne have you really made up your

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you also say that pregnancy and childbirth have a big impact on a woman¡¯s

    career and life? I think you¡¯re right.¡±

    Lynn looked embarrassed. ¡°But your marriage is so bessful. Why not stay?¡±

    ¡°Do you think so?¡±

    Lynn pouted. ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy? Don¡¯t you know how many female doctors and nurses envy you? Your

    husband is handsome, caring, and kind-hearted. He even helps pregnant women who have idents

    on the road and takes them to the hospital. He¡¯s a rare man.¡±

    Rare man?

    Thest time Lysander had heard this term was during the typhoon two years ago. It had been

    extremely destructive and blew cars away. However, childbirth didn¡¯t wait for the weather; during that

    time, several pregnant women in the hospital were due to give birth, and one of them even had a

    difficult delivery with heavy bleeding. The obstetrics and gynecology department was short-staffed, so

    1/4

    she had to brave the typhoon and go to the hospital to help. When lives were at stake, it was a matter

    of

    life and death, especially if something happened to a pregnant

    wo¡±

    were at stake, it was a

    She had thought that Josiah would follow the advice of his rtives and friends, saying it was too

    dangerous to go out now and that she should take care of herself first. However, he didn¡¯t say a word

    but grabbed the car keys and went out directly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The typhoon hade with heavy rain, turning the sky as dark as night. Fallen trees and shattered

    billboards could be seen everywhere on the road, blown down by the wind. It had made the car sway

    back and forth, but he had tightly held the steering wheel while driving at full speed. It was almost like

    moving forward in a serpentine manner.

    Lysander had been so scared that she almost wanted to scream, holding onto the handle tightly and

    not daring to let go, but even so, she had still been tossed back and forth..

    Then, she heard Josiah say, ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t be afraid, trust me.¡±

    It was the first time she had seen such a different expression on his face. He had always been very

    gentle, but he had clenched his jaw tightly that day, his jawline forming a sharp curve, and he had a

    determination in his eyes that she had never seen before. She really hadn¡¯t been afraid anymore after

    that

    When they finally arrived at the hospital, Josiah smiled and patted her head. ¡°Go on. The pregnant

    woman and her child are waiting for you.¡±

    Lysander had asked, ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you,¡± he had assured. ¡°You focus on your work and when you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    She had been touched even if it was just a moment, but despair also only needed a moment to ur.

    Josiah was indeed a good man, but unfortunately, he did not belong to her.

    Lynn was still earnestly persuading her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, think about it again. You can hire more nannie

    take care of the child and continue your career. It will only trouble you for a few months.¡±

    ¡°Lynn, stop talking. I¡¯ve already made up my mind.¡±

    Lynn fell silent.

    ¡°Prescribe the medication.¡±

    Medication abortion varied from person to person; some people basically didn¡¯t feel anything as if it

    was just a normal period, while others could be in so much pain that they wanted tomit suicide,

    crying and howling in the hospital for hours without relief. It depended on the individual¡¯s constitution

    and fate.

    Lysander had seen both of these situations but just hadn¡¯t expected that her fate would be so

    unfortunate. After taking the medicine, she stayed in the bathroom for almost four hours, and when she

    came out, her clothes were almost soaked with sweat.

    Daphne was anxiously pacing outside and quickly supported Lysander when she saw hering out.

    ¡°Lysander, are you okay?¡±

    2/4

    ¡°Harper, help me. My legs are weak, I can¡¯t stand¡­¡±

    Daphne used to be called Harper and was addressed by that for six years before changing it to Daphne

    in her senior year. Lysander had already gotten used to this name over the years but pain overcame

    reason at this moment and she could only speak by instinct.

    If this had been in the past, Daphne would have definitely been angry with Lysander; however, Daphne

    didn¡¯t mind at all today and immediately came forward without care for Lysander¡¯s sweaty body and

    her arm around her shoulder. ¡°Lean on me. Take rest.¡±

    put

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Daphne noticed that she was still holding a wad of tissue in her hand and reached out to take it. ¡°Give it

    to me. I¡¯ll throw it away for you.¡±

    Lysander suddenly clenched the tissue in her hand. ¡°I do it myself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Daphne realized what was wrapped in that tissue, slowly put down her hand, and gently stroked her

    back instead. ¡°Alright, you can throw it yourself.¡±

    Lynn was worried and came over to bring Lysander a cup of hot water.

    Daphne held it and let Lysander sip it slowly. ¡°Feeling better?¡±

    ¡°Uh. She struggled and managed to stand up with difficulty.

    Daphne quickly supported her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit down and rest properly? Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To the medical wastendfill.¡±

    ¡°Why are you going there?¡±

    Lysander showed Daphne the crumpled paper in her hand. To throw this away.¡±

    why don¡¯t you rest for a while first and then gote??¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it now.¡± Lysander slightly lifted the corner of her mouth. ¡°Once I throw it away, it will

    completely.¡±

    Daphne didn¡¯t stop her anymore and helped her slowly walk towards the hospital gate but after th left

    the gate and were just about to step down the stairs, they saw someone standing not far below.

    Josiah held a thin piece of paper in his hand, which was wrinkled by the wind. Lysander recognized i as

    the paper had the Central Hospital header-it was her pregnancy check-up report.

    She smiled bitterly. ¡°Did I forget it in the hotel room?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, the veins on the back of his hand bulging as if he was on going crazy.¡±¨C

    your wallet was left in the room. The staff found it and gave it to me.¡±

    the

    verge

    of

    3/4

    properly.¡±

    His gaze focused on the hand holding the crumpled paper. ¡°Lysander, what are you holding?¡±

    and

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°You mean this?¡± Lysander smiled softly and extended his hand, holding the crumpled paper slowly

    unfolding it in front of him. The area tightly clenched in her palm was already stained a bright

    red.

    Josiah growled softly. ¡°What is it exactly?¡±

    ¡°Have you been wondering what the birthday gift I prepared for you is?¡± She smiled. ¡°It¡¯s this.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 19 Josiah, I Don¡¯t Want To See You Again.

    Josiah took two slow steps forward, approaching her, his gaze fixed on the blood-red tissue in her

    hand. He reached out his hand, his Adam¡¯s apple rolling up and down with difficulty. ¡°C-can I touch it?¡±

    Lysander nodded slightly.

    Perhaps because the wind outside was too cold today, Josiah¡¯s hand was shaking violently. It wasn¡¯t

    just his hand, as his whole body was trembling violently, the veins on the back of his hand bulging like

    twisted roots as if they were about to burst through the skin in the next second. However, his

    movements were careful, filled with guilt, regret, and pain.

    Lysander watched him coldly the whole time, watching his eyes turn redder, and his teeth clench tighter

    until finally, his trembling hand was almost out of control. He had to use his other hand to his wrist

    tightly as he gently touched the tissue. She then quickly closed her palm and took it back.

    Josiah seemed to have just woken up from a nightmare as if he had been in a dream.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    grip

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah suddenly realized that Lysander was calling him Mr. Guerra. She had even changed the way

    she addressed him.

    He frowned in pain and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Lysander, must it go this way?¡±

    ¡°How else, then?¡±

    ¡°You should have told me earlier. If I had known that you were already pregnant with our child, t would

    have-

    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± Lysander shook her head indifferently. ¡°Mr. Guerra, I am also my own person. I don¡¯t to be

    someone¡¯s substitute for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°What about the child Josh¡¯s brows furrowed tightly. ¡°I am the child¡¯s father. If you want to abort.

    him, why haven¡¯t you told me?¡±

    She smiled slightly. ¡°Then let me ask you. If I had told you earlier, would you have given up being with

    Lysanne for this child?¡±

    Josiah clenched his teeth. ¡°I am not incapable of raising my own child!¡±

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t directly answered my question. Why are you avoiding it?¡±

    He was quiet.

    ¡°Are you thinking that you can reunite with your childhood sweetheart while letting me give birth to this

    child? But have you ever thought about the child? When this child grows up and asks me why their

    dad¡¯s wife has a simr name as me, how should I answer? Because their dad don¡¯t really love their

    1/2

    mom and she is just a substitute for Aunt Lysanne, is that it?¡±

    C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

    He still didn¡¯t answer.

    ¡°When the child needs their father, he will be admiring the stars and moon with another woman. When

    they want their father¡¯s embrace, he may be already holding a younger brother born to another woman.

    When they grow up, and his brother grows up too, their father will take the child¡¯s brother and the

    mother to amusement parks, aquariums, and foreign trips-anywhere the boy wants to go. But what

    about the child? How sad will they feel when they see it? Have you ever thought about that?¡±

    He still didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°And what about me? If I have this child, would you allow me to marry someone else with the child?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it then. Because of this child. I will be tied to the Guerras for the rest of my life. I actually have

    no desire for marriage and don¡¯t mind living my whole life alone with the child, but if the child wants to

    see their father, then I have to meet you.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Josiah, I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 20 The Best Ending

    Josiah clenched his fists tightly on both sides, his chest

    somewhat unfamiliar gaze. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re truly, Violently. He looked at Lysander with a

    ¡°Being rational may appear harsh, but it benefits all three of us in the long run.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows. Three of us?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to be bound to the Guerra family forever. After the divorce, I can still lead my own life. You

    don¡¯t have to be burdened with children. In the future, she will give birth to your children. You don¡¯t

    have to constantly argue with Lysanne because of this child. As for Miss Thorne,¡± Lysander smiled and

    continued, ¡°she probably won¡¯t have to refer to the inheritancew daily, let alone struggle to secure

    more family property for her child.¡±

    Josiah did not retort.

    He knew her character. Having grown up with her since childhood, he knew best how she would react.

    ¡°Most importantly,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I want my child to be born into a loving family, at least with a father

    who loves their mother. In my opinion, love holds far more significance than property and money.¡±

    Since thest time he inquired, Josiah had been silent while keeping his head down.

    He didn¡¯t even dare to meet Lysander¡¯s gaze.

    Ultimately, Lysander didn¡¯t want to talk to Josiah anymore. ¡°Let¡¯s conclude it here. Go back and live

    your life well. I will also strive to live mine well. We are parting amicably, and this is already the best

    ending.¡±

    Josiah finally lifted his head. Lysander noticed a glimmer of tears in the corner of his eyes.

    A true man did not shed tears easily, only when he was on the brink of heartbreak.

    Having worked in the obstetrics and gynecology department for many years, Lysander was ustom

    to theplicated rtionship between men and women. While the wife inside the ward was in

    agony,

    the husband could still sit outside, engrossed in his phone without a care.

    She had witnessed numerous simr scenarios.

    Initially, she felt outraged. She would speak up for the expectant mothers and advocate for them.

    However, what she received in return was the husband saying, ¡°My wife doesn¡¯t say anything. Do you

    have the authority to intervene?¡±

    After several attempts, she eventually realized one thing-the child was conceived in the mother¡¯s body

    and born from it. All of this did not necessitate the father¡¯s involvement.

    A father did not endure morning sickness-induced dizziness, nor did he undergo excruciating pain

    during childbirth. It was impossible for him to fullyprehend his wife¡¯s sacrifices.

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    refused to consent to a cesarean section. It was because he had consulted a fortune teller who advised

    that the following day would be a more auspicious day to give birth. He insisted that the pregnant

    woman endure until the next day.

    This incident was also a pivotal moment in Lynn¡¯s aversion to marriage.

    Lysander remembered that Lynn was particrly stunned at that moment as she stood there in a daze.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you believe a man has no attachment to unborn children? Even if he is indifferent to his

    wife, isn¡¯t he afraid the child will suffocate in her womb?¡± Lynn asked.

    Lysander was not a man, so she couldn¡¯t answer her question.

    She only observed that countless men, when faced with their wives¡¯ pleas, would still coldly ask for

    abortion.

    If I had not taken the initiative to inform Josiah of my pregnancy, how would he have chosen? Will he

    opt to keep this child? If so, between him and Lysanne, there will be a child born to another woman.

    Can Lysanne tolerate it?

    If my child and Lysanne were to fall into the water simultaneously, whom would he rescue first?

    As she contemted this extreme scenario, the answer was already apparent.

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 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 21 Approximately Four Weeks of Intrauterine Pregnancy, Embryo Alive

    The notion of a ¡°child¡± had crossed Josiah¡¯s mind throughout his life.

    In his mind, a child was either a soft and cuddly baby being held in one¡¯s arms or a mischievous little

    one running around causing chaos.

    He never imagined that his child would one day be reduced to a small mass of flesh and wrapped

    haphazardly in cheap tissue paper. The child was then ultimately discarded into the garbage heap,

    mingling with all the foul and filthy things.

    With Daphne¡¯s support, Lysander slowly walked away

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    As Daphne nced back at Josiah, Lysander patted her hand, signaling her not to look back.

    over three years

    Josiah had known Lysander for but he had never seen her so calm and decisive.

    She was obedient and hardworking. She resembled the top female student who always ranked first in

    the ss, obedient and well-behaved in front of teachers, but with an underlying spirit of determination.

    Unfortunately, he had only seen her surface of obedience and gentleness. He never realized that she

    could be so resolute when she made a decision.

    He understood what Lysander had just told him.

    She had indeed considered everything thoroughly-for the sake of the child¡¯s physical and mental.

    health, for their future lives, and even for the inheritance of property several years down the line.

    This indicated that she had been considering whether to keep this child for some time, weighing the

    pros and cons.

    What is it that finally makes her make up her mind? Is it Lysanne insisting on going to the hotel with

    them, or is this morning when I went to confront her about divorce?

    Josiah tried to figure out everything.

    Lysander didn¡¯t even intend to tell him about having had a child.

    If today the waiter hadn¡¯t coincidentally found her wallet, and he hadn¡¯t coincidentally opened the

    compartment inside and seen the pregnancy test report, perhaps he would never have known that he

    once had a child.

    There was always an understanding between them, never snooping through each other¡¯s things. They

    always respected each other¡¯s privacy.

    Originally, even if Josiah had received the wallet handed over by the waiter, he wouldn¡¯t have opened it

    without permission.

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    He raised his hand and looked at the light paper in his hand, which read, ¡°Approximately four weeks of

    ne pregnancy, embryo alive.¡±

    His fingers lightly touched the word ¡°alive.¡± He could feel the raised traces of the font, as if there was

    still warmth.

    He wondered if it was just his imagination.

    Lysander¡¯s figure had long disappeared from view, and several cigarette butts had umted at his

    feet.

    He didn¡¯t know why he was still staying here and waiting for her.

    Lysander had already said she didn¡¯t want to see him again, but he wanted to see her one more time.

    Josiah convinced himself to wait until Lysander and Daphine came back. He wanted to watch Lysander

    safely enter the hospital before he left.

    His phone in his pocket kept ringing.

    As expected, it was Lysanne calling.

    She had called countless times. If he didn¡¯t answer, she would keep calling.

    Lysanne had always been like this since she was young, relentless until she achieved her goal. Josiah

    had long been ustomed to it, but he didn¡¯t feel like answering today.

    Nevertheless, Lysanne seemed unwilling to give up. The phone continued to ring loudly, wearing

    Josiah out.

    In the end, he answered the call. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Josiah, why aren¡¯t you answering my calls? Did Lysander forbid you from answering? Didn¡¯t you agr

    on a peaceful divorce and part amicably? Has she changed her mind again?¡±

    Josiah closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and said, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then why aren¡¯t you answering the phone?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, can you let me be alone for a while?¡±

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 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 22 The Child Is Gone

    Lysanne was taken aback by Josiah¡¯s cold demeanor toward her.

    She took a deep breath, trying to contain her anger. It was now her turn to mend things with Josiah,

    and she needed to humble herself.

    She envisioned a scenario where she could regain the influence she once had over Josiah. With this in

    mind, she felt a sense of relief.

    She inquired, ¡°Your voice sounds strained. Did you find her?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah replied.

    ¡°Is she using the child as a bargaining chip to threaten you, or is she using the divorce as a means to

    im a share of your assets? Josiah, rest assured. I specialize in handling divorce cases. Leave it to

    me. I won¡¯t let her take a penny from the Guerra family.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne!¡± Josiah winced. ¡°She¡¯s not that kind of person! She doesn¡¯t want anything!¡±

    Not even him.

    Lysanne¡¯s tone shifted instantly to a cheerful one, tinged with surprise. ¡°Then what¡¯s the worry? Isn¡¯t

    that a relief?¡±

    She chuckled softly as her demeanor became more rxed.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne is quite trustworthy. I just hope she won¡¯t have a change of heartter and return with the

    child to im her share of the inheritance. You see, under the currentw, the child could indeed stake

    a im on your assets. Anyway, it¡¯s not a major issue. You can draft a will in advance and leave

    everything to our child¡­¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but let out a sarcasticugh.

    Lysander had already anticipated that Lysanne might consider inheritancews.

    Over the phone, Lysanne continued, ¡°Josiah, I have an idea that I¡¯d like to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking we can negotiate with her. If she agrees to conduct an abortion and never bothers

    you again, we can offer her a lump sum of money. She wants to buy a house, right? We can assist with

    the down payment, fulfill her wish, and prevent any future issues.

    ¡°Nevertheless, we must document this agreement formally to prevent any deceit. She¡¯s an obstetrician

    and gynecologist, and her connections in that field can aid her in deceiving us. She might im to have

    conducted an abortion but secretly give birth and use the child against uster.¡±

    Josiah affirmed, ¡°She won¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t under ate it. I¡¯ve encountered a simr men before It invalued a cana

    unman whis

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    the money and didn¡¯t go through with it. Eventually, the child returned to im a share of the family

    fortune, causing turmoil¡­¡±

    ¡°The child is gone, Josiah interrupted her.

    ¡°The child¡­¡± Lysanne paused, ¡°is gone?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Have you discussed the terms with her? Why don¡¯t you involve me? I¡¯m a professionalwyer and

    could have helped negotiate the best terms.¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t discuss anything with me. By the time I arrived, the child was no

    more.¡±

    her

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a relief.¡± Lysanne breathed a sigh of relief feeling ted. ¡°Now we don¡¯t have to pay

    anything, and she no longer has any leverage over us. By the way, Josiah, when are you returning?

    The hotel is servingmb shoulder for dinner, but the wine selection isn¡¯t great. Can you bring a bottle

    from home? Let¡¯s celebrate properly.¡±

    ¡°Celebrate what?¡±

    ¡°Celebrate our reconciliation! We¡¯ve resolved all past issues cleanly, with no more obstacles¡­¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°That isn¡¯t an obstacle; that is my child.¡±

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 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 23 I Want to Burn It

    Lysanne finally understood why Josiah had been acting so strangely today.

    She softened her voice as she said, ¡°But you love me, don¡¯t you? We are going to get married in the

    future. The existence of that child will only disturb our happy life. If you want a child, it¡¯s simple, right?

    We will have children in the future, too. Moreover, the child in my belly will also be yours.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. She¡¯s only been pregnant for a month. That¡¯s not really a child yet. It¡¯s just a

    fertilized egg, a cell, or even just a pool of blood¡­¡±

    ¡°Stop talking.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s mind was filled with the image of the tissue paper soaked in blood. The deep crimson color

    pierced his heart.

    ¡°When will you be back? I¡¯ll wait for you to have dinner together,¡± Lysanne asked.

    ¡°I want to be alone for a while. You go ahead and eat; don¡¯t wait for me.¡±

    From the obstetrics and gynecology department to the medical waste disposal center, it was about 600

    feet away.

    After being a doctor for so many years, Lysander¡¯s speed had been honed. In the past, she could run

    back and forth in two minutes. However, it took her more than twenty minutes to walk there today, with

    Daphne supporting her all the way.

    The pain in her lower abdomen was intermittent, making her break out in a cold sweat when it re up.

    She had to stop and take deep breaths.

    Daphne felt ufortable watching. She turned her face away and secretly wiped away tears.

    ¡°Harper,¡± Lysander called out.

    Daphne immediately wiped away her tears and turned back as if nothing had happened. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Do you have a lighter?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t smoke. Why will I carry a lighter with me? Why do you need a lighter?¡±

    ¡°I want to burn it.¡± Lysander looked at the tissue in her hand. ¡°Most medical waste is crushed and

    buried. I don¡¯t want it to be buried with all those smelly things.¡±

    Daphne nodded heavily. ¡°I¡¯ll go borrow one.¡±

    ¡°Who are you going to borrow from?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just ask around. You rest here for a while.¡±

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    Chapter 23 I Want to Sur

    have one.¡±

    Daphne suddenly thought of Josiah Josiah should have one. I just saw him smoking.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Forget it. Just pretend I didn¡¯t say anything.

    In the end. Daphne bought a lighter from the hospital¡¯s convenience store.

    The two found a secluded spot and burned the tissue, along with the small clump of flesh inside, into

    ashes.

    A gust of wind scattered the ashes into the air, which eventually dissipated into nothingness,

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Daphne sniffed as she stared nkly at the ashes being blown away, leaving only a small ck mark

    on the cement floor where the tissue had burned.

    She turned to look at Lysander.

    Lysander had no special expression. She looked nk.

    The hospital gown seemed to be too big, making her appear fragile, as if a gust of wind could blow her

    away.

    ¡°Lysander, if you want to cry, just cry.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Harper, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll help you back to the ward to lie down.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not going this way.¡± Lysander pointed another direction. ¡°We can go back that way too.¡±

    ¡°But won¡¯t that be a longer way around? Your body¡­¡± Daphne stopped halfway. She understood.

    Lysander¡¯s meaning.

    Josiah was still over there, and Lysander didn¡¯t want to see him again. She would rather drag her weak

    body through a longer route and endure great pain just to have no more intersection with him.

    Daphne couldn¡¯t help it. Tears welled up in her eyes.

    Lysander smiled and reached out to wipe the tears from her face. ¡°I haven¡¯t even cried. Why are you

    crying?¡±

    Daphne shook her head. ¡°Sand got in my eyes.¡±

    Lysander leaned her face on her shoulder and said softly, ¡°Harper, please don¡¯t cry.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Daphne whispered. ¡°Things will get better for you in the future.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I believe they will.¡±

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    Chapter 231 Want to Burn It

    Lysander smiled gently. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like his spirit has been drained. F¡¯ve never seen him like this before.¡±

    Lysander simply replied, ¡°He will gradually improve

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 24 It All Felt Real

    How much time does it truly signify?

    Is it an hour, a day, a month, or a year?

    Lysander remained uncertain about the duration it would take for Josiah to recover. After more than two

    decades of yearning, his beloved was finally reunited with him. The reunion of broken souls and the

    fulfillment of desires should quickly overshadow the matters concerning the child.

    Life¡¯s four greatest joys included the wedding night, the sess of exams, relief after a long drought,

    and meeting an old friend in a distant ce.

    Among these. Josiah had experienced two and a half of them simultaneously.

    With a flourishing career and a blissful love life, this period undoubtedly constituted the happiest time

    in his life.

    Regarding that child-or rather, the fertilized egg-it was a minuscule regret in his thirty-one years of life.

    With his beloved woman by his side. he would have his own children in the future. Given the Guerra

    family¡¯s modest size, they might even expand it further.

    With children around and a loving wife by his side, his good days were still ahead of him.

    Daphne didn¡¯t let her stay in a hotel; she brought her directly home.

    Her parents had bought her a house early on. Although not toorge, it was situated in the heart of

    Harborbrook in an upscale residential area that was both lively and peaceful.

    As the first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the window, she stood by the window. gazing

    outside.

    It was the peak ofte spring, a time when the neighborhood trees were at their most vibrant and full of

    life.

    A boy in a school uniform stood downstairs, picking up a pebble from the ground and hurling it with

    force until it struck the window of the girl¡¯s room.

    The girl quickly ran out of the building entrance, standing before him with a cheerful smile and

    extending her hand toward him.

    The boy unzipped his school uniform and retrieved a paper bag from inside. When he opened it, there

    were steaming hot buns inside.

    He patted the back seat of his bike, and after the girl sit down, he gently pressed the pedal, and the

    bicycle slowly moved forward.

    As the girl on the back seat savored the buns and hummed a tune, the breeze lifted her skirt and hair,

    as if even the air was aware of her happiness.

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    Chapter 24 It All Felt Real

    Such was the nature of the world.

    One could have felt the agony of impending doom, as if the sky were copsing, suffocating under an

    oppressive cloud. Yet, beyond the personal turmoil, the external world retained its luminosity and

    cheerfulness.

    The sun shone as brilliantly as ever, birds sang their melodies, morning exercisers donned vibrant red

    dresses as they danced in the square, and elementary school students reveled inughter during their

    journey to school.

    Heartbreak could resemble this dichotomy. One might choose to approach it logically or put on a brave

    face in front of friends, pretending not to be affected. However, the emotions and grievances of

    heartbreak were still there and never diminished..

    For over three years, spanning more than a thousand days and nights, it all felt real.

    Every single day was genuinely spent with him.

    The songs were listened to together. The paths traversed side by side, the discussions shared, those

    tender words uttered in moments of passion-they asionally sting like a needle, instantly. shattering

    the original good mood.

    ¡°It¡¯s better to experience heartbreakter than earlier. Look at you now. Even though you¡¯re feeling hurt

    inside, you can hold it in. Back then, I was just going through puberty; I couldn¡¯t hold it in at all. If you

    hadn¡¯t intervened, I might have jumped off the school building.¡± Daphne remarked.

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 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    52%

    Chapter 25 Do You Regret Removing This Child?

    Lysander found Daphne¡¯s words to be quite reasonable.

    At twenty-six, she considered herself fully mature, capable of handling a breakup with the same level of

    maturity as an adult.

    Daphne, being only seventeen at the time, was more prone to impulsive behavior. Despite facing death

    once, with all her bones broken, she had managed toe back to life.

    Lysander inquired, ¡°How did you manage to get through that?¡±

    Daphne shrugged indifferently. ¡°I just did. Everyone goes through heartbreak at some point. Time heals

    everything.¡±

    Lysander nodded in understanding.

    Ultimately, time was the best healer.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of feeling sad; she just hoped this period of sadness could be shortened, even just a

    bit.

    Suddenly, Daphne winked yfully at her. ¡°They say the fastest way to get over a past rtionship is to

    dive into a new one. Want me to introduce you to a few?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m in the mood for that right now?¡±

    For her, it wasn¡¯t just a simple breakup. She gently touched her lower abdomen, still feeling the pain

    from the surgery she had undergone the day before.

    Daphne¡¯s hand rested on the back of hers. ¡°Lysander, do you regret removing this child?¡±

    Lysander licked her lips and shook her head.

    Daphne sighed. ¡°After our conversation yesterday, I understood. Regarding the fate of this child, you

    actually made up your mind long ago.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve made up your mind,¡± Daphne said. ¡°The biggest fear people have is not making

    the wrong choice but not having the chance to repent¡±

    Daphne suddenly became philosophical; perhaps her recent marriage had given her some insight.

    Lately, her social media feed had been filled with either mncholic or inspirational quotes,

    apanied by serene images.

    Casually scrolling through thements, Lysander noticed a few interesting exchanges.

    Someone asked, ¡®Going through a breakup?¡¯

    Daphne replied, ¡®You¡¯re the one who had a breakup. I¡¯m not falling in love, but I¡¯m focused on building a

    better future¡¯

    1/2

    Another person,cking insight, added. Going through yet another bres

    breakup?

    Daphne responded. The foolish repeat their mistakes, while the wise expand their knowledge

    After reading. Lysander raised an eyebrow. Are you preparing for a postgraduate entrance exam?

    Daphne shrugged. Just for the sake of a rhyme.

    Suddenly, Daphne¡¯s expression changed, her face contorting.

    Lysander thought someone had struck a nerve again and refreshed the page, but there were no new

    Is it a private message?

    Lysander inquired. ¡®Daphne, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Daphne, looking angry, gritted her teeth and waved her hand. ¡°It¡¯s nothing Just stay here. Deed to

    make a call on the balcony.

    Lysander suspected that she was probably going to call and vent her anger.

    Daphne had always been fiery, and whoever provoked her, she had to vent her frustration on the spot.

    As anticipated by Lysander, less than a minuteter, she heard Daphne¡¯s angry voiceing from the

    balcony. ¡°Do you have a problem? Why change your profile picture now?¡±

    There was a pause before Daphne continued. ¡°If you want to show off your rtionship, can¡¯t you pick

    a better time? You can wait until Lysander is feeling better. What¡¯s the rush to change to a couple¡¯s

    profile picture? Do you have to hurt her by doing that now?¡±

    There was silence as the conversation continued. ¡°She changed it for you? But can¡¯t you change it

    back? Have a little empathy, Josiah. It¡¯s only been a day since the abortion. Do you know how she¡¯s

    been these past few days? Or do you think she¡¯s heartless and doesn¡¯t feel any pain? The child was

    growing in her belly. Do you know she¡¯s feeling worse than you after the abortion?!¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Again, silence followed. ¡°You don¡¯t know anything! Alright, don¡¯t exin to me. I¡¯ll say this: either you

    delete Lysander now, or you change the couple¡¯s photo for me right away!¡±

    I see.

    He just switched his profile picture to a couple¡¯s photo with Lysanne.

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 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 26 Their Couple Profile Picture

    She opened WhatsApp and nced at her screen.

    Indeed, it had been changed.

    The previous serene and elegant white cloud profile picture had been reced with a cartoon boy

    puckering up for a kiss toward the right.

    It seemed that Lysanne¡¯s profile picture should be a cartoon girl kissing toward the left.

    This changepletely contradicted Josiah¡¯s usual style, and it was obviously a couple¡¯s profile

    picture. No wonder Daphne erupted on the spot.

    With a creak, Daphne opened the balcony door and returned to the living room.

    Lysander put away her phone and slipped it into her pocket.

    As Daphne came in, she looked around vigntly.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°What are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s your phone? Why isn¡¯t it here?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I was standing by the window and was afraid it might fall, so I put it in my pocket. Is something

    wrong?¡±

    Daphne visibly rxed,ing over to embrace her shoulder with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay, we were thinking

    the same thing. I was worried your phone might fall off identally. I¡¯m on the sixteenth floor here. If it

    falls, it¡¯ll probably break into pieces immediately.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Daphne said, ¡°Try to use your phone less these days. It¡¯s not good for your eyes.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Lysander asked, ¡°Who did you just call?¡±

    ¡°Just someone you don¡¯t know. That guy can be sharp-tongued. I gave him a good scolding, and now

    he¡¯s behaving.¡±

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°You are really something

    Daphne raised her chin proudly. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Daphne didn¡¯t let her look at her phone, so Lysander could only obediently watch TV.

    But during the daytime on a workday, there wasn¡¯t much to watch on TV. She flipped through channels

    with the remote control but couldn¡¯t find anything she liked.

    During her usual workdays, she was incredibly busy, and though tired, she felt time flew by. Suddenly,

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    Daphne pped her thigh. ¡°Staying at home is so dull. Let¡¯s go out and have some fun.¡±

    ¡°Where are we headed?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hit up a karaoke bar and blow off some steam,¡± Daphne suggested.

    Without hesitation, Daphne took her to a karaoke bar and thoughtfully brought along a bunch of friends

    to join in the fun.

    With Daphne around, the atmosphere was lively, and in no time, they almost brought down the ceiling

    of the private room.

    Watching Daphne screaming into the microphone, Lysander felt a bit worried for her. ¡°Take it easy.¡±

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you join in and sing too?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not very good at singing, and I wouldn¡¯t want to embarrass you.¡±

    The people Daphne invited were all familiar friends she regrly spent time with. Although Lysander

    had met most of them and exchanged greetings, they hadn¡¯t truly connected.

    Unfazed, Daphne handed her the microphone, urging, ¡°What¡¯s embarrassing about it? Just sing! Let it

    all out! What do you want to sing? I¡¯ll cue it up for you.¡±

    With that, she sat in front of the song selection machine and rolled up her sleeves to help Lysander find

    a song.

    At this moment, a young man in a sports polo shirt and jeans walked over and asked, ¡°Daphne, what

    song are you looking for?¡±

    Daphne gestured toward Lysander. ¡°Help me find a song for my bestie. She¡¯s always busy with work an

    doesn¡¯t know many songs. I need to see which one she can sing.¡±

    The man, wearing gold-rimmed sses and looking like a professional in the workce, politely smiled

    at Lysander. ¡°Can you sing Adele¡¯s songs?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I know some old songs.¡±

    ¡°How about ¡®Someone Like You¡±?¡±

    ¡°I know it, but not very well.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll sing it with you.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 27 Nothing Lasted Forever

    Daphne felt a bit bewildered, her head spinning as the man pulled her up and led her to the side to eat

    fruit from a tter.

    He then took her original seat next to Lysander, maintaining a polite distance from her, neither too close

    to make her ufortable nor too far to hinder conversation.

    The intro music began.

    Adele¡¯s face appeared on the big screen.

    Back then, her face was slightly round, with big eyes, giving her a very spirited look.

    Lysander¡¯s appearance wasn¡¯t stunningly beautiful, but she was pleasing to look at-dignified, gentle,

    delicate, and graceful.

    In Daphne¡¯s words, just seeing her made one feel that everything was peaceful and prosperous.

    ¡°It¡¯s about to start, five, four, three, two¡­¡±

    Lysander held the microphone, following his rhythm, and sang slowly. ¡°I heard that you¡¯re settled down.

    That you found a girl, and you¡¯re married now..¡±

    Her voice wasn¡¯t as ethereal and sharp as Adele¡¯s, but it had a soothing quality.

    Someone next to Daphne nudged her arm. ¡°Daph, you¡¯re lying. Your friend sings so well, and you say

    she can¡¯t sing?¡±

    With a piece of watermelon still in her mouth, Daphne seemed a bit absent-minded. ¡°I really don know.

    She¡¯s never been to a karaoke bar before, and I¡¯ve never heard her sing.¡±

    ¡°You must be kidding. A person in her twenties has never been to a karaoke bar? Really?¡±

    ¡°She really hasn¡¯t been. Why would I lie to you? She¡¯s a great doctor, constantly upied with school

    and work, unlike you, who seems to be idle every day with nothing to do.¡±

    The person was a little skeptical. ¡°Let me tell you, she can¡¯t possibly have never been here, maybe just

    not with you. Perhaps shees with a boyfriend or a husband, not always informing you about it.¡±

    Daphne yfully nudged him on the head. ¡°Stop and listen to me. Don¡¯t bring up boyfriends or

    husbands.¡±

    The person instantly caught on. ¡°Your friend recently went through a breakup, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    Daphne frowned impatiently. ¡°Just stop!¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯t say anything¡­¡± The person suddenly pointed to the man with gold-rimmed

    sses next to Lysander. ¡°Daph, take a look at Adrian.¡±

    Dochoa followed his ware and eas ther Adrian Cutton had tanned cineina at pama

    nging Ha wne

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    period.

    ¡°Adrian¡¯s expression doesn¡¯t seem right. Could he have a crush on your friend?¡±

    Daphne rolled her eyes. ¡°This¡­ seems possible.¡±

    ¡°Adrian also happens to be a doctor. They share a professional alignment! They must havemon

    ground!¡±

    Being cautious, Daphne asked again, ¡°Does Adrian currently have a girlfriend?¡±

    The person shrugged. ¡°A solo yer since birth.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes suddenly took on a meaningful look. She touched her chin and remarked, ¡°Then I

    should do some investigation.¡±

    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll find someone like you

    I wish nothing but the best for you, too

    Don¡¯t forget me,¡¯ I begged

    I remember you said

    ¡®Sometimes itsts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.¡¯

    Nothingpares. No worries or cares

    Regrets and mistakes, they¡¯re memories made

    Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste¡­¡¯

    As the song finished, Lysander found tears filling her eyes without realizing when they had started.

    She pondered that nothing endured forever except memories.

    Despite the song not being her preference, its lyrics resonated deeply with her emotions. Is it mere

    coincidence, or is it fate at y?

    A tissue was handed to her, and Lysander was momentarily stunned. She looked up and saw the

    young man beside her smiling politely. ¡°Wipe your tears.¡±

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    170

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 28 Love Letter From Eight Years Ago

    She awkwardly smiled and took the paper napkin. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°The lyrics are really good, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Old songs are ssics. They always evoke emotions in people¡¯s hearts at different times, making

    people unconsciously shed tears.¡±

    Lysander felt warmth in her heart. He was trying to make her feel less awkward for crying.

    He ced the me for her emotional outburst on the infectious power of old songs.

    ¡°Hello, my name is Adrian Sutton. My family and Daphne¡¯s family are old friends.¡±

    ¡°Hello, my name is Lysander Thorne.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of you. You¡¯re the youngest obstetrician and gynecologist at the Central Hospital and very

    famous among the medicalmunity in Harborbrook.¡±

    Lysander was slightly surprised. ¡°Are you a doctor too?¡±

    Adrian replied, ¡°Yes, but I studied medicine abroad and just flew back to Ecron this year.¡±

    Lysander nodded and smiled. ¡°We are colleagues then.¡±

    ¡°You sing very well.¡± Then, he added, ¡°I¡¯m not just being polite. Your singing is really good and flows

    well with this song. It made it very interesting.¡±.

    ¡°Thank you. Maybe I was just¡­ in the right mood.¡±

    Suddenly, an arm was ced over her shoulder. Lysander was startled. When she came to her senses,

    she realized it was Daphne..

    Daphne was originally sitting in the middle and enjoying the show. Lysander did not know when

    Daphne walked over and started leaning into her.

    Daphne noticed her gaze and grinned at her. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Adrian replied, ¡°Song lyrics and work.¡±

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re getting along pretty well. Adrian, I remember you used to be quite reserved. You¡¯re

    quite chatty today, though.¡±

    Lysander would be a fool not to understand what was going on.

    She patted Daphne¡¯s arm and frowned as a signal. ¡°Don¡¯t mess around.¡±

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    ¡°You better not.¡±

    Daphne pouted. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? It¡¯s good to make more friends. Right, Adrian?¡±

    The more Lysander heard, the more something seemed off. Daphne was clearly up to something!

    She turned to look at Daphne and shook her head again.

    However, she heard Adrian say, ¡°I¡¯ve known Dr. Thorne for a long time, but she may not know me.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Now, Lysander was also puzzled. ¡°You¡¯ve always been abroad. How could you have known me? Is it

    from Daphne?

    ¡°When you were a freshman, the medical school had an exchange program with my university, so I

    came back home for a visit. We met at the Shaw Building.¡±

    Lysander tried to recall it. It did seem like there was an exchange program with a foreign university

    hospital.

    Her campus also had a Shaw Building,

    However, she could not remember Adrian at all.

    Daphne¡¯s passion for gossip was ignited. ¡°Wow, it has been seven or eight years since freshman year!

    Adrian, it must¡¯ve been unforgettable for you¡±

    Lysander was getting anxious. ¡°Harper!¡±

    ¡°Well, sort of.¡± Adrian pushed up his gold-rimmed sses as he admitted to it.

    Lysander felt quite embarrassed now. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really can¡¯t remember¡­¡±

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°Back then, your mind was full of studying. It¡¯s normal for you to forget about me.¡±

    Daphne peeked out from under Lysander¡¯s clutches, sniffing like a puppy. ¡°I smell the scent of gossip.¡±

    ¡°Actually, nothing big happened,¡± Adrian said. ¡°It¡¯s just that Lysander gave me a love letter at the time.¡±

    Lysander was shocked.

    She remembered now!

    However, that love letter was¡­

    ¡°Wow, that really happened? ¡± Daphne was so excited that she pped her hands. ¡°Adrian, do you still

    have that love letter? You haven¡¯t kept it this whole time, have you?¡±

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    Chapter 29

    Chapter 29 A Crush on a Whole ¡®Nother Level

    Adrian shrugged. ¡°Unfortunately, my luggage was lost when I returned to Ecron. I couldn¡¯t bring it back

    with me in the end.¡±

    Daphne anxiously asked, ¡°Do you still remember what was written in the love letter?¡±

    ¡°It has been so long. He probably doesn¡¯t remember, Lysander said. ¡°Besides, a love letter is just a few

    words of confession with maybe some poetry added in?¡±

    ¡°Adrian, what do you think?¡±

    The gossip here was obviously more attractive than the singing.

    Daphne called seven or eight people over. Everyone who had been eating, drinking, and singing was

    now all gathered around them.

    Lysander felt like an animal in a zoo, surrounded by people watching her.

    Adrian calmly said, ¡°I remember the love letter well. The first sentence is¡­¡±

    He paused, then continued, ¡°Your zipper is undone.¡±

    The whole room fell silent,

    He then continued, ¡°It looks as big as the sun¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Crash!

    Someone had kicked the fruit tter, causing it to fall off the table. The ss tter shattered again the

    floor, sending damaged bites of food all over the ce.

    When Lysander came back to her senses, Daphne was giving her heavy pats on the shoulder as she

    sa in a tone reminiscent of a satisfied mother, ¡°Lysander you were amazing.¡±

    Adrian added, ¡°It had great literary style, and you rhymed.¡±

    Lysander felt like she was as red as boiled shrimp as the blush spread all the way down from her face-

    to-

    her neck.

    ¡°No, you¡¯ve got it wrong,¡± Lysander hurriedly exined. ¡°That wasn¡¯t written by me for you. It was my

    roommate. She had a crush on someone at the time. My memory is a little hazy, but I didn¡¯t even know

    if it was you. She just pointed in your direction, so I went and stuffed the love letter into your folder.

    Still¡­ I remember there was no one around when I did it. How did you know it was me?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s eyes suddenly shed. ¡°It must be fate.¡±

    His mysterious exnation once again brought an ambiguous atmosphere to the room.

    Lysander had never faced such a situation before. From childhood to adulthood, there were boys who

    showed interact in hon but the muchac wara alone th suh nahaalhou naa

    .¡¢¡¢,¡¢?

    wat waally thana

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    As she grew up, she focused all her attention on obstetrics and gynecology. She mostly saw women

    every day, and when it came to men, they were either the husbands of pregnant women or newborn

    baby boys. There were a few male anesthesiologists, but they were all married.

    She really did not know how to handle a situation like this and could only look to Daphne for help.

    Daphne was now so excited that she was bouncing around like a monkey. There was no chance for

    Lysander to secretly whisper anything to her.

    It was another young man who bluntly asked, ¡°Adrian just say it. Do you have feelings for Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s head was buzzing.

    Everyone seemed to be holding their breaths, waiting for Adrian¡¯s answer.

    ¡°No.¡±

    Lysander breathed a sigh of relief with her hand on her chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had feelings for her for a long time.¡±

    Crash!

    Someone had gotten too excited again. Over a dozen bottles of beer that had been on the table

    followed the fruit te and shamed to pieces against the ground.

    Immediately, the whole private room burst into loudughter.

    Someone said, ¡°I was surprised to see Adrian today. He usually never agrees to hang out with us. Why

    did he show up today? I thought it was because of Daphne, but it turns out he came for Dr. Thorne!¡±

    Another person said, ¡°It has been seven or eight years since freshman year. Adrian, who could have

    known? Your crush is on a whole ¡®nother level.¡±

    Finally, Daphne waved her hand decisively and dered, ¡°I approve of this marriage!¡±

    However, Adrian was very gentlemanly. He turned his head and whispered to Lysander, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t intended to mention it this early, but we were already discussing it. I would like to apologize for

    any inconvenience I may have caused you.¡±

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    Chapter 30

    Chapter 30 I Like Someone Who Likes Me

    Lysander did not know how to react. Shecked experience in this area and could only awkwardly

    chuckle in response. ¡°Um, it¡¯s okay.¡±.

    ¡°Well, what about you?¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡±

    ¡°What kind of person do you like?¡±

    Lysander choked up.

    Daphne answered for her, ¡°Someone who is a bit gentle, a bit of a gentleman, with a good family

    background, a sessful career, and good-looking.¡±

    Josiah was the perfect match for every criterion Daphne listed.

    Adrian smiled upon hearing that. ¡°Except for the good-looking part, where opinions may vary, I should

    meet the other requirements, right?¡±

    Daphne tilted her head, looked at his face, and pursed her lips. ¡°Not exactly, but you¡¯re quite handsome

    in a different way.¡±

    Adrian immediately caught on. ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you have someone you like?¡±

    Suddenly, someone behind them poked their head out and whispered, ¡°She already had her heart

    broken.¡±

    Lysander looked at Daphne, who immediately raised her hands in surrender. ¡°It wasn¡¯t me. It really

    wasn¡¯t me.¡±

    After saying that, she immediately reached out and gave the speaker¡¯s head a heavy knock. ¡°Why can¡¯t

    you keep your mouth shut when I¡¯ve told you to? Apologize!¡±

    The man covered his head and scurried away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    Adrian nodded in understanding. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Getting over a breakup takes time. Take care of yourself

    first before you worry about other things.¡±

    Lysander really felt that Adrian was a person who was truly mature and in control of his emotions.

    If he had really kept the secret crush going for seven to eight years without showing any signs on the

    surface, then,bined with the fact that he always spoke slowly and softly like a gentleman, he was

    truly a man with strong mental fortitude.

    She could not help but think of Josiah.

    He did seem gentle and gentlemanly most of the time, but when it came to the woman he loved, his

    inherent arrogance and domineering nature woulde out. It could not be restrained.

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    was as if the person who trembled while looking at a wad of facial tissue at the hospital entrance

    yesterday was another person.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander snapped out of her thoughts, realizing that it was Adrian calling her.

    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered me yet. What kind of person do you like?¡± he asked. ¡°Those requirements were

    all mentioned by Daphne. I want to hear your own opinion.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander paused and said, ¡°I¡­ like someone who likes me.¡±

    Daphne couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious? If they don¡¯t like you, why would they be with

    you?¡±

    However, as soon as she said that, she regretted it.

    Was Josiah not the perfect example?

    He married Lysander even though he loved someone else deep down.

    Daphne felt a little guilty as she realized she had misspoken. She shrank backward.

    Lysander said, ¡°I actually don¡¯t have any requirements. Whether or not he is handsome, has a good

    family, or is a gentleman, it¡¯s all fine with me. I only have one requirement, which is that the man must

    be with me because he truly likes me as a person, not because I resemble someone else or have ties

    with another person.¡±

    Adrian nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Although Adrian said that, Lysander did not know if he really understood what she said or if he was just

    being polite.

    When the party ended, it was already veryte.

    Daphne still drove off in her red Porsche with Lysander sitting in the passenger seat.

    What happened that day was rather intense and left her feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

    Daphne advised her, saying, ¡°Why reject him? Give it a try. Adrian is really nice. We¡¯ve been friends

    since we were children. He truly has never dated anyone before.

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    Chapter 31

    Chapter 31 Not Many Devoted Fools in the World

    Lysander remarked, ¡°Josiah never dated before either

    He had always been firmly pushed over by Lysander to the reserve bench known as being ¡°best

    friends¡±, and he had never been in a rtionship before.

    ¡°He is different from Josiah. He doesn¡¯t love a woman he can¡¯t have. Adrian is truly oblivious to the

    outside world, focusing solely on reading the ssics. Even when he was overseas where temptations

    were everywhere, he remained unaffected.¡±

    ¡°Daphne.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°If someone confessed to you the day after the breakup in your senior year of high school, could you

    ept it?¡±

    Daphne fell silent.

    After several minutes, she softly sighed. ¡°Well, no one can get over it that quickly.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°Still, it doesn¡¯t matter. Adrian had waited for seven to eight years, and he didn¡¯t mind waiting a little.

    longer. I really think highly of him. You should really consider dating him.¡±

    Lysander closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

    Consider?

    What else is there to consider?

    His family was an old friend of Daphne¡¯s family, which meant they were also a respectable family in

    Harborbrook.

    They had to know Josiah. Even if they did not, they would have seen him before.

    Could Adrian¡¯s family allow him to be the ¡°knight in shining armor¡± who would take on Josiah¡¯s ex-

    wife?

    Moreover, she also had an abortion before.

    He was a young and talented man. Could he ept a woman who had no family background, no

    virginity, and had married another man?

    Daphne retorted, saying, ¡°Josiah epted it. Not only did he ept you, but he was also willing to be

    a father to another man¡¯s child. He has acknowledged lysanne¡¯s baby as his.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°There are not many devoted fools in this world¡±

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    Chapter 31 Not Many Devoted Fools in the World

    Dramas were dramas, while reality was its own thing.

    In dramas, the female lead could still marry a wealthy man after being divorced. In reality, there would

    be too many problems.

    Daphne was just stunned by the sudden news and was foolishly overjoyed. However, once she

    thoroughly analyzed the situation, the joy faded away like a dream.

    In the days that followed, Lysander was doing fine.

    Since she started working at Central Hospital, she had not taken any days off. Thus, the number of

    days. she saved up meant the hospital dean happily gave her a month off.

    She did the many things she had wanted to do but never had time for, like morning runs, cooking, and

    baking. She even got a gym membership.

    After sweating it out at the gym anding home for a refreshing shower, she felt physically and

    mentally rxed.

    In just one month, she seemed to have moved on from the failed marriage and even gained two

    pounds.

    The only thing that saddened her happened one day when she was on her way home from the gym. A

    little girl around one year old hugged her leg and cried ¡°Mommy¡± in a soft and tender voice.

    Her heart suddenly ached.

    If her child could have been born safely, would they also be this healthy and adorable?

    If Lysanne had never appeared, could Lysander and Josiah also y the role of loving parents who

    raised their children together?

    The child¡¯s mother soon rushed over, picked up the child, and apologized to her as the child had just

    learned to walk and would call any young woman she met ¡°Mommy¡± and any young man she met

    ¡°Daddy¡±. She had been apologizing for days while feeling both happy and helpless.

    The mother was happy that her child had learned to walk and knew to call for her parents, but she also

    felt helpless as the little girl was just too independent. Not even the girl¡¯s mother could control her.

    Both Lysander and Josiah were reserved and introverted people, so their child would not be that

    independent. She would not have the same problem as this mother.

    No.

    Josiah was not always kind and gentlemanly.

    Did his ssmates not say that he was a bully in high school?

    Maybe their child would be tougher?

    Lysander suddenlyughed and shook her head. What was she thinking? The child was long gone.

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    Chapter 31 Not Many Devoted Fools in the World

    My dear baby, I have disappointed you.

    I hope you return to heaven soon. When you gaze down from the clouds again, may you choose a

    more suitable

    mother.

    She doesn¡¯t need to be exceptionally beautiful or talented, but she should be the only love of your

    daddy¡¯s life.

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    Chapter 32

    Chapter 32 Josiah Isn¡¯t Completely Indifferent to You Either

    Lysander hadpletely cut off all ties with the Guerra family.

    Since her vacation, many people had been sending her restoratives, including her colleagues, friends,

    ex-mother-inw, and Josiah.

    Among them, Josiah sent the most gifts. When Daphne opened the door, a mountain of boxes taller

    than she was copsed into the room with a loud crash and almost knocked her over.

    Daphne casually nced at the boxes. ¡°Wow, these are all amazing stuff. Some of them can¡¯t be

    bought here. How do you n to deal with them?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°Have someone send them back.¡±

    Daphne nodded. ¡°What about the supplements your ex-mother-inw sent? Are you keeping them?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll send those back too,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯ll buy some supplements more suitable for middle-aged and

    elderly individuals to be delivered together with what she sent.¡±

    Daphne did not understand the need for that unnecessary move, but she still nodded in agreement.

    Lysander had given it much thought. Susan genuinely cared for her, and she was very grateful for that.

    However, since the supplements were bought with the Guerra Family¡¯s money, she did not want them.

    If she returned them right away, it would hurt Susan¡¯s feelings. Hence, she chose to send Susan some

    supplements of her choice in a show of gratitude.

    When the delivery guy arrived, Daphne was sitting on the sofa and scrolling through her phone.

    Suddenly, she let out a cold bark ofughter.

    At that moment, Lysander was reading the real estate news. When she heard Daphne¡¯sugh, she

    asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    Daphne impatiently eximed, ¡°Do you know Zane Yarrow?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. Her social circle did not ovep much with Daphne¡¯s. She mainly interacted

    with old ssmates and colleagues, while Daphne had a friendship circle of rich kids. Their social

    sses were different, so there was no need for her to interact much with that group. It was also

    exceedingly rare for her to hear Daphne speak of anyone named Zane.

    ¡°He¡¯s the third son of the Yarrow family. His family is now working with the Guerra family.¡±

    Lysander was not very interested. ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°This guy hasn¡¯t talked to me in ages. Suddenly, he sent me a screenshot, I thought it was something

    important, but when I opened it, it turned out to be a screenshot of my status update on WhatsApp.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander frowned. ¡°He took a screenshot of your WhatsApp status and then sent it to you?¡±

    ¡°He probably meant to send it to someone else but sent it to me by mistake,¡± Daphne knowingly said as

    she chuckled. ¡°Lysander, did you delete Josiah on WhatsApp?¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 32 Josiah Isn¡¯t Completely Indifferent to You Either

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    After being scolded by Daphne over the phone the other day, Josiah quickly changed his profile picture

    back to the default white cloud.

    When Lysander saw that, she immediately deleted him.

    ¡°That¡¯s probably it. Josiah probably wanted to know about your recent situation, but since you deleted

    him, he wanted to look at mine. Hence, he asked Zane to take a screenshot of my status for him. In the

    end, well, Zane must have been so nervous that he sent it to me by ident.¡±

    Lysander turned her focus back to her task. ¡°That might not be what¡¯s happening. Maybe it¡¯s someone

    who secretly admires you that asked Zane to do it.¡±

    Daphne was speechless. ¡°Why did he delete it out of guilt then?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    After a while, Daphne walked over with her phone and handed it directly to her: ¡°Take a look.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Just take a look, and you¡¯ll know.¡±

    Lysander nced briefly at it, and after Zane deleted the screenshot, Daphne messaged him with a ¡°?¡±.

    After a long time, Zane replied, ¡®Long time no see. Are your parents doing well?¡¯

    Daphne nearly diedughing. ¡°What ame reply. I wonder how long it took him toe up with that.¡±

    Lysander lowered her head and looked at her tablet.

    She had been looking at properties recently. Since she had decided to buy a ce of her own, sl

    wanted to do some research in advance.

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Daphne ced her hand on Lysander¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Josiah¡­ isn¡¯tpletely indifferent to

    you.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°He feels something, but it doesn¡¯t change anything. Over time, it will fade away.¡±

    ¡°True. The situation with the baby¡­ I feel like it¡¯s a big blow to him too. After all, that was also his

    child¡­¡±

    Lysander interrupted her, saying, ¡°By the way, Daphne, what did you post as a status update?¡±

    Daphne thought for a moment and replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing special, just about how I bought a new bag a

    few days ago. It has nothing to do with you. Even if he saw it, it¡¯s useless information.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Daphne, help me post something.¡±

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33

    Chapter 33 Unmistakably Fixed On Her

    As the month drew close, Lysander resumed her hospital duties following her annual leave, feeling

    almost fully recovered.

    Her colleagues and the expectant mothers in the ward warmly weed her, but only Lynn was privy

    to the intricacies of the situation. She felt an urge to say something whenever Lysander appeared, yet

    hesitated and held back.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    When Lysander returned from her rounds, she noticed Lynn¡¯s flushed face-¡ªa clear sign that she was

    holding back some words. She couldn¡¯t help but chuckle and told Lynn, ¡°Just speak your mind. There¡¯s

    no need to hold back.¡±

    Lynn asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you intend to divorce your husband?¡±

    ¡°Yes, just one final procedure remains. I¡¯ll spend half an hour at the Civil Affairs Bureau to wrap it up,¡±

    Lysander replied.

    Burdened with unspoken thoughts, Lynn bit her lip while anxiously gazing at Lysander. Yet, she

    struggled to find the right words for a moment.

    Lysander offered aforting pat on her shoulder and reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Let¡¯s get back

    to work.¡±

    After much consideration, Lysander decided to forgo an overseas assignment.

    Although she had nned to apply, she decided not to do so as the deadline approached following her

    miscarriage and recovery.

    Even when asked by the dean, her exnation remained straightforward, ¡°There are a few expectant

    mothers whose conditions are not good, and I can¡¯t abandon them.¡±

    The dean was a friendly elderly man who could be a bit intrusive. With an ambiguous wink, he

    remarked, ¡°If you can¡¯t bring yourself to leave your husband, then don¡¯t. There¡¯s no need to justify your

    choice. Everyone has to make their own decisions regarding bncing family and career. Just make

    the decision that¡¯s best for you.¡±

    Lysander smiled softly and responded, ¡°Thank you, Dean.¡±

    Two dayster, Lysander received the news that the hospital had chosen another candidate for the

    overseas assignment, and they would soon be leaving

    However, she had no idea about these recent developments because there was a sudden influx of

    pregnant women being admitted to the hospital, which kept her busy throughout the preceding days.

    Lysander found sce in the busyness of her work, deriving a sense of fulfillment from its demands.

    Meanwhile, Lynn spent her afternoon anxiously pacing back and forth at the hospital entrance. Her

    eyes scanned her surroundings in anticipation.

    Exhausted afterpleting surgery, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ask Lynn, ¡°What are you looking at? Is

    there a celebrity outside?¡±

    1/2

    Chapter 33 Unmistakably Fixed O

    Upon seeing Lysander, Lynn hurried over and eximed, ¡°Dr. Thorne, there¡¯s something odd

    happening. It feels like someone constantly watches us as if we¡¯re under surveince. It¡¯s terrifying.¡±

    Not taking it seriously, Lysander asked, ¡°Any horror movie marathonstely?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Lynn replied.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Have you seen anyone suspicious around here?¡±

    Lynn responded, ¡°No, but the sensation is there. I have a constant feeling of being watched. It¡¯s just a

    gut feeling, a woman¡¯s intuition!¡±

    With a sigh, Lysander suggested, ¡°Report any medical disputes or unruly family members to hospital

    security. Let them prepare for potential trouble.¡±

    Lynn nodded repeatedly and affirmed, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. I¡¯ll go right away.¡±

    As Lysander finished her shift, rain began to fall outside, casting a dark and damp atmosphere.

    She took an Uber instead of the bus as she was temporarily staying at Daphne¡¯s house, far from the

    hospital.

    Fortunately, the Uber arrived on time, but the distance from the hospital entrance was still

    considerable. Lysander quickly covered her head with her bag, ran through the rain, opened the car

    door, and got in.

    ¡°To Sunset Grove, thank you,¡± she informed the Uber driver.

    The Uber driver nodded slightly and replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    The hospital entrance was congested with traffic, especially during rush hour, causing the Uber to

    move slowly. Suddenly, the Uber driver pointed outside and remarked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that person standing in the

    rain a bit silly? There¡¯s shade just a step away from him. Haha.¡±

    Lysander followed his gesture and looked over the pointed direction to see the familiar white Cayenne

    and its driver.

    Josiah stood tall in the rain, his hair and face soaked. He was wearing a white shirt with dark gray

    sleeve

    garters.

    It was difficult to discern his expression in the drizzle. However, Lysander was sure that he was looking

    at her.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 34 Echoes of Love, No me to Bear

    The Uber driver was slightly surprised and remarked, ¡°I think that man is eyeing my car.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s response was quick. She replied, ¡°That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    The Uber driver insisted, ¡°He¡¯s checking out my car. Did I hit his car? It can¡¯t be. I¡¯m a good driver.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Did you see him when you picked me up just now?¡±

    The Uber driver confirmed, ¡°Yes, I did. He stood in the rain when I arrived to pick you up and was still

    there when we left. That¡¯s why I called him silly.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Lysander looked away and asked the Uber driver, ¡°Please focus on the road and

    stop staring at him.¡±

    Suddenly, the Uber driver eximed, ¡°He¡¯sing over!¡±

    At that moment, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but resent the perennial congestion at the hospital entrance.

    When he approaches us, what will he do? Will he knock on the car window or open the door? What will

    he say when we meet?

    Our rtionship is over, so why is he here?

    A flurry of questions raced through her mind. Lysander furrowed her brow and asked the Uber driver,

    ¡°Can you steer clear of the car ahead?¡±

    Unfortunately, the Uber driver sighed and replied, ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t. It¡¯s too congested. There¡¯s no way to

    pass.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s figure drew closer, and Lysander saw him walking towards them through a misty veil. She

    immediately put on a cold expression, prepared for an impending confrontation. However, things have

    yet to happen.

    Instead of approaching them, Josiah walked past and stopped beside another car. He stooped down,

    opened the door, and ced his hand on the roof. Then Lysanne stepped out of the car and held

    Josiah¡¯s outstretched palm for support as she exited.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here to pick up your wife. You scared me,¡± Lysander whispered.

    The Uber was stuck in the middle of the road, surrounded by pedestrians and impatient drivers honking

    their horns. Lysander looked away andughed at herself.

    Confused, the Uber driver asked, ¡°Miss, what¡¯s amusing you?¡±

    1

    Lysander avoided answering his question and asked, ¡°Why are you so afraid of him approaching?¡±

    The Uber driver replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you think he seems scary?¡±

    I wonder shook how hood and sanlind ¡°Ha¡¯e nat

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    Chapter 34 Echoes of Love, No me to Bear

    Lost in thought, she reflected, Josiah isn¡¯t a scary person I¡¯ve never seen him lose his temper during

    their three years of marriage.

    Wait, there was one exception-a week ago at the mountain hotel.

    I was on the second-floor terrace, overhearing him having a heated argument with Lysanne on the

    eighth floor. It was the first time I heard him speak so harshly.

    It¡¯s like they say, treating close ones differently.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    Their rtionship has beenplicated for over twenty years. His suppressed emotions burst out

    when Lysanne unexpectedly revealed her desire to go from friends to lovers

    He resented her for relegating him to the friend zone for so long, only to abruptly change her mind

    when he had already given up.

    To be blunt, Josiah and I are a forced pairing. With no love involved, he won¡¯t hold any grudges against

    me.

    As they were stuck in the standstill traffic, the Uber driver finally relented and asked Lysander, ¡°Do you

    mind if I smoke?¡±

    Lysander initially considered nodding in agreement. Yet, she shook her head and stated, ¡°Go ahead. I

    don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± the Uber driver replied, then lita cigarette. He rolled down the window, trying to let the

    smoke escape outside.

    This unintentionally offered a better view of the surroundings.

    Josiah supported Lysanne as they inched forward. Just as they were about to pass by the window,

    Lysander quickly reclined the seat and leaned back.

    Send Gifts

    170

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    681 +

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35

    Chapter 35 Awaiting The One He Truly Loves

    Yet, remorse crept into Lysander in the next moment

    She thought, I haven¡¯t done anything wrong in this mess. As a doctor, I did my duty by Lysanne. I help

    her through her pregnancy.

    I even stepped back, letting Josiah be with the one he loves.

    I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, so why should I hide?

    Sensing a disturbance, the Uber driver turned to Lysander and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°My back is aching, and I need to lie down,¡± Lysander exined.

    ¡°Are you a doctor?¡± the Uber driver asked.

    Lysander replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Offering sympathy, the Uber driver remarked, ¡°Oh¡­ Doctors often endure long hours standing during

    surgeries, so it¡¯s no surprise your back hurts. Just lie down and rest. There¡¯s a traffic officer ahead

    guiding the traffic. We¡¯ll be moving soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lysander simply replied.

    As Josiah and Lysanne walked by, they appeared unaware of Lysander¡¯s presence. They stood under

    the trees by the roadside, and Josiah used a tissue to help Lysanne dry the water droplets from her

    hair.

    Inside the Uber, an unexpected quietness allowed Lysander to overhear their conversation

    inadvertently.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me to pick you up at home? You came all the way here while heavily pregna by

    yourself,¡± Josiah asked.

    Lysanne chuckled in his embrace and replied, ¡°Your office is in a different direction. It¡¯s too much

    trouble to go home and fetch me. We can meet at the hospital entrance so you don¡¯t have to go out of

    your way.¡±

    With a tissue in hand, Josiah gently requested, ¡°Come closer. Your hair is still damp over there.¡±

    Lysanneplied, turning around to let him finish drying her hair. While Josiah focused on this, she

    called out, ¡°Josiah.¡±

    His response was immediate. ¡°Yes?¡±

    In a reassuring tone, Lysanneforted him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not that, fragile. I can manage my

    commute to work without needing you to chauffeur me.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Josiah acknowledged.

    Iwonne continued ¡°Van¡¯ua hadng dau alvandu A, CEO of the Charro Cros rauchauldn¡¯t he

    n

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    Chapter 35 Awaiting The One He Truly Loves

    Josiah seemed to catch the implication, choosing to remain silent.

    Undeterred, Lysanne continued, ¡°Perhaps she takes your efforts for granted because there¡¯s no love in

    the rtionship.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve dealt with several divorce cases, and the pattern I¡¯ve observed is consistent. In most cases, the

    wife tends to behave arrogantly, mistreat her husband, and assume the role of a queen. However, the

    wife often regrets her actions, apologizes, and refuses to separate when the rtionship reaches the

    brink of divorce.¡±

    Josiah felt slightly defensive and furrowed his brows. He retorted, ¡°You don¡¯t have to make insinuations

    like that. Offering to drive her to work was my idea. She never asked me to do anything.¡±

    Lysanne couldn¡¯t hide her frustration as she replied, ¡°Yes, it was your idea. Yet, she epted it. I¡¯ve

    heard that two years ago, you risked your life to drive her to the hospital as she insisted on going

    during the typhoon in Harborbrook.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it, Josiah. Whose life is more important, that of a stranger or yours? I couldn¡¯t do it if I were

    in her shoes.¡±

    The Uber driver chuckled as he smoked, remarking, ¡°This couple is deeply in love. The husband

    worries about his pregnant wife going out alone, and the wife feels sorry for her husband wasting his

    time. It¡¯s so lovely.¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Lysander smiled and agreed, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s lovely.¡±

    Meanwhile, she mused, I¡¯m a foolpared to their affectionate bond.

    I once foolishly believed Josiah stood in the rain, waiting for me. How ridiculous!

    He wasn¡¯t waiting for me! He was waiting for the one he truly loved.

    Lysander, dear Lysander, when will you realize you¡¯re just a receable stand-in?

    You¡¯ve enjoyed a serene and warm life for these three years merely because your name resembles

    Lysanne¡¯s.

    It¡¯s all thanks to Lysanne! When she returned, you had already lost it.

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    170

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36

    Chapter 36 Even Mastery In Massage Is Devoted To Her

    Lysander readjusted her seat to its original position and offered a wry smile as she gazed out the

    window.

    Meanwhile, Josiah continued to help Lysanne in drying her hair beneath the tree. He threw the tissue-

    into the roadside bin before asking, ¡°Is your back still bothering you today?¡±

    1

    Lysanne let out a sigh and replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been experiencing pain in my back and neck on and off since

    my pregnancy. It worsens on rainy days. Didn¡¯t you learn how to give massages? Can you give me one

    when we get back?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Josiah replied.

    ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ve been wondering¡­ You learned massage even in the final week of preparing for the

    college entrance exam. Did you do it for me?¡± Lysanne asked in a serious yet yful tone.

    Josiah pondered before answering, ¡°You mentioned having neck pain during that period. What if it

    negatively affected your performance in the college entrance exam?¡±

    Lysanne yfully pouted and asked, ¡°Were you excited about me joining you at Apex University?¡±

    Josiah gave her a knowing look and asserted, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Even if I weren¡¯t diagnosed with cervical spondylosis attending Apex University would still be a distant

    dream,¡± Lysanne replied.

    Josiah responded, ¡°I don¡¯t expect you to attend Apex University. I want you to study in Apex City

    instead. I want us to embark on our college journey together in Apex City.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysanne blushed and uttered, ¡°I miss the days we went to school together. It was such a beau

    Unfortunately, time doesn¡¯t allow us to go back.¡±

    Josiah agreed, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. No matter what happens, we¡¯ll always have each other,¡± Lysanne expressed. She wrappe

    arms around his waist, findingfort in his embrace.

    Beep! Beep!

    Lysander instinctively covered her ears as the loud honking pierced through the air.

    The middle-aged Uber driver, prone to road rage, impatiently urged the car in front to move. ¡°Come on,

    move it! If we¡¯re dyed any longer, we¡¯ll be stuck again.¡±

    As if hearing his plea, the car ahead slowly started moving and seamlessly merged into traffic. The

    Uber driver followed suit and elerated away from the chaotic hospital area.

    As they left the congestion behind, the Uber driver let out a sigh when he saw the road open up. He

    muttered, ¡°Finally out! I¡¯ll never pick up passengers from the hospital again.¡±

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    Chapter 36 Even Mastery In Massage Is Devoted To Her

    ¡°No need to apologize. I wasn¡¯t referring to you,¡± the Uber driver rified.

    Lysander stated, ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll walk farther from the hospital entrance to avoid the congestion.¡±

    The Uber driver chuckled and responded, ¡°It¡¯s more convenient for both of us if you catch an Uber

    there.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lysander acknowledged.

    The Uber driver continued, ¡°Miss, are you married?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°I suppose you could say that. Why do you

    ask?¡±

    The Uber driver asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t your husband picking you up in such heavy rain?¡±

    Lysander found the question amusing andughed.

    ¡°Is everything alright? Did you argue with your husband?¡± the Uber driver asked with concern.

    Lysander shook her head and replied, ¡°No, we¡¯ve never argued.¡±

    ¡°Wow, your rtionship must be powerful,¡± the Uber drivermented.

    Lysander remained quiet and pondered. Ack of arguments doesn¡¯t necessarily indicate a strong

    rtionship. It could also imply ack of emotional involvement.

    Seeing her somber mood, the Uber driver stopped asking questions. Instead, he suggested, ¡°Why did

    you adjust the seat upright? We still have a long way to go. You can lie down for a while if your back

    hurts.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lysander replied.

    ¡°Many young people tend to neglect their health. If your back hurts, you should consider getting a

    massage right away. Perhaps you could even find a skilled therapist to teach your husband how to ass

    you at home in the future,¡± the Uber driver suggested,

    Lysander chose to remain silent to stop the conversation. She thought, This Uber driver seems a bit too

    curious, and his questions sometimes border on being inappropriate. His casualment hit my nerve.

    Sigh¡­ It¡¯s my fault for not paying enough attention.

    When Josiah used to give me massages, I always found it strange that a CEO could have such

    excellent massage skills. At the time, I dismissed it as a passing curiosity.

    Today¡¯s revtion is surprising but makes sense after overhearing their conversation.

    Her attention snapped back to reality when she received an urgent WhatsApp message from Daphne,

    ¡®SOS!

    Lysander quickly replied, ¡®What happened?¡¯

    Bnce

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37

    Chapter 37 Stop Addressing Me As Mrs Guerra

    Daphne urgently sent Lysander an address but didn¡¯t provide any exnation.

    Lysander was surprised, thinking, Harper is usually calm andposed. She wouldn¡¯t seek help

    without any serious reason. This must be urgent.

    Without much inquiry, she directed the Uber driver, Take me to Lumina Tower.¡±

    Upon arrival, Lysander found everything normal, with nomotion or unusual activity. She

    immediately called Daphne and asked, ¡°Harper, where are you?¡±

    Daphne replied, ¡°I¡¯m at Starbucks, sitting on the first table on the left as you enter.¡±

    Lysander swiftly made her way to Starbucks on the ground floor of Lumina Tower. Once she entered

    the cafe, she spotted Daphne in thepany of a young man.

    Lysander called out to Daphne, ¡°Harper?¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Daphne¡¯s eyes brightened upon seeing her. She pulled Lysander close and wrapped an arm around

    her waist. She then turned to the young man and dered, ¡°See? I told you the truth.¡±

    Lysander was confused and asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    Daphne looked at Lysander reassuringly and gestured towards the man, stating, ¡°Go back and put the

    me on me.¡±

    The young man nced at Lysander and then at Daphne. With a faint smile, he asked, ¡°Miss Everhart,

    are you ying a game with me?¡±

    After exerting much effort to remove Daphne¡¯s grip from her waist, Lysander demanded, ¡°Can someone

    please exin what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Daphne hesitated, ¡°Lysander, I¡­¡± Before she could finish her sentence, the young man got up from his

    seat.

    Maintaining a casual demeanor, he exined, ¡°Let me rify. My family set me up on a blind date with

    Miss Everhart, who imed to be a lesbian exclusively interested in women. I had doubts, so she said

    she would call her girlfriend to prove it.¡±

    Lysander was confused as Daphne had given an absurd excuse. She nced at Daphne and

    pondered, Even though you¡¯re not interested in dating or getting married, why would you give such a

    reason?

    Persisting, Daphne asserted, ¡°You saw it for yourself. We share a strong connection. You and I can¡¯t be

    in a rtionship together.¡±

    The young man crossed his arms and softly remarked, ¡°I think the two of you can¡¯t be together.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t we be together?¡± Daphne retorted.

    The young man calmly replied, ¡°Miss Everhart, I can¡¯t confirm your orientation, but thisdy is not a

    lesbian.¡±

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    Chapter 37 Stop Addressing Me As Mrs Guerra

    Growing defensive, Daphne countered, ¡°How do you know she¡¯s not? She is a lesbian!¡±

    The young man smiled and directed his question to Lysander, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, does Josiah know about

    your sexual orientation?¡±

    Lysander and Daphne were both shocked by this unexpected revtion.

    Daphne blinked and asked the young man, ¡°Do you know her?¡±

    The young man replied, mentioning two keywords, ¡°Mirage¡± and ¡°ss reunion.¡±

    Lysander suddenly recognized the man before her and asked, ¡°Are you a ssmate of Josiah?¡±

    The young man replied, ¡°You dropped your phone, and I helped you retrieve it. You also mentioned

    being married to Josiah.¡±

    Lysander was left speechless. Meanwhile, Daphne was embarrassed realizing she was on a blind date

    with Josiah¡¯s ssmate.

    Suddenly, Lysander winced as a pain gripped her stomach. The pain caused her to bend down while

    clutching her stomach slightly.

    Daphne asked with concern, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°My stomach is hurting suddenly, perhaps due to rushing over here,¡± Lysander replied.

    ¡°Have you not fully recovered? It hasn¡¯t been long since the abortion. Why are you exerting yourself?¡±

    Daphneined, her concern evident.

    The young man was stunned. He asked, ¡°Abortion? Josiah never mentioned it. Does he know about

    your situation?¡±

    Lysander¡¯splexion paled, her voice barely audible. ¡°He knows.¡±

    ¡°Then he¡­¡± the young man trailed off.

    ¡°We are divorced,¡± Lysander exined with a smile.

    She added, ¡°Please don¡¯t refer to me as Mrs. Guerra anymore. You can now address me as Miss

    Thorne or Dr. Thorne.¡±

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    170

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38

    Chapter 38 Package Delivery From Josiah

    Daphne requested a ss of hot water from the waiter and handed it to Lysander, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll

    take you to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander stood up, and the two of them exited the coffee shop and entered the car.

    Daphne started the car, getting ready to drive away.

    But Lysander halted her, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t go to the hospital.¡±

    Daphne disagreed, ¡°Do you want to see how pale your face has be now? Don¡¯t argue with me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a gynecologist myself. Why should I go to the hospital?¡±

    Daphne was momentarily speechless. ¡°Fair point. I suppose the doctor on duty probably isn¡¯t as skilled

    as you.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Lysander chortled. ¡°Let¡¯s head home.¡±

    ¡°Are you really okay? Don¡¯t tough it out. If it¡¯s really bad, you can go to the hospital for a painkiller.¡±

    ¡°Harper, I don¡¯t want to go to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Look, I understand. It¡¯s your workce, and once you¡¯re off work, you never want to step foot in there

    again. But you can¡¯t just endure the pain like this, right?¡±

    ¡°Josiah and Lysanne are there.¡±

    Daphne was about to say something, but upon hearing this, she ultimately held back her words.

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s just a stomach ache. We can simply grab some gastric meds and painkillers in a

    pharmacy on the way back.¡±

    ¡°Why did you suddenly have a stomach ache?¡±

    ¡°Maybe I got a little wet in the rain just now and caught a cold.¡±

    Daphne felt slightly relieved. ¡°Okay, then.¡±

    However, Daphne didn¡¯t stop by a pharmacy. She drove her straight home and then asked a runner to

    buy the medicine.

    Lysander took the medicine and fell asleep in a daze,

    After she slept for quite some time, the vibration of her phone woke her.up.

    ¡°Hello, is this Miss Lysander Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Yes, who is this?¡±

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    Chapter 38 Package Delivery From Josiah

    Lysander¡¯s mind cleared up a bit. She wasn¡¯t fond of online shopping, and she hadn¡¯t bought anything

    online recently.

    Even if she had forgotten what she had bought before, she probably entered her previous apartment¡¯s

    address as the delivery address.

    If she wanted to pick up the package, she would have to go to Josiah¡¯s ce.

    She didn¡¯t want to go.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not home right now. Can you help me reject it?¡±

    ¡°There are several items. Do you want to reject them all?¡±

    Several items?

    At this point, Lysander was sure those packages did not belong to her.

    She always only bought what she needed, never overspending on unnecessary items.

    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s my name?¡±

    ¡°Are you Miss Lysander Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but¡­ are you sure the spelling is right? Can you please double-check for me?¡±

    The delivery personughed. ¡°The spelling is right, and the phone number is yours. Even if the name is

    spelled wrong, the phone number can never be wrong.¡±

    Only then did Lysander realize.

    Recently, she was so confused by the simrity between her and Lysanne¡¯s names, to the point wh she

    made such amon mistake.

    Ring, ring.

    The doorbell rang.

    ¡°Miss Lysander Thorne, are you home?¡±.

    Lysander put on her coat and went to open the door. A delivery guy was standing outside, holding a

    large cardboard box in his arms, with a polite smile on his face. ¡°Excuse me, are you Miss Lysander

    Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Great, here are your packages. Please sign your name here.¡±

    As they spoke, Daphne was awakened by the noise, rubbing her eyes as she walked out of the

    bedroom. ¡°It¡¯s sote already. Lysander, what did you buy?¡±

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    Chapter 38 Package Delivery

    Daphne was intrigued and walked over to look at the delivery slip. ¡°You¡¯re right. It¡¯s delivered to you.

    Who sent it to you?¡±

    Lysander had no idea,

    She quickly signed her name and thanked the delivery guy.

    Luckily, Daphne was there to help her carry the box inside.

    ¡°Can I open it and have a look?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Of course. It¡¯s probably some local produce sent by my mom, but how did she know

    I¡¯m here at your ce¡­¡±

    Daphne quickly unpacked the box, taking out the items one by one. ¡°Hairdryer, towels, umbre, and¡­

    a bag? Why does this bag look familiar? Lysander,e here and take a look. Isn¡¯t this bag exactly the

    same as the one you¡¯re using?¡±

    Lysander took a nce at it before her hand froze.

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, silly?¡± Daphne waved her hand in front of her eyes. ¡°Why did your mom send

    you these things? Here, I thought she sent you some yummy snacks. You can buy these things

    anywhere.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not from my mom.¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re not from your mom, then who could it be?¡±

    It¡¯s Josiah. He must¡¯ve seen me at the entrance of the hospital today.

    Send Gifts

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 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39

    Chapter 39 Three Years of Marriage, Nothing but an Illusion

    She moved into Daphne¡¯s ce on short notice, so she didn¡¯t bring much except for some personal

    clothing and her bag.

    Today, when she came out of the hospital, she used the bag to shield herself from the rain, but she still

    got quite wet. The tips of her hair got damp as well.

    She didn¡¯t like using leather bags, so the bag she carried was made of cloth, which could shield her

    from the rain. However, the bag itself was soaked through, and it probably wouldn¡¯t finish drying by the

    time she had to go to work tomorrow.

    The rest of the things could be easily bought, but this bag was not a brand-name product, just

    something she randomly bought at a roadside store. How did Josiah get his hands on an identical one?

    Lysander felt a bit weary and realized that she didn¡¯t want to delve into the reasons behind this

    anymore.

    Whether it was out of guilt towards her, or pity for the child, she didn¡¯t want any moreplications.

    The sarcastic words from Lysanne today seemed to still echo in her ears, and she didn¡¯t want to

    engage in any more conversations with them.

    Daphne asked, ¡°Should we just return it like before?¡±

    ¡°Just throw it away.¡±

    Daphne was a bit surprised. ¡°We¡¯re not returning it?¡±

    ¡°If Lysanne sees it when it¡¯s returned, it will be troublesome.¡±

    Daphne understood where she wasing from. ¡°That woman, I saw her from a distancest time.

    She doesn¡¯t seem like a good person to me.¡±

    At the end of the day, Lysander didn¡¯t have any deep-seated hatred towards Lysanne.

    Lysanne was going after Josiah, and it was up to Josiah to make the final choice. In the end, it was all

    about the two of them.

    Lysander and Daphne carried the box to the garbage dump in themunity, threw it into the trash

    can, and took a few photos.

    She then sent the photos to Daphne,

    Daphne immediately caught her drift. ¡°I¡¯ll post it on my status now. What caption should I write? Maybe

    something like ¡®I don¡¯t care. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°No need for words, just post the picture.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Affer Daphne posted it, she refreshed the page and saw that Zane had liked it.

    1/3

    ¡°Is this guy on the inte 24/7? I just posted it less than a minute ago.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Okay, delete it?

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too soon?¡±

    ¡°The people who need to see it have already seen it. That¡¯s enough for me.¡±

    Daphne gave her a thumbs up. ¡°You really are something else.¡±

    ¡°I just want to live my own life.¡±

    Three years of marriage gone in an instant. She thought she was fortunate to have a good husband

    and a kind mother-inw.

    But when the show was over, she realized that it was all just an illusion. She was just a witness to the

    love story between Josiah and Lysanne.

    It was because of her presence that Josiah¡¯s deep love for Lysanne was more prominent.

    should stop letting them treat me like a tool.

    The next day at work, Lynn secretly said to her, ¡°Dr. Thorne, when I came in this morning for the

    handover, I saw the medical records from our departmentst night.¡±

    Lysander already knew what she was going to say, so she kept flipping through the medical records in

    her hands. ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±

    ¡°Guess what I saw? Your husband-no, a scumbag brought his mistress to the hospital for a pr

    checkup!¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡±

    Lynn immediately stomped her foot. ¡°What do you mean ¡®Uh-huh?¡±

    ¡°I know that.¡±

    ¡°You do?! He brought his mistress for a checkup and even told you about it? Don¡¯t tell me he wants yo

    to help his mistress with the checkup report?¡±

    Lysander lightly tapped her on the head with a pen. ¡°What are you thinking? Although I don¡¯t get angry

    easily, I won¡¯t let people bully me.¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Lynn sighed in relief, patting her chest. ¡°You got me worried for a second there.¡±

    ¡°Lynn, can you check when their next checkup is scheduled for?¡±

    ¡°Oh, certainly¡± Lynn checked theputer and replied, ¡°Starting next week, it will be every Saturday.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±

    At noon, she approached the colleague responsible for scheduling and requested not to be scheduled

    2/3

    Chapter 39 Three Years of Marage,

    She believed she could minimize her interactions with Josiah and Lysanne, each going their own way

    in life.

    However, she did not anticipate seeing him again so soon.

    Send Gifts

    Á¢

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40

    Chapter 40 I¡¯m Here to Apologize to You

    That afternoon, Josiah and Lysanne arrived together.

    Lysanne supported her waist with one hand, gently stroking her already prominent belly, dressed in

    comfortable and loose maternity clothes. Her face showed signs of pregnancy, with a slightly swollen-

    appearance that only enhanced her sharp features, giving her a more radiant and well-cared-for look.

    Walking beside her, Josiah gently ced his right arm around her back while his left hand held ady¡¯s

    handbag. He also carried a thermal bag, likely containing a lunch box or something simr.

    Lynn, noticing their arrival, was somewhat surprised and murmured, ¡°Didn¡¯t they justest night?

    Why are they back again so soon?¡±

    The hospital would not reject visitors, so she wasn¡¯t about to chase them out. Since they¡¯re here, we

    might as well go with the flow.

    Lysanne, supporting her belly, sat down in front of her with a smile in her eyes and raised eyebrows.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, it¡¯s been a while.¡±

    Lysander nced at her, then turned to Josiah, noticing his furrowed brows and flickering eyes.

    Retrieving her medical records from theputer, she asked, ¡°Are you feeling any difort?¡±

    ¡°No, Josiah has been taking good care of me. We had a checkupst night, and both the baby and I

    are doing well.¡±

    Lysander looked amused. Everything¡¯s fine, so why are they here today? To unt their rtionship in

    fro of

    me?

    Lysanne grinned. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m here to apologize to you.¡±

    Lysander pointed towards the door. ¡°There¡¯s no need for apologies. If you¡¯re not feeling unwell, p feel

    free to leave. There are other patients waiting outside, and we shouldn¡¯t keep them waiting.¡±

    ¡°I had Josiah take a number. 15 dors, right? Look, here¡¯s the receipt.¡±

    ¡°You took a number, yet you don¡¯t feel unwell. Miss Thorne, what exactly are you trying to achieve?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, there¡¯s no need to be so hostile towards me. The issues between you and Josiah are your

    own, so you can¡¯t me me for everything.¡±

    Lysander was getting tired of all this. She looked at Josiah and urged, ¡°Since she¡¯s beating around the

    bush, why don¡¯t you say something?¡±

    Josiah struggled to find the words. ¡°Lysander, I¡­

    ¡°Let me handle this,¡± Lysanne intervened softly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing much, actually. It¡¯s all because of Josiah.

    You¡¯re a married couple, after all. He wanted to take care of you, so he sent you a bunch of useless

    things. Don¡¯t worry, I scolded him, and he won¡¯t make such foolish gestures again.¡±

    Lysander came to an understanding.

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    Chapter 40 I¡¯m Here to Apologize to You

    It¡¯s because of what happenedst night. Lysanne discovered that Josiah had sent me gifts, so she¡¯s

    here today to give me a dressing down.

    As she spoke, Lysanne reached out to Josiah. ¡°Pass it to me.¡±

    Taking the thermal bag from Josiah, she retrieved a thermal food jar and ced it in front of Lysander,

    saying, ¡°I made this mushroom soup myself; it¡¯s good for your throat. You work at the hospital every

    day, Dr. Thorne, talking to patients and exining their conditions to their families. You must often get

    thirsty, so this soup will be perfect for you.¡±

    Turning back to Josiah, she continued, ¡°See? When giving gifts, it¡¯s important to consider what the

    recipient needs. By giving practical items, you show your sincerity. Those umbres, hair dryers, and

    cheap bags from street vendors were not thoughtful gifts. Even if Dr. Thorne¡¯s sry is modest, she

    can afford those things. She might even feel belittled because of what you gave her. It¡¯s better to give

    something useful that shows you care. Otherwise, she might hold a grudge against you.¡±

    Josiah¡¯splexion paled. ¡°Aren¡¯t we done here? I¡¯ve followed you here since you wanted me to keep

    youpany. Let¡¯s head back already.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished talking yet. Why are you in such a hurry?¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Stop wasting time. There are patients waiting in line behind us.¡±

    ¡°Even so, you should wait for me to finish what I have to say, right? I¡¯ve already paid the consultation

    fee. Why should I leave before I¡¯m done?¡±

    Josiah rubbed his temples in frustration and closed his eyes.

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    Chapter 41

    Chapter 41 Leave if You Are Done

    Lysanne noticed that Josiah had stopped talking, so she turned to Lysander and said, ¡°Dr. Thorne,

    please don¡¯t take it to heart. Josiah has always been like this since he was young, always considerate

    of others, which can lead to misunderstandings. Don¡¯t worry, I will talk to him about itter.¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding?¡±

    ¡°Yes, misunderstanding him having a crush on others Lysanne¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Back in school, there

    was a girl who forgot her umbre after ss, and he lent her his own. The girl mistakenly thought that

    Josiah liked her because of this! It caused quite amotion, dying the girl¡¯s romantic pursuits for a

    few years. Good intentions gone awry, wouldn¡¯t you agree, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander lowered her head and scoffed.

    Lysanne inquired, ¡°Dr. Thorne, am I being clear?¡±

    ¡°Crystal clear.¡±

    ¡°Excellent, I just love talking with intellectuals like you. You catch on quick.¡±

    Lysander scoffed. ¡°Miss Thorne, are you done talking

    ¡°More or less, yeah.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re done, please leave. Next patient, please.¡±

    Lysanne rose and pushed the thermal food jar towards her. ¡°Remember to drink the mushroom soup.

    while it¡¯s hot, Dr. Thorne. It¡¯s not as beneficial when it¡¯s cold.¡±

    Lysander sneered. ¡°I appreciate the reminder, but you might want to remind Mr. Guerra on something.

    else instead. We should get a divorce soon. He needs to set a date and sign the agreement as soon as

    possible.¡±

    Lysanne feigned innocence and hastily rified, ¡°Oh, Dr. Thorne, you¡¯ve misunderstood. I sincerely.

    brought the mushroom soup to help with your health. I wasn¡¯t trying to urge you into getting a divorce.

    ¡°You know full well whether or not that is your intention.¡±

    Josiah reached out to pull Lysanne. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lysanne shook off his hand and sat back down.

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you have anything else to say, Miss Thorne?¡±

    Lysanne beamed, tilted her head, and gently caressed her stomach. ¡°Dr. Thorne, may I add you on

    WhatsApp?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see the need.¡±

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    Chapter 41 Leave if You Are Done

    in case of an emergency, I¡¯d like to be able to reach you directly on WhatsApp.¡±

    Lysander slowly lifted her head, took a deep breath, leaned back in her chair, and said, ¡°The hospital is

    very close to your residence. It¡¯s just a five-minute drive at most.¡±

    Lysanne feigned surprise. ¡°Oh, yes, how forgetful of me. They say pregnancy can make you forgetful

    sometimes; it seems to be true. You¡¯re right, Josiah and I reside in that apartment now, and it¡¯s quite

    nearby.¡±

    ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°I still think we should exchange contact information considering you saved this child¡¯s life. This is

    Josiah¡¯s first son, and when he¡¯s born, we will have a celebration. You yed a crucial role, so you¡¯ll

    definitely be invited. Connecting on WhatsApp will make it easier to reach you then.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander gazed directly at Josiah. First son?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression darkened. He couldn¡¯t meet her gaze, and his head dipped.

    Without further ado, Lysanne retrieved her QR code and showed it to her. ¡°Here you g

    you go, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander stared at her intently. ¡°I don¡¯t add strangers on WhatsApp.¡±

    The smile on Lysanne¡¯s face faded slightly. In exchange, a somewhat menacing tone sounded from

    her. ¡°But I saw a notice posted outside the hospital stating that if necessary, patients can request for

    the doctor¡¯s contact information. It¡¯s the hospital¡¯s policy. You can¡¯t simply disregard it, can you?¡±

    Feeling miffed, Lysander chuckled, impressed by her observant nature. Trying to use the hospital¡¯s

    policy to force my hand, huh?

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    Chapter 42

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 42 What Is Yours Will Always Be Yours

    ¡°Fine.

    She scanned the QR code and added Lysanne.

    Her profile picture was a photo of Josiah in a school uniform. His face didn¡¯t look as mature and

    handsome as it did now, but instead had a hint of youthful innocence and arrogance. Still, it failed to

    hide his noble temperament.

    And her WhatsApp nickname was ¡°ForJosiah.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ForJosiah? ¡°Craving Josiah would suit her better.

    Lysander directly turned off the screen and stuffed the phone back into the pocket of her white coat.

    Lysanne was sitting across from her, very sure that she saw it, smiling and saying, ¡°Josiah¡¯s profile

    picture is a photo of me. I don¡¯t think those couple-style profile pictures look very good, so I decided it¡¯s

    better to use each other¡¯s. We¡¯ve been separated for a long time, and now that we¡¯ve reunited, we want

    to see each other all the time. By doing so, we can see each other anytime, anywhere. I have to say,

    Josiah and I are both thirty years old, but when we¡¯re together, we can get pretty childish¡­¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, so he grabbed her hand and walked out without hesitation. ¡°Alright,

    we¡¯re done here. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second.¡± Lysander stopped him.

    Josiah stopped in his tracks, looking helpless. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need to apologize. Just take your things with you.

    She pointed to the thermal food jar on her table. ¡°The hospital rules state that we can¡¯t ept any gifts

    from patients. Please take it with you. I do not wish for more trouble.¡±

    Josiah hesitated, but Lynn grabbed the thermal food jar without dy and stuffed it into Josiah¡¯s arms.

    then pushed the two of them out of the consultation room. She told the people waiting in line outside,

    ¡°Come in, it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    As soon as the next pregnant woman entered, Lynn mmed the door shut with a bang, isting the

    two outside.

    Lysander nced at her, and Lynn rolled her eyes in the direction of the door. ¡°Does she have a screw

    loose or what? Are all mistresses this arrogant nowadays?¡±

    ¡°Ahem!¡± Lysander cleared her throat and reminded her. ¡°Lynn, there¡¯s a patient here.¡±

    Only then did Lynn shut up, but she still looked unhappy.

    In fact, the pregnant woman who just came in joked, Does the OBGYN department oftene across

    weird people?¡±

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    Chapter 42 What Is Yours Will Always Be Yours

    dramatic than a soap opera.¡±

    ¡°Enough, Lynn.¡±

    Lynn pouted. ¡°But it¡¯s true.¡±

    It was a busy afternoon, with many more pregnant womening in for treatment these days.

    By the time it was time to clock out, there were still a few people waiting in line at the door.

    Lysander worked overtime for half an hour, finished receiving the patients, and then prepared to leave.

    Daphne said she wanted to take her out to eat today, and was waiting in the parking lot.

    Seeing her arrivete, Daphne honked the horn. ¡°Hurry up, there won¡¯t be any spots left if you¡¯re any

    later.

    ¡°Where are we headed? Is their food that good?¡±

    ¡°Get in the car first. We¡¯ll talk on the way.¡±

    Once in the car, Daphne told her they were going to a popr restaurant owned by an inte celebrity

    that had been trending on Instagram recently.

    Lysander was not interested in these inte celebrities, so she sat in the passenger seat, scrolling

    through her phone.

    When she opened her WhatsApp, she was surprised to see that her Status was almost all about

    Lysanne.

    It seemed she was having a hard time containing her feelings, posting dozens of Statuses to show off

    her love every day.

    The first one had a caption that read, ¡°What¡¯s yours will always be yours, no one can take it away. And

    if they do, they have to return it eventually.¡¯

    The picture attached was a high school graduation photo, with everyone else blurred out except for

    Lysanne and Josiah.

    Many people liked and replied to the update.

    Some people were congratting them on finally getting together as a couple, while others were

    teasing Josiah for finally settling down and starting a family.

    Daphne took advantage of the red light to sneak a peek and remarked, ¡°That sly woman, she must¡¯ve

    posted this on purpose, don¡¯t you think? And to think you actually epted her friend request.¡±

    ¡°We have a policy at our hospital that requires us to fulfill patient requests.¡±

    Daphne shook her head, pouting. ¡°Looks like she had this nned out in advance.¡±

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43

    Chapter 43 I Have Nothing to Say to You

    Not only did Lysannee prepared, but she had also made all the preparations in advance. She was

    only waiting for her to add her on WhatsApp so she could immediately start posting.

    In the few minutes while she was refreshing her feed, lysanne posted several statuses on WhatsApp,

    all of which were photos featuring her wedding dress, her bridal evening dress, wedding candies, and

    wedding invitations. Finally, she added a caption, ¡®Can everyone pick one for me? I can¡¯t decide with so

    many options.

    Lysander directly tapped on her profile picture and selected, ¡®Hide posts from this user.

    Daphne arrived at the destination and parked the car.

    This ce truly lived up to its reputation as a ce popr on the inte. It wasn¡¯t even 7 p.m. yet,

    but there was already a long line of people waiting outside.

    Daphne found a table and told her to sit down first. ¡°Judging by the line, we might have to wait for a

    while. I¡¯ll go to the convenience store next door to buy some bread or something to take the edge off

    our hunger.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Why bother with this crowd? Let¡¯s go eat at another restaurant.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the same. You wait here; I¡¯ll be right back, Daphne said before dashing off.

    This girl always rushes about in such a whirlwind manner. Lysander could only sigh in resignation and

    continue waiting here. She didn¡¯t usually y games and only used her phone to read the news.

    Suddenly, her phone rang. It was a call from Lynn.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, have you returned home? Come back quickly. Something has happened!¡±

    When Lysander returned to the hospital, she saw a person at the e entrance¡­

    Josiah¡¯s car was parked in the parking lot in front of the hospital. It was in the same spot as before, with

    the same person.

    Night had fallen, the streetlights were on, and he was standing under the streetlight, smoking. She

    wasn¡¯t sure if it was just her imagination, but his figure seemed a bit hunched.

    Josiah seemed to sense her presence and suddenly raised his head. Realizing it was her, he quickly

    put out the cigarette and walked toward her.

    Lysander ignored him and quickened her pace toward the hospital, but Josiah easily caught hold of her

    with his tall stature and long limbs. ¡°Lysander!¡±

    He smelled strongly of smoke, indicating he had smoked quite a lot. In addition, he had a faint smell of

    alcohol on him.

    ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±

    Josiah fell silent; his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down before he forced a smile. ¡°Just a little for

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    Chapter 43 1 Have Nothing to Say to You

    business.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°You can¡¯t drive after drinking.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Josiah replied after a moment of silence.

    Lysander med to break free from his grasp but couldn¡¯t. ¡°Let go of me. I have to go to work.¡±

    Josiah said. ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±

    Tm busy. There¡¯s a pregnant woman in critical condition. I have to go save her.¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment while holding her hand. Well then, go ahead. I¡¯ll wait for you here.¡±

    Lysander walked a couple of steps forward before she paused. She whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t wait for me. I

    have nothing to say to you.¡±

    Josiah caught up to her. Lysander. I¡¯ve been owing you an exnation, and there¡¯s what happened

    today¡­

    ¡°Dr. Thome! Come quickly! The patient is waiting! Lynn called out to Lysander while holding her white

    coat, perhaps noticing her being pestered by Josiah

    Lysander replied, ¡°I¡¯lle night away,¡± She turned around and said solemnly to Josiah, Mr. Rong.

    when it¡¯s over, it¡¯s over. Don¡¯t drag your feet about it. Yesterday, you sent me a bunch of things, and

    today, your girlfriend came knocking on my door, bringing mushroom soup and speaking in riddles.

    Does she know you¡¯re here to see me? If she finds out will shee causing a scene at the hospital

    again tomorrow?

    Josiah looked guilty Tm sorry, Lysander. I¡¯m sorry

    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡± Lysander frowned and stopped him, The best thing you can do to me is to stay away

    from me.¡± She shook off Josiah¡¯s hand and hurried inside.

    Lynn handed her the white coat and whispered, ¡°He arrived shortly after you left and has been waiting

    here the whole time. I¡¯m not sure what he was waiting for. If it weren¡¯t for the special circumstances

    today, you wouldn¡¯t havee back to the hospital.¡°

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Lysander focused on buttoning up her coat. ¡°Let him be. I have work to attend to.¡±

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 44 She¡¯s Too Busy for That

    Josiah waited until after 11 p.m. that night, but Lysander never came out. He stopped a young nurse

    and asked, ¡°Is Dr. Thorne from the obstetrics and gynecology department still here?¡±

    The nurse was taken aback for a moment. ¡°Dr. Thorne has already left a while ago.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys call her back for overtime duty for an emergency?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you mean the patient who had a miscarriage,¡± the nurse said, ¡°her heavy bleeding has been

    stopped, and she has been transferred to the ICU. The doctors in the ICU are taking care of her now,

    so Dr. Thorne left.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯ve been waiting at the door the whole time and didn¡¯t see her.¡±

    The nurse blinked her eyes. ¡°Then I¡¯m not sur from there.¡±

    but our hospital has a side door. She might have left

    She¡¯s already left. She went out through the side door expressly to avoid me. Josiah smiled wryly and

    closed his

    eves.

    The nurse asked, ¡°Do you have something to discuss with Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°1. Josiah paused. He asked, ¡°You just said Dr. Thorne came back because a pregnant woman had a

    miscarriage with heavy bleeding?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°In the case of a miscarriage, is heavy bleedingmon?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not toomon. It varies from person to person¡±

    ¡°Will it be very painful?¡±

    The nurse said, ¡°Of course. It¡¯s like tearing a piece of Desh out of your belly. How can it not be painful?¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Josiah didn¡¯t know how he managed to drive back home. Along the way, all he could hear in his mind

    was the nurse¡¯s words. It¡¯s like tearing a piece of flesh out of your belly. How can it not be painful?

    He recalled that afternoon when he rushed from the hilltop to the hospital entrance and saw her. She

    was wearing an oversized hospital gown, her face pale as if drained of all color. She was supported by

    Daphne, looking like she could copse at any moment. How could it not hurt? It was clear from the

    way she looked that she was in so much pain that she could barely speak properly.

    He scanned his fingerprint and opened the door, only to be hit by a strong, greasy smell of takeout

    food.

    Lysanne was sitting on the sofa with a box of fried chicken in hand,ughing heartily while watching a

    variety show on TV. ¡°Howe you¡¯re back sote?¡± sheined unhappily. ¡°Did Lysander contact

    you again?¡±

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    Lysanne licked the sauce off her fingers, pouting. ¡°Is she giving up like that after losing a money tree

    like you? I don¡¯t believe it.¡±

    Josiah felt exhausted. He wanted to sit on the sofa, but as he came closer, he realized it was covered

    in remnants of her snacks-fruit peels, melon seed husks, and snack crumbs.

    He chuckled in exasperation. ¡°Is this why you wanted to rece the fabric sofa with a leather one?¡±

    Lysanne shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s easier to clean this way. Fabric sofas need to be washed if they get dirty, but

    leather ones only need a quick wipe.¡±

    ¡°From now on, no cating on the sofa. It attracts cockroaches.¡±

    ¡°I just like to eat and watch TV at the same time.¡± Lysanne raised her chin. ¡°I¡¯ve always been like this,

    and you know that.¡±

    Josiah was rendered speechless.

    There was no ce to sit on the sofa, so he got up and walked toward the bedroom.

    Lysanne stood up suddenly and called out to him, ¡°Hey, Josiah, where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to rest in the bedroom.¡±

    ¡°No,e here and watch TV with me.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, I¡¯m really tired.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. You used to always go along with me, even skipping sses to go to the amusement park

    with me. Now, what¡¯s wrong with watching TV with me? Did Lysander say something to you again? Did

    she call you after deleting you on WhatsApp? Did she badmouth me?¡±

    ¡°No, she didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡± Lysanne eximed as she jumped off the sofa, ignoring the grease from the

    snacks on her hands as she tried to grab his phone. ¡°Let me check your phone! It must be because I

    went to the hospital to confront her today. She¡¯s holding a grudge, so sheined to you-¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Can you stop ming everything on Lysander? She¡¯s avoiding us

    now. She won¡¯te to me anymore!¡±

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    Chapter 45

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 45 She Saved Someone Who Wrecked Her Marriage

    Lysanne still wouldn¡¯t believe it. She held out her hand in front of him, saying, ¡°Give me the phone.¡±

    Josiah closed his eyes ¡°Cut it out, will you?¡±

    ¡°Give it to me!¡± Seeing that Josiah wouldn¡¯t budge, Lysanne directly reached out to try to retrieve the

    phone from his pants pocket.

    Josiah attempted to push her hand away, but considering her bulging belly, he didn¡¯t dare to use too

    much strength. In the end, he could only watch as her greasy hand delved into his pocket and pulled

    out the phone.

    ¡°Go ahead and check. I¡¯m going to take a shower.

    He headed straight to the bathroom. The warm water poured over his head, as if washing away

    lingering smell of alcohol in his breath.

    the

    rush.

    His mind was in turmoil. Until today, he had genuinely wished for Lysander to live well, especially since

    he had wronged her in the first ce. But just a while ago, he saw her get out of the taxi and all the

    way to the hospital. She looked so well at the hospital, exuding positivity and confidence as if the

    divorce never urred.

    This made him feel ufortable once more.

    In just a month, she had undergone an abortion, a divorce, and even the postpartum period. From

    Daphne¡¯s posts on social media, he knew that the abortion had probably taken a huge toll on her, and

    she still experienced asional abdominal pain. Yet whenever he saw her recently, she appeared to

    be in high spirits.

    During the day, she conducted consultations with gentleness and patience. Even when Lysanne tried to

    provoke her, she remained unruffled, simply telling Lysanne to take the mushroom soup back. When

    called back for overtime work at night, she continued to go all out. She was the same as she had been

    a month ago; in fact, she looked even moreposed and confident.

    Josiah suddenly felt conflicted. He hoped for Lysander¡¯s swift recovery, but when he witnessed her

    improvement, an indescribable bitterness surged within him.

    There was a dinner party earlier in the day where he had a few drinks. He had intended to call a

    designated driver for a ride back home, but for some reason, perhaps due to the alcohol clouding his

    judgment, he subconsciously drove to the hospital parking lot and waited to pick her up after work.

    After standing in the parking lot for a while, he noticed the streetlights flickering on. Only then did he

    suddenly realize howte it was. She had probably left work hours ago,

    It was purely coincidental that he encountered her once more.

    Watching her leap out of the taxi and dash into the hospital reminded him of the countless times over

    the past three years when he personally drove her to the hospital after she received a phone call on

    her day off.

    She always exhibited this urgency, rushing to arrive on time. leaping out of the car and sprinting into

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    woman¡¯s belly, and any dy could result in lifelong regret. So, she hurriedly made her way every

    single time to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

    Did she do the same when Lysanne had an ident? After receiving a call from the hospital, she

    swiftly took a taxi to the hospital and then rushed in to save someone. She probably didn¡¯t anticipate

    that the person she rescued this time would be the one who shattered her marriage.

    Knock! Knock! Knock!

    There was a knock on the bathroom door. It was Lysanne. ¡°Josiah, are you done showering?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. Why?¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    ¡°Come out. I have something to ask you.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t it wait a little? I¡¯m still in the shower.¡±

    ¡°No, I won¡¯t feel at case until I get some answers! Come out now.¡±

    Josiah, d in a bathrobe, emerged and saw Lysanne standing at the bathroom door with her arms

    crossed. She appeared ready to interrogate him, confidently tilting her chin up and turning her phone¡¯s

    screen toward him. ¡°Exin this. What¡¯s going on?¡±

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    Chapter 46

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 46 Already Cheating on My Wife

    Josiah nced at the phone screen. It looked like a map.

    Additionally, this was not his phone. belonged to Lysanne.

    He furrowed his brows. ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°The map with your movements of the day.¡±

    Josiah was taken aback. ¡°You¡­ You installed a tracker on my phone?¡±

    ¡°Hmph.¡± Lysanne red at him. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m unaware of how you always go to the Central Hospital.

    after work. What are you doing there? If you continue like this, Lysander will never get over you. Do

    you understand?¡±

    Josiah was slightly irritated. ¡°Lysanne, I try to cooperate with whatever you want, but I also have the

    right to privacy!¡±

    ¡°What privacy? We are already a couple. Once your divorce is finalized, we can get married. What

    need is there for privacy between a married couple? That is unless you desire to be unfaithful.¡±

    Josiah suddenly chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m already cheating on my wife.¡±

    Lysanne pouted. ¡°We don¡¯t fall into that category. It¡¯s true love for us. The individual who is not loved in

    a rtionship is the homewrecker. Also, your marriage with her doesn¡¯t even qualify as a genuine

    marriage. At best, you¡¯re merely cohabiting, the second-best option.¡±

    Josiah sighed in resignation. ¡°Is this what you¡¯ve gleaned from studying marriagew?¡±

    Lysanne shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s what we call evaluating each case separately.¡±

    ¡°Fine. Whatever.¡± Josiah then asked, ¡°Where is my phone?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll return it to youter.¡±

    ¡°Where did you ce it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll return it to youter. What¡¯s with the rush?¡± Lysarme shot him an annoyed look. ¡°I¡¯m warning you,

    are prohibited from having any contact with Lysander in the future. Understood?¡±

    you

    Josiah¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down before he tiredly said, ¡°You truly don¡¯t need to treat her in

    this manner. We wronged her, and she recently underwent an abortion¡­¡±

    ¡°So what if she had an abortion? Did we hold a knife to her throat and force her to do it? It was her own

    choice.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Still, what if she didn¡¯t proceed with it? If she carried the child to term, and after nine

    months the child was born, would you ept the child being epted back into the Guerra family and

    residing with us?¡±

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    simply by having a child? No such thing would happen in reality.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°What would she need to do to satisfy you?¡±

    Lysanne suddenly looked up at him with wary eyes. What do you mean by that? Are you

    for her abortion?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ming me

    ¡°No, I me myself.¡± Josiah¡¯s brow creased with a touch of anguish. ¡°I couldn¡¯t even protect my

    children. I have wronged them and their mother.¡±

    Own

    Lysanne stuck out her tongue, nonchnt. ¡°It¡¯s merely an abortion. You don¡¯t need to take it so

    seriously. Furthermore, she was in the early stages of pregnancy. She¡¯s also an obstetrician herself. It

    was probably as effortless as using the restroom for her. She likely didn¡¯t feel a thing.¡±

    The phrase ¡°as effortless as using the restroom¡± made him uneasy. ¡°Abortion is not as straightforward

    believe. I saw that she was in so much pain that day that she could not even stand straight¡­¡±

    as you

    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Lysanne interjected with a light chuckle. ¡°She is a gynecologist. She must know how

    to minimize the impact of abortion on herself. How could she subject herself to such pain? She¡¯s

    merely feigning in front of you to elicit your sympathy. It¡¯s all so that she can demand more alimony

    when she divorces you. I¡¯ve seen this tactic before.¡±

    ¡­Forget it. I just can¡¯t get through to you.¡± Josiah asked once more. ¡°Where exactly is my phone?¡±

    ¡°There. On the coffee table.¡±

    Josiah approached and noticed that the phone screen was still illuminated, disying a progress bar

    advancing slowly which was currently indicating 96%

    He frowned and asked, ¡°What did you do to my phone?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47

    Chapter 47 If You Love Me, You Will Obey Me

    ¡°Oh, I restored your phone to factory settings, so that all traces of her are cleared. You won¡¯t see

    anything about her anymore.¡±

    This time, Josiah could no longer hold back his anger ¡°Did you find evidence of my lingering feeling for

    Lysander in my phone?¡±

    Lysanne chuckled. ¡°No, you did well. I mustmend you.¡±

    ¡°Since you didn¡¯t find anything, why did you format my phone?¡±

    ¡°I did it for your own good,¡± Lysanne said, patting him on the shoulder while putting on the face of

    someone who knew what they were talking about. ¡°You always kept my photos in your phone before.

    Isn¡¯t it because you couldn¡¯t forget me? Now, I¡¯ve deleted everything about her. You won¡¯t repeat the

    same mistakes.¡±

    Josiah grabbed his phone and kept pressing the home button, but there was no response.

    He tried to turn it off, hoping to interrupt the formatting process. However, when he turned it back on,

    the formatting progress bar started directly from 96% and continued to march onward. 97, 98, 99)

    100%

    Factory reset sessful.

    Josiah held the phone, looking at the prompt on the screen, and closed his eyes in despair.

    Lysanne was very happy though. ¡°Oh, yeah! It¡¯s finally done. It was a little slow.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, there isn¡¯t much about her in my phone. It was mostly just your photos and our chat history

    along with a few text messages.¡±

    Lysanne shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I have already epted you, so you don¡¯t need those things to think

    about

    me anymore.

    ¡°Still, there were also a lot of work-rted documents, memos, and contacts! These things are

    important too!¡±

    Lysanne replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let your secretary handle it.

    ¡°Do you know how much work it will take to retrieve these things?¡±

    Lysanne chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s your secretary. You pay her sry. Just tell her what to do. What¡¯s the big

    deal?¡±

    Josiah waspletely speechless. ¡°Okay, even if she can handle it all, it will still take time. What if it

    dys work?¡±

    ¡°Then, make her work overtime. If necessary, all night. It¡¯s her job. If the work is not done and it causes

    Inteer to thepany then daduet her? nerformance hanue and vase,and hanie Keen

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    ¡°There is a limit to a person¡¯s stamina!¡±

    ¡°A person¡¯s potential is also limitless! Lysanne immediately retorted. ¡°Sometimes, if you don¡¯t push

    someone, they will never know where their limit is. What you¡¯re doing is also training her ability to work

    and efficiency.¡±

    ¡°By the way, is your secretary still the same person?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just fire her?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    ¡°Just because she¡¯s a woman, I don¡¯t trust her.¡±

    Josiah did not know what to say.

    Lysanne walked over, gently wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing her cheek against his

    chest, as she coquettishly said, ¡°Josiah, look. I will get jealous over you. Aren¡¯t you happy?¡±

    Josiah gently pushed her away. ¡°Ms. Collins is already married and has children. She is a mother of

    three.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯m just jealous.¡± Lysanne hugged his waist harder and nestled into his arms. ¡°Anyway,

    you can¡¯t have any other woman around you, not even a female mosquito.¡±

    Josiah tried to pry her arms away from his waist. ¡°Let me go first. We must not crowd the baby¡­¡±

    ¡°No. No, you must promise me first. Tomorrow, you will dismiss that female secretary of yours.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Collins has been with me for eight years. She works diligently and works well with me¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it. If you love me, you will obey me.¡±

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48

    Chapter 48 She Rarely Thought of Josiah

    It was another month before Lysander ever heard any news of Josiah and Lysanne,

    Daphne came to the hospital and made an appointment with her just to tell her the news. When

    Lysander saw Daphne walking in as a ¡°patient¡±, she was taken aback. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡±

    Daphne closed the door behind her and patted her belly, smiling at her.

    Lysander became even more flustered. ¡°Are you really pregnant¡­?¡±

    ¡°Haha! Don¡¯t be scared. What¡¯s in my belly is not a child. It¡¯s a melon.

    Daphne sat opposite her and started rattling off, saying. ¡°Josiah¡¯spany is in big trouble!!

    Lysander¡¯s only reaction was indifference. ¡°Why are you telling me this? I don¡¯t understand business.¡±

    ¡°Do you know why it¡¯s in trouble?¡±

    Lysander did not speak.

    ¡°It¡¯s Lysanne. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with her. She went to thepany and caused a scene,

    saying that Josiah¡¯s secretary seduced Josiah. It caused a big uproar in the city.¡±

    Lysander tried to recall the name. Ms. Collins?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t remember herst name. I just know that the secretary is a woman,¡± Daphne said. ¡°Do you

    think that it¡¯s possible Ms. Collins was imitating someone and tried to be friends with Josiah?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Ms. Collins is already married and has children. When she was pregnant

    with her third child, she even came to me for check-ups. Also, she is a decent person with a good

    rtionship with her husband. Her husband is very protective of her.¡±

    ¡°I knew it.¡± Daphne looked like she had expected that the entire time. ¡°Lysanne is so paranoid. Si she

    climbed up to where she was using that method, she¡¯s afraid other women might do the same She¡¯s on

    high alert now, not even letting go of a secretary who¡¯s married and a mother.¡±

    ¡°What happened next?¡±

    Daphne shrugged. ¡°Lysanne was pregnant, crying, and causing a scene in thepany. No one dared

    to help her, afraid of getting into trouble. In the end. Ms. Collins handed in her resignation and left a

    month ago.¡±

    Lysander had met Ms. Collins before and felt that she was a very calm and capable woman. It seemed

    like she had been with Josiah for many years. When Lysander married Josiah, Ms. Collins was already

    his secretary.

    A good career was ruined by Lysanne, and that made Lysander feel sorry for Ms. Collins.

    ¡°Herees the main point. As Ms. Collins had already left, this matter should havee to an end

    with much livinur their num lium Homesne 1 venne is pill not esticfied Shemada her concin ma wovel ?

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    Chapter 48 She Rarely Thought of Josiah

    ¡°Her cousin? Was he also studying to be a secretary?¡±

    ¡°Rubbish!¡± Daphne said. That cousin of mine is just a good-for-nothing yboy. I heard he didn¡¯t even

    graduate from junior high school. How can he be a secretary? He only worked for a few days and

    managed to mess up the wholepany, even losing a very important document. As a result, the

    contract that was originally agreed upon couldn¡¯t be signed, causing Guerra Group to directly lose a

    deal worth several billion!¡±

    Lysander listened quietly, asionally flipping through the medical records she had on hand.

    Frankly speaking, during this time, she rarely thought of Josiah.

    Since leaving him, Lysander¡¯s life has been fulfilling. Although she was busy at work every day, the

    sight of healthy and safe births of baby children, and the cautious but smiling faces of new parents

    made her feel that her job was particrly meaningful.

    After work, she would go to the gym for exercise before heading to the supermarket to buy fresh

    ingredients for her meals.

    She cooked for herself every day. She would even bring her own healthy and nutritious meals to work.

    Additionally, she consciously started adjusting her schedule so that she would go to bed early and

    wake up early. She feltpletely refreshed. It was as if her past marriage was a thing of the past. As

    she looked back at it now, it all seemed like a lifetime ago,

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    Chapter 49 Honest

    Personally, Lysander didn¡¯t really have much energy to focus on Josiah and Lysanne¡¯s aftermath. So,

    she didn¡¯t react much when she suddenly heard these two being brought up in the conversation.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether the oue is good or bad. He made his choice. He can do whatever he

    wants as long as he believes it¡¯s justified.¡±

    ¡°Justified?¡± Daphne chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t think Josiah necessarily sees it that way. A lot has happened.

    recently. Suffice it to say, he has practically be aughingstock in our social circle. Let me give

    you

    the deets.¡±

    Lysander stretched out her palm to stop Daphne from continuing. ¡°Stop. My work takes priority. I still

    have plenty of patients queuing out there.¡±

    Daphne quickly realized she was taking up the patients¡¯ time after that reminder. Although she felt

    somewhat guilty and sheepish, the gossipmonger within her just couldn¡¯t resist sharing the juicy details

    with her friend. Thus, she rose to her feet and said with an eager glint in her eye, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you

    your office.

    in

    Unfortunately, there were many patients that day. As a result, Lysander only managed to make it back

    to her office around 7 p.m.

    Daphne immediately jerked to her feet and eximed, ¡°You¡¯re finally back!¡±

    Lysander clutched her waist and replied with a slightly pained expression, I¡¯m sorry I made for so long.¡±

    you wait

    ¡°Why are you being so courteous after all we¡¯ve been through?¡± Nevertheless, Daphne took a few

    steps to support her. When she noticed Lysander¡¯s scrunched eyebrows, she inquired with concern,

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your waist?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s that time of the month,¡± Lysander muttered hesitantly.

    ¡°I remember you didn¡¯t suffer cramps, right? Why are you suffering- Daphne trailed off as if she had

    realized something. ¡°Is this your first period after the abortion?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression seemed deste every single time the topic of her abortion came up.

    Daphne also knew that although abortion was the most rational choice at the time, that child¡¯s loss and

    her decision had be a permanent scar in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Anyway, didn¡¯t you say something about filling me in?¡±

    Daphne touched her forehead as she inquired worriedly, ¡°Are you truly alright? The gossip isn¡¯t going to

    run away. We could always do something else.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± I veander clowly straightened her snine as che leaned into her chair ¡°I can rest and listen to

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

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    ¡°Alright, then.¡±

    Daphne began to update her on thetest news. Once the woman started going, it seemed as though

    theziest trickle of words soon became a torrent of them.

    ¡°Guerra Group lost a few million again just a few days ago.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Is it because of Lysanne¡¯s cousin?¡±

    Daphne looked disdainful as she snorted. ¡°That¡¯s a separate issue. Losing a big deal is one thing. The

    thing I¡¯m talking about? It¡¯s apletely different issue altogether. Ever since Lysanne¡¯s cousin

    became

    Josiah¡¯s secretary, he¡¯s been acting high and mighty. He¡¯s been going around boasting that his

    cousin-inw is a wealthy tycoon. He was driving Josiah¡¯s luxury car when he caused a fatal ident

    while drunk driving. The victim was a traffic police officer.¡±

    Lysander, who had been feeling down, suddenly became alert.

    ¡°A traffic police?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Daphne crossed her arms and said mockingly, ¡°And he was driving Josiah¡¯s car.¡±

    ¡°So¡­. he caused a fatal ident while drunk driving, and the victim is a traffic policeman. Oh, wow. It

    is a big deal.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Daphne continued, ¡°It seemed like he was going to be sentenced. However, you know how it

    is. Lysanne started crying and begging, saying that he was her only cousin and she couldn¡¯t bear to

    see him go to jail.

    ¡°So, Josiah just scrubbed his record clean with money?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. Josiah is wealthy, but the other party is an officer of thew. So, it¡¯s not an easy

    matter to settle.¡±

    ¡°What happened, then?¡±

    ¡°Well, all I got from it is that Lysanne is truly a ruthless woman. She asked Josiah to take the me for

    her cousin.¡±

    Lysander was utterly shocked at this point.

    Josiah taking the me? Is Lysanne being serious right now?

    When Daphne caught sight of the bbergasted look on her face, she chuckled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so

    surprised. You¡¯re not hallucinating. I¡¯m being 100% honest. Lysanne argued that since Josiah owns the

    car, as the owner, he cannot evade responsibility. Moreover, the Guerra family holds significant power

    and influence. Josiah may not have to serve time in jail if he shoulders the me. Instead, he¡¯s likely

    only required to pay a fine.¡±

    ¡°Has he agreed to this?¡±

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 50 Time

    ¡°Haha, don¡¯t you find it hrious? I have never seen anyone like Josiah before. If one calls him a

    complete idiot, the man has sessfully managed such a bigpany after all this time. Still, he can¡¯t

    be all that bright since he¡¯s willing to do such irrational things.¡±

    Lysander remarked, ¡°Ah, the power of love. It¡¯s mysterious, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Daphne sneered, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand him. What does he see in Lysanne? If he¡¯s a king, it

    wouldn¡¯t be that far off to call him apletely useless one, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s assessment was straightforward. ¡°Well, maybe those two are addicted to that sort of toxic

    love.¡±

    ¡°In any

    case, this incident ultimately falls on Josiah¡¯s shoulders. Your ex-mother-inw fainted when she found

    out. This matter has spread like wildfire within our social circle!¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®oh? Aren¡¯t you the slightest bit gleeful? Come on. Let¡¯s have a celebratory meal.

    We missed out on dining at that popr restaurantst time. We should go there this time.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°There are too many people there. Why don¡¯t we just have a meal

    somewhere else?¡±

    s, Daphne insisted, ¡°No way! I¡¯ve been wanting to dine at that popr restaurant for so long!¡±

    Lysander¡¯s throbbing ovaries had improved significantly after some rest. So. Daphne immediately

    seized this opportunity to drag her out, stuff her in the car, and fasten Lysander¡¯s seatbelt before the

    woman could say a word of protest.

    When she noticed Lysander¡¯s slightly displeased expression, she merely smiled cheekily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.

    I will never fall in love in this lifetime. The front passenger seat is yours for as long as you want.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at that.

    Still, there was the slightest twinge of regret after being teased about the front passenger seat over and

    over again. I shouldn¡¯t have confided in her about Lysanne at the time.Daphne is wonderful. However,

    her tongue- is as sharp as she is brilliant.

    passengers

    Due to the front issue, she would talk extensively about the ownership of the front passenger seat

    every single time they went out. After a beat, she would immediately begin criticizing Lysanne, saying

    disparagingly. ¡°She is just a typical two-faced b*tch. You shouldn¡¯t have backed down at that time. I still

    believe you should have stood up for yourself.¡±

    Lysander made herselffortable in her seat and gazed out the window, saying nothing.

    Sure, I can do that. It still doesn¡¯t change what woulde after.

    Josiah would surely defend Lysanne right down to hisst breath.

    It would only lead to unnecessary trouble. Frankly, Lysander found it too cumbersome to bother.

    1/2

    Chapter 50 Time

    Daphne harshly reprimanded her, ¡°You always believe that everything can be resolved gracefully. I

    want to say, ¡®no judgment but that would be a bald-faced lie. Your marriage ended on a graceful note

    because of it. Regardless, you are the only one who got hurt while the other two are happily together.¡±

    Lysander chuckled softly as she retorted. ¡°Is he happy now?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Daphne was surprised by her response. Nheless, she quickly changed her tone as

    she mused. ¡°He probably was happy. Sadly, hispany suffered a major loss because of Lysanne

    and her darling cousin. The man¡¯s career is affected because of them. The situation is utterly different

    now. So, I don¡¯t know if Josiah will still be as devoted to Lysanne as before.¡±

    On the way to the restaurant, Lysander checked the financial news for the first time in a long while.

    She deliberately avoided any news about him during her time apart from Josiah.

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    I have to admit that time is truly a powerful remedy. Time has given me the chance to eventually

    release my grip on bitterness and bring me closure.

    When she saw his name in the news again, she no longer felt the same excitement as she did m

    past.

    Her heart was as still as a calmke.

    The news

    the

    report was concise, stating that the president of the Guerra Group, Josiah Guerra, had caused a fatal

    ident while driving under influence. The reporter didn¡¯t bother hiding the fact that the case was

    currently under further investigation.

    Lysander inquired, ¡°Daphne, you mentioned that the Guerra family lost tens of millions. So, will Josiah

    go to jail?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good question. I¡¯ll do some digging and inform you when I have more information.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Lysander said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me.¡±

    After a pause, she changed her mind. ¡°Actually, please find out as soon as possible and inform me.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s face immediately wrinkled in confusion. ¡°You still care about him?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not concerned about that. I worry that if he ends up in jail, I won¡¯t be able toplete the divorce

    process.¡±

    Daphne chuckled softly, offering reassurance as she spoke, ¡°Ah, my heart feels at ease knowing that

    you¡¯re wide awake now.¡±

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 51 Presumptuous

    Lysander and Daphne went their separate ways upon their arrival.

    Lysander was responsible for saving them seats, while Daphne went to the front to get a number.

    The popr restaurant they visited was an Italian restaurant. The owner had taken care to renovate

    and decorate the store with a unique European style.

    Lysander believed its poprity stemmed from being ideal for photos and check-ins, rather than the

    quality of the food.

    The restaurant boasted ssical medieval European architecture, a baroque roof, and an overall

    magnificent appearance resembling a banquet pce

    Plus, the owner was a marketing genius as they had ced a pumpkin carriage at the entrance,

    attracting many young girls who were eager to take photos with it.

    s, she was just enjoying the ambiance when amotion ensued as a group of people surrounded

    the pumpkin carriage. It seemed they were engaged in a heated dispute.

    She was quite a distance away when she heard a shrill yet familiar voice.

    ¡°Why are young girls nowadays so ignorant? Don¡¯t they understand that pregnant women have

    priority?¡±

    A chillingly familiar figure stood sentry behind her.

    Although he was as tall as ever, he was also noticeably thinner. Now, he no longer wore the sleeve

    garter that once gave him a noble and arrogant air. Lysander couldn¡¯t help but shoot a nce at his

    loose sleeve cuff. He¡¯s probably too emaciated for it now. It¡¯ll fall off if he does wear it.

    Lysanne was harshly berating a teenage girl while he stood awkwardly. Eventually, he tugged her awa

    and said, That¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Stop pulling me. I will teach these impolite girls a lesson today. The elderly, weak, sick, and pregnant

    deserve priority wherever they go!¡±

    The young girl argued, ¡°This isn¡¯t a bus or subway. It¡¯s just a tourist spot for selfies.¡±

    ¡°Respect should be shown to vulnerable groups in any public areas. Speaking of, why were you

    leaning toward my husband? He¡¯s married, and I¡¯m pregnant!

    ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°How dare you deny it? I saw you taking photos of him!¡±

    The young girl, unable to match Lysanne¡¯s unreasonable words, burst into tears. She hastily covered

    her face and fled the scene.

    In har harta to flee from that humiliating crane che

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    Chapter 51 Presumptuous

    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± The young girl stuttered out an apology before fleeing in a panic.

    Suddenly, Lysander heard Josiah¡¯s voice, ¡°Lysander¡­

    Lysander quickly walked away without bothering to look back.

    Fortunately, the crowd was dense, allowing her to escape without Josiah on her tail.

    She curled her lips into a bitter smile once she wriggled her way from the crowd. Josiah was most likely

    calling Lysanne¡¯s name instead of hers.

    After all, his heart and eyes were fixed on the woman he loved. So, how could he have noticed her

    amidst the bustling crowd?

    Lysander, don¡¯t be presumptuous.

    To make matters worse, she found her seat taken by the time she returned to the waiting lounge.

    When Daphne returned and saw her standing, she asked in confusion, ¡°Why are you standing around?

    Didn¡¯t I ask you to save a seat for me? This restaurant is crowded. We might have to wait for an hour or

    two.¡±

    Lysander felt remorseful and exined. ¡°I got distracted around the entrance.¡±

    Daphne inquired, ¡°What was it?¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    ¡°There was just some squabble over photo-taking around the pumpkin carriage-

    ¡°It¡¯s more than just a mere conflict!¡±

    The couple sitting beside themmented as the woman remarked scathingly. ¡°Thatdy is so

    controlling. Her husband is tall and good-looking. When a young girl tried to take a picture of him,

    presumably because she found him attractive, the wife went off like a firecracker. She berated the

    young girl until she started crying! The wife refused to let it go even after the poor girl¡¯s profuse

    apologies.¡±

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 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 52 Next Door Girl

    Daphne was stunned: ¡°That man has a wife, and the girl still took a picture with him?¡±

    ¡°That man¡¯s wife is pregnant! She sat here waiting for a table, while the man went to the front to get a

    number. That girl had no idea he was married! After she found out, she immediately deleted the photo,

    and even apologized to his wife with a very sincere attitude. She seemed quite polite.¡±

    ¡°Well, if she didn¡¯t know and apologized as soon as she found out before deleting the photo, then it¡¯s all

    good.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but the wife just wouldn¡¯t let it go. She followed her all the way from here to the pumpkin

    carriage over there, cursing and using the girl of seducing her husband, Actually, the girl didn¡¯t want

    to argue with a pregnant woman, so she went to take other photos over there, trying to diffuse the

    situation. But, the pregnant woman, taking advantage of her status, insisted that the girl was not

    considerate of vulnerable groups. In fact, it had nothing to do with the queuing order, as she just

    wanted an excuse to continue cursing at people while trying to chase that girl away.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s mouth twitched as she listened. ¡°Chase her away? Just scold her and be done with it. Why

    chase her away?¡±

    Shrugging, the girl next to them replied, ¡°Maybe, she felt threatened since that girl is quite pretty¡­ Hey,

    that girl looks a bit like you,e to think of it.¡±

    She pointed at Lysander and said, ¡°She has a very gentle and soft temperament with a simple pony

    and wore simple and elegant clothes. Really, at first nce, she really looks quite simr to you.¡±

    Her boyfriend next to her added, ¡°She has a very ¡®next-door-girl¡¯ look to her.¡±

    The girl immediately nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, she gives off a high-school puppy love¡¯ vibe. Honey,

    don¡¯t you think she looks a lot like this girl?¡±

    Her boyfriend carefully looked at Lysander and nodded emphatically. ¡°Appearance wise, it¡¯s not that

    simr, but it¡¯s mainly her aura. It really is quite simr, especially from the back, as the resemnc

    really high.¡±

    Daphne chuckled after hearing this, ¡°Now I suddenly understand this pregnant woman. If that girl really

    is as beautiful as my friend, it¡¯s understandable to be afraid of her husband being tempted.¡±

    Lysander lightly tapped her, ¡°Be serious.¡±

    ¡°I am serious,¡± Daphne said. ¡°You know, back when we were in middle school, a lot of people had a

    crush on you, but you were the top student in the whole grade, so those boys didn¡¯t dare to directly

    pursue you.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t quite believe it, ¡°But, when you were the top student, didn¡¯t you have plenty of guys

    confessing to you?¡±

    ¡°Well, that guy had ulterior motives! He didn¡¯t really like me, so it doesn¡¯t count.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s been so many years. Why bring this un now?¡±

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    ¡°Exactly.¡± Daphne rolled her eyes, looking annoyed. ¡°I have to tell you, I watched a variety show

    segment before. There was a female celebrity who was quite good-looking and was married to a bald

    male actor. She was always suspicious that other women were trying to seduce her husband, but with

    her husband¡¯s looks¡­ It¡¯s hard to put into words. And yet, she always thought her husband was the

    most handsome man in the world. I was speechless at her actions. I guess the couple we just saw is

    probably simr, and her husband might also be a bald and ugly

    man.¡±

    The girlfriend immediately said, ¡°Not this couple, I saw everything. The husband of the pregnant

    woman is indeed quite handsome and tall too. If he wasn¡¯t handsome, the girl wouldn¡¯t have taken a

    photo with him.¡±

    ¡°What about the pregnant woman? Is she pretty?¡±

    ¡°Average, not ugly, but not beautiful either. She just looks like a Jane Doe.¡±

    Daphne said, ¡°No wonder she feels insecure.¡±

    Lysander pushed her gently, changing the subject, ¡°What number are we?¡±

    ¡°1036, Daphne said helplessly. ¡°We still have to wait for a while.¡±

    ¡°Should we go eat somewhere else?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°No way!¡± Daphne insisted, ¡°Last time we missed out on eating at this restaurant. This time, I¡¯m

    determined to wait no matter what.¡±

    Lysander shrugged, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll apany you then, mydy.¡±

    As they were conversing, there was another disturbance at the restaurant entrance with a sharp female

    voice yelling loudly.

    Daphne stood on her tiptoes and craned her neck to catch a glimpse, whispering, ¡°I hope it¡¯s not that

    pregnantdy again.¡±

    However, because she was not tall enough, she struggled to see past the crowd despite her efforts.

    The girlfriend nudged her boyfriend, ¡°You¡¯re tall, so can you see?¡±

    The boy leaped up and nced over, eximing, ¡°Oh my, it really is her!¡±

    Excited by this news, Daphne grabbed Lysander and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I want to see what¡¯s happening

    too!¡±

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 53 Not the Only Man on Earth

    Lysander was almost dragged by Daphne, who parted the crowd, and rushed to the front row.

    When Daphne saw Josiah and Lysanne, she was shocked and turned to look at Lysander, ¡°The

    interesting spectacle you were talking about were these two?¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Daphne burst into a coldugh, ¡°Josiah sure is amusing. Didn¡¯t he like this woman for more than twenty

    years? Howe he¡¯s swayed when he meets a woman like you?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t say anything.

    Because she couldn¡¯t get a word in edgewise.

    Lysanne was basically like a machine gun, unterally speaking the whole time, scolding the restaurant

    waiter responsible for checking the reservations.

    But fortunately, this waiter was a man and did not cry

    It was then people started whispering.

    ¡°This is a popr restaurant. Didn¡¯t she know there would be a lot of people before she came? If your

    don¡¯t want to wait in line, don¡¯te. It¡¯s ridiculous toe and cut in line.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah, on one hand, people say pregnant women are a vulnerable group that should be taken care of,

    but with her scolding people so fiercely, she doesn¡¯t look like she needs to be taken care of.¡±

    ¡°These kinds of people always start gaslighting others when they have an iota of power. What¡¯s the

    difference between them and the elderly on the bus forcing young people to give up their seats?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s worse than the elderly people. At least the elderly are truly old, but she, on the other hand,

    thinks she¡¯s all that just because she¡¯s pregnant. Everyone has to make way for her. Just then, she

    even scolded and made a youngdy cry.¡±

    Whispers and murmurs filled the air with everyone around discussing the situation.

    Lysanne spoke sternly, ¡°I am pregnant. Don¡¯t any of you care for pregnant women? Let me tell you, I

    am awyer. If anything happens to me in your shop, you will be held responsible!¡±

    The waiter had been scolded to the point of indifference, and exined softly, ¡°Madam, look over there

    at the waiting area. There are chairs, and I even brought out a sofa for you to sit on. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you let me go in and eat? Your problem will be solved.¡±

    ¡°Everyone is queuing up. Look over there, there are people with children, and even those carrying.

    infants, all waiting in line. We can provide some service while you wait, but the restaurant always has a

    line. If every pregnant woman or parent with a child were to cut in line, nobody would be able to eat.¡±

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    A mother next to her with her child advised her, ¡°It¡¯s crowded here. Pregnant women should try not to

    squeeze into crowds, as it¡¯s more dangerous. And, this restaurant specializes in seafood, which can be

    toxic. Pregnant women actually shouldn¡¯t eat seafoods like fish, shrimp, and crab.¡±

    She said to Josiah, ¡°You guys must be newlyweds, right? It¡¯s normal not to understand this. Seafood is

    a big taboo for pregnant women, so you should advise your wife.¡±

    Josiah, visibly embarrassed, nodded his head, and his gaze happened to meet with Lysander¡¯s,

    causing him to shudder.

    At the moment their eyes met, this time Lysander didn¡¯t avoid it, her gaze indifferent.

    Josiah, what are you looking at? Why aren¡¯t you helping me¡­ Lysander frowned unhappily, but

    immediately changed her expression when she looked in his gaze¡¯s direction.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, what a coincidence.¡± She smiled insincerely with a sarcastic tone. ¡°I heard from Josiah

    before that doctors are very busy, so howe you¡¯re free? Or¡­ Did someone tell you that I and

    Josiah would be here today and you wanted to catch up with an old friend?¡±

    She emphasized the words ¡°old friend¡± deliberately.

    Daphne shielded Lysander and spoke up. ¡°Don¡¯t put this Josiah fellow on a pedestal. He¡¯s not the only

    man in the world.¡±

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54

    Chapter 54 Unable To Move On

    Lysanne sneered, full of sarcasm: ¡°Dr. Throne, if you find it hard to move on, just admit it. There¡¯s no

    shame in being honest. Why bother being so stubborn?¡±

    ¡°Who says I can¡¯t move on?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tone was not aggressive, as she spoke calmly and methodically.

    She wasn¡¯t adept at arguing, but as she had informed Lynn when others mistreated her, she wasn¡¯t one

    to be pushed around.

    This was the first time Lysander had spoken to Lysanne so impolitely.

    Even though they had shed before, Lysander had always maintained her dignity and rarely resorted

    to direct confrontation.

    Lysanne was momentarily stunned but quickly smirked with a look of victory on her face. ¡°It¡¯s been over

    a month, Dr. Thorne. Didn¡¯t you say you were going to buy a house? Have you bought one?¡±

    ¡°Or is it that you don¡¯t have enough money?¡± Lysanne chuckled smugly. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder. But Dr.

    Thorne, you¡¯re still young. Buying a house is no small amount of money. It¡¯s normal for a wage earner

    like you to not be able to afford it. Since leaving Josiah, you don¡¯t even have a ce to live. Where are

    you staying now? A hotel? The expenses must be quite high. Can your sry cover the cost of living in

    a hotel?¡±

    Lysander said coldly. ¡°I have friends. Don¡¯t worry, Miss Thorne, I won¡¯t be sleeping on the streets.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re staying at a friend¡¯s house.¡± Lysanne said. ¡°So. you¡¯re relying on the hospitality of others.

    What, are you here toin to Josiah and ask for money?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even if I want to buy a house, I will rely on my own efforts, not on getting rich-quick

    schemes.

    ¡°Then, why are you here? Trying to relive old memories with Josiah?¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Josiah¡¯s face turned livid, and he interrupted her sharply. ¡°Stop this farce in front of so many

    people!¡±

    Lysanne retorted, ¡°Did I say something wrong? Does she look like the type toe to this trendy

    restaurant? She had acted indifferently before, but deep down, she couldn¡¯t bear to give up her life of

    luxury, right? Josiah, wake up. She¡¯s here for you!¡±

    ¡°You better shut up¡­¡±

    Just then, a person walked out of the restaurant and waved to the waiter, ¡°Hello¡±

    The waiter immediately ran over, ¡°Hello, sir. How can I help you?¡±

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    ¡°Your friends are¡­¡±

    ¡°Adrian! Hey!¡± Daphne¡¯s eyes lit up, waving excitedly, Over here!

    Adrian¡¯s lips curled slightly. He pushed up the gold-rimmed sses on his nose and said to the waiter,

    ¡°It¡¯s them.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go get them.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The waiter came over, said a few words to the colleague checking the queue numbers, and then

    opened the entrance, ¡°Ladies, please follow me inside.¡±

    Daphne nodded repeatedly and pulled Lysander to go in.

    Lysanne took a step and blocked the entrance, extending her arm to stop them, questioning the waiter,

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say everyone has to line up? Why can they go in?¡±

    The waiter, who had been scolded by her before, was still polite but not friendly, ¡°Because their friend

    has already taken a number. They are together.¡±

    ¡°Friend?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Meanwhile, Adrian walked over slowly.

    He was dressed casually today, but his clite stature couldn¡¯t be hidden, showing that he had some

    influence.

    He politely smiled and greeted Daphne and Lysander, ¡°Daphne, Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Adrian!¡± Daphne patted his shoulder like a sibling. ¡°Lickily, you came early.¡±

    Adrian chuckled, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I haven¡¯t ordered yet. You guys came at the perfect time.¡±

    ¡°Great, great.¡±

    Adrian stepped aside, using his arm to wee them in. After Daphne led Lysander in, he followed.

    behind, using his arm to shield the two girls, being a gentleman and keeping the flow of people away

    from them.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Lysanne called out.

    Daphne pulled Lysander and whispered, ¡°Ignore her

    ¡°Okay.¡± Antan nodded lightly.

    Adrian, on the other hand, stopped in his tracks and turned slightly, ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

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    Chapter 34 Unable To Move On

    Adrian pondered for a moment, pushed his sses up, and replied, ¡°More urately. I am

    a suitor

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 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55

    Chapter 55 A Dirty Heart Sees Others As Dirty

    Inside the inte-famous restaurant, it was still packed.

    A dozen or so waiters weren¡¯t enough, hustling around with tes flying everywhere.

    Daphne pulled Lysander to a vacant seat and immediately spat. ¡°What rotten luck. I just wanted to

    enjoy a meal out and still end up encountering garbage.¡±

    Adrian slowly seated himself opposite two girls and asked, ¡°Daphne, do you know Jane?¡±

    Daphne paused. ¡°Jane? Who is that?¡±

    ¡°The pregnant woman we just saw outside.¡±

    Daphne suddenly realized, then sneered mockingly, Jane? Well, at least she¡¯s self-aware enough to

    give herself such a fitting name.¡±

    Adrian turned the menu towards them and handed it to the two girls. ¡°You can order.¡±

    Daphne took it. ¡°Let me handle it. I¡¯ve checked the reviews online; I know all their signature dishes. We

    definitely won¡¯t go wrong.

    Adrian asked, ¡°What about you, Lysander?¡±

    Lysander smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything.¡±

    ¡°Any dietary restrictions?¡±

    ¡°None. I¡¯m good with whatever.¡±

    Lysander pushed up the gold-rimmed sses on his nose, restrained a smile, and nodded slightly.

    ¡°You¡¯re easy to please. Nowadays, they say it¡¯s hard to please girls. Inviting a girl to dinner makes one

    anxious; if you order a dish she doesn¡¯t like, you¡¯re instantlybeled as not a good person.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Have you experienced this before?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I just heard it from friends.¡±

    Lysander pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°Actually, I think what you order and eat doesn¡¯t have

    a direct rtionship with being together. Girls care more about whether the guy has them in mind and

    pays attention to their food preferences and lifestyle habits. Ultimately, they don¡¯t want extravagant

    meals; they just want an attitude.¡±

    Adrian seemed to have an epiphany, nodding slightly ¡°Learned something.¡±

    ¡°Heh, that¡¯s your perspective; some people don¡¯t think so.¡± Daphne gestured towards the door

    entrance. ¡°Some people are convinced that you can¡¯t let go of thevish lifestyle and are desperately

    clinging to Josiah. She thinks everyone is like her?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tone remained indifferent. ¡°A dirty heart sees others as dirty.¡±

    1/2

    Chapter 55 A Dirty Heart Sees Others As Dirty

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Daphne mmed the menu shut. She added, ¡°This restaurant has been so poprtely;

    why can¡¯t wee just because she¡¯s here? It¡¯s just a coincidence. She thinks everyone is obsessed

    with Josiah like she is?¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Have you decided on your order?¡±

    ¡°I have. I¡¯ve ordered via scanning the QR code on my phone.¡± Daphne suddenly asked, ¡°Hey, Adrian,

    do you know that Lysanne?¡±

    Adrian raised an eyebrow and nced at Lysander. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no. I wasn¡¯t talking about Lysander. I meant the pregnant woman just now who¡¯s also named

    Lysanne.¡±

    Adrian hesitated for a moment. ¡°What a coincidence?

    ¡°Not really. It¡¯s just a game of substitutes.¡±

    Lysander gently kicked her under the table.

    Daphne understood and immediately changed the subject. ¡°So, uh, do you know her Stounian name

    but not her real name?¡±

    Adrian took a sip of tea, his voice deep. ¡°I had some dealings with her back in Stounia because of a

    case.

    ¡°A case?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I was the deceased¡¯s doctor, and she was the defensewyer for the deceased¡¯s husband.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Wow, a homicide case?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t particrlyplex; the husband had an affair, but divorcing him would mean dividing the

    assets and facing hefty child support payments, so they decided to go all in.¡±

    Daphne mmed the table in anger. ¡°And she defended such scum?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s whatwyers do. They operate in the best interest of their clients. As for right or wrong in the

    moral sense, that¡¯s for the courts to judge.¡±

    ¡°What was the oue of the case in the end?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56

    Chapter 56 Acquaintances Aren¡¯t Necessarily Friends, They Might Be Enemies

    As Adrian mentioned this, he slightly furrowed his brow. ¡°She was involved in this case halfway through

    and suddenly returned to the country. The case was handed over to otherwyers, and I was just the

    doctor responsible for rescue at the time, providing a death certificate. This case had nothing to do with

    me, and I was also preparing to return to the country. The case probably hasn¡¯t been adjudicated yet.¡±

    Daphne couldn¡¯t help but quip. ¡°The efficiency abroad is as low as always. Tsk tsk.¡±

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°I have a very strong impression of thatwyer, Ms. Jane.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°It involves a girl¡¯s private life; I respect her privacy rights, so I won¡¯t say for now.¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips. ¡°That surely doesn¡¯t sound good.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Adrian smiled but didn¡¯t say anything, essentially confirming it.

    After a while, a waiter hurried over. ¡°Hello.¡±

    Daphne asked, ¡°Is the pineapple rice out again? I knew it; your pineapple rice sells out so quickly. It¡¯s

    fine. If it¡¯s unavable, just cancel the order.

    The waiter shook his head. ¡°The pineapple rice has already been ordered for you, but you have two

    friends who came over and said they want to share a table with you.¡±

    ¡°My friends?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what they said.¡±

    Daphne looked at Adrian. ¡°Did you invite anyone else?¡±

    Adrian slightly furrowed his brow and shook his head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Neither did I.¡± Daphne confirmed with the waiter again. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re my friends? Did they

    mention my name?¡±

    The waiter said, ¡°They were just talking to you at the door. Oh, here theye.¡±

    The waiter politely gestured, bending slightly. From lysander¡¯s perspective, she could see Lysanne¡¯s

    protruding belly and Josiah¡¯s worried expression.

    Daphne immediately refused. ¡°They¡¯re not my friends. I don¡¯t know them.¡±

    The waiter was bewildered. ¡°Huh? Aren¡¯t they your friends?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we¡¯re friends.¡± Lysanne supported her belly and walked over with a smile. She said to the

    Bnce:

    1424 +171

    1 Coins =

    1 Pearls

    Chapter 56 Acquaintances Aren¡¯t Necessarily Friends. They Might Be Enemies.

    Daphne sneered, ¡°Maybe we were arguing?¡±

    ¡°Regardless, we know each other.¡±

    ¡°Acquaintances aren¡¯t necessarily friends; they might be enemies.¡±

    Lysanne couldn¡¯t maintain her smile. ¡°Miss Everhart, I¡¯m pregnant. There¡¯s no need for you to be so

    hostile.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my child you¡¯re carrying; it¡¯s not my concern Daphne rolled her eyes and then pointed at her.

    saying to the waiter, ¡°Get her out of here; we¡¯re not friends.¡±

    After themotion outside just now, the waiter didn¡¯t dare provoke this tough pregnant woman again.

    He could only look helpless.

    ¡°Sir,¡± the waiter said, seeking help from Josiah. ¡°Would you mind taking your wife out for a moment?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression was dark. He nodded slightly. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    He reached out to pull Lysanne, but she raised her hand to push him away. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m already

    inside. You can¡¯t just kick out a heavily pregnant woman, can you? Besides, you¡¯ve been unreachable

    by phone and WhatsApptely, Josiah couldn¡¯t find you even if he wanted to discuss divorce.¡±

    ¡°I blocked him,¡± Lysander stated. ¡°Mr. Guerra, have you seen the divorce agreement? Are there any

    objections?¡±

    Josiah smiled bitterly.

    The so-called divorce agreement is just two sentences.

    The couple¡¯s assets are split equally after marriage, each earning and spending their own. She doesn¡¯t

    want any my family¡¯s assets; she just wants a quick release.

    What objections could I possibly have?

    ¡°If there are no objections, let¡¯s set a date. Once it¡¯s confirmed, kindly ask your secretary to inform me.

    I¡¯ve consulted awyer; you don¡¯t need to show up, just sign a power of attorney. Ms. Collins and I can

    handle the procedures at the city hall.¡±

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 57 Please Take Care Of Your Woman

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Ms. Collins resigned.¡±

    Lysander suddenly realized this.

    Indeed. She has been dismissed by Lysanne and reced by her cousin.

    ¡°Then get a legal counsel from thepany and have theme with me to the city hall.¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Josiah sighed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to you and the child.¡±

    ¡°The past is in the past. Why bring it up now?¡± Lysander looked at Lysanne. ¡°Miss Thorne, are you

    satisfied now?¡±

    Lysanne squinted and smiled. ¡°I hope Dr. Thorne keeps her word.¡±

    ¡°How about this? Forget about the legal counsel. Let Josiah sign a power of attorney for you, and we

    can

    handle handle the procedures together? Since you¡¯re awyer too, it¡¯ll be more reassuring if you

    everything yourself.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s smile grew wider. ¡°That could work too. Actually, it doesn¡¯t have to be soplicated. Since

    Josiah and I need to register for marriage at the city hall as well, why not get divorced and married in

    one day? It¡¯ll save more time.¡±

    ¡°Up to you, I don¡¯t mind,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, please don¡¯t mind. Josiah is just worried about me and the child. After all, my belly is

    getting bigger every day, and he doesn¡¯t want people to gossip. You know, he can¡¯t bear to see me

    suffer.¡±

    Lysander scoffed. ¡°Yes, after all, you two are best friends.¡±

    Her words carried sarcasm, evident to everyone present except Adrian.

    Josiah¡¯splexion grew increasingly grim, coupled with his recent significant weight loss. He looked.

    much more gloomy, a stark contrast to his previous confident and dignified demeanor.

    In just over a month, he seemed to havepletely changed.

    Daphne urged, ¡°Are you done talking? If you are, then leave quickly and stop disturbing others¡¯ meals.¡±

    Lysanne smiled insincerely. ¡°Dr. Thorne, is your friend always this rude when speaking?¡±

    Lysander raised her head. ¡°How is it rude?¡±

    ¡°Saying ¡®leave¡¯ isn¡¯t considered rude?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Lysander pointed in the direction of the door. ¡°Leave.¡±

    ? ? ? ???? ??? ? ??? ??? ??? ?????????? ??? ?????

    Bnce: 1424 + 155

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    sha salda ¡°Mina Tham

    As they spoke, the food arrived.

    Waiters came over one by one, carrying trays and cing dishes on the table.

    ¡°The dishes are ready; please enjoy your meal.¡±

    Adrian nodded politely. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Daphne picked up her spoon and looked at Lysanne and Josiah, who were still standing. She chuckled

    lightly. ¡°Still not leaving? Waiting for the security to kick you out?¡±

    Lysanne raised her chin. ¡°He dares. The future heir of the Guerra Group is in my belly. Let¡¯s see who

    dares to touch me.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    There was a loud bang.

    Lysander was mming her spoon heavily on the table.

    She rarely got angry.

    Even when facing the most stubborn troublemakers, she tried to patiently persuade them. There were

    very few times when she lost her temper like this.

    Josiah said, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m sorry: I¡¯ll take her away now.¡±

    ¡°Huh.¡± Lysander snorted and looked into his eyes. ¡°If you could take her away, would she barge in like

    this?¡±

    Josiah closed his eyes slightly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I thought we could have a civilized divorce, each living our own lives without holding any

    grudges. Even if we meet again, there won¡¯t be as much resentment as with enemies. Could you

    please, control your woman? It¡¯s one thing for her to cause a scene in my clinic, but this is a public

    ce. Do you want everyone to witness this spectacle?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58

    The Charming Ex-Wire

    Chapter 58 Who Does Josiah Save First

    ¡°I apologize, Lysander. I¡­¡±

    ¡°You are truly sorry to me,¡± Lysander said. ¡°But can you offer more than just this apology?¡±

    Josiah clenched his teeth, and his Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down rapidly. ¡°Give me some time, I

    will find a solution.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I hope you can fulfill your words and not let your good friend¡¯ disrupt my life again.¡±

    Josiah firmly grasped Lysanne¡¯s arm and pulled her out. She began to struggle and shout, ¡°Josiah, are

    you doing? I¡¯m not leaving! I came here to cat!¡±

    what

    ¡°Can you still eat?!¡± He shouted sternly. ¡°I have lost Lysander and lost my child for you. What more do

    you want me to do to satisfy you?!¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s strength was no match for him, so she simply sat on the ground, pointed at his nose, and

    cried out, ¡°Josiah! Do you not know how to appreciate what you have? I have noticed that something

    has been different about youtely! Just now, you were staring at that girl at the door, Is it because le

    resembles that woman?!¡±

    Initially, the argument between them was contained within a small area, only a few guests at nearby

    tables witnessed it.

    The popr restaurant was bustling today and was exceptionally noisy. Given their proximity to the

    window, almost no one else noticed the drama unfolding.

    With Lysanne¡¯s crying andmotion, particrly as a pregnant woman, the situation quickly

    escted.

    It seemed like she intentionally wanted to create a scene by calling out his name loudly. ¡°Josiah

    Guerra! When you pursued me, you rode me to school on your bike and willingly got wet in the rain for

    me.

    carried When I sprained my foot at the sports meet, you were more worried than the teacher, and you

    me to the medical room. We have over twenty years of history together! Now that I¡¯m pregnant, with my

    appearance changed, and not as attractive as before, you¡¯re repulsed by me, aren¡¯t you?!¡±

    Lysander experienced the depth of Ecronese culture for the first time.

    Everything Lysanne said was urate, but when these statements were strung together, the meaning

    completely shifted as she used Josiah of being a heartless individual who abandoned her in the

    long course of their rtionship.

    But what was the reality?

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    Josiah, oh Josiah, after being a loyalpanion for over twenty years, did you ever anticipate this

    moment?

    Clearly, he was the one who had given the most, with over twenty years of dedication, coupled with the

    loss of a significant order and millions this time and how hearing a criminal record for causing a fatal

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    1 Coins

    1 Pearls

    Chapter 58 Who Does Josiah Save First

    words from her painting him as a heartless individual.

    Daphne was simply enjoying the spectacle as she shook her head and remarked, ¡°Adrian, are

    Ecronese teachers in Stounia exceptionally skilled? Her ability to distort the truth is something that local

    teachers can¡¯t impart.¡±

    Adrian seemed unsurprised, as if he had seen it all before. He calmly sliced the steak in front of him

    and then swapped it with the one in front of Lysander

    ¡°Lysander, give it a try. The steak looks delicious.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    This prompted Daphne to jest, ¡°Tsk¡­ Tsk¡­ Men in the mating season truly have no discernment.¡±

    At some point, Lysanne rose from the ground and headed straight toward them before grabbing

    Lysander¡¯s hand and pulling her away.

    Lysander was taken aback by the sudden tug and nearly stumbled. After regaining her bnce, she

    immediately tried to break free. ¡°Why are you pulling me?! Let go of me!¡±

    Lysanne cried out tearfully, ¡°I¡¯m going to drag you to jump into the river and see who Josiah will save

    first!¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59

    The Charming

    Chapter 59 Mr Guerra, Please Behave Yourself

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander never imagined that the legendary ¡°life-threatening proposition¡± would one day be used on

    herself.

    She had always gotten along well with her mother-inw, Susan.

    Although they didn¡¯t have the kind of intimate rtionships like mother and daughter, they at least

    respected and cared for each other.

    So, Josiah had rarely faced such a life-threatening proposition before and probably never even thought.

    about it.

    What he never expected was that when he truly encountered it, the two ends of the bnce were not

    his mother and his wife, but his ex-wife and his current one.

    Although Lysanne was pregnant, she had a strong grip and pulled Lysander toward the door.

    Despite the restaurant being crowded with inte celebrities, she was, after all, a pregnant woman.

    She shouted and rushed out, but no one dared to really stop her as they were afraid that if there was

    physical contact, she might be in danger, and they would be dragged into it.

    Lysanne was in herter months of pregnancy and had previously undergone tubal ligation. Her

    attitude was very firm. She was determined to drag Lysander out and make Josiah choose between

    them. Lysander was dragged by her and dared not struggle too hard.

    She looked back desperately, frowned, and shouted, ¡°Josiah, what are you standing there for?!¡±

    Josiah quickly ran over and stood in front of Lysanne. ¡°Have you caused enough trouble?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t!¡±

    He went to pull her hand that was holding Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Let go ande home with me.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    Lysanne tightened her grip, causing Lysander to frown in pain.

    Josiah saw Lysander¡¯s pained expression, and a hint of guilt shed in his eyes. He dared not pull any

    harder and pleaded weakly, ¡°Can you stop messing around? Please. I¡¯m begging you.¡±

    Lysanne sneered at him, gave him a fierce re, and then grabbed Lysander and ran out when no one

    was prepared. Without hesitation, she dashed onto the busy street.

    ¡°Ahhh!

    There was a burst of exmation at the restaurant entrance.

    Soon after, the sound of screeching brakes intertwined.

    Bnce: 1424 +121

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ¡°There¡¯s blood!¡±

    ¡°Oh my goodness! Someone help. There¡¯s a pregnant woman!¡±

    Josiah felt a chill run through his body as he pushed through the crowd at the entrance to run outside.

    The once bustling road was now filled with a dozen cars parked haphazardly.

    Some were scratched, some rear-ended, and some crashed into the nearby greenery.

    The drivers were all innocent victims. They got out of their cars to express their anger.

    Lysanne, being pregnant, had escaped unscathed and was being protected by a waiter while standing

    on the side. Another waiter had brought over a sofa specially prepared for her to rest on.

    The only one bearing the brunt of the drivers¡¯ anger was Lysander.

    She sat on the ground and furrowed her brows slightly while surrounded by a circle of burly male

    drivers pointing and using her.

    Josiah went straight over and stood in front of Lysander before saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This is all my will

    compensate you for your losses.¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡± one of the drivers asked while looking displeased. ¡°Are you her man?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    fault. I

    ¡°No. He¡¯s not,¡± Lysander said while supporting herself as she slowly stood up and pointed to Lysanne,

    who was being cared for not far away. ¡°That¡¯s her wife¡±

    The driver was somewhat surprised. Then his gaze turned into a mix of ambiguity and teasing. ¡°Sir,

    you¡¯ve got a fire in your backyard. How did you let two girls meet like this? Didn¡¯t hide it well, huh?¡±

    Josiah ignored him and bent down to try to help Lysander up. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Lysander slightly moved to the side and avoided his hand. ¡°Mr. Guerra, please behave yourself.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60

    Chapter 60 This Meal Won¡¯t Be Happening

    Josiah¡¯s hand froze in mid-air for a moment before retracting it weakly. ¡°I just wanted to check if you

    were injured or not.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Lysander said. ¡°You go check on Lysanne 1 have friendsing.¡±

    Daphne and Adrian arrived as they spoke.

    Daphne went to support Lysander. She first ensured there was no blood on the ground, then felt a bit

    relieved.

    She examined Lysander. ¡°Are you injured anywhere?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, ¡°Daphne, it looks like this meal won¡¯t be happening.¡±

    ¡°If we can¡¯t eat, then we won¡¯t. I should have listened to you today and note to this mess; then, we

    wouldn¡¯t have encountered this unpleasant situation.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Min.¡±

    ¡°Can you still walk?¡±

    ¡°It will be a bit difficult.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Adrian immediately squatted down to check her legs.

    She was wearing an ankle-length dress, which tightly covered her legs, making it impossible to see the

    extent of the injury.

    Adrian apologized softly, then reached out and gently lifted her skirt.

    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Lysander stopped him. ¡°Let¡¯s go first. Don¡¯t block the way here and cause inconvenience to

    traffic.¡±

    Adrian stood up, looked deeply at her, then picked her up horizontally before striding back to the

    sidewalk with Daphne following closely behind, jogging to catch up.

    Josiah saw that Adrian, who had returned to the sidewalk, did not intend to put down Lysander.

    Instead, Adrian whispered something to Daphne.

    Daphne nodded slightly, then quickly ran toward the parking lot and soon returned in her big red car.

    He carefully ced Lysander into the back seat, then opened the car door and sat down himself.

    The red car quickly left the scene.

    ¡°Hello, Sir.¡± A girl in a waitress¡¯ uniform ran over. ¡°Your wife asked me toe and get you. She said.

    her stomach hurts.¡±

    ?? ? ?? ?? ? ??????11?? ????????

    1 Coins=

    Bnce: 1424 + 103

    1 Pearls

    She held her stomach while holding a cup of water. She showed no signs of pain.

    When he looked back at the road, the red car had already disappeared from view.

    ¡°Sir, what about ourpensation?¡±

    Ook out a business card from his pocket and handed it to him. ¡°This is my business card. You

    repair the car first and send the bill directly to this address. I will take care of it.¡±

    Upon seeing his attitude, the driver looked at the business card. ¡°President of Guerra Group?!¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°No wonder you¡¯re surrounded by women. Turns out you¡¯re rich.¡±

    Another driver suddenly eximed, ¡°Wait. I seem to remember there was a report about a person who

    drove drunk and killed a traffic police officer a few days ago in the news. It seems to be the president of

    Guerra Group¡­¡±

    ¡°That person should be serving time in prison! How did he get out?¡±

    ¡°Privileged ss. You know¡­

    ¡°This is not eptable. I need to take a picture and expose this to the media.¡±

    The situation became more chaotic and aplete mess.

    Josiah hastily dealt with it, promising to cover all the repair costs and a portion of the ¡°hush money¡±

    before finally convincing the drivers to leave.

    Traffic resumed its normal flow.

    Some people returned to the restaurant to continue their meal.

    Those holding number tags continued to wait in line for a table.

    The waitstaff remained busy except for those taking care of Lysander.

    As Josiah dragged his weary body over, he overheard a few waitstaff pleading with a sobbing tone.

    ¡°Please, Madam. Can I set up an extra table for you right now?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes. The most luxurious round table, and we¡¯ll clear out the private room upstairs for you.¡±

    ¡°Feel free to order. Your meal is on the house today.¡±

    ¡°In the future, you will be seated promptly without having to wait in line whenever you visit, and we will

    always reserve a private room for you. Does that sound good to you?¡±

    Bnce:

    1 Coins

 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61

    Chapter 61 Are You Coming With Me or Not?

    Josiah sensed something was amiss just by listening.

    He gazed at Lysanne. ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention your stomach hurts? Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital,¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne eximed while rising to her feet. ¡°Did you hear that? They promised to arrange a

    private room for us immediately, and we could even dine for free today.¡±

    Josiah smirked. ¡°Is your stomach no longer in pain?¡±

    ¡°It was hurting carlier, but it¡¯s much better now,¡±

    ¡°What did you say to the waiters?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. Just somemon sense. If something were to happen to me in their restaurant.

    today, the establishment would suffer. This popr restaurant attracts numerous customers daily. If it

    were to close down, the losses would be significant.¡±

    Josiah observed her as she enthusiastically discussed the ¡°perks¡± she had secured, making him feel

    distant from her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Josiah. Let¡¯s go eat.¡± Lysanne suggested before attempting to link her arm with his, but he

    evaded her touch and replied, ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ve lost my appetite.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± She pouted. ¡°Are you thinking of visiting Dr. Thorne at the hospital? I knew it. You

    still can¡¯t let go of her. Even though I formatted your phone, your heart remains with her.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°You dragged her onto the street. Shouldn¡¯t I check on her at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°But she already has a bodyguard. Didn¡¯t you see earlier?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no corrtion between the two. If you make a mistake, you must take responsibility.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡°I merely scared her a bit, hoping she would divorce you sooner. Do

    you need to be so frightened? I¡¯m pregnant and fine, so how could anything happen to her, a healthy

    individual?¡±

    A nearby girl in line whispered, ¡°If she hadn¡¯t rushed to shield you, would you still be sitting here:

    calmly?¡±

    Lysanne immediately retorted, ¡°Which eye of yours witnessed her shielding me? We both rushed out

    together. I¡¯m pregnant and slower, so I fell behind. How could she have shielded me? Watch your

    words. You could face legal consequences!¡±

    The girl couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°I¡¯ll face the consequences! You pulled her along, then stopped

    midway, leaving her in the middle of the road! She could have easily crossed to the other side. She had

    enough time, but she stayed to protect you and got hit in the end!¡±

    Then, she pointed to the camera above and said, ¡°There¡¯s a surveince camera here. Check the

    footage and see if I¡¯m lying.¡±

    1/2

    Josiah¡¯s expression was one of surprise. ¡°She¡­ got hit?

    see

    ¡°Yes. The girl nodded. ¡°She rolled on the ground several times beforeing to a stop. Didn¡¯t you it

    when you rushed over? She couldn¡¯t get up for a while. Sir, it¡¯s not your fault for being handsome, but

    can¡¯t your wife stop suspecting everything? Although you are quite attractive, not all women want to

    seduce you, right? Moreover, even if they do have feelings for you, she can¡¯t push them onto the road.

    What if someone dies? Who will be held ountable?¡±

    Lysanne suddenly stood up. ¡°Is my suspicion unfounded? These two women, one took photos of my

    husband secretly and the other followed my husband to the restaurant in hopes of a chance encounter.

    Shouldn¡¯t they be taught a lesson? They knew he was married and still pursued inappropriate actions.

    These women need to be intimidated to experience fear, so they will back off.¡±

    ¡°Following your husband to the restaurant?¡± The girl chuckled, ¡°Madam, this is a popr restaurant. It¡¯s

    been bustlingtely. Isn¡¯t it normal to visit? Besides, did thedy even speak to your husband? She

    probably regretsing here today. Who would have expected to encounter you two lunatics¡­¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Who are you calling lunatic?!¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone grew icy. ¡°Lysanne, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back! If you want to go, go alone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll ask you one final time. Are youing with me or not?¡±

    Send Gifts

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    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 62 If You Don¡¯t Come Back, I¡¯ll Kill Her

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong in this matter. Lysander is just too stubborn. I talked to her nicely at the

    hospitalst time. I even sent her mushroom soup. She should have understood what I meant, right?

    But what happened? It¡¯s been a month and she still refuses to divorce. Today, she came here to see

    you again. Hmph! Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what she¡¯s thinking. I¡¯ve seen many women like her before! I

    just want to teach her a little lesson and let her know that I¡¯m not easy to bully.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Josiah turned around and walked away. ¡°You can continue eating. I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, stop right there!¡±

    He stopped in his tracks, but only for a moment, then immediately started walking toward the parking

    lot.

    ¡°Josiah! If you take one more step forward, I¡¯ll run into the street and get hit by a car. regret it for the

    rest of your life!¡±

    Josiah was speechless.

    Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t do it. Let me go!¡±

    I¡¯ll make you

    The drama that had just ended was about to start again because of Lysanne¡¯s loud argument.

    Someone nearby advised, ¡°Buddy, appease your wife quickly. It¡¯s normal for women to be emotionally

    unstable when pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s carrying your baby. This situation is partly your fault. Otherwise, why would she feel so

    insecure and always think you¡¯ll be taken away by someone else?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes. Have you been too close to other girls normally, causing her to be anxious every day? Those

    friends of the opposite sex and confidantes should be cut off. Isn¡¯t it better to be with your wife and

    children at home?¡±

    ¡°And those b*tches, pretending to be friends with men and getting close to them while saying nice

    things like ¡®we¡¯re just friends and we¡¯re just buddies, but who knows what evil they¡¯re hiding in their

    hearts.¡±

    ¡°Ah! This is the worst! I¡¯d rather you say you like him too, so we canpete fairly instead of

    badmouthing his wife under the guise of friendship, iming it¡¯s for his own good. These women are

    simply despicable. No wonder your wife overreacted. Probably because she encountered this high-

    level b*tch.¡±

    People were all talking at once.

    Lysanne cried out in grievance behind him while using him of changing, of not cherishing what he

    had, and of betraying their over twenty years of rtionship.

    Josiah had a stomach full of words, but could only let out a helpless sigh.

    Who is the real high-level b*tch?

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 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62

    Chapter 62

    People around him continued to advise, ¡°Hey handsome, go back quickly. As a man, you should

    comfort your wife and give her assurance to ease her mind. It¡¯s not embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s for the sake of the child. Her belly is not small now and she¡¯s probably six or seven months

    pregnant. Be careful. If something happens, it will be toote to regret.¡±

    Most of theforting words were gentle and

    mixed in. Josiah! If you don¡¯te back, I¡¯ll thing, but there was a sharp and desperate voice

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    kill her!¡±

    He let out a deep breath and turned around before standing in front of her.

    ¡°I¡¯m back, so what now?¡±

    ¡°You came back because you¡¯re afraid that I would kill her, right?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, how did you be like this?¡± He was full of doubt and confusion. ¡°You weren¡¯t like this

    before.

    Lysanne said, ¡°You listened to everything I said in the past. You never went against my wishes. Now,

    you¡¯ve changed too, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Fine. Tell me what should I do then.¡±

    ¡°Come back with me and finish this meal.¡±

    Send Gifts

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    1 Coins

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    1 Pearls

    1

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63

    Chapter 63 His Child Has Died

    Josiah took a deep breath. ¡°Fine.¡±

    With that, he walked toward the restaurant.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Lysander stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t be so reluctant.¡±

    ¡°I have done as you requested.¡±

    ¡°But you did it reluctantly and did not listen to me wholeheartedly.¡±

    ¡°What else do you want me to do? Smile?¡± Josiah gestured around. ¡°Do you see? Everyone here is

    holding their phones and taking pictures of us. If everything goes as expected, you will see me in the

    newster. The incident of drunk drivingst time has not beenpletely resolved and now I am

    being photographeding to this inte-famous restaurant. Maybe the police wille directly to

    my doorter. You are pregnant. You will probably be sent home by the police car to rest and I will

    probably be invited to the police station for a chat.¡±

    Lysanne was slightly flustered. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°You are aware of Guerra Group¡¯s situation recently. Because of your cousin, I lost money and lost a

    major client. The stock price has been falling. If this matter gets in the news again, what will happen to

    Guerra Group? Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡± Lysanne came over to hold his hand

    He withdrew his hand from her palm. ¡°Don¡¯t we have to eat? Let¡¯s go. Thank you, Miss Thorne, for

    fighting for the private room and free meal. I will consider myself lucky to have your favor today.¡±

    Lysanne was speechless.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    She continued to remain silent.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Lysander was startled and her eyes turned red. ¡°Josiah, you scared me!¡±

    Josiah sneered as his lips curled up. ¡°Lysanne, this is who I am. It¡¯s because you said you like

    gentleness, that¡¯s why I forced myself to be what I am now!

    ¡°But isn¡¯t loving someone about epting and sacrificing for them?¡±

    ¡°What about you? Do you love me?¡±

    Lysanne suddenly turned cold. ¡°Are you having second thoughts?¡±

    Josiah did not deny it. ¡°I just feel that being together with you feels different from what I imagined.

    hafara¡±

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    1424+48

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ¡°You are having second thoughts!¡±

    He took a deep breath and simply asked, ¡°Do you still want to cat? If you do,e in. If not, we¡¯ll leave

    and go home then.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, you need to understand this. You pursued me for over twenty years. I can live without you

    Suddenly, the sound of a police siren could be heard in the distance.

    A police car pulled over to the side of the road and soon the police officers approached.

    ¡°We received a report from the public that there was a fight at the restaurant entrance and someone

    was injured in a car ident. Was it you two?¡±

    The crowd around them looked toward Josiah and Lysander.

    The police officer walked up to Josiah and was surprised. ¡°Mr. Guerra? Why is it you again..

    ¦§

    Josiah¡¯s face turned pale. He wiped his face with his hand and asked in a low voice, ¡°Do we need to go

    the police station?¡±

    ¡°ording to the procedure, you will need toe with us.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°I will go with you. She is pregnant, so please send someone to take her home to rest.¡±

    The police nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will take care of it.¡±

    to

    At this moment, Lysanne was finally scared. She grabbed the police officer¡¯s sleeve and pleaded. ¡°Sir,

    we, were just having a quarrel as husband and wife. There¡¯s no need to make such a big deal out of it,

    right?¡±

    ¡°But someone got hurt, so we must follow the rules.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I will go with you.¡±

    ¡°But-

    Josiah shook off Lysanne¡¯s hand and left with the police in the police car.

    On the way, the police asked, ¡°Was that woman your wife?¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Josiah remained silent.

    The police assumed he was still arguing with his wife and chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s a woman and carrying your

    child. As men, we should be more considerate, even if it¡¯s for the sake of your child¡­¡±

    ¡°My child?¡± Josiah sneered.

    ¡°Yeah. If your wife is pregnant, it must be your child. Whose else could it be?¡±

    Josiah turned his head to look out the window.

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64

    Chapter 64 If Josiah Turned Around

    Lysander was taken to the central hospital.

    The surgeon was Sergio Foreman, whom she was familiar with. After examining her, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t

    worry, there¡¯s no problem with the bones. It¡¯s just some sprains and abrasions. I¡¯ll prescribe some

    blood-activating and stasis-resolving medicine for you. Don¡¯t take a shower for a week.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No problem. Who wants to go with me to the pharmacy to get the medicine?¡±

    Daphne stood up immediately, but Adrian was faster. He said to Daphne, ¡°You apany Lysander. I¡¯ll

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    go.¡±

    Since it was the hospital where he often worked, Lysander didn¡¯t go to the surgical clinic but went

    straight to her office.

    Daphne squatted on the ground while looking at the abrasions on her calf and said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with

    you? She could drag you tomit suicide. Why did you save her?¡±

    Lysander smiled bitterly. ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to save her.

    ¡°You say you didn¡¯t save her? I heard the onlookers say that you could have run to the other side, but

    you came back to block her to save that b*tch¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t block her. I¡­ something fell.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so important that you had to go back?¡± Daphne looked puzzled. ¡°Isn¡¯t saving your life the most

    important thing at this time? Why do you care about other things?¡±

    Lysander opened her palm to show her. ¡°This.¡±

    ¡°This is¡­¡± Daphne understood as soon as she saw the thing and her face turned a little distressed.

    ¡°Why are you still keeping this?¡±

    ¡°I left in a hurry and forgot to give it to him.¡± Lysander smiled and said. ¡°This wedding ring is quite

    expensive. It costs tens of thousands. It was bought after getting the marriage certificate, so it¡¯s

    considered marital property. If Lysanne asks me topensate in the future, I can¡¯t afford it.¡±

    Daphne was speechless. ¡°Don¡¯t let her lead you astray. Even if it¡¯s lost, so what? Just let her sue in

    court. She will fight for the ex-wife¡¯s wedding ring. Let¡¯s see if Josiah can afford to be embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have any more dealings with her. I want to cut her off cleanly and don¡¯t want to leave

    her any leverage.¡±

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°True. With the way she¡¯s making a scene today, getting involved with her is not a

    good idea. She doesn¡¯t care at all about Josiah¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Just then, Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

    Daphne asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    1/2

    Lysander frowned. It was Josiah¡¯s mother, her ex-mother-inw, Susan.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s me.¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment, then called out, ¡°Mrs. Guerra,¡±

    As soon as this title came out, there was silence on the other end of the phone as well.

    After a long time, Susan sighed helplessly. ¡°Child, I don¡¯t me you for changing your address. This

    matter itself is our family¡¯s fault to you. I heard you were injured. Is it serious?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not too serious. It¡¯s just a minor injury.¡±

    you

    ¡°I sent back everything you sent me in its original form. I understand your intention. I know that don¡¯t

    want to drag things out and want to cleanly break ties with the Guerra family. I don¡¯t know how to

    express my apologies¡­¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra, it¡¯s not your fault. You don¡¯t need to apologize.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still rted to me. When you all came back to eat together, I solemnly told you that Josiah and

    Lysanne were just good friends. I really didn¡¯t expect them to-¡±

    Lysander smiled and interrupted her, ¡°Things have already developed to this point, so saying these

    things is useless. Mrs. Guerra, you have been very good to me these past few years, I know that.

    Josiah is Josiah, and you are you.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I know this may sound selfish, but I still have to ask. If Josiah were willing to change his

    ways, would you still be willing to ept him?¡±

    ¡°Did Josiah say anything to you?¡±

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 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65

    Chapter 65 Not Divorced Yet, Still a Legitimate Couple

    Before Susan finished the call, Lysander¡¯s phone started vibrating again.

    It was an unfamiliar number.

    Lysander thought it might be a patient with an emergency, so she quickly said goodbye to Susan and

    answered the call.

    But the voice on the other end shocked her. ¡°Miss Thorne, hello. We are the Harborbrook Police

    Station.¡±

    When Lysander arrived at the police station, she was still limping.

    A female police officer saw her condition and quickly ran over to support her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you

    okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m here to bail Josiah Guerra out.¡±

    ¡°Are you his¡­?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to exin her rtionship with Josiah now.

    They had notpleted the divorce procedures, so they were still legally protected as a married

    couple.

    But in reality, they were no different from strangers.

    As they were talking, Josiah walked out of a room with a male police officer by his side. Upon seeing

    Lysander limping, he asked the female police officer next to him, ¡°Is she here to report a case?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s here to bail Mr. Guerra out.¡±

    The male police officer nodded and asked Josiah, ¡°Is this your family? Your sister?¡±

    ¡°My wife.¡±

    Both the male and female officers were shocked and looked at each other. ¡°Isn¡¯t the pregnant woman

    you asked me to send back your wife? Thisdy is your wife too?¡±

    Lysander quickly interjected, ¡°I¡¯m his ex-wife. The pregnant woman is his current wife.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡± The male officer chuckled. ¡°But there are regtions for bail. It must be a rtive.

    Your ex-wife no longer has any legal rtionship with you, so she can¡¯t help you with bail.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t divorced yet.¡±

    The male officer said, ¡°If you haven¡¯t received the divorce certificate, you

    are still legally married then.¡±

    The female officer was even more shocked. ¡°You haven¡¯t divorced here, but she¡¯s already pregnant

    over

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    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysander sighed and did not want to exin so much. ¡°Excuse me, where do I sign?¡±

    The female officer handed her a form. ¡°Right here.¡±

    Lysander leaned against the wall and made her way toward the table slowly. Josiah hurried over

    instinctively to help her, but she refused politely. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mr. Guerra. It¡¯s just a minor injury. I can

    manage on my own.¡±

    She insisted on walking to the table, took the pen handed to her by the female officer, and signed her

    name on the form.

    The female officer guided her through the procedures. ¡°Write your name here, your ID number here,

    and your rtionship with him here.¡±

    Lysander skillfully filled in her name and ID number. She hesitated at the rtionship column, but finally

    gritted her teeth and wrote ¡°spouse.¡±

    ¡°Done¡±

    ¡°All right. Come with me-to the office to get a receipt then.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Josiah quickly said. ¡°Officer, let me go get it. She¡¯s injured and can¡¯t walk properly.¡±

    The male officer stopped him. ¡°The procedures aren¡¯t done yet, so you can¡¯t move freely for the time

    being. How about this? You both wait here and I¡¯ll go get it for you.¡±

    Josiah looked at Lysander and she did not insist anymore. She just smiled and nodded to the male

    police officer. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The two officers went to the back office.

    In the corner of the hall, there was a row of waiting area seats.

    Lysander leaned against the wall and slowly walked over there.

    Josiah wanted to support her, but her refusal was obvious. He didn¡¯t dare to reach out rashly, so he just

    stood by her side and followed her closely. He was ready to catch her in case she fell.

    However, Lysander didn¡¯t give him the chance. Although she walked slowly, she was very steady.

    It was a short distance, but it took her two or three minutes to finally reach the seat at the outermost

    position.

    Josiah sighed and walked to the other side. He chose a seat one space away from her and sat down.

    ¡°Your leg¡­

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re about to say. It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just a minor injury. There¡¯s no need for you

    you to apologize. Ever since we decided to get divorced, I have to endure your apologies almost every

    time we

 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66

    Chapter 66 I Can Only Offer You Blessings

    Josiah paused for a moment before nodding

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to save her,¡± he said.

    Lysander smiled and replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t actually intendo save her

    Josiah didn¡¯t quite understand ¡°As a doctor, the instinct to treat and save people must be ingrained in

    you. I will always remember the major typhoon shortly after we got married. You took risks to rush to

    the hospital-

    ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on that. Why do you remember such rivial things¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t forget.¡± Josiah sighed deeply. ¡°Today¡­ I made a fool of myself in front of you.¡±

    ¡°Are you referring to Lysanne?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s noughing matter. Nothing is amusing about it?

    Josiah forced a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve truly embarrassed myself recently.

    Lysander remarked, ¡°I can¡¯t offermentary on your life. All I can offer are blessings.¡±

    ¡°What kind of blessings?¡±

    ¡°A harmonious marriage and having many children?

    Josiah bitterly smiled. ¡°The way you phrase it sounds like a p in the face.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I¡¯m not ming you. I¡¯m just questioning myself.

    ¡°You¡¯ve harbored feelings for her for over twenty years. What more is there to question?¡±

    Josiah stated, ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve loved her for over twenty years, but being together is not what I envisioned.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°This is your affair. I have no input.¡±

    ¡°I heard from bystanders that if it weren¡¯t for you today, it might have been Lysanne who was hit. I know

    you don¡¯t want to hear me apologize, so I won¡¯t say it, but I must express my gratitude.¡±

    Lysander retrieved something from her pocket. ¡°Her

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She ced the wedding ring in his palm.

    seal this. Tucunaware of the cost but secr

    to Hanbne it¡¯s a luvunscheand that could

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    Chapter 66 I Can Only Offer You Blessings.

    equate to a house in Harborbrook.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s outstretched hand froze in mid-air. ¡°Lysander¡±

    ¡°Enough with the chatter. If you don¡¯t want it, I¡¯ll discard it. You understand my stance. We can¡¯t be

    spouses and not even friends. Being strangers is preferable, so severing tiespletely is best. Oh

    and about the house¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s words slipped out, and then she realized it was inappropriate.

    It was no longer her residence.

    It belonged to Josiah and Lysanne.

    In the future, Lysanne could reside there openly and customize it to her liking.

    ¡°My belongings are still at your ce. Please return them to me. It¡¯s been three years, so there may be

    quite a bit. If you don¡¯t want to sort through them, feel free to dispose of everything. Just return the

    medical books I left on the shelf as I require them for writing articles.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Should I send them to Daphne¡¯s residence?¡±

    ¡°Yes. And also return the divorce agreement.¡±

    Josiah hesitated. ¡°There¡¯s no rush for that. You¡¯ve already signed the papers. When it¡¯s time to finalize

    the formalities, I¡¯ll take them to the city hall and we can sign on the spot.¡±

    Lysander considered it and found it reasonable, so she agreed.

    ¡°When are you avable? Let¡¯splete the formalities promptly.¡±

    Josiah smiled wryly and remarked, ¡°Have you seen the news? A lot is happening at thepanytely

    and it¡¯s quiteplicated.¡±

    She recalled the incident with the news that Daphne had sent her.

    Lysanne¡¯s cousin, who was Josiah¡¯s secretary, lost a major order, resulting in Josiah losing millions.

    ¡°How much longer will it take?¡±

    He suddenly inquired, ¡°Are you in such a rush? Do you have ns post-divorce?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67

    Chapter 67 Earning Merit For My Child

    Lysander said, ¡°I wish to purchase a house.¡±

    Josiahprehended her concern.

    She feared that acquiring a house at this moment might result in it being deemed marital property.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pay attention to Lysanne¡¯s remarks.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not speaking without reason. I also recently reviewed the marriagew and it does state that.¡±

    Josiah remarked. ¡°I assumed¡­ another man was pursuing you.¡±

    ¡°Legally, I am still a married woman and I do not have any romantic interests. Even after the divorce, I

    cannot simply run off with my former crush immediately.¡±

    He sighed. I always perceived you as a delicate and vulnerable girl who requires protection and

    someone to shield from life¡¯s challenges. It was only recently that I discovered your sharpness.¡±

    ¡°I acknowledge that I am indeed being sarcastic. If your sweetheart is a respectful and ethical

    individual. I have no objections then. I will support your rtionship, as long as she does not bully me.

    If she can have a proper conversation with me once and discuss your past, I might willingly step back

    without anyints. However, she chose the most hurtful approach. Not only before our separation

    but even after it.¡±

    ¡°She was not like this before,¡± Josiah mentioned. ¡°She was a very gentle and kind-hearted girl in her

    youth¡­

    ¡°Before? How long ago was that?¡±

    ¡°Before she turned four years old.¡±¡°

    Lysander was taken aback. ¡°That was a long time ago.¡±

    At the age of four, memories might not be very profound.

    ¡°People grow and change. It¡¯s natural.¡±

    ¡°Yes, before the age of four, she was quite adorable. But after we were apart for a while, she was

    already quite simr to how she is now when I saw her again at the age of seven or eight. While other

    ssmates could recite poems, she could climb a tree swiftly and often got scolded by her parents.¡±

    Lysander murmured, ¡°So you two are quitepatible.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°I heard your ssmates mention that you were not easy to get along with in high school.¡±

    Josiah appeared somewhat surprised. ¡°You know our ssmates? Who?¡±

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    Chapter 67 Earning Merit For My Child

    them discussing it.¡±

    Josiah lowered his head and tugged at the corner of his mouth, seemingly confirming it.

    ¡°In our school, there was also a bully, but he had principles. If you did not provoke him, you were safe.

    He only engaged in conflicts with troublemakers from other schools and did not harm innocent

    individuals.¡±

    Josiah inquired, ¡°Did I harm innocent people? Did Miles mention that?¡±

    ¡°No. Miles did not say much. I just caught a snippet. Isimply wanted to caution you that Lysanne¡¯s

    demeanor, to put it nicely, is assertive, but to be frank, it is reckless. Today was fortunate, but if

    someone had been seriously injured, it would have been a serious matter.¡±.

    Josiah nodded solemnly. ¡°So, you were willing to risk your life to save her today., I truly feel remorseful

    toward you.

    ¡°She pushed me onto the busy street, and I was almost killed there. While I don¡¯t want to hear you

    apologize again, my magnanimity only goes so far. I won¡¯t save someone who almost killed me.¡±

    She stated. ¡°I witnessed her fall and sitting on the ground clutching her swollen belly while appearing to

    be in agony. If it were me who was struck, I could have rolled a few times to lessen the impact. It would

    not have been severe. However, if it were her who was hit, the child might¡­ Perhaps I feel remorseful.

    Lysander helplessly tugged at the corner of her lips. ¡°Consider it as ruing some merit for my child,

    hoping that he will be born into a favorable family in his next life.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s hands, which were loosely sped together, suddenly tightened and the veins on the back of

    his hand protruded.

    ¡°I am a selfish mother. I don¡¯t want my life to be tied to you and the Guerra family because of my child. I

    also don¡¯t want him to have a childhood that is alwayscking fatherly love, so¡­ I gave him up

    heartlessly.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Lysander, can I ask you a question?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°When having an abortion, does the child¡­ feel pain?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68

    Chapter 68 Next Time, His Wife Might Be Reced

    ¡°Lysander, when having an abortion, does the child feel pain?¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°It¡¯s only a little over a month and it¡¯s just a cell, so there won¡¯t be any pain.¡±

    ¡°What about you? Did you feel pain?¡±

    Lysander hesitated slightly.

    ¡°I thought about it. You left in the morning around 7am., and by the time I rushed to the hospital

    entrance, it was already past 4 p.m., and you had just undergone the abortion. In the nearly eight

    hours. during this time, did you intentionally give me a chance, or¡­ did it genuinely take you that long

    to have the abortion?¡±

    Lysander lowered her head slightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t purposely leave my wallet there.¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    ¡°Actually, ever since Lysanne returned, I have always had a premonition that regardless of the process,

    the oue will inevitably be a divorce and then you will return to her side. That day at the vacation

    hotel, I overheard the conversation you had on the terrace upstairs. To be honest. I am not a saint. I

    couldn¡¯t remain indifferent after hearing those words. I just wanted to leave you both quickly and never

    see you again. In my haste, I forgot my wallet there.¡±

    Josiah kept his head down and his gaze was somewhat vacant. He did not reveal his thoughts.

    She said. ¡°It was quite a coincidence that day. There were no patients in the hospital, so I directly

    asked Lynn to prescribe the abortion medication for me.¡±

    There were no patients in the hospital and Lynn was her assistant, so the process of obtaining the

    medication should have been quick.

    It took at most two hours to drive from the resort to the hospital, leaving six hours¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s not that long.¡± Lysander smiled bitterly. ¡°After getting the medicine, I hesitated and didn¡¯t take it for

    a long time. It took me over two hours to finally swallow it.¡±

    Josiah wiped his face in pain. ¡°So, you took over four hours to¡­.

    ¡°More or less. I didn¡¯t really pay attention to the time Lysander raised her head and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want

    to discuss this topic anymore.¡±

    Josiah nodded repeatedly. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After waiting for a few more minutes, the female officer came out with a paper.

    Josiah reached out to take it, but the female officer didn¡¯t give it to him. ¡°This is for the bail. which

    should be your wife.¡±

    Rut I vender esid. ¡°Cive it to him. Mauha hie wife will change next time¡±

    person,

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    +0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    Chapter 68 Next Time, His Wife Might Be Reced.

    ¡°Josiah? Josiah!¡±

    Lysanne, with a big belly, ran in from outside and rushed into Josiah¡¯s arms. ¡°How are you? Are you

    okay?¡±

    He pushed her away and frowned slightly. ¡°Didn¡¯t I already send you home? Why did youe out

    again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about you. How are you? I care about you so much. Are you touched?¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    Lysanne smiled softly. ¡°If you¡¯re touched, you have to be nicer to me in the future. You can¡¯t make me

    angry again. I forgive you this time, but if you do it again next time, I will go back to Stounia and never

    let you see me again.¡±

    However, Josiah was not as happy as expected but looked worriedly at Lysander not

    far

    away.

    Lysander didn¡¯t say a word. She just leaned against the wall of the police station while struggling to

    walk out as she wanted to leave.

    Suddenly, she stumbled and fell.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Josiah instinctively pushed Lysanne away and hurried over to support Lysander. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Lysander gritted her teeth and her face was pale, but still firmly refused him. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me. I can do

    it myself.¡±

    ¡°Did Daphne note with you? Is she outside? I¡¯ll go call her-

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne ran over, grabbed his arm, and stopped him. ¡°Where are you going? I came to pick

    you up myself. You should take care of me properly. Why bother with unrted people?¡±

    This time, even the female police officer couldn¡¯t bear it. ¡°Unrted people? She is Mr. Guerra¡¯swful

    wife.¡±

    Lysanne was not very pleased. ¡°Did she inform you of that? Some individuals are truly shameless,

    iming they are unconcerned about Mrs. Guerra¡¯s status and unconcerned about everything in the

    Guerra family, but then gossip about sovereignty to outsiders. She can say anything she wants. Why?

    Are you here to file a report at the police station? To have Josiahpensate you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°If not for money, why go through the trouble ofing to the police station with this injured leg?¡±

    The female police officer chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s here to arrange bail for Mr. Guerra!¡±

    ¡°Why involve her? I can also arrange bail.¡±

    Bnce:

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    Chapter 69

    Chapter 69 I¡¯m Afraid I Can¡¯t Help But p You

    The female officer chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any idea in your heart why he didn¡¯t call you?¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip and felt very aggrieved. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Je will call me next time.¡±

    The female officer was even more speechless. ¡°What? Are you still hoping Mr. Guerra wille

    again?¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ty was

    Lysanne felt defeated and refrained from being arrogant in the police station since the other party a

    police officer.

    She shifted her focus to Lysander.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne.¡± She walked over while smiling insincerely. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry to trouble you today. Josiah is

    not very willing to deal with strangers, so I¡¯m here to thank you on his behalf. Don¡¯t argue with him.¡±

    Lysander leaned against the wall.

    She really didn¡¯t want to say another word to Lysanne.

    She regretted that her leg was injured today and she couldn¡¯t walk fast enough. Otherwise, she would

    have left long ago. How could she be caught by Lysanne and hear more sarcastic remarks?

    ¡°Mm.¡± Lysander¡¯s response was indifferent and she continued to lean against the wall and walk out.

    However, Lysanne didn¡¯t stop there. Her gaze kept scanning Lysander¡¯s legs back and forth, with some

    suspicion and disdain. ¡°I remember that car just lightly bumped into you today. It¡¯s not that serious.

    right?¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Miss Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I think you should stay away from me right now.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Afraid I¡¯ll drag you onto the road again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help but p you.¡±

    Lysanne was taken aback. ¡°You¡ª¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, I¡¯m telling you now. If you dare toe in front of me and say some nonsense again, don¡¯t

    me me for getting physical.¡±

    Lysanne didn¡¯t believe it at all and even patted her own belly. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant, Dr. Thorne. You¡¯re a

    gynecologist. If you hurt me and something happens to the baby in my belly, you won¡¯t be able to

    exin-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be very skilled in my approach. I won¡¯t cause a miscarriage, but I¡¯ll make sure you

    learn your lesson.¡±

    Lysander looked at her with a cold gaze, then turned to losiah. ¡°Mr. Guerra, this is also for vour benefit.

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    Chapter 69 I¡¯m Afraid I Can¡¯t Help But p You

    You can keep a dog if you want, but not leashing it is your problem.¡±

    ¡°Who are you calling a dog?!¡±

    ¡°What do you think?

    ¡°This is a police station. How dare you insult me?! Officers, aren¡¯t you going to do something? This

    woman is too arrogant. She dares to insult me in front of you! This is defamation and nder. It¡¯s

    outrageous. I can sue you in court!¡±

    ¡°Go ahead. You know the address of the hospital. I¡¯ll be waiting for your summons.¡±

    ¡®Fine! Dr. Thorne, you better not regret this!¡±

    Lysander sneered, ¡°You better not chicken out. Don¡¯t make me lose respect for you.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Lysanne was so angry that she raised her foot to kick Lysander¡¯s injured knee.

    This woman was ruthless as she targeted the most injured part of Lysander¡¯s body.

    Josiah rushed over in big strides and pulled Lysanne back. Lysanne¡¯s kick missed and he exploded in

    anger. ¡°What are you doing?! Do you still want to fight in the police station?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear her just insult me? I¡¯ve never been humiliated like this in my whole life!¡±

    Josiah was also furious and shouted sternly. ¡°Haven¡¯t you caused enough trouble recently?! This is a

    police station. Be quiet!¡±

    Lysanne was trembling with anger. ¡°Fine, Josiah. You¡¯re helping an outsider against your own woman!

    Officer, you be the judge. She was clearly insulting me just now!¡±

    The female officer shrugged. ¡°Sorry, Madam. This is a police station, not a neighborhoodmittee.

    We only handle criminal cases and public safety incidents, not personal emotional issues.¡±

    With that, the female officer walked over and supported Lysander. ¡°Your leg is injured. Let me help you.

    out)

    This time, Lysander did not refuse.

    She simply did not want to be involved in this messy situation any longer.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. It is the duty of the police to serve the people.¡±

    The female officer escorted her to the door and she inquired when she noticed no car waiting outside,

    ¡°Is there no friending to pick you up?¡±

    ¡°As an adult, I cannot always rely on my friends. I will just take a taxi myself.¡±

    ¡°Let me assist you.¡±

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    Chapter 69 I¡¯m Afraid I Can¡¯t Help But p You

    waved goodbye.

    Upon returning to the lobby and taking a nce, she was truly shocked by the scene before her.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70

    Chapter 70 Are You Falling For Her, Josiah?

    Lysanne appeared to be in a frenzy as she struck out randomly. Mindful of her pregnancy, Josiah could

    only raise his arm to defend himself while ensuring she didn¡¯t fall. Consequently, he received several

    heavy blows and even had his gold-rimmed sses knocked off.

    ¡°Enough! Are you finished?¡± The female police officer yelled. ¡°If you want to fight, take it outside the

    police station.¡±

    Lysanne sat down with a huff while sulking as she turned her back. ¡°I¡¯m not going back with him!¡±

    Josiah straightened his clothes and took a weary deep breath. ¡°Have you let out all your anger?¡±

    ¡°No! Josiah, I¡¯m telling you. This is not the end between us!¡±

    He lowered his head and slowly rolled down the sleeve on his arm. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll leave first then.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, how could you! I¡¯m pregnant. Are you going to leave me alone outside? What if something

    happens-¡±

    Josiah sneered. ¡°When you and Lysander rushed into the middle of the road together today, weren¡¯t.

    you afraid of something happening then?¡±

    ¡°Josiah, are you falling for her?¡±

    He remained silent.

    ¡°Recently, you¡¯ve been losing patience with me more and more. You used to be so patient and kind to

    me. Ever since you married this woman, you¡¯ve been taking her side all the time!¡±

    Taking her side?

    Josiah smiled bitterly and was filled with regret.

    The person he had been in love with for over twenty years was finally able to be with him. He used to

    think that Lysander would be the biggest obstacle.

    Indeed, their rtionship had no cracks at all. He unterally suggested a divorce and he was even

    prepared to offer her arge sum of money if Lysander caused a scene. He would allow her to live

    morefortably in thetter part of her life.

    Alternatively, he could also use his connections to assist her in her career.

    But the obstacle he envisioned simply did not exist. She even decisively terminated the pregnancy to

    avoid any entanglements between them and thest bit of resistance between him and Lysanne

    disappeared.

    However, what he never anticipated was why the girl he had waited for over twenty years would

    change like this after they finally got together.

    Aiden Sutton remarked, ¡°Could it be that Lysanne is naturally like this?¡±

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    Chapter 70 Are You Falling For Her, Josiah?

    Aiden

    was a few years younger than him and Aiden was a junior to both him and Lysanne.

    But this kid was more of a yboy than him, with a different girl in the passenger seat every time he

    saw Aiden.

    Aiden was the typical guy who treated women as disposable while being fiercely loyal to his friends.

    Josiah used to look down on this kid¡¯s behavior and was not willing to get too close to him.

    But Aiden admired him¡­

    Most likely because in high school, Josiah was not the elite student who studied hard, and being

    respected by so many people was not for nothing.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    At that time, Josiah was also at his wit¡¯s end. Lysanne made it clear that she didn¡¯t like him and always

    mentioned the words ¡°good friends¡± with him while firmly establishing their rtionship. She even

    asked him to help arrange a meeting with Miles, as she wanted to confess to him.

    He felt like his heart had been pierced by an arrow, so he decided to let loose and be carefree,

    bing the person that everyone in school had to respect.

    Aiden asked. ¡°What happened next? Did you really leave Lysanne alone at the police station?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Did you take her back home?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What if she refused to leave and insisted on staying? What would you do?¡±

    Josiah felt a headache whenever he thought about these things. He rubbed his temples and took a sip

    of the amber liquid in his ss. ¡°I promised to buy her a bag.¡±

    Aiden was dumbfounded. ¡°Just like that?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Josiah raised his ss and finished it in one gulp before summarizing, ¡°A bag can cure all ills.¡±

    ¡°I can tell that you¡¯re a hopeless romantic. You couldn¡¯t possibly resist Lysanne and eventually, you

    must have given in.¡±

    Josiah smiled wryly and signaled for the waiter. ¡°Another drink please.¡±

    Aiden continued toin. ¡°You and my brother are two fools in love, both captivated by women. You

    may appear sophisticated, but in reality, you¡¯re both under the spell of women¡­¡±

    ¡°Your brother? Who is he?¡±

    ¡°Oh! My brother is Adrian Sutton. He went abroad at a young age and never studied in the country, so

    you wouldn¡¯t have crossed paths with him.¡±

    Josiah gripped the empty wine ss in his hand and the alcohol hit him all at once, causing him to

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    Chapter 71

    Chapter 71 Don¡¯t Interfere In Josiah¡¯s Matters

    ¡°Adrian. His name is simr to mine¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°Is he a doctor?¡±

    Aiden was delighted. Josiah, do you know my brother? I always knew he was exceptional, but I never

    realized just how remarkable he truly is. Even someone like you, who has never met him, recognizes

    his name¡­

    Josiah chuckled coldly.

    At that moment, the waiter brought over some drinks. Josiah took it and drank it all in one gulp.

    Aiden advised, ¡°Josiah, this is vodka. It¡¯s not meant to be consumed in one go. Take it easy.

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    ¡°Do you know who your brother is interested in?¡±

    Aiden shook his head honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. He keeps it well hidden. Even our biological mother is

    unaware.¡±

    As they conversed, Aiden spotted a familiar face. He stood up and waved. ¡°Zane,e over here!¡±

    Zane jogged over and greeted obediently, ¡°Josiah.¡±

    Aiden draped his arm around Zane¡¯s neck. ¡°Why are you sote? Josiah has been waiting for you.¡±

    ¡°There was traffic. It¡¯s a nightmare out there.¡±

    Zane sat down next to Josiah and immediately retrieved his phone from his pocket. As he entered the

    lock screen password, he asked, ¡°Josiah, should I read it to you or would you prefer to read it

    yourself?¡±

    Josiah inquired, ¡°Did she send it again?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Just a while ago.¡±

    Adrian asked, ¡°Who sent it? How much money did she send to make you so excited, Zane?¡±

    Zane nced at him. ¡°It¡¯s a post on the social media, not a windfall.¡±

    ¡°Who posted on social media?¡±

    ¡°Daphne.¡±

    Adrian¡¯s expression suddenly became tense. ¡°Why are you guys looking at her social media?¡±

    Zane scoffed. ¡°Mind your own business, Adrian.¡±

    With that, he flipped his phone to the page and handed it to Josiah. ¡°Josiah, take a look.¡±

    Josiah took the phone.

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    Chapter 71 Don¡¯t Interfere in Josiah¡¯s Matters

    Daphne had only posted a picture without any words.

    He recognized the ce in the picture. It was outside the popr inte-famous restaurant today. The

    onlookers were all blurred by Daphne, making the two people in the center of the picture stand out

    even more, and¡­ it had a certain atmosphere.

    A man was running forward with a woman in his arms, with their backs facing the camera.

    The woman in his arms was petite,pletely covered by his body, only her ck hair flowing in the

    air and the hem of her skirt fluttering could be seen.

    Looking at this photo. I think it has nothing to do with Lysanne. It¡¯s probably a still from a TV drama.

    Look at the sunset and theposition. It¡¯s obviously the kind of bubble idol drama that those girls like

    to watch.¡±

    Zane erged the picture as he spoke while pointing to the sunset in the upper right corner, then

    pointing to the two people in the center of the frame and analyzing it in detail.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite strange. Daphne used to never watch these lovey-dovey TV dramas. She only liked horror

    movies. Has she changed recently?¡±

    Josiah put his phone back in his arms, stood up, grabbed his coat, and walked out.

    Zane chased after him from behind. Josiah, why are you leaving? I just arrived and you¡¯re leaving?¡±

    Josiah stopped in his tracks and Zane caught up. ¡°Let¡¯s have a few more drinks, Josiah¡­¡±

    He didn¡¯t dare to say the rest

    Josiah¡¯s face looked unpleasant.

    Aiden also caught up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Josiah? Why are you suddenly leaving?¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brow. ¡°I¡¯m irritated. I¡¯m leaving. You guys enjoy your drinks. Put it on my tab.¡±

    ¡°Forget it. Yourpany has been losing a lot of money recently. I¡¯ll cover it today.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression suddenly turned cold. ¡°Are you looking down on me?¡±

    ¡°No. No. No. How could I dare¡­¡±

    Josiah gave him a prating look, walked past him, and said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Zane inquired, ¡°Josiah, do you still want to keep up with Daphne¡¯s updates on social media?¡±

    Josiah hesitated. ¡°Hmm¡­ if there¡¯s any news, let me know anytime.¡±

    As Aiden and Zane watched Josiah walk away, they exchanged a nce and both shrugged to show

    their bewilderment.

    Back at the bar, Aiden asked for details and Zane slowly recounted everything.

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    Chapter 71 Don¡¯t Interfere In Josiah¡¯s Matters

    actually talking about Lysanne?¡±

    Zane exined simply. ¡°Their names are simr.¡±

    ¡°Wow! We all thought Josiah had been faithful in his love for so many years, but it turns out he¡¯s really

    married.¡±

    ¡°Zane, although it¡¯s not right to gossip about others, let¡¯s be honest. How has Josiah treated Lysanne

    all these years?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to say. Anyone can see that he has always been devoted to Lysanne.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Everyone can see it. Can¡¯t Lysanne see it?¡± Zane couldn¡¯t help but speak with some emotion.

    ¡°Lysanne has been leading Josiah on for over twenty years. Not to speak badly of her, but it¡¯s really¡­.

    unfair.¡±

    Send Gifts

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    1

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    Chapter 72

    Chapter 72 Am I Boring?

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Aiden chuckled awkwardly, sat down, and took a few sips of wine to cover up the embarrassment.

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not that bad. Lysanne has always said that she and Josiah are best friends.¡±

    ¡°Friends? Do you believe that?¡± Zane teased. ¡°After so many years, I don¡¯t believe she doesn¡¯t feel

    anything for Josiah.¡±

    Aiden held the cup in his hands and chuckled, but did not argue further.

    Zane sighed and said, ¡°The most pitiful person in this whole situation is another person-Lysander. She

    is being used as a substitute for Lysanne without knowing it. Josiah¡¯s kindness toward her is not

    because of her, but because of Lysanne. Now that Lysanne has changed her mind, she has to leave

    immediately. It¡¯s quite cruel when you think about it.¡±

    Aidenughed. ¡°So what? Is she being wronged by marrying Josiah? If they divorce, won¡¯t she get a

    big sum of money? She won¡¯t have to worry about food and drink for the rest of her life. She can down

    and rx, without having to make any effort.¡±

    Zane thought for a moment and nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true)

    ¡°What¡¯s the girl¡¯s family background like?¡±

    just lie

    ¡°Not great. She can¡¯t even afford a house in-Harborbrook. After moving out of Josiah¡¯s house, she can

    only stay with friends¡­ Oh. She¡¯s staying at Daphne¡¯s house.¡±

    Aiden was drinking andughing. ¡°That¡¯s right. After marrying Josiah for a few years, she immediately

    has a house and a car. She achieved financial freedom. I think she should thank Lysanne. If her name

    wasn¡¯t simr to Lysanne¡¯s, would she be able to benefit from such a good thing?¡±

    The next day, Lysander happened to have a day off.

    However, she had a leg injury now, so she had toe to the hospital in the morning to change her

    dressing. After changing the dressing, she was toozy to take a taxi back, so she went straight to her

    office.

    At noon, Lynn went to the hospital cafeteria to get food for Lysander. Upon seeing Lysander flipping

    through medical records, she walked over and mmed the medical records shut.

    Lysander raised her head. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re on leave today. Don¡¯t look at this now, eat first

    Lysander took the packed lunch box with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m just idle anyway.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re idle, you can sleep or y games.¡±

    Lysander smiled at first, but then her smile slowly faded. ¡°Lynn.¡±

    While helping her open the lunch box, Lynn responded, ¡°Ah? What¡¯s up?¡±

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    Chapter 72 Am 1 Boring?

    04/0

    ¡°Am I a boring person?¡±

    Lynn shook her head instinctively. ¡°No. When you teach us, you¡¯re quite lively. Just ask the interns.

    They all like following you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about teaching, I¡¯m talking about¡­ in life.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean specifically?¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment and said, ¡°I am fully focused on my work, I don¡¯t like to watch

    Instagram or y games. I don¡¯t know gossip about celebrities and I don¡¯t understand¡­ makeup.

    Living with me would be quite boring, right?¡±

    Lynn pondered for a moment and said, ¡°But aren¡¯t we doctors all like this? Especially in the obstetrics

    and gynecology department. We have to be on high alert at all times. If a pregnant woman has any

    sudden situation, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we have to rush back quickly because

    we can¡¯t afford to lose. One small mistake could cost two lives.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath and nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. Marrying and dating a doctor should be quite

    boring.¡±

    ¡°So, those of us in the medical field basically keep it within ourselves. You¡¯re busy and I¡¯m busy. Let¡¯s

    not talk about each other. Haha.¡±

    Just then, Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

    It was the hospital dean.

    ¡°Lysander, are you at the hospital now?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Come to my office then. I need to talk to you about something.¡±

    Lysander gazed at her leg, which was wrapped in thick white bandages, and hesitated for a moment.

    The dean¡¯s office was located on the twelfth floor. Although she could take the elevator, it would still

    involve a long walk from her office to the elevator and then another long walk from the elevator to the

    dean¡¯s office.

    She inquired, ¡°Dean, could you provide me with the information over the phone?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you upied in the department?¡±

    ¡°Not particrly.¡±

    ¡°You shoulde up and discuss this in person then.. Hmm? What did you say?¡±

    It appeared that someone had entered the dean¡¯s office to report something, prompting the dean to

    cover the receiver.

    Lysander remained patient as she waited.

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    Chapter 72 Am I Boring?

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    Shortly after, the dean¡¯s voice came through the phone again. ¡°Lysander, are you in the office?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°All right. Please wait for me. I wille down.¡±

    After ending the call, Lynn asked her, ¡°What does the dean want to discuss with you?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°He didn¡¯t mention it on the phone. It¡¯s just that he prefers to talk face to

    face.¡±

    Suddenly, Lynn¡¯splexion turned pale. ¡°Could it be¡­ that they discovered about the abortion pills I

    gave you?¡±

    Send Gifts

    ¡£

    200

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    Chapter 73

    Chapter 73 The New Anesthetist

    Lysander was actually feeling a little guilty as she had asked Lynn for medication without registering. In

    other words, there was no record of her having an abortion in the Central Hospital¡¯s big data.

    If strictly following the procedures for ountability, Lynn would be considered to have vited the

    rules. Lysander frowned slightly and said, ¡°If the dean holds you ountableter, just push all the

    me onto me. Say that I instructed you to do so and you didn¡¯t dare to disobey me because I am your

    teacher.¡±

    Lynn looked embarrassed and replied, ¡°Dr. Thorne, I

    Lysander gave her a reassuring look and said, ¡°Just say that. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Ten minutester, there was a knock on the office door. Lynn went to open the door and she shrunk her

    neck. ¡°Dean.¡±

    The dean nced at her and asked, ¡°Why are you so afraid of me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. You are the director and I respect you

    The dean chuckled and said, ¡°I thought the post-2000s have their ego. You are an exception.¡±

    Lynn forced a smile and pulled the corners of her mouth.

    The dean walked in and Lysander stood up holding onto the desk. ¡°Dean.¡±

    The dean didn¡¯t seem very surprised by her leg injury. He raised his hand to gesture for her to sit down

    and talk. ¡°Your leg is not convenient. Please sit down.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dean. It won¡¯t affect my work. I just have a little trouble walking, but it¡¯s no problem for me

    to see patients or perform surgery standing up.¡±

    The dean smiled reassuringly and said, ¡°You have outstanding abilities. Are you afraid that I will fire

    you? All right. Take a few days off and let your assistant handle things. Don¡¯t leave any lingering illness

    behind. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Central Hospital is counting on you in the

    future.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Dean.¡±

    ¡°If you do well, you deserve praise. By the way, the hospital blood bank is running low on blood these

    days. You can apany the blood collection vehicle to go out. It¡¯s a more rxed job and it will also

    give you a chance to rest and rx.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Dean, did you call me for something?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It was supposed to be announced at the meeting next Monday. We have recruited a senior

    anesthetist from abroad. His qualifications and experience are top-notch. He gave up a high sry

    abroad toe back to the country and he didn¡¯t even go to the provincial hospital, but chose the

    Central Hospital. Such talent is very precious!¡±

    Lysander inquired, ¡°Anesthetist?¡±

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    ¡°Yes. He will start working at our hospital tomorrow in your Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.¡±

    Lysander nodded immediately and said, ¡°All right. I understand. I will take good care of the expert and

    try to make him stay.¡±

    The dean chuckled and said, ¡°He will definitely stay, let me introduce him to you. Adrian,e in.¡±

    A man walked in from the door. He was tall and dignified. He smiled and reached out his hand to her.

    ¡°Hello, Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m Adrian Sutton.¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Lysander was a little stunned.

    The dean smiled and introduced him. ¡°Although it may not be necessary. I will still introduce them as a

    matter of routine. This is Adrian Sutton, a foreign anesthesia expert. Dr. Sutton, this is Lysander

    Thorne, the most powerful and youngest doctor in our hospital¡¯s obstetrics and gynecology

    department.¡±

    Adrian had a faint smile on his lips as he nodded slightly and said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t you recognize

    me?¡±

    Lysander slowly reached out her hand to shake hands with him and asked, ¡°How did you end up in our

    hospital?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t Ie?¡±

    ¡°No. What I meant was, with your qualifications, you could choose a hospital in the capital. Even in

    Harborbrook, you could go to a better provincial hospital.¡±

    Adrian exined, ¡°First, I chose Harborbrook because I am originally from Harborbrook. Although I

    grew up abroad, my parents and family are all here. Second¡­ being an anesthetist requires a lot of

    interaction with colleagues and I value the professionalism and personality of my partners.¡±

    Lysander remained silent and simply nodded politely as she shook hands with him before releasing her

    grip.

    Noticing her sudden change in demeanor, the dean inquired, ¡°Is everything all right, Lysander? Aren¡¯t

    you familiar with Dr. Sutton? He specifically asked to be assigned to the obstetrics and gynecology

    department. I assumed you had used your connections to bring this expert to our hospital.¡±

    Lysander nced at the dean before turning her gaze to Adrian and there was a hint of concern in her

    eyes. ¡°Did you inform the dean that we are acquainted?¡±

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    Chapter 74

    Chapter 74 I Have a Crush

    Adrian didn¡¯t shy away from the topic. ¡°I happened to witness your car ident at the restaurant earlier,

    so I took you to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander felt a sense of relief.

    She had expected Adrian to perhaps express romantic feelings¡­

    The dean chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that you two are acquainted. It expedites the process of getting to

    know each other. With your skills, our hospital¡¯s obstetrics and gynecology department will surely

    thrive!¡±

    ¡°Dean¡­¡±

    Lynn, who was standing in the corner, spoke up timidly. ¡°You came to see Dr. Thorne about this?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Why else? Dr. Thorne is exceptional at her job. I wouldn¡¯te here to cause trouble for her,

    would I?¡±

    Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good. That¡¯s good. I thought¡ª¡±

    ¡°What did you think?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s nothing. Haha. I thought Dr. Thorne¡¯s work was so outstanding that you were going to

    promote her and give her a raise.¡±

    The dean stroked his chin and remarked, ¡°Actually, I have been contemting that. But I have

    hesitated, considering Dr. Thorne is already married. I fear she might announce a pregnancy one day

    and need to take time off for childbirth, which could be troublesome¡­¡±

    ¡°You needn¡¯t worry. Dr. Thorne is divorced. She won¡¯t be pregnant.¡±

    Lynn blurted out, then quickly covered her mouth upon realizing her mistake.

    The dean looked at Lynn in surprise, then at Lysander. ¡°Divorced?¡±

    Lysander felt a bit embarrassed and nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°When did this happen?¡±

    ¡°During my annual leave.¡±

    ¡°Why though? You seemed to be doing well. Your husband even used to drop you off and pick you up

    every day. How did the divorcee about?¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words. ¡°I-¡±

    Suddenly, Adrian interjected, ¡°Dean, didn¡¯t you mention showing me the pharmacy warehouse?¡±

    ¡°AL

    ih.¡± The Ja

    HABER AUDhound ¡°) .¡¯. co I¡¯ll be thawn now.. ¡±

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    As they departed, Adrian paused, nced back at Lysander, and offered a slight smile before following

    the dean out.

    Lynn stood there for a moment while watching Adrian and the dean leave before hurrying back to close

    the door.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne! Did you see that? He¡¯s so handsome!¡±

    Lysander sighed. ¡°No longer scared?¡±

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°Fear dispelled! I was so frightened earlier. I was worried the dean would find out and

    reprimand me, so I didn¡¯t even pay attention to the details. That Dr. Sutton is truly handsome. Damn!¡±

    ¡°Feeling a bit giddy?¡±

    ¡°No way!¡±

    Lysander remarked, ¡°Go outside and turn right. There¡¯s a mirror. Have a look at your rosy cheeks.

    They¡¯re all flushed like a tomato.¡±

    Lynn rubbed her round face and mused, ¡°He is really handsome¡­ I wonder if he¡¯s married or if he has

    a girlfriend¡­¡±

    Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

    Lynn opened it. ¡°Who?¡­ Oh, it¡¯s Dr. Sutton. Weren¡¯t you supposed to be at the pharmacy with the

    dean? Why are you back?¡±

    Adrian smiled. ¡°You must be Lynn?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Yes. I am Lynn Bale. Dr. Sutton, you know me!!!¡±

    ¡°I recognize you. You¡¯re Dr. Thorne¡¯s assistant. You¡¯ve been with Dr. Thorne since you were assigned

    to the Central Hospital after graduating.¡±

    Lynn nodded eagerly. ¡°Yes! That¡¯s correct!¡±

    Adrian held out a small gift bag. ¡°I forgot to give you this earlier.¡±

    Lynn eyed the elegant gift box. ¡°Oh my, this brand of cookies isn¡¯t avable in the country!¡±

    ¡°Yes. I had a friend send it from overseas especially for you.¡±

    She epted the cookies happily. ¡°Dr. Sutton, how did you know I like this brand of cookies? I¡¯ve been

    out of stock for so long. I used to have to find a purchasing agent to buy them and they are so

    expensive.¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    Adrian simply smiled and nced at Lysander before saying, ¡°Let me know when you finish eating. I¡¯ll

    have my friend send some more.¡±

    Lysander felt a hot gaze on her. She felt flushed with embarrassment and awkwardness. She could

    only

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    She couldn¡¯t help but admire Lysanne a little.

    How was Lysanne able to remain soposed and unembarrassed in the presence of a man clearly

    interested in her?

    Not only was she not embarrassed, but she had been with him for over twenty years.

    Every day, she could see his affection for her in every little thing.

    Although Josiah did not explicitly state it, could Lysander still ept all the kindness he had shown

    toward her?

    Lysander shook her head and felt incapable of doing so.

    Just facing Adrian¡¯s somewhat reserved actions made her so embarrassed that she didn¡¯t know how to

    react.

    Adrian continued to gaze at her.

    Lysander simply turned around to face away from him. She felt a bit more at ease this way.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Dr. Sutton!¡±.

    Adrian smiled softly. ¡°I¡¯ll have to rely on you to take care in the future.¡±

    Lynn, who wanted to return a favor and was currently focused on his appearance, said, ¡°Of course! Of

    course! By the way, Dr. Sutton, can I ask you something?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡±

    Adrian finally shifted his gaze away from Lysander and replied, ¡°Not yet, but¡­ I have someone I like.¡±

    Cough! Cough! Cough!

    Lysander suddenly coughed violently and tears streamed down her face.

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    Chapter 75

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 75 I¡¯m Allergic to the Word ¡®Friend¡¯

    Lynn ultimately chose her mentor over the male colleague and walked over very gracefully to help her

    get a ss of water before patting her back to calm her down. ¡°Dr. Thorne, why are you eating so

    quickly? The blood collection is tomorrow.¡±

    Lysander choked and couldn¡¯t speak, so she could only wave her hand. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just a little spicy.¡±

    ¡°Have some soup.¡± Adrian ced a thermos lunch box in front of her. ¡°Green spring minestrone. It¡¯s

    good for your health.¡±

    ¡°Did you buy it from outside?¡±

    Their hospital cafeteria didn¡¯t offer such delicacies; it was already good enough to have pumpkin soup.

    ¡°I stewed it myself,¡± Adrian said. ¡°Take your time drinking. I¡¯ll go talk to the dean ande backter to

    retrieve the lunch box.¡±

    Adrian smiled calmly and left the room, leaving Lysander alone in the wind while still chewing on her

    food.

    Lynn covered her face and leaned in gossipingly. She dragged out her tone. ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    Lysander frowned at the sound. ¡°Can you speak normally? Your voice is making me ufortable.¡±

    With an expression of ¡°I see right through everything with my eyes,¡± Lynn tapped the thermos lunch

    box with her finger. ¡°Dr. Sutton came for you, right?¡±

    Lysander lowered her head to eat.¡±What nonsense are you talking about? He already said it¡¯s because

    his family is in Harborbrook and the rtionships in our hospital are simple.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Lynn sighed softly. ¡°This soup was personally brewed by him. If he didn¡¯t have special feelings

    for someone, why would he put in so much effort?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Maybe he was just making soup for himself for lunch?¡±

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s really generous then.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t say anything. She just lowered her head and continued eating.

    Lynn reached out to open the insted lunch box. ¡°Let me smell this soup and evaluate his cooking

    skills¡­¡±

    Her hand was just about to reach it when Lysander pped it away. ¡°Don¡¯t touch it. We have to return it

    to him exactly as it is.¡±

    Lynn pouted. ¡°Do you have to be so heartless?¡±

    Lysander paused, lowered her head, and slowly said, ¡°Since I have no intention of furthering this, it¡¯s

    better to reject from the beginning. I don¡¯t want him to misunderstand and think there¡¯s still a chance for

    him. It¡¯s unfair to him if I waste his time and emotions. It¡¯s not ethical.¡±

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    Lynn leaned in closer to her before whispering, ¡°Dr. Thorne, since you¡¯re already divorced, you don¡¯t

    have to reject directly. You can start as friends first and see how things progresster¡­¡±

    Cough¡­ Cough¡­ Cough¡­.

    ¡°Why are you coughing again? The food I bought today wasn¡¯t spicy, right?¡± Lynn pulled out some

    tissues and handed them to her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you okay? Is there something you¡¯re allergic to?¡±

    Lysander took the tissues and took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to the word ¡®friends.¡±

    Lynn was puzzled. ¡°Huh?¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander had almost finished eating. She quickly packed up the lunch box and handed the lunch box

    brought by Adrian to Lynn. ¡°Can you please put this on the nurse station for me? Remember to give it

    to Dr. Sutton when he¡¯s done.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°My dear assistant, I have to go out tomorrow to collect blood samples, so I need to

    go home, take a shower, and change clothes.¡±

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°All right. Leave it to me.¡±

    Before leaving, Lysander suddenly remembered something. ¡°Is the box of cookies that Dr. Sutton gave

    you still there?¡±

    Lynn, looking like a protective nurse puppy, held onto the bag of cookies tightly. ¡°You¡¯re not going to

    make me give it back too, are you?¡±

    Lysander felt helpless and said, ¡°Take it out.¡±

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    Chapter 76 Death-like Beauty

    ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you return it. I just want to take a picture.¡±

    Lynn hesitated but still handed her the small biscuit. Would you like to buy one too? Dr. Thorne, let me

    tell you. This small biscuit is really delicious and i won¡¯t cause weight gain at all. It¡¯s very popr and

    hard to find¡­¡±

    After Lysander took the photo, Lynn quickly snatched the small biscuit back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let you return it.¡±

    Only then did Lynn feel relieved. ¡°That¡¯s good. Dr. Thorne. Are you buying it for me? Oh, you¡¯re so

    kind.¡±

    Lysander quickly reached out to stop the child from jumping in to hug her and said softly, ¡°All right. You

    helped me bear the risk of the abortionst time, so I should thank you properly. I¡¯ll buy you half a

    year¡¯s worth of small biscuits.¡±

    ¡°Yay!¡±

    Lysander¡¯s legs were not convenient, so in the end, Lynn helped her out of the hospital entrance and

    watched her get into a taxi.

    Lysander sat in the car and sent a picture to Daphne.

    Daphne was puzzled.

    Lysander wrote, ¡®Miss Everhart, I know you have a widework, can you get this brand of small

    biscuits?¡¯

    Daphne replied, ¡®No problem. How many do you need?¡¯

    Lysander wrote, ¡®200 boxes.

    Daphne replied, ¡®Wow, are you nning to do business? Stocking up on so much inventory?¡¯

    Lysander wrote, ¡®My assistant, who¡¯s a young girl, likes to eat these. She helped me with the abortion

    before, so I want to thank her.¡¯

    Daphne replied, ¡®Oh, I remember that girl. She¡¯s quite loyal. All right. I¡¯ll help with this favor. 200 boxes,

    right? Wait for my message.

    Lysander wrote, ¡®Daphne, get two more boxes.

    Daphne replied, ¡®For yourself?¡¯

    Lysander wrote, ¡®You know me. I don¡¯t really like sweets.¡¯

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    Chapter 76. Death-like Beauty

    Lysander wrote, ¡®Let¡¯s just get five more boxes. Three boxes are your reward and I need the other two

    to repay a debt.¡¯

    Daphne replied, ¡®Repay a debt? What debt?¡¯

    Lysander wrote, ¡®A debt of love.¡±

    The next morning, Lysander got up early.

    Upon seeing that Lysander had trouble walking, Daphne insisted on driving her to the hospital and

    said, ¡°If Josiah can do it, so can I.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s leg injury was not minor and with the hot weather now, she couldn¡¯t wear pants, or it would

    get infected.

    But here¡¯s the problem-she didn¡¯t have a skirt.

    Not that she didn¡¯t have any, but they were all still at Josiah¡¯s house and he hadn¡¯t sent them over yet.

    Daphne¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up. ¡°I have one that¡¯s perfect for you.¡±

    She ran to her oversized wardrobe happily and picked out a sky-blue chiffon maxi dress. It was elegant

    and long, reaching down to her ankles, just enough to cover the bandage on her leg.

    ¡°This dress is absolutely perfect for you! I bought it and realized it was too small. You¡¯re slimmer, so it

    should fit you just right.¡±

    Lysander took it but frowned. ¡°Why is the neckline¡­ so low?¡±

    ¡°What? Have you never seen a low neckline before? At most, this is just a slightlyrger round

    neckline. Hurry up and change into it. Time is running out.¡±

    Lysander nced at the time. The blood collection vehicle was scheduled to leave at 7:30 a.m. and

    would take at least half an hour to drive from home. Moreover, there would be traffic congestion during

    the morning rush hour, so time was indeed tight.

    She didn¡¯t have time to dawdle anymore, so she took the dress and went to the bedroom.

    When she came out, Daphne¡¯s eyes went straight-her figure was slender, her waist was delicate, and

    the neckline was indeed a bit low, but her corbones were perfectly exposed.

    Lysander¡¯s corbones were delicately beautiful, especially when her chest was lifted. It enhanced her

    allure and charm.

    Daphne pped her hands excitedly. ¡°I still think Josiah should see an eye doctor. Aren¡¯t you much

    more beautiful than that mistress?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°They are in a genuine rtionship. Appearance is irrelevant.¡±

    ¡°Really? I doubt it.¡± Daphne snapped a photo of her with her phone.

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    ¡°I¡¯m capturing the beauty before me. What¡¯s wrong with that? You¡¯re wearing my dress. Why can¡¯t I

    take a picture?¡±

    This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Lysander sighed. ¡°Fine. Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes. Go ahead and take the picture.¡±

    Daphne took photos of her from various angles enthusiastically-close-ups, full body shots, and front

    and side profiles.

    Eventually, Lysander couldn¡¯t wait any longer. ¡°If we don¡¯t leave now, we¡¯ll bete.¡±

    Daphne quickly put away her phone. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Luckily, it wasn¡¯t too crowded that day.

    Upon arriving, the blood collection van was already parked at the hospital entrance.

    The young nurses were busy loading various instruments and medical supplies onto the vehicle.

    ¡°Daphne, I¡¯m heading to work now. Drive safely.¡±

    Daphne was absorbed in her phone as she smiled. She waved her hand without looking. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll

    pick you up after work.¡±

    As soon as Lysander left the car, Daphne posted the edited photo coge of Lysander in a dress on her

    social media.

    The caption read-¡°There is a beauty that is as striking as losing a husband.¡±

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    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 77 What If I Don¡¯t Give It To You?

    Josiah furrowed his brow upon seeing the screenshot sent by Zane. He grabbed the cigarette box and

    instinctively headed toward the balcony.

    ¡°Where are you off to?¡± Lysanne inquired.

    His frown deepened. Lately, she had been extremely vignt about his whereabouts, almost bordering

    on paranoia. Every time he stepped out of her sight, she would question where he was going

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the balcony to smoke,¡± Josiah replied.

    Lysanne was persistent. ¡°Why do you need to bring your phone? Who are you nning to call?¡±

    Josiah was irritated. ¡°Can¡¯t I just watch the news? Do I have to make a call every time I have my phone

    with me? And even if I do, it¡¯s work-rted. Can¡¯t I give instructions to my subordinate?¡±

    Lysanne smiled and reached for his hand. ¡°I¡¯m just concerned about you¡­¡±

    ¡°Concerned?¡± He scoffed. ¡°Lysanne, your ¡®concern¡¯ is suffocating my freedom!¡±

    Her smile faltered momentarily. She released his hand and said in a somewhat affected tone, ¡°Since

    you¡¯re reading the news, why such a strong reaction?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m reacting strongly because¡­ Lysanne, can you ease up on your possessiveness? I feel like I can¡¯t

    breathe with you being so overbearing.¡±

    ¡°What do you want me to do then? Live like roommates with your ex-wife, where there¡¯s no care or

    concern from either side? Is that what freedom is to you? Josiah, you¡¯ve never experienced being

    cared for and missed by someone, so it¡¯s hard for you to adapt all of a sudden. I me that Lysander

    for setting a bad precedent for you.¡±

    Josiah immediately countered, ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything wrong with that in the past. It¡¯s now that¡¯s makin

    me ufortable.¡±

    ¡°Go find her then!¡± Lysander suddenly eximed. ¡°Are you now disgusted with me? Do you feel that

    the child in my belly isn¡¯t yours and it¡¯s bothering you inside? When I had the ident before, the child

    couldn¡¯t have been saved. It was you who took me to the hospital and it was Dr. Thorne who performed

    the surgery to keep this child until now. Are you ming me now because you have some unresolved

    issue in your heart?¡±

    He felt exhausted as he said, ¡°Let¡¯s drop it. It¡¯s early in the morning. I don¡¯t want to argue. I¡¯m heading

    to work.¡±

    ¡°Hold on!¡±

    ¡°What now?!¡±

    ¡°Give me your phone. I want to check.¡±

    Josiah stood still and furrowed his brow.

 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77

    Chapter 77 What If I Don¡¯t Give It To You?

    Lysanne extended her hand and insisted. ¡°You were acting strangely after looking at your phone. You

    were upset. There must be something you¡¯re hiding! Give me your phone!¡±

    He took a deep breath while suppressing his anger and stated calmly, ¡°It¡¯s a message from my mom.

    She¡¯s unwell.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you!¡±

    Josiah had tried to reason with Lysander, but his patience wore thin. He grabbed his things and headed

    straight to the living room. ¡°You rest. I won¡¯t be back tonight. I¡¯ll stay at the old house.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, stop right there!¡±

    He ignored her, opened the bedroom door, and closed it behind him with a bang.

    Lysanne leaped out of bed and blocked the doorway with her arms. ¡°Josiah, if you don¡¯t show me your

    phone today, you can¡¯t leave this room!¡±

    Josiah retorted, ¡°Are you trying to start a fight?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am! You¡¯re clearly troubled about something! We¡¯ve been friends for over twenty years. I can tell

    what¡¯s on your mind just by looking at you! You must have seen something rted to that Lysander!¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, move aside. I need to get to work.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let you go to work today without exining things clearly to me.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Thepany recently lost a major order and suffered significant financial losses. You are aware of

    that! If I don¡¯t go to work, the shareholders will protest! Consequently, the stock price of Guerra Group

    will continue to decline!¡±

    ¡°What does the Guerra Group situation have to do with me? I¡¯m not concerned,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯ll say

    it one final time. Hand me the phone!¡±

    Josiah stood up straight and was reluctant to provide any further exnations. ¡°What will happe refuse

    to give it to you?¡±

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    Chapter 78 Is This Your House?

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    Lysanne looked around, then grabbed a ceramic ornament from the cab and held it against her

    stomach. ¡°If you don¡¯t show me, I¡¯ll smash it!¡±

    Josiah stared at her for a moment, then let out a deep breath.

    ¡°You really want to see, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Lysanne continued, ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Josiah handed her his phone. ¡°Take a look.¡±

    His phone was very simple.

    Email, a few news apps, and WhatsApp.

    Lysanne scrolled through them one by one.

    The emails in his inbox were mostly correspondence with subordinates in thepany, with the most

    from her cousin and Josiah¡¯s current secretary, Jude Bet.

    There wasn¡¯t much to see in the news apps, as he usually only read the finance section, and the push

    notifications were all finance-rted news.

    As for WhatsApp¡­

    The top message was indeed from Josiah¡¯s mother, Susan, with the nickname ¡°Mom.¡±

    Mom wrote, ¡®Josiah, I¡¯ve been having frequent headachestely. What kind of medicine should I take?¡¯

    Josiah replied, ¡®The cause of headaches can beplex. Let me take you to the hospital for a check-

    up?¡¯

    Mom wrote, ¡®No need. I¡¯ll just take some painkillers myself. It¡¯s probably due to poor sleep recently.

    Josiah wrote, ¡®Mom, have you been having trouble sleeping all this time?¡¯

    Mom replied, Yes, but it¡¯s okay. Don¡¯t worry. Focus on your work. A lot is going on at the Guerra Group.

    Don¡¯t worry about me.¡¯

    That was it.

    There were only just these few messages.

    Josiah asked, ¡°Have you finished reading?¡±

    Lysanne was somewhat satisfied, but also felt a little guilty. Nevertheless, she still held her head high

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 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78

    Chapter 78 Is This Your House?

    Josiah directly took the phone from her hand without any politeness. ¡°Move aside.¡±

    Lysanne muttered, ¡°Can¡¯t you speak nicely? I¡¯m pregnant. Be mindful of your tone.¡±

    ¡°All right, Miss Thorne. Please leave here and clear the way in front of the door, can you?¡±

    ¡°Josiah, stop being sarcastic with me!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t be bothered with her.

    He grabbed her arm and pushed her out, then opened the door and walked out.

    ¡°Hey, Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°What now?!¡±

    Lysanne pouted. ¡°Why are you angry? You never let me see your phone. It¡¯s normal for me to suspect

    something fishy. Why are you snapping at me?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the matter at hand.¡±

    ¡°Take out the trash.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Josiah turned and left.

    She added, ¡°I¡¯ve put everything in the big cardboard box on the balcony. Just take it down and throw it

    away.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t even be bothered to respond. After changing his clothes, he went straight to the balcony.

    There was arge box on the balcony; but it didn¡¯t seem to contain trash. Instead¡­ there were a lot of

    daily necessities.

    Most of them were women¡¯s clothing. He recognized them at a nce. They all belonged to Lysander.

    She hadn¡¯t had the chance to take them away yet.

    In addition to clothes, there were also the plush toys she had collected before, as well as the

    sulents she had raised and even the fish she had raised.

    It was dead.

    The dead fish was mixed in with the clothes, making them all covered in dirty slime, with a hint of fishy

    smell.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left yet?¡± Lysanne walked out and asked.

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Are these the trash you mentioned?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lysanne chuckled. ¡°In my house, I absolutely do not allow anything belonging to other women to

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    Chapter 78 is This Your House?

    ¡°You are awyer. You understand propertyw. These are all Lysander¡¯s belongings. You have no

    right to dispose of them!¡±

    ¡°But I have the right to do so in my house.¡±

    ¡°Is this your house?¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysanne was stunned. ¡°Josiah, what do you mean?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I mean.¡±

    Send Gifts

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    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 79 Lysander¡¯s Professional Books Sold as Scrap

    Lysanne raised her eyebrows. ¡°I am the owner of this room!¡±

    ¡°Legally speaking, Lysander is.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s only because she¡¯s dying the divorce! Otherwise, we would have gone to court long ago!¡±

    Josiah interjected, ¡°Besides these personal items, what about the books she left behind?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you mean the books on the bookshelf? I sold them as scrap.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡±

    ¡°Those books were bulky and took up space. I was originally nning to dispose of them along with

    these items, but I had to handle them myself, so I contacted the scrap collector toe to the house

    and sold them all.¡±

    Josiah chuckled in frustration. ¡°You didn¡¯t even consult me and you just sold them off on your own?¡±

    ¡°What was there to consult you about?¡± Lysanne chuckled. ¡°From childhood to adulthood, haven¡¯t you.

    always followed my lead?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne Thorne!¡±

    Ding dong¡­

    The doorbell rang.

    Josiah clenched his jaw and went to open the door.

    It was Aiden..

    ¡°Good morning, Josiah and Lysanne!¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to deliver a sound system for Lysanne!¡±

    Josiah turned to Lysanne. ¡°A sound system?¡±

    Lysanne nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s for me to listen to prenatal music.¡±

    Aiden teased. ¡°Lysanne, you¡¯re using rock music for prenatal education? This child might be a

    drummer in the womb.¡±

    Lysanne scoffed. ¡°Stop joking and hurry up and set it up.¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Josiah interrupted. ¡°Take it away.¡±

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79

    Chapter 79 Lysander¡¯s Professional Books Sold as Scrap

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Josiah exined, ¡°This is an apartment building. There are residents above and below. It¡¯s not a vi.

    Using a rock music sound system will disturb the neighbors.¡±

    Aiden hesitated.

    Meanwhile, Lysanne had already walked over and said indifferently, ¡°What¡¯s the problem? I¡¯m just

    enjoying music at home. Is that not allowed?¡±

    Josiah reasoned, ¡°The bass sound system has a strong resonance. It will disturb the neighbors above

    and below.¡±

    ¡°If they find it bothersome, they can simply move out

    ¡°Can¡¯t you be considerate?¡±

    ¡°How am I being inconsiderate? Not only am I being considerate, but I can also exin thew to them.

    I¡¯m listening to music in my own home. It¡¯s not against thew. If they want to report me to the police or

    take me to court, they can do as they please. The police can¡¯t take action against me.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Upon seeing the tension rising, Aiden quickly stepped in and separated the two. ¡°All right. All right.

    Don¡¯t argue early in the morning. Weren¡¯t you two good friends before? Now that you¡¯re finally together,

    why start arguing?¡±

    Lysanne grumbled. ¡°In the end, it¡¯s all because of his ex-wife.¡±

    ¡°Is she causing trouble for you two? Did Josiah not provide enoughpensation?¡±

    Lysanne huffed. ¡°Who knows? She clearly wants money but still pretends to be innocent. I can¡¯t stand

    people like that.¡±

    Aiden immediately reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this matter. I¡¯ll handle it. Josiah, you don¡¯t need to

    get involved, otherwise people will say that your family is bullying ordinary people. Leave it to me to

    resolve it.¡±

    Josiah raised his eyebrows. ¡°How do you n to resolve this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I have a strategy.¡±

    Lysanne eximed happily, ¡°Aiden, you are dependable. Once she finalizes the divorce papers, I will

    treat you to a meal.¡±

    ¡°Forget about the meal. Just let me be the godfather of the baby.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Aiden chuckled and gently patted Lysanne¡¯s round belly, ¡°Kid, let me introduce myself. I am your

    godfather. Your dad and mom both agreed, so don¡¯t go back on your word in the future.¡±

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    Chapter 79 Lysander¡¯s Professional Books Sold as Scrap

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Josiah? Just give me your instructions.¡±

 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80

    Chapter 80 Do Not Hurt Her

    ¡°Move the items on the balcony to my car,¡± Josiah instructed.

    Aiden rolled up his sleeves and replied, ¡°Sure. Leave the heavy lifting to me. I have plenty of physical

    strength!¡±

    ¡°Also¡­¡± Josiah added. ¡°Take the sound system with you. Don¡¯t leave it at home.¡±

    Aiden hesitated while ncing at Josiah and then at Lysanne.

    Ultimately, he decided to heed Josiah¡¯s advice and suggested, ¡°Lysanne, Josiah is right. We shouldn¡¯t

    only consider ourselves and disregard our other neighbors. How about this? You let Josiah buy you a

    vi and I¡¯ll personally deliver the sound system to your new ce. You can y it as loudly as you

    wish.¡±

    Lysanne seemed reluctant while still striking a pose to impress others.

    Josiah grew impatient. ¡°Aiden, let¡¯s go. I need to get to work.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ming.¡±

    Aiden quickly brought the cardboard box from the balcony and took it out. ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ll head downstairs

    first. I¡¯ll wait for you there.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Josiah acknowledged, then turned to look at Lysanne with a warning gaze. ¡°Since you¡¯re pregnant,

    take good care of yourself. I¡¯m worried about you harming the baby. I¡¯ve already taken responsibility for

    the mess your cousin caused. If things go too far, I¡¯ll make sure he ends up behind bars.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s stance softened slightly at the mention of her cousin. ¡°Josiah, Leo didn¡¯t mean it-¡±

    He interrupted her straight. ¡°I¡¯m off to work.¡±

    When he descended the stairs, Aiden had already ced the cardboard box next to his car.

    He unlocked the car and ced the box in the trunk.

    Aiden asked cautiously, ¡°Josiah, this box is filled with women¡¯s clothing.¡±

    Josiah gave him a cold look. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

    Aiden flinched in fear. ¡°N-no.¡±

    ¡°From now on, if Lysanne asks you to do something, inform me first.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Josiah.¡±

    Josiah got into the car but didn¡¯t start the engine immediately. He tapped his fingers on the steering and

    called out, ¡°Aiden.¡±

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    Chapter 80 Do Not Hurt Her

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Josiah?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t involve yourself in my divorce.¡±

    ¡°Why? That woman is just after your money. She¡¯s dragging it out to get more, right? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll

    take care of it for you.¡±

    Josiah suddenly gave him a piercing look. ¡°What do you intend to do?¡±

    Aiden jumped. ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t startle me like that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you how do you n to handle it?¡±

    ¡°Threats or bribes. It¡¯s either one.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Josiah eximed. ¡°She hasn¡¯t done anything wrong in this situation. It¡¯s me and Lysanne who

    have wronged her.¡±

    Aiden expressed disbelief. ¡°Zane said the same thing, but Josiah, don¡¯t underestimate people. Lasked

    Zane and he told me that the womanes from a modest background. Being a doctor may be

    lucrative, but bing wealthy overnight is unlikely. She probably wants to capitalize on this

    opportunity to ask for more money.¡±

    ¡°I actually wish she woulde and ask me for money¡­¡±

    ¡°What are you implying, Josiah?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just remember what I said. Don¡¯t harm her.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I understand.¡±

    Josiah closed the car door, started the engine, and drove off.

    Aiden stood there while gazing at the unopened sound system beside him. Then, a sudden idea form in

    his mind.

    If he couldn¡¯t harm her, he would find another solution then!

    He would offer her a ¡®romantic encounter,¡¯ make her eager to divorce, and escape with her newfound

    lover. Wouldn¡¯t that resolve everything?This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Aiden thought that the n was foolproof!

    As for the choice of the ¡®romantic encounter¡¯ partner¡­

    He nced at himself in the car¡¯s rearview mirror, adjusted his hair, and grinned.

    What a handsome young man. As the saying goes, if I do not do it, who will?

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 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 81 Come and Meet Your Sister-In-Law

    But Aiden miscalcted today.

    He didn¡¯t encounter hell, but he did meet a stunning woman.

    The woman appeared to be a medical worker, busy beside the blood donation vehicle, dressed in a

    long sky blue gown that entuated her elegant figure and standing tall with a gentle demeanor.

    He quickly snapped a photo and sent it to his friends group.

    The group went wild..

    Wow! This girl is gorgeous, but why only a back view?¡±

    Yeah. Arden. Go get a front view for the guys to see?¡±

    Aiden chuckled and replied in the group. I need to respect her privacy, you know. Lysanne studiesw.

    If anyone disobeys her, watch out for Josiahing for you.

    At the mention of Josiah, the group fell silent.

    But not for long, the group of young men with strong hormones couldn¡¯t contain themselves.

    Aiden, be cautious. What if she looks beautiful from behind but her front view is unbearable?¡±

    Just because I didn¡¯t send a front face photo doesn¡¯t mean I haven¡¯t seen it! How foolish.¡±

    So, is she pretty from the front?!

    I guess. Aiden teased them intentionally and waited until they were eager before saying, ¡®I might have

    encountered the Terminator.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    He simply said, ¡®Wait for me for ten minutes. You cane to meet your sister-inw after ten

    minutes.

    Ten minutes? Don¡¯t boast!¡±

    I have never failed when I take action. Just wait.¡±

    Aiden pocketed his phone and strolled toward the blood donation vehicle.

    In reality, not many people were willing to donate blood for free.

    Lysander¡¯s legs were not at their best, so after assisting a few young nurses in tidying up the area, she

    sat down and began reading a book.

    Suddenly, she noticed a shadow looming over her

    She stood in instinctively and asked nolitely. Hello fre vou here to donate blood? You can revister

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    10:03 Fri, May 31 Ma

    Chapter 81 Come and Meet Your Sister-In-Law

    over there first, and then our nurse will conduct a check-up¡­

    ¡°Pretty, let me ask you something.¡± Aiden said while leaning in slightly and his hands on the table.

    approached her slowly. ¡°Is there no reward at all for donating blood for free?¡±

    He spoke in close proximity.

    The closeness made Lysander uncasy. She leaned back slightly, but due to the difficulty in moving her

    legs, she couldn¡¯t create much distance.

    ¡°You will receive a blood donation certificate and a small gift. In the future, you or your family members

    can have priority ess to blood based on the certificate.¡±

    Aiden clicked his tongue. ¡°You¡¯re cursing me, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    With that, he straightened up slightly and nced at the book on the table before flipping through it

    casually

    Lysander took the book back calmly and ced it in the table drawer. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    She was not naive. It was clear from Aiden¡¯s expensive attire and his casual behavior that he wasn¡¯t

    there to donate blood..

    ¡°Elsa,¡± Lysander beckoned for the nurse toe over. This gentleman wants information on donating

    blood. Can you exin it to him in detail?¡±

    When Elsa heard that Aiden was interested in donating blood, her eyes lit up. ¡°car are you here to

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    donate blood? Come. Let me assist you with the registration. We¡¯ve been waiting for someone all

    morning¡­

    H

    ¡°Are there not many peopleing to donate blood?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Apart from a few college students, there haven¡¯t been many others.¡±

    ¡°Are there specific requirements for blood donation?¡±

    ¡°There are no strict requirements, but the hospital¡¯s blood bank is running low and we need to replenish

    it urgently. It¡¯s a matter of life and death.¡±

    Aiden narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll help you bring in a hundred people to

    donate blood. You have to give me her contact information in return.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82

    Chapter 82 I¡¯ve Kept My Promise

    As he spoke, Aiden pointed to Lysander beside him.

    Elsa was stunned for a moment. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? One hundred people, cach donating 40 of blood. Isn¡¯t that a lot? How

    many times do you usually have to go out to gather one hundred blood donors? It¡¯s a very profitable

    business to exchange one contact for so much blood

    Elsa hesitated. ¡°But, isn¡¯t this hical?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it? If it¡¯s not enough, I can do two hundred or three hundred. It¡¯s all possible.¡±

    Elsa chuckled and looked at Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Is the hospital blood bank experiencing a shortage of blood recently?¡±

    Elsa nodded vigorously. ¡°Extremely short. There are several high-risk pregnant women in the obstetrics

    and gynecology department recently. They will likely need blood transfusions. I¡¯m afraid that when the

    timees, we will have to request blood from another hospital, which will take time and may dy

    the rescue.¡±

    She knew all of those high-risk pregnant women, all of whom she had taken care of.

    Indeed, one must be fully prepared. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.

    Aiden asked, ¡°What do you think? Let¡¯s make it five hundred people. Do you want to make this deal?¡±

    Elsa shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s forget it. This doesn¡¯tply with the regtions¡ª¡±

    ¡°Do it.¡± Lysander asked Aiden, ¡°Are you sure you can get five hundred people?¡±

    Aiden immediately nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a piece of cake.¡±

    ¡°Is it legal?¡±

    Aiden smiled. ¡°Pretty, what do you take me for? A human trafficker? Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s absolutely legal

    and the peopleing to donate blood are doing so willingly

    Lysander replied, ¡°All right. Go ahead and call them now then.¡±

    Aiden said, ¡°Just let me call them, but what if I do and then you change your mind and refuse to give

    me your number?¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment and picked up a pen and paper from the table before writing with one

    hand while covering the words with the other. After finishing writing, she turned the paper over on the

    table.

    ¡°I¡¯ve written my contact information on here. This paper will stay here, with each of us holding down

    ngeran finickar di

    domatina nd smu man take this none

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    1 Pearls

    10:03 Fri, May 31 M

    Chapter 82 I¡¯ve Kept My Promise

    Aiden looked at her face.

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    Soon enough, the people that he called started to arrive one by one.

    They were all young people, dressed professionally and behaving politely, looking like office workers.

    Elsa was a bit surprised. ¡°Are these all employees of yourpany? Are you their boss?¡±

    He stood with his arms crossed, using two fingers to press down on the paper on the table, and smiled

    as he looked at Lysander. ¡°Yes. I gave them half a day off with pay and doubled their year-end

    bonuses, so of course they¡¯re willing toe.¡±

    He winked at Lysander. ¡°How about it, Pretty? How many people so far?¡±

    Lysander was tallying the count on a notebook, having already written several rows. She was just

    putting the final stroke on thest character of ¡°495.¡±

    Aiden tapped on the overturned paper with his hand while indicating to her. ¡°There are five more,¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    Not far away, several young nurses were busy,

    Some were in charge of registration, some were in charge of examination, some were in charge of

    drawing blood, some were in charge of exining post-blood donation precautions, and some were in

    charge of distributing blood donation certificates andmemorative gifts.

    ¡°Five hundred!¡± Elsa eximed excitedly. ¡°Now the blood bank will be filled to the brim!¡±

    Aiden chuckled lightly. ¡°Pretty. I¡¯ve kept my promise.

    Lysander pondered for a moment, then released the arm that was pressing on the other end of the

    paper.

    Aiden happily pulled out the paper and turned it over to take a look.

    Hisplexion turned pale.

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83

    Chapter 83 She Is Like How I Remembered Her

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°This is my contact information.¡±

    Aiden flipped the paper over and chuckled. ¡°Whisper!¡±

    Lysander nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Do you not have a phone number, WhatsApp, or email? Are you really using Whisper to contact

    friends and colleagues?¡±

    Lysander whispered, ¡°You didn¡¯t specify which contact method you preferred, but I can assure you that

    if I receive your Whisper, I will definitely reply.¡±

    Aiden was on the verge of exploding with anger.

    Josiah was already somewhat ustomed to the arrival of this unexpected guest.

    Although Aiden had an older brother, his biological sibling had been studying abroad since a young age

    and rarely returned to the country.

    Growing up. Aiden had followed Josiah closely. Adrian felt more connected to him than to Adrian.

    After hearing this, Josiah smiled and shook his head. After years of breaking so many hearts, you have

    finally met someone who can handle you. Good for you.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so good about it? She¡¯s just toying with me!¡±

    Josiah remarked, ¡°Well, she¡¯s not entirely wrong. There is indeed a chance to contact her through

    Whisper, but it¡¯s just not very high.¡±

    ¡°Not very high? Isn¡¯t it like finding a needle in a haystack? When have I been humiliated like this in front

    of a woman? Josiah, you have to help me.¡±

    Josiah flipped through the reports brought by several supervisors while responding, ¡°How can I help

    you, by tying up the girl and sending her to your house?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s possible.¡±

    Josiah red at him. ¡°Possible my foot! It¡¯s illegal.¡±

    At the mention of ¡°illegal,¡± Aiden suddenly perked up. ¡°Josiah, you are truly a devoted fan of Lysanne.

    You know she is awyer and you won¡¯t let us do anything wrong.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s pen paused slightly as he signed.

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    Chapter 83 She Is Like How I Remembered Her

    Aiden chuckled. ¡°Come on. We all know that you have feeling

    for Lysanne. Josiah, I really envy you.¡±

    ¡°Envy me for what?¡±

    ¡°Envy you for having someone you like. Don¡¯t look at me as having had so many rtionships, but

    none of them truly captured my heart. I really don¡¯t know what it feels like to genuinely like someone.¡±

    Josiah suddenly set down the pen.

    Leaning back against the backrest, he gazed intently at Aiden. ¡°Aiden, I have a question for you.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think I like Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Because she¡¯s beautiful, of course.¡±

    ¡°But there are many people in this world who are more beautiful than her. She¡¯s just an ordinary person

    and with makeup on, she can barely be considered pretty.¡±

    Aiden pondered for a moment and said, ¡°It must be her personality that you like then. Who is

    Lysander? While others can write poetry in seven steps, she can climb a tree in three steps. Just like a

    character from a novel, she¡¯s even more formidable than our dean.¡±

    ¡°Her personality is quite strong.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not just strong-willed, she¡¯s actually quite assertive,¡± Aiden said. ¡°Do you remember when she

    dated Miles in high school?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Do you know why they broke up?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°It¡¯s said that they were ipatible in terms of personality? Lysander is strong-willed,

    while Miles is a bit indecisive.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Aiden whispered. ¡°Let me tell you a secret. Actually, it¡¯s because there were too many

    people pursuing Lysander. Miles felt like he couldn¡¯t hold on to her, so he became disheartened and

    broke up with her.¡±

    Josiah was also aware of this.

    She always had a lot of male ¡°good friends¡± around her, which made him jealous.

    But Lysander always said that they were just good friends..

    However, men understood men the best and no man would want to be just ¡°friends¡± with a woman.

    Most of them had feelings for her and wanted to take it further, which was why they always lingered

    around her.

    ¡°So, it had to be you, who patiently waited for decades, finally winning the beauty over, and even

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    Chapter 83 She Is Like How I Remembered Her

    49%

    Josiah red at him but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Aiden then remembered to ask, ¡°Josiah, what do you mean by asking this question? What do you like

    about Lysander? Don¡¯t you know it yourself? Why do you have to ask me?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°Actually, I only realized after spending time with her recently. She¡­ is not quite

    like how I remembered her.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 84 Because She Is My Wife

    ¡°Are you referring to her appearance in high school?¡± Aiden asked.

    Josiah exined, ¡°No, it¡¯s actually from when she was a child. She was shy but extremely kind when

    she was around seven or eight. The first time I went back to my old house with my parents, I got

    separated from my nanny, and she was the one who helped me find my way out of the woods and back

    home.¡±

    Upon listening, Aiden was surprised and eximed, ¡°So, you and Lysanne had a deep connection from

    a young age!¡±

    Josiah nodded and affirmed, ¡°Yes, we did. I even made a promise back then to always treat her well.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve kept your promise.¡± Aiden replied.

    ¡°However¡­¡± Josiah paused, not finishing his sentence.

    Aiden asked. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Josiah shook his head and replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    He kept these thoughts to himself. Recently, I¡¯ve realized that being friends and lovers is an entirely

    different experience. The overwhelming and suffocating feeling I now experience with Lysanne as a

    romantic partner contrasts with the joy of being just friends.

    I used to look forward to picking up Lysander from the hospital. Despite her introverted demeanor, she

    breaks free from the initial reservations once you truly know her. Her storytelling skills are impressive,

    and she has a great sense of humor.

    When ites to her work, she seamlessly transitions into a capable doctor. Her words exude a

    thoughtful consideration for others feelings, casting aforting aura-perhaps a skill honed through

    constant interaction with emotionally unstable pregnant women.

    I haven¡¯t exactly had a parade of women in my life. Compared to the two significant women in my life,

    Lysander stands in a league of her own regarding kindness and responsibility. Meanwhile, Lysanne

    appears to have changed. Something about her feels different now.

    Suddenly, Aiden stood up anxiously and urged Josiah ¡°You haven¡¯t answered yet. Will you help me?¡±

    He continued, ¡°I¡¯m telling you, this girl has sparked a fire in me. All the previous women were too

    comcent, and it got boring. Now, I¡¯ve stumbled upon someone who challenges me. I absolutely can¡¯t

    let go!¡±

    Josiah rolled his eyes at him and advised, ¡°Don¡¯t go messing with her if you don¡¯t like her. Trust me,

    I¡¯ve been there hurting a good girl¡¯s heart isn¡¯t worth it.¡±

    Aiden rified, ¡°Who said I don¡¯t like her? I do! Josial, you haven¡¯t seen her in person yet. Once you.

    see her, you¡¯ll understand what having an angelic face and a devilish figure means. She has a gentle

    and dignified face like ady, but her body is sizzling hotl

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but mock him, ¡°Are you really that shallow?¡±

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    Chapter 84 Because She Is My Wife

    Aiden rified, ¡°Of course not! I likely wouldn¡¯t have picked up if she had called me today.

    Nevertheless, she dared to y me and even crafted this clever trick of sending a message in Whisper.

    Hmm, that¡¯s interesting.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you being serious?¡±

    Aiden retrieved his phone and responded, ¡°Let me show you a photo.¡± He then selected a photo and

    commented, ¡°Josiah, look at this figure. Hmm¡­ Hey, what are you doing? Why are you grabbing my

    phone?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression changed instantly, and he asked, ¡°Is she the girl you¡¯re talking about?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, why? Do you know her?¡± Aiden asked Josiah.

    Josiah swiftly unlocked his phone and shared it with Aiden. As Aiden read the message, surprise

    flickered across his face.

    Aiden asked, ¡°Did Zane send this to you? Is this from Daphne¡¯s social media? Is she one of Daphne¡¯s

    friends? Hmm¡­ Well, that makes things easier. I¡¯ll find Daphne; she should have this girl¡¯s contact

    information.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t go.¡± Josiah stated.

    Aiden suddenly understood, ¡°Why not?¡±

    Why not? Josiah sneered and dered, ¡°She¡¯s my wife

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85

    Chapter 85 Your Duty To The Girl!

    Josiah returned to the old house after finishing work in the evening.

    The maid opened the door and greeted him, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°Um, where¡¯s my mom?¡± Josiah asked.

    The maid replied, ¡°Madam is reading the bible.¡±

    ¡°Reading the bible?¡± Josiah asked again.

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    The maid replied, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Josiah proceeded to the study room but was taken aback by the scene before him.

    He thought. Mom seems to have aged more than ten years in just over a month. Despite her typical

    dedication to maintaining a youthful a

    through a healthy lifestyle, she now adorns herself in nothing more than the

    simplest home clothes. Her hair has turned noticeably white and a weariness clings to her.

    ¡°Mom,¡± Josiah called out.

    Susan raised her eyes, noticed him, and greeted him with a reserved tone, ¡°Why are you back?¡±

    Josiah replied, ¡°I heard you weren¡¯t feeling well, so I came to take you to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You go o about your business. Eleanor has already bought me medicine, and I¡¯ve taken it.

    I¡¯m much better now.¡± Susan assured him with a faint smile before resuming her reading.

    Josiah asked. ¡°What medicine did Eleanor buy for you? Let me take a look.¡±

    Susan replied, ¡°Do you know anything about medicine?¡±

    Josiah admitted, ¡°Not really.¡±

    Susan dismissed. ¡°If you don¡¯t understand, what¡¯s the use of checking?¡±

    Josiah could see that his mother was upset. He mused. Mom has aged a lot recently. She even

    experienced headaches, which are probably rted to the recent situation of my marriage.

    Josiah felt a heaviness in his heart. He then approached and offered, ¡°Mom, let me give you a

    massage.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Susan acknowledged softly.

    Standing behind his mother, Josiah gently massaged her temples with his fingertips. He asked, ¡°How

    do you feel, Mom? Does it feel better?¡±

    Susan closed her eyes and replied weakly, ¡°How could it not be good? You learned massage

    techniques from an experienced therapist.¡±

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    ¡°No need. You didn¡¯t learn it for me in the first ce, Susan refused, causing Josiah¡¯s hands to pause.

    Susan then gently brushed away his hand and pointed to the door, stating, ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve shown filial

    piety. No one can deny that. You can go now.¡±

    ¡°This is my home. Where else would I go?¡± Josiah asked.

    Susan teased, ¡°Go back to Lysanne. You abandoned your wife and child, took the me, and went to

    jail for her. Don¡¯t you love her? Be with her. Why stay with an old woman like me?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned grim. He took a deep breath before asking, ¡°Didn¡¯t you also like Lysanne

    before?¡±

    ¡°I like her because she is Mr. Thorne¡¯s daughter. I treat her well for the sake of our old neighbors and

    friends, but that doesn¡¯t mean I will allow her to destroy my son¡¯s marriage!¡± Susan retorted. She was

    outraged, speaking each word with emphasis and emotion.

    Susan stopped her prayer and turned to

    1. She fixed a deep gaze on him while advising, Josiah, I have nothing to say if you don¡¯t have

    feelings for Lysander and have decided to wait for Lyss for the rest of your life. However, you must

    take responsibility for Lysander since you have already married ber! What are you doing just

    casting her aside like this?!¡±

    Josiah lowered his head slightly, gritting his teeth.

    Susan continued, ¡°I once promised Lysander that you and Lyss were like childhood pals, sharing a

    bond so tight you could practically share a pair of pants. I intended to ensure no confusion between you

    two, but now¡­ Josiah, you¡¯ve pped my face loudly!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom,¡± Josiah apologized.

    Susan asserted, ¡°It¡¯s not me you should apologize to. It¡¯s Lysander and the child.¡±

    She added, ¡°How desperate must a girl be to decide to abort her child?!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened between you and Lysander during your vacation, but I know she is a

    gynecologist with a deep love for children. She extends exceptional care and love to not only her

    children but also to others.¡±

    ¡°What actions did you and Lysanne take that led her, someone who deeply cherishes children, to such

    a level of despair that she feltpelled to terminate the pregnancy with no chance of reversal?¡±

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 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86

    Chapter 86 Are You Regretting It?

    As Josiah thought about the child, sorrow swept across his face.

    Susan teased him with a cold gaze, ¡°Who are you pretending to feel such pain for?¡±

    Josiah breathed deeply, confessing, ¡°Mom, that child is also mine.¡±

    ¡°Haha! Finally, you realize!¡± Susan retorted.

    Josiah continued, ¡°L¡­ I waste. Perhaps¡­ If I had arrived earlier, the child could have been saved.¡±

    Susan responded with cold certainty, ¡°You couldn¡¯t have saved the child. Lysander was already in

    despair, reaching the point of no return. She resorted to this extreme measure, wanting to sever all ties

    with you. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have made such a decisive decision.

    Upon hearing Susan¡¯s words, Josiah felt like an invisible hand gripped, tore, twisted, and squeezed his

    heart. He pounded his chest hard, exhaling heavily and contemting. Yes. Lysanderid out her

    intention outside the hospital that day.

    She never wanted to see me again, hence this decisive choice Even if I had arrived in time to prevent

    the abortion, her heart was already dead. She would inevitably make the same decision again.

    Susan asked, ¡°Let me ask you one question, Josiah Does Lyss¡¯ baby have anything to do with

    you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not! She was already five months pregnant when she returned to the country, and we hadn¡¯t

    seen each other since she went abroad,¡± Josiah immediately denied it.

    Susan listened to his words, not feeling very pleased. With a hint of a mocking smile on her lips, she

    asked Josiah, ¡°So, you sacrificed your baby just to be a stepfather to someone else?¡±

    Josiah remained silent while clenching his fist tightly at his side.

    Susan continued, ¡°Josiah, this is a decision you made yourself. I hope you consider whether it¡¯s truly

    worth it.¡±

    Ring, ring, ring.

    Josiah¡¯s phone lit up, revealing Lyss¡¯ caller ID.

    Susan asked, ¡°Is it Lyss?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah confirmed.

    Susan suggested, ¡°Then answer it.¡±

    Josiah decided otherwise and promptly hung up, asserting, ¡°I had everything arranged when I left in the

    morning. She shouldn¡¯t have any problems.¡±

    Despite his assertion, the phone rang again. Josiah hung up once more, but the third call came in

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    Susan helplessly waved her hand and demanded, ¡°Answer it. She might keep calling if you don¡¯t pick

    up. I get a headache as soon as I hear the phone ring.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll turn my phone off,¡± Josiah proposed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t. If you turn it off, Lyss mighte over directly. I don¡¯t want to see her for now,¡± Susan insisted.

    It seemed she had known Lysanne¡¯s, temperament and character for a long time, predicting her actions

    directly.

    Josiah frowned as he uttered, ¡°I¡¯ll go out to answer so as not to disturb you.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Susan replied.

    Josiah turned and left, making his way to the living room.

    ¡°Why did it take you so long to answer the phone? Who are you with now? A man or a woman? How

    many people are there in total? Are you not answering the phone because you¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll find out

    something?¡± Lysanne¡¯s usations came flying as soon as Josiah answered the call.

    He remained silent, prompting Lysanne to demand, ¡°Speak up, Josiah! Answer my questions!¡±

    Josiah stayed quiet as Lysanne used him, ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of your silence? You¡¯re feeling

    guilty. aren¡¯t you? Are you going to see Dr. Thorne again?¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Finally, Josiah responded, ¡°Yes! I came to see Dr. Thome. Are you satisfied with my answer?¡±

    Lysanne erupted in anger, eximing. ¡°I knew it, Josiah! How dare you sneak around to see another

    woman! You pursued me for over twenty years, begging me to be with you!¡±

    Josiah retorted sharply, ¡°I didn¡¯t beg you! You were already married and pregnant abroad, and I alread

    had a wife. Soon, we will both have children. I¡¯ve made peace with the idea of moving on from you!¡±

    Lysanne yfully teased, ¡°Oh, if so, why did you choose to divorce and be with me in the end?¡±

    Josiah was momentarily speechless, grappling for an answer.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it mean you still can¡¯t let go of me?¡± Lysanne pressed on.

    Josiah responded with a bitter chuckle.

    ¡°Why are youughing? Are you regretting it?¡± Lysanne asked eagerly, her tone a mix of curiosity and

    frustration.

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    Chapter 87

    Chapter 87 I¡¯ll Ruin Her!

    Actually, I am, Josiah admitted inwardly.

    He continued, ¡°Lysanne, our life together hasn¡¯t turned out how I expected. My mother has been unwell

    lately, so I returned to our old house to spend time with her. We both need some time to reconsider our

    rtionship.¡±

    However, Lysanne ignored his exnation and asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re at the old house now?¡±

    Josiah affirmed, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Persisting with her questions, Lysanne asked, ¡°Are you alone?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Josiah confirmed.

    Lysanne seemed satisfied with his answer and used, ¡°Then why did you lie to me earlier? Were you

    trying to make me jealous?¡±

    Josiah chuckled, responding. ¡°Believe what you want.

    Yet Lysanne wasn¡¯t appeased. She warned Josiah, ¡°Though jealousy can sometimes be a pleasure

    between a couple, I want to make it clear that you cannot be romantically involved with any other

    woman. If you do, don¡¯t me me for overreacting.

    ¡°You¡¯ve reced all the female secretaries and employees around me. Who else could I be involved

    with?¡± Josiahined, his tone bing unpleasant.

    Lysanne confidently asserted, ¡°Your ex-wife. I won¡¯t feel at case if you haven¡¯t officially divorcer. Josiah,

    I¡¯m possessive, and you belong to me now. No one can take you away from me, no m is.¡±

    Josiah became alert and asked, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    Unfazed, Lysanne continued, ¡°What are you afraid of I promise not to harm her if you behave. I don¡¯t,

    I¡¯ll destroy her!¡±

    Josiah eximed, ¡°She hasn¡¯t done anything wrong! Lysanne, be reasonable!¡±

    Lysanne stated, ¡°I¡¯m simply trying to be reasonable here. Also, I¡¯ll contact Leo for a rideter. As I¡¯m

    now considered a part of the Guerra family, it¡¯s my duty to take care of your mother¡¯s emotional and

    physical well-being¡­

    Josiah urgently interrupted, ¡°You shouldn¡¯te over. Mom isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    Lysanne insisted, ¡°No, I¡¯ll have to face her sooner orter. I must go today.¡±

    Josiah eximed, ¡°Lysanne! Can you please consider other people¡¯s needs? Mom isn¡¯t feeling well and

    needs rest. You¡¯re not a doctor! Being here won¡¯t help and it might disturb her.¡±

    I veinna estoerad. ¡°I won¡¯t dieturh har, Cha rares shani ma zenacial

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    with her future brandenn memurine

    Chapter 87 III Ruin Her!

    ¡°You¡­¡± Josiah began, only to be interrupted by Lysanne. She stated, ¡°Just cut it out, Josiah. No one

    can change my decision. I will call Leo now.¡±

    ¡°Hello¡­¡± Josiah reluctantly called out.

    Beep, beep, beep. The phone beeped as Lysanne abruptly ended the call, leaving Josiah frustrated

    and angrily running his hands through his hair.

    ¡°Is sheing?¡± Susan asked, noticing her son¡¯s distress.

    Josiah turned around to find his mother had already left the study. His expression was sorrowful as he

    apologized, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Susan didn¡¯t respond, instead calling out loudly, ¡°Eleanor!¡±

    Eleanor quickly ran over to Susan with her apron, looking confused. She asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong,

    Madam

    Susan responded coldly, ¡°Pack my things. I¡¯m going to stay at a hotel for a few days.¡±

    Eleanor was surprised and asked. ¡°Now? I have soup cooking in the kitchen, and I¡¯m expecting Mr.

    Guerra to return today.¡±

    ¡°Pour it out. He¡¯s already filled with care andfort. He doesn¡¯t need your soup,¡± Susan stated coldly.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Eleanor nced at Susan and then at Josiah, appearing somewhat embarrassed as she asked,

    ¡°Madam, it¡¯ste. Do you really need to go out to stay?

    ¡°Lyss will be here soon, Eleanor,¡± Susan exined with a deep sigh.

    Upon hearing the name ¡°Lyss,¡± Eleanor¡¯s demeanor changed abruptly. She became flustered and ¡°Ms.

    Lysanne ising? I must pack quickly. Madam please wait in the living room for a while. 1 fast.

    Susan nodded and instructed, ¡°Just bring a change of clothes, and be quick.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Madam,¡± Eleanor acknowledged.

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 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88

    Chapter 88 The Thorn In Josiah¡¯s Heart

    After taking off her apron, Eleanor rushed to pack Susan¡¯s belongings in her bedroom.

    Meanwhile, Josiah nced at Susan, who was already seated on the sofa. Her eyes were closed, and

    she was twirling a string of prayer beads, seemingly engaged in prayer-clear signs she wished to avoid

    conversation with him.

    Feeling helpless, Josiah sought out Eleanor, who efficiently packed Susan¡¯s clothes and daily

    necessities.

    He called out softly, ¡°Eleanor?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Mr. Guerra,¡± Eleanor promptly responded.

    ¡°Let me help you,¡± Josiah offered.

    Eleanor replied, ¡°No need, please sit down. I can handle it myself.¡±

    Josiah reluctantly withdrew his outstretched hand and asked, ¡°Eleanor, why do you seem afraid of

    Lysanne?¡±

    Uneasy, Eleanor stammered, ¡°No¡­ No, not at all.¡±

    Josiah continued, ¡°If there¡¯s something, just tell me directly.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lowering her head, Eleanor smiled faintly and admitted, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯ve been a maid all my life.

    served many families, but only Madam truly treated me like family. Even you, I consider as my son.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Josiah replied, understanding Eleanor¡¯s perspective.

    Eleanor replied, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I must share something you may not want to hear today. Choosing to

    divorce Mrs. Guerra and be with Ms. Lysanne might lead to regrets in the future.¡±

    Josiah was surprised upon hearing this. He asked, ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    Eleanor shared, ¡°Mr. Guerra, themitment between two people is for a lifetime. While having

    affection for someone is one thing, the ability to withstand the test of time is another matter.¡±

    She added, ¡°Well¡­ Ms. Lysanne has never been a well-behaved person since her youth. Choosing to

    be with her may lead to countless challenges for you and her child. I don¡¯t mean to speak ill of her

    behind her back, but I¡¯ve always sensed that her nature might pose difficulties.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows as he asked, ¡°Do you know something?¡±

    Eleanor-stated, ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal, but do you remember the chick seller at the school gate when you

    were young?¡±

    Yeah, I remember,¡± Josiah replied.

    Eleanor revealed, ¡°I witnessed it myself. She fought with the chick seller and proceeded to smash an

    sa hau of chickega

    ta danth with heigh

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    Josial

    was taken aback. He eximed, ¡°Smashed them to death?!¡±

    48%

    ¡°Yes, that scene was truly¡­ Even as an adult, I felt frightened witnessing it. I can¡¯tprehend how a

    young girl like her could be so ruthless. Even in an argument with the chick seller, why would she have

    to take the lives of those innocent chicks?¡± Eleanor¡¯s tone turned somber as she recollected the

    incident.

    Josiah was utterly stunned by the revtion.

    Eleanor sighed before continuing. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s not a big deal. Mr. Thorne personally apologized and

    compensated the chick seller after he found out about it.¡±

    Then she shifted the focus, stating, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Mrs. Guerra hasn¡¯t been doing well since the divorce

    and losing the baby. She has noticeably lost weight. She wasn¡¯t really into religion before, but she has

    recently turned to faith, reading Bibles, and attending church for prayer. She mentions he wants to help

    that poor baby¡­¡±

    The mention of the word ¡°baby¡± had almost be a thorn in Josiah¡¯s heart. It invariably brought back

    the image of the blood-red lump in Lysander¡¯s palm from that day at the hospital entrance.

    The painful memory caused him to frown, and he turned his face away.

    Eleanor expressed, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Madam doesn¡¯t expect much. She doesn¡¯t want you to have a

    strategic marriage with a wealthy woman from a respected family, nor does she insist on you marrying

    someone attractive and gentle.¡±

    ¡°She believes Mrs. Guerra is a good match for you, and you have spent three years together happily.

    It¡¯s unfortunate to end it with a divorce. Madam can¡¯t bear to see Mrs. Guerra undergo an abortion,

    experience divorce, and now be a divorcee-all while being with

    you.

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    Chapter 89

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 89 Baby Diary

    In the time it took to speak, Eleanor had already packed up everything.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, Madam and I will leave first. Madam has been in a bad moodtely, and if she sees Ms.

    Lysanne, she probably won¡¯t sleep well for the next few days.¡±

    Outside, Susan urged, ¡°Eleanor, don¡¯t pack too much. Let¡¯s hurry up and leave. We can buy anything

    needter.¡±

    r we

    ¡°Alright, Madam. I¡¯ll be right there,¡± Eleanor replied, and then whispered to Josiah, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I may

    have said too much today, but¡­ think about it.¡±

    Eleanor quickly walked out with the suitcase. ¡°Madam, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Josiah turned around and chased after them. He took the suitcase from Eleanor¡¯s hands and said, ¡°I¡¯ll

    drive you.

    Susan said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to trouble yourself. Eleanor will call a cab.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t listen and carried the suitcase out of the door, after which he opened the trunk of the car.

    However, there was something in the trunk Lysander¡¯s belongings.

    Susan followed after him and saw it too, and she immediately recognized them. ¡°Isn¡¯t this Lysander¡¯s

    clothes? Why are they in a cardboard box? And this¡­ what is this?¡±

    It was bloodstains.

    The bloodstains of a dead fish, which had turned into a thick, foul-smelling liquid, could be seen on the

    light yellow sweater.

    Almost all the clothes were damaged to varying degrees. Hardly any of them were intact.

    Susan understood at a nce and sneered.

    Josiah pursed his lips tightly. He took the box and ced it on the passenger seat, and then he put his

    mother¡¯s suitcase into the trunk as well.

    He opened the door to the backseat. ¡°Mom, Eleanor, get in, I¡¯ll take you to the mountain resort for a few

    days. The air there is good and quiet, perfect for resting.¡±

    There was no reply.

    Josiah asked again, ¡°Mom, is that okay?¡±

    Susan asked, ¡°Josiah, have you really made up your mind to divorce and be with Lyss?¡±

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    ¡°Tell me the truth.¡±

    48%%%

    Susan said. ¡°If you really n to spend your life with her, then please take care of her in the future. I

    am already in my sixties. I don¡¯t want to be forced to leave my home.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face flushed. ¡°I will resolve it as soon as possible and take you back home.¡±

    Susan and Eleanor got into the car, and Josiah started the car.

    Half an hourter, the car stopped at the entrance of a resort.

    Josiah checked his mother and Eleanor in. ¡°Two suites, next to each other.¡±

    The receptionist nodded. ¡°Okay, Mr. Guerra. There are only connecting suites on the eighth floor.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Here are your room keys.¡±

    Josiah took them and frowned slightly as he looked at the numbers on the key cards. Weren¡¯t these the

    same two rooms he stayed in with Lysanderst time?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong. Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°I want another suite.¡±

    After a pause, he added, ¡°On the second floor, the one closest to the restaurant.¡±

    ¡°But that one has already been reserved, Mr. Guerra.

    ¡°Reserved?¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    Still frowning, Josiah said, ¡°Contact the guest and say say that there is a malfunction in this suite and

    they cannot check in temporarily. Offer to switch them to another suite. If they refuse, them three times

    the room rate as a gesture of goodwill.¡±

    The receptionist could onlyply with her boss¡¯ orders. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After he got the room key, he went to the lobby lounge to meet his mother.

    ¡°Mom, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll escort you upstairs first.¡±

    Susan asked, ¡°Are you staying at the old house tonight or going back to your own home?¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment before saying, ¡°I¡¯ll stay here tonight.¡±

    Susan raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. ¡°You¡¯re not going back?¡±

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    Susan handed him a notebook. ¡°I found this in the cardboard box. If yo

    look.¡±

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°A baby diary.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Huh?¡±

    time, you can take a

    ¡°It¡¯s a record book that pregnant mothers write for their children, documenting the experiences from

    conception to birth. This¡­ was probably bought by Lysander and she has already written some

    entries.¡±

    Send GiftsContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90

    Chapter 90 My Little One

    After escorting Susan and Eleanor to their rooms to rest, Josiah returned to his own room.

    Despite knowing that numerous guests had upied this room in the past month, he couldn¡¯t shake off

    the feeling of emptiness whenever he thought about Lysander¡¯s previous stay here.

    The realization that she had decided in this room to terminate the pregnancy and leave him forever

    made him feel suffocated.

    He clutched the baby diary in his hands. It was a diary he had neverid eyes on before.

    He had spent nearly three years by Lysander¡¯s side, sharing meals and nights, yet he had nevere

    across this notebook.

    As darkness descended, his phone screen remained illuminated. Lysanne continued to make calls

    tirelessly, but he had already set his phone to silent.

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly; both had simr names, yet their personalities seemed worlds

    apart.

    While Lysander was gentle and mature, Lysanne was theplete opposite, disying extreme

    behavior.

    He couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brow.

    After over two decades of being together, he never expected Lysander¡¯s true nature to be like this.

    Previously, he had thought Lysander was simply more outgoing and assertive, so why was the real

    different now that they were truly together?

    The phone screen finally went ck. It was out of battery.

    Josiah felt a sense of relief, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

    He let out a deep breath, switched on the bedsidemp, and leaned against the headboard, and then.

    quietly perused the baby diary.

    Upon opening the first page, he was greeted by Lysander¡¯s beautiful, elegant handwriting.

    [May the heavens guide you on a smooth path

    May fate introduce you to kind souls

    May the distant sunlight and bright lights

    Illumine every corner of your future sky

    ¨C To my beloved]

    Her penmanship was exquisite, exuding a resilient elegance.

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    It was often said that handwriting mirrored the individual, and she was a prime example-appearing

    gentle and charming, yet harboring immense inner strength.

    Regrettably, this aspect had always cluded him.

    Turning to the next page, her words were tinged with uncertainty.

    [Today, I went for a check-up alone and confirmed that I am pregnant. How should I break the news to

    him? Formally or casually? I must think about it carefully.]

    He flipped a page.

    [Despite being an obstetrician and gynecologist for many years, experiencing pregnancy for the first

    time myself feels truly magical. Lately, I find myself instinctively cradling my belly, prompting him to

    inquire if my stomach ached. Haha, Mr. Guerra, at age 31, you¡¯re quite naive. I must jot this down, so

    that your child can tease you in the future.]

    [Though I¡¯m aware you¡¯re merely a tiny cell, for some reason, I¡¯m overwhelmed with love, yearning to

    caress you through my belly. Do you enjoy residing in Mommy¡¯s abode? Despite it being a humble

    room, Mommy will protect you, my little one.]

    [Baby, Mom has resolved to reveal your existence to your dad on his birthday. You are the most

    precious gift bestowed upon me by the heavens, and I believe you¡¯ll be the same for your dad.]

    These diary entries remained rtively ordinary. As a new mother, despite her extensive experience as

    an obstetrician and gynecologist, she was still a novice when it came to her first pregnancy.

    Panic, unease, joy, and anxiety-she had experienced the full spectrum of emotions.

    Josiah traced the words ¡®my little one¡¯ with his fingers a few times, and he closed his eyes mor

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    After a brief pause, heposed himself and resumed perusing the diary.

    ily.

    [Baby, your dad¡­ seems preupied with other matters. His best friend was involved in a car ac and

    is also expecting a baby boy. He has been tending to that friendtely. Mom will let him knowter; you

    must be healthy, okay?]

    Josiah felt a pang of emotion in her heart and swiftly turned to the next page.

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    The Charming Ex-Wife

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91

    Chapter 91 I¡¯m Sorry

    The entire page was filled with the words ¡®I¡¯m sorry, but there was nothing else in the pages afterward.

    They were all nk.

    He double-checked several times, only to discover that the pages at the back had been torn out,

    leaving behind the edges of the torn-out paper. It was messy and chaotic, clearly torn when that person

    was emotional. There was no order whatsoever.

    Josiah was eager to know what Lysander had written.

    He picked up the notebook and brought it closer to the light. The dim glow of the nightmp revealed

    faint marks on the nk pages at the back.

    Those were traces left by handwriting!

    He immediately grabbed the hotel phone and called the receptionist. ¡°Bring me a pencil right away!¡±

    The staff didn¡¯t dare to dy and quickly brought one up.

    Josiah ced the pencil down and gently swept it across the paper, revealing the words gradually.

    There were no intense words.

    Just three words: I¡¯m sorry.

    Written all over the entire page.

    A huge sense of powerlessness and pain engulfed him.

    Was this the day she had made up her mind to abort the pregnancy?

    She had been on the balcony, overhearing the conversation between Lysanne and him. Just as she

    had said, from the first day Lysanne appeared, she keenly sensed something different.

    During those days when the three of them were together, she was Mrs. Guerra, but she watched as

    Lysanne repeatedly tested the boundaries of friendship, forcefully intruding into her life, repeatedly

    telling her: in their world of three, Lysander was the qutsider.

    She had also tried to fight for herself, until the day she heard Lysanne talk about those things.

    How did Lysander spend that night? Did she sit in a daze feeling deste until dawn, or did she

    struggle internally, engaging in mental conflict?

    She must havein on the bed he was lying on, tossing and turning, unable to sleep at night. In the

    end, she made a decision, and then cried as she wrote countless apologies.

    Josiah closed the diary and covered his face with his hands.

    Ring, ring.

    Chapter 91 I¡¯m Sorry.

    48%

    He picked up. It was the receptionist. ¡°Mr. Guerra, Miss Thorne just called to ask if you are here.¡±

    He was still in a daze, and he repeated, ¡°Miss Thorne?¡±

    The receptionist thought he was unhappy with the way she was addressed, and immediately corrected

    herself. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s the madam.¡±

    Josiah realized it was Lysanne.

    ¡°She¡¯s not the madam,¡± Josiah said. ¡°How did you respond?¡±

    The receptionist heard the change in his tone and her voice softened. ¡°She¡¯s very angry, I didn¡¯t dare to

    lic, so I told her.¡±

    ¡°What did she say?¡±

    ¡°She asked me to tell you that she will be here soon, and when she arrives, she wants a reasonable

    exnation. Otherwise, she won¡¯t let this go.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°What exnation does she want?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t say. Maybe because you never answer her calls.¡±

    Josiah noticed something unusual. ¡°Did you cry?¡±

    ¡°No, no, the receptionist sniffed. ¡°I really didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Did she scold you?¡±

    She stayed silent.

    Josiah furrowed his brow and sat up. ¡°What else did she say?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra¡­¡± The girl couldn¡¯t hold back and started crying. ¡°Please, please call her back. She said if

    you don¡¯t call her back within three minutes, she will she will fire me.¡±

    Josiah felt angry after hearing this. ¡°You¡¯re an employee of Guerra Group and I haven¡¯t even said

    anything, so what right does she have to fire you?¡±

    ¡°But you always listen to her in everything! She is your wife, and I¡¯m just a worker. If she insists on firing

    me, you wouldn¡¯t argue with your wife for the sake of a small employee like me, right¡­¡±

    Josiah clenched his fist.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, please. I really need this job. My sister is still in college and I have to support her¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, now. Don¡¯t worry. I have the final say in Guerra Group, and no one will fire you. Just

    concentrate on your work.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra.¡±

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    Remember, if you see Mr. Guerra here next time, inform me immediately, or else I will fire all of you!¡±

    The receptionist sounded flustered. ¡®Mr. Guerra, M-Miss Thorne is here.¡±

    ¡°I am aware.¡±

    ¡°Should I¡­ escort her up?¡±

    Josiah replied, ¡°You can pass her the phone.¡±

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    1 Coins:

 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92

    Chapter 92 You Still Say You¡¯re Not Thinking About Her

    Soon, Lysanne¡¯s voice came from the phone. ¡°Josiah! How dare you not answer my calls? Do you

    know how many times I¡¯ve called you? Why didn¡¯t you pick up?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne,¡± Josiah gently replied. ¡°Wait for me in the lobby. There are some things we need to discuss-

    face to face.¡±

    ¡°The lobby? You want a pregnant woman like me to wait in the lobby? Where are you? I¡¯lle to you

    now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯lle down to meet you.¡±

    Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!

    The balconies all overlooked the valley outside. Last time, when he spoke to Lysanne on the eighth

    floor, Lysander could hear him from the second floor If he allowed Lysanne toe into the room, it

    might disturb his mother upstairs.

    ¡°No way! I¡¯m not waiting in the lobby.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll arrange for another room¡­¡±

    Josiah, do you have something to hide in your room Could it be that you¡¯re hiding a woman?¡±

    Josiah replied in a deep voice, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you let me in? Clearly, something suspicious is going on!¡± She then loudly questioned

    the receptionist, ¡°Which room is Mr. Guerra in? Tell me!¡±

    Josiah growled softly, ¡°This is a private matter. Why are you causing trouble for others?¡±

    ¡°Why are you defending her? She¡¯s just a receptionist Are you involved with her as well

    ¡°Lysanne, why do you always assume that I¡¯m involved with other women? Have I done an make you

    doubt me? Why do you always have to create a scene and act irrationally? Can¡¯t w civilized

    conversation for once?¡±

    ¡°Civilized?¡± Lysanne sneered. ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll see for myself! Get up!¡±

    With that, she forcefully pushed aside the receptionist in front of theputer, entered Josiah¡¯s ID

    number, and found the room number.

    ¡°Josiah, you¡¯re staying in the room where Lysander used to stay! And you im you¡¯re not thinking

    about her!¡±

    Josiah quickly got up and headed downstairs to the lobby.

    He chose to take the stairs instead of the elevator, eventually intercepting the furious Lysanne near the

    ¨¦levators.

    Lysander tried to push past him recklessly. ¡°Is Lysander in your room? What are you doing in there?

    Josiah, you said you wanted to return to the old house, but you¡¯re actually here to meet that woman!

    Lysander is just a bitch! She¡¯s a hypocrite and loves to act! Tomorrow, I¡¯ll tarnish her reputation in the

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    hospital. Let¡¯s see how she can still work in the medical field!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not finished! Don¡¯t stop me! I¡¯m going to tear her into pieces!¡±

    Just then, the elevator doors opened.

    Eleanor came stumbling out, looking terrified. ¡°Mr. Guerra!¡±

    When Josiah saw her worried expression, his heart sank. ¡°What¡¯s wrong. Eleanor? Is something wrong

    with my mother?¡±

    ¡°Madam is unwell. She keepsining of a headache!¡±

    Josiah immediately asked, ¡°Did you call an ambnce?¡±

    ¡°I did, but the resort hotel is quite far from the hospital. It¡¯s been forty minutes and they still haven¡¯t

    arrived. Madam is in a lot of pain. What should we do, Mr. Guerra

    Josiah said. ¡°I¡¯ll drive my mom to the hospital directly, it¡¯ll be quicker. Eleanor, assist my mom

    downstairs and wait for me in the lobby.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go immediately¡­¡±

    Seeing Josiah about to leave, Lysanne stubbornly grabbed his sleeve. ¡°You can¡¯t leave! We haven¡¯t

    finished our conversation yet!¡±

    Josiah waspletely irritated and forcefully pulled his arm away. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that it¡¯s an

    emergency? My mom needs immediate medical attention!¡±

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t an ambnce been called already? You¡¯re not going anywhere until you exin everything

    today!¡±

    With that, Lysanne simplyy down on the ground and clutched his leg.

    Josiah attempted to move, but her lying down this way made it impossible for him to do so without

    kicking her stomach.

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93

    Chapter 93 Narrow Encounter

    Josiah was furious. ¡°Lysanne, let go now. We can talk about itter!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t. You dared not answer my calls before. If I teach you a lesson this time, you¡¯ll rebel next time!¡±

    Eleanor also tried to persuade Lysanne. ¡°Miss Thorne a life is at stake. Madam is really in unbearable

    pain! Think about how good Madam has been to you before. Can you bear to dy her treatment?

    Please let go. We can talk about itter¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up! I¡¯m talking to Josiah. It¡¯s none of your business as a servant

    Eleanor¡¯s face turned pale instantly after being scolded.

    She was an old servant in the Guerra family, and even Josiah respected her a lot. No one in the Guerra

    family had ever spoken harshly to her. Lysanne¡¯s condescending words left her speechless.

    The sound of an ambnce siren came from outside.

    The receptionist eximed, ¡°The ambnce is here! Mr. Guerra, the doctor is here!¡±

    Josiah was overjoyed, but his feet were still firmly held and he wasn¡¯t able to move at all.

    Seeing this situation, Eleanor knew she couldn¡¯t rely on Josiah anymore, so she ran toward the

    ambnce directly.

    When Lysander jumped down from the ambnce, she was slightly stunned to see Eleanor. ¡°Eleanor?¡±

    Eleanor was also surprised. ¡°Mrs. Guerra?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t bother to correct Eleanor and asked, ¡°Who needs attention? Mom?¡±

    Eleanor nodded repeatedly. ¡°Madam has been suffering from a headache for many days. It suddenly

    got worse today, and she fainted from the pain just now,¡±

    ¡°Where is she?¡±

    ¡°On the eighth floor.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Eleanor, don¡¯t panic. Lead us there quickly.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    Lysander calmly instructed the staff inside the ambnce, ¡°Bring a stretcher, the oxygen tank, and the

    blood pressure monitor, and follow me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Eleanor ran ahead, with Lysander following behind. She hade in a hurry today and didn¡¯t have

    time to put on her white coat, so she was still wearing the dress that Daphne had given her.

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    When they entered the lobby to take the elevator, she was stunned by the scene before her.

    Josiah¡¯s face was filled with anger and annoyance, and he felt embarrassed when he saw her.

    ¡°Lysander? What are you doing¡­¡±

    There was frantic questioning from below him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t meeting her? If you didn¡¯t

    call her, how did she end up here?¡±

    Josiah exploded. ¡°Can¡¯t you see what¡¯s more important now?¡±

    Ding.

    The elevator arrived.

    Lysander had already put on her mask. She didn¡¯t even acknowledge the two outside and just followed

    Eleanor into the elevator.

    However, Josiah and Lysanne were standing right in front of the elevator, so the stretcher couldn¡¯t go

    past them.

    Josiah wanted to bend down and pick up Lysander, but Lysander, taking advantage of her pregnancy,

    struggled in his arms, kicking and hitting him like a fish out of water. ¡°What are you doing? How dare

    you touch me? Help, this is domestic violence-

    Several young male doctors pushing the stretcher saw this scene and felt really helpless.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, what should we do now?¡±

    Dr. Thorne pondered for a moment and asked, ¡°Do you have good stamina?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s take the stairs! We can¡¯t dy saving lives!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    The young men were all strong, and although the empty stretcher was not light, with theirbi efforts,

    it was not too difficult. They quickly ran up the stairs.

    Lysander also followed, ready to take the stairs.

    Eleanor stopped her. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, you don¡¯t need to climb the stairs. Let¡¯s take the elevator up

    together.¡±

    Lysander patted Eleanor¡¯s hand reassuringly, ¡°Eleanor, you go up first and wait for me at the elevator.¡±

    With that, she swiftly exited the elevator and made her way directly to the stairs.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    As she hurried up the stairs, Josiah noticed the tightly wrapped bandages around her leg, ¡°Your leg¡­¡±

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    stairs to go up, but when descending with a patient, we¡¯ll need to use the elevator. Manage your time

    wisely.¡±

    With those words, she ascended the stairs directly, taking th

    from sight.

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    steps at a time and swiftly disappearing

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 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94

    Chapter 94 No Space in Between

    Susan¡¯s condition was not good.

    Lysander reached out and said, ¡°shlight.¡±

    Immediately, someone handed the shlight to her.

    She checked Susan¡¯s pupils and looked serious. ¡°What¡¯s her blood pressure?¡±

    ¡°50/90. It¡¯s continuously decreasing.¡±

    ¡°Give her oxygen.¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    Eleanor anxiously waited on the side. She only dared to ask once Lysanderpleted the

    examination, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, what¡¯s wrong with the madam?¡±

    Lysander stood up and instructed her assistants, ¡°Contact the hospital¡¯s emergency stroke department.

    We will send her to the operating theater immediately upon arrival. Try to minimize movement when

    moving the patient and be very careful.¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    The young men started working, carefully lifting Susan onto the stretcher and giving her oxygen in a

    quick and orderly manner.

    Lysander finally found a moment to answer Eleanor. Preliminary diagnosis, acute stroke.¡±

    Eleanor didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°What kind of illness is this? Is it very dangerous?¡±

    ¡°To put it bluntly, it¡¯s a cerebral hemorrhage, which is very dangerous. Eleanor, has she had this

    condition for a long time?¡±

    ¡°For some time.¡±

    ¡°When did it start?¡±

    ¡°It was¡­ it was¡­¡± Eleanor found it difficult to speak. ¡°When she heard that Mr. Guerra wanted to

    divorce you and be with Miss Thorne, she started having intermittent headaches. She used to take

    painkillers, but it suddenly worsened today¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tone became slightly stern. ¡°Headaches can be serious or minor. I am a doctor myself, so if

    she isn¡¯t feeling well, you should tell me.¡±

    Eleanor smiled bitterly. ¡°Madam said she felt ashamed to go to you because of the way Mr. Guerra

    treated you. She didn¡¯t want to trouble you.¡±

    Lysander felt both angry and helpless. ¡°I know how much she cares about me. It doesn¡¯t matter what¡¯s

    going on between me and Josiah¡­¡±

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    ¡°Dr. Thorne, everything is ready.¡±

    Lysander nodded and instructed, ¡°Eleanor, you go with the ambnce. There are still some things at

    the hospital that need your assistance.¡±

    Eleanor nodded repeatedly. ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    Lysander nodded and waved to her assistants, ¡°Back to the hospital, quickly.¡±

    Eleanor also wanted to help. ¡°I¡¯ll press the elevator button!¡±

    Ding.

    The elevator door opened, and Josiah rushed out with red eyes.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysander nced inside the elevator and saw that it was empty. Lysanne wasn¡¯t in there, and she

    couldn¡¯t help but breathe a sigh of relief.

    She held the elevator doors with her hand and made a gesture to her assistants. ¡°Hurry.¡±

    The stretcher was pushed into the elevator.

    After all, the hotel elevator was not as spacious as the hospital¡¯s, so the space felt cramped after the

    stretcher was pushed in.

    Josiah moved to the side to make way for her.

    Lysander looked at him, furrowing her brows slightly, but managed to step into the elevator.

    The stretcher took up a huge amount of space, so once she got in, she had to stick close to Josi no

    space between them.

    Josiah tried to lean back, trying to give her more space.

    Lysander felt a bit more rxed around her body and looked up, saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah licked his lips and let out a light cough. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°My mom, she..¡±

    ¡°Acute stroke, very dangerous. If treatment is dyed it could lead to serious consequences.¡±

    ¡°Such as?¡±

    ¡°Hemiplegia, stroke, paralysis, vegetative state, and even¡­ death.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression immediately became serious.

    Ding.

    The elevator arrived on the ground floor.

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    lobby ahead of him, creating a passage for the stretcher.

    The stretcher was pushed onto the ambnce, and Lysander subconsciously wanted to jump on.

    However, the intense pain in her calf tore at her, causing her to lose strength and slide directly off the

    ambnce, falling heavily to the ground.

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 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95

    Chapter 95 She Simply Didn¡¯t Want To Be Involved With Him Anymore

    Eleanor had already boarded the car and was startled. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, are you okay?¡±

    Lysander nced down and noticed that the white gauze on her leg was now tinged with red blood.

    Several assistants were also startled, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you okay?¡±

    She gritted her teeth, pushing herself up from the ground. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Jinny, lend me a hand.¡±

    Jinny reached out his hand.

    Just as Lysander was about to grasp it, she suddenly felt her body grow light.

    Josiah gently lifted her up and jumped onto the ambnce.

    He gently ced her beside him and helped her sit down.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    sander lowered her head. ¡°Thank you.

    ¡°I should be the one saying that to you.¡±

    Time was pressing, and there was no time to spare. Lysander raised her voice and ordered, ¡°Sir, let¡¯s

    go.¡±

    The ambnce sped away from the resort hotel, down the mountain road.

    The vehicle jolted slightly, so Lysander ced her hand behind Susan¡¯s head to cushion the vibratio

    Eleanor said, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, let me do it.¡±

    Lysander gave her a reassuring look. ¡°It¡¯s okay; this position works for me.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, the patient¡¯s blood pressure is gradually rising.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Good, continue to monitor.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Is everything arranged with the hospital?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all set, a resuscitation room has been cleared, and someone is waiting at the hospital entrance.¡±

    Lysander breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Why did thatdy just call you ¡®Mrs. Guerra¡±?¡±

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    The person immediately shrunk back, afraid to speak further.

    The ambnce encountered no obstacles along the way and arrived at the hospital earlier than

    expected.

    Susan was immediately wheeled into the emergency room.

    Lysander stood outside the emergency room, watching as the sign ¡°Emergency in Progress¡± lit up,

    exhaling deeply.

    Suddenly, there was a piercing pain in her calf.

    Without needing to look, she knew she had fallen quite hard earlier. The wound must have reopened.

    She had been so worried about Susan¡¯s condition that she hadn¡¯t noticed the pain until now.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra.¡± Eleanor approached.

    Lysander smiled andforted her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve found the best neurologist in the hospital for

    her/She¡¯ll be alright.¡±

    Eleanor sped her hands together and closed her eyes, praying silently, ¡°Madam hasn¡¯t eaten any

    meat this month. She¡¯s been fasting and praying every day. She¡¯s reading the bible and hoping for

    God¡¯s protection.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. She¡¯s a good person; good people always have heaven looking out for them.¡±

    Eleanor sighed softly. ¡°Thank goodness you were here today. If we had relied on Mr. Guerra-He was

    being held up by Miss Thorne and couldn¡¯t get away at all. Madam¡¯s condition would have been su

    dyed; the consequences would have been unthinkable.¡±

    Lysander smiled but didn¡¯t say anything.

    When it came to Lysanne, she always maintained a neutral stance.

    She wouldn¡¯t speak ill of her, but she wouldn¡¯t speak well of her either.

    She simply didn¡¯t want to be involved with her anymore, not even a bit.

    The door to the resuscitation room suddenly opened and a nurse hurried out. ¡°Is the family of Susan

    McKay here? The family of Susan McKay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here.¡±

    Eleanor rushed over anxiously. ¡°Nurse, how is our Madam?¡±

    The nurse frowned. ¡°Your Madam? What is your rtionship with Susan?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m a housemaid.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. You need to sign a risk disclosure form. Is there any direct rtive of hers here?¡±

    2/3

    48%

    Chapter

    05 She Simply Didn¡¯t Want To Be Involved With Him &

    Finally, her gaze settled on the elevator not far away.

    Josiah was right there, but¡­

    Lysanne also arrived and tightly held Josiah¡¯s hand. She angrily used him of something.

    Josiah was entangled and couldn¡¯t move. If it were just Lysanne alone, he could push her away

    immediately, but she was pregnant now. He was already on the brink of rage, but he still had to control

    himself to avoid touching her belly,

    ¡°I¡¯ll go call Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Give it to me; I¡¯ll sign.¡±

    Send Gifts

    270

    3/3

    10:04 Fri, May 31 Ma

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96

    Chapter 96 Scar

    The nurse recognized her. ¡°Dr. Thorne? Are you a rtive of the patient?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the patient is my mother-inw.¡±

    Lysander signed the papers and handed the disclosure form back to her. ¡°Thank you; the older adult

    has been suffering from headaches for about a month. She suddenly had a stroke for the first time

    today. When I arrived, her blood pressure was 50/90, and by the time we reached the hospital, it was

    70/110, with oxygen levels at 86%. We administered oxygen for 45 minutes on the way here.¡±

    The nurse nodded immediately. ¡°Alright, Dr. Leslie needs this information. I¡¯ll go tell her right away.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The nurse turned and hurried back into the resuscitation room, and the door closed once again.

    Eleanor apologized with a dryugh. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, it¡¯s really thanks to you.¡±

    She nced in the direction of Josiah, then sighed. ¡°Mr. Guerra¡­sigh.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Eleanor, I¡¯ll go deal with the wound first. You rest here; I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    Eleanor then noticed her calf and suddenly eximed, ¡°Oh my god, how did it get like this?¡±

    The white gauze was already mostly stained red with blood.

    Actually, it wasn¡¯t surprising.

    Her wound had only been bandaged for a few days, hadn¡¯t healed properly at all, and she had c stairs

    and fallen today, all while pushing a stretcher. It wasn¡¯t surprising at all that the wound ha turned out

    like this.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I¡¯ll just go to the surgical department for another dressing.¡±

    ¡°Let me go with you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go by myself; stay here with Mom. In case the nurses inside need anything, there¡¯s not even a

    family member outside.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s Mr. Guerra.¡± Eleanor stopped talking as soon as she finished.

    Mr. Guerra.

    It won¡¯t make a difference if he is here or not.

    Lysander could see that Eleanor had something to say but stopped herself. She said gently, ¡°I¡¯ll go first,

    and be back soon.¡±

    Eleanor was extremely apologetic. ¡°Alright.¡±

    The surgical department was on the first floor.

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    48%1

    That meant, whether she took the elevator or the stairs, she had to pass by the stairwell.

    As she passed by Josiah and Lysanne, there was already a crowd around them, pointing and

    gossiping.

    She could vaguely hear a few keywords.

    ¡°Scumbag.¡± ¡°abandoning wife and child,¡± ¡°the mistress is a doctor at this hospital,¡± cking medical

    ethics.

    More prominent were Lysanne¡¯s crics and Josiah¡¯s suppressed roar.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± she said.

    Passersby made way for her.

    She arrived at the elevator and pressed the down button.

    Up the elevator, down the stairs.

    In one go.

    Fortunately, just as some onlookers blocked Lysanne and Josiah¡¯s view, they didn¡¯t see her. Otherwise,

    it would have been another endless farce.

    Lysander sighed wearily.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    After reaching the first floor, she stepped out and happened to run into Lynn.

    Lynn was first amazed, then surprised. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you look so beautiful today. By the you going to

    draw blood? Why are you back at the hospital?¡±

    way,

    were

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story. Lynn,e help me.¡±

    Lynn noticed the wound on her leg and quickly supported her. ¡°How did it get like this? Did you get into

    a fight while drawing blood?¡±

    ¡°Just take me to the surgical department first; it¡¯s killing me.¡±

    In the dressing room of the surgical department.

    Dr. Foreman, from the surgical department, carefully unwrapped the bandage on her leg, looking at the

    blurry wound underneath. He furrowed her brow ¡°Lysander, I don¡¯t even know what to say to you. You

    really don¡¯t take care of yourself.¡±

    Dr. Foreman was getting older, and his grip was strong. As he swiftly tore off the bandage, Lysander

    gasped in pain. ¡°It¡¯s just encountered an emergency; didn¡¯t have time to think about it.¡±

    ¡°Even in emergencies, you can¡¯t do this. Look at how bad it is; you might end up with a scar.¡±

    2/3

    10:04 Fri, May 31

 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97

    Chapter 97 What Are You Doing?

    Lynn¡¯s expression darkened immediately. ¡°What? Scarring? Mr. Foreman, can¡¯t you find a way? Dr.

    Thorne has been through a lottely. It would be too tragic if she ended up with a scar.¡±

    Dr. Foreman¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°Now you¡¯re afraid? As a doctor, you should prioritize protecting

    yourself first and then treating others. Did you forget the first lesson in medical school?¡±

    Lysander gritted her teeth, enduring the sting of the disinfectant. ¡°The patient suffered a stroke.

    Between scarring and the aftermath of a stroke, I¡¯d rather choose scarring.¡±

    As soon as Dr. Foreman heard this, he understood.

    A stroke was even more serious; it could be fatal.

    So, he eased up a bit, and Lysander finally felt a little better.

    After bandaging her wound, Dr. Foreman admonished her earnestly. ¡°You absolutely cannot move

    around recklessly, understand?¡±

    Lysander knew Dr. Foreman was looking out for her and obediently replied, ¡°Yes, I understand.¡±

    ¡°Also, be careful when you¡¯re¡­.with your husband. Don¡¯t be too reckless; consider your wound.

    Cough, cough¡­¡±

    Lysander was taken aback, licking her lips. ¡°Oh, okay!

    Exiting the surgical operating room, Lynn supported her as they slowly made their way back. ¡°Dr.

    Thorne, why didn¡¯t you mention that you¡¯re already divorced? I can¡¯t believe that Mr. Foreman sti

    blushed despite his age. Hehehe¡­¡±

    Lysander gave her a sharp look. ¡°Is divorce something to celebrate? Should I announce it to the wor

    with drums and trumpets, that I¡¯ve been cheated on?¡±

    Lynn stuck out her tongue. ¡°Well. Hey, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Lysander raised her head and saw Adrian, d in a white coat, hurrying over from a distance.

    He frowned slightly. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lysander smiled and greeted him. ¡°Dr. Sutton.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, what happened?¡±

    Lysander hesitated for a moment and replied, ¡°When I was drawing blood, I received a call from the

    hospital about a patient in urgent need of care. However, the emergency department was short-staffed,

    and I happened to be free, so I went with the ambnce.¡±

    ¡°Has the wound been treated?¡±

    She nodded. ¡°Yes, Dr. Foreman took care of it herself

    1/3

    10:04 Fri, May 31 M

    Chapter 97 What Are You Doing?

    48%

    Adrian¡¯s expression improved slightly. ¡°Can you walk¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡±

    Lysander looked at Lynn, warning her with her eyes. I can walk.¡±

    Lynn¡¯s eyes sparkled, eager to try. ¡°Dr. Sutton, Mr. Foreman informed Dr. Thorne to minimize

    movement. Walking involves movement, which will affect her wound.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Adrian immediately squatted down and effortlessly lifted her up.

    Lysander was startled, and instinctively eximed, ¡°A-

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t drop you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander felt a bit ufortable. ¡°I¡¯m afraid of rumors spreading.¡±

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If rumors spread, I¡¯ll exin. I won¡¯t let you get involved in any

    scandals.

    ¡°How will you exin?¡±

    ¡°Just say we¡¯re friends?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°If we¡¯re friends, then let¡¯s keep our distance as friends. Put me down.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, do you want to be friends with me?¡±

    An Tan paused. She looked into his eyes and shook her head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t want to?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You confessed to me at the karaoke barst time. Under these circumstances, we can¡¯t

    be friends anymore.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Not even friends?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°For me, there¡¯s a clear line between friends and lovers. I don¡¯t want to pretend to be

    friends while secretly being someone¡¯s backup n.¡±

    She pushed against Adrian. ¡°Dr. Sutton, please put me down.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t move.

    He even slightly jostled her upward, holding her more securely.

    2/3

    10:04 Fri, May 31 M

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98

    Chapter 97 What Are You Doing? Lynn¡¯s expression darkened immediately. ¡°What? Scarring? Mr.

    Foreman, can¡¯t you find a way? Dr. Thorne has been through a lottely. It would be too tragic if she

    ended up with a scar.¡± Dr. Foreman¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°Now you¡¯re afraid? As a doctor, you

    should prioritize protecting yourself first and then treating others. Did you forget the first lesson in

    medical school?¡± Lysander gritted her teeth, enduring the sting of the disinfectant. ¡°The patient suffered

    a stroke. Between scarring and the aftermath of a stroke, I¡¯d rather choose scarring.¡± As soon as Dr.

    Foreman heard this, he understood. A stroke was even more serious; it could be fatal. So, he eased up

    a bit, and Lysander finally felt a little better. After bandaging her wound, Dr. Foreman admonished her

    earnestly. ¡°You absolutely cannot move around recklessly, understand?¡± Lysander knew Dr. Foreman

    was looking out for her and obediently replied, ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± ¡°Also, be careful when you¡¯re¡­.with

    your husband. Don¡¯t be too reckless; consider your wound. Cough, cough¡­¡± Lysander was taken

    aback, licking her lips. ¡°Oh, okay! Exiting the surgical operating room, Lynn supported her as they

    slowly made their way back. ¡°Dr. Thorne, why didn¡¯t you mention that you¡¯re already divorced? I can¡¯t

    believe that Mr. Foreman sti blushed despite his age. Hehehe¡­¡± Lysander gave her a sharp look. ¡°Is

    divorce something to celebrate? Should I announce it to the wor with drums and trumpets, that I¡¯ve

    been cheated on?¡± Lynn stuck out her tongue. ¡°Well. Hey, Dr. Sutton.¡± Lysander raised her head and

    saw Adrian, d in a white coat, hurrying over from a distance. He frowned slightly. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lysander smiled and greeted him. ¡°Dr. Sutton.¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking you, what happened?¡± Lysander hesitated

    for a moment and replied, ¡°When I was drawing blood, I received a call from the hospital about a

    patient in urgent need of care. However, the emergency department was short-staffed, and I happened

    to be free, so I went with the ambnce.¡± ¡°Has the wound been treated?¡± She nodded. ¡°Yes, Dr.

    Foreman took care of it herself 1/3 10:04 Fri, May 31 M Chapter 97 What Are You Doing? 48% Adrian¡¯s

    expression improved slightly. ¡°Can you walk¡± ¡°I can.¡± ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡± Lysander looked at Lynn, warning

    her with her eyes. I can walk.¡± Lynn¡¯s eyes sparkled, eager to try. ¡°Dr. Sutton, Mr. Foreman informed Dr.

    Thorne to minimize movement. Walking involves movement, which will affect her wound.¡± Upon hearing

    this, Adrian immediately squatted down and effortlessly lifted her up. Lysander was startled, andN?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    instinctively eximed, ¡°A- ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t drop you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not scared.¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander felt a bit ufortable. ¡°I¡¯m afraid of rumors spreading.¡± Adrian chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If

    rumors spread, I¡¯ll exin. I won¡¯t let you get involved in any scandals. ¡°How will you exin?¡± ¡°Just

    say we¡¯re friends?¡± Lysander shook her head. ¡°If we¡¯re friends, then let¡¯s keep our distance as friends.

    Put me down.¡± ¡°Lysander, do you want to be friends with me?¡± An Tan paused. She looked into his

    eyes and shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t want to?¡± Lysander said, ¡°You confessed to me at the karaoke barst

    time. Under these circumstances, we can¡¯t be friends anymore.¡± ¡°Not even friends?¡± Lysander said,

    ¡°For me, there¡¯s a clear line between friends and lovers. I don¡¯t want to pretend to be friends while

    secretly being someone¡¯s backup n.¡± She pushed against Adrian. ¡°Dr. Sutton, please put me down.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t move. He even slightly jostled her upward, holding her more securely. 2/3 10:04 Fri, May

    31 M

 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99

    Chapter 99 He Loves Her So Much

    Josiah forced a smile, wincing as he touched the wound on his face. ¡°Got caught.¡±

    It was obvious who caught him.

    Lysander could only sneer coldly. She said, ¡°Mrs. Guerra¡¯s condition doesn¡¯t look good. Although I¡¯m

    not a neurosurgeon, I majored in clinical medicine. This situation is quite serious. I¡¯ll tell you in

    advance; you better be prepared.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°What caused this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say. Emotional distress and que detachment in the blood vessels due to age are both

    are possible.¡±

    Josiah hesitated, nodding slightly. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s because of our divorce and the child. It must have

    dealt her a significant blow.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to discuss past matters. She simply said, ¡°If Mrs. Guerra can be saved this time,

    you need to figure out a solution as soon as possible. You must not let her be stressed again, or the

    consequences will be dire.¡±

    Josiah understood her meaning. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to keep Lysanne from disturbing her.¡±

    ¡°You better.¡±

    There was a hint of resentment in Josiah¡¯s eyes, as if he had made a decision.

    However, Lysander didn¡¯t want to dive into it.

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Josiah¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything else to say to me?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± she said. ¡°When you¡¯re free, let¡¯s go get the divorce papers done.¡±

    Josiah was stunned, then furrowed his brow. ¡°Is it because of Dr. Sutton?¡±

    Lysander said coldly, ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m eager to buy a house. I don¡¯t want to live a life where I can be

    kicked out at any moment.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Josiah forced a bitter smile, looking somewhat lost. ¡°Are you worried about dividing marital assets in

    the future? I am not that low.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, after the divorce, I can handle buying a house myself. During the marriage, I¡¯ll need your

    cooperation to go through the formalities. Understand?¡±

    Josiah nodded slowly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check the time and let you know.¡±

    *Please do so quickly. The property is in high demand. If we go toote, we won¡¯t get a good floor.¡±

    Tosiah asked. ¡°Which property? I can help you.¡±

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    10:05 Fri, May 31

    Chapter 99 He Loves Her So Much

    +48%

    ¡°No need.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done talking. You can leave now.¡±

    Josiah still remained silent.

    Seeing Josiah still not saying anything, Lysander urged, ¡°If you have nothing else, please leave quickly.

    Don¡¯t let your woman misunderstand again. In the end, I¡¯m the one who will suffer.¡±

    After a while, she finally heard Josiah nod. ¡°Alright, sorry.¡±

    ¡°And, besides going to get a divorce, please don¡¯t refer to yourself as my husband. I can¡¯t afford to lose

    that person.

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond again.

    Lysander didn¡¯t bother with what happened next.

    Later, she heard Lynn mention that it was quite a scene outside the emergency room that day.

    Inside was bustling with lifesaving efforts, while outside was bustling with arguments.

    Lynn shook her head as she ate her cookies. She said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, you were right to leave early. Your

    husband¡¯s mistress-she¡¯s really something: She¡¯s so fierce, like a tiger. She made quite a name for

    herself with just one fight. Now the whole hospital knows that Mr. Guerra from the Guerra Group has

    married a tigress. She¡¯s going to be a handful.¡±

    Lysander was busy checking the pre-sale information for the housing estate. While brow ¡°Let it be. He¡¯s

    super fond of her.¡±

    She stood up, shut down herputer, and put on her coat.

    Lynn asked her, ¡°Isn¡¯t it time to get off work yet? Are you leaving early?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I took two hours off. I have something to take care of today.¡±

    When she arrived at the city hall by taxi, Josiah was already there..

    She walked over with the documents and looked around. ¡°Miss Thome hasn¡¯te?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°Our divorce has nothing to do with her.¡±

    aid,

    ¡°I thought you woulde together. Divorce on one side, marriage on the other, and get it all done at

    once.¡±

    As soon as the word ¡°marriage¡± was mentioned, Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed with disgust and impatience.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention her. Let¡¯s go; let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    It was almost time to close, so there weren¡¯t many people at the city hall.

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    10:05 Fri, May 31 M.

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    48%

    divorce.¡±

    The staff nodded, checked her information, and then asked, ¡°What about the gentleman¡¯s?¡±

    Josiah also handed over his.

    The staff took it, flipping through the papers, and asked, ¡°Have you settled your property?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all divided. It¡¯s written in the divorce agreement; no objections.¡±

    ¡°Real estate and stocks are considered shared property, as well as valuables like jewelry and

    investment. bars.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving with nothing.¡±

 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100

    Chapter 100 We Have No Children

    The staff member looked up at her upon hearing this expecting to see a pained expression on her face.

    However, Lysander¡¯s countenance was unexpectedly calm, with even a hint of a smile ying at her

    lips.

    Seeing the staff member looking at her, Lysander politely asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Do you need any

    additional documents?¡±

    ¡°No, everything seems quiteplete.¡±

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s good. Thank you.¡±

    The staff member asked, ¡°By the way, have you both settled on custody of the children?¡±

    ¡°We¡­¡±

    As soon as the topic of children came up. Lysander¡¯s expression darkened slightly.

    Josiah also turned away, unwilling to speak.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have children,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°Oh, okay. Then, this is pretty straightforward for you. There¡¯s hardly anyplications,¡± the staff

    member said.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll just go ahead and process it for you.

    ¡°Okay.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    The staff member asked Josiah, ¡°What about the gentleman? It seems like thedy has been doi the

    talking. Do you have any objections?¡±

    Josiah lifted his head and shook it. ¡°I¡¯ll listen to her.¡±

    The staff member chuckled knowingly. ¡°I see, are you two divorcing just to take advantage of a

    loophole in the policy for buying a house?¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t pretend. I can see through it.¡±

    Lysander also didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°See through what?¡±

    The staff member gestured with her lips behind them, indicating they should look for themselves.

    Behind them were several couples waiting to get divorced.

    One couple was arguing loudly, their faces flushed; another sat back to back, ignoring each other as if

    they were strangers: and then there was a woman crving while the man held another young and pretty

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    48%

    woman in his arms.

    rtionship hasn¡¯t brok

    ¡°Do you see? These are the real couples here to get divorced,¡± the staff member said. ¡°Like you two,

    you don¡¯t seem to have any conflicts or hatred. It looks like your down. If it hasn¡¯t broken down, why get

    a divorce? It must be for exploiting the policy, for buying a house.¡±

    Lysander shook her head after hearing this. ¡°It¡¯s really not that. We¡¯re really here to get divorced.¡±

    The staff member still didn¡¯t quite believe it. ¡°However, you seem tomunicate normally, and you

    really don¡¯t look like your rtionship hase to an end.¡±

    Lysander smiled helplessly. ¡°Is there a possibility that we don¡¯t have feelings for each other, so there¡¯s

    no question of it ending?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t have feelings, why did you get married?¡±

    Lysander choked up.

    Suddenly, Josiah stood up beside her, grabbing her wrist and pulling her outside. ¡°Sorry, we¡¯re not

    going through with this today.¡±

    Lysander stumbled a bit as he pulled her; her leg injury was still not fully healed, causing her to gasp in

    pain.

    Josiah panicked and immediately let go of her, squatting down and lifting her skirt to check.

    Seeing

    ng the white bandages still wrapped around her calf, he winced in pain. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Lysander took a step back, letting her skirt fall back down to cover her injured ankle. ¡°If you something

    to say, say it properly. What¡¯s the rush?¡±

    Josiah nodded and asked, ¡°Is it still hurting?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright, not particrly painful. The painkillers for external injuries are working.¡±

    ¡°Let me help you sit down.¡±

    Lysander wanted to refuse, but Josiah had already taken her arm. Hisrge hand was warm yet

    forceful almost half-supporting her to a nearby metal seat.

    As he helped her sit down slowly, Josiah looked at her with some concern.

    Lysander said, ¡°Just a few scratches; you¡¯re acting like I¡¯ve got some incurable disease.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t say nonsense.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a lot of work to do today?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°Then get this over with quickly so you can get back to work. Don¡¯t dy the important matters.¡±

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    48%

    ¡°They d

    did, sort of. They let me go with the blood collection van. Basically, I just sat there, not having to do

    anything.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll figure out a way regarding the house.¡±

    ¡°The legal provisions are clear. What can you do? Can you go beyond thew?¡±

    ¡°Pfft¡­¡±

    There was a water dispenser not far away from them.

    The staff member who had just processed their paperwork was holding a tea cup, casually leaning

    against her arm. ¡°I told you, you¡¯re divorcing to buy a house, yet you won¡¯t admit it?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101

    Chapter 101 Too Lenient

    Lysander exined, ¡°It¡¯s true that I wanted to buy a house, but it¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, no need to defend yourself any further, I understand. Look, the moment you felt pain, your

    husband was so worried. It¡¯s clear that your rtionship is still strong,¡± said the staff..

    Lysander was taken aback.

    Josiah simply responded, ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Lysander was confused.

    With courtesy. Josiah nodded at the staff. ¡°I apologize for the trouble I¡¯ve caused today.¡±

    ¡°No worries, it¡¯s no trouble at all. I deal with divorces every day, witnessing couples fight over assets

    and children until the cowse home. It¡¯s actually quite refreshing to encounter a loving pair like you

    two.

    After serving the water, the staff member was about to leave. With a smile, he gave a friendly pat on

    Josiah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Handsome man, I wish you a lifetime of happiness together.¡±

    With a smile, Josiah expressed his thanks.

    Turning around, he found himself meeting Lysander¡¯s inquisitive gaze. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Why the sudden change of heart?¡± questioned Lysander.

    ¡°Sudden?¡± Josiah gave a bitter smile. ¡°Not sudden at all.¡±

    Pretending not to understand his words, Lysander firmly stated, ¡°It was something that needed to be

    done sooner orter.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, what are you trying to say?¡±

    Josiah sped his hands together, pausing for a moment before he spoke. ¡°Lysander, I¡­¡±

    Suddenly, the cellphone began to ring.

    The two were seated closely. Lysander nced over and noticed that it was a call from Lysanne.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Should I step aside?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°No need.¡±

    I¡¯m not very mobile. How about you go outside to meet her?¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± replied Josiah, his tone icy as he picked up the call. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    However in the next moment his expression turned serious and he called out ¡°Mr Thorne

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    Over there, it was unclear what was being said, but all through it, Josiah was just responding with

    ¡°Mmm.¡±

    up

    Only after hanging up the phone, Josiah quickly stood up. ¡°Lysander, something urgent hase up

    that I need to handle. I¡¯ll have someone take you home.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re not processing the paperwork today?¡± asked Lysander.

    ¡°Next time.¡± Josiah held his phone and made a call, sharing his location. After hanging up, he turned to

    her and said, ¡°Wait here for a bit, about ten minutes. Someone wille to pick you up. Your leg is

    injured, so don¡¯t try to walk on your own.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Who? Your secretary?¡± Isn¡¯t his current secretary Lysanne¡¯s cousin? I heard he was a

    gambling addict, and I do not want to associate myself with him.

    a

    It seemed as though Josiah could see right through her thoughts. He said solemnly, ¡°I¡¯ve already fired.

    him, and Ms. Collins has been rehired.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Lysanne didn¡¯t make a fuss?¡±

    A fierce glint passed through Josiah¡¯s eyes. ¡°We can¡¯t always resort to creating a scene to solve

    everything. I was too lenient with her before.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you twenty years?¡±

    loved her for ove

    Josiah¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°It¡¯s two different matters.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s phone rang again. He gave Lysander a nod to indicate he got a call, then quickly excused

    himself.

    Roughly five minutester, Lysander spotted a familiar face.

    When the person saw her, his expression was somewhat awkward. ¡°Hey there, gorgeous. Hehe.¡±

    Lysander gazed at the person before her, murmuring ¡°Whisper?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°You are Josiah¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Friend,¡± Aiden approached. ¡°He asked me to escort you home.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat confused. ¡°Last time you came asking for my contact information¡­¡±

    Aiden immediately raised both hands in surrender. ¡°I swear it wasn¡¯t Josiah who sent me. You see, I

    was just born a flirt. I can¡¯t help but get sidetracked whenever I see a beautiful woman. The incident

    last time was purely due to myck of manners, and it had nothing to do with him.¡±

    Listening to that, Lysander couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief. ¡°You certainly have a clear

    understanding of yourself.¡±

    Aiden chuckled. ¡°My greatest virtue is self-awareness. However, let me make this clear, gorgeous. I¡¯m

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    Lysander nodded. ¡°I understand. You two grew up together.¡±

    ¡°Long live understanding.¡± Aiden suddenly winked ambiguously. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not so concerned about

    second marriages. You¡¯ve divorced Josiah, right? You¡¯re single now, so why not consider me? I¡¯m not

    teo bad, you know. I might not be as wealthy as him, but I can basically provide what need.¡±

    you

    Lysander lifted her eyebrow. ¡°You want to y with a friend¡¯s ex?¡±

    ¡°Oh dear, you¡¯re really painting me in a bad light here. While I admit I mayck some refinement, I¡¯m

    certainly not that sleazy.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Of course, if I were to evaluate myself, I¡¯d say I¡¯m a decent person, albeit with rather low standards.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t be bothered to pay him any attention.

    The divorce didn¡¯t go through. Hence, Daphne expressed her disdain for Josiah¡¯s behavior, which

    seemed like he was rekindling an old me.

    Daphne did so in several ways.

    Firstly, on Instagram, she subtly took aim, referencing ssic literature, and very culturedly penned a

    short essay, satirically criticizing Josiah.

    Secondly, she enthusiastically introduced Lysander to potential suitors, among whom she was most

    satisfied with Adrian.

    Whether Josiah was contemting rekindling an old me remained uncertain, but one thing was clear.

    Lysander had already made her stance known, not leaving any room for a second chance.

    Daphne didn¡¯t rush her, simply stating. ¡°If you really don¡¯t like him, there¡¯s nothing you can do. Adrian

    isn¡¯t the type to pester relentlessly. You¡¯ve already made your feelings very clear, and you haven¡¯t led

    him on. You¡¯ve handled it really well.¡±

    She gestured toward the pile of delivery boxes in the corner of the room. ¡°I¡¯ve brought back the little

    cookies you wanted. They¡¯re all there.¡±

    Lysander nodded, pulling out two boxes to hand to Daphne. ¡°A token of appreciation for your hard

    work.¡±

    Daphne chuckled lightly. ¡°Well then, I won¡¯t hold back.¡±

    ¡°No need for formalities.¡±

    Following that, she picked up three more boxes, carefully cing them in a gift box, all set to take them

    to the hospital the next day, intended for Adrian.

    As Daphne was eating, she said, ¡°There¡¯s really no need to be so particr about it. Who without

    making some sacrifices?¡±

    o pursues a girl

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    ¡°It¡¯s better to have things clearly defined,¡± replied Lysander.

    The next day at work, Lysander ced the small cookies on the reception desk.

    Just as she was about to follow the blood collecting vehicle out the door, she received a call from the

    hospital director, Fred Ziegler.

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler?¡± Lysander spoke.

    ¡°Lysander, are you free this weekend?¡± asked Fred.

    In the past, as long as she wasn¡¯t working overtime on the weekends, she would usually spend her

    time at home with Josiah. They would watch a movie together, or go out to eat, among other things.

    However, she hadn¡¯t been troubled by that issue recently, so she had plenty of time on her hands.

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler, what¡¯s the matter? What would you like to discuss?¡± asked Lysander.

    Fred said, ¡°My daughter is getting married over the weekend. Could you lend a hand?¡±

    Lysander had seen Fred¡¯s daughter from afar once before. Rumor had it that the young woman was art

    student and quite attractive. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡±

    an

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing much. As you know, my wife passed away early. I only have this one daughter. I¡¯m afraid I

    don¡¯t quite understand all the procedures young people go through for marriage these days, so I

    wanted to find someone experienced to help out.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler, actually¡­ I¡¯ve never had a wedding ceremony.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never done it before?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, it¡¯s all right. The main thing is, I¡¯m looking for a reliable woman who can help keep an eye

    on things.¡±

    Fred had always been kind to her. His daughter¡¯s wedding was a significant event and since he had

    asked for her help, she felt it was only right to do her best.

    Thus, Lysander agreed, ¡°All right, send me the address and I¡¯ll head to the hotel a bit early.¡±

    ¡°All right. Lysander, you¡¯ve always been a steady one. Hearing you say this puts my mind at ease. By

    the way, feel free to bring some friends along. The more the merrier.¡± Fred smiled.

    Upon returning home, Lysander casually mentioned the matter to Daphne.

    In truth, Daphne didn¡¯t know much about Lysander¡¯s work matters, but when she heard about the

    weekend wedding, she became unusually nervous. ¡°At which hotel?¡±

    Lysander felt a bit helpless. ¡°It¡¯s an old ce with a story.¡±

    She flipped her phone around, showing Daphne the screen. Instantly, Daphne¡¯s eyes widened in

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    Lysander nodded.

    When Fred had sent her the address, she had already begun to regret it.

    She really didn¡¯t want to visit that ce for a second time.

    However, Fred sincerely needed her help, akin to an old father marrying off his daughter, both anxious

    and helpless. Hearing that softened her heart, and she genuinely couldn¡¯t bring herself to refuse.

    However, she was alone and feared she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.

    The concept of marriage necessitated a social butterfly to hold court, and with Fred¡¯s encouragement

    for her to invite more friends, Daphne immediately sprang to her mind.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Ms. Everhart, are you free this weekend?¡±

    Surprisingly, Daphne snorted. ¡°I sure do. Why wouldn¡¯t I be? I would like to meet Dr. Ziegler¡¯s daughter

    too. I wonder if she¡¯s extremely short-sighted.¡±

    ¡°I smell a story.¡± ¨C

    Daphne said in annoyance, ¡°I also received a wedding invitation, same time and ce.¡±

    There was no doubt that Daphne didn¡¯t know Fred, which left only one possibility. The invitation

    Daphne received must havee from the groom himself.

    Thus, Lysander asked, ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Harry,¡± answered Daphne.

    Astonishment consumed Lysanderpletely. ¡°Who did you say?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, who else could it be? It¡¯s none other than my ex-boyfriend, the scum of the earth. He was the

    reason both of us failed our college entrance exams, and in the end, he managed to secure a

    rmendation to Apex University, ranking third in our entire grade.¡±

    Lysander waspletely distraught. Fred is a decent man. If his daughter were to marry

    this sem

    She was somewhat worried.

    Daphne said, ¡°Never mind, I hadn¡¯t nned on going initially, but since you¡¯re going too, I might as well

    check it out. If he has turned over a new leaf, then I wish the bride a happy marriage and a quick

    blessing of a child. However, if he¡¯s still a scoundrel, I¡¯m going to step in and rescue the damsel in

    distress right then and there.¡±

    The wedding date was set for Sunday.

    Lysander and Daphne arrived at five in the morning.

    After they got out of the car. Daphne said. ¡°You go ahead and find Dr. Ziegler. I¡¯ll park the car. We¡¯ll

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    meet up in the lobbyter.¡±

    Lysander rushed straight to the makeup room, where Fred had opened the door for her. ¡°Lysander!

    You¡¯ve finally arrived. Come in quickly,e in.¡±

    Fred¡¯s daughter, who appeared to be in her early twenties, was seated in front of a mirror, applying

    makeup. Her age was one of innocence and charm.

    When Fred¡¯s daughter saw Lysander, she shed a smile. ¡°Hello, Lysander.¡±

    Lysander responded with augh. ¡°You know me?¡±

    ¡°Of course I know who you are. My dad always mentions you. He says you¡¯re the star of their hospital.

    Who knows. I might need your help soon.¡±

    Immediately, Lysander discerned the hidden meaning in the conversation. Her eyes briefly swept over

    the young woman¡¯s abdomen, which seemed fairly t at the moment.

    Fred quietly told her, ¡°She identally got pregnant and was worried that as the months passed, she

    wouldn¡¯t be able to fit into her wedding dress. That¡¯s why everything was prepared in a hurry. I didn¡¯t

    even have time to ask someone to be her bridesmaid. That¡¯s why I called you over today at thest

    minute.¡±

    Lysander felt a bit of pity. ¡°Indeed, it is somewhat rushed.¡±

    Fred was somewhat heartbroken, but there was nothing he could do. After all, his daughter was

    already pregnant, and he didn¡¯t want her to have a child before marriage.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Moreover, even though society has be much more epting of having a child before marriage.

    it¡¯s still generally seen as more respectable to get married before starting a family.

    Fred pressed arge mary gift into Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°I know you¡¯re still nursing an injury, and your

    presence here today is purely out of respect for me. Please ept this as a small token of my

    appreciation. Don¡¯t refuse.¡±

    Lysander yfully shook the mary gift in her hand.

    It was very heavy.

    Judging by the thickness, it must contain at least thirty to forty thousand.

    Fred patted her shoulder firmly. ¡°As long as you¡¯re aware of the child¡¯s situation, that¡¯s enough. When

    the timees for Prisci to give birth, we¡¯ll need your assistance.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lysander reassured. ¡°Although, Dr. Ziegler, have you met the groom yet? What¡­ What

    do you think of him?¡±

    Ered finally wore a satisfied smile on his face. ¡°That young man is impressive indeed. He did his

    undergraduate studies at Apex University and went to Stounia for his postgraduate. He¡¯s an

    exceptional individual.¡±

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    Chapter 104

    Chapter 104 There Is Always Time

    ¡°Is the groom¡¯s name Harry?¡± asked Lysander.

    ¡°Yes. Do you know him?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°He¡¯s my high school ssmate.¡±

    Fred¡¯s joy increased. ¡°That¡¯s even better. We¡¯re all familiar faces here. Tell me, tell me, was he

    exceptional even back then? I heard he was even rmended for Apex University.¡±

    Fred seemed quite pleased with Harry, so it wouldn¡¯t have been appropriate for Lysander to dampen

    his spirits at such a time.

    After careful consideration, she simply said, ¡°Harry is indeed a good student, but I feel that when two

    people get

    married and live together, academic performance isn¡¯t the most important factor. It¡¯s the person that

    matters.¡±

    Fred nodded repeatedly. ¡°Indeed, when Prisci initially told me she had a boyfriend and was expecting

    a child, I was somewhat displeased. However, after having a meal with Harry, I found him to be

    incredibly polite and his manners impable. That¡¯s when I finally gave my approval.¡±

    Lysander found herself unable to say anything more.

    The wedding, in fact, was conducted rather conventionally. If one were to be a bit blunt, it could be said

    that it was somewhat perfunctory.

    Perhaps due to the tight schedule, the

    remony was essentially procedural. It began with a video on the big screen showcasing the couple¡¯s

    journey of falling in love. Then, the host asked if they were willing to marry each other. Finally, they

    exchanged rings and the groom kissed the bride.

    Throughout the entire event, an emcee controlled the pace. Lysander only yed a role when the twe

    parties exchanged rings, serving merely as a tool to deliver the rings.

    However, the presence of the groom¡¯s best man was somewhat unexpected.

    Adrian, dressed in a ck suit, had a red silk ribbon that read ¡°Best Man¡± pinned to his chest. After

    delivering the ring, he stepped back to her side.

    ¡°Did I

    Dr. Ziegler send for you?¡± Lysander asked softly.

    Adrian gave a nomittal hum. ¡°I heard the groom just got back from abroad and was having a hard.

    time finding a best man. Dr. Ziegler asked me to step in for a bit.¡±

    Lysander turned her head toward the stage below, only to see Fred already overwhelmed with tears of

    old age.

    He was usually known for his upright and steady character and held a significant reputation in the

    medical field. However, at that moment, he was slightly hunched over, with a noticeable redness

    around his eyes.

    ¡°When a daughter gets married, it¡¯s likely tough for her father to handle it emotionally.¡± Lysander gave

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    a nod.

    ¡°When you married Mr. Guerra, your father must have found it hard to let go, didn¡¯t he?¡± remarked.

    Adrian.

    Lysander lifted her eyes, meeting the clear gaze of Adrian.

    Adrian hurriedly rified, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I was just asking casually. You don¡¯t have to

    answer if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°We didn¡¯t have a wedding ceremony, so my dad didn¡¯t react much.¡±

    ¡°Is it like this case where you were too busy at the time to do it?¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment, softly responding with a hum of acknowledgement.

    ¡°Is it you who¡¯s busy or is it him?¡±

    ¡°Neither of us have any free time.¡±

    Adrian let out a chuckle. ¡°There¡¯s always some time to spare if you squeeze it right.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Among adults, it was not just about the words spoken, but also the tone used.

    The implication of Adrian¡¯s words was already quite clear. He was suggesting Josiah didn¡¯t take her

    seriously at all.

    Adrian thought it was precisely because their love wasn¡¯t genuine that Josiah could forego a wedding

    ceremony, ignore Lysander¡¯s feelings, and allow himself to rekindle his old me.

    Those were all facts, and Lysander had no grounds to argue against them.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡± Prisci softly called out to her.

    Lysander quickly stepped forward to meet her, supporting her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Prisci whispered, ¡°There will be a toastter, but I can¡¯t drink since I¡¯m

    pregnant¡­

    In those days, the role of a bridesmaid boiled down to three things, which were running errands, doing

    odd jobs, and shielding the bride from excessive drinking.

    Since Lysander had agreed, she was mentally prepared. ¡°Mm, I know what I¡¯m getting into. Don¡¯t

    worry.¡±

    Prisci, holding Lysander¡¯s hands, cooed in a sweet, spoiled manner, ¡°I owe it all to you today,

    Lysander.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t really know any of the guests who came today. You¡¯ll have to remind

    me.¡±

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    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll apany you upstairs to change into a more appropriate attire.¡±

    From a diagonal direction behind, a shocking voice suddenly rang out, ¡°Lysander?¡±

 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 105 So Many Coincidences

    That voice was all too familiar to Lysander.

    Before she arrived, she had actually wondered if Josiah would show up, considering the resort was

    under Guerra Group.

    However, she reconsidered. Josiah was, after all, a man of high society. He likely had no

    ociation

    with the likes of Fred and the trash that was Harry. Just because a wedding was held at his resort didn¡¯t

    mean Josiah, as the owner, would necessarily attend.

    Moreover, she had previously heard from her colleagues in neurosurgery that Susan had not been

    discharged yet, and was still under inpatient observation.

    Thepany was thrown into chaos by the meddling of Lysanne and her brother, and with Susan¡¯s

    illness, Josiah likely didn¡¯t have any time to attend such a minor wedding banquet.

    However, the truth was, he didn¡¯t just show up. He also came with Lysanne.

    Prisci didn¡¯t know Josiah either. She asked, ¡°Lysander, is this person a friend of yours?¡±

    Before Lysander could speak, she suddenly saw Harry stride over energetically. He greeted Josiah with

    a nod and a bow, ingratiating himself. ¡°Mr. Guerra! Thank you for gracing my wedding with your

    presence today. I apologize if the hospitality wasn¡¯t up to par. I hope you can forgive any

    shorings.¡±

    As he spoke, Harry introduced Prisci to Josiah, gently pulling her forward. ¡°Mr. Guerra, this is my

    wife, Prisci.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze remained fixated on Lysander throughout. Only after hearing his introduction did he

    politely nod at Prisci, before shifting his attention back to Lysander.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    That day, Lysander was essentially coerced into working, donning the bridesmaid¡¯s dress.

    The dress she wore was of a soft green satin that hugged her figure closely, a strapless design th

    revealed her delicate corbone and rounded shoulders. The makeup artist had just finished pri her,

    applying a light makeup look and arranging her hair into an elegant updo.

    Astonishment flickered like a brilliant me in Josiah¡¯s eyes.

    Indeed, she was a doctor. She didn¡¯t wear makeup at the hospital, and there was even less of a reason

    to do so at home. Josiah had hardly ever seen her fully made up.

    He cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly. ¡°Are you a rtive of the bride?¡±

    Lysander nodded slightly, a faint frown creasing her forehead. ¡°Do you know Harry?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you attending the wedding?¡±

    ¡°Harry is a friend of mine,¡± said Lysanne, her pregnant belly prominent, as she took hold of Josiah¡¯s

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    arm. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here. What a pleasant surprise.¡±

    Lysander gave Josiah a cool nce, a trace of mockery curving at the corner of her mouth. Despite his

    harsh words, he still made up with her and even attend the wedding with her.

    Harry said, ¡°Yes, Mrs. Guerra and I were university ssmates. We became good friends during our

    time in Stounia. This time, we returned to our homnd almost simultaneously. I assume Mr. Guerra

    must have apanied his wife.¡±

    Upon hearing the words ¡°Mrs. Guerra,¡± Josiah subconsciously furrowed his brows.

    ¡°Speaking of it, I share quite a connection with Mrs. Guerra. Back in high school, I had a ssmate

    whose name sounded very simr as Mrs. Guerra¡¯s. It was this coincidence that led us to be

    familiar with each other.¡±¡±

    Everyone present, aside from the newlyweds, understood what was going on.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze was aplicated puzzle, It was hard to tell whether he was astounded or filled with

    guilt. Lysander watched on with a cool detachment, clearly keeping her distance. Only Lysanne¡¯s eyes

    were piercing, scrutinizing Lysander back and forth with a less-than-friendly stare. ¡°Harry, is the

    bridesmaid at your wedding a friend of the bride?¡±

    Prisci shook her head. ¡°Not really. Before today, we actually didn¡¯t know each other. It was just

    temporary¡­

    ¡°Oh, so now strangers can be bridesmaids? Lysanne suddenlyughed, addressing Josiah directly.

    ¡°Did you see that, Josiah? How many such coincidences can there be in the world? It was surprising

    enough when she showed up at the trendy restaurantst time, but now she¡¯s appearing at someone

    else¡¯s wedding as a bridesmaid, despite not knowing the bride. She¡¯s deliberately dressed to attract

    attention, showing off her cleavage and shoulders, and even unusually wearing makeup! Is it really a

    coincidence? You think about it.¡±

    Send Gifts

    270

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106

    Chapter 106 Scolding Indirectly

    Once more, Lysanne was scolding Lysander indirectly.

    Prisci was not a fool. She could tell that Lysanne¡¯s intentions were not good. However, given Harry¡¯s

    respectful attitude toward Josiah, she didn¡¯t dare to be negligent. She exined softly, ¡°He¡¯s a friend of

    my father¡¯s. My father invited her to help out.¡±

    ¡°Was it an invitation, or did she take the initiative to put herself forward?¡± questioned Lysanne.

    ¡°It should have been an invitation..

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®should be?¡± Lysander interrupted her directly. ¡°There¡¯s a big difference between

    being invited anding on your own ord. You should think it through properly.¡±

    Prisci, dressed in an intricate wedding gown and teetering on high heels, stood somewhat

    bewildered in her ce.

    The guests below were all waiting for the newlyweds to change into their new outfits and propose a

    toast, signaling the start of the feast.

    However, Prisci was cornered on the stage, unable to descend, and felt somewhat paralyzed.

    Fred, who was in the audience, sensed that something was off. He anxiously kept ncing toward the

    stage, deeply concerned about his daughter¡¯s situation.

    Since Lysander had agreed to take on the role of the bridesmaid, she naturally had to be loyal to the

    cause. She said in a deep voice, ¡°Prisci, let¡¯s take the route from the back. We can use the second

    elevator from there.¡±

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Prisci was confused.

    Lysander whispered in her ear, ¡°The matter at hand is important, so many people are watching below.

    Don¡¯t let your dad worry.¡±

    Prisci caught sight of her father¡¯s worried expression from the stage. She gave a slow nod. ¡°All right.¡±

    Lysander supported Prisci as they turned around. Then she squatted down to help her lift the hem. of

    her wedding dress. The dress was voluminous and fluffy, and it took her quite a while to gather it all in

    her hands. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Harry rushed over, grabbing Prisci¡¯s arm and pulling her back. ¡°Prisci, how could

    you be so rude? Do you know who they are? That¡¯s Mr. Guerra from Guerra Group!¡±

    Feeling a pang of guilt, Prisci confessed, ¡°But I don¡¯t know him.¡±

    ¡°Come back with me and make sure you give Mrs. Guerra a proper greeting, do you hear me? Let me

    tell you, Mrs. Guerra holds a special ce in Mr. Guerra¡¯s heart. You need to help me get on good

    terms with her. If we can get close to Mr. Guerra through her, it will be very beneficial for my future!¡±

    Prisci trave a nonchnt ¡°oh ¡°her lunderstanding seemingly vame

    Bnce:

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    She turned around, a hint of apology in her gaze as she looked at Lysander. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lysander. I

    have to go back and entertain the guests with Harry.¡±

    Lysander advised, ¡°Do you really need to entertain guests in your wedding dress on stage? Here¡¯s a

    thought: I¡¯ll have someone escort them to the main table first. Once you¡¯ve changed, you can join them

    for the toast. Any conversations can wait until then.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± Harry rejected it outright, swiftly snatching the wedding dress hem from Lysander¡¯s hand. He

    looked at her coldly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to help here. You should go first.¡±

    Lysander remained still, silently observing Harry.

    Harry felt a chill run down his spine under her gaze. He pulled out a mary gift from his pocket and

    thrust it into her arms, dismissing her with a wave of his hand. ¡°There, I¡¯ve given you your gift. Now

    hurry up and go. Don¡¯t hold up my work.¡±

    mary

    Immediately after, without any exnation, he pulled Prisci toward the direction of Josiah.

    Prisci hadn¡¯t anticipated the force he would use. Caught off guard, she stepped on the hem of her

    wedding dress and stumbled clumsily to the ground, letting out a gasp, ¡°Ah¡­¡±

    The fall was hard. She crashed onto the icy-cold tiled floor, causing a deep, muffled thud to resonate.

    Lysander was the closest, her heart pounding.

    Meanwhile, the bride¡¯s startled cry caught the attention of many guests.

    Many people had turned their gazes this way, curious to see what had happened.

    Fred grew even more worried. He continuously shot nces at Lysander, questioning her with his

    eyes. asking what was going on.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you? You knew I was meeting with Mr. Guerra, yet you chose this exact moment

    to fall. Did you do it on purpose to embarrass me?¡± snapped Harry.

    Prisci¡¯s eyes immediately welled up with tears. She defended herself, feeling wronged. ¡°It wasn¡¯t

    intentional. The skirt was just too long.¡±

    Harry wore an expression of fury, abruptly pulling his hand from hers. ¡°Forget it, just stay here by

    yourself for now. I have to go attend to our esteemed guests.¡±

    After saying that, he disdainfully threw Prisci¡¯s hand away.

    Originally, Prisci was half-lifted by him, but due to his action, she fell to the ground for the second

    time. ¡°Ah!¡±

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 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107

    Chapter 107 More Than Just A Sprain

    Lysander felt a surge of irritation, but given it was a wedding day, she couldn¡¯t afford to lose her temper

    outright. Instead, she opted to assist Prisci first.

    It seemed as though Prisci had sprained her ankle. Despite several attempts, she couldn¡¯t manage te

    get up.

    Tears welled up in Prisci¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lysander, my leg¡­I can¡¯t put any strength into it¡­

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m a doctor. I¡¯m here.¡± As Lysanderforted her, she gently lifted the

    hem of her skirt to examine her ankle.

    Sure enough, the sky-high heels, which she detested, had caused a sprain. This was no minor issue.

    Prisci¡¯s ankle had visibly swollen, a sight that was hard to miss. When she gently touched it, all one

    could hear was Prisci sharply inhaling in pain.

    ¡°Lysander, is it severe?¡±

    Lysander slowly nodded. ¡°We need to go to the hospital for a check-up and get an X-ray to examine the

    bones.

    The emcee at the side also noticed something was amiss and quickly approached, asking, ¡°What¡¯s

    wrong with the bride?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°She twisted her ankle. She can¡¯t walk.¡±

    ¡°What are we going to do, then? We still need to make the toastter!¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander suggested, ¡°You should let the groom know that the bride¡¯s sprain is quite severe. It might

    have affected her ligaments and cartge; she needs to visit the hospital. Perhaps he could exin the

    situation to the guests during the toast. I¡¯m sure everyone would understand.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m utterly mortified. Boohoo¡­ I had stumbled twice on stage, and everyone saw my

    embarrassment¡­¡±

    The host could only nod. ¡°All right. It seems we have no other choice now. Prisci, are you able to

    stand up?¡±

    Prisci shook her head.

    The host said, ¡°Just hold on a moment. Let me find your husband so he can carry you back up to the

    room.¡±

    ¡°No, no, he¡¯s conversing with a VIP. If we interrupt him, he¡¯ll get upset¡­¡± Prisci pleaded, her eyes

    and swollen, as she pitifully looked at Lysander. ¡°Lysander, please help me.¡±

    red

    Just as Lysander was about to nod, she suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind her. ¡°Ms. Ziegler,

    are you all right?¡±

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    exuding an air of refined elegance. This only made Prisci even more nervous. ¡°H-Hello, Mr. Guerra,¡±

    she stammered.

    Immediately after, she saw Lysanne supporting herrge belly, and she said, ¡°Greetings, Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    Harry also rushed over. He scolded with a lowered head, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get up already? Do you

    greet people while sitting on the ground?¡±

    ¡°She can¡¯t get up,¡± Lysander said, ¡°Her ankle is badly sprained. You should carry her back to the room

    to rest for a while

    Harry was instantly displeased. ¡°Who do you think you are? How¡¯s this your business? Aren¡¯t you just a

    temporarily hired bridesmaid? I¡¯ve already given you the mary gift. Why haven¡¯t you left yet?¡±

    Without any hesitation, Lysander shot back, ¡°What about Prisci if I leave? Are you just going to let

    her sit on stage, waiting for you to finish your conversation with the esteemed guest?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a sprain. How serious can it be?¡±

    Lysander suppressed the fury in her heart. ¡°Harry Malscy, if you truly love her, can you consider her

    health first? It¡¯s not just a sprain. She¡¯s also carrying your child!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t Harry who said this in slight surprise but Josiah.

    However, they were the only ones on the stage at the moment, and everyone could hear them.

    Josiah visibly furrowed his brows, turning to ask Lysander. ¡°Will her recent fall affect the child?¡°

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lysander said. ¡°The fall was quite severe just now, and since Prisci is still in her early

    months, it¡¯s rather risky.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an obstetrician. Can you assess her current condition?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say for sure. We must get to the hospital as soon as possible. Only a detailed examination

    can determine the situation.¡±

    Without wasting any time, Josiah pulled out his phone and dialed a number. ¡°Ms. Collins, drive to the

    hotel entrance and make it quick!¡±

    Lysanne tugged at him, shaking her head insistently. Josiah, this is someone else¡¯s family matter. We

    shouldn¡¯t get involved.¡±

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    Chapter 108 Only She Can Sit In The Passenger Seat

    ¡°This is about saving a child¡¯s life!¡±

    In a fit of urgency, Josiah¡¯s tone came off rather harsh He was aware of it, but he didn¡¯t intend to

    apologize.

    He furrowed his brows and red at Harry, his gaze icy. ¡°Why is she still sitting on the ground? Quickly,

    carry her out and take my car to the hospital¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne eximed angrily, giving him a tug. ¡°That¡¯s someone else¡¯s wife. Why are you in

    such a rush?¡±

    Josiah gave her a cold nce. ¡°Because my child was also lost at such a young age. I don¡¯t want to

    witness another child turn into a mere pile of flesh and blood right before my eyes.¡±

    Lysanne turned pale. ¡°That¡¯s her husband¡¯s business. Why are you meddling? Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Josiah remained still.

    Lysanne, heavily pregnant, struggled to pull him along. Frustrated, she stomped her foot and

    eximed, ¡°So you won¡¯t leave, is that it? Fine, I¡¯ll go!¡±

    Watching the two argue, Harry was too frightened to speak. As he watched Lysander¡¯s retreating

    figure, he anxiously said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯m truly sorry. It¡¯s my fault that you had a fight with Mrs. Guerra.

    Maybe I can help you bring her back? I can apologize to her on your behalf¡­¡±

    ¡°You owe an apology, but it shouldn¡¯t be to her. It should be to your wife.¡± Josiah said coldly, ¡°What are

    you waiting for? Hurry up and carry her! The car is already waiting outside!¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Harry was reluctant. ¡°But we still have to give a toastter. Many of those who came today are

    my business partners. We can¡¯t neglect them¡­¡±

    ¡°Harry Molsey!¡± Lysander couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. ¡°What matters more to you? The lives of your

    wife and child or your pride?¡±

    Harry didn¡¯t dare to provoke Josiah and turned to berate her instead. He pointed at her nose with an

    imposing aura and said, ¡°Who do you think you are? You¡¯ve got no right to speak here! Get lost! Hurry

    up and leave! Ah!¡±

    A harsh cry of agony echoed. Harry¡¯s arm was twisted in a peculiar way.

    Lysander could almost hear the chilling sound of a bone being dislocated.

    She looked at Josiah, somewhat taken aback.

    He forcefully pushed Harry away, dusting off his hands with a look of disgust. In a cold voice, he said,

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. Lysander, what should I do now to avoid hurting her?¡±

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    Chapter 108 Only She Can Sit In The Passenger Seat

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    Avoid putting pressure on her lower abdomen.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod, crouching down as he apologized, ¡°Ms. Ziegler, excuse me.¡±

    He carefully lifted Prisci in his arms, striding swiftly toward the outside.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander quickly cooperated with him to pick up Prisci¡¯s wedding dress

    train from the ground. Holding it in their hands, the two of them hurriedly made their way out of the

    hotel lobby.

    Carol was already waiting in the car at the entrance. When she saw Lysander, she was slightly taken

    aback but politely greeted, ¡°Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    Lysander opened the car door, assisting Josiah in cing Prisci in the back seat.

    Josiah settled into the driver¡¯s seat, starting the car. Seeing Lysander still hesitating, he urged, ¡°Get in.¡±

    Lysander gritted her teeth. The back seat was already filled with Prisci¡¯s wedding dress, making it

    impossible for anyone to sit. The only space left was in the passenger seat.

    ¡°Hurry, get in the car!¡± Josiah urged her.

    The moment Lysander¡¯s hand touched the door handle, Lysanne unexpectedly followed suit, pulling her

    aside and mming the car door shut. ¡°Dr. Thorne,¡± she said, ¡°only thedy of the house can sit in the

    passenger seat. Surely you understand that basic principle?¡±

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    Chapter 109

    Chapter 109 Do Not Make Me Repeat Myself

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    From the backseat, the rmed voice of Prisci could be heard.

    A sense of foreboding filled Lysander¡¯s heart. Without thinking, she looked over to see Prisci, her

    hands covered in fresh blood, her face pale as a sheet ¡°I¡­ the baby¡­¡± she stammered.

    Lysander felt as if her entire heart was tightly gripped

    Suddenly, the passenger door was yanked open, and Lysanne climbed right in. ¡°Josiah, start the car.

    We¡¯re taking the bride to the hospital.¡±

    Prisci reached out, gripping Lysander tightly. ¡°Lysander, what should I do? Is my

    make it¡­¡±

    Lysander held her hand, which had turned icy cold due to fear and pain.

    This certainly wasn¡¯t a good sign.

    child not going to

    Lysander was soothing her, ¡°Prisci, please calm down. We¡¯ll meet at the hospital, okay? I¡¯m going to

    hail a taxi right now. It won¡¯t take long¡±

    ¡°Lysander, can you stay with me? I¡¯m scared. It hurts so much¡­¡±

    Prisci clung tightly to Lysander¡¯s hand, refusing to let go. Lysanne, seated in the front, let out a cold

    laugh. ¡°Dr. Thorne, if you want to have some alone time with Josiah, just say it. There¡¯s no need to use

    a pregnant woman as an excuse.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne, not everyone is like you, with their mind filled with nothing but men.¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you let go of her? Holding onto her just prevents us from driving away. What¡¯s the

    matter? Do you really think Josiah would kick me out?¡± Lysanne scoffed, ¡°Josiah, drive.¡±

    ¡°Get out.¡±

    In disbelief, Lysanne turned her head. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I said get out,¡± Josiah repeated, ¡°Did the previous negligence that almost killed my mom not teach you

    a lesson?¡±

    Lysanne gritted her teeth, her eyes wide. ¡°Do you me me when your mom fell illst time? Would I

    have cornered you at the vacation hotel if it weren¡¯t for Lysander? It was clearly her-¡±

    Josiah leaned over, immediately pushing the car door open. ¡°Hurry up. Don¡¯t make me repeat myself a

    third time.¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡±

    ¡°Me Collins¡± asidpinh in a cool tan

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    Carol gave a slight nod. ¡°Noted.¡±

    She immediately approached her, ¡°Ms. Lysanne, please step out of the car.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving!¡± Lysanne dered, gripping the car door tightly. ¡°She can manage to ¡®bump into¡¯ you.

    right under my nose. If I leave, what will happen then Lysander, don¡¯t even think about it. I won¡¯t let you

    have your way!¡±

    ¡°Lysander, Lysander¡­ I¡¯m in so much pain. My belly hurts so much¡­.

    Prisci¡¯s condition was rapidly worsening. A small patch on her pristine white wedding gown had

    already been stained red. The stark contrast of the crimson blood against the white fabric was a

    startling sight to behold.

    Lysander made a decisive move. ¡°Ms. Lysanne, I¡¯m going to ask you out of the car, do you?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Don¡¯t you dare think about being alone with Josiah!¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    onest time; you don¡¯t want to get

    Lysander walked straight to the driver¡¯s side. ¡°Josiah, get out of the car. I¡¯ll drive.¡±

    Josiah was taken aback. ¡°You know how to drive?¡±

    ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod before stepping out of the car and pushing the door open.

    Lysander swiftly got into the car, buckled her seatbelt and started the engine in one smooth motion.

    The car executed a beautiful drift as it quickly turned a corner, sliding seamlessly into the traffic flow.

    Lysanne was fuming. She yelled, ¡°Lysander, are you out of your mind? How dare you drive my man¡¯s

    car? Turn back right now! Or else, believe me, I will-

    ¡°Do you

    intend to make my life unbearable at the hospital?¡± Lysander scoffed. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m trying to intimidate you!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mentionst time that you were going to report me? Include this time as well. I¡¯ll be waiting

    for you.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Also, shut your mouth. Otherwise

    end.¡±

    I¡¯ll never divorce in this lifetime. Let¡¯s see who ousts who in the

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    Chapter 110

    Chapter 110 If You Utter Another Word

    In agony, Prisci was half-lying on the back seat, her face as pale as a sheet of paper. The pain was

    so intense that she couldn¡¯t even muster a cry..

    ¡°Ly¡­ Lysander¡­¡±

    Lysander nced at the rearview mirror, noticing specks of bright red appearing on her pristine

    wedding gown.

    Prisci could feel it, too. She struggled with all her might and said, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m bleeding¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re almost at the hospital, Prisci. Just hang in there a little longer

    ¡°Lysander, my child, my child¡­ Is it possible we can¡¯t save the baby?¡±

    Lysander remained silent, her lips pressed tightly together, her expression solemn.

    Prisci was on the verge of breaking down. ¡°My dad said you¡¯re the best obstetrician in Harborbrook.

    Lysander, I beg you, you must save my child¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Lysander was at a loss for words.

    With Prisci¡¯s pregnancy this far long, any changes in her condition, especially any sign of bleeding,

    could indicate something minor or something quite significant.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry just yet. Once we reach the hospital, everything will be taken care of. Doctors, nurses,

    operating rooms, medications-they¡¯ll all be avable.¡±

    Her voice was cool yet steady, soothing Prisci temporarily. However, her expression remained one of

    deep distress.

    Ring!

    The cell phone rang.

    Lysander was fully focused on driving, unable to spare a hand.

    Lysanne gripped the handrail tightly, muttering under her breath, ¡°Lysander, you better not pick up that

    call! Focus on driving! Have you ever driven a Porsche before? Do you even know how to drive it?¡±

    Lysander was already highly agitated. Upon hearing those words, she snapped, ¡°If you utter one more

    word, I¡¯ll have you thrown out!¡±

    The cell phone continued to ring relentlessly.

    Lysander steered the wheel with one hand while her other hand delved into her pocket to retrieve her

    phone. It was a call from the director.

    ¡°Hello, Dr. Ziegler.¡±

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    Lysander licked her lips. ¡°It¡¯s still unclear. I¡¯m on my way back to the hospital now.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I beg you, she is my only daughter. Her mom passed away early, leaving her as my sole

    comfort. Please help¡­¡±

    Lysanderposed herself and said, ¡°Dr. Ziegler, considering Prisci¡¯s condition, I believe surgery

    might be necessary.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, no problem,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll contact them right now¡­¡±

    ¡°Also, are you currently at the wedding venue?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Bring the groom to the hospital as soon as possible. If surgery is required, we¡¯ll need the child¡¯s father

    to sign the papers.¡±

    ¡°All right. All right.¡±

    Upon reaching the hospital entrance, Lynn and her group had already received a call from the hospital

    director and were waiting at the door.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lynn recognized Josiah¡¯s car. Seeing Lysander step out from the driver¡¯s seat, she was momentarily

    taken aback.

    However, there was no time to be surprised. They quickly stepped in to help. ¡°Dr. Thorne, what¡¯s going

    on?¡±

    Lysander helped Prisci out of the car, gently cing her on the stretcher bed.

    ¡°Ah, blood!¡± Lynn eximed, pointing at her arm. ¡°Oh my! Is she bleeding?¡±

    With a stern expression, Lysander directed the scene, ¡°Lynn, first have the nurse take Prisci to the

    operating room. You¡¯ve been with me for a while now, so you should know what drugs and equipment

    to prepare in this situation. I¡¯ll change my clothes and be there shortly.¡±

    Lynn nodded slightly. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Soon, Prisci was swiftly ushered away.

    Lysander steadied her emotions, heading straight to her office to change into her white coat.

    ¡°Wait!¡± L

    Lysanne hadn¡¯t yet recovered from the shock of the roller coaster ride. She flung the car door open and

    cried out, ¡°What am I supposed to do? I¡¯m pregnant, too. You can¡¯t just abandon me here, can you?

    Ah!¡±

    No sooner had Lysanne finished speaking when something thrown her way struck her arm, causing her

    to cry out in surprise.

    All Lysander said in a cold voice was, ¡°Here are the car keys. Park the car properly, and don¡¯t block the

    intersection.¡±

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    Chapter 111

    Chapter 111 How Could A Mother Abandon Her Own Child

    Lynn had everything prepared, and once Lysander changed into her surgical attire, she headed straight

    for the operating room.

    ¡°How¡¯s Prisci?¡±

    Lynn handed her a pair of medical gloves, her expression somewhat gloomy. ¡°Not great.¡±

    Lysander nced at Prisci, who was lying on the hospital bed. She was so weakened by pain that

    even her voice had be faint.

    ¡°Ly¡­ Lysander¡­¡±

    Lysander stepped forward, taking her hand. ¡°I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±

    ¡°Lysander,¡± she asked anxiously, ¡°Am I going to lose my child?¡±

    Lysander was somewhat conflicted. She let out a sigh, asking, ¡°Prisci, may I ask you something?¡±

    Prisci nodded will all her might.

    ¡°Do you truly desire this child?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Prisci said, ¡°Lysander, please, helpme. Save my child.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something I need to rify with you, and then you can make your decision, all right?¡±

    ¡°What¡­ is it?¡±

    ¡°Your husband, Harry, was my high school ssmate. However, during our high school years, he did

    something quite terrible that ruined another ssmate¡¯s life. I have some concerns about him, to be

    honest. If you decide to keep this baby, your bond with him will only deepen. Even if you want to

    divorce in the future, you¡¯ll be caught in a dilemma due to the child. You might even endure a less-

    than-perfect marriage for the sake of the child. But if this child were not in the picture¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡± Prisci¡¯s eyes were already brimming with tears. ¡°You¡¯re a woman too. You should

    understand my feelings. How can a mother bear to give up her own child?¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words.

    ¡°But¡­ what if you had to sacrifice your entire life for this child? Being trapped in a hopeless marriage, a

    sea of endless suffering.¡±

    Prisci¡¯s face was pale, her features glistening with moisture. It was hard to tell whether it was sweat

    or tears. She nodded desperately. ¡°I want my baby. I want my child, Lysander, please¡­¡±

    Lynn knew everything. When she saw Prisci in such unbearable pain, her heart was torn with

    distress. Her voice was filled with desperation. ¡°What do we do, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander gathered her thoughts and said, ¡°Let¡¯s prioritize the baby¡¯s safety first.¡±

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    for three hours..

    48%

    When Lysander emerged from the operating room, a sizable crowd had already gathered outside,

    awaiting her arrival.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Gradually, Adrian and Daphne arrived, along with some unfamiliar faces she didn¡¯t recognize. They

    were likely some of the friends and rtives who were in attendance for the wedding banquet today.

    And then¡­ there was Josiah.

    Almost everyone was huddled together, chattering anxiously. Daphne and Adrian were also engaged in

    conversation. Only Josiah was sitting alone in a corner, his head lowered in thought. It was unclear

    what was on his mind.

    The director was the first to react. The usually spirited old man seemed a bit disoriented as he rushed

    over. ¡°Lysander, Prisci¡­ She¡­¡±

    Lysander supported him,forting. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Ziegler. Prisci is okay now.¡±

    ¡°What about the baby?¡±

    ¡°The baby is fine, but they need to be hospitalized for a few days for an IV drip.¡±

    The director let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Good, that¡¯s great. Lysander, I¡¯ll remember what happened today. If

    you ever need any help in the future, don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Please take a seat and rest for a bit. I don¡¯t really need any help. The hospital has

    been treating me quite well.¡±

    The director gently patted her hand. ¡°You¡¯re not getting any younger. It¡¯s about time you considered

    having children. Don¡¯t always be so engrossed in your work, or people might start thinking I¡¯m some

    kind of ve driver.¡±

    When the topic of children was brought up, a slight tremble could be seen in Lysander¡¯s han

    Surprisingly, Josiah reacted as if he had been pricked, abruptly standing up. ¡°How¡­ How is the

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    Chapter 112

    Chapter 112 Old Habits Die Hard

    Josiah had visited the hospital quite a few times before, so the hospital director was familiar with him.

    He chuckled affectionately. ¡°You startled me with your suddenness.¡±

    Only then did Josiah realize that he had lost hisposure somewhat. With a hint of apology, he said,

    ¡°Sorry. I was a bit distracted just now.¡±

    ¡°No worries, no worries,¡± Fred said, ¡°Rest assured. Your wife¡¯s medical skills are quite impressive.

    However, I really must apologize for the inconvenience today. Lysander, you should have told me your

    husband wasing too, so I could have arranged for someone to receive him.¡±

    Lysander smiled lightly.

    She scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of Lysanne.

    It seemed as though Josiah noticed her gaze and took the initiative to say, ¡°She didn¡¯te

    Lysander nodded.

    1.

    In social gatherings with acquaintances, the greatest fear was failing to exin oneself clearly.

    In the end, Josiah showed some semnce of a conscience, not parading Lysanne ostentatiously into

    the hospital.

    Lysander was well-liked and had a good rtionship with most of the medical staff in the hospital. They

    were all aware of Josiah¡¯s existence. If Lysanne were to appear now, heavily pregnant and arm-in- arm

    with him, she truly wouldn¡¯t know how to exin it.

    Fred said, ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Prisci.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°You can go straight to the patients ward. I had Lynn take her there to rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay. Great.¡±

    The rest of the family and friends also took turns to express their gratitude to Lysander before following

    Fred.

    Just moments ago, the area outside the operating room was bustling with activity Now, only familiar

    faces remained.

    Daphne approached her, giving her a yful wink. ¡°Did you really keep the baby?¡± she asked. ¡°You

    know what kind of person Harry is. You¡¯re essentially pushing a good girl into a pit of fire!¡±

    With a sigh, Lysander started to remove her gloves as she spoke. ¡°There was nothing I could do. She

    was adamant about keeping it. I had to respect the patient¡¯s wishes.¡±

    Daphne was utterly in disagreement. ¡°What on earth is going on? Even someone like Harry is able to

    have a good girl who is willing to bear his child. And this girl, she¡¯s the director¡¯s daughter?¡±

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    Chapter 112 Old Habits Die Hard

    48%

    ¡°His only daughter, right?¡±

    ¡°Correct¡±

    ¡°I knew it! Oh, Harry, Harry, all these years and his tactics haven¡¯t changed one bit, huh? Using the

    same trick to conquer the world? He¡¯s always stepping on women to climb higher. Just you wait and

    see. When he finds a better branch totch onto, my past will be this poor girl¡¯s future.¡±

    Lysanderforted, ¡°After all these years, he might have changed, right?¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips. ¡°A leopard can¡¯t change its spots. Do you really believe he¡¯s changed?¡±

    Lysander recalled the scene at the wedding banquet earlier today. Despite Prisci¡¯s physical condition,

    Harry insisted on dragging her along to mingle with Josiah. The memory sent a chill through her heart.

    This was just the start of their marriage, and he was already treating her like this.

    As time went on, the affection would gradually fade away. Or perhaps, as Daphne had suggested, he

    might move on to someone else. If so, the oue for Prisci would likely be even more tragic than

    Daphne¡¯s because she had a child to consider.

    After all, this was someone else¡¯s life. Prisci¡¯s reluctance to part with her child was a natural maternal

    instinct. She had given her warning, and that was all she could do.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    Suddenly, a cup of coffee appeared before her. Adrian gave a soft chuckle, pushing the coffee forward.

    ¡°It¡¯s hot, full cream and half sugar.¡±

    Lysander licked her lips, hesitating before saying, ¡°Uh¡­ thank you, but there¡¯s no need. I¡¯m not thirsty.¡±

    Daphne gently nudged her. ¡°Even if you¡¯re not thirsty, take it and sip it slowly. Adrian went out of way to

    buy this. He¡¯s been keeping it warm in his coat for you.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not thirsty. It would be a waste if it gets coldter. It¡¯s better to give it to someone who while it¡¯s

    still hot,¡± Lysander said with a smile, gently declining the offer. She gave Daphne a meaningful look.

    ¡°Daphne,e with me to the office. I¡¯ve forgotten to give you the gift I bought youst time.¡±

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    Two male voices intertwined, one filled with urgency, the other deep and melodic.

    Send Gifts

    270

 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113

    Chapter 113 That Is Not My Home

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°You two sure have a good rapport

    Adrian and Josiah exchanged a nce, quickly averting their eyes thereafter.

    Daphne had no patience for Josiah. She turned directly to Adrian and said, ¡°Adrian, what do you

    think?¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, just a reminder for Lysander. We proceeded with the surgery before.

    getting Prisci¡¯s husband¡¯s signature earlier. We need to get that sortedter to ensure proper

    procedure.¡±

    At the hospital, every task was carried out following stringent procedures.

    If the procedure went wrong, no amount of exnation would clear up any future disputes between the

    doctor and the patient.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Okay, thank you for the reminder I understand.¡±

    However, from the moment she left the operating room up until now, there had been no sight of Harry

    here.

    She asked Daphne, ¡°Where is he?¡±

    When this topic came up, Daphne couldn¡¯t help but chuckle for a while. ¡°Speaking of Harry, he really is

    excessively devoted to his business. His wife was lying in the operating room, and it wasn¡¯t even

    certain if the child could be saved, yet what he cared about the most was still his own work.¡±

    Lysander was confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Daphne gestured toward Josiah andmented, ¡°Well, that¡¯s a question for Mr. Guerra. His woma out

    there, heavily pregnant, and he isn¡¯t apanying her. Instead, he¡¯s letting Harry take care of He¡¯s

    certainly got some nerve.¡±

    Lysander understood. ¡°So¡­ Harry is taking care of Lysanne outside?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it,¡± Josiah hastily rified. ¡°He and Lysanne were acquaintances already. They met back

    in Stounia. It¡¯s just two friends catching up on old times.¡±

    Daphne wore a speechless expression. ¡°Well, you might want to ask her if the child she¡¯s carrying in

    her belly is actually Harry¡¯s.¡±

    Josiah knew that

    ph was teasing him, but he felt guilty. So, he didn¡¯t get angry.

    Instead, Josiah said, ¡°Harry had returned to his homnd several years ago.¡±

    What he implied was Harry¡¯s rtionship with Lysanne wasn¡¯t what people assumed. At least, Harry

    had no connection to the child she was carrying.

    Tanhne couldn¡¯t be bothered with ch nonrence and che  coffed carcastically ¡°Whor¡¯e with man

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    Chapter 113 That Is Not My Home

    someone else¡¯s wife. And another one is even more ridiculous, neglecting his wife and child to

    apany a so-called ¡®old friend.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Daphne emphasized the words ¡°old friend¡±, making it clear to everyone present that she was implying

    something more.

    Lysander spoke softly. ¡°Everyone has their own set of beliefs and values. It¡¯s perfectly normal that they

    don¡¯t always align. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Wait, Lysander-¡±

    Josiah quickly took a few steps to catch up with her, handing her an item.

    It was a small, square-shaped box, about the size of a palm.

    With a somber expression, Lysander said, ¡°You bought the wedding ring. I don¡¯t want anyone to use

    me of being after your money anymore. Take it back

    ¡°It¡¯s not a wedding ring,¡± said Josiah, ¡°My mother asked me to give it to you.¡±

    Lysander asked with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll know once you open it and see for yourself.¡±

    Lysander epted the box. It was very light, almost weightless in her hand.

    Upon opening it, indeed, there was a piece of jewelry inside.

    However, it wasn¡¯t a wedding ring but rather an amulet.

    Josiah said, ¡°My mother mentioned that you were the reason she was saved this time. She felt guilty

    because you refused any form of repayment. This is an amulet she got from the church. She hope

    could¡­ protect you.¡±

    Seeing Lysander¡¯s unsuspecting expression, Josiah added, ¡°It¡¯s made of silver, not much in weight,

    hardly worth anything. It¡¯s just a token of affection from my mom.¡±

    With that, Lysander had no choice but to ept it.

    ¡°Help me thank Madam Susan for me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else? If not, I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    ¡°Lysander!¡± Josiah said urgently, ¡°Mom mentioned that if you have some spare time, you coulde

    home for a visit and chat with her.¡±

    Without turning her head, Lysander stated, ¡°That¡¯s not my home.¡±

    Bnce

 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114

    Chapter 114 Her

    Speaking of home, Lysander had devised a new n.

    Even though Daphne didn¡¯t Lysander staying at her ce, often,te-night calls would summon her to

    the hospital, and it was impossible not to disturb Daphne.

    Lysander had downloaded an app online to look for a room for rent.

    Even if she were to buy a house, she would still have to wait for it to be handed over, then renovate it,

    and then let it air out. The whole process would take at least a year. During this year, she would

    definitely need a ce to stay.

    Moreover, she had a premonition.

    The matter with Harry and Prisci was far from over.

    Considering the history between Harry and Daphne during high school, and the fact that Harry was

    now the son-inw of the hospital¡¯s dean, coupled with her still working at the hospital, the intertwining

    of these factors meant there was bound to be drama.

    After Daphne arrived home in the evening, she pouted and folded her arms as she watched Lysander

    pack her things. ¡°I¡¯ve told you,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯m not bothered by your noise. I sleep like a log; not even

    thunder could wake me up. Your little rustling won¡¯t disturb my sleep at all.¡±

    Lysander simply gave a smile, then continued packing up her things. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely about disturbing

    your sleep.¡±

    ¡°What else could there be? You, a workaholic, barely spend any time at home. How could you possibly

    disturb me?¡±

    ¡°You had me move in because you were worried about me, right? But as you can see, I¡¯m fine,¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°Besides, your ce is a bit far from the hospital. I¡¯d prefer to live somewhere closer. In

    case of any emergencies, I¡¯d be able to get there faster¡°

    Daphne simply chuckled. ¡°I knew it, it¡¯s still about work.¡±

    Lysander gently stroked her head. ¡°The pressure of buying a house is immense, I haven¡¯t even saved.

    enough for the down payment yet. I¡¯ll also have to make monthly repayments in the future. This job is

    really important to me.¡±

    Having said that, Daphne finally felt somewhat relieved. ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s not a bad thing to dedicate

    yourselfpletely to your work. Your efforts will not be in vain. As long as you work hard, you¡¯ll

    definitely reap the rewards. By the way, you did a huge favor for Dr. Ziegler this time. It will undoubtedly

    be beneficial for your future job evaluations and increment.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why I need to work even harder, strive for a promotion and a raise as

    soon as possible, so that I can live my best life!¡±

    She didn¡¯t have many possessions, so it didn¡¯t take her long to pack up.

    Over the weekend, Daphne helped Lysander move.

    1/2

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    fapter 15||

    48%)

    It sounded lilitadooof work, but in reality, it was just two boxes.

    She had recentivored into a studio apartment. It was a one-bedroom, one-living room space that was a

    little over focery quunre meters. It was more than enough for a single person to livefortably.

    Thendltidy was

    terrificentdy who was fairly easy to converse with. Lysander wasn¡¯t

    demanding when it moeddiliving conditions. All she required was safety andfort.

    The room was furnished.but she still had to purchase her everyday necessities.

    She spent the entiremorcing packing her belongings and in the afternoon, Lysander made a trip to the

    supermarket.

    While perusing the shelves fopraucets, a familiar voce suddenly caught her attention-

    Why aren¡¯t you with your wife? vitheway, bow is she doing now?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s doing okay, just so-so, the e repted.

    ¡°Your wife is carrying your child and postcft herione in the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Her father is the hospital director since well taken care of there? Those ambitious doctors and nurses

    surely must have been bending over backward to cater to her, right?¡±

    ¡°True enough. that Lysander, your high scopot ssmate, she saved your wife and child this time. Your

    father-inw will surely promote her.¡±

    ¡°Her? Heh.¡±

    Lysander grew intrigued as she listened on. Judgin your tone, there¡¯s more to her story?¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much of a story, really. Well, this i i vannees sure has skills, but she¡¯s rather fond of nd

    ¡°Why do you mean?¡±

    Send Gifts

    270

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115

    Chapter 115 You Are Artritious

    ¡°Back when we were in school, our ir tuttunen had a rmendation slot for Apex University. As long

    as you were first in the grade, you could be be directly admutted. However, Lysander couldn¡¯t surpass

    me in any of the exams, so she started sprestatie nonors, caining I was bullying her best friend¡­ I

    swear. all I did was focus on my studies every devi said i had notune for such nonsense.¡±

    Lysander asked. ¡°So, did she spread the renons in jus to sabotage your guaranteed admission?¡±

    Yeah, because honestly, she was pretty good at ht her studies back then. By eliminating me. her

    chances of getting rmended were slightly highender.¡±¡°

    ¡®But you ended up going to Apex University after all remember correctly, she graduated from

    Harborbrook Medical University¡­¡±

    The man chuckled with satisfaction. ¡°Yeah, it didnt criou in the end, did it? Justice prevailed-Oh ny!

    Harry let out a startled cry, his heart skipping a bea. Heercated at the woman standing before him, his

    ace turning pale with embarrassment. ¡°Oh, um, Lysandertoon WWhat a coincidence,¡± he itarnered

    awkwardly.

    With a leisurely motion. Lysander set down the goods in aerenbands and let our a soft chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s no

    soincidence at all. I followed you here.¡±

    You¡¯ve been following us¡­ no, why have you be following airnced at Lysander standing

    ext to him and immediately jumped a er away. ¡°Doutnu velwild guesses. Jane and I were

    ichoolmates in Stounia and, we are very good friends.

    syaander¡¯s gaze slightly narrowed as she looked at him, then at Ly sumand. Her gaze paused on

    Lysanne and said. ¡°I see. You¡¯re good friends.¡±

    darry was not familiar with the inside joke, and he quickly nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, yes, yes, jus pod

    friends, very good friends indeed.¡±

    On the other hand, Lysanne¡¯s expression was rather off. This was because e durim noment, her hand.

    wicked into Harry¡¯s ann, and Lysander¡¯s gaze was transhixed on their linked of nams.

    squickly withdrew her hand as if it was scalded, hastily retorting. ¡°Im heavily present and walking

    difficult for me. Harry was just concerned I might fall, so he was assisung me all the beway here.

    gandamirked. ¡°I sec.¡±

    tvdion reo spouting nonsense in front of Josiah, Lysanne warned.

    (sanden tuumcredimound, focusing on selecting items from the shelf, and asked absentmintisdedly,

    ¡°What

    That & were whhirry-Only then did Lysanne react and turn exasperated. Heyayoyou corched divou

    trying to trick me into saying something?¡±

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    Chapter 115 You Are Anxious

    Lysanne grumbled resentfully, ¡°You talk a good game, pretending to be so busy as a doctor. But didn¡¯t

    you eagerly squeeze into someone else¡¯s wedding? You¡¯re a divorcee, yet you served as a bridesmaid,

    a role typically reserved for unmarried girls. I can¡¯t fathom your intentions, or is there more to this than

    meets the eye?¡±

    Lysander had already picked out a bottle of shower gel and casually tossed it into the cart. She

    nodded. and said. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want to believe, then go ahead. After all, you¡¯re the one feeling

    anxious, not

    me.¡±

    Lysander shifted her gaze, turning her attention to Harry who had been standing by the side all this

    time.

    When she was engaged in a heated verbal duel with Lysanne, Harry very ¡°wisely¡± stood by and kept

    his mouth shut¡­

    These two individuals, one being the woman he assumed to be Mrs. Guerra, and the other, an old.

    ssmate privy to all of his dark past, presented a dilemma. Assisting either one could potentially

    infuriate the other, a situation that would not bode well for him.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Noticing Lysander¡¯s gaze, Harry acted as if nothing was amiss, cheerfully greeting her, ¡°Lysander, my

    old ssmate, it¡¯s been a while. There was a bit of a misunderstanding at the wedding the other day,

    and I didn¡¯t treat you well. Let¡¯s have a meal together sometime soon, so I can properly apologize to

    you.¡±

    Upon hearing Harry¡¯s polite tone, Lysanne¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in frustration. ¡°It¡¯s quite ironic, isn¡¯t it?

    Just a moment ago, you wereining to me about her spreading rumors and defaming you, but

    now you don¡¯t dare utter a single word.¡±

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116

    Chapter 116 I Have No Husband

    Harry¡¯s face fell immediately, and he waved his hands in haste. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. Perhaps I

    misspoke. Lysander, please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡±

    ¡°What are you afraid of her for? She¡¯s just a high school ssmate, not your high school principal. Why

    do you act like a mouse who¡¯s seen a cat whenever you encounter her?¡± Lysanne looked at Harry with

    a disdainful gaze. ¡°And you¡¯re the general manager? Josiah despises nothing more than your kind of

    spineless behavior.¡±

    This remark was indeed directed at Harry.

    Harry could only respond with a smile, trying to appease Lysanne. ¡°How could that be? I¡¯m merely

    being polite. Jane, we¡¯ve been friends for so many years, and now you¡¯re Mrs. Guerra. As a long-time.

    friend, I hope you can put in a good word for me with Mr. Guerra about our coboration this time¡­¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Only then did Lysanne feel her pride was restored. She held her chin high as she continued to tease

    Harry. ¡°We¡¯ve been friends for so many years, I don¡¯t mind speaking up for you. But whether Josiah will

    listen or not, I can¡¯t guarantee.¡±

    Harryughed as he yfully teased her, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. Everyone in Harborbrook knows that Mr.

    Guerra spoils his wife the most. He listens to whatever she says.¡±

    ¦§

    ading rumors,

    After hearing these words, a contented smile graced Lysanne¡¯s face. ¡°Who¡¯s been spreading making

    me sound like a demanding wife?¡±,

    ¡°How could that be? Mr. Guerra values you greatly, so he can¡¯t bear to see you suffer the slightest

    injustice.¡±

    Harry buttered Lysanne up, and thetter basked in the joy of having apdog. By the time they

    snapped back to reality, there was no one left in front of them.

    Harry was somewhat worried. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t actually go and spout off to Mr. Guerra, would she?¡±

    Lysanne scoffed. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Why did she leave so quickly?¡±

    ¡°I guess she couldn¡¯t bear to hear any more. Really, you should know better. Josiah left her because of

    me, and yet you insist on telling her how much Josiah loves me. Isn¡¯t that like twisting a knife in her

    heart?¡±

    With a smile, Harry said, ¡°It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s my fault. After all, we¡¯re old ssmates. I should have

    considered her feelings.¡±

    Lysanne cast him a nce. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Josiah, I¡¯m confident I can handle him. But you should

    be more cautious with your father-inw. I¡¯ve heard from others that he holds Lysander in high regard.

    If she says something to him, your position as the hospital director¡¯s son-inw might not be so

    secure.¡±

    Unon hearing those words. Harry couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

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    48%2

    Lysanne became intrigued. ¡°So, do you have leverage over your father-inw?¡±

    ¡°His daughter, and his grandchild, aren¡¯t they both my best pawn?¡± Harry said, ¡°He only has this one

    daughter, who will spend the rest of her life with me. Any children she has will carry my surname. So,

    he has to be cordial with me, for the sake of his daughter and grandchild.¡±

    Lysander emerged from the supermarket, carrying tworge bags of items.

    Taking the bus was no longer a viable option, and even hailing a taxi seemed to be a challenge. In the

    end, she had no choice but to set her things on the ground and use her phone to call for a ride.

    The supermarket wasn¡¯t too far from her new home; a mere five-minute drive was all it took to get

    there.

    When she got out of the car, the driver kindly helped her with the two heavy shopping bags. He also

    advised, ¡°Next time you have to buy so much, bring your husband along.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a husband.

    ¡°Huh? Then who is this person?¡±

    Following the direction the driver pointed, Lysander spotted a familiar figure standing at the base of the

    apartment block. The man was slowly making his way toward her.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117

    Chapter 117 I Am Not Feeling Well

    Lysander wondered if Gerra Group had also developed this neighborhood when she saw Josiah

    No way.

    This residential arra has enarna conquite some time, and it¡¯s nestled in the old part of the city. As far as

    1! know, the properties developed in Sir Group are primarily located in Blurd District, which is at

    least twenty to thirre kilometers away mon lier.

    ¡°Did you go shopping?¡± Josiah casually strolled over. ¡°Why didn¡¯t Daphne go with you?¡±

    As he spoke, he reached out, intending to tik tie wo bags from her hands.

    Lysander subtly shifted to evade in hamil. Witt tioutyou? What brings you here? Don¡¯t you have work?¡±

    An unusual blush of crimson spread aurres tosan sace and his gaze was slightly zed. ¡°A friend was

    hosting a party for their child. It was just hary

    Afriend?¡±

    Josiah seemed extremely sensitive to these two word, man, a buddy¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin this to me. Were a diverted. You should say this to Lysanne.¡±

    Josiah instantly furrowed his brows in irritation. Tidon wano talk to her.¡±

    That day, Josiah seemed a bit childish.

    His conduct deviated significantly from his usual chitone Inc.

    Without considering her objections, he forcefully took the two

    1. Josiah.¡±

    is from her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s

    He had already stepped through the door, looking back then Himni

    Is there something you need from me today?¡±

    Let¡¯s talk about it here, then.¡±

    WWe¡¯ll talk upstairs

    Lybundnder stood still.

    took another two steps forward, but noticing she hadn¡¯t followed, lie liadnutiuorgel bur to halt

    of food

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    Chapter 1171 Am Not Feeling Well

    He sighed, his shoulders sagging a bit. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well.¡±

    ¡°The hospital isn¡¯t far from here. If you¡¯re not feeling well, you should see a doctor.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a doctor?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a gynecologist.¡±

    ¡°You studied clinical medicine in college, didn¡¯t you? You should be able to treatmon ailments,

    right?¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Are you trying to save money on the registration fee?¡±

    Josiah responded swiftly, ¡°You may as well assume sa

    ¡°How did you know I moved here?¡±

    ¡°Let me rest upstairs for a bit, then I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

    Lysander studied him cautiously, her eyes filled with wariness.

    Josiah shed a bitter smile. ¡°You don¡¯t need to look at me like that. Even if I were the worst of

    men, I wouldn¡¯t do anything to harm you.¡±

    Lysander withdrew her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about this. As the esteemed Mr. Guerra, you

    certainly wouldn¡¯tck in this area.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond and strode forward. ¡°Let¡¯s head home first. I¡¯m really not feeling well.¡±

    He was tall and had long legs. He walked so swiftly that he disappeared from sight in just a few

    strides.

    The shopping bags were still in his hands, leaving Lysander with no choice but to jog lightly to

    catch u with him.

    By the time she reached the elevator area, Josiah was already inside the elevator. He was holding

    the two shopping bags in one hand, while using the other to keep the elevator doors open,

    indicating her to step in.

    Lysander hesitated for a moment before deciding to step inside.

    She didn¡¯t notice it when they were outside in the open air, but the moment the elevator doors

    sealed. shut, the area felt restricted. A faint scent of alcohol started to gradually permeate the air.

    And at a pace perceivable by humans, it grew increasingly intense.

    ¡°Have you been drinking?¡±

    Yeah.¡± Josiah pressed the button for the fifteenth floor. ¡°I was in high spirits today, so I had two

    more drinks than usual.¡±

    Lysander had a sensitive nose. Judging by the concentration of alcohol in the air right now, she

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    Theor quickly came to a halt on the fifteenth floor.

    Josiah stumbled when he walked out, crashing heavily into the elevator door.

    Lysander¡¯s heart jolted, and she instinctively reached out to support him. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Taking advantage of her momentum, Josiah leaned in close, resting his chin in the hollow of her

    neck. With a furrowed brow, he murmured, ¡°Lysander, I don¡¯t feel so good.¡±

    ¡°Stand properly first.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand properly. I feel dizzy.¡±

    ¡°Then lean against the wall.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cold.¡±

    Lysander suddenly felt a surge of irritation and forcefully pushed him away. ¡°Josiah, you¡¯re not

    actually drunk, are you?¡±

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 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 118 Do You Not Love Her

    Josiah staggered several steps backward. He collided heavily with the wall behind him and let out a

    muffled grunt.

    He seemed to be in genuine agony. He slid down along the wall until he was crouched in the corner.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t anticipated that Josiah, a man of such towering stature, would be so easily pushed

    away by her. The unexpectedness of it all caught her off guard.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    His voice was muffled as he responded, ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°Can you stand up?¡±

    He lifted his head, his eyes red and his voice a touch hoarse. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    He struggled to his feet and exhaled a heavy sigh.

    His spirits were still quite low.

    He was about to bend down to pick up the two shopping bags when Lysander stopped him. ¡°Just stay

    put,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve got this.¡±

    ¡°Let me.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t even walk.¡±

    ¡°I can.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°I really can. Trust me.¡± Josiah lifted his head, lightly licking his lips. ¡°Lysander, I just want to help

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Go open the door,¡± he added.

    She hadn¡¯t noticed before, but as Josiah drew closer, she could smell a strong scent of alcohol.

    She turned around to open the door, illuminating the room with the flick of a switch.

    I just moved in. It¡¯s still a bit messy.¡±

    When Josiah entered, he was rather cautious. ¡°Should I change my shoes?¡±

    ¡°No need, I haven¡¯t mopped the floor yet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help youter, then.¡±

    ¡°If you can stand in

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    Chapter 118 Do You Not Love Her

    Josiah felt a bit awkward. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡±

    ¡°Where should I put these things for you?¡±

    ¡°Just leave it by the wall. I¡¯ll take care of itter when have time.¡±

    Josiah nodded, neatly cing the two shopping bags before ncing around. ¡°This ce is a bit small,

    but it¡¯s well-arranged. You¡¯ve always had a knack for living well. Once you¡¯ve put your touch on this

    ce. I¡¯m sure it will be very cozy.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you feeling unwell? Why don¡¯t you take a seat?¡±

    Josiah nodded and sat down on the couch in the living room.

    The apartment was rather o

    furnished with just a single couch.

    essentially attracting only single upants, so the living room was

    Lysander pulled out several bottles of mineral water from the shopping bag and poured them into the

    kettle to boil.

    ¡°Now answer me.¡±

    Josiah looked at her back and asked somewhat bewilderedly, ¡°Answer what?¡±

    ¡°How did you know I moved?¡±

    Only Daphne knew about her moving. She hadn¡¯t even had the chance to tell Lynn.

    Josiah replied, ¡°Daphne posted on her social media.¡±

    Lysander unlocked her phone, and sure enough, she saw a post that Daphne had shared on her soc

    media feed earlier that afternoon.

    She had snapped a photo of her hauling her suitcase up the stairs and captioned it: A grown woman

    makes her own way.

    She had even attached a pitiful, teary-eyed emoji.

    Lysander¡¯s lips twitched.

    She wondered if Daphne had done it on purpose, as she had specifically pinpointed the location of the

    residential area.

    ¡°I have a friend who follows Daphne. He saw her post and informed me about it.¡±

    Lysander knew there was such a person.

    However, she found it a bit hard toprehend Daphne¡¯s recent actions. Knowing full well that Josiah

    might find out my new address, why would she purposely share my location?

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    Chapter 112 Do You Not Love Her

    ¡°Lysander, how much more do you need for the lions¡¯re buying?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cause me any trouble.¡± Lysander said struggito-wardly.

    ¡°I just want¡­ to help you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re setting me up for trouble. Don¡¯t you know win tinthol temper Lysanne has? If she finds out. do

    you think I¡¯ll have any peace?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let her find out.¡±

    Lysander scoffed, ¡°Don¡¯t you love her? Why are you dig thing from her?¡±

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119

    Chapter 119 The Pain Of Losing That Child

    Josiah ruffled his hair, reclining on the back of the couch, pretending to sleep with his eyes closed.

    He responded with silence.

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to bring up the matter again, so she simply said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should rest

    a bit before you leave.¡±

    Josiah remained in the same position as before, showing no reaction.

    The whistle of the kettle echoed from the kitch

    kitchen.

    She fetched a cup of hot water and ced it on the coffee table in front of him. ¡°Have some water.¡±

    Only then did Josiah react, leisurely straightening his body and taking small, measured sips.

    ¡°How has Madam Susan been doingtely?¡±

    ¡°I heard she¡¯s getting better.¡±

    ¡°You heard?¡±

    Josiah set down the water ss, sinking further into the couch as he continued, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen her for

    a while. I only heard from Eleanor.¡±

    ¡°Busy with work?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t dare to go.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your mother. Regardless of how big the conflict is, you should at least visit her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because she¡¯s my mother that I dare not go. Now, wherever I go, Lysanne will

    immediately rush over and create a huge ruckus. My mother currently has a very poor impression of

    her, and I¡¯m afraid if she sees her again, it¡¯ll worsen her health.¡±

    ¡°Is she¡­ afraid you¡¯ll have a change of heart?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°You just need to make things clear with her. Tell her you¡¯re going to be with your mom.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s pointless,¡± Josiah said, closing his eyes. ¡°She won¡¯t believe it.¡±

    Lysander-fell silent.

    She knew Lysanne was possessive, but she had no idea it was to this extent.

    Josiah said in a weak voice, ¡°Today, my friend had a party for his child. She¡¯s such a beautiful and

    adorable little girl, dressed in a tiny pink outfit, cradled in her mother¡¯s arms. She¡¯s so small and soft

    like a cloud¡­¡±

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    Chapter 119 The Pain Of Losing That Child

    His voice was somewhat choked up.

    ¡°I never realized how endearing a baby could be. She was so fond of me that she reached out for me to

    hold her whenever she saw me. The moment I took her in my arms, my heart ached. Lysander, would

    our child have been just as adorable if they were still with us?¡±

    A pang struck Lysander¡¯s heart.

    She finally understood why he had drunk so much today.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Josiah was a mature man, always exuding an air of steadiness and wisdom. Throughout their three

    years of marriage, it was rare to see him drunk.

    There was only two instances.

    Once, during a reunion with their ssmates when Lysanne had just returned, and the other time was

    now.

    The pain of losing that child wasn¡¯t hers alone; it was his as well.

    That kid really took a liking to me. She didn¡¯t want anyone else to hold her, only me. Even when her

    mom tried to take her back, she refused and kept holding me tightly.¡±

    At this point, a gentle curve tugged at the corner of Josiah¡¯s lips. ¡°She looked at me, her little mouth

    opening and closing as if she were blowing bubbles or calling me ¡®Daddy.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Stop talking.¡±

    Josiah slowly opened his eyes, gazing at her with mixed emotions. ¡°Lysander, what did you do with the

    child in the end?¡±

    Lysander turned away, taking a deep breath. Her tone was indifferent as she said, ¡°Just like how it¡¯s

    done with everyone else, it was sent to the medical waste disposal center by the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Medical waste?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You better leave now. If Lysanne happens to find me here, I¡¯ll have to move again.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let her bother you again.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Did something happen today?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Josiah slowly exhaled. ¡°I pped her.¡±

    Astonished, Lysander asked, ¡°Could you really bring yourself to hurt her?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was particrly cold. ¡°She almost killed that child.¡±

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120

    Chapter 120 y Matchmaker For Me

    Lysander turned around and left, heading toward the kitchen.

    After waiting for a while, Josiah noticed she had not returned. Propping himself up, he also headed

    toward the kitchen.

    She didn¡¯t do anything, simply standing by the window, lost in her thoughts.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I drank a bit too much and talked too much.¡±

    Lysander rposed herself and asked impatiently. So what exactly are you here for today? Which

    family ends their party just after a few hours? Why did youe over here halfway through? To throw a

    drunken fit?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Josiah repeated.

    ¡°If you¡¯re sorry, then stay away from me. I don¡¯t want to see you again.¡±

    Josiah did not respond.

    ¡°Leave,¡± Lysander ordered.

    Josiah stood still for a long while. Finally, he let out a long sigh and said, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bothering back in the future.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    ¡°And stop checking Daphne¡¯s social media updates. Just live your own life.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else you want to tell me?¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment, her lips trembling slightly. ¡°You should stop thinking too much¡­¡±

    Josiah gave a soft hum of acknowledgement.

    He knew she wasn¡¯t referring to Lysander, but the embryo that had already been treated as medical

    Waste.

    ¡°Once Lysanne has her baby, you two should consider having a child of your own as soon as possible.

    Having a child will help you move on from the past more quickly.¡±

    Josiah looked up. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Lysander pretended to be busy. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    And what about you? Are you nning to get married and have kids soon?¡±

    Lysander sneered, ¡°I¡¯ve already been married once. Wasn¡¯t the aftermath devastating enough?¡±

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    Chapter 120 y Matchmaker For Me

    quite some time. Are you really not considering epting him?¡±

    Lysander retorted, ¡°What, do you want to y matchmaker for me?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes dimmed instantly. ¡°No, I¡­ I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then stay out of my business.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Right then, the shrill ring of a phone echoed.

    It was Josiah¡¯s.

    The ringtone of his phone was different from before. Previously, it was more soothing, but now it was.

    more frantic.

    The person on the other end of the phone was as agitated as the ringing tone.

    ¡°So you¡¯re really not going to care about me anymore is that it?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was low and subdued. ¡°You¡¯re the one who ran out and told me not to look for you.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re really not going to look for me? I¡¯m pregnant. Even Harry, as a friend, was worried enough to

    chase after me. Yet you, as my man, can¡¯t even match up to him!¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go live with him, then?¡±

    Lysanne didn¡¯t seem to catch on. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I said, since he¡¯s better than me, why don¡¯t you just marry him? After all, he¡¯s your good friend. It

    shouldn¡¯t matter who you marry.¡±

    ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting, Josiah? Have you lost all your conscience? You pursed me

    for a long time, but now that you¡¯ve got me, you don¡¯t appreciate me anymore, do you? I don¡¯t care.

    Come and pick me up now!¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    Lysanne¡¯s voice grew louder. ¡°You have ten minutes to show up in front of me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been drinking. I can¡¯t drive.¡±

    ¡°I said, I don¡¯t care!¡±

    Josiah suddenly stood up, his voice low and harsh as he roared, ¡°Would you be happy if I got hit by a

    car? Ten minutes? Do you even know where I am now? Lysanne, I¡¯m a human being, not some ve

    you can summon and dismiss at your whim!¡±

    ¡°When a man pursues a woman, isn¡¯t it all about fulfilling her every wish? What¡¯s wrong with me asking

    you to pick me up? You used to be quite eager to do the same for your ex-wife, so why is it an issue

    now

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    Chapter 120 y Matchmaker For Me

    ¡°She didn¡¯t always limit me to ten minutes each time! And she definitely didn¡¯t boss me around like you

    do!¡±

    Lysanne suddenly paused, then asked sharply, ¡°Are you with her right now?¡±

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 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 121 Basic Manners

    ¡°You can think however you like.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was muted.

    A frown immediately formed on Lysander¡¯s forehead when she heard that.

    She red at Josiah. What is he trying to do?

    Is he throwing a drunken fitt

    Or is he intent on making life difficult for me?

    When Josiah found himself on the receiving end of her re, his anger slightly subsided as a touch of

    reason returned to him. ¡°It seems to you that anytime I¡¯m out of your sight, I must be with her anyway.¡±

    Perhaps it was due to Josiah¡¯s excessively nonchnt attitude that Lysanne didn¡¯t harbor any doubts

    this time.

    ¡°All right, twenty minutes, then. I¡¯ll send you my location. Come pick me up.¡±

    Josiah ended the call abruptly and turned off his phone.

    Atst, it was peaceful.

    He slumped wearily onto the couch, exhaling deeply.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried she¡¯ll kick up a fuss when you get back if you just turned off your phone like that?¡±

    Josiah gave a cool smile. ¡°Then, I won¡¯t be going back.¡±

    Lysander quickly asked, ¡°Do you want to stay in a hotel? Should I have Ms. Collins make a reservation

    for you?¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t be staying over at your ce.¡±

    Having her thoughts exposed, Lysander didn¡¯t feel too embarrassed.

    She exined, ¡°When it¡¯s just a man and a woman alone, it¡¯s better to be cautious.¡±

    Josiah let out a hum from deep within his chest.

    ¡°Do you want more water?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Josiah took a few more small sips of hot water, managing to subdue a good amount of his

    drunkenness.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing. It seems that arguments really do have a way of invigorating

    the mind.

    In the future, when I work the night shift and encounter a drunken ruckus, there¡¯s no need to go through

    so much trouble. I¡¯ll just argue with them a bit and it¡¯ll sober them up in no time.

    Josiah slowly rose to his feet. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll be going, then.¡±

    ¡°All right, take care.¡±

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    Chapter 121 Basic Manners

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Is there really a need for such formalities?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s in basic manners.¡±

    Josiah slowly nodded. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll stop bothering you, then.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t bothering around in the future.¡±

    Josiah gazed at her intensely for a moment, then turned and left.

    The door was swiftly mmed shut.

    Josiah turned around, looking at the tightly shut door behind him. Thousands of thoughts swirled in his

    mind, but in the end, all he could do was let out a sigh of helplessness.

    When she went to work the next day, Lysander made it her priority to visit Prisci.

    As soon as she entered the office, Lynn sneakily approached her before she could even change her

    clothes. ¡°Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Having hung up her coat, Lysander swapped it for a whiteb coat.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler¡¯s daughter doesn¡¯t have the best taste, does she?¡±

    Lysander had a good grasp of Harry¡¯s character.

    However, hearing Lynn say this, she reckoned something must have happened yesterday.

    Lysander fastened her buttons before picking up the medical record from the table. As she walked out,

    she flipped through it. ¡°Did Prisci have another bleeding episodest night?¡±

    Lynn was her assistant. She apanied her on her rounds. ¡°Yeah, the bleeding was quite severe. I

    was really sweating bullets when you weren¡¯t there.¡±

    Lysander nced over the medical record. ¡°It was handled by Dr. Wright?¡±

    ¡°Thankfully, Dr. Wright handled it promptly. But Dr. Thorne, I was just about to discuss this matter

    with

    you.

    Lysander halted in her tracks. ¡°Keep going.¡±

    ¡°The family hasn¡¯t even signed off on that surgery you did on Prisci the day before yesterday and the

    treatment Dr. Wright gave to her for her bleedingst night¡±

    Yesterday, Harry had been so upied ying the role of a loyal sidekick to Lysanne that he didn¡¯t

    have a spare moment toe to the hospital to sign the papers.

    Lysander said, ¡°Get her family to sign the papers as soon as they arrive.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±

    Astonished, Lysander asked, ¡°Harry is here?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s his mother,¡± Lynn said, looking exasperated. ¡°She arrived yesterday, insisting that there¡¯s a folk

    remedy back home, iming that drinking it would surely result in having a son.¡±

    ¡°What? Are there still people who believe in this in today¡¯s society?¡±

    Lynn pursed her lips and nodded. ¡°Not long after Prisci drank it¡­ she suffered a severe

    hemorrhage.¡±

 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122

    Chapter 122 Pink Or Blue

    Lysander furrowed her brows.

    She had thought that Harry would stir up some trouble first. Unexpectedly, the first to cause a scene

    was her mother, Helen Brooks.

    As soon as Lysander led Lynn into the ward, they could hear the voice of a middle¨Caged woman even

    through. the closed window.

    ¡°If all else fails, why not offer the doctor a little gift? What problem can¡¯t that solve? You are just too

    young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. In this day and age, who would help you without a

    little. incentive?¡±

    A gift?

    Lysander looked to Lynn for answers, but Lynn, utterly bewildered, could only shake her head in

    response.

    Lysander cleared her throat subtly, then gently pushed open the door to the ward.

    Upon entering, she saw Prisci who was pale and hugging her nket. She looked like a broken

    puppet, devoid of spirit. Only when she saw here in did a faint glimmer of life return to her eyes.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Do you feel any better?¡±

    The corners of Prisci¡¯s lips twitched slightly. ¡°A little.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re the doctor in charge of treating Prisci, right?¡± Helen greeted warmly, eagerly grabbing

    Lysander¡¯s hand.

    Her hand was slender and bony, but it held a surprising strength. Her grip was so tight that it caused

    Lysander some difort.

    This difort wasn¡¯t merely due to pressure, however. It resembled more of a piercing sensation

    from a sharp object on the palm, resulting in intense pain.

    She had something hidden in the palm of her hand.

    It was a rectangr object and was somewhat thick

    Lysander wanted to pull her hand away, but Helen gave her a mischievous smile. She ced her other

    hand on top of Lysander¡¯s, patting the back of her hand gently. ¡°Doctor, there are some things we¡¯d like

    to understand.¡±

    Lysander began to sense it

    Sheughed softly without any change in her expression, pulling her hand back with force. ¡°Feel free to

    ask anything you want to know as long as it¡¯s something we can disclose. We¡¯ll tell the expectant

    mother and her family truthfully.¡±

    Helen chuckled. ¡°Of course, of course. I¡¯ve been setting up a nursery at hometely, but I can¡¯t decide

    on the color of the bedding. Doctor, what do you think? Should I go for pink or blue?

    Upon hearing that, Lynn immediately understood and swiftly gave Lysander a knowing look.

    Chapter 122 Pink Or Blue

    Having worked in the obstetrics and gynecology department for so many years, naturally, Lysander

    understood as well.

    ¡°Any will do. The color doesn¡¯t really matter. But it would be best if it¡¯s pure cotton. It¡¯s breathable and

    better for the child¡¯s skin.¡±

    Helen was initially taken aback, but then she chuckled knowingly. ¡°As expected of Central Hospital, the

    doctors here are truly exceptional.¡±

    As she spoke, she pulled something from her pocket and rubbed it against the palm of her hand once

    more.

    Although it was just paper, the increasing thickness made its edges all the more piercing against the

    skin, causing Lysander to wince in pain.

    Helen held her tightly with both hands, her face already showing a hint of disdain and mockery. ¡°Let me

    ask you another question, then. Should we raise this child to be strong and assertive, or gentle and

    considerate?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about bncing toughness and tenderness, but it also depends on the child¡¯s own personality.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°So, when I share the news with rtives, should I say we¡¯re blessed with a precious son, or we¡¯re

    blessed with a priceless daughter?¡±

    Lynn couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and interjected, ¡°Just as long as you don¡¯t say you¡¯re blessed to be a

    father.¡±

    Lysander looked back at her, a hint of annoyance in her eyes. Lynn, in response, lowered her gaze and

    yfully stuck out her tongue.

    Helen nced at Lynn and let out a chuckle, ¡°Oh, I see, there¡¯s another person here. I should prepare

    two portions, right?¡±

    Lynn was clueless about what Lysander was pressing in the palm of her hand. She asked in a

    somewhat dazed manner, ¡°Two portions?¡±

 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123

    Chapter 123 You Should Put A Radar On Josiah

    ¡°Lady, what¡¯s the point of ying dumb at this point?¡± Helen shot her a disapproving look, her tone

    turning harsh as she chastised Prisci, ¡°Others your age are astute and shrewd. Unlike that, you

    almost lost your unborn child while nning a wedding.¡±

    While being reprimanded, Prisci hung her head low. ¡°Mom, it was an ident..

    ¡°ident? You were clearly not careful¡­ Never mind. I don¡¯t want to scold you in public anymore. Just

    lie down and rest.¡±

    Prisci was inherently a well¨Cbehaved person. Her verbal skills were far inferior to her mother¨Cin¨C

    law¡¯s, leaving her unable to retort. All she could do was keep her head down.

    Feeling a pang of sympathy for her, Lysander turned and instructed, ¡°Lynn, go check Prisci¡¯s blood

    pressure.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡±

    Lynn, holding a blood pressure monitor, approached Prisci¡¯s bedside. As she wrapped the cuff

    around Prisci¡¯s arm, she gently reassured her, ¡°If you feel any difort at any point, let me know,

    and 11 ry it to Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Prisci lifted her gaze, biting her lip. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Your blood pressure is ny over one hundred and forty, which is on the high side. You need to be

    careful these days and try not to get too worked up.¡±

    As they were speaking, the door to the ward was pushed open again.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Mrs. Molsey¡­¡±

    Helen immediately looked up in delight. ¡°Oh my, if it isn¡¯t Ms. Thorne. It¡¯s been so long since west

    met. You¡¯re bing more and more beautiful.¡±

    Harry was following closely behind, his hands filled with all sorts of packages. He said with a cheerful

    grin, ¡°Mom, she¡¯s Mrs. Guerra now.¡±

    ¡°Right, right, Mrs. Guerra. Look at that belly¡­ the baby ising soon, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s still some time left.¡±

    ¡°Judging by the shape of this belly, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s a boy!¡±

    Lysanne shyly chuckled. ¡°I hope so.¡±

    ¡°Trust me. All these years, I¡¯ve never been wrong about this. With your pointy belly, you¡¯re definitely

    carrying a boy! Oh my, this child is going to be the apple of everyone¡¯s eye as the scion of the Guerra

    family and the future heir of Guerra Group!¡±

    A proud expression emerged across Lysanne¡¯s face. ¡°Who knows what kind of potential this child will

    have once they¡¯re born, or if they¡¯ll be suitable to run thepany¡­¡±

    Helen said with a joyful expression, ¡°You and Mr. Guerra are both the cream of the crop. How could

    child be anything less?¡±

    your

    Lynn couldn¡¯t bear to listen any longer, she sarcastically remarked, ¡°That only works if you inherit the

    good genes. What if you end up with the bad ones? That¡¯s no guarantee¡­¡±

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    Chapter 123 You Should Put A Radar On Josiah

    Lysanne¡¯s expression changed in an instant. Just as he was about to say something, she caught a

    glimpse of Lysander standing by the side from the corner of her eye. The smile on her face vanished

    immediately. reced by a sneer. ¡°Oh, Dr. Thorne is here too.¡±

    Lysander politely nodded. ¡°Mmm¨Chmm, I was just making the rounds.¡±

    ¡°I was puzzled when I ran into you at the supermarket yesterday. Daphne¡¯s ce is quite far from this

    supermarket, isn¡¯t it? I wonder why you didn¡¯t go to a closer one?¡±

    ¡°Why? Am I not allowed to go there?¡±

    In the presence of Harry and Helen, Lysanne was somewhat embarrassed. ¡°It¡¯s not that, Dr. Thorne,

    but I can¡¯t help noticing your strange behavior. It¡¯s as if¡­ wherever Josiah goes, we will find you there¡±

    Lysander looked up and retorted, ¡°Did Mr. Guerra also go to the supermarket yesterday?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t go to the supermarket, but he was around the area.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should consider fitting Mr. Guerra with a radar in the future. Have it constantly scan a

    three- kilometer radius around him. If it picks up my presence, it should immediately sound an rm.¡±

    The tension between the two was palpable. The insinuation in Lysanne¡¯s words was clear to anyone

    present; only a fool wouldn¡¯t understand it.

    Even Prisci, who read between the lines, jumped in to exin on Lysander¡¯s behalf. ¡°Mrs. Guerra,

    please. don¡¯t misunderstand. The day Lysander attended the wedding, it was indeed at my father¡¯s

    invitation. Lysander is very busy with her work and initially declined. She only agreed out of respect for

    my father. She also attended due to concerns about potential dangers at a crowded wedding. As a

    gynecologist, she could lend a hand if anything happened to me. It really has nothing to do with Mr.

    Guerra¡­¡±

    ¡°Ms. Ziegler,¡± Lysanne said coldly. ¡°There¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know, so please refrain from interrupting

    unnecessarily.¡±

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    Chapter 124

    Chapter 124 I Will Retaliate Against Whoever nders Me

    Prisci was eager to defend Lysander still. ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth. Lysander was only trying to help me.

    She has no designs on Mr. Guerra¡­

    ¡°Enough,¡± Harry interrupted her with a hint of disgust, ¡°If Mrs. Guerra asks you to hold your tongue,

    then you should keep your mouth shut.¡±

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    1:18 PM

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    Chapter 124 I Will Retaliate Against Whoever nders Me

    ¡°But I can¡¯t let Lysander be wrongly used.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Whenever Lysander was mentioned, Harry did feel a bit guilty. He rubbed his nose and cleared his

    throat before saying, ¡°Lysander is quite capable, so don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Feeling a pang of guilt, Prisci nced at Lysander. Lysander responded with a smile, but her words

    were directed at the other two. ¡°Mr. Molsey is right. Anyone who dares to nder me will have to face

    my retaliation.¡±

    Harry said awkwardly. ¡°It¡¯s all a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯s a misunderstanding, let¡¯s clear it up as soon as possible.¡±

    Harry hadn¡¯t expected her to suddenlysh out, his expression shifted slightly. ¡°Clear what up?¡±

    ¡°The so¨Ccalled misunderstanding you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Confused, Lysanne turned to Harry and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Harry was hesitant to meet Lysander¡¯s gaze. ¡°It¡¯s nothing really, it¡¯s just that 1¡­¡±

    Knock, knock, knock¡­.

    Right then, a knock was heard on the door.

    Prisci thought it was the nurseing to change her medication, so she quickly said, ¡°Come in.¡±

    Yet, the one who pushed the door open wasn¡¯t a nurse.

    The most surprised of them all was Harry. His face immediately lit up with joy. ¡°M¨CMr. Guerra, what

    brings you here?¡±

    Josiah was carrying a bunch of health supplements in his hand. Seeing the crowd in the ward, he was

    somewhat taken aback. ¡°I came to visit Ms. Ziegler¡±

    He set the health supplements he was holding on the table. ¡°Take good care of yourself and get well

    soon.¡±

    Prisci was somewhat bewildered. She never had much interaction with Josiah, and they barely knew

    each other. Now that he suddenly showed up to give her health supplements, she was momentarily at

    a loss. ¡°Um¡­ okay. Thank you, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod, then turned his gaze towards Lysander.

    She looked like she hadpletely moved on. Appearing calm and professional, she was examining

    the medical records while jotting down notes.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Suddenly, Lysanne spoke, her face full of pride and defiance. ¡°You want to make peace now? It¡¯s too

    late! What were you doingst night?¡±

    Josiah retracted his gaze from Lysander, his expression solemn. ¡°I came to visit Ms. Ziegler, not to

    seek reconciliation. After all, I¡¯ve done nothing wrong.

    Lysanne turned around abruptly, instinctively sweeping her gaze around the room. ¡°Josiah, what are

    you talking about? Since when do you know Ms. Ziegler? Aren¡¯t you just looking for an excuse to see

    me¡­

    ¨C

    Josiah remained nonchnt. ¡°I¡¯m just stating the facts.¡±

    ¡°Continue being stubborn then.¡± she said.

    3:18 PM

    Chapter 124 | Will Retaliate Against Whoever nders Me

    Lysander pointed towards the door, her tone icy as she said, ¡°If you must argue, take it outside. The

    patient needs to rest, so keep your voices down.¡±

    Lysanne immediately changed the topic. ¡°Who said we were arguing? Josiah and I are getting along

    just fine!¡±

    *Could you please take your public disy of affection elsewhere? Please show the patient some

    consideration.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, does our disy of affection bother you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it makes me nauseous.

    Lysanne, however, was unfazed as she wrapped her hands around Josiahpletely. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Dr.

    Thorne, that my rtionship with Josiah is just too wonderful for you to stomach. I do apologize for it.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me, but the hospital has its rules, Mrs. Guerra, so please keep quiet.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, hospital rules, huh? Fine.¡± Lysanne walked over, yfully clutching Josiah¡¯s arm. ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s

    buy this hospital and change these ridiculous rules.¡±

    Josiah frowned, pushing her away. ¡°If you¡¯re going to stand, then stand properly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tired, can¡¯t you let me lean on you for a bit?¡±

    Josiah pushed her away once again. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I need to head to the office. Ms. Ziegler, please

    rest well. If you need anything, feel free to contact my secretary.¡±

    Lysanne was upset. ¡°Josiah..¡±

    Before she could finish, Josiah had already stepped out of the hospital room.

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    Chapter 125

    Chapter 125 An Eye For An Eye

    Josiah walked away quickly, leaving Lysanne slightly embarrassed as she was pushed aside. She

    smiled awkwardly and exined, ¡°Josiah is always in a hurry when ites to work.¡±

    Harry quickly chimed in, ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra has achieved so much at such a young age. A young talent

    indeed.¡±

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    3:18 PM

    Chapter 125 An Eye For An Eye

    Lysanne said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the same?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m far behind Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for sure. How can youpare yourself to Josiah? But, after all, you were admitted to Apex

    University directly, which is much better than those who only managed to get into a regr medical

    university.¡±

    Lysander had grown immune to Lysanne¡¯s subtle sarcasm.

    She told Lynn, ¡°Continue administering the progesterone shots to Prisci, and instruct the nurses to

    keep a closer eye over the next few days.¡±

    Lynn nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the next ward.¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait¡­¡±

    When Josiah was here, Helen remained silent the whole time. Now that Lysander was about to leave,

    she grabbed her arm. ¡°You haven¡¯t told me yet. Is she pregnant with a baby boy or girl?¡±

    Lysander replied in a business¨Clike manner, ¡°The hospital prohibits embryo gender testing.¡±

    ¡°I know, but you must have a way to find out, right? Something like ultrasound or amniotic fluid test¡­¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a simple thing. Why are you being so evasive¡­¡±

    ¡°Madam, is the gender really that important?¡±

    ¡°Of course, the Molsey family cannot afford to let our family line die out.¡±

    Lynn couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. ¡°Even if it¡¯s a girl, she will still carry the Molsey surname. Doesn¡¯t that

    still continue the family line?¡±

    Helen sneered, ¡°Stop beating around the bush. Will you reveal the gender or not?¡±

    Lynn lost her temper. ¡°Sorry, but it can¡¯t be disclosed. Dr. Thorne, let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere.¡± Lysanne, caressing her pregnant belly, walked to the door of the ward

    and blocked their way. She proudly lifted her head. ¡°It¡¯s just a trivial matter, so don¡¯t make it so

    complicated. Leave it to me.¡±

    Helen was delighted. ¡°Yes! Mrs. Guerra is here! Doctor, if you won¡¯t respect me, you¡¯ll have to show

    some respect to Mrs. Guerra, right?¡±

    Lysander also chuckled. ¡°Sorry, the hospital has not been bought by Mr. Guerra yet. I don¡¯t need to

    show any respect to Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°You¡­

    ¡°Lynn, let¡¯s go.¡±

    With Lynn in tow, Lysander left the ward and went straight to theboratory.

    Tunn skedd ¡°Dr Thoma sran¡¯t was miner to make the moundle?¡±

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    Chapter 125 An Eye For An Eye

    Lynn asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, aren¡¯t we going to make the rounds?¡±

    ¡°Has the morning urine sample from Prisci been collected? Her blood sugar is high, possibly due to

    pregnancy¨Cinduced diabetes.¡±

    ¡°It should have been collected. I issued the order for the test yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go and check the report in theboratory.¡±

    At theboratory, Prisci¡¯s test results were not yet avable.

    Urine tests were usually quick. Lysander exchanged a few words with her colleague in theboratory

    then waited aside.

    Unexpectedly, Lysanne followed her out and blocked her at theboratory door.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra, do you have something else to say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you. Is Harry¡¯s wife pregnant with a boy or girl?

    Lysander gave her a cold nce. ¡°I already said that I cannot disclose it.¡±

    ¡°No, you have to tell me today. I promised Mrs. Molsey, so there must be a result.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°That¡¯s your promise, not mine.¡±

    Lysanne stepped forward and threatened her in a low voice, ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll tell others that you

    are seducing my husband, making you famous in the hospital! Seducing the husband of your patient.

    Ha! if those pregnant women knew, who would dare to see you for treatment in the future? Ah!¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s face suddenly felt wet. ¡°Did you just douse water on me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, if someone dares to nder me, I will surely retaliate.¡±

    ¡°nder?¡± Lysanne touched her face. The smell on her hand was strange and unpleasant. ¡°What did

    you douse me with?¡±

    Lysander pointed to the words on the window: Urine Test Window.

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    Chapter 126

    Chapter 126 I Have Wanted To Do This For A Long Time

    ¡°Lysander! How dare you¡­.¡±

    Lysander had already put down the empty cup, and reced it with a full one, holding it in hand. She

    looked at her coldly. ¡°Go on. This cup is still warm.¡±

    Theboratory was in the lobby on the first floor, usually bustling with people. Hearing themotion,

    a crowd quickly gathered.

    Lysanne couldn¡¯t swallow this insult. She stepped back cautiously, turning around for help. ¡°Harry! Save

    me! Harry!¡±

    No one responded.

    No one showed up.

    Lysanne was infuriated, gritting her teeth. ¡°Harry, you coward. I am standing up for your family, and you

    don¡¯t even dare toe out. Are you even a man?¡±

    Still, no one responded.

    Seeing Lysander about to douse urine all over her again, Lysanne turned and ran. ¡°Just wait! I¡¯ll go

    back and tell Josiah. He needs to know what kind of person you are!¡±

    Seeing her running out of the crowd, Lynn felt unsatisfied. ¡°Dr. Thorne, why didn¡¯t you continue?¡±

    Lysander ced the urine cup back in the tray and said firmly. ¡°She has backed down, and that is

    enough. If things escte, and it gets out that a doctor is sshing a patient¡¯s urine, what will be

    of me?¡±

    Lynn stuck out her tongue. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    She went to check the empty cup that Lysander had just used. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Thorne, I¡¯ll ask uh,

    Winona to provide another urine sample.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Is it okay to skip an examination?¡±

    Lysander pointed to a stack of test reports on the nearby table. The first one was Winona¡¯s.

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°You checked it before using the urine. You deliberately chose the ones that were

    already

    tested.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Pregnant women are sensitive and prone to worry. She will surely worry if a doctor asks for

    an extra urine sample without reason.¡±

    Lynn looked at Lysander, her admiration for thetter increasing. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re amazing. Ms.

    Lysanne thinks just because she¡¯s pregnant, everyone has to give in to her. This method won¡¯t harm

    her and will teach her a lesson. It¡¯s simply brilliant! How did youe up with such a good idea in such

    a short time?¡±

    Lysander replied calmly, ¡°It¡¯s not impulsive. I¡¯ve been thinking about doing this for a while.¡±

    Lynn was astonished.

    119 PM M.

    Chapter 126 I Have Wanted To Do This For A Long Time

    Lysander smirked. ¡°Did I scare you?¡±

    Lynn shook her head vigorously. ¡°No, of course not. She ruined someone else¡¯s family and stole

    someone else¡¯s husband. Sshing her with urine is the least of what she deserves.¡±

    Lysander lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, ¡°I simply detest her.¡±

    At noon, Lysander received a call from Josiah.

    It wasn¡¯t much of a surprise.

    ¡°Did you call to confront me?¡±

    But Josiah asked, ¡°Confront you about what?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Lysanne tell you anything?¡±

    ¡°What did you say? What did she do after I left?¡±

    She hasn¡¯t told him? She¡¯s always threatening to tell on me, so why hasn¡¯t she said anything yet?

    ¡°What do you want from me?¡±

    Josiah took a deep breath. ¡°Tell me, has she caused trouble for you again?¡±

    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t interfere, I can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m d to hear that.¡±

    ¡°But she has your support. You¡¯re wealthy and influential. If you insist on backing her up, there¡¯s no way

    someone ordinary like me could everpete with:C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    you all.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her. If she causes trouble for you again, call me.¡±

    ¨C

    ¡°I told you, I don¡¯t want to be in contact with you anymore. Please keep an eye on her and solve the

    problem from the source.

    ¡°Come on, what did you call me for?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice sounded somewhat heavy. ¡°Lysander, Grandma is seriously ill and wants to see you.¡±

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 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127

    Chapter 127 Taking Her Hand

    This statement left Lysander silent for a while.

    If truth be told, half of the reason she got married to Josiah was because of Elisa.

    Elisa had a severe case of coronary heart disease.

    Over three years ago, she had just started her internship at the hospital.

    Like most medical students starting their hospital rotation, she was assigned to the emergency

    department in her first year. It was no different for her. That day, she had been on a grueling twenty¨C

    four¨Chour shift. Hoping for a bit of rest when the night was quieter, she had barely sat down for two

    minutes when Elisa was brought in by an ambnce.

    There was only one cardiothoracic surgeon on duty that night, and handling an angiosty alone was

    impossible. Even if other doctors could rush over, it would still take time.

    Elisa¡¯s condition was critical, and they couldn¡¯t afford to wait.

    She had to step up and perform the surgery, whichsted a full five hours. Thankfully, Elisa was saved.

    When she stepped out of the operating room, she was so exhausted that her legs nearly gave out,

    almost causing her to lose her bnce.

    It was Josiah, waiting outside, who supported her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you okay?¡±

    At that moment, Lysander was already exhausted, but when she saw Josiah, she was surprised.

    Wasn¡¯t this the same person who had a blind date with me a few months ago?

    When the department head had introduced him, he¡¯d only mentioned that he was the grandson of a

    friend. She¡¯d assumed he was just an ordinary guy, simr to herself. But when she met him, she

    realized that Josiah was from an entirely different social ss than her.

    On the day of the blind date, she had gracefully declined.

    Different social sses would lead to significant differences in values, and her personality was not

    suitable for being a rich man¡¯s wife. Instead of being a

    career.

    sewe, she preferred to devote her time and energy to her

    However, she didn¡¯t expect that Elisa¡¯s illness would bring them together again.

    In his youth, Josiah¡¯s father was focused on his career, and his mother was a writer who often needed

    to travel for inspiration. As a result, Josiah was practically raised by Elisa. To be precise, he was more

    emotionally attached to Elisa than to his parents.

    Despite his busy work schedule, he woulde to the hospital every day after work to visit Elisa. He

    would peel apples and oranges for her, keeping herpany with pleasant conversations.

    Elisa was particrly fond of her and would talk about ¡°Dr. Thorne¡± every day. about something, she

    would have Josiah ask her for advice.

    henever she was uncertain

    Lysander had exined to Josiah more than once, ¡°My specialty is obstetrics and gynecology. It would

    be better for you to ask Sergio, who is Grandma Elisa¡¯s attending doctor.¡±

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    Chapter 127 Taking Her Hand

    But perhaps due to Elisa¡¯s age¨Crted mild dementia, she couldn¡¯t remember anyone else, only ¡°Dr.

    Thorne.¡±

    Josiah was also very helpless. ¡°I know what you said, but Grandma only recognizes you now. She

    won¡¯t let anyone else touch her. Dr. Thorne, could you pleasee and give her an injection?¡±

    And so, they would exchange a few words each time.

    On the day Elisa was discharged, Josiah came to pick her up, and Lysander went to see her off. Elisa

    kept holding her hand and insisted on Josiah taking her phone number.

    Then, one day, as she was passing through the parking lot after work, she saw Josiah in a blue suit

    with matching sleeve garters.

    ¡°Are you here to help Grandma Elisa get her medicine?¡±

    Josiah smiled very gentlemanly. ¡°My grandma wants to thank you. Will youe to our house for

    dinner?¡±

    Unable to refuse Elisa¡¯s overwhelming hospitality, Lysander had no choice but to steel herself and get

    into his

    car.

    She remembered it very clearly. Back then, it was Josiah who opened the car door for her¨Cthe

    passenger door.

    After that, Josiah would frequentlye to the hospital.

    Either Elisa would instruct him to bring pastries to Lysander, or he would bring fruits from the family

    orchard.

    At first, she didn¡¯t think much of it. She thought Elisa was very kind to remember her even after being

    discharged for so long. She had made it clear to Josiah during the blind date that she felt the two of

    them were ipatible. Josiah had not said anything but had respected her choice and even wished

    her sess in her career.

    Until one day, Josiah came again, inviting her to dinner at his house. She didn¡¯t think too much and

    went, only to realize upon arrival that it was Elisa¡¯s eightieth birthday.

    The Guerra family hosted a grand feast, with many guests attending.

    It was Josiah who personally drove to pick her up. In front of everyone, he held her hand and ced it

    in his arm, leading her through the hotel¡¯s long red carpet and in front of his rtives and friends.

    This gesture foreshadowed what would happenter.

    At the birthday party, Elisa made a wish in front of everyone. She wished that her only grandson,

    Josiah, could get married and have children soon.

    All the rtives and friends, including her mother¨Cinw, Susan, saw her as ¡°the future daughter¨Cin¨C

    law of the Guerra family,¡± expecting her to be pregnant.

    Lysander¡¯s heart ached.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    She caressed her abdomen. The excruciating pain from the abortion seemed to be still vivid in her

    memory.

    ¡°Lysander.¡± On the phone, Josiah sounded humble. ¡°Grandma is not doing very well this time. This

    might be thest time you get to see her.¡±

 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128

    Chapter 128 I Am Sorry

    Lysander fell silent for a moment

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    :

    She was well aware of Elisa¡¯s medical condition. The fact that she had managed to hold on for three

    years was a testament to the remarkable sess of Sergio¡¯s angiosty.

    ¡°Have you

    told Lysanne about this?¡± Lysander asked. ¡°What if she starts causing trouble in front of Grandma Elisa

    again?¡±

    ¡°My grandma wasn¡¯t really fond of her.¡±

    Lysander was surprised. ¡°Grandma Elisa doesn¡¯t like her? Why?¡±

    Josiah chuckled bitterly. ¡°It¡¯s probably because of some things that happened when I was young. My

    grandma has been a vegetarian and religious for years, so she¡¯s very averse to killing.¡±

    Lysander remembered. Who was it that mentioned this to herst time?

    Following a verbal altercation, Lysanne ended up killing the small chicks that the street vendor was

    selling at the school gate.

    This incident probably made Elisa, who was always kind¨Chearted, form an unfavorable opinion of her.

    ¡°So you¡¯re nning to keep it from her and then take me there?¡±

    ¡°Grandma has Alzheimer¡¯s. She only remembers you now and really wants to see you.

    ¡°What about Lysanne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been getting close to Harry recently and has been spending time with him these days.¡±

    ¡°Has she stopped checking up on you?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Probably just old friends catching up. She¡¯s not clinging to me as tightly as before.¡±

    At this point, Josiah let out a sigh of relief as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders

    Through the phone line, Lysander

    uld hear his tired sigh.

    ¡°Where is Grandma Elisa now? At the old house?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s in the military hospital at East Harborbrook.¡±

    The fact that she was admitted to the hospital indicated that things were indeed not going well.

    Moreover, thest time Elisa had surgery, it was performed at Central Hospital where Lysander worked.

    She underwent an angiosty. This time, they purposely avoided that hospital and instead went to a

    further military hospital. Presumably, they were afraid that Lysanne would find out and cause a scene.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go visit her,¡± Lysander agreed.

    Josiah immediately nodded in agreement. ¡°Okay, I¡¯lle pick you up after you get off work today.

    ¡°No, please don¡¯t. I¡¯ll take a taxi there myself.¡±

    Josiah knew what she was worried about and could only say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for inconveniencing you.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. To be honest, I¡¯ve had a good three years of marriage with you. Now that

    we¡¯ve

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    Chapter 1281 Am Sorry

    anically parted ways, I don¡¯t feel wronged. Grandma Elisa has always been kind to me. Given her

    current condition, it¡¯s only right that I go to see her.¡±

    Before leaving work in the afternoon, Lysander went to check on Prisci in her ward.

    Only Prisci and Helen were there. Harry wasn¡¯t present, nor was Lysanne.

    Helen was trying to persuade Prisci. ¡°Let¡¯s make a trip to Hestrya and do the test there. If it¡¯s a son,

    everyone will be happy. If not, we¡¯ll just get rid of it now while it¡¯s still early. You¡¯ll suffer less.¡±

    With a look of utter terror, Prisci clutched her stomach, shaking her head incessantly, ¡°Mom, I don¡¯t

    want to take the test. Please¡­¡±

    Helen was displeased. ¡°But what if it turns out to be a worthless daughter? The Molsey family won¡¯t

    raise it.¡±

    ¡°I will¡± Prisci insisted. ¡°I can raise it.¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°What do you mean by that? Do you know female doctor you get along with hint at

    something? Speak!¡±

    Is this child really a girl? Did that

    Prisci was not good with words and could only shake her head while crying. ¡°N-

    ¡°N¨Cno¡­¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go directly to your father, He¡¯s the director, so I¡¯ll have him pressure that Dr. Thorne. I don¡¯t

    believe. she won¡¯t talk. If she doesn¡¯t, I¡¯ll have her fired!¡±

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    319 PM.

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 129 Do You Need My Help

    Helen was about to open the door of the ward and walk out, but unexpectedly bumped into Lysander.

    Helen¡¯s expression immediately turned somewhat flustered. ¡°Oh, Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I came to check on Prisci,¡± Lysander replied, bypassing her and entering the ward.

    Prisci reached out to her. ¡°Lysander¡­

    Lysander held her hand. ¡°Why are you so cold? Are you feeling chilly?¡±

    Prisci kept shaking her head. ncing cautiously at Helen, she said carefully, ¡°Lysander, please help

    me.¡±

    Lysander patted her hand reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re the pregnant one. If you don¡¯t sign, no one

    can force you to give up this child.¡±

    ¡°But what if a family member signs instead?¡±

    ¡°This matter depends on the pregnant woman¡¯s wishes. Family members cannot make decisions for

    you.¡±

    Prisci breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. ¡°That¡¯s good then¡­¡±

    Helen walked over. ¡°Dr. Thorne, what¡¯s the point of keeping us in suspense like this? If it¡¯s a boy, just

    tell us, and we¡¯ll all be happy. Your continuous evasion only makes us suspect that this child might not

    be a boy.¡±

    ¡°Madam, not only is it against the hospital¡¯s rules to determine the sex of a fetus, it¡¯s also against the

    law. I don¡¯t want to lose my job or end up in jail. Please, don¡¯t put me in a difficult position. Even if you

    get the hospital director involved, the oue will be the same.¡±

    Helen frowned. ¡°Fine, fine. You¡¯re so young yet so rigid in your ways. Here¡¯s the deal. You arrange for

    us to be discharged, and we¡¯ll transfer to another hospital tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡±

    ¡°Hestrya.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Prisci¡¯s voice suddenly became sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to Hong Kong! I refuse! Lysander,

    please

    save me¡­¡±

    It took Lysander quite some time to calm Prisci down.

    Helen had been coldly observing all this, muttering something under her breath.

    ¡°Madam, where is Harry?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s working. How can he stay here all the time?¡±

    ¡°Prisci¡¯s mental state isn¡¯t very good. Maybe having her husband by her side could help.¡±

    ¡°Mental state?¡± Helen scoffed. ¡°She seems fine to me. She just shouted so loudly earlier. What¡¯s wrong

    with her? Men have to work to support their families. She¡¯s just pregnant. She¡¯s well¨Cfed and well¨C

    cared for every day. How could her mental state be bad?¡±

 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129

    Chapter 129 Do You Need My Help:

    Suppressing her inner displeasure, Lysander exined, ¡°Prisci just had surgery, and the baby was

    almost lost. She¡¯s been very anxious, and these past few days, you¡¯ve been pressuring her about the

    baby¡¯s gender. Her emotions were already unstable, and if this continues, it could develop into prenatal

    depression¡­.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Depression? She¡¯s just giving birth to a child. Who hasn¡¯t given birth before? In our time, we

    didn¡¯t even have such good conditions, but nobody got depressed.¡±

    ¡°Madam, it¡¯s not as simple as that¡­¡±

    Fine, since you won¡¯t do the test, stop wasting my time. We¡¯re leaving the hospital. It¡¯s our right to do

    so. Just issue the discharge papers.¡±

    As she spoke, her phone rang.

    Lysander nced at it and saw it was a call from Josiah.

    She went to the window and answered, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Lysander, have you gotten off work?¡±

    Lysander checked her watch. It was already time to get off work. ¡°Not yet. I need to settle something for

    Prisci.

    ¡°Do you need my help? I¡¯m right outside your hospital now. I cane in if you need me to.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You can¡¯t help with matters concerning a pregnant woman¡­¡± Suddenly, Lysander remembered

    something he might actually be able to help with. ¡°Don¡¯te in. I¡¯lle out now.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130

    Chapter 130 Are You Not Angry

    Josiah was thoughtful. Instead of parking in the parking lot, he parked on a remote street.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Following the location he sent, Lysander walked over and searched for a while to no avail. Eventually,

    the sound of a car horn caught her attention. Following the direction of the sound, she noticed Josiah¡¯s

    car parked in a very narrow alleyway.

    She slowly approached him. ¡°Your reverse driving skills are quite impressive.¡±

    The car was already quite wide, and the alley was narrow. He had to meticulously maneuver the

    vehicle into the alley, with less than five centimeters to spare on either side.

    ¡°There are no surveince cameras here.¡±

    Lysander was slightly surprised. ¡°Lysanne checks surveince cameras too?¡±

    ¡°Who knows?¡± Josiah shrugged. ¡°You know, I feel like I¡¯m doing illegal business every time I go out.¡±

    Lysander justughed. ¡°Well, at least she won¡¯t keep you hanging this time.¡±

    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s good?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t pass judgment, but from my perspective, it seems like you¡¯ve gotten exactly what you asked

    for.¡±

    Josiah was already ustomed to her teasing.

    ¡°You wanted my help. Tell me, what can I do to help you? As long as I can, I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about Prisci.¡±

    Lysander briefly exined Prisci¡¯s current situation to Josiah.

    Josiah¡¯s frown deepened as he listened. ¡°What era are we living in? I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s so outdated.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat helpless. ¡°Prisci has a soft personality, and with Harry¡¯s mother being so

    dominant, Prisci is under a lot of pressure.¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Lysander was frank. ¡°From my point of view, I¡¯m actually leaning toward not keeping this child. Given

    Harry¡¯s character and his mother¡¯s actions, once the child is born, Prisci might suffer¡­¡±

    ¡°I disagree,¡± Josiah said. ¡°I don¡¯t deny that it¡¯s the most rational choice, but it¡¯s not fair to the unborn

    child. They have the right toe into this world.¡±

    Lysander was interrupted halfway through.

    In fact, both of them understood what he meant.

    ¡°I¡¯m not fit to be a mother,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Lysander, can we not talk about this?¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°Prisci wants to keep the baby. She has been begging me.¡±

    3:20 PM

    Chapter 130 Are You Not Angry

    ¡°So, did you agree?¡±

    ¡°My agreement doesn¡¯t matter. After all, I¡¯m not a family member. In the end, the decision has to be

    made by them.¡±

    Josiah nodded slightly. ¡°Okay, I understand. Leave this to me.¡±

    Lysander was surprised. ¡°I haven¡¯t asked you to help yet.¡±

    ¡°You want me to deal with Harry, right?¡± Josiah asked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will talk to him. If Harry wants to

    keep it, even if it¡¯s a girl, his mother won¡¯t be able to send Prisci to Hestrya.¡±

    Hearing his promise, Lysander felt a little relieved.

    ¡°Josiah, there¡¯s something else I need to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne helped Harry¡¯s mother today. She pressured me to conduct a gender test on Prisci¡¯s baby.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed instantly. ¡°And you¡­¡±

    ¡°I doused her.¡±

    Josiah breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good, it won¡¯t hurt her, but it will teach her a lesson.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t douse her with water. I doused her with urine.¡±

    Lysander observed Josiah¡¯s reaction. He was first surprised, then his expression turned to disgust and

    revulsion. When his gaze fell on her, it was a mix of disbelief and inquiry.

    ¡°Do you want to avenge Lysanne?¡± Lysander straightened up and added, ¡°Whatever, I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°How do I avenge her? Even if I want to produce some now, my dder is empty.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you u

    upset that I doused your woman?¡±

    Josiah opened the car door, gesturing for her to get in. ¡°No wonder she kept calling me this morning.

    So, it was about this¡­¡±

    ¡°Did she tell you?¡±

    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I was in a meeting at thepany at that time and couldn¡¯t pick up.¡±

    ¡°Then she¡¯ll probably be even angrier. Aren¡¯t you afraid?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brows furrowed, but his tone was firm. ¡°Let her be.¡±

    Send Gifts

    310

 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131

    Chapter 131 Does Not See Your Worth

    Josiah drove Lysander all the way to the military hospital in East Harborbrook.

    Before even stepping into the ward, Lysander heard the voice of her former mother¨Cinw, Susan.

    ¡°Mom, Josiah has already gone to pick Lysander up. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m your daughter¨Cinw, Susan. Why don¡¯t you not recognize me again, Mom?¡±

    ¡°Susan?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m Susan.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Josiah is five this year, right? I saved some cloud cake fr

    him. Bring him home and let him have it, Susan.¡±

    Susan¡¯s voice was choked with tears. ¡°Okay, sure. Josiah will be here so

    Josiah pushed open the door and stepped in, greeting, ¡°Grandma.¡±

    Susan immediately rose to her feet and pulled him to Elisa¡¯s hospital bed. ¡°Mom, look, Josiah is here.¡±

    Still, Elisa didn¡¯t recognize him. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s me, Josiah.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re not. Josiah is only five years old, and he has gone missing.¡±

    Josiah crouched down by the hospital bed, grasping Elisa¡¯s weathered hand. He said gently,

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m not missing. Lysander helped me find my way home, and I¡¯m back.¡±

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Elisa perked up instantly. ¡°Lysander is here? Where is she?¡±

    Seeing that, Susan turned to look at Lysander, her expression pleading. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m sorry to have

    troubled you in making a trip over.¡±

    Lysander found it distressing to see Elisa in her current condition.

    Thetter wore an oxygen mask, her breathsing inbored gasps. The hospital bed was

    surrounded by machines, some administering medication, others monitoring her vitals.

    All signs indicated that Elisa was in really bad shape.

    Susan¡¯s eyes were rimmed with red from crying. ¡°This morning, we almost¡­ Fortunately, the doctor

    discovered her in time and managed to save her. But she likely only has a few days left.¡±

    A stab of pain struck Lysander. She grasped Susan¡¯s hands. ¡°Grandma Elisa is a blessed woman.

    She¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Sweetheart, I know you mean well, but the truth is, her condition is quite critical. The doctor said it¡¯s

    best to fulfill her wishes as soon as possible these few days so we won¡¯t have any regretster.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod hesitantly.

    320 PM M

    Chapter 131 Does Not See Your Worth

    ¡°I know that you no longer have any ties with the Guerra family since you¡¯ve divorced. We really

    shouldn¡¯t trouble you either. However, your Grandma Elisa kept asking to see you, and it¡¯s herst

    wish.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Madam Susan. I¡¯ll go and see Elisa.¡±

    Susan hastily nodded. ¡°Okay, sure. Please talk with her a bit more.¡±

    Josiah stood up, vacating the only spot left by the hospital bed.

    Lysander slowly made her way over and crouched beside the hospital bed. ¡°Grandma Elisa, I¡¯m-¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re here!¡±

    Elisa was beside herself with excitement. Despite having a needle in her hand, she clutched

    Lysander¡¯s arm. Her grip was rather forceful, assailing thetter with pain.

    Nheless, Lysander didn¡¯t utter a word, simply allowing Elisa to hold onto her.

    She understood that the elderly sometimescked a sense of measure in the force they exerted.

    ¡°Yes, Grandma Elisa, I¡¯m Lysander. I¡¯vee to see you.¡±

    ¡°Good, good. You¡¯re such a good child.¡± Elisa suddenly sobbed, bursting into tears in an instant. ¡°Are

    you divorced from Josiah, sweetheart?¡±

    Taken aback, Lysander turned to look at Josiah.

    Josiah was also shocked. He turned his gaze to Susan.

    Meanwhile, Susan was flustered. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything. I didn¡¯t even mention a word about it.¡±

    Elisa continued, ¡°Josiah just doesn¡¯t see your worth. He would rather fancy a heartless woman than

    appreciate you. Sweetheart, did it hurt during the surgery?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132

    Chapter 132 Final Moments Of Elisa

    When Elisa said that, her gaze gradually lowered to rest on Lysander¡¯s belly.

    ¡°Grandma Elisa, there¡¯s no such thing. Josiah and I¡­ are doing just fine.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me anymore. I know everything,¡± Elisa said. ¡°You all think I¡¯m old and senile, no longer able

    to recognize anyone, huh?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, Grandma Elisa. Don¡¯t overthink things.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hide it from me anymore. The child has already told me everything.¡±

    ¡°The child?¡±

    ¡°The child you have with Josiah. She¡¯s a beautiful girl. She came to see me this morning, dressed in a

    floral dress, with her hair in pigtails!¡±

    Lysander choked up, momentarily at a loss for words.

    Elisa continued, ¡°She was such a darling, gently leaning against me and calling me Great¨Cgrandma.

    Oh, she was so pretty, bubbly, and lively. She even sang to me, pping her hands while at it. What

    song was that again? It seemed to be a Stounian song. I¡¯m old, and my hearing is not what it used to

    be, so I couldn¡¯t quite catch it. All I remember is something along the lines of birch.¡±

    Josiah was somewhat puzzled. ¡°Birch?¡±

    ¡°Yes, birch.¡±

    Josiah looked at Lysander. ¡°What song is that?¡±

    A stab of pain assailed Lysander, a dull ache spreading all over her.

    It¡¯s not birch, but bird. It¡¯s the prenatal song I listened to in the first few days I found myself pregnant.

    Hush, little baby, don¡¯t say a word. Mama¡¯s gonna buy you a mockingbird¡­

    She hummed softly.

    Elisa immediately said, ¡°Yes, this was the song. She sang it so beautifully.

    At that point in the conversation, Josiah and Susan shared a nce, both having a pretty good idea of

    what was going on.

    Susan¡¯s tears streamed down her face, yet she dared not let a single sob escape. She strove to keep

    her emotions in check, trembling even as she bit on her knuckles.

    Josiah was no better, his eyes red¨Crimmed. He turned his face away.

    Elisa continued, ¡°Lysander, the child wanted me to tell you she¡¯s not mad at you. She only misses you

    greatly and regrets that she can¡¯t be your child anymore. The angel told her to hurry back to heaven,

    for she has to choose a new mother.¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    It felt as if there was a lump in her throat, leaving her unable to utter a word.

    Chapter 132 Final Moments Of Elisa

    ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s almost time for me to go to heaven too. But I can¡¯t go back on a promise made to the

    child. I needed to see you onest time and tell you all this in person before I could leave in peace.¡±

    Instantly, Lysander broke down, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Grandma Elisa, please don¡¯t say

    something so dispiriting. I¡¯m a doctor. As long as I¡¯m here, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Silly girl, you¡¯re an obstetrician. You can¡¯t cure my illness. I¡¯ve lived for over eighty years, and it¡¯s

    enough. Susan, Josiah,e over here.¡±

    For some reason, Elisa could seemingly recognize them again.

    Susan and Lysander squatted down together, huddling close. Considering his tall stature and long legs,

    Josiah crouched behind them..

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Grandma.¡±

    ¡°Good. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re both here. The child also had a message for me to pass on to you,¡± said

    Elisa.

    Go ahead, Mom. Josiah and I are all cars,¡± Susan said urgently.

    Elisa had just spoken at length earlier and was somewhat drained then. She breathed heavily, a thick

    layer of mist forming on her oxygen mask,

    As Susan stroked her chest, she coaxed, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t rush. Take your time.¡±

    Elisa closed her eyes, her chest heaving violently.

    Anxiety gripped Lysander. ¡°Grandma Elisa, don¡¯t speak for now first. Take a moment to rest.¡±

    ¡°No. I¡­ I can¡¯t hold on much longer. I need to finish speaking quickly¡­

    Lysander swiftly stood up, instructing, ¡°Madam Susan, Josiah, stay here and listen to Grandma Elisa.

    I¡¯ll go and look for the doctor. Grandma Elisa¡¯s blood pressure has already dropped to a critical level,

    and she requires emergency treatment at once.¡±

    Susan was already at her wit¡¯s end. ¡°Okay, okay. Go quickly.¡±

    Lysander forcefully swung the hospital room door open and rushed out, only to collide head¨Con with

    someone.

    ¡°Ouch!¡±

    Upon hearing that, Josiah looked over, only to lock eyes with the person outside.

    Visibly pregnant, Lysanne pointed at Josiah and began shrieking, ¡°How dare you, Josiah! So, this is

    why you¡¯ve been ignoring my calls all morning! Sure enough, you went to meet thi

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133

    Chapter 133 Never Seen Josiah In Such A State

    As Lysanne spoke, she lifted her hand to strike Lysander.

    With quick reflexes, Josiah swiftly pulled Lysander behind him.

    A resounding smack rang out as Lysanne¡¯s handnded heavily on Josiah¡¯s left check.

    Everyone was stunned..

    Lysander was all talk previously, so that was the first time she physically made a move against Josiah.

    Worse still, it was in front of his mother and grandmother.

    ¡°Josiah, I dare you to betray me! If you do, I swear I¡¯ll make you regret it for the rest of your life!¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart leaped into her throat.

    After suffering the p, Josiah remained with his head tilted to the left without turning his face back for

    a long time. His gold¨Crimmed sses had slipped off, leaving only one end hanging precariously from

    his ear.

    His expression was somewhat frightening.

    There was an oppressive sense of an impending storm.

    Lysander had never seen Josiah in such a state. Like a provoked lion, his entire being radiated an

    energy poised to strike. It was as if he would tear his prey apart with his bare hands in the next

    moment.

    In that moment, she suddenly started believing Miles¡® words.

    He imed that Josiah was respected among his peers because he wasn¡¯t always the gentlemanly and

    gentle self he portrayed.

    It was merely that his vtile and dangerous side had nevere to light before her.

    Lysander was slightly scared. ¡°Josiah, are you okay?¡±

    He lifted his head, his gaze so sharp and piercing that Lysander waspelled to swallow the rest of

    her

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    words.

    At the side, Lysanne was still shrieking incessantly. Having struck Josiah just now, she was fully

    focused on cursing Lysander out right then. ¡°You¡¯re such a b*tch! You may look decent on the outside,

    but all you do is despicable deeds! Do youck men? If you do, just tell me. I¡¯ll pay to get you a gigolo.

    Hell, I¡¯ll get you dozens of them and have them keep you in bed for days until that part of you is all torn

    up. Then, we¡¯ll see if you¡¯ll still go out and seduce others¡­¡±

    Initially, Lysander had no intention of taking offense to her. However, the further Lysanne went, the

    more unpleasant her words.

    In the end, thetter directly involved both her parents and reproductive organ.

    3:22 PM

    Chapter 133 Never Seen Josiah In Such A State

    ¡°Lyss! Your grandma is still here! Watch your words!¡± Susan reprimanded.

    ¡°Josiah, you actually brought her to meet Grandma? You never even formally introduced me to

    Grandma! What a b¡¯stard!¡±

    While saying that, she raised her hand to p him again.

    But this time, before the p couldnd, Josiah lifted a hand and forcefully smacked it away. ¡°Have y

    enough?¡±

    you

    had

    His teeth were gritted, and his gaze was sharp. His voice carried a sense of danger. ¡°I¡¯ll say it onest

    time. This is my grandmother¡¯s ward, so you¡¯d best shut up.¡±

    ¡°No way! You went behind my back and brought her out to meet Grandma today. Next thing I know,

    you¡¯ll dare to go to

    bed with her! I won¡¯t stand for it. I want to make things clear to Grandma¨CGrandma, look at me. I¡¯m

    Lyss. I¡¯m Josiah¡¯s girlfriend. Lysander is nothing but a home wrecker!¡±

    Susan quickly positioned herself in front of the hospital bed. ¡°Lyss, what on earth are you doing?

    Grandma is gravely ill. Don¡¯t cause a scene here!¡±

    ¡°Madam Susan, are you also ying favorites? Even if you favor her, it doesn¡¯t change anything. I¡¯m

    the one. Josiah loves since he was young. Lysander is nothing more than my stand¨Cin. Grandma, look

    at me. Make sure you recognize me. I am your granddaughter¨Cinw. Grandma-¡±

    Elisa was so frightened by that scene that she couldn¡¯t speak. Her mouth was agape, and she let out a

    series of cries as if she was desperately trying to say something yet so choked up that she couldn¡¯t

    utter a single word.

 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134

    Chapter 134 I Must Have Been Blind

    ¡°Mom! Mom!¡± Susan grasped Elisa¡¯s hand, cing her ear close to thetter¡¯s lips. ¡°What do you want

    to say?¡±

    However, Elisa found herself unable to speak. In the end, she couldn¡¯t even cry out, only managing

    some hoarse gasps.

    Susan was so anxious that tears streamed down her face. She snapped her head around and shouted,

    ¡°Lysanne, stop yelling! Grandma is speaking! This might be herst words!¡±

    However, Lysanne turned a deaf ear to her. She moved past Josiah to hit Lysander again, but Josiah

    held her back firmly. Thus, she could only continue hurling insults. ¡°Lysander, you vixen and b*tch!

    Don¡¯t think you can turn things around just because you have his grandmother¡¯s approval. Let me tell

    you this¨CJosiah has liked me for many years and will never fall for you! You might as well give up on

    him! If I ever catch you seducing him again, I¡¯ll hit you every time I see you-¡±

    ¡°Mom! Mom!¡±

    Beep!

    The ECG monitor red, its disy reduced to a single t line..

    Elisa still had her mouth wide open, her eyes bulging, bringing her regrets to the grave.

    Instantly breaking down, Susan copsed onto Elisa and wept bitterly. ¡°Mom, Mom, wake up, Mom.

    You still haven¡¯t finished your words to us¡­

    ¦§

    The sound from the ECG monitor was beyond grating to the ears.

    Lysanne finally calmed down. She looked at the t line on the ECG monitor in surprise, almost in

    disbelief. ¡°She¡¯s dead just like that? How fast.¡±

    Josiah dropped his hands that held Lysanne back, his expression grieving. He nced at the ECC

    monitor before turning his eyes to Lysander pleadingly. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysander knew what he wanted to ask.

    Susan also lifted her head and looked at her tearfully. ¡°Lysander, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and get the doctor to see if they can still do a final resuscitation. But¡­¡±

    She was also a doctor, and her final ¡°but¡± had essentially sealed the fate of the situation.

    Her eyes were also slightly red¨Crimmed. Elisa had been kind to her while alive, and knowing that the

    elderly. woman passed away in such distress, she couldn¡¯t help but feel upset.

    Josiah¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed violently. As he looked at the tragic state of Elisa¡¯s death, his body

    trembling slightly.

    ¡°Excuse me.¡±

    Lysander pushed him away, nning to go out and get the doctor over.

    However, Lysanne stretched out both arms and blocked her path. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    322 PM 4.

    Chapter 134 1 Must Have Been Blind

    Without missing a beat, Lysander raised her hand and struck the woman hard across the face.

    Lysanne was knocked off her feet, sprawling onto the adjacent hospital bed. Cradling her face, she

    stared at Lysander in disbelief. ¡°You dared to hit me? Josiah! I¡¯ve been struck, and you aren¡¯t even

    saying a work? Hit her back for me now, right this instant!¡±

    Josiah turned a deaf ear to her. With a thud, he dropped to his knees before his grandmother¡¯s bed.

    Susan had long since broken down in tears. She copsed into her son¡¯s arms, her fists pounding

    against his chest and back, the dull thuds of flesh hitting flesh resonating in the air. ¡°This is all because

    of the wonderful woman you chose! It¡¯s all on you! You ditched a perfectly good marriage, dumped a

    perfectly good wife, and even lo

    your child, all because of her! Now, even your grandmother has died, thanks to her! Are you happy

    now? It¡¯s all your fault¡±

    Josiah hell with his body hunched over, allowing his mother¡¯s tearful usations to fall on him and

    taking punch after punch without a word.

    Seeing that Josiah was ignoring her, Lysanne blew up. ¡°Josiah! Are you deaf? Can¡¯t you hear me

    talking to you?¡±

    After a long while, Josiah¡¯s low and hoarse voice sounded. ¡°I¡¯m not deaf but blind.¡±

    ¡°What are you saying?

    ¡°I must have been blind to love you all these years.

 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135

    Chapter 135 Who Is The Real Homewrecker

    Bullsh*t, Josiah! On what grounds are you ming your grandmother¡¯s death on me? If it weren¡¯t for

    you bringing this b*tch here, I wouldn¡¯t have made a fuss here? This is all her fault!¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Who exactly is the one seducing someone else¡¯s husband? I¡¯m sure you know the answer to

    that!¡± Josiah barked, his voice icy and stern. ¡°Now, get out!¡±

    ¡°Fine. Josiah, how dare you speak to me like this? I¡¯m breaking up with you!¡±

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re done. I won¡¯t be seeing you out!¡±

    ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± Lysanne nearly burst a vessel. ¡°Fine, Josiah, you heartless beast. Just you wait. Even if

    we break up. I won¡¯t let this wretch off the hook!¡±

    No sooner had the words been spoken than doctors and nurses from outside, alerted by the

    commotion, rushed in. They happened to witness Lysanne¡¯s terrifying expression, looking as if she

    wanted to tear Lysander apart with her bare hands.

    The doctor leading the team knew Lysander, as she was his junior in medical school. Also, he was

    taken aback. by Lysanne¡¯s hysterical demeanor.

    ¡°Lysander, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Liam. You should check on the patient first¡­¡±

    The doctor arrived, armed with a defibritor, a pacemaker, adrenaline, and so on, methodically using

    cach one in turn.

    However, Elisa had indeed passed on.

    Liam was so busy trying to revive her that his forehead was dripping with sweat. He turned to Lysander

    and shook his head in regret. ¡°She has passed away. Please ept my condolences.¡±

    ¡°No! Mom¡­ Mom¡­¡± Susan cried out in despair, her voice echoing with an unbearable sorrow.

    Secondster, she copsed, her body limp on the ground.

    Josiah eximed, ¡°Dr. Liam!¡±

    Liam hurried over again with the nurses to check on Susan¡¯s condition.

    ¡°Blood pressure is at two hundred and twenty. That¡¯s way too high. It¡¯s too dangerous. We need to

    reduce it immediately! Where are her family members? What kind of blood pressure medication does

    she usually take? How long has she had cardiovascr disease?¡±

    ¡°Probably a vlore B

    Josiah clenched his teeth. the medicine¡­ I can¡¯t remember the name.¡±

    Immediately, Lysander said, ¡°Usually, she takes rosuvastatin, along with aspirin.¡±

    Liam gave a slight nod, instructing the nurse, ¡°Hurry and get the medicine. Just these two, quick!¡±

    ¡°Affirmative!¡±

    ¡°Lysander, is thisdy rted to you?¡±

    Chapter 135 Who Is The Real Homewrecker

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lysanne forcefully pushed past a few nurses and walked over. ¡°Doctor, I am her daughter¨Cin¨C

    law.¡± When Liam gave Lysander a puzzled look, she let out a sigh. ¡°What do you need me to do,

    Liam?¡±

    Liam said, ¡°She needs to calm down. We have to help her take off her coat; even her undergarments

    need to be removed as they could hinder her breathing. As a man, it¡¯s not appropriate for me to do this.

    So, a female. rtive should do it.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lysanne said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    Seeing herrge belly, Liam wore a troubled expression. ¡°It might be difficult for you to squat down with

    your belly, right? Maybe we should leave it to Dr. Thorne. She¡¯s an exceptional doctor¡­¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not necessary. You just mentioned that a female rtive should do it, so here I am. I don¡¯t

    need. anyone¡¯s help.¡±

    ¡°But your stomach¡­¡±

    ¡°I can do it, just a bit slower. You wretch, get out of my way!¡±

    Upon hearing Lysanne call Lysander a wretch, Liam¡¯s expression subtly changed. ¡°The patient urgently

    needs. to lower their blood pressure and maintain their breathing. You¡¯re not even in a good condition

    yourself. Do you realize how detrimental even a slight dy could be? If her blood pressure continues

    to rise, it could be life¨Cthreatening! Why are you so stubborn?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Thar¡¯s right!¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    Josiah settled the matter decisively. ¡°Lysander, you do it. Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Without further dy, Lysander immediately reached out to help Susan remove her coat.

    Lysanne was about to kick up another fuss, but suddenly, she fell silent.

    Lysander found it peculiar, she turned her head to look back and was instantly startled.

    Chapter 136 What She Desires Is Irrelevant

    Chapter 136 What She Desires Is Irrelevant.

    Josiah was seen covering Lysanne¡¯s mouth with one hand while lifting her off the ground with the other.

    He pinched her in between his armpit, half carrying and half dragging her away.

    Lysander voiced her concerns. ¡°Be careful, Josiah. She¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°Take it easy then, stay calm.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Having also noticed the chilling aura emanating from Josiah, Lysanne no longer dared to struggle, but

    she couldn¡¯t find the words to speak either. All she could do was whimper pitifully.

    However, his tremendous strength left her utterly helpless. She was just like a little puppy being

    dragged

    away.

    Upon seeing Josiah¡¯s demeanor, Liam couldn¡¯t help but feel fearful. ¡°Lysander, maybe you should go

    check on him? We don¡¯t want any idents to ur.¡±

    Lysander had already helped Susan remove her outerwear and undergarments, neatly folding them

    and setting them aside.

    She took the blood pressure monitor from the nurse¡¯s hand and personally measured Susan¡¯s blood

    pressure. As she squeezed the bulb and watched the mercury column slowly rise, she said coolly, ¡°Let

    them sort out their own issues. An outsider like me wouldn¡¯t be of much help even if I went.¡±

    Fortunately, with timely intervention, Susan¡¯s blood pressure gradually decreased half an hourter.

    The nurses were taking good care of her, rendering Lysander¡¯s assistance unnecessary. Discreetly,

    Lysander retreated from the room.

    Upon exiting the ward, she saw Josiah standing in the hallway outside, engaged in a phone call.

    Upon seeing her emerge, he immediately ended his call and walked over. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Her blood pressure has been stabilized. However, the loss of a family member is indeed a

    heavy blow. In the near future, you should closely monitor Madam Susan¡¯s blood pressure.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll have my mom admitted to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Actually, as long as her blood pressurees down, she can just rest at home. There¡¯s no real need

    to stay int the hospital.¡±

    ¡°The hospital would be a safer ce.¡±

    Lysander quickly understood.

    If Susan were to stay at home or at a resort, Lysanne could go there at any time.

    However, in the hospital, there were VIP wards where visitations could be refused, preventing Lysanne

    from getting in.

    Chapter 136 What She Desires Is Irrelevant

    Lysander nodded. ¡°As long as you¡¯ve made a decision.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I havepleted the paperwork.¡± ¡°Where is she?¡±

    ¡°I got someone to take her home.¡±

    ¡°Was she willing to leave?¡±

    ¡°What she desires is irrelevant.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was slightly cold, yet when he spoke to her, his usual

    gentleness returned. ¡°Did I frighten you just now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I was really furious just now.¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°By the way, when you came, you mentioned needing my help with something?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander shook her head and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing major. You have to handle

    Grandma Elisa¡¯s funeral with her passing, and you also need to take care of Susan. I assume

    Lysanne¡¯s younger brother has been causing you some trouble too. You should focus on your own

    matters first.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over. Your help wouldn¡¯t make much of a difference in this matter. Let¡¯s

    just forget it, and let things take their own course.¡±

    That¡¯s was exactly what Lysander was thinking.

    Even if Josiah was to pressure Harry into treating Prisci better, it would only be temporary. After all,

    matters of the heart were something that two people needed to work on together. If she got Josiah to

    turn on the heat recklessly, their actions might backfire when it came to Harry.

    ¡°Are you u

    ¡°Right, it¡¯s not necessary for now.¡±

    ¡°If you ever need the same in the future, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can handle it myself.¡± Lysander waved her hand dismissively. ¡°See you.¡±

    After seeing off Lysander, Josiah stood in

    he corridor for a while until he heard his mother calling his name.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    Regaining his senses, he pushed the door open. ¡°Mom.¡±

    Susan¡¯s countenance was poor. Assisted by a nurse, she was half¨Cpropped up in bed, still appearing

    somewhat

    weak.

    Josiah walked over, tucking Susan under the nket. ¡°How are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, did I hurt you when I hit you?¡±

    ¡°No it doesn¡¯t hurt

 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136

    Chapter 136 What She Desires Is Irrelevant

    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Susan sighed a few times. ¡°Your grandmother¡¯sst words will forever remain unknown now. Josiah,

    this will always be a regret in my heart.¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t reallyment on your situation, but I must admit, if Lysander hadn¡¯t been here today, I might

    have been in danger. Counting this time, Lysander has saved me twice now.¡±

    Josiah was lost in thought, his gaze directed downwards.

    Susan looked at her son and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Lyss?¡±

    ¡°I had Aiden take her home first.¡±

    ¡°Back to your ce?¡±

    ¡°No, back to her parent¡¯s nursing home.¡±

    Susan gave a slight nod. ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. Given her current state, it

    mountains for some peace and quiet. But Mrs. Thorne¡­ Sigh, after all the ¡°Sht be good for her to stay

    in the

    years as neighbors, I¡¯m worried

    about how her health might be affected once Lysanne leaves. Maybe you could visit herter to check

    on her.¡±

    Just as Josiah was about to nod, his cellphone began to ring.

    Send Gifts

    Chapter 137 Threatening To Break Up

    Chapter 137 Threatening To Break Up

    Carol briefly exined the situation.

    In a nutshell, Lysanne¡¯s cousin, Leo, who had previously served as his secretary, was extorted

    ckmailed by someone again. The ckmailer insisted on a payment of three million and threatened

    to expose the matter to the media.

    It wasn¡¯t a big deal if he was humiliated.

    However, what mattered was that he was an employee of Guerra Group, and he was closely tied to

    Josiah.

    If the matter were to be exposed, it would undeniably deal another heavy blow to the corporate image

    and stock price of Guerra Group.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah could only furrow his brows. ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he learn from his mistakes?¡±

    ¡°This time, it was a bit different from thest.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference?¡±

    ¡°The number of people involved. This time¡­ there were two girls.¡± Carol found it difficult to articte.

    ¡°ording to Leo, he saw them at the school gate on a rainy day without umbres. Being kind¨C

    hearted, he offered them a ride home, and then¡­

    Josiah sniggered. ¡°Was he driving my car?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°Did they do it in the car or a hotel?¡±

    ¡°In the car.¡±

    Josiah was seething with rage, ¡°Sell the car immediately.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Carol, a woman herself, found it difficult to exin the matter explicitly. All she could say was, ¡°What

    matters is that the two girls are underage, which makes it a crime.¡±

    Josiah felt a buzzing in his head.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, what should we do?¡±

    ¡°Make a police report.¡±

    ¡°Leo would have to go to prison¡­¡±

    ¡°He should have locked up a long time ago,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Something hase up at home, and I¡¯ll

    need you to take charge of thepany for a while. If there¡¯s anything you¡¯re unsure about, don¡¯t

    hesitate to call me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    After he hung up the phone, Susan asked, ¡°Company matters?¡±

    Josiah massaged his forehead wearily. ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.

    ¡°If you¡¯re busy with work, you should go ahead. I¡¯ll be fine with Eleanor taking care of me

    Josiah put away his phone, shaking his head. ¡°Right now, my priority is to take care of you and to

    handle Grandma¡¯s funeral. Nothing else matters.¡±

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137

    Chapter 137 Threatening To Break Up

    By Saturday, Lysander was almost done unpacking.

    Daphne insisted on her having a housewarming party, adamant oning over for a meal.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I bring the ingredients and assist you. I¡¯m not going to be a freeloader.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander was ustomed to waking up early. After she went downstairs to buy some groceries,

    Daphne showed up upon her return home.

    ¡°Ugh, this is so heavy. Come give me a hand.¡±

    Daphne was carrying bags of all sizes. Seeing this, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but worry. ¡°It¡¯s just the two

    of us. Can we finish all this food?¡±

    Daphne gave her a yful wink. ¡°Who said it was just the two of us?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander felt a jolt in her heart. ¡°Ms. Everhart, what are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve found someone to grill the meat for us. We don¡¯t have to pay him. He¡¯s good just sharing our

    meal.¡±

    Daphne had called someone over, and Lysander knew without guessing who it was.

    Before their conversation ended, Adrian had already arrived.

    He was also carrying some items in his hand, along with a bouquet of fresh flowers. ¡°Dr. Thorne, happy

    housewarming.¡±

    As it would be rude to decline, Lysander had no choice but to courteously ept it. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Come on,e in quickly.¡± Daphne warmly beckoned, skipping cheerfully into the house. ¡°This ce

    feels. tiny¡­

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m living alone, so I don¡¯t need much space. Plus, this ce is just temporary. Once I

    buy a house. I¡¯ll move there.¡±

    Daphne nodded, surveying the room with a satisfied smile. ¡°It¡¯s quite close to your hospital,¡± she

    observed. ¡°You could evene back here for a nap during your lunch breaks.¡±

    Lysander nodded, giving Daphne a thorough once¨Cover.

    Daphne folded her arms across her chest. ¡°Your eyes are like X¨Crays.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I just feel like you seemed overly excited today.¡±

    Daphne jumped next to her, lightly poking her arm while saying, ¡°I heard that Josiah and his mistress

    are int the midst of a breakup.¡±

    323 PM

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    D

 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138

    Chapter 138 Specifically Requested To See You

    Lysander responded, ¡°Oh, did youe today just to tell me this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think we should have a proper celebration?¡±

    ¡°Celebrate what?¡±

    Daphne gave her shoulder a nudge. ¡°Don¡¯t you feel a sense of vengeance in your heart?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander nodded, then shook her head.

    In all fairness, she didn¡¯t perceive Josiah as a bad person or a jerk.

    At the very least, he could be considered a decent manpared to Harry.

    He had been hopelessly in love with her for over a decade, yet he never forced his feelings upon her

    nor demanded a response. His affection was always expressed discreetly. When he saw her getting

    married, he let go, wishing her nothing but happiness.

    As for how he treated her, he had fulfilled his duties as a husband admirably after they got married. He

    was gentle and respectful toward her. Apart from not being deeply in love, he had indeed done his well.

    part

    That being said, she didn¡¯t marry Josiah out of love.

    Thus, she considered the two of them to be even.

    Daphne was preparing food while listening to Lysander¡¯s analysis, continuously shaking her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the way to look at it. The homewrecker behaved with impunity in front of you, and Josiah

    never once defended you.

    Lysander said, ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone¡¯s protection.¡±

    ¡°You never know.¡± Daphne gestured with her chin toward Adrian, who was busy preparing ingredients

    not too far away. ¡°Give him another chance. Don¡¯t reject it outright.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, then asked, ¡°Why did you change your name to Daphne?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯ve decided to cut off all romantic ties.¡±

    ¡°Do you find your current life fulfilling?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, you can¡¯t imagine how happy I am being alone, doing whatever I want to do.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Lysander nodded. ¡°Since you can do it, I want to give it a try too.¡±

    Taken aback, Daphne licked her lips. ¡°Really, not even a single chance? Not a shred of hope?¡±

    ¡°Daphne,¡± Lysander said in a deep voice, shaking her head, ¡°I¡¯ll repeat what I said before. If you¡¯ve

    decided to reject someone, don¡¯t give them any hope. If you let hime over to cook and eat with you

    today, and ept his cookies tomorrow, you¡¯re sending him a message¨Cthere¡¯s hope. I don¡¯t want to

    end up like Lysanne.¡±

    From Lysander¡¯s¡® tone, Daphne understood that the former¡¯s stance was resolute.

    Chapter 138 Specifically Requested To See You

    ¡°Alright, I understand,¡± she said. ¡°I won¡¯t try to y matchmaker for you two anymore.¡±

    Lysander nodded understandingly. ¡°I¡¯ll still be working with Dr. Sutton in the hospital, so it won¡¯t be

    good if things get too awkward between us. Please, don¡¯t try to matchmaker us anymore.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I understand¡­¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    While they were talking, a cellphone suddenly rang.

    It wasn¡¯t Lysander¡¯s or Daphne¡¯s, as it originated from the living room.

    Adrian picked up the call, responding with a series of hums with his voice growing progressively

    deeper.

    Daphne stepped out, asking. ¡°Do you have something going on? If you¡¯re busy, you should go ahead.¡±

    Adrian gave a nod. ¡°I need to head back to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just get off work? Why are you heading back? Is the hospital really short on

    anesthesiologists?¡±

    Adrian remained silent. His gaze, however, shifted toward Lysander.

    In order to avoid any misunderstandings. Lysander stayed in the kitchen, busying herself with food

    preparation. She did her best to minimize direct interactions with Adrian.

    Daphne had juste to understand Lysander¡¯s perspective, so she said, ¡°Just go. Lysander is a

    doctor too. She knows how it is to be on call all the time. You two seem busier than the president

    himself. It seems like finding a partner in the medical field isn¡¯t a good idea. You might be married, but

    there¡¯s a chance you¡¯ll end up living under the same roof and never seeing each other. That would be

    such a shame.¡±

    The implications of Daphne¡¯s words weren¡¯t lost upon Adrian.

    However, he still said, ¡°Lysander, Dr. Ziegler also mentioned that it would be best if you could also

    come

    over.

    Lysander turned around and asked, ¡°Is the patient pregnant?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s not so much about her being pregnant¡­ She specifically asked for you.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne.¡±

    When Lysander arrived at the hospital entrance, she finally understood why the dean had insisted on

    hering.

    The heavily pregnant Lysanne stood alone by the roadside, holding a syringe to her neck.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139

    Chapter 139 I Know What She Is Up To

    Not far away, a crowd of people had gathered.

    There were doctors and nurses from the hospital, while the rest were passersby.

    Lysanne took another step back, her footnding on the solid white line of the motorway. Just then, a

    car whizzed past, narrowly missing her by mere inches.

    The driver of the car seemed to have been startled as well, hastily pulling over and stopping the

    vehicle. He swung the door open to look behind him.

    G

    Everyone was on edge no her ount, with Fred standing at the forefront,den with worry. He gently

    advised, ¡°Ms. Lysanne, please calm down. We can discuss whatever the matter is. Could you please

    come back first? Your current position is too dangerous.¡±

    Lysander turned a deaf ear, simply asking, ¡°Where is she? Has she arrived?¡±

    ¡°Soon¡­ She¡¯s almost here.¡±

    As Fred spoke, he attempted to approach her, reaching out in an effort to pull her back.

    Lysanne noticed and immediately took arge step back.

    Another car had passed by, almost brushing against her body. The sight elicited a gasp of shock from

    those [ present.

    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer! If you take another step, I¡¯ll keep backing away!¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯te over. Ms. Lysanne, just calm down¡­¡±

    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t that b*tch shown up yet? You promised me half an hour. Why aren¡¯t they here yet?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes were bloodshot. Her hysterical screams made her eyes appear even redder. His

    appearance was so terrifying that it instilled fear in everyone present, causing them to hesitate before

    daring to approach her again.

    Lysander was also somewhat shocked.

    It¡¯s only been a few days since I¡¯ve not seen her. How did Lysanne suddenly end up like this?

    Adrian had just ended a phone call when he told her. ¡°Don¡¯t go over there yet. The police are on their

    way.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod.

    Yet, for some reason, Lysanne managed to spot her in the crowd, her gaze fixed directly on Lysander.

    ¡°You b*tch! What are you hiding there for? You dare to seduce my husband but are not brave enough

    to admit it?¡±

    In an instant, everyone turned their gaze toward Lysander.

    She remarked, ¡°It seems like I can¡¯t avoid going over.¡±

    Adrian grabbed her wrist. ¡°She¡¯s emotionally unstable right now. I¡¯m afraid she might hurt you.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Take a look around you. If we let her continue, the hospital won¡¯t be able to resume its

    operations. What about the patients inside?¡±

    Chapter 139 I Know What She Is Up To

    Adrian was furrowing his brows deeply.

    Lysander said, ¡°She wants to see me. Even if the police were toe, I¡¯d have to confront her.

    Otherwise, this situation would never be resolved.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I know what she¡¯s up to. If we dy any further, the hospital¡¯s reputation will

    be at stake. Dr. Ziegler has been good to me. Even though this isn¡¯t my fault, I can¡¯t let the whole

    hospital suffer

    because of me.¡±

    After she finished, Lysander pushed through the crowd and walked out.

    Standing firm on the pedestrian crossing, she said, ¡°Lysanne, I¡¯m here. What do you want to say?¡±

    Lysanne burst intoughter. ¡°What do I want to say? Everyone,e take a look. The brilliant medical

    student standing before me and the department head of the obstetrics and gynecology department at

    Central Hospital took advantage of my vulnerable period while pregnant to seduce my husband! She

    tried repeatedly and used all kinds of methods to get close to a married man, her behavior is utterly

    despicable! Now, my husband wants to leave me for her, even suggesting that I abort the child, as he

    wants to sever ties with mepletely! This is the esteemed doctor of Central Hospital for you!¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, a wave of shock swept through the crowd.

    A gynecologist from the hospital seducing the husband of a pregnant woman was an incredibly

    sensational

    news.

    Fred was well¨Caware of the situation and hastily spoke up. ¡°Ms. Lysanne, you can¡¯t distort the truth like

    that! Dr. Thorne and Mr. Guerra were married before you came into the picture. You weren¡¯t the one

    that came first¡­¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°What do you mean I wasn¡¯t the one who came first? I¡¯ve known Josiah for more than twenty years.

    We¡¯ve grown up together, so who¡¯s to say who was first orst?¡±

    ¡°This¡­¡±

    Fred wasn¡¯t sure of the facts, so his gaze shifted toward Lysander.

    When Lysander didn¡¯t deny it, Fred felt even more uneasy. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    With a soft chuckle, Lysander slowly stepped forward.

 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140

    Chapter 140 The user Has To Provide The Proof

    Lysanne held the syringe at

    rown carotid artery, threatening. ¡°What are you trying to do? If you take one

    more step forward, I¡¯ll stab myself!¡±

    Lysander stood still, lifting her head with a slight smile. ¡°Go ahead, do it.¡±

    Lysanne gritted her teeth. ¡°If I were to die right at your hospital¡¯s doorstep, no one would ever dare to

    come to this hospital again!¡±

    Lysander looked at Lysanne for a moment, his voice steady. ¡°Ms. Lysanne, I have to ask. Must you

    make such a big scene today?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! If I¡¯m suffering, don¡¯t think you¡¯re getting off easy either!¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡±

    Lysander watched her, utterly nonchnt. Thetter, who had been so confident just moments ago,

    was now filled with uncertainty. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. Lynn, bring me a chair,¡± Lysander ordered.

    Lynn had been with Lysander for two to three years, so as soon as she heard the instructions, she

    immediately. understood what needed to be done.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Visibly excited, she dashed back to the hospital building and quickly returned with a chair.

    At the same time, she held a folder in hand.

    When Lysander extended her hand, Lynn readily ced the folder into her grasp.

    Lysander received the folder and slowly opened it, looking down as if she were an interviewer. She

    said, ¡°What scandal were you going to reveal about me to everyone? Come on, let¡¯s go through them

    one by one.¡±

    Lysanne asked cautiously. ¡°What are you holding?¡±

    ¡°A patient¡¯s medical records. Do you want to take a look?¡±

    Lysander scoffed, then with a voice choked with tears and sorrow, shemented, ¡°Everyone, do you

    see what¡¯s happening? The victim hase knocking on the door, yet she¡¯s here, carefree and

    unconcerned. She shows no regard for the patient¡¯s fate. I¡¯m pregnant, and pregnancy is the most

    vulnerable time for a woman. And she, a gynecologist, chose this time to seduce my husband. Does

    she have no shame?¡±

    Suddenly, the crowd¡¯s gossip began to fill the air.

    The words likely weren¡¯t kind, but thankfully, given the mor of the crowd, Lysander couldn¡¯t make out

    what they were all saying.

    Fred, who had just finished a lengthy negotiation with Lysanne, was physically exhausted due to his

    age. At this point, he was assisted by several doctors to the flower bed on the side where he sat down.

    Upon hearing Lysanne ¡°usations,¡± he grew concerned again. ¡°We can¡¯t let this continue. She¡¯s

    heavily pregnant. What if something happens to her¡­¡±

    Lynn was filled with confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Ziegler. Dr. Thorne can handle it.¡±

    324 PM M.

    Chapter 140 The user Has To Provide The Proof

    The Dean was still somewhat uneasy. ¡°Adrian, don¡¯t worry about me. Go stand by Lysander¡¯s side. If

    anything. unexpected happens, keep her safe¡­¡±

    Adrian gave a slight nod. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m heading over n now.¡±

    ¡°Hurry up.¡±

    However, before Adrian could part the crowd and reach Lysander, the situation had taken another turn.

    Meanwhile, Lysanne was drawing strength from the increasing crowd, and the fact that virtually

    everyone was throwing usations at Lysander only boosted her momentum. ¡°Dr. Thorne, as the

    department head of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Central Hospital, your actions

    represent the hospital. Haven¡¯t you considered that your disgraceful behavior could tarnish the

    hospital¡¯s reputation?¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words.

    ¡°To all the expectant mothers here who are preparing for childbirth, you must remind your husbands to

    be wary of women who may have ulterior motives and take advantage of their situations!

    Moreover, gentlemen, a woman giving birth is akin to approaching the jaws of death. She puts her life

    at risk to bear your children. Please, remember the sacrifices your wives make. Don¡¯t let a fleeting

    moment of lust blind you. Otherwise, your wives might end up like me¨Cdriven mad, broken, and

    tormented for a lifetime¡­¡±

    Lysander listened to her words as she was seemingly giving a speech, her brows furrowed slightly in

    impatience. ¡°Are you done?¡±

    ¡°I am, Dr. Thorne. Could you please exin why you are trying to seduce my husband?¡±

    Lysander let out a chuckle. ¡°Since you¡¯ve asked everyone to judge, that¡¯s fine by me. Ms. Thorne,

    you¡¯re atwyer. If I remember correctly, thew states that the user must provide evidence. You¡¯re

    using me of seducing your husband, do you have any proof?¡±

    Lysanne said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t what I¡¯ve personally witnessed count as evidence?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s as good as not having any,¡± Lysander sneered. ¡°No matter. Unlike you, I do.¡±

 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141

    Chapter 141 Dark Skinned Man

    ¡°Do you have any proof?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Marriage certificate.¡±

    Lysanne scoffed. ¡°You carry your marriage certificate to work? What¡¯s the matter? Are you scared of

    being caught red¨Chanded one day, so you keep a fake one handy?¡±

    Lysander tapped a few times on her phone, then flipped the device around to show Lysanne. ¡°Ms.

    Lysanne, since you¡¯ve been abroad for so long. I presume you¡¯re not aware that we have electronic

    marriage certificates here now?

    ¡°Electronic marriage certificate?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Lysander said. Not only the marriage certificate but also the divorce certificate. They¡¯re all

    connected via a nationwidework and can be verified on the spot. I can¡¯t fake it.¡±

    Lysanne was instantly taken aback.

    Lysander continued, ¡°Not only the marriage certificate but also the divorce certificate. The year, date,

    names, and identification numbers are all there, ready for verification at any time.¡±

    Lysanne was rendered speechless.

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne, did you presume that when I divorced Josiah, the marriage certificate was revoked and

    destroyed by the staff, so I have no way to prove I was once married to him?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s expression was gloomy and inscrutable. She gritted her teeth and stared at Lysander.

    Lysander withdrew her gaze, flipping her phone around, and said softly, ¡°The divorce papers were

    processed. two months ago. As for the child in your belly¡­ Why don¡¯t you tell everyone how many

    months along you

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    are

    Lysanne had already reached thete stages of her pregnancy, her belly round and full.

    The crowd discussed aloud. ¡°With a belly that big. I can¡¯t say for sure how many months along she is,

    but it definitely can¡¯t be just two months.¡±

    Another person chimed in, ¡°What if she¡¯s carrying twins?¡±

    ¡°Pfft. It¡¯s clear you¡¯re inexperienced. Two months in, a baby is still the size of a sprout. Even if she were

    carrying octuplets, she wouldn¡¯t be this big.¡±

    ¡°Well, in other words, this is actually a case of a shameless couple having an affair within their

    marriage. And now, they¡¯re pestering the ex¨Cwife?¡±

    ¡°Judging by the current circumstances, this should be the case.¡±

    However, that was only how it seemed at the moment because Lysander had pulled out another piece

    of evidence from the folder.

    It was a colorful printout on an A4 sheet featuring an indecipherable cluster of red and ck mass.

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    Lysander partially covered the image with her hand and then revealed the section below.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Lysanne asked.

    ¡°These are the surgical photos left behind from when you underwent the operation during your first car

    ident.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Do you see this brownish hue? Back then, you were five months pregnant, and due to the car

    ident, the child was almost dislodged. This brownish hue is the child.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Why would my child be brownish? Is he sick? Or is there some kind of problem?¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Why do Shouldn¡¯t you know this better than everyone.

    you think the child is brownish? else?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been very careful about my diet. And I definitely didn¡¯t misuse drugs. You can¡¯t just pin the me

    on me!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because the father of the child is likely a dark¨Cskinned man.¡±

    As soon as those words were spoken, a wave of astonished gasps echoed all around.

    ¡°A dark¨Cskinned man?¡±

    ¡°The husband of this pregnant woman is a dark¨Cskinned man? Is the doctor previously married to a

    dark- skinned man?¡±

    ¡°Clearly not. I saw the screen of her phone carlier. Under the husband column, an Ecronese name was

    printed. There was even an ID card number.¡±

    ¡°Oh my goodness¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°Of course, since the child hasn¡¯t been born yet, and no gic

    testing has been done, his father might not be a dark¨Cskinned man.¡±

    She gave a slightugh, seemingly leaving a glimmer of hope for Lysanne on purpose before

    personally snuffing it out.

    ¡°The father could also possibly be someone from Ibica, South East Aploth, or even South Adrune,

    among others with darker skin tones. However, he certainly isn¡¯t Ecronese.¡±

 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142

    Chapter 142 Bring Her Down

    Lysanne¡¯s face instantly turned as pale as a sheet.

    Even Lysander was slightly taken aback. The biological father of the child she¡¯s carrying might not be

    the man I initially presumed.

    ¡°In theory, as a doctor, I shouldn¡¯t disclose a patient¡¯s condition. I admit that I have vited your privacy

    rights, Ms. Lysanne, you can sue me at any time, but you¡¯ve publicly ndered and spread rumors

    about me in front of so many people, even implicating the reputation of Central Hospital. I must

    promptly rify this to prevent the rumors from spreading and affecting the hospital. It¡¯s also important

    to prevent panic among other expectant mothers and their families. I have a responsibility toward my

    workce and my patients.¡±

    Lysander slowly rose to her feet and softly said, ¡°All right. I¡¯ve said all I need to say. Ms. Lysanne, is

    there anything you¡¯d like to add?¡±

    What else could Lysanne possibly say?

    The child¡¯splexion was a lethal blow thatpletely caught Lysanne off guard.

    Suddenly, Lysander found the circumstances somewhat amusing.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    For a fleeting moment, she had an evil desire, wanting to see the expression on Josiah¡¯s face when the

    dark- skinned child was born. Will he still allow this child to take his family name, Guerra? If he can

    tolerate even this for Lysanne, I will admit I¡¯m impressed

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Lysander confirmed for thest time. Seeing Lysanne remain silent with her head bowed

    down, Lysander gently addressed the crowd, saying. ¡°Everyone, please disperse. This is a hospital.

    This road is for ambnces only. Please vacate the emergencyne-

    Suddenly, a gasp rippled through the crowd. ¡°Oh my God, what is she doing?¡±

    Lysander followed the sound and looked around, only to see Lysanne, who had just been silently

    hanging her head, now turning and sprinting toward the middle of the street.

    Screech!

    A piercing screech of brakes echoed.

    ¡°She¡¯s hit!¡±

    ¡°Quick, save her!¡±

    The crowd surged forward. Fortunately, Lynn arrived just in time with the security team.

    The security team formed a human barrier, temporarily blocking off the road in front of the hospital. The

    colleagues from the emergency department swiftly brought in a stretcher, rushing Lysanne, who had.

    copsed in a pool of blood, into the emergency room.

    Shortly after, the police arrived as well.

    Lysander came to know about Lysanne¡¯s situation five hourster.

    This time, Lysanne¡¯s surgery was performed by Sergio from the obstetrics and gynecology department.

    Sergio was nearing retirement, so performing such a lengthy procedure was quite strenuous for him. In

    the end it was Adrian who had sunported him out of the onerating theatre

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    Lynn took the initiative to fetch a cup of warm water for Sergio,

    Sergio took it and drained the drink in one gulp. ¡°The child is gone.¡±

    Lynn breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s good that only the child lost. Given her stage of pregnancy and the

    fact that she had undergone cervical stitch before, I was really afraid she might have had severe

    bleeding¡­¡±

    Adrian was the anesthesiologist for the surgery. Seeing that Sergio was exhausted, he took the

    initiative to update Lynn on the specifics of the situation.

    He was actually also aiming to enlighten Lysander.

    ¡°The impact of the vehicle wasn¡¯t particrly severe, but it wasn¡¯t minor either. Her condition was quite

    critical during her previous cervical stitch, so it¡¯s truly fortunate that she managed to survive this time.¡±

    Lynn nodded. ¡°I was afraid she would exert ast¨Cditch effort to bring Dr. Thorne down after she was

    exposed. If both Lysanne and her child end up dead, even if Dr. Thorne is in the right, she will be seen

    as the wrongdoer. People will only say she drove Ms. Lysanne to her death¡­ It¡¯s a relief that she¡¯s still

    alive.¡±

    Adrian was somewhat worried about Lysander. He lowered his head to look at her. ¡°Lysander, are you

    okay?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143

    Chapter 143 Wife Of CEO

    Lysander snapped back to reality. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Worry s

    sparked in Adrian¡¯s eyes. ¡°Let me take you home to rest first.¡±

    Before Lysander could speak, amotion echoed from the direction of the elevator.

    a

    Leading the way was a young man in his early twenties, his hair dyed a fiery red. Donned in a studded

    leather jacket, he strode over with an intimidating aura, bellowing, ¡°Lysander, show yourself!¡±

    Upon seeing his attire, Lynn immediately knew he was not to be trifled with and quickly positioned

    herself in front of Lysander.

    Adrian took a step forward to intercept the young man. ¡°Mister, this is the emergency room. Please

    keep quict.¡±

    The boy continued shouting, ¡°The one lying in the emergency room is my cousin, Lysanne! Where is

    the female doctor from the obstetrics and gynecology department, the one named Lysander? Bring her

    out!¡±

    As he spoke, he was about to barge inward.

    Adrian reached out to stop him, a frown of warning creasing his brow. ¡°Since it¡¯s your cousin lying in

    there, you should all the more keep it down!¡±

    The boy gave Adrian a once¨Cover. ¡°Who are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Lysander¡¯s anesthesiologist.¡±

    ¡°An anesthesiologist? Pfft. Get out of my way. I¡¯m looking for Lysander!¡±

    As he spoke, he was about to start a fight with Adrian.

    Fortunately, at that moment, a frail and aged voice echoed from behind, ¡°Leo¡­¡±

    The boy finally calmed down. He turned around and called out, Aunt Molly,¡±

    Not far away, a middle¨Caged man approached, pushing a wheelchair, Seated in the wheelchair was a

    middle aged woman who appeared overly thin. Herplexion was pale, and she appeared incredibly

    weak.

    She struggled to raise her hand and spoke with difficulty. ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t be impulsive. Just talk things

    out calmly with them.¡±

    ¡°Aunt Molly, Lysanne¡¯s life is hanging by a thread. How could I possibly remain calm? Aunt Molly,

    please don¡¯t interfere anymore. Leave this matter to me. That female doctor, Lysander, is responsible

    for Lysanne getting hit by a car. I will make sure she pays for this!¡±

    ¡°Hear what they have to say first. Don¡¯t misunderstand them¡­¡±

    ¡°How could there be any misunderstanding? You¡¯ve seen the video, too. It was precisely because she

    had a few words with Lysanne, and Lysanne ended up distraught, ran onto the road, and was hit by a

    car. She must take full responsibility for this incident!¡±

    The middle¨Caged man, Howard Thorne, pushing the woman in the wheelchair seemed to be her

    husband. He wore an expression full of worry. ¡°Leo, all these things are secondary. How is Lysanne

    now?¡±

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    Chapter 143 Wife Of CEO

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and ask.¡±

    Judging by the young man¡¯s demeanor, Lysander had already deduced his identity. He¡¯s likely

    Lysanne¡¯s cousin,

    Leo Thompson, the one who caused Josiah to lose a major project. Josiah even had to take the me

    in his stead and be detained. It¡¯s only expected for Guerra Group, an established corporation, to run

    intro trouble for hiring someone like Leo to be the CEO¡¯s secretary.

    Leo walked straight up to Adrian and asked in a brusque manner, ¡°Hey, answer me. How¡¯s Lysanne

    doing now?¡±

    Adrian wasn¡¯t exactly known for his patience either. ¡°I¡¯m telling you onest time. This is an emergency

    room. If you keep making such a fuss, I¡¯ll have no choice but to call security to escort you out.¡±

    ¡°Hey! Do you know who Lysanne is?¡±

    Adrian let out a cold, mockingugh.

    Adrian¡¯s reaction thoroughly infuriated Leo. He raised his voice, wishing the entire hospital could hear

    him. ¡°Lysanne is the wife of Guerra Group¡¯s CEO! You know Guerra Group, right? Even if you don¡¯t,

    you must have seen it on TV. My brother¨Cinw, Josiah, is the CEO of Guerra Group. You better treat

    me with some respect!¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Adrian replied with a cold chuckle, ¡°The CEO¡¯s wife?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Josiah is head over heels for Lysanne. He won¡¯t let anyone who dares to harm her go easily.¡±

    ¡°After today, things might not be the same anymore.¡±

 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144

    Chapter 144 Beyond That

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ Forget it. I don¡¯t need to bother with a mere anesthesiologist like you. Where¡¯s Lysander? Did

    she run

    off?¡±

    Howard and Molly, behind Leo, persistently tried to persuade him. ¡°Leo, Leo¡­¡±

    ¡°Aunt Molly, Uncle Howard, you¡¯re just too kind¨Chearted. Others are bullying Lysanne. I must stand up

    for her!¡±

    Seeing their persuasion was ineffective, Howard and Molly had no choice but to step in themselves.

    Howard made sure his wife was settled before he slowly approached Adrian. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Doctor. Leo is

    just overly worried about Lysander. Could you tell me how my daughter, Lysander, is doing now?¡±

    At first nce, Howard and Molly clearly hailed from a respectable household

    Despite their simple attire, they were appropriately dressed and spoke with great politeness. Yet, he

    was visibly anxious.

    Adrian¡¯s demeanor softened a bit as he answered truthfully, ¡°Your daughter was in a critical condition

    due to her advanced stage of pregnancy. After our best efforts to save her, she is no longer in danger.

    However, she still needs to be hospitalized for observation for a while.¡±

    Upon hearing those words, Howard visibly rxed. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that. That¡¯s good.¡±

    Molly spoke with difficulty, reminding, ¡°The child¡­ Ask about the child¡­¡±

    Howard quickly asked again, ¡°Doctor, what about my daughter¡¯s unborn child?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. We couldn¡¯t save the child.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­. The child¡¯s gone¡­¡± Howard¡¯s eyes instantly welled up with tears. ¡°Why was Lysanne so

    impulsive? T¨CThe baby was almost due. How heartbroken will Josiah be if he finds out¡­¡±

    Upon hearing that, Leo became agitated again. ¡°You failed to save the child? That child wasn¡¯t just any

    ordinary child. He was the heir of the Guerra family! Do you think you can just say you couldn¡¯t save

    him, and that¡¯s the end of it? If your hospital doesn¡¯t provide an exnation, this matter won¡¯t be

    settled!¡±

    Lynn¡¯s anger intensified as she listened to Leo. She couldn¡¯t help but retort, ¡°Well, why don¡¯t you just

    call Mr. Guerra, then?¡±

    ¡°You think I wouldn¡¯t dare? If Josiah shows up, none of you will have an easy time!¡±

    ¡°Go ahead and call him, then! It¡¯s about time Mr. Guerra takes a good look at his child to let him see for

    himself the skin tone of his heir.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Lynn,¡± Lysander called out to stop her.

    Lynn frowned, clearly displeased. ¡°Dr. Thorne! We should ask Mr. Guerra toe over and take a look.

    Then, we¡¯ll see if this guy can keep up his. smug demeanor.¡±

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    Chapter 144 Beyond That

    ¡°Today is Grandma Elisa¡¯s funeral.¡±

    Lynn¡¯s expression subtly shifted, and she fell silent.

    News of Elisa¡¯s passing had widely spread throughout the hospital.

    Firstly, it was because the Guerra family was indeed reputable, and secondly, it was because Elisa¡¯s

    death was rather distressing.

    Elisa was already on her deathbed, preparing herst affairs. However, Lysanne suddenly barged in

    and caused a scene. Consequently, it was unclear whether Elisa passed away peacefully or was

    literally infuriated to death.

    Though no one dared to voice their opinions, everyone had their own thoughts on the matter.

    Moreover, since Lysanne had caused a scene once when Susan was receiving emergency treatment,

    so Lysanne was considered a ¡°repeat offender.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Susan had messaged Lysander the night before to inform thetter that Elisa¡¯s funeral was that day.

    Susan wanted to inquire whether Lysander could attend the funeral since Elisa was fond of Lysander

    while she was alive.

    Since Susan had to stay in the hospital for observation for the next few days, Josiah had to handle the

    funeral by himself. She feared the funeral home would be too dested, and Josiah would be

    overwhelmed by the matters to attend to alone.

    After much contemtion, Lysander still decided to refuse.

    After all, she was no longer the Guerra family¡¯s daughter¨Cinw. Hence, attending the funeral wouldn¡¯t

    be quite appropriate.

    However, she had already made ns. Once the funeral was over, she intended to make a solitary visit

    to the cemetery to spend some time with Elisa.

    Susan seemed to have mentally prepared herself to receive such a response from Lysander. She

    sighed twice, not insisting further, but merely said, ¡°The death of Josiah¡¯s grandma has a great impact

    on him. He might not be able to be with Lyss in the future.¡±

    Lysander pretended not to understand Susan¡¯s implication and simply responded, ¡°You should take

    care of your health first. Let the youngsters deal with it themselves.¡±

    As astute as Susan was, she didn¡¯t press on since Lysander refused to touch the subject after her

    probing. They exchanged a few pleasantries before hanging up the phone.

    repeated

    Lysander had initially thought that after Elisa¡¯s incident, Lysanne would live in peace for a while, at least

    until the birth of her child. Unexpectedly, Lysanne came to cause amotion at the hospital entrance.

    Adrian knitted his brows and said, ¡°I really can¡¯t understand what¡¯s going on in this woman¡¯s head. Is

    she so determined to ruin your reputation that she doesn¡¯t mind risking her own life? Isn¡¯t this just

    hurting herself more than it hurts you?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, simrly baffled. Her interactions with Lysanne weren¡¯t frequent, and their

    conflicts were only over the position of Mrs. Guerra. Since she had gracefully stepped back, not even

    demanding a penny from the Guerra family, logically, the conflict should have ended there. However, it

    seemed like Lysanne harbored an intense animosity toward Lysander as if that matter concerned

    significance beyond theirpetition for a man¡¯s affection.

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    Chapter 145

    Chapter 145 That Child Is Not Mine

    Without thinking. Lynn spoke up in defense of Lysander. ¡°When Old Mrs. Guerra was rushed to the

    hospital previously, it was Lysander who attended to her. Old Mrs. Guerra had a lot of trust in her, and

    they¡¯ve always had a good rtionship¡­¡±

    ¡°I am the Dr. Thorne you¡¯ve been looking for,¡± said Lysander.

    With a disapproving wave, Lynn eximed, ¡°Dr. Thorne!¡±

    Lysander reached out, pulling Lynn back toward her and positioning thetter behind Adrian.

    Understanding the gesture, Adrian shielded Lynn with his body.

    Upon hearing that, Leo immediately rolled up his sleeves. ¡°Really? So you¡¯re the one seducing

    someone else¡¯s husband? You do look pretty good, but have you no shame? Today, I must teach you a

    lesson¡­

    As he spoke, his fist had already descended.

    ¡°Leo, don¡¯t make a move¡­¡± However, it was ultimately toote for the middle¨Caged couple to

    intervene.

    Given Leo¡¯s impulsive nature, once he made a decision, there was no turning back. It was unlikely he

    would heed any advice.

    The swing of his fist in the air created a whooshing sound.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne!¡±

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Everyone held their breath. Adrian was ready to retaliate, but Leo¡¯s fist stopped just a few centimeters

    away from Lysander¡¯s face.

    Leo waspletely taken aback. ¡°You¡­ Aren¡¯t you going to dodge? Do you realize that if Ind this

    punch, you¡¯ll lose a few teeth?¡±

    ¡°Dare you?¡± snapped Lysander.

    Astonished, Leo stopped in his tracks. ¡°What did you say? You think I wouldn¡¯t dare? Today, I¡¯ll show

    you what I¡¯m capable of¡ª¡±

    His fist was once again raised high, but just like thest time, it halted in mid¨Cair.

    Lysander remained perfectly still, simply watching him with a cold gaze.

    Leo suddenly felt embarrassed, his entire being filled with rage. ¡°You must be up to something! With

    the kind of person you are, I bet you have set aplete trap for me! Is there someone around here

    filming? Or are you waiting for me to hit you so you can extort money from me? Oh, I get it, you¡¯re a

    doctor. You¡¯ve got connections in the hospital, you can easily get a fake injury assessment, and then

    you can demand an outrageous sum¡­¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°You¡¯re aware of my rtionship with Josiah, so you should also know that asking

    you for money would be beneath me. I¡¯d rather go directly to Josiah. I might even get more from him.¡±

    Immediately, Leo pointed at her and said to the middle¨Caged couple behind him, ¡°Do you two see that,

    Uncle Howard, Aunt Molly? Her true colors are showing, aren¡¯t they? This woman is only after Mr.

    Guerra¡¯s money!¡±

    ¡°If I were after money, Lysanne wouldn¡¯t have even been able to step foot into the Guerra family.¡±

    Chapter 145 That Child Is Not Mine

    Leo said angrily. ¡°The only reason Mr. Guerra ever took interest in you is because your name sounds

    the same as Lysanne¡¯s. You¡¯re nothing more than a stand¨Cin! Now that Lysanne is back, you should

    have quietly left! Knowing full well that Lysanne is pregnant, you still yet cause trouble. You¡¯re just

    jealous! You¡¯re jealous. that Lysanne has been the recipient of Mr. Guerra¡¯s unwavering love for ten

    years, and is about to bear his child.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Hah!¡± Lynn, having held back for quite some time, finally lost her temper. ¡°Enough is enough. Dr.

    Thorne has been trying to be courteous to Lysanne because there are

    ers present today. As for who the father of the child in Lysanne¡¯s belly is, why don¡¯t you ask her

    yoursell?¡±

    As the truth threatened to be revealed, Leo became somewhat flustered, ¡°What are you talking about?

    My aunt is in poor health. If your baseless rumors upset her and something happens to her, you¡¯ll be

    entirely responsible!¡±

    Lynn bit her lip, resentfully saying, ¡°I wonder, who¡¯s the one spreading rumors here?¡±

    ¡°Leo¡­ Molly spoke up.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Aunt Molly?¡± replied Leo.

    ¡°What did the youngdy just say? Isn¡¯t the child Lyss is carrying Josiah¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°Of course it is. Who else¡¯s could it be if not Mr. Guerra¡¯s¡­¡±

    Just at that moment, the elevator doors nearby slid open and a tall figure strode quickly toward them.

    ¡°That child isn¡¯t mine.¡±

 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146

    Chapter 146 Not Showing Mercy

    Dressed in a ck suit,plete with a matching ck boutonniere on his chest, it was clear that

    Josiah had rushed over directly from a funeral.

    Upon catching sight of Josiah, Leo immediately ducked behind Howard and Molly.

    Then, obediently, he nodded and called out, ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t even spare him a nce. He simply greeted Howard and Molly. ¡°Mr. Thorne, Mrs.

    Thorne.¡±

    Howard felt a pang of guilt. ¡°Josiah, I¡¯m truly sorry. We should have been there for your grandmother¡¯s.

    funeral today. No one could have predicted that something woulde up with Lyss¡­¡±

    Molly sat in her wheelchair, her heart and eyes filled with worry. She extended her hand toward Josiah.

    ¡°Josiah..¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze rested on Lysander with concern until Molly tugged at his sleeve, bringing him back to

    the present. ¡°Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne. How did you know something had happened to Lysanne? Was it

    Leo who brought you here?¡±

    As he spoke, his piercing gaze fell squarely on Leo¡¯s face.

    Leo was terrified, his face turning pale. He didn¡¯t dare to make a sound, shrinking his neck and subtly

    shifting himself further behind the wheelchair.

    Molly continued, ¡°Josiah, we know how much you care for Lyss. We trust you to take good care of her.

    However, after all, Lyss is our child. We should have been informed about it¡­¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brow was tightly furrowed. It was unclear whether it was due to the lingering sorrow from his

    grandmother¡¯s funeral or because of the unexpectedplications arising from Lysander¡¯s side.

    Men tend to be more rational after all. While Molly was solely focused on chatting with Josiah, Howard,

    on the other hand, remembered the conversation they just had. ¡°Josiah, did you just say the child in

    Lyss¡® belly isn¡¯t yours?¡±

    Josiah paused, uttering a soft, ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Molly was taken aback. ¡°How could it be? It¡¯s impossible. Your rtionship with Lyss is so strong¡­¡±

    ¡°We-¡±

    Lynn straightforwardly asked, ¡°Madam, didn¡¯t you watch the video online before you came?¡±

    Molly had a baffled look on her face. ¡°I saw it! They said there was a female doctor who wouldn¡¯t leave

    Josiah alone. Lyss, heavily pregnant, came to confront them¡­¡±

    ¡°Is that all? Didn¡¯t you check out the rest of the video?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s more? Leo, is there more to that video?¡±

    Since the time Leo had arrived at Josiah¡¯s banquet, he dared not utter a single word. No matter how

    much Molly interrogated him, he didn¡¯t dare to speak another word.

    Josiah¡¯s voice eseried

    LT

    Chapter 146 Not Showing Mercy.

    Leo¡¯s head dropped even lower, pleading, ¡°Mr. Guerra, it was Lysanne. Lysanne told me to bring Aunt

    Molly and Uncle Howard over. It isn¡¯t my doing..

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What else did she say?¡±

    Leo remained silent.

    ¡°Speak!¡±

    Leo shuddered, stammering. ¡°Lysanne said¡­ ever since Grandma Elisa¡¯s incident, you¡¯ve refused to

    see her. You wouldn¡¯t even take her calls and she couldn¡¯t find you at work or at home. She thought if

    Aunt Molly and Uncle Howard saw her pregnant and being mistreated, they, as elders, could speak to

    you on her behalf and maybe exert some pressure on you.¡±

    Josiah was furious. ¡°Didn¡¯t she know that today was my grandmother¡¯s funeral? Why did she have to

    cause trouble today of all days? Doesn¡¯t she also know the state of Mrs. Thorne¡¯s health? Isn¡¯t she

    afraid that learning about this will worsen Mrs. Thorne¡¯s condition? She just caused the death of my

    grandmother, and now she doesn¡¯t even care about her own mother¡¯s health?¡±

    Leo was so berated that he didn¡¯t dare to retort, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Lysanne was just afraid of losing you.

    Actually, the real troublemaker is that doctor. If she hadn¡¯t barged in and married you, things wouldn¡¯t

    have been soplicated.¡±

    ¡°Trouble? What do you mean by trouble? She went overseas to get married and have children, and I¡¯m

    supposed to wait for her here like a monk in penance for a lifetime? Then, the moment she returns, I¡¯m

    expected to gratefully pick up the pieces, raising another man¡¯s child. Is that what you call no trouble?¡±

    No words escaped Leo¡¯s lips.

    ¡°Also, I¡¯m going to use the opportunity today to rify this in front of Mr. and Mrs. Thome. I am married.

    Dr. Lysander and I are legally wedded spouses, protected byw. Lysander is not the home wrecker

    you all make her out to be. If you or Lysanne dare to trouble Lysander again, don¡¯t me me for not

    showing

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147

    Chapter 147 Not Suitable In Adulthood

    Leo questioned, ¡°Josiah, what¡¯s really going on with you? Didn¡¯t you marry Dr. Thorne just because her

    name sounded like Lysanne¡¯s, using her as a stand¨Cin? Now that my real sister is back, why are you

    still so protective of her?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± barked Josiah.

    ¡°Josiah-

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me like I¡¯m your buddy. I never was, and I never will be.¡± What Josiah said was rather harsh.

    Is he preparing

    to sever ties with Lysanne? Upon hearing those words, Lynn was slightly taken aback, stealing a subtle

    nce at Lysander.

    Adrian was casually leaning back, arms crossed, looking as if he was merely a spectator at a y.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    The Sutton and Guerra families were among the most reputable households in Harborbrook. Even

    though Adrian had been overseas and didn¡¯t have a personal rtionship with Josiah, he was probably

    aware of the various rumors circting within each family,

    At the very least, there was his younger brother, the charming yboy, Aiden.

    During the years Adrian spent out of the country, Aiden treated Josiah as if he were his older brother.

    Also, no one understood theplex emotions between Josiah and Lysander better than Aiden.

    All Adrian had to do was ask Aiden about the ins and outs of the situation and he would know

    everything.

    Howard was the first to be anxious. ¡°Josiah, what do you mean by that? You and Lyss¡­¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Mr. Thorne, a lot has happened recently¡­ It made me rethink many things. The feelings

    we had in our youth may not be suitable for us in adulthood. We have changed so much over the

    years, and we are no longer the children we used to be.¡±

    ¡°I can understand, really. The child Lyss is carrying isn¡¯t yours. As a man, that¡¯s understandably hard to

    ept.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, the child isn¡¯t the main issue.¡°.

    ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because she was responsible for the death of Old Mrs. Guerra!¡± Adrian took a deep breath,

    speaking softly. ¡°When Old Mrs. Guerra was on herst breath, giving her final words, Ms. Lysanne

    caused amotion in the ward, leading to Old Mrs. Guerra¡¯s resentful demise.¡±

    Howard and Molly were taken aback. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The whole hospital was buzzing with this incident, and there were quite a few who had witnessed it

    firsthand.¡±

    Howard still found it hard to believe, so he turned to look at Leo instead.

    Chapter 147 Not Suitable In Adulthood

    Howard still found it hard to believe, so he turned to look at Leo instead.

    Leo dared not speak, his head lowered to avoid Howard¡¯s gaze. Yet, his silence was his tacit

    acknowledgement.

    Molly waspletely stunned, rooted to the spot. ¡°Oh my goodness¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just that. Lynn finally had a chance to speak, and she let it all out, venting her frustration. ¡°I

    guess you two haven¡¯t seen the second half of that video. The child Ms. Lysanne was carrying has

    brown skin! Her child isn¡¯t even of Aplothian descent, much less Mr. Guerra¡¯s child! Earlier, Leo kept

    insisting that the child was Mr. Guerra¡¯s. Hahaha, if this child is born, that would be the biggest joke

    ever. Mr. Guerra¡¯s son being a dark¨Cskinned child would make Mr. Guerra theughingstock of the

    entire Harborbrook!¡±

    Howard eximed in surprise, ¡°Dark¨Cskinned?¡±

    Lynn pointed toward the operating room behind Howard. ¡°When I performed the procedure on Ms.

    Lysanne earlier, the child was already removed. It¡¯s in there. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can go see for

    yourself.¡±

    Lynn had a demeanor that suggested a long¨Cawaited vengeance was about to be served. She eagerly

    wanted Howard and Molly to go inside and see everything clearly for themselves.

    Howard¡¯s face was filled with disbelief. ¡°How¡­ How is this possible? Leo! Tell me!¡±

    Leo was nearly in tears. ¡°Uncle Howard, if Lysanne ended up in bed with someone, she wouldn¡¯t tell

    me. I honestly don¡¯t know¡­¡±

    ¡°Just tell me if this is true or not!¡±

    Leo was hesitant.

    ¡°Speak up!¡±

    In the end, Leo answered, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true.¡±

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148

    Chapter 148 Do Not Want To Meet

    ¡°Aunt Molly!¡± shouted Leo.

    Howard eximed, ¡°Doctor!¡±

    Molly had fainted and was rushed to the emergency room.

    Leo and Howard apanied Molly when Josiah came over and stood in front of Lysander.

    Lysander looked at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to check on them? I¡¯m afraid Leo might not be doing so well.¡±

    ¡°Are you all right?¡± asked Josiah.

    ¡°What could possibly happen to me?¡±

    ¡°Leo didn¡¯t do anything excessive, did he?¡±

    ¡°He wanted to hit me. Does that count?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s entire body immediately went cold. ¡°He dared toy a hand on you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s all bark and no bite,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯ve seen countless others like him causing a ruckus in the

    medical field. They¡¯re just trying to scare people. They wouldn¡¯t dare to actually do anything.¡±

    Josiah still wore a face of disagreement. ¡°What if he really does something?¡±

    Lysander turned around, pointing toward the entrance of the ward, which was not too far away.

    Josiah furrowed his brows, asking silently.

    ¡°I would dash in that direction, toward the DNA nanostructure separator the hospital had recently

    imported from overseas. Don¡¯t be fooled by its small size, it cost tens of millions. If he dared toy a

    hand on me, I¡¯d simply hide behind it. If it got damaged, he¡¯d have to pay the full price. That would

    teach him a lesson he¡¯d never forget.¡±

    Josiah was left speechless.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have experience dealing with troublemaker at hospitals.¡±

    Josiah let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°We don¡¯t have any ties now, so there¡¯s no need for you to worry about me. As for

    Lysanne, she lost her child and today, she lost dignity in public. You might need tofort her

    afterward.¡±

    ¡°Her affairs are no longer my concern.¡±

    From not too far away, the anxious call of Howard could be heard, ¡°Josiah, Josiah-¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I guess Leo really isn¡¯t doing well. You should go quickly.¡±

    Josiah gave her a deep look, then nced at Adrian standing next to her. He instructed, ¡°Wait for me a

    little while. I¡¯lle find you once I¡¯ve dealt with things here. I¡­ have something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Tosiah, hurry over here-¡± shouted Howard again.

    3:27 PM

    Chapter 148 Do Not Want To Meet

    ¡°Josiah, hurry over here- shouted Howard again..

    Josiah acknowledged with a response, then insisted, ¡°You must wait for me.¡±

    Then, in a rush, he hurried toward Molly¡¯s emergency room.

    Naturally, Lysander wouldn¡¯t wait. She turned around and left.

    Lynn followed along cheerily, ¡°Dr. Thorne! That was so exhrating just now!¡±

    Lysander yfully tapped her forehead with his finger. ¡°You better hope that Lysanne¡¯s mother is all

    right.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to fear? She fell ill due to her daughter¡¯s ¡®great achievements. I merely stated the facts, it

    has nothing to do with me, right?¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°In theory, it¡¯s none of your business, but if something were to happen to the elderly, could you really be

    at peace with yourself?¡±

    Lynn puffed out her cheeks, finally realizing something. I understand now, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so impulsive in your actions in the future.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander chuckled,forting her. ¡°Still, I¡¯m really grateful for your help today.¡±

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve been fed up with Ms. Lysanne for a long time. Her parents seem like educated and

    reputable people. I wonder how they ended up with such an arrogant and pretentious daughter¡­¡±

    Lysander sighed twice. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because she had been living abroad for several years that she

    became rather self¨Ccentered.¡±

    ¡°Being self¨Ccentered is not to harm others, and being self¨Ccentered does not equate to selfishness.¡±

    After some thought, Lysander nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, your ex¨Chusband¡­ He asked you to wait for him, will you?¡±

    Lysanderughed. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m foolish?¡±

    That day wasn¡¯t originally her scheduled day to work. She was called in due to themotion caused

    by Lysanne.

    Once she had taken care of everything, there was no way she would stay there, waiting foolishly.

    Moreover, she wasn¡¯t just saying it for the sake of it when she expressed her desire to never see

    Josiah again.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149

    Chapter 149 I Was Wrong

    After tidying up her office, Lysander hailed a cab and headed to the cemetery.

    At the entrance, she purchased a bouquet of white chrysanthemums and ced it in front of Elisa¡¯s

    mbstone.

    The tombstone bore a photo of Elisa, a picture of her in her kindly old age. It seemed to hark back to

    the time when Lysander had just married Josiah. Elisa had a teasing smile on her face, expressing her

    wish for them to give her a great¨Cgrandchild soon.

    ¡°Grandma Elisa, I¡¯vee to see you.¡± Lysander gave Elisa¡¯s tombstone a deep bow.

    ¡°It seems your dream of having a great¨Cgrandchild is no longer possible,¡± she said with a bitter smile.

    ¡°However, I will visit you often in the future. If there¡¯s anything you need on the other side, you can let

    me know through my dreams. Apart from having a great¨Cgrandchild, if there¡¯s anything else within my

    power, I will find a way to do it for you.¡±

    On the way home, her phone was insistently ringing.

    Lysander casually ended the call.

    When it rang again, she immediately turned off the phone.

    As soon as she arrived home, she saw Daphne anxiously standing at the door. ¡°Daphne?¡±

    Daphne immediately rushed over. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you? Where have you been? You had me

    worried sick.¡±

    Lysander looked perplexed. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°I thought you were losing hope and¡­¡± Daphne shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡±

    Still somewhat bewildered, Lysander entered the house and opened the door. It wasn¡¯t until she went

    to the study to boil some water that she finally understood what was going on.

    ¡°Josiah had been frantically searching for you everywhere, unable to reach you. He just left,¡± informed

    Daphne.

    Lysander showed no particr reaction. ¡°What brings him to me?¡±

    Daphne smacked her lips. ¡°He didn¡¯t say.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Lysander, that mistress¡­ She¡¯s really carrying a dark¨Cskinned child in her womb, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    Lysander nced at her. ¡°Did you see the video?¡±

    Daphne vented, ¡°I couldn¡¯t have avoided it even if I wanted to. She is really something, always making

    a grand spectacle of herself. Wasn¡¯t she just recently seen attending numerous banquets with Josiah,

    proiming herself as Mrs. Guerra everywhere she went? Oh right, you know about the Fuller family

    from East Harborbrook, don¡¯t you? Their grandson just had his first month celebration, and she went

    there with Josiah as well. I heard it ended up quite unpleasantly, with a big quarrel erupting during the

    celebration. Old

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Chapter 149 | Was Wrong

    Mr. Fuller was furious, considering he had invited almost all the celebrities from Harborbrook to the

    party. By now, probably the whole of Harborbrook knows that Josiah ended up with a shrew. Now, it¡¯s

    not just that they know he¡¯s with a shrew, but they also know he¡¯s being cuckolded.¡±

    Lysander recalled the weing party and the quarrel.

    It was that time when Josiah got drunk.

    Daphne went on, ¡°After years of anticipation, Old Mr. Fuller finally weed a grandson whom he

    cherished. immensely. However, the celebration of the baby¡¯s first month was spoiled by that

    homewrecker. Rumor has it that he was furious afterward. Even Josiah personally came to apologize.¡±

    ¡°He did?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but what¡¯s done is done. Out of respect for the longstanding friendship between the two families,

    Old Mr. Fuller didn¡¯t voice his frustrations openly. However, everyone in our circle knew that he had

    already warned his son and daughter¨Cinw to limit their interactions with the Guerra family. He said

    that Lysanne was a troublemaker who would eventually lead to Josiah¡¯s downfall.¡±

    The kettle was whistling, indicating the water hade to a boil.

    Lysander brewed a cup of coffee for each of them, handing one to Daphne. ¡°We¡¯ve spoken quite a bit.

    Have some coffee to soothe your throat.¡±

    Daphne took it, but it was unbearably hot. She immediately ced it on the table. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it here for a

    while. It¡¯s too hot.¡°¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Daphne¡¯s phone rang again.

    She nced over, then directly asked Lysander, ¡°It¡¯s Josiah. What should I say?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go out for dinner. It¡¯s my treat. What would you like to

    eat?¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips. ¡°All right, I get what you mean.¡±

    She picked up the phone, and from Josiah¡¯s end, there was the sound of the wind howling. His voice

    carried a

    news on your end?¡±

    hint of panting, clearly indicating his urgency. ¡°Ms. Everhart, have you received, ¡°ling. His voice carried

    a

    ¡°Ah, um, Mr. Guerra, Lysander is fine¡­¡±

    ¡°Has she gone home?¡±

    ¡°She dide back, but¡­ well, you know what she means. She doesn¡¯t really want to see you again in

    the future. If you have anything to say, just say it here. I¡¯ll turn on the speaker. She¡¯ll be able to hear.¡±

    Daphne pressed the speakerphone button.

    On the other end of the phone, there was the howling of strong winds, apanied by his deep,

    steady breathing.

    One could still faintly hear the cries of the seagulls.

    It would seem Josiah had gone to the seaside.

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150

    Chapter 150 Your Regrets Are Your Business

    Lysander remained silent.

    Josiah didn¡¯t say a word either.

    Daphne held her phone, not daring to utter a single word.

    Within the vast room, the only sound was the whistling wind echoing from the telephone.

    After a long while, the somewhat choked voice of Josiah was finally heard.

    ¡°I let my grandmother down. Thest time we were at the resort, my mother had a hypertension crisis.

    Her interference almost dyed the emergency treatment. That should have been a wake¨Cup call for

    me, but I never imagined she would dare to cause such a scene in front of my grandmother. And my

    grandmother, she didn¡¯t even get to finish herst words¡­ Also, the children¡­ Our children¡­ I had

    everything. a gentle wife, a warm home, and an unborn child. But now, Lysander, every time I see other

    people¡¯s children, it feels like my heart has been brutally stabbed¡­ Why has ite to this? I really¡­

    I¡¯m filled with regret¡­ Lysander¡­¡± his voice was hoarse and deep, yet it seemed to carry a plea. ¡°If I

    were to now¡­¡±

    Lysander interrupted him coldly, ¡°Josiah, there¡¯s no such thing as ¡®if¡® in this world.¡±

    Josiah said nothing.

    ¡°If you¡¯re feeling regretful, then that¡¯s on you. We¡¯re divorced now, we¡¯re simply strangers. Thest time

    you got drunk and acted out, I could forgive you once. However, I owe you nothing. I won¡¯t use my life

    to fix your mistakes. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    ¡°I understand, but¡­¡­.

    ¡°There are no ¡®buts,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Before we decided to divorce, I gave you numerous chances. It

    was you who made the choice, her over me. Have you forgotten?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°So, you regret it now, and what? Should I be overwhelmed with gratitude and wee back the

    prodigal son? Josiah, what do you tal

    me for? Before, you treated me as a substitute for Lysanne, and now, what? You

    see me as a backup?¡±

    Still, Josiah remained silent.

    ¡°We¡¯ve lived together for three years, and I was oblivious to your affair with Lysander before. However,

    now that I know, do you really think I¡¯m the kind of woman who can¡¯t survive without you?¡±

    After a lengthy hesitation, Josiah perhaps realized his audacity and let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Of course,

    you¡¯re

    not

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander said. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to put it so harshly. We¡¯ve parted ways, and we should just move on.

    Josiah, if you could have continued to love Lysander with all your heart for a hundred years, I might

    have seen you as a man of deep affection. However, what does it mean now that you tell me you regret

    it?¡±

    No words parted from Josiah¡¯s lips.

    ¡°I had it all nned out. Your mother was admitted to our hospital. She¡¯s a wonderful person and has

    always treated me well. I intended to ask my colleagues to take extra care of her. We could¡¯ve

    asionally bumped into each other and greeted each other politely and calmly. We could¡¯ve

    maintained our civility! Did you really have to shatter this delicate bnce? Are you only satisfied when

    we¡¯re at odds, treating each other like enemies whenever we meet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry

 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151

    Chapter 151 No Longer Have Children

    Perhaps it was because she had never seen Lysander speak so much at once, or maybe it was

    because she had never seen her in such a hysterical state before, but either way, Daphne was quite

    taken aback.

    Lysander sighed. ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s just leave it at that. Don¡¯t seek me out anymore and don¡¯t call me either.

    What¡¯s done is done. If you have regrets, find Lysanne. Whether you want to break up or get married, I

    don¡¯t want to be involved in your affairs. I don¡¯t even want to hear a single word about it.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne is no longer able to conceive,¡± replied Josiah.

    Daphne was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The doctor just informed me. Her injuries this time are far too severe. She won¡¯t be able to have

    children int the future.¡±

    Startled, Daphne lifted her head and nced at Lysander.

    Lysander tightly pressed her lips together, remaining silent.

    With a self¨Cdeprecatingugh, Josiah said, ¡°You¡¯re right, I brought this upon myself. I apologize for

    disturbing you. It won¡¯t happen again. Goodbye, Lysander.¡±

    After hearing the busy tone on the phone, it took quite a while before Lysander finally rxed.

    She slumped onto the couch, unable to regain herposure for a long time.

    The surgery Lysanne underwent wasn¡¯t one Lysander had personally handled. She hadn¡¯t inquired

    about the specifics, but it turned out, shockingly, Lysanne couldn¡¯t have children anymore.

    It also took Daphne quite a while to regain herposure. That homewrecker is infertile? Didn¡¯t she

    lose the baby? How could she be infertile?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°My goodness, if Josiah marries her, wouldn¡¯t that be the end of his lineage?¡± Daphne finished, shaking

    her head. ¡°Impossible. The Guerra family has such arge estate that they definitely need an heir. He¡¯ll

    surely have to marry again in the future. No matter how much they love each other, he can¡¯t possibly

    not want children, right?¡±

    Lysander chuckled softly, not uttering a word. ¡°That is their business.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    When she went to work the next day, she paid a visit to Prisci.

    Prisci had be even thinner.

    The youngdy was already quite slender in her pursuit of beauty. At that moment, she had be

    skin and bones, with her skin taking on a dull yellow hue. There was also a hint of dark circles under

    her eyes.

    Lysander¡¯s appearance delighted Prisci. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander adjusted the nket for her. ¡°How have you been feelingtely?¡±

    Prisci gave augh, though it was more pitiful than a cry. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±

    Lysander looked at Prisci in that state, feeling uneasy as well. ¡°Is Harry¡¯s mother still forcing you to

    undergo a gender verification? Where is he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s swamped with work, finding it difficult to spare time for a visit.¡±

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    Chapter 151 No Longer Have Children

    ¡°What about his mother?¡±

    ¡°She returned to her hometown,¡± Prisci revealed, lifting her quilt to expose her swollen belly. ¡°My

    mother- inw insisted that the shape of my belly indicated it was a girl. She pressured me to

    terminate the pregnancy. I refused, leading to a huge argument, after which she left for her hometown.¡±

    ¡°What about Harry? Why didn¡¯t he say anything?¡±

    Prisci gave a wry smile. ¡°He didn¡¯t dare toe to the hospital. The incident between you and Mrs.

    Guerra yesterday was too explosive. Mrs. Guerra made Mr. Guerra look like a fool, and since he was

    previously very close with Mrs. Guerra, he¡¯s afraid that Mr. Guerra might vent his anger on him¡­¡±

    Upon hearing that, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but let out a sarcasticugh.

    Indeed, that was the Harry she knew.

    At best he was avoiding danger and being savvy: at worst he was nothing more than aplete

    scoundrel!

    Previously, Lysanne had indeed stood up for him. However, when Lysanne was in trouble, he ran faster

    than anyone else!

    ¡°Prisci, do you¡­ want to continue this marriage?¡± Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ask again, ¡°Living your

    whole life with a man whocks responsibility, you¡¯ll be faced with endless hardship.¡±

    ¡°What could I

    ¡°What could I do? Divorce him? What about our child?¡± wondered Prisci.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152

    Chapter 152 Threatening The Parents

    Chapter 152 Threatening The Parents

    Lysander had thought countless times about saying, ¡°End the pregnancy, get a divorce, and start life

    anew.¡±

    However, Prisci loved her unborn child so deeply, and as her doctor, Lysander felt it was

    inappropriate for her to encourage an abortion repeatedly.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Additionally, there was the fact that Prisci was still young, and she found herself pregnant shortly

    after graduation, even before getting married.

    She had absolutely no work experience to speak of, but she had a decent job that paid well, so that

    gave her more than a little confidence.

    Even though Prisci¡¯s father was a hospital director, deep down, she hadn¡¯t yet fully transitioned from

    a little girl to apetent career woman. In the end, it was because her inner self wasn¡¯t strong

    enough.

    ¡°Lysander, I truly admire you.¡± Prisci confessed. ¡°You¡¯re so decisive and straightforward. When it¡¯s

    time to divorce, you don¡¯t hesitate or make things messy. However, my situation is different from yours.

    I already have a child. I can¡¯t be as carefree as you.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t sure what advice to give.

    Perhaps the question was whether or not Lysander should persuade her.

    ¡°Then you¡­ make sure to eat well, rest properly, and take good care of yourself. Even if it¡¯s for the

    sake of the child, you can¡¯t afford to lose any more weight.¡±

    Prisci¡¯s eyes were slightly teary. ¡°Mm, thank you, Lysander.¡±

    After leaving the ward, Lysander continued her rounds.

    The other expecting mothers were faring well, although their gazes toward her held a hint of fear.

    Lynn said, ¡°It could be because of what happened at the hospital entrance yesterday. You were so

    formidable that everyone¡¯s probably scared of you now.¡±

    Lysander retorted, ¡°If someone tries to ruin my reputation and livelihood, it would be strange if I didn¡¯t

    fight back.¡±

    Lynn deeply agreed with her, giving her a big thumb up.

    As Lysander was making her way down the corridor, preparing to return to her office, she heard a

    familiar

    voice once more,

    She had a keen ear for voices. Just from hearing the first few words, she recognized it. It was the

    mother of Lysanne.

    Molly pleaded, ¡°Josiah, I¡¯m begging you. Lyss has always had a strong sense of pride. This incident

    has be public knowledge. If you reject her now, she will lose her mind. Josiah, can you consider it

    as saving Lyss¡® life? I¡¯ll beg you on my knees¡­¡±

    Then, a thud was heard.

    From the corner of her eye, Lysander saw the middle¨Caged woman who was originally seated in the

    wheelchair had fallen to the ground, sprawling on the floor. ¡°Josiah¡­ I beg you, I truly beg you¡­

    Her husband, a towering man in his fifties, was hunched over at that moment. He helped his wife up

    and settled her back into her wheelchair. Then, he took Josiah¡¯s hand, pleading, ¡°Josiah, we, the

    Thorne family, have wronged you. Whatever you want, you can have. You can control ourpany

    and our assets as vou

    2/2

    4:06 PM

    Chapter 152 Threatening The Parents

    THATY mvnguu juu, mEIDAWTUL yuu main, you can have. iou can vomuvi QUI

    ompany aIJU VUI BIJ?ia as you

    wish. We only have one daughter, Lysander. If anything happens to her, how are we supposed to live

    out the rest of our lives?¡±

    From the ward behind them, there came a heart¨Cwrenching roar.

    ¡°I can¡¯t go on living! Let me go! I can¡¯t bear the shame of existing in this world any longer! Let me die!¡±

    shouted Lysanne.

    Unable to hold back, Lynn remarked, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if this is a threat to the man or her parents.

    The shouting was also mixed with theforting words of the nurses.

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne, please, try to remain calm. Your parents are currently in a discussion with Mr. Guerra.

    The situation hasn¡¯t reached a point where it can¡¯t be salvaged yet¡­

    ¡°Absolutely, just wait a bit longer. Perhaps Mr. Guerra might just change his mind¡­¡±

    Lysanne was still crying out, ¡°Don¡¯t stop me. He doesn¡¯t want me anymore. Let me die. It will all be over

    when I¡¯m gone¡­

    Molly¡¯s heart shattered upon hearing the news, her hands sped together as she pleaded earnestly,

    ¡°Josiah, I beg you to show some mercy to Lyss. She is my life. If she¡¯s gone, I don¡¯t want to live either!¡±

    Howard gritted his teeth in agony, pleading, ¡°Josiah, consider this a debt from the Thorne family. In the

    future, I¡¯ll work like a beast of burden for you, serve you like a ve. Is that okay?¡±

    Lynn was tempted to lean in for another look, but Lysander called out to her, ¡°Lynn, let¡¯s

    ¡°Coming,¡± said Lynn.

    With a pivot of her foot, she departed in the opposite direction,

 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153

    Chapter 153 Returning To The Hometown.

    Daphne asked: Do you regret exposing her scandal in public?

    At that very moment, Lysander had already taken a seat on the high¨Cspeed train bound for home.

    Looking at the WhatsApp message from Daphne, to be honest, she felt there was a tiny bit of regret in

    her

    heart.

    The image of Lysanne¡¯s parents pleading with Josiah that day lingered in her mind for a long time.

    She recalled Susan mentioning a few times before that the Thorne family held some significance.

    Howard, self¨Cmade and industrious, had built a considerable fortune from scratch. In his youth, he was

    an extraordinarily determined and capable man.

    As for Lysanne¡¯s mother, it was said that she was a music teacher and a very respectable and elegant

    woman.

    Yet, for the sake of her daughter, she had no choice but to swallow her pride and humbly ask a favor

    from someone of a younger generation. That left Lysander with a bitter feeling in her heart.

    Daphne said, ¡°Even she, as the daughter, doesn¡¯t feel guilty. Why should you feel upset? She knew

    well that her parents and Josiah were outside, yet she was acting as if she were on her deathbed in the

    ward. Isn¡¯t it just to force her parents to plead with Josiah? Because of the issue with Grandma Elisa,

    Josiah despises her now. If it weren¡¯t for her parents, and she was alone there, acting as if she wanted

    to die, do you think Josiah would bother with her?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Well, he did love her once. How could he just stand by and watch her die?¡±

    Daphneughed. ¡°Do you really believe she would take her life? Let me tell you, those who cry and

    shout about ending their lives are only doing so to manipte others. Those who are truly deste,

    they leave silently, all by themselves.¡±

    ¡°And how do you know about that?¡±

    ¡°During our senior year, I was just like this. Have you forgotten?¡±

    That statement stirred up the deep¨Cseated memories of Lysander once again.

    The situation involved Harry back during senior year.

    Before Daphne evolved into a shrewd, back when she was still the innocent high school girl known as

    Harper, Harry had stepped on her to secure a guaranteed admission to Apex University. She was left

    heartbroken, having failed her own entrance exams, and even dragged her best friend, Lysander, down

    with her. Feeling utterly deste, Harper had secretly run off to Harborbrook, intending to end her life

    by jumping into the

    sca

    By the time her parents realized they couldn¡¯t reach their daughter, it was already the next morning.

    Lysander had searched for her throughout the night, and atst, she found Harper on a seaside rock, in

    the midst of penning her farewell letter.

    Daphne¡¯s voice became unexpectedly emotional. ¡°Lysander, do you know? I was ready to die back

    then. I was prepared to leave quietly without telling anyone. However, you appeared out of nowhere,

    and suddenly, I didn¡¯t want to die anymore. There was someone in this world who was worried about

    me and searched for me all night. I realized then, what did Harry, that b*stard, matter? There was

    someone on this earth who loved me so much. It would have been such a waste if I had just died like

    that.¡±

    406 PM B

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Chapter 153 Returning To The Hometown.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t you hold me and cry a lot back then, promising to take care of me for a

    lifetime? You need to stick to your word, you know.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t, and don¡¯t change the topic. My main point here is that the homewrecker was

    simply using her parents to pressure Josiah, forcing him to ept her. It¡¯s not like she genuinely

    wanted to die.¡±

    Lysander gave a nomittal, ¡°Right.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that now. Is your sister feeling any better?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s brows furrowed once again.

    Her younger sister, Michelle, was just two months away from her crucial exams when her grades

    suddenly plummeted.

    When Lysander inquired about it, it turned out that Michelle had fallen in love.

    Her parents were just ordinary workers, utterly helpless when it came to handling their rebellious

    daughter. Left with no other choice, they called back her academically gifted older sister, hoping she

    could guide the younger one back on track before the crucial college entrance exams.

    Upon hearing that, Daphne clicked her tongue. ¡°This story¡­ Why does it sound so familiar to me?¡±

    It was familiar to her because the same thing happened to her back then.

    Daphne asked, ¡°Have you seen the boy? I hope he¡¯s not another Harry, Version Two.¡±

    Lysander rubbed her temples. ¡°I haven¡¯t met him yet. I guess I¡¯ll meet him this time when I go back.¡±

    ¡°All right, you go ahead and take care of your household matters first. I¡¯ll update you on any

    developments. regarding Josiah and that homewrecker.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother updating me, and don¡¯t continue concerning that. Just go on and live your own life.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154

    Chapter 154 Disparity Is Huge

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Lysander could have never imagined that upon her return home, the first words out of her mother¡¯s

    mouth wouldn¡¯t be a request to check on her younger sister. Instead, it was, ¡°You¡¯re divorced?¡±

    Both of her parents were already over fifty years old. They mostly use their phones to scroll through

    Instagram and order groceries. The scene that day when Lysander caused amotion at the hospital

    entrance could be considered a big deal, yet in another sense, it was somewhat trivial.

    Aside from the clites in Harborbrook, whichmon folk even knew who Lysander was?

    Thus, it was certain that the matter of the divorce was shared with the parents by someone young

    ¡°Where¡¯s Michelle? I¡¯m going to check on her homework,¡± said Lysander.

    With a stern face, Maverick Thorne¡¯s expression was somewhat cold. ¡°Come back here. I¡¯m not done

    talking to you yet.¡±

    ¡°The college entrance examination is still more important.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s mother, Laura Olsen, said, ¡°We¡¯ve enrolled your sister in a tutoring ss, so she¡¯s not at

    home right

    now.

    Lysander came to understand.

    Her parents intentionally sent her sister away, preparing to question her thoroughly.

    Since she couldn¡¯t avoid it anymore, she had no choice but to ept her fate. ¡°Yes, I did have a

    divorce.¡±

    Laura wore a look of confusion. ¡°Why? Is it because you¡¯ve been too busy with work to have children?

    Or is it because of something else¡­¡±

    Maverick interrupted, ¡°What else could it be? The Guerra family is from high society, while ours is just

    an ordinary one. I disagreed when she decided to get married. Lysander, we aren¡¯t the type to rely on

    connections. We don¡¯t expect you to marry into wealth and be a richdy. The gap between our

    family and theirs is too vast. Even if a marriage were decided out of momentary affection, it would

    eventually end due to ipatible worldviews.¡±

    Lysander listened, taking a deep breath.

    Maverick was right in the first part of what he said. The gap between her and Josiah was too wide.

    They, indeed, weren¡¯t a good match.

    However, thetter part was ironically in reverse.

    Lysander¡¯s views actually aligned quite well with Josiah¡¯s. What was missing, however, was that

    ¡°fleeting affection.¡±

    Seeing she remained silent, Laura eventually softened. She patted her daughter¡¯s hand and said, ¡°It¡¯s

    okay. If you¡¯ve decided to divorce, then that¡¯s it. It might even be for the best. I was always worried

    about you being mistreated in the Guerra family. Now that you¡¯ve left, I actually feel more at ease.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod, uttering, ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°How many days off did you request from the hospital for this trip home?¡±

    ¡°Half a month,¡± Lysander said, ¡°Michelle¡¯s college entrance exam is crucial. I¡¯ve assisted the director

    before, and he told me not to rush. He suggested I could return after my sister¡¯s exams are over.¡±

    Mother sighed. ¡°All right. Take some time off these days to rx and refresh your mind.¡±

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    Chapter 154 Disparity Is Huge

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Mom, don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Laura¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°Well, as long as you¡¯re okay. Why don¡¯t you chat with your father for

    a bit? I¡¯ve bought a lot of your favorite foods today, so let¡¯s have a good meal tonight.¡±

    ¡°All right, thanks Mom.¡±

    Discussing matters of the heart with Laura could be considered a heart¨Cto¨Cheart between mother and

    daughter. However, Lysander¡¯s father had always been a strict parent.

    From the moment Lysander stepped through the front door, she noticed Maverick incessantly smoking.

    Discussing such topics with her father, both Lysander and Maverick found it a bit awkward.

    Lysander said, ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve lost weight.¡±

    Maverick nced at her, his frustration evident as he sighed. ¡°You two sisters, not one of you gives me

    peace

    of mind.¡±

    ¡°So what if I¡¯m divorced? It¡¯s not a crime. My work¡¯s been going really well, and the director highly

    appreciates me. Who knows, I might even get promoted in the future. By the way, I¡¯ve been saving up

    to make a down payment on a house in Harborbrook. Once I have my own ce, I¡¯ll bring both you and

    Mom over. Michelle cane back on weekends once she starts college. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice for us to

    all b together?¡±

    Maverick gazed at her leisurely for a while, ultimately giving in, ¡°You¡­ live alone in the city, so take

    good care of your health, and don¡¯t push yourself too hard.¡±

    Feeling touched, Lysander said, ¡°I understand, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Could you just casually buy a house in Harborbrook? Could it be possible without a hefty down

    payment of hundreds of thousands? Then there¡¯s the monthly mortgage payments, amounting to

    thousands, even tens of thousands. Committing to that for thirty years, the pressure is immense.¡±

    Lysander said with a smile, ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. I work in Harborbrook after all, so I need to buy a ce of

    my own to live in.¡±

    Maverick seemed to sense something, asking her worriedly. ¡°When did you and Josiah part ways?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been about two or three months now.¡±

    ¡°Where have you been staying recently?¡±

    ¡°I used to live at Daphne¡¯s ce, butter I rented a house of my own, which is quite close to the

    hospital.¡±

    Maverick scoffed, ¡°So much for being an elite. He kicked you out as soon as the divorce was finalized.

    They sure are ruthless.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155

    Chapter 155 You Are Quite The Gossip

    Lysanderforted, ¡°No, Dad, I wasn¡¯t driven out by the Guerra family. I chose to move out on my

    own.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Of course, you had to move out. The homewrecker has already moved in, pregnant and all. Are you

    going to stay and help her through her postnatal recovery?¡±

    Lysander was left speechless.

    Maverick was still irate. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you just moved out so obediently when they took advantage of

    you. Although the Thorne family may not be prestigious, we¡¯re not afraid of the Guerra family!¡±

    ¡°Dad. I retorted.¡±

    ¡°You call that a retort? You didn¡¯t even utter a harsh word, and you were so polite about it. Well, the

    Guerra family deserved to be publicly humiliated and made aughingstock for everyone to see!¡±

    Lysander chuckled sofily.

    ¡°Why are youughing? You¡¯re still in the mood tough?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I was talking about Josiah. I cursed at him.¡±

    ¡°What did you say to him?¡±

    ¡°I berated him for being blind to the truth, for getting what he deserved, and for being cheated on.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Maverick finally felt a bit relieved. ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Lysa, don¡¯t hold yourself back.

    If you need to vent, then do so. No matter what happens, I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    A pang of sorrow swept over Lysander, and she nodded heavily. ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Maverick said, gently patting her hair, ¡°let¡¯s not talk about this anymore. Since you two are

    divorced now, you should return to your normal life. Don¡¯t rush into buying a house. It¡¯s not a small

    matter. Your mom and I will discuss it further.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°The day I found out about your divorce, I discussed it with your mom. We decided to sell this house

    andbine it with our savings over the years to help you with a down payment¡­

    Upon hearing this, Lysander immediately dismissed the idea. ¡°If we sell the house, where are you and

    Mom going to live?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get so worked up. Sit down and listen to what I have to say,¡± Maverick said, guiding her back to

    her seat. ¡°Although we fall under the jurisdiction of Harborbrook, we are quite a distance away from the

    city center. You, being a young woman living alone there, might face difficulties that your mom and I

    wouldn¡¯t be aware of. Like this time when you got divorced, you didn¡¯t even have a ce toe home

    to and cry. So, your mom and I have decided to move to Harborbrook. We¡¯ll find jobs that provide room

    and board, so we can be closer to you and take care of you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s nose stung. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s buy a house under your name and Mom¡¯s. I¡¯ve managed to

    save some money over the years. We can buy a bigger one and live together.¡±

    ¡°Silly girl.¡± Maverick said affectionately, ¡°your mother and I want to buy you a house before you get

    married. Look, you have a respectable job and soon, a house of your own. If you work a bit harder, you

    can even buy a car formuting. No matter the financial status of your future partner, our family won¡¯t

    be looked down. upon!¡±

    Lysander understood clearly.

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    Chapter 155 You Are Quite The Gossip

    Maverick still believed that her divorce from Josiah was due to their family¡¯s poor conditions and the

    vast disparity between them and the Guerra family.

    He was heartbroken for her and wanted to provide some financial support, hoping that she would never

    have to feel inferior in her future rtionships because of money issues.

    ¡°What about Michelle? If you give me all your savings, what will you do when it¡¯s time for her to get

    married?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll just work harder. Your mom and I are still young. Your mom has done her research, you know.

    These days, being a midwife in the big city pays quite well. It includes meals and amodation, and

    we¡¯re talking over ten thousand a month! As for me, I could start delivering food. I hear there¡¯s a high

    demand in the city, especially among the younger crowd. If I take on a few more orders each day, I

    could earn a bit more¡­ and maybe even set something aside for Michelle¡­ Why are you crying, silly

    girl?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know why she was crying as well.

    The tears couldn¡¯t help but flow.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°What nonsense are you talking about? You¡¯ve already made the Thorne family so proud. Ask anyone

    in this surrounding area. Who doesn¡¯t know that the eldest daughter of the Thorne family is the most

    sessful?¡±

    ¡°But

    you still have to endure hardships at your age.¡±

    ¡°You silly child,¡± Maverick said, a mix of amusement and frustration in his voice as he used his rough

    hand to wipe away her tears, ¡°all parents feel the same about their children. It doesn¡¯t matter if we don¡¯t

    have much as long as our children can livefortably.¡±

    Lysander sniffled. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about buying a houseter, Dad. For now, don¡¯t rush to sell this ce. I

    need to think it over.¡±

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s not rush. We¡¯ll discuss everything once Michelle¡¯s college entrance exams are over.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Feeling any better?¡±

    Lysander managed to turn her tears intoughter. ¡°Yeah, being with my family made me feel much

    better.¡±

    ¡°Then stop crying if you feel much better now.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Maverick sighed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be upset about if we¡¯re not right for them.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, I¡¯ve pretty much gotten over it already.¡±

    ¡°Really? Well then, let me ask you something.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Josiah knows that the girl is carrying the child of a dark¨Cskinned man, right? How are they doing

    now?¡±

    Lysander wiped away a tear, let out a sigh, and chuckled, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re quite a gossip.¡±

 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156

    Chapter 156 He Is Stuck With That Girl

    Maverick revealed a set of pearly white teeth as he chuckled sheepishly.

    Lysander spoke honestly, telling Maverick all about the day she bumped into Lysanne¡¯s parents in the

    hospital humbly pleading with Josiah not to abandon their daughter.

    When Maverick heard about Josiah¡¯s intention to sever ties with Lysanne, his expression was one of

    immensel satisfaction. However, upon hearing about Lysanne¡¯s parents, he let out a long sigh and

    patted Lysander¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It seems he¡¯s stuck with that girl in this lifetime.¡±

    This was more or less what Lysander thought as well.

    Lysanne had lost her ability to bear children, and the health of the elderly Thorne couple was

    deteriorating. While they were still in rtively good health, they wanted to secure a stable future for

    their only daughter.

    Josiah was essentially raised before their eyes, so they knew him inside and out. They had absolute

    faith in his character.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    As long as he gave his approval, thetter half of Lysanne¡¯s life wouldn¡¯t be too shabby.

    Yet, they understood in their hearts that binding Josiah for a lifetime was also unfair to him.

    However, they had no choice. For the sake of their daughter, they had to y the viin. Using their

    status as elders, they pressured him with their health and even their lives. They used every means

    possible to force him to swallow this thorn in his throat.

    that girl¡¯s mother seriously ill¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure myself. All I know is that she has to use a wheelchair, and

    she indeed appears to be quite frail.¡±

    Maverick extinguished his cigarette, sighing. ¡°Having a daughter like this¡­ Well, it¡¯s just¡­¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to continue with the current topic, so she decided to inquire about Michelle¡¯s

    situation. ¡°Dad, you mentioned over the phone that Michelle is in a rtionship. Is he one of her

    ssmates?¡±

    ¡°If only he were her ssmate¡­ Maverick grew exasperated at the mention of that. ¡°He¡¯s her physics

    teacher from the cram school!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The physics teacher¡¯s kid is already in elementary school!¡± Maverick said through gritted teeth.

    This is getting a bit out of hand.

    Lysander furrowed her brows in concern. ¡°Does the physics teacher know about this?¡±

    ¡°Of course he does.¡±

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    Maverick scoffed, ¡°He came to speak with your mom and me once. He said it¡¯s the final stage of the

    college entrance exams and suggested we should let Mich finish her exams before discussing it with

    her. He was worried that a direct rejection might affect Mich¡¯s performance. He sure knows how to

    sweet¨Ctalk, yet he continues to act all friendly with Mich, even going so far as to stay behind to help her

    with her physics.¡±

    The more Lysander listened, the more absurd she thought it was. ¡°Has Michelle¡¯s grades dropped

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    Chapter 156 He Is Stuck With That Girl

    significantly?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She only focuses on physics and neglects all other subjects. It¡¯d be surprising if her grades

    didn¡¯t drop.¡±

    Immediately, Lysander stood up. ¡°I¡¯m going to the cram school to have a chat with that teacher.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what your mom and I were saying. Michelle is quite rebellious these days, and she talks back to

    us! She¡¯s always listened to you. Maybe she¡¯ll listen if you talk to her.¡±

    Lysander asked Maverick for the address of the cram school, then hailed a cab and went straight there.

    ording to Maverick, Michelle¡¯s tutoring ss should end at noon. She arrived at the building fifteen

    minutes before noon. After waiting for a short while downstairs, she spotted Michelle.

    She was still dressed in her school uniform, carrying a backpack over her shoulders. Beside her stood

    a man who appeared to be around thirty years old. He was wearing a suit, with ck¨Cframed sses

    perched on his nose. In one hand, he was holding a stack of folders, while in the other, he was carrying

    arge set square.

    Not far away, Lysander took a moment to size up this physics teacher.

    He appeared slightly younger than Maverick had described. From her father¡¯s words, she had assumed

    he was a bald man. But surprisingly, his hair was quite thick..

    He was fairly good¨Clooking, and he seemed to have a pleasant temperament. He was attentively

    exining something to Michelle, his head bowed slightly.

    Even so, she thought a married man shouldn¡¯t be alone with an underage girl. This alone spoke

    volumes about his character.

    Lysander walked over and called out, ¡°Michelle.¡±

    Michelle froze for a while before brightening up and skipping over. ¡°Lysander! What brings you here?

    Did you just get back?¡±

    ¡°Michelle, could you get me a bottle of water? I¡¯m feeling a bit thirsty.¡±

    Michelle obediently nodded. ¡°All right, wait for me. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    She headed toward the nearby convenience store, carrying her backpack. Her ponytail swung back

    and forth as she ran

    Lysander withdrew her gaze, just in time to see the physics teacher passing by her side.

    He seemed to have noticed her talking with Michelle. Knowing they were family, he even gave a

    friendly nod in greeting with a smile.

    As he brushed past her, Lysander called out to him, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Michelle¡¯s sister.¡±

    The physics teacher halted in his tracks, giving a polite smile. ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°May I have a talk with you?¡±

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157

    Chapter 157 Do You Truly Not Remember Me

    The physics teacher seemed somewhat taken aback. ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Correct¡±

    ¡°Sure, but I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯d like to talk about¡±

    Lysander nced in the direction of the convenience store. Cram school had just ended, and many

    students were inside buying things. Michelle was still stuck inside and wouldn¡¯t be able to get out so

    soon.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase,¡± Lysander said. ¡°A married man with a child should be responsible for his wife

    and kid. He shouldn¡¯t take advantage of his age and experience to manipte an underage girl,

    potentially jeopardizing her future. Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    The man wore a look of surprise, but it quickly gave way to a knowing smile.

    ¡°Are you Michelle¡¯s family?¡±

    ¡°I am her sister, her biological sister.¡±

    The man nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°Hello, my name is Zachary Powell.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Powell.¡±

    Zachary seemed to find the situation somewhat amusing, yet absurd. ¡°All right, I can ept being

    addressed that way.

    As they were speaking, Michelle returned with joy.

    ¡°Lysander, here¡¯s your water! It¡¯s chilled.¡±

    Lysander took it, saying, ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Michelle spread her hands out in front of her, pouting yfully. ¡°I want my money back.¡±

    Lysander scoffed, ¡°You¡¯re practically an adult now, yet you¡¯re still acting like a child.¡±

    Michelle clung to her arm affectionately. ¡°Lysander, my dear sister, why have you only just returned? I

    have so many things to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go home. Mom has prepared a lot of delicious food. Say goodbye to Mr. Powell¡±

    Michelle paused for a moment, ncing at Zachary, then back to Lysander, her expression slightly

    surprised. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t you recognize Zachary?¡±

    Upon hearing this address, Lysander felt a bit irritated.

    They¡¯re teacher and student, but she¡¯s calling him by his name so intimately

    Lysander furrowed her brows and chastised, ¡°Show some respect to your teacher.¡±

    ¡°But Zachary doesn¡¯t teach me.¡±

    Lysander wondered, He doesn¡¯t? Isn¡¯t he the physics teacher from the cram school? What on earth is

    going on?

    Zachary chuckled softly. ¡°Lysander, do you truly not remember me?¡±

    2/2

    Chapter 157 Do You Truly Not Remember Me

    Lysander racked her brain, searching for anyone with the name Zachary Powell.

    She couldn¡¯t remember anything and candidly shook her head.

    At this point, even Michelle couldn¡¯t hold back: ¡°Lysander, have you forgotten Zachary, Mdm. Cam¡¯s

    son? When you were filling out your college applications, it was him who suggested you to go to a

    medical university.¡±

    Lysander finally remembered.

    Cam Larson was Laura¡¯s close friend. They used to work in the same department.

    At the time, her failure in the college entrance exams had been a shock to everyone in the family.

    Given her academic performance, even if she wasn¡¯t guaranteed a spot at Apex University, getting in

    shouldn¡¯t have been a problem.

    However, due to the situation between Daphne and Harryter on, her performance in the college

    entrance exams was not up to par. She fell short of the admission cut¨Coff for Apex University by more

    than ten points.

    She had considered repeating a year to retake the college entrance exams. However, her family¡¯s

    financial situation was tight. Michelle was an average student, and the uing cost of extra tutoring

    for her would be even more substantial. Yet, her grades were quite good, making it a shame to settle

    for an average university.

    Maverick and Laura were not highly educated, merely ordinary workers, and had no clue about what to

    do.

    In the end, it was during a visit from Cam¡¯s son that she received a piece of advice. He suggested

    that she should go to a medical university. Given her impressive academic performance, she could

    easily secure a full schrship. Moreover, upon graduation, she would be assigned to a job at Central

    Hospital, which would solve any employment concerns. If she was interested in further studies, she

    could even consider applying for postgraduate studies at the medical department of Apex University.

    While she always remembered Cam, she didn¡¯t recall that Cam¡¯s husband¡¯s surname was Powell.

    When filling out the form for her preferred university, she was distracted by numerous legal issues.

    Moreover, she was also worried about Daphne, so she didn¡¯t get the chance to ask the young man¡¯s

    name.

    Perhaps she had asked out of politeness, but then she had forgotten about itter.

    ¡°Lysander, Mdm. Cam heard about me taking the college entrance exams this year, so she

    specifically sent Zachary to give me some advice on which university to apply for.¡±

    At this point, Lysander finally realized she had mistaken his identity.

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158

    Chapter 158 The Romance Between Young Boys And Girls.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Zachary.¡±

    Zachary adjusted his ck¨Cframed sses, demonstrating magnanimity as he said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. We

    haven¡¯t been in touch for so many years. It¡¯s no wonder you don¡¯t remember me.¡±

    Lysander chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Where are you working now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m working in an architectural designpany in Harborbrook.¡±

    ¡°That sounds great.¡±

    ¡°Well, those of us in construction have to work on¨Csite. It¡¯s exhausting.¡±

    Construction?

    No wonder he¡¯s holding a set square. It seems there are also a few other professional measuring

    instruments in his hands. although they¡¯re quite small I was too preupied with worrying about

    Michelle to notice.

    Pleasantries aside, Lysander had another matter weighing on her mind¨CMichelle and the physics

    teacher.

    As if seeing right through her thoughts, Zachary took the initiative and suggested, ¡°It¡¯s still a bit early for

    dinner. Shall we find a ce to sit for a while?¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. Does he know what¡¯s going on?

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    Michelle gently tugged at her sleeve..

    Lysander turned around, only to see Michelle blushing with her head lowered.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Let me introduce you to someone¡­

    Michelle stretched out her hand, pointing toward a spot not too far away.

    A young boy, dressed in a matching school uniform and carrying a shoulder bag, was pushing a bicycle

    with one hand. In his other hand, he was casually bouncing a basketball. He was engaged in a lively

    conversation with another student beside him, which showed that he was quite popr among his

    peers.

    ¡°Lysander, what do you think?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°He seems quite cheerful.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the captain of our school¡¯s basketball team.¡±

    Lysander came to a realization. She folded her arms and smiled at Michelle. ¡°It¡¯s not your physics

    teacher?¡±

    With a blush on her face, Michelle said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a long story¡­ I need to go and talk to him about

    something. You chat with Zachary for a while.¡±

    After speaking, she didn¡¯t even wait for Lysander¡¯s approval before darting off.

    Chapter 158 The Romance Between Young Boys And Girls

    The boy was clearly waiting for her too. All the other ssmates had left, leaving him alone, standing

    by the roadside with his bicycle. Seeing Michelle running toward him, he naturally handed her the

    snack hanging on

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    the handle of the bike.

    Then, he smoothly took Michelle¡¯s backpack and slung it over his shoulder.

    ¡°The romance between young boys and girls is quite adorable, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Snapping back to reality, Lysander noticed that Zachary was also looking at the young couple ahead.

    She smiled softly and gave a slight nod. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    It was far better than she had anticipated.

    At the very least, he wasn¡¯t a married physics teacher with a child.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We should move a bit further away. Those two youngsters might feel ufortable with you

    around.¡±

    Lysander had also noticed it.

    Michelle was pointing in her direction, saying something to the boy.

    The boy noticed her gaze and immediately stiffened, standing as straight as if he had just seen the

    dean.

    He then gave a deep bow.

    Lysander felt both embarrassed and somewhat amused.

    Michelle waved at her and called out, ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander signaled a phone call gesture to her, which Michelle instantly understood and responded with

    apliant nod.

    ¡°Is this a secret code between you sisters?¡±

    ¡°Well, sort of. I asked her to call me once she¡¯s done,¡± Lysander exined.

    Zachary nodded and pointed to a caf¨¦ not far away. ¡°Shall we sit there?¡±

    After listening to what Zachary had to say, Lysander finally understood what the issue with the so¨C

    called physics teacher was all about.

    In simpler terms, Michelle had fallen for a boy who was an average student.

    Although she wasn¡¯t as academically gifted as Lysander, getting into a top public university was not an

    issue.

    However, the boy faced considerable challenges. Despite putting in tremendous effort, he could only

    get into a second¨Ctier public university based on his results from several mock exams.

    Maverick and Laura had nned for Michelle to follow in Lysander¡¯s footsteps. This was considered

    the most stable route. Whether she chose to remain in Harborbrook for her medical studies or to join

    Zachary at a university focused on science and engineering, both options would ensure her continued

    closeness to her family.

    However, the problem was that there weren¡¯t any decent second¨Ctier public universities in

    Harborbrook.

    4:06 PM 1.

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    The boy¡¯s family intended to send him to Apex City, which was over a thousand kilometers away from

    Harborbrook, Consequently, the young lovers would find themselves in a long¨Cdistance rtionship

    during their passionate phase of love.

    Zachary said, ¡°Your parents are strongly against her dating at a young age. Every time she tried to

    discuss it with them, they¡¯d shut her down with ¡°Why don¡¯t you learn from your sister? Once, after a

    particrly fierce argument, Michelle, out of frustration, deliberately imed that she was in love with

    her physics teacher. This left your parents fuming, of course.¡±

    After listening to everything, Lysander rubbed her temples. Why do I have to take the me for this?

    ¡°Lysander, did you return this time with your husband?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just me.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± Zachary pointed toward the door of the caf¨¦.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°It seems that car has been following you.¡±

    Send Gifts

    310

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159

    Chapter 159 He Is Not Josiah

    In her rather remote hometown, the sight of a Cayenne was extremely rare.

    Upon taking a look, Lysander immediately withdrew her

    gaze.

    ¡°Should we call the police?¡± Zachary asked.

    ËÄ

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°This area is pretty bustling. It could just be a coincidence that we¡¯re on the

    same route. They might not be following me.¡±

    Zachary gave a somewhat relieved chuckle. ¡°I was just a bit worried that it might be a troublemaker

    from the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ve always had a pretty good rtionship with my pregnant patients.¡±

    Zachary finally rxed and continued to talk to her about Michelle. ¡°Michelle is about to take her

    college entrance exams. She mentioned to me today that she wants to go to university in Apex City

    with that boy.¡±

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°All right, I understand the situation now. I¡¯ll have a word with

    Michelleter.¡±

    ¡°That boy is actually quite decent. When ites to studying, sometimes it¡¯s about natural talent. Even

    though he¡¯s just average academically, he excels in sports. It¡¯s also quite an achievement if he

    manages to secure a ce in a top¨Ctier physical education university. After graduation, bing a

    sports teacher wouldn¡¯t be such a bad thing.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Zachary, so you approve of Michelle being with that be?¡±

    Chapter 159 He Is Not Josiah

    ¡°Well, you see, Michelle isn¡¯t my biological sister, so whether I approve or disapprove doesn¡¯t really

    matter. I simply admire him for his courage. If I had possessed such bravery at his age..

    Zachary trailed off. He tilted his head back and downed a cup of bitter coffee in one go.

    Lysanderforted, ¡°Life, you see, is all about gains and losses. It alles down to the choices we

    make.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, have you ever regretted it?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to regret?¡±

    ¡°Not having experienced a pure and innocent love during your school days.¡±

    Lysander did not respond.

    ¡°I deeply regret it.¡± Zachary gave a bitter smile. ¡°But it seems like regret doesn¡¯t do much good now.¡±

    Right then, the door of the caf¨¦ was open as someone made their entrance.

    The sweet and charming voice of the waitress standing by the bar rang out. ¡°Wee, may I take your

    order?¡±

    Lysander was sitting with her back toward the entrance. She couldn¡¯t see anyone, but she could hear a

    voice ordering. ¡°A cup of mocha, full milk, half sugar.¡±

    ¡°All right, please hold on for a moment.¡±

    Lysander stood up. ¡°Zachary, let¡¯s get going.¡±

    ¡°Did your phone ring?¡± Zachary asked with a hint of confusion.

    ¡°No, but it¡¯s about time we head home. I mean, dating is one thing, but we can¡¯t just not go home for

    dinner, right?¡±

    Zachary nodded with a smile. ¡°All right.¡±

    Lysander fixed her gaze on the ground as she walked past the bar.

    Zachary was quite the gentleman. He quickened his pace to get ahead of her and courteously held the

    door of the caf¨¦ open for her.

    Lysander said politely, ¡°Thank you, Zachary.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    The white Cayenne was parked by the roadside.

    The downside of small towns was evident. The surrounding infrastructure was rather outdated. Even

    bustling areascked proper parking facilities.

    The white Cayenne could only park by the roadside. Its imposing appearance quickly attracted a crowd

    of curious boys.

    Lysander cast a nce inside, finding itpletely devoid of people.

    ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s the rush hour after work now, and the area is filled with students. It¡¯s hard to hail a cab

    take

    you and Michelle home.¡±

    Lysander checked her mobile app. Sure enough, the queue for Uber bookings had already surpassed

    thirty/2-

    4DR PM

    Chapter 159 He Is Not Josiah

    She lifted her head, gracing him with a radiant smile. ¡°Then thank you for the trouble, Zachary,¡±

    Due to her profession, Lysander rarely smiled. She kept a steady and calm look most of the time.

    Even when she smiled, it was usually a faint one, rarely was it as radiant and charming as it was now.

    Zachary froze for a few seconds, his face suddenly flushing a shade of red. He nervously rubbed his

    hands against each other. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. I¡¯ll get the car now. It¡¯s not far. Just wait for me a bit. I¡¯ll

    be back soon.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll call Michelle. We¡¯ll wait for you right here.¡±

    Zachary nodded emphatically, then darted off toward the neighboring alley.

    Lysander stood still for a moment with her phone in hand when Michelle¡¯s call came through.

    ¡°Lysander, where are you guys?¡±

    ¡°Has your little boyfriend left?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Did Zachary tell you everything already?¡±

    ¡°He did. Once your college entrance exams are over, invite him out. I¡¯d like to have a chat with him.¡±

    ¡°Lysander!¡± Michelle was on the verge of tears. ¡°You¡¯re not going to be as old¨Cfashioned as Mom and

    Dad, are you? Just because you never experienced a campus romance, doesn¡¯t mean you can stop

    me from having one, right?¡±

    ¡°Who said I¡¯m stopping you? I just want to have a chat with him. If you¡¯re going to follow him to Apex

    City to attend university, I need to understand his situation first before I can let you go with peace of

    mind. What are you afraid of? I¡¯m not going to torture him.¡±

    Michelle was ecstatic. ¡°Lysander! You¡¯re not against it?¡±

    ¡°Everything will have to wait until after I¡¯ve spoken with him. If he proves to be unreliable, I won¡¯t

    hesitate to object.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not like that. He truly cares for me! He¡¯s not Josiah¡­¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160

    Chapter 160 When Will You Ever Stop

    Both sisters on either end of the phone line fell silent.

    The air seemed to freeze.

    Michelle quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lysander. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, hurry over here. We¡¯re at the caf¨¦ right across from the cram school. Zachary has gone to get

    the car. It¡¯s not easy to find a parking space here, so we¡¯ll need to leave as soon as we¡¯re in the car.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    3/3

    Chapter 160 When Will You Ever Stop

    When Michelle hurriedly arrived, her face was still filled with guilt. ¡°Lysander.

    Lysander tilted her head, taking a nce at her neck.

    Feeling guilty, Michelle quickly zipped up her school uniform.

    Lysander cleared her throat lightly and said, ¡°You¡¯re not of age yet. You need to take care of yourself.¡±

    Michelle¡¯s face flushed a deep shade of red. She lowered her head in a mix of annoyance and

    embarrassment. ¡°Lysander, what are you talking about¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s go home.¡± Well she¡¯s all grown up. There are certain things I can¡¯t really express too

    bluntly.

    While they were talking, Zachary had already driven the car over.

    The two sisters took their seats in the back row.

    Zachary started the car and drove for a while before noticing something amiss. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Michelle asked.

    Zachary slightly furrowed his brows. ¡°I can¡¯t shake the feeling that the car behind us has been following

    us.

    Michelle nced back and suddenly eximed, ¡°Isn¡¯t this license te number-

    ¡°Michelle, fasten your seatbelt,¡± Lysander said.

    Michelle was still in shock. ¡°Lysander, isn¡¯t that-¡±

    ¡°Sit tight. We¡¯re about to take a turn.¡±

    Michelle hesitantly sat down but still couldn¡¯t stop looking behind her.

    Zachary drove steadily, dropping the two sisters off before leaving.

    The Thorne family lived in an aged apartment building. There were no elevators, only stairs.

    Michelle swiftly ran up to the second floor. She stood by the window and looked down, seemingly on

    the verge of saying something but holding back.

    However, observing Lysander stride ahead without a backward nce and realizing she had no desire

    to engage in conversation, Michelle had no choice but to silence herself and match her pace on the

    way home.

    Anger instantly red up in Maverick when she saw Michelle. ¡°So you¡¯ve decided toe back?¡±

    Michelle pouted, her tone less than pleasant as she said, ¡°Fine, I won¡¯te back, then. I¡¯ll go live at

    my physics teacher¡¯s house.¡±

    Maverick mmed his fork down with a loud thud. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! If you step out of this house today,

    don¡¯t even think abouting back!¡±

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯te back, then! I¡¯ll follow him to the ends of the earth!

    Having said that, she turned and bolted out of the door, mming it shut with a bang.

    Maverick was livid, his face red. ¡°Lysander, did you see that? Your sister has be incredibly

    audacious! How dare she go and stay at someone else¡¯s house? Has she no shame!¡±

    Laura watched as Michelle left in a huff, her worry outweighing any other emotion. ¡°It¡¯s sote. It¡¯s not

    saf@/2

    Chapter 160 When Will You Ever Stop

    for a young girl to be out there alone! What were you thinking, Maverick? She¡¯s about to take her

    college. entrance exams. Why would you upset her now?¡±

    ¡°Did I say something wrong? They are both our daughters, yet why is Lysander so sensible and

    ambitious, while she shows such little self¨Crespect!¡±

    ¡°Enough! Stop talking!¡± Laura then turned to Lysander. ¡°Lysa, you should quickly go check on your

    sister. She left in a huff. I hope she doesn¡¯t run into any trouble.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander was seated by the window.

    ncing sideways, she spotted¨Cthe white Cayenne parked below the building.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯m going now.¡±

    She rose to her feet and descended the stairs. As she passed by the Cayenne, she wrapped her coat

    tighter around herself and quickened her pace.

    Unsurprisingly, the sound of a car door opening echoed from behind.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander ignored the voice.

    That tall Josiah caught up with her in just a few strides. He reached out and grabbed her wrist.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    Lysander swiftly brushed him off. ¡°Josiah, when will you ever stop? Don¡¯t you have work to do? Don¡¯t

    have a woman to take care of? What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I..¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and leave. I don¡¯t want my parents to get upset because of this.¡±

    you

    With a bitter smile, Josiah said, ¡°I just wanted to let you know you¡¯re going the wrong way. Your sister

    ran off in a different direction.¡±

 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161

    Chapter 161 You Do Not Understand Love.

    Lysander gave him a profound nce, expressed her gratitude, and then promptly altered her course

    to pursue her younger sister.

    Michelle didn¡¯t go far. She was just sitting in the gazebo near the entrance of the residential area.

    ¡°Lysander,¡± Michelle called out, her eyes red.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°You like that boy that much?¡±

    After some thought, Michelle nodded. ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°But as you know, his family isn¡¯t well¨Coff, and his own academic performance is just average. His

    future prospects might not be too promising. Moreover, your grades have dropped since you started

    dating him. Mom and Dad won¡¯t approve.¡±

    ¡°But Lysander, do we really need to set so many standards when ites to liking someone? Yes, he¡¯s

    not as sessful as Josiah, his family isn¡¯t as wealthy, and he¡¯s not as handsome. But he likes me!

    Lysander, you married a man who¡¯s perfect in every way, but are you truly happy?¡±

    Lysander found herself somewhat taken aback by Michelle¡¯s question.

    Michelle pouted. ¡°Lysander, ever since we were little, you¡¯ve been my idol. You¡¯re amazing at

    everything you do, and you¡¯re beautiful too. Teachers, ssmates, rtives, friends, and even

    neighbors adore you. I¡¯ve always looked up to you. But Lysander, you don¡¯t understand love.¡±

    The night air carried a slight chill.

    Lysander stood under the gazebo, her gaze fixed on her younger sister, whom she had watched

    mature from childhood.

    Those around her had asionally remarked that despite being sisters by blood, Michelle bore little

    resemnce to her.

    She was slender and tall, while Michelle was charmingly petite. Her looks were on the gentle side,

    whereas Michelle was clearly a lively troublemaker at first nce. She was precocious and intelligent,

    while Michelle was rather childish.

    She had always felt that being the eldest sister, she was somewhat more mature than her younger

    sister.

    Yet, Michelle¡¯s words left her with no strength to argue back.

    Indeed, she didn¡¯t understand love.

    She believed that marriage was about finding apatible partner to share her life with, yet love

    couldn¡¯t be quantified or confined to mere suitability.

    Regardless of the boy¡¯s seemingly unpromising future, Michelle loved him.

    Simrly, no matter how domineering and unreasonable Lysanne was, Josiah still loved her.

    Being reasonable is a matter of rationality, while love is often about acting without reason.

    ¡°Lysander¡­ why have you stopped talking?¡±

    Chapter 161 You Do Not Undernd Love

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Do you really like him that much?¡±

    Michelle nodded emphatically. ¡°I like him, and he likes me. Lysander, I understand what you¡¯re saying,

    but we¡¯ve already discussed this. Even if he can¡¯t find a good job in the future and even if he doesn¡¯t

    earn much, I¡¯m willing to struggle with him.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, whether you agree or not, I¡¯m going to be with him.¡±

    ¡°I agree.¡±

    Michelle abruptly stood up. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    Lysander gave a small smile, ascending the steps and taking Michelle¡¯s hand. ¡°I support you in this. I¡¯ll

    talk to Mom and Dad. You just focus on your exams, okay?¡±

    Michelle was touched. ¡°Lysander, howe you¡¯re so understanding all of a sudden? I thought Mom

    and Dad sent you to lecture me.¡±

    ¡°Because I think you¡¯re right. Love is devoid of reason. If you can find someone you truly cherish, then

    hold onto them dearly.¡±

    Hearing that, Michelle actually began to hesitate. ¡°Lysander, what if he really ends up penniless in the

    future?¡±

    After giving it some thought, Lysander said, ¡°Then just focus on being the best version of yourself.¡±

    On the way back, Lysander gave Michelle some advice, urging her not to confront their parents just yet.

    She proposed that they should wait until the college entrance exams were over and then work on

    changing their parents¡® mindset.

    Michelle listened obediently and nodded.

    As they walked past the building downstairs, the white Cayenne was already gone.

    He had left at some point.

    ncing around, Michelle asked, ¡°Lysander, did you see that car?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, when I ran downstairs just now, I saw Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to him?¡±

    Michelle shook her head, paused for a moment, and then nodded.

    ¡°Did you or did you not talk to him?¡±

    ¡°I was upset at the time when I was running away. I just remember hearing him call out to me from

    behind and say something¡­¡±

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162

    Chapter 162 Reunite With Her

    Observing that Lysander remained unresponsive and continued her leisurely walk, Michelle hurriedly

    took a few steps forward to catch up.

    ¡°Lysander, aren¡¯t you going to ask me what Josiah said?¡±

    Lysander simply said, ¡°Don¡¯t call him so affectionately from now on.¡±

    ¡°Then what should I call him?¡°.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°Forget it, you probably won¡¯t meet him again in the future, so it

    doesn¡¯t really matter what you call him.¡±

    Through Lysander¡¯s mediation, the tensions between Maverick, Laura, and Michelle had somewhat

    subsided.

    When the results of the college entrance exams were released, Maverick and Laura were so overjoyed

    they could hardly contain their smiles.

    Maverick gazed at the college entrance exam scores disyed on theputer screen, his mustache

    twitching in delight. ¡°Well, what did I say? The daughters of the Thorne family are exceptional.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Laura said with a smile, ¡°What do you mean by the Thorne family? It¡¯s because of my good genes too!¡±

    Maverick was currently basking in the excitement of Michelle¡¯s good grades. He didn¡¯t pay much

    attention to the minor details anymore. Stroking his beard and grinning, he said, ¡°We can¡¯t forget about

    Zach¡¯s contribution. He was the one who drove Mich to and from the cram school, and he also tutored

    her on the problems she couldn¡¯t solve. Zach is really a great benefactor to our family!¡±

    Laura chimed in, ¡°Yes, yes, yes, these past few months, Zach has been incredibly dedicated. We

    should find an opportunity to thank him.¡±

    The opportunity swiftly arrived.

    A few dayster, it was time for Michelle to fill in the form for her preferred university. Cam made a

    call, inviting their family to the Powell residence for a meal, as she was celebrating her fiftieth birthday.

    Good things seemed toe all at once. Lysander watched her younger sister, who spent her days

    engrossed. in her phone, chatting with her boyfriend. Laura was constantly browsing online stores,

    picking out gifts for Cam and Zachary. Maverick, on the other hand, never missed an opportunity to

    boast about his two daughters who were on their way to prestigious schools. Seeing all this, Lysander

    felt a sense of relief in her heart.

    Even Daphne noticed something different when she called her. ¡°Why do I get the feeling that after you

    went home, you seem to be walking on air?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because I left the sorrowful city of Harborbrook.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough. But I must remind you that the property you were interested inst time seems to be

    going on sale next week. That property is quite popr now. You should be ready if you¡¯re thinking of

    buying.¡±

    4 10 PM

    Chapter 162 Reunite With Her

    The property that Lysander had taken a liking to was named Acalux Residence. It wasn¡¯t exactly in the

    city center, but its location was still pretty decent. What was more impressive was its proximity to

    Harborbrook University, and Central Hospital was just a ten¨Cminute drive away.

    Living near the esteemed Harborbrook University also implied being close to its affiliated kindergarten,

    elementary school, and high school. This was a highly coveted position in thepetitive world of

    school district housing. If one were to have children in the future, they would have immediate ess to

    the best educational resources from birth, making this an extremely enticing prospect.

    Most importantly, the residential area and their former matrimonial home were situated on opposite

    sides of Central Hospital, one to the south and the other to the north. Without making a deliberate

    effort, they would never cross paths.

    Daphne said, ¡°What are you so afraid of? What¡¯s the worst that could happen if you meet them? I doubt

    the homewrecker would have the audacity to give you a hard time again.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll give me a hard time. I just simply don¡¯t want to add to my own troubles.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t care about them, they won¡¯t have the power to trouble you.¡±

    ¡°Daphne, it¡¯s not them I care about.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it?¡± Daphne casually asked, then quickly realized what she had said and let out a heavy

    sigh. ¡°If you really love children that much, then find someone new and have a child of your own.¡±

    In truth, Lysander wasn¡¯t really keen on remarrying.

    Before she became pregnant, she hadn¡¯t really held much anticipation toward the idea of having

    children.

    It was just that over the past few days, she had been constantly thinking about the words Elisa uttered

    on her deathbed. The kid says she¡¯s going to heaven to choose a new mother.

    If I don¡¯t get married or have children again, does that mean I may never see her again in this lifetime?

    If possible, I wish to reunite with her.

    Daphne said, ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go look it up for you.¡±

    ¡°What are you looking up?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ask just yet. Give me a few minutes.¡±

    Roughly ten minutester, a message from Daphne came through.

    It was a screenshot.

    Send Gifts

    a

    310

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163

    Chapter 163 A Practical And Economical Man

    The screenshot showed a question¨Cand¨Canswer post from Google.

    The question was: How long after death can a person be reincarnated?

    The response came from someone who signed themselves as Father Jeff: After a soul departs from its

    mortal coil and returns to the underworld, it takes roughly seven hundred days before it can

    reincarnate.

    ¡°Is this information from Google reliable?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°What do you think? It¡¯s a listedpany.¡±

    ¡°But who exactly is this Father Jeff?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but at least he could tell you something ordinary people wouldn¡¯t know.¡±

    Lysander wondered if it could be a lie to gain clout.

    Daphne said, ¡°It¡¯s up to you whether you believe it or not.¡±

    Growing up under the influence of worldly education andter specializing in obstetrics, Lysander was

    quite skeptical.

    However, this time, she desired to follow her heart for once.

    When Daphne realized she remained silent, she understood her thoughts. ¡°Lysander, we must learn

    from this experience. It doesn¡¯t matter how handsome or wealthy a man is; it¡¯s useless. If you want to

    live a good life, we should find a practical and economical man.¡±

    Cam¡¯s husband, Zachary¡¯s father, had passed away unexpectedly over a decade ago.

    The two families had a good rtionship and visited each other frequently. At that time, Zachary had

    been in high school, while Lysander had been in herst year of middle school. Laura had used the

    excuse of asking Zachary to tutor Lysander. In reality, she had just wanted them toe over for

    meals, as the loneliness of a single mother and her child was palpable.

    However, Lysander had always been an excellent student. When Zachary arrived, they would simply sit

    on opposite sides of the same desk to do their homework together. asionally, when Lysander had

    some questions, he would assist in solving them.

    For Cam¡¯s fiftieth birthday, a grand celebration was held at a renowned Hestryan cuisine restaurant

    located in the heart of Harborbrook.

    As they set off in the morning, the family of four had just descended the stairs when they spotted

    Zachary¡¯s car waiting downstairs. ¡°Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne, my mom sent me to pick you all up.¡±

    Laura¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°Jeez, you should have spent the day with your mother. Howe you¡¯re

    here acting as our chauffeur?¡±

    Zachary stepped out of the car, diligently taking the gifts from Maverick¡¯s and Laura¡¯s hands and

    cing them into the trunk. Then, he courteously opened the car door for Laura and helped Maverick

    fasten his seatbelt. He was so busy that he was sweating profusely.

    Right then, Michelle touched Lysander¡¯s arm and leaned in. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    110 PM

    Chapter 163 A Practical And Economical Man

    Upon seeing her pleading expression, Lysander immediately understood. ¡°You have made ns with

    your little boyfriend again?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, he has a name. It¡¯s Calvin Conway.¡±

    ¡°But today is Mdm. Cam¡¯s birthday. You¡¯re thinking of sneaking out midway? Mom and Dad will

    definitely disapprove.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I need you to cover for me!¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t cover for you on this one.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s quite simple, Lysander. If Mom, Dad, or Mdm. Cam asks about me, just tell them I¡¯ve gone to the

    restroom and then change the subject. After all, I¡¯m not the center of attention today. No one will notice

    my absence.¡±

    Lysander looked at Michelle and couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    Ah, she¡¯s experiencing her first taste of love, which exins why she¡¯s so nicely dressed. It turns out, it

    isn¡¯t for Mdm. Cam¡¯s birthday, but for a date with her little boyfriend.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°So how long do you think you¡¯ll be gone?¡±

    ¡°He invited me to watch a movie. So about three hours?¡±

    ¡°You need three hours to use the restroom?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re the smartest. Think of something, please?¡±

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164

    Chapter 164 Half Son

    Lysander really couldn¡¯t resist her sister¡¯s persistent persuasion. In the end, she merely agreed to y

    it by

    ear.

    In Michelle¡¯s view, as long as Lysander agreed, there was nothing she couldn¡¯t aplish!

    Thus, throughout the journey, Michelle was incredibly joyful. Her words were particrly captivating.

    making her father burst into heartyughter, while her mother yfully scolded her for being such a

    witty spritc.

    Lysander was always a woman of few words. She sat quietly in the passenger seat, gazing out the

    window at the passing scenery while listening to her sister¡¯s yful banter.

    Suddenly, Zachary asked a question, ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    She turned around. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re feeling cold, I can close the window a bit.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not cold.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re feeling cold, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°All right, thank you.¡±

    ¡°My car is just a standard domestic model, not asfortable as those luxury cars. Are you still okay

    with it?¡±

    So this is what he wanted to ask. Lysander chuckled. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t know much about cars. To

    me, luxury cars and ordinary ones are just marked differently. I don¡¯t feel much about them.¡±

    Zachary clearly breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°I see.

    ||

    ¡°Right, and I think domestic cars have been doing quite well these past few years, especially the new

    energy ones. I heard they¡¯re selling really well abroad.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s true. Our local brands have been steadily improving.¡±

    The backseat chatter was incessant, and finally, Zachary found a topic to chat with her about. He spoke

    about the thriving new energy automobile industry in his own country, how it had outpaced the Japrium

    car and Keprarian car markets, and how its future prospects looked incredibly promising.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t lying. She genuinely didn¡¯t know much about cars, and she truly was educated on the

    subject.

    Zachary said, ¡°A couple of days ago, I kept noticing a white Cayenne parked under your building. I

    hope that one day, our country will have its own luxury car brand so that the wealthy won¡¯t have to

    contribute foreign exchange to foreign countries anymore.¡±

    ¡°I think that day wille.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, have you ever driven a luxury car?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander recalled thest time she had driven Josiah¡¯s car, when she had taken

    Prisci to the hospital. ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Was it your ex¨Chusband¡¯s?¡±

    Chapter 164 Half Son

    ¡°Yes,¡±

    ¡°What brand of car is it?¡±

    ¡°Cayenne.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°What a coincidence. Perhaps this model is a bit more spacious than the others in

    the Porsche range. It seems to align well with our national aesthetic preferences.¡±

    Presumably, those who work in technical fields tend to be more straightforward and not riddled with

    complicated thoughts. After hearing her out, Zachary didn¡¯t dwell on it much. He cheerfully continued

    exining to her the differences between an engine and a transmission.

    Although Lysander¡¯s residence was technically in Harborbrook, due to the city¡¯s overwhelming

    grandeur, her journey home often involved either a long¨Cdistance bus ride or a high¨Cspeed train.

    After driving for more than an hour, Zachary finally arrived at the entrance of the Hestryan cuisine

    restaurant.

    Cam was dressed in a date¨Cred gown, her hair meticulously coiled up, appearing in high spirits. She

    greeted them warmly, ¡°Ah, I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡±

    Laura held her hand with a radiant smile. ¡°We owe it to Zach for picking us up. Otherwise, we¡¯d

    probably still be on our way.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Cam waved her hand nonchntly. ¡°Well, as it goes, sons should be made to do some work!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re truly blessed to have a wonderful son like Zach. He has a respectable job and is extremely

    dutiful.¡±

    ¡°This rascal, he¡¯s not getting any younger, and he still hasn¡¯t brought a girlfriend home for me to meet.

    What¡¯s all this filial piety about? I¡¯m envious of you. Both your daughters are so smart and vibrant, it

    would hav been nice if we could swap.¡±

    Laura could hardly suppress herughter. ¡°What¡¯s there to exchange? After all these years, Zach is like

    a son to me, and you should consider my two daughters as if they were your own!¡±

    Cam¡¯s eyes lit up upon hearing this. ¡°Remember, you said it yourself, no going back on your word.

    Oh dear, you should hurry up and take Zachary back as your half¨Cson. It¡¯s so frustrating to see him

    single day in and day out.¡±

    The implications in Cam¡¯s words were subtly hinted.

    Michelle, the innocent one, was engrossed in a fervent chat with her boyfriend on her mobile phone.

    She didn¡¯t hear a thing.

    Initially, Laura was taken aback. Then, she exchanged a nce with Lysander.

    Generally speaking, a son¨Cinw was often referred to as a ¡°half¨Cson¡°.

    Thus, they wondered if Cam was suggesting Zachary marrying with a daughter of the Thorne family.

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165

    Chapter 165 Lysander

    Laura was a bit taken aback. ¡°Isn¡¯t Zach a year older than Lysander? That would make him nine years

    older than Michelle. Isn¡¯t that quite an age gap?¡±

    Cam hinted with a knowing smile. ¡°Who knows? Maybe he¡¯s been single all these years just waiting

    for her to grow up. Come on, let¡¯s go in. Zachary, stop talking and quickly escort Mrs. Thorne and the

    two missy to

    their seats.¡±

    Originally, Zachary was at the back, engaged in conversation with Maverick. It seemed he hadn¡¯t heard

    the conversation between the two older women up front. Upon hearing their words, he nodded at

    Maverick and quickly walked over. He pulled out a chair. ¡°Mrs. Thorne, please sit.¡±

    Laura felt a bit uneasy. ¡°Ah, okay, thanks, Zach.¡±

    ¡°No worries, it¡¯s only right. Lysander, please have a seat.¡±

    Lysander smoothly took a seat beside her mother.

    When it was Michelle¡¯s turn, she was still engrossed in her phone conversation. Zachary had to call her

    several times before she heard him. She sauntered over, taking her own sweet time.

    Upon seeing her younger daughter¡¯s behavior, Laura frowned, bending down to speak with Lysander.

    ¡°Lysa, did I misunderstand what Cam just said? I fear I might be overthinking.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander said, ¡°You¡¯re not overthinking it.

    ¡°Does Zach really take a liking to your sister? I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but look at her, always grinning

    foolishly at her phone all day. I can¡¯t understand what he sees in her.¡±

    On the matter, Lysander chose to remain silent.

    However, she sneakily nced at Zachary. It seemed like he was also looking in her direction. Sensing

    her gaze, he suddenly blushed slightly, then awkwardly lowered his head, pretending to look at the

    menu.

    Was he pecking at Michelle? Suddenly, Lysander felt a sense of serendipity washing over her.

    Zachary had spent his childhood dining at Lysander¡¯s home and had essentially grown up alongside

    Michelle.. Also, Michelle¡¯s early romantic escapades, something she hadn¡¯t even confessed to

    Lysander, were crystal clear to Zachary. It was evident that they had been in contact privately and were

    quite familiar with each

    other.

    No wonder Zachary had been so attentive to my parents these past few days, and had been quite nice

    to myself as well. To think he has his sights set on Michelle, thought Lysander.

    ¡°Actually, Zach is quite a catch. He¡¯s got a stable job in a state¨Cowned enterprise, is full of vitality, and

    I¡¯ve watched him grow up since he was a child. His character is impable. Compared to that married

    physics teacher with a child, at least Zach is young and has never been married,¡± said Laura.

    As Lysander listened to her mother¡¯s continuous chatter, she asked, ¡°Mom, does this mean you

    agree?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, agreed? Nothing¡¯s set in stone yet. Remember how quickly I agreed to your

    marriage? Look where that got you. Your sister isn¡¯t as sharp as you. I need to think long and hard

    about this silly girl¡¯s marriage.¡±

    4:11 PM

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of nervousness for Calvin in her heart. I¡¯m truly sorry, Calvin.

    My failed marriage has caused some obstacles on your path to love. You have to step up your game,

    or else you might not be able to oupete the childhood friend, Zachary,

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Suddenly, an abrupt voice echoed from the diagonal rear.

    As soon as Lysander turned around, her brows immediately furrowed, and she quickly looked away,

    refusing to look at him again.

    Aiden, however, was relentless in his pursuit, his expression aplex mix of emotions. ¡°You¡­ How

    did you. end up here? I didn¡¯t say you couldn¡¯te. What I meant was¡­

    Lysander spoke. ¡°Aiden-¡±

    ¡°Oh, Josiah!¡± Aiden responded, then gave her a deep look, sighed and said, ¡°Never mind, since you¡¯re

    here, you¡¯re here. However, can you talk to me privately if there¡¯s anything? Today is supposed to be

    Zachary¡¯s and Lysanne¡¯s¡­¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166

    Chapter 166 The Engagement Banquet

    Before he could finish his sentence, someone from the other side was calling him again.

    With a sincere and earnest tone, Aiden pleaded with her. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you,¡±

    Then, in a rush, he ran off.

    Lysander looked in the direction where Aiden had run off to and saw Lysanne dressed in a white t¨Cshirt

    and blue jeans. She wore no makeup: her face was bare and natural, and her hair was tied up in a

    ponytail.

    Her appearance seemed¡­ As Lysander was thinking, her train of thought was interrupted.

    Cam chuckled as she spoke. ¡°Laura, I must be getting old. I saw a girl standing at the door just

    thought it was your daughter, Lysander. They dress so simrly.¡±

    t now and

    After taking a nce, Laura clicked her tongue, remarking, ¡°Had you not mentioned it, I wouldn¡¯t have

    noticed. They really do bear a striking resemnce.¡±

    ¡°Even though she looks different, she¡¯s not as beautiful as Lysander.¡±

    ¡°I think she looks fine, but why are all youngdies so in these days? I thought only our Lysander,

    being a doctor, needed to be like this.¡±

    Cam said with a chuckle, ¡°Perhaps the affluent families of today prefer simplicity? Didn¡¯t your

    daughter Lysander marry into a wealthy family? Look at that youngdy over there. The man standing

    beside her clearly looks like he¡¯s not short of money.¡±

    She was speaking about Aiden.

    Aiden had just mentioned the day was about Josiah¡¯s and Lysander¡¯s something.

    Aiden didn¡¯t finish his sentence, and Lysander didn¡¯t want to ask. If it¡¯s being held in a hotel, it¡¯s

    probably came 1/2

    Chapter 166 The Engagement Banquet

    Ever since she had distanced herself from their love story, Lysander was somewhat surprised to find

    that she looked at the two of them as if she were a mere spectator, as if she were observing someone

    unfamiliar. Despite recognizing them, that was all there was to it

    Interestingly, it was Laura who noticed something peculiar. ¡°That man just now seems familiar with you,

    Lysander. What is his rtion to Josiah?¡± she asked.

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure about the specifics. I don¡¯t really involve myself in Josiah¡¯s

    business affairs.¡±

    Laura took her hand and said, ¡°Once you¡¯ve left, don¡¯t overthink things. We¡¯re simply not from the same

    social ss as them. It¡¯s better off this way after leaving¡±

    ¡°I understand, Mom.¡±

    As they were speaking, the hotel¡¯s main door was pulled open from the outside.

    Josiah was leading the way. His brows were tightly furrowed, emanating an aura of defiance.

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡± Lysanne let out a cry.

    As if he hadn¡¯t heard anything, Josiah continued to walk straight ahead.

    Lysander quickly jogged after him, calling out, ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    Josiah paused, turning back to nce at her, his expression cold. ¡°Stop following me.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes were tinged with red, a picture of hurt painted across her face. However, she was a

    stark contrast to her usual domineering self, who would order Josiah around without a second thought.

    Almost pleadingly, she said, ¡°But today is our engagement banquet¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, listen, Susan leisurely walked in, calling out to her.

    Lysanne turned around, ¡°Madam Susan¡­

    Susan stood in front of her, looking down at her with a less¨Cthan¨Cpleasant tone. ¡°You know exactly how

    this engagement feast came to be. Your mother knelt on the ground, threatening her own life, forcing

    Josiah to acknowledge you as his fianc¨¦e. Josiah agreed, out of respect for the decades¨Clong

    rtionship between our two families, and also because he didn¡¯t want to see your mother harm

    herself. However, you should understand that ever since his grandmother passed away, there¡¯s been

    no emotion left between him and you.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander was thoroughly chastised by Susan. Her head hung low as she bit her lip in silence, not

    daring to utter a word.

    Susan continued, ¡°Moreover, because of your child, Josiah has now be theughingstock of the

    entire Harborbrook. Yet you insist on holding this engagement banquet, which is essentially trampling

    on the reputation of our Guerra family! It¡¯s understandable that your parents are concerned for their

    daughter, but 1, too, care for my son. Therefore, I will attend this engagement banquet on behalf of

    Josiah today.¡±

    Lysander suddenly looked up. ¡°Madam Susan, what do you mean by this? This is the engagement

    banquet. How could you rece¡­.

    ¡°Josiah came over today to handle some business and he won¡¯t be staying long, so don¡¯t hold him

    back. All right, let¡¯s get started. The sooner we finish, the sooner I can also leave for my own matters.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167

    Chapter 167 Setting Eyes On Lysander

    Michelle, too, witnessed the scene, pointing in surprise to the distance, ¡°Lysander, isn¡¯t that¡­¡±

    ¡°Mich!¡± Laura interrupted her sharply, a frown creasing her brow.

    Michelle withdrew her gaze, innocently looking at Lysander, biting her lip without saying a word.

    Laura said in a cold tone, ¡°You¡¯re an adult now. Stop being so noisy all the time. The adults are talking.

    Show some respect.¡±

    ¦§

    Michelle understood her mother¡¯s intentions, obediently nodded, and then apologetically stuck her

    tongue out at Lysander.

    Lysander lightened the mood with a smile, intervening for her sister. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mom. You guys continue

    talking.¡±

    With a hint of worry, Laura gently patted Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Maybe you should go first?¡±

    Cam quickly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is Lysander feeling unwell?¡±

    Laura casually came up with an excuse, saying, ¡°This child has always suffered from motion sickness

    since he was young. Lysander, why don¡¯t you take a walk outside and get some fresh air?¡±

    Lysander really wanted to say she was okay. Seeing Josiah and Lysanne, she couldn¡¯t say her heart

    was as calm. as still water, but at least, she was no longer casily disturbed.

    However, Zachary stood up abruptly. ¡°Mom, you guys continue chatting. I¡¯ll take Lysander out for a

    walk.¡±

    Cam¡¯s smile instantly became somewhat teasing and yful. ¡°All right, it¡¯s been quite a few years

    since you twost met, hasn¡¯t it? You young folks have plenty to catch up on. No need to stick around

    us old¨Ctimers.¡±

    Immediately, Michelle stood up. ¡°Then I¡¯m going too!¡±

    Meanwhile, she was continuously giving Lysander suggestive nces.

    Lysander understood and said, ¡°Zachary, today is Mdm. Cam¡¯s birthday. As her son, you can¡¯t just

    leave the party. I¡¯ll have Michelle apany me for a walk outside.¡±

    Michelle nodded her head, much like a chick pecking at grains.

    Upon hearing that, Laura nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, Mich, spend more time with your

    sister and try not to be so mischievous all the time.¡±

    ¡°I understand, Mom. Lysander, let¡¯s get going¡­¡± Michelle could hardly wait any longer.

    She grabbed Lysander¡¯s hand and rushed out.

    Watching the receding figures of the two sisters, Laura felt a mix of relief and worry. ¡°Look at my two

    girls. One is so mature and sensible that she hardly seems like a young woman. The other is so lively

    and spirited as if she¡¯ll never grow up.¡±

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Cam, on the other hand, looked on with envy in her eyes. ¡°How wonderful. I¡¯ve always been quite

    envious of your two daughters. Remember, Laura, we¡¯ve made a promise. I consider myself a second

    mother to these girls. Who knows, I might even have to partake in the wedding ceremony in the future.¡±

    4:11 PM

    Chapter 167 Setting Eyes On Lysander

    Cam had essentially made her point clear with those words.

    However, when it came to that matter, the girl¡¯s parents always tended to worry a bit more than the

    boy¡¯s

    parents.

    With a cheerful smile, Laura gently declined, ¡°Well, as you¡¯ve seen, our little Mich is still so young at

    heart. Lysander¡¯s job takes her far from home, and we just hope that Mich can stay closer to us in the

    future¡­¡±

    ¡°Goodness, Laura, what kind of person do you take me for? Mich is still so young, not even of legal

    marriage age, right? Zachary, that young man, is almost thirty. I can¡¯t possibly wait that long.¡±

    Laura was somewhat taken aback. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Cam let out a sigh, her eyes crinkling in a warm smile as she took Laura¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s not beat

    around the bush. We¡¯ve known each other for a long time. I¡¯ve taken a liking to your daughter,

    Lysander.¡±

    Not only Laura, but even Maverick was taken aback.

    ¡°Lysander? Our Lysander is already married¡­¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t she have a divorce?¡± Cam leisurely sipped her coffee, gently set it down, and softly said, ¡°I¡¯m

    not that old¨Cfashioned, you know. It¡¯s quitemon for young people to marry and divorce these days,

    isn¡¯t it? If they¡¯ve split, it simply means they weren¡¯tpatible. There¡¯s nothing dreadful about that.

    I¡¯ve taken a liking to Lysander, that child. She¡¯s gentle, generous, dignified, and beautiful. My only

    regret is that I was a step toote. If I had spoken to you earlier, perhaps Lysander wouldn¡¯t have had

    to go through that period¡­¡±

    ¡°Mom!¡± Zachary¡¯s expression was uneasy. ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree to keep quiet about this for now? How

    could you¡­¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168

    Chapter 168 His Thoughts

    ¡°How long would you have hesitated if I hadn¡¯t spoken up? Haven¡¯t you learned from your past

    mistakes? It was your constant indecisiveness that led Lysander to marry that rich man, a match that

    was clearly unsuitable. Lysander herself hasn¡¯t been living well either.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, fine, I won¡¯t say any more. You can exin it to Maverick and Laura yourself.¡±

    Zachary waspletely flushed, clearly caught off guard by his mother¡¯s blunt approach. He was

    relieved that Lysander wasn¡¯t present. Otherwise, he would have wished for a crack in the ground to

    swallow him up.

    As Zachary¡¯s face turned beet¨Cred while he stuttered in obvious difort, Laura said, ¡°Zach, why

    don¡¯t you go check the kitchen? We¡¯ve been here for quite a while, yet the food hasn¡¯t arrived.¡±

    Zachary, feeling as if he had received a royal pardon, immediately stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go right now.¡±

    The three younger ones had departed, leaving only the three elders at the table.

    m was sipping her coffee with a cheerful smile, her tone as casual as a breeze on a clear day. ¡°This

    is t white. It has a rich and fragrant vor.¡±

    The expressions on the faces of the couple, Laura and Maverick, were somewhat unnatural. They

    responded with a few perfunctory remarks, but their hearts were no longer as joyful as when they first

    arrived.

    As soon as Michelle left the restaurant, she hailed a taxi.

    Before she could get into the taxi, Lysander caught up with her. ¡°Do you have enough money on you?

    Both of you aren¡¯t working right now, so your financial situation is tight. You can¡¯t always let Calvin foot

    the bill.¡±

    Immediately, Michelle shook her head vehemently. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, I got it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Lysander!¡±

    Watching her sister hastily depart in a taxi, Lysander could only shake her head in amusement and

    helplessness before transferring a thousand to her.

    Upon turning around, she spotted a familiar face.

    ¡°Zachary? Why are you out here too?¡°.

    Zachary¡¯s smile carried a hint of awkwardness as he replied, ¡°The elders have their own topics to talk

    about. With a youngster like me around, they won¡¯t be able to speak freely.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod.

    ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, much better.¡±

    ¡°Are you in a hurry to get back? If not, let me apany you for a stroll.¡±

    Chapter 168 His Thoughts

    Lysander understood immediately, teasing him with augh, ¡°Elderly folks pressuring you to marry can

    indeed be quite bothersome. Mdm. Cam hasn¡¯t let up on you these past few years, has she?¡±

    ¡°No, she hasn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°Regardless, you¡¯re aware of Michelle¡¯s situation. She¡¯s a young girl experiencing her first love. I¡¯m

    afraid nothing can pull her back here, so you¡¯ll have to give up on her bing a daughter¨Cinw to

    your family.¡±

    Zachary awkwardly rubbed his hands. ¡°I know. I¡¯m well aware of her situation. That guy is really quite

    decent. They make a good pair.¡±

    ¡°From what I can see now, they do seem quitepatible. However, I¡¯ll need to look into his family

    backgroundter. I used to think the concept of a couple being well¨Cmatched in status was old¨C

    fashioned, but reflecting on my personal experience, there¡¯s actually some truth to it.¡±

    Almost instantly, Zachary asked, ¡°You also think it¡¯s pretty good when couples are from simr

    backgrounds. right?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°At least if a couple have simr experiences growing up and share the same

    values, they might have moremon topics to talk about, unlike what happened to me. All I can say

    is, people from. different social sses shouldn¡¯t force a connection.¡±

    Zachary cracked a small smile, a hint of embarrassment creeping in as he scratched his head. ¡°True,

    you make a valid point.¡±

    ¡°Zachary.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been neglecting my responsibilities to my family these past few years, so I¡¯m truly grateful to you

    for taking Michelle to cram school. I won¡¯t forget this favor. If you ever need anything in the future, don¡¯t

    hesitate to ask me.¡±

    Zachary took in her earnest expression and couldn¡¯t help butugh in resignation. ¡°Do you really think

    the person I like is Michelle?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡±

    ¡°Michelle is nine years younger than me. Even if I had loose morals, I wouldn¡¯t entertain the idea of

    pursuing an underage girl. What kind of person do you take me for?¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡±

    ¡°I simply see her as a little sister who needs care and protection.¡±

    Lysander was confused. ¡°Then what about what Mdm. Cam just said to my parents? She mentioned

    that you¡¯ve been waiting all these years¡­¡±

    She suddenly halted, a bit stunned, before her gaze turned incredulous. This disbelief quickly morphed

    into suspicion, and finally, she was left in a state of hesitant confusion.

    ¡°Watch out-¡±

    Crash!

    The sound of shattering ss exploded by their feet.

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169

    Chapter 169 Encounter In The Restroom

    The waiter hastily apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, miss! Are you hurt?¡±

    When Lysander came to her senses, she realized that she had been shielded behind Zachary

    The ground was littered with shards of shattered ss, and scalding soup was sttered in all

    directions.

    The worst off was his

    Zachary was d in a beige polo shirt, speckled all over with brown spots from the soup. The grey

    sweatpants. One of the legs was nearlypletely soaked through.

    Moreover, from the steam wafting out, it was clear the soup was still piping hot.

    Seeing the situation, Lysander didn¡¯t waste any words. She immediately grabbed Zachary¡¯s hand and

    took off running.

    She heard the waiter call out from behind, ¡°Sir, miss, do you need a towel?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s the restroom?¡± Lysander asked.

    The waiter¡¯s face had turned pale, clearly frightened. ¡°Just go straight, turn right, and walk until the

    end.¡±

    Lysander tugged Zachary along, taking a couple more steps before she heard his strained voice

    saying, ¡°Lysander, slow down¡­¡±

    Lysander could hear the slight tremble in his voice. She crouched down, cautiously rolling up his pant

    leg a little.

    Even though her actions were gentle enough, she could still feel the instant tension in his calf muscles.

    ¡°The material of your sweatpants is cotton, which can easily stick to the skin and cause secondary

    burns. It¡¯s necessary to immediately rinse with cold water.¡±

    Zachary gave a nod, gritting his teeth. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go myself. It¡¯s not appropriate for a girl like you to

    enter

    the men¡¯s restroom¡­¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Is this really the time to worry about that? Can you even walk?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll support you. Let¡¯s hurry up.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m the doctor here, so listen to me.¡±

    When they reached the entrance of the men¡¯s restroom, Zachary was a bit uneasy. He wanted to say

    something, but Lysander had already quickly moved to the sink, turning the faucet on full st. Then,

    she knelt down to help him roll up his pants.

    Zachary hurried to support her. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s quicker if I help you.¡±

    Zachary was already wincing in pain, gasping for air. Any movement that involved bending over would

    pull at the skin on his calf, causing another wave of searing pain to course through him.

    ¡°Your pants aren¡¯t really cooperating,¡± Lysandermented with furrowed brows.

    His sweatpants, which were not too loose to begin with, clung to his skin after being soaked in soup,

    making it

    Chapter 169 Encounter In The Restroom

    difficult to roll them up.

    Zachary had also noticed it. He was desperately holding back, but when Lysander added more force to

    pull the pants leg up, he couldn¡¯t help but gasp. ¡°Ah!¡±

    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡­ you may continue.¡±

    ¡°Your pants are too tight. I can only tear them.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    However, this wasn¡¯t a hospital, and Lysander had forgotten to ask the waiter for a pair of scissors

    earlier.

    Beneath Zachary¡¯s rolled¨Cup pants, his skin had already reddened, swelled, and wrinkled. Moreover, it

    continued to spread at a pace visible to the naked eye.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t afford to care that much anymore. She bit down hard to create a tear, then with each

    hand gripping a side, she ripped his pants apart with all her strength.

    With a tearing sound, she tore open his sweatpants to right above the knee.

    Zachary¡¯s leg was immobile, and the faucet Lysander had turned on earlier had already filled the entire

    sink. The icy water was spilling out from within.

    Lysander gently adjusted his position, allowing the icy water to wash over his entire leg that had been

    scalded.

    Just moments ago it was scorching hot, but now it had instantly turned bone¨Cchillingly cold. Zachary

    took another sharp intake of breath, gritting his teeth as he endured it.

    Lysander was also quite drained as sheforted, ¡°Just hang in there a bit longer.¡±

    With difficulty, Zachary nodded, letting out a grunt in acknowledgment.

    Just then, Aiden¡¯s voice suddenly came from outside. He sounded a bit flustered and somewhat guilty.

    ¡°Josiah, are you here for the restroom?¡±

    Josiah shot him a suspicious look. ¡°What are you doing lurking around here?¡±

    ¡°Ah, no, I¡­¡±

    ¡°Move aside.¡±

    ¡°Stop! No!¡± Aiden blocked his path. ¡°You can¡¯t go in there right now.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice carried a hint of impatience as he snapped, ¡°Why can¡¯t I go in?¡±

    ¡°If you need to use the restroom, I can ask the waiter to take you to the one on here¡­ it¡¯s out of order.¡±

    Josiah gave a cold huff. ¡°What¡¯s really inside that¡¯s got you this worked up?¡±

    ¡°Um, L..

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    Josiah red at him before sidestepping him and swiftly walking in.

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170

    Chapter 170 Can You Man Up

    Panic was evident in Aiden¡¯s voice. ¡°Josiah, please don¡¯t-¡±

    Upon entering, three of the four people locked eyes.

    Lysander didn¡¯t bother lifting her head as she was half¨Ccrouched on the ground, inspecting Zachary¡¯s

    injury.

    Zachary, on the other hand, recognized Josiah. ¡°M¨CMr. Guerra?¡±

    Yet, Josiah paid him no mind, his gaze shifting downward tond on Lysander.

    Zachary immediately endured the pain and turned around, doing his best to shield Lysander with his

    legs. Then, with a hint of apology, he said to Josiah, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but we¡¯re dealing with a bit of a unique

    situation. My friend is helping me out.¡±

    His earlier position of standing sideways was actually better, as at least everyone could clearly see

    what was happening. But to protect Lysander and prevent others from seeing her face, Zachary

    abruptly turned around, shielding her from sight.

    In this way, Lysander¡¯s face was no longer visible.

    Nheless, this position¡­

    He stood there, while she semi¨Ccrouched before him, both of them drenched¡­

    Aiden took a sharp intake of breath before quickly reaching out to grasp Josiah¡¯s arm. ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s get

    out of here first¡­¡±

    Josiah flung his hand away, a storm brewing in his eyes. ¡°You stood outside for ages without daring to

    come in because you saw them¡­ like this?¡±

    Aiden¡¯s face turned ashen. ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t actually see anything. I had just reached the door

    when I heard Lysander¡¯s voice. She was saying something about how his pants were too tight so she

    could only tear them, and that it was quicker if she helped him. There was also the sound of a man

    gasping for breath. How could I not guess what was happening inside? I didn¡¯t dare to enter¡­¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Zachary¡¯s face immediately changed. He frantically waved his hands and

    said, ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that. It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking! We were just¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Lysander suddenly announced, slowly rising to her feet. She nonchntly turned off

    the faucet and brushed the damp hair sticking to her face, acting as though nothing had happened.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Zachary.¡±

    Zachary slightly furrowed his brows. ¡°Lysander, I need to rify things for you¡­¡±

    ¡°What is there to exin? We don¡¯t even know each other, so it¡¯ll just be a waste of words. Let¡¯s go

    outside. With me here, it¡¯s not appropriate for other gentlemen toe in.¡±

    ¡°All right then, Zachary conceded. He had no choice but to let her support him as they slowly made

    their way outside.

    As she was about to leave the men¡¯s restroom, Josiah suddenly called out to her, ¡°Lysander!¡±

    She halted.

    Josiah took three steps toward her, staring in disbelief at her drenched figure. He was particrly

    drawn to the vibrant red of her lips, adorned with glistening droplets of water. ¡°You¡­¡± His Adam¡¯s apple

    bobbed before he went on, ¡°You¡¯re with him?¡±

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    Chapter 170 Can You Man Up

    Zachary was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Lysander, you know Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Old Mrs. Guerra was a patient of mine, so I¡¯ve met with Mr. Guerra on a few asions. We aren¡¯t

    exactly

    close.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Josiah abruptly pulled Lysander by her wrist, his eyes filled with fury. ¡°You did it with him¡­ in the men¡¯s

    restroom? Lysander, it hasn¡¯t been that long since west saw each other. How could you have

    changed like this?¡±

    Tilting her head, Lysander squinted her eyes and chuckled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, are we that familiar with each

    other?¡±

    Josiah retorted, ¡°Aren¡¯t we familiar with each other?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, your words are quite intriguing. How much is my sry? What¡¯s the password to my

    phone? What¡¯s my favorite color? Which movie do I like the most?¡±

    Josiah was momentarily speechless.

    ¡°Let go,¡± Lysander said. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be good if Mrs. Guerra sees us. After all, today is your engagement

    party, so it wouldn¡¯t do if any misunderstandings arise because of this.¡±

    She reached out, intending to brush off therge hand tightly wrapped around her wrist, but Josiah

    suddenly tightened his grip and dragged her away.

    Zachary, filled with worry, took two quick steps forward. ¡°Lysander! Mr. Guerra, what are you¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hold it.¡± Aiden blocked his path, ¡°Josiah and Ms. Thorne have something to discuss. You better not

    interfere.¡±

    that, his gaze lingered on Zachary¡¯s lower region, scanning back and forth several times.

    After saying t

    Zachary noticed his gaze and instinctively turned away to avoid his stare.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Aiden burst intoughter, giving him a pat on the shoulder. ¡°Yousted rather shortly, didn¡¯t you,

    buddy?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face turned beet red. ¡°No, you¡¯ve all misunderstood. It¡¯s not at all what you¡¯re thinking¡­

    Lysander was practically half¨Clifted, half¨Cdragged by Josiah, ultimately finding herself forcibly pulled

    into the

    restaurant¡¯s storeroom.

    With a loud bang, the door to the storeroom was mmed shut.

    She massaged her wrist, which was aching from how hard he had gripped it earlier.

    Before she could even react, a surge of intense pain came from her shoulder.

    ¡°Lysander! Do you even realize what you¡¯re doing?¡± Josiah closed the door with haste, nearly lunging

    at her as he seized her by the shoulders. ¡°If you¡¯re upset, you can hit me or yell at me, but why would

    you demeant yourself like this!¡±

    When Lysander bit into the cotton just now, she had used too much force, and now, a mix of soup and

    icy water filled her mouth.

    Lysander frowned, tilting her head to spit out the mixed liquid in her mouth. However, this scene, as

    witnessed by Josiah, was nothing short of pouring oil on fire.

    His voice was chilling to the bone, carrying an ominous undertone as he growled, ¡°What did you just

    spit

    3/3

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Lysander slowly raised her head, meeting his bloodshot eyes, and said indifferently, ¡°Dirty water.¡±

    ¡°Lysander Thorne!¡±

    ¡°What!¡± Lysander was also getting angry. ¡°Instead of attending the engagement party like a normal

    person, you dragged me over here like a madman. Do we even have anything between us anymore,

    Mr. Guerra? Can¡¯t you just man up? We¡¯re already divorced, and you have a fianc¨¦e now. Do you really

    find it amusing to stalk your ex¨Cwife every day?¡±

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171

    Chapter 171 I Thought You Understood

    ¡°The reason I got engaged to Lysanne was because-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your reasons; they have nothing to do with me.¡±

    Josiah gazed at her intently. ¡°Am I really so unforgivable? Can¡¯t we even have a proper conversation?¡±

    ¡°Is this how someone who wants to talk properly should be acting?¡±

    Lysander nced at the hand that was gripping her shoulder.

    Due to his excessive force, his knuckles were turning pale, and her clothes had been crumpled into a

    mess.

    Josiah¡¯s eyes flickered as he slowly released his grip.

    Lysander moved her throbbing shoulder and sighed. ¡°Josiah, I made it clear over the phonest time. If

    our rtionship was merely about having apanion, then I¡¯d step aside without a fuss when your

    beloved returns. After all, we didn¡¯t marry out of love; we just wantedpanionship. Since you¡¯ve

    found someone else, there¡¯s nothing more for me to say. So what are you doing now?¡±

    With his head hung low, Josiah let out a bitterugh. ¡°I thought you understood.¡±

    ¡°What should I understand? Is it the same old line, you feel guilty and want to make it up to me?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, are you deliberately misinterpreting my words?¡±

    ¡°So what? Lysanne left for overseas and married someone else, and you settled for me as your

    rebound. Now that you and Lysanne are having an argument, you want toe back to me again? Do

    you think I¡¯m out of my mind? Or is it that Lysanne can¡¯t have children, so you want me to be your

    surrogate?¡±

    Josiah growled, ¡°No, no! Lysander, our time together over these past three years wasn¡¯t a lie. I¡¯m

    human too; I have feelings! I¡¯m not an unfeeling block of wood!¡±

    Lysander looked at him, a sarcasticugh escaping her lips. ¡°Oh, how could I forget? You, Mr. Guerra,

    are quite the charmer yourself. You don¡¯t need to use those words to wound me. I haven¡¯t been faring

    much better than you since we lost our child. During that time, I would have nightmares every night. I

    dreamt of you standing before me, covered in blood, crying and using me of killing our child¡­¡±

    The term ¡°child¡± was like a thorn in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    1/2

    413 PM

    Chapter 171 I Thought You Understood

    Subconsciously, she turned her face away, unwilling to listen any further.

    Yet, Josiah¡¯s voice followed her like a shadow. ¡°Lysander, no one could have foreseen how things have

    unfolded. I never imagined that the lively and adorable Lysanne from our childhood would turn out this

    way. Even more surprising is that you were pregnant at this crucial time. You can me me, hit me, yell

    at me, but you can¡¯t deny me the chance to defend myself¡±

    ¡°All right then, I¡¯ll give you the opportunity. Is there anything else you want to say? Try to get it all out at

    once, but please keep it brief. I have other matters to attend to.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware that today is the birthday of that man¡¯s mother.¡±

    Lysander lifted her head, meeting his gaze. ¡°What else do you know?¡±

    ¡°I also know that you don¡¯t like him.¡±

    Lysanderughed. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m just not naturally inclined toward romance. I¡¯ve never liked anyone!

    ¡°Then why did you do that with him?¡± The mere mention of the earlier incident had him seething with

    anger. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for three years, yet you¡¯ve never done anything like that for me¡­ Seeing

    you kneel in front of him like that earlier¡­ It was really hard for me.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander retorted, ¡°What, is Lysanne not willing?¡±

    Josiah frowned and said, ¡°Can we not mention her?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, if this situation is causing you distress, there¡¯s really no need. First off, if you and Lysanne

    are having intimacy issues, I would suggest you bothmunicate to resolve them. If that proves

    difficult, you could always turn to books, or perhaps watch some videos. And if all else fails, you could

    seek advice from your mutual friend, Aiden. He¡¯s likely quite experienced and could provide hands¨Con

    guidance. There are many ways to ovee this; there¡¯s no need to constantly think about changing

    partners. Secondly-¡±

    She scoffed before continuing, ¡°Our three years of marriage weren¡¯t exactly harmonious, so there¡¯s no

    need to dwell on it so much.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172

    Chapter 172 Not To The Point Of Hatred

    The color drained from Josiah¡¯s face almost immediately.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but let out a coldugh. Indeed, even the most gentle and chivalrous man would

    be enraged when their sexual prowess was brought into question.

    ¡°Lysander, you still hate me, don¡¯t you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not to the point of hate; at most, it¡¯s just annoyance.¡±

    ¡°I had no intention to intrude on your life during this period.¡±

    ¡°Who would want their ex¨Chusband constantly following them around after a divorce? This feeling of

    being watched is extremely unpleasant.¡±

    Josiah took a deep breath. ¡°I just wanted to see if you¡¯re doing well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m doing great. My parents shower me with love, my little sister adores me, my job is going smoothly,

    and I get along well with both my boss and colleagues. You need to stop assuming that I¡¯m living in

    misery without you, okay? Even without you, the world still turns, I still go to work, and life goes on. I¡¯m

    not pitiful at all and don¡¯t need any extra care. I¡¯ve simply returned to my original life, do you

    understand?¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t find the words to respond.

    ¡°Have you finished defending yourself? If so, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Josiah grasped her wrist and said, ¡°Lysander, may I ask one final question?¡±

    Lysander withdrew her wrist before asking, ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Why on earth did you do¡­ that¡­ for him when you clearly don¡¯t even like him?¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°So, after all this talk, this is what you¡¯ve been dwelling on. Do you feel

    shortchanged because I didn¡¯t do the same for you during those three years?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it! I just want to understand. If you don¡¯t like him, why would you go to such lengths for

    him? I don¡¯t get it.¡±

    Lysander nced at him for all of two seconds, then bypassed him and immediately exited the

    storeroom.

    Inside, it was cold and gloomily dark, separated only by a single door from the outside world where it

    was lively and bustling with activity.

    This Hestryan cuisine restaurant was not particrlyrge. In fact, in a bustling city like Harborbrook, it

    wasn¡¯t the kind of ce that most families would choose for a wedding banquet due to itsck of

    prestige.

    The entire hall only contained roughly a dozen tables, yet it subtly appeared to be divided into several

    groups.

    On the left, the group donned in military attire was likely gathered for a veteran¡¯s reunion. To the right,

    the cluster in school uniforms was probably having a graduation party. Further off was Cam¡¯s

    birthday party.

    Thus, there were only a few tables left for guests of Josiah and Lysanne¡¯s engagement party.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    413 PM & M .

    Chapter 172 Not To The Point Of Hatred.

    Through the vague silhouettes of people, she spotted familiar faces.

    Lysanne¡¯s mother was seated in a wheelchair, with her father holding a ss of wine high in a toast.

    They

    facing Susan, their demeanor ingratiating, even bordering on subservience.

    were

    After all, Susan was a person of dignity. Considering the many years of friendship between the two

    families, she didn¡¯t want to go too far. She touched her ss with Howard¡¯s and took a gentle sip,

    granting him that respect. However, her expression remained displeased.

    Susan and Elisa had a wonderful mother¨Cinw and daughter¨Cinw rtionship. Given that Josiah¡¯s

    father passed away early, the two of them developed a bond as close as a mother and daughter.

    Elisa¡¯s passing had a significant impact on Susan. Moreover, Josiah¡¯s marriage to Lysander was ruined

    by Lysanne, which also led to the loss of her grandson. Considering the circumstances, it could be said

    that Susan had already shown extreme benevolence and magnanimity.

    Susan herself didn¡¯t wish to linger for long. From a distance, she spotted Lysander, and with a hint of

    surprise, she waved her hand before briskly making her way toward the younger woman.

    Lysander was wary of Josiah, who was still in the storeroom behind her, and pointed to a private room

    not far

    away.

    Perhaps it was because the Hestryan cuisine restaurant was bustling with business that day, but

    Lysander had been waiting in the private room for quite a few minutes before Susan finally pushed the

    door open and entered.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander stood up, politely addressing the woman, ¡°Madam Susan.¡±

 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173

    Chapter 173 Pretend That Everything Is Fine

    Susan stepped forward and wrapped her in a warm embrace, a soft affection reflected in her eyes.

    ¡°Have you been swamped with worktely? You seem to have lost weight.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°You know how busy hospitals always are. Never a moment to rest.¡±

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit.¡± Susan took her hand and pulled her down to sit together before she asked. ¡°Have you

    gone to visit Mom yet?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I even brought a bouquet of flowers with me.¡±

    Susan nodded with a hint of mncholy. ¡°That¡¯s good. Lysander, she had some words left unsaid

    before she passed away, but I saw how she kept looking at you. She probably wanted to tell you

    something. If you ever dream of her in the future, please let me know.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    After much hesitation, Susan finally spoke up. ¡°Josiah¡­ is engaged to Lysanne.¡±

    ¡°I already know.¡±

    Susan was somewhat taken aback. ¡°You knew? Then your visit today is for¡­¡±

    -Madam Susan, please don¡¯t misunderstand. It¡¯s merely a coincidence. Today is the birthday of my

    mother¡¯s close friend, and our whole family is here to celebrate with her.¡±

    Susan¡¯s smile froze on her face. ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.

    Susan let out a sigh, then chuckled. ¡°I see.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Madam Susan, I need to go now. The others are waiting for me.¡±

    Susan gave a slight nod. ¡°All right, go ahead. Don¡¯t keep the elders waiting.

    ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    ¡°All right¡­ Lysander.¡±

    Susan called out to her once again.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Never mind, forget it. Susan began to speak but stopped herself. In the end, she decided not to voice

    her thoughts and briskly waved her hand. ¡°Work is work, but you also need to take good care of

    yourself, understand?¡±

    ¡°Got it. Thank you, Madam Susan.¡±

    Exiting the private room, Lysander slowly made her way toward Cam¡¯s table.

    In truth, both of them knew exactly what Susan wanted to say.

    However, precisely because of this, they all knew that voicing those words wouldn¡¯t change anything. It

    was

    Chapter 173 Pretend That Everything Is Fine

    better to part ways with dignity, as at least they could pretend that everything was fine when they met

    again.

    When she returned to the dining table, her mother, Laura, nced behind her. ¡°Lysa, where¡¯s your

    sister?¡±

    Lysander pulled out a chair and sat down in her spot. ¡°Oh, Michelle has a bit of a stomach upset.¡±

    Laura began to fret, ¡°Why on earth did she get a stomach ache all of a sudden? She didn¡¯t eat anything

    unclean this morning. This child, I swear! We were just waiting for her to arrive so we could start the

    meal. Now look at this! All these elders are waiting for her alone¡­¡±

    Cam was trying to smooth things over. ¡°It¡¯s fine, no worries. Zachary hasn¡¯t returned yet either, so

    let¡¯s wait. a bit longer.¡±

    Laura asked, ¡°Lysa, did you see Zach earlier? He was worried about you and Michelle, so he went out

    to look for you two.¡±

    Lysander stood up and said, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll go look for him.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s pant leg was torn, his body soaked through. She had been hurriedly pulled away by Josiah

    just now, but during her return, she had passed by the men¡¯s restroom and didn¡¯t see any sign of

    Zachary. Hence, she had assumed he had returned before her. As it turned out, he had not.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Lysander,¡± Cam said with a warm smile while holding Lysander back. ¡°He¡¯s

    a grown man, not a youngdy. He probably got a call from work again. He¡¯ll be back on his own in no

    time.¡±

    Laura asked, ¡°Is Zach very busy with his work? Isn¡¯t he working for a state¨Cownedpany?¡±

    Cam let out a sigh. ¡°State¨Cowned enterprises these days are nothing like they used to be. Moreover,

    he¡¯s just a low¨Clevel clerk. We ordinary folks don¡¯t have any connections orworks, so he has to do

    all the dirty and. tiring work himself. It¡¯s as if one person is doing the work of three.¡±

    Send Gifts

    !

 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174

    Chapter 174 As Siblings.

    Lauraforted her, ¡°The capable ones often have to work the hardest. It¡¯s a sign that the leadership

    values. Zach highly.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I hope that¡¯s the case, but I won¡¯t hide it from you, Laura. You understand how it is with state¨C

    owned enterprises, where seniority rules. It sounds prestigious when you talk about it, but in reality, it¡¯s

    not much. easier than privatepanies. The only benefits are a decent sry and job stability.

    Otherwise, it can be quite tough.¡±

    ¡°The job is steady and the pay is decent, which is already quite good. Zach has always been

    outstanding since he was a child. He¡¯s still young now, so once he gradually gains more experience,

    life will get better in the future.¡±

    Cam held Laura¡¯s hand, their bond as close as sisters. ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t expect him to reach high

    heights. As mothers, all we really wish for is our children to lead safe and peaceful lives, don¡¯t you

    agree?¡±

    Laura understood her meaning all too well, yet her smile was somewhat forced. ¡°I get what you¡¯re

    saying. but¡­ we should take the children¡¯s feelings into ount when ites to this kind of matter.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m just keeping you in the loop. As long as you have no objections, we can let things unfold

    naturally. If things work out, that would be great. If not, they can simply continue as siblings. Either way,

    things between us will remain as they always have been.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Laura finally felt a sense of relief.

    Camughed heartily. ¡°It seems I¡¯ve truly startled you two today, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    Laura held her hand to her heart, remaining silent. It was Maverick who spoke up. ¡°It is indeed

    unexpected. Zach never hinted at it before.¡±

    Cam wore an exasperated expression. ¡°He¡¯s always been a reserved person. He wanted to say

    something. but

    your Lysander is such an independent spirit, always striving on her own in her studies and career. He

    was afraid that speaking up might disturb her, so he kept it all to himself, thinking there would be

    another chance in the future. Who would have thought that Lysander would suddenly get married¡­¡±

    Whenever this incident was brought up, Maverick¡¯s brows would furrow deeply. ¡°Yes, I shouldn¡¯t have

    agreed so quickly back then.¡±

    Cam went on, ¡°Iter heard that Lysander¡¯s partner was from a distinguished family, even the CEO of

    apany. Upon hearing this, Zachary gave up immediately. How could ordinary people like us

    possiblypete with someone from a publicly listed corporation?¡±

    Maverick disagreed, ¡°I¡¯ve never been impressed by these listedpanies. No matter howrge a

    company is, what does it really matter? When ites to a couple¡¯s life, it¡¯s better if both are on the

    same level. It allows them to support and take care of each other more effectively.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Cam eximed excitedly, pping her hands together. ¡°We¡¯re on the me page. I¡¯ve seen

    so many news stories on TV about female celebrities marrying into wealthy families and not having the

    best lives. Maverick, Laura, we¡¯ve been friends for so many years. I know you two aren¡¯t the type to

    chase after wealth and status. You just want your children to be happy.¡±

    Maverick hesitated a bit and replied, ¡°But¡­ this would be Lysander¡¯s second marriage, whereas it

    would be Zach¡¯s first¡­¡±

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    ¡°Mom, Mrs. Thorne, what were you all chatting about that made you so happy?¡±

    Cam gave him a light smack. ¡°Where on earth did you disappear to? Lysander is already back. You

    to find her but ended up getting lost yourself?¡±

    went out

    Zachary nced at Lysander, smiling as he kept the earlier incident a secret. ¡°My bad, my bad. I

    bumped into a waiter right at the entrance and ended up spilling soup all over my pants. I just went to

    the restroom to clean up.

    ¡°Hot soup? Are you okay? Did it scald you?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ Really, I¡¯m fine. Mom, please stop looking. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne are here! It¡¯s embarrassing if you

    pull at my pants¡­¡±

    Cam pouted. ¡°I¡¯m your mother! And I¡¯m just looking at your pant leg. What¡¯s so bad about that?¡±

    Although she said that, Cam still loosened her grip, sat up straight, and apologized somewhat

    regretfully, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for keeping everyone waiting.¡±

    Both Maverick and Laura waved their hands, stating that it was a relief Zachary hadn¡¯t been burnt.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Cam then turned her attention to Lysander, attempting to both exin and smooth things over.

    ¡°Lysander, please don¡¯t take it to heart. Zachary is usually quite steady. Today was just an anomaly¡­

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175

    Chapter 175 Still The Same

    Lysander was characteristically unfazed by the situation.

    Conversely, Zachary found himself in quite a predicament; his trousers were not only soaked through

    but also torn. Clearly, he was in no position to remain in such a state for any extended period.

    The modest birthday celebration had reached its conclusion after they had enjoyed their meal and

    cake.

    Exiting the Hestryan cuisine restaurant, it was evident from Laura¡¯s expression that she was

    preupied with

    numerous concerns.

    Both of her daughters had posed significant challenges that day. The older one had faced

    complications involving her ex¨Chusband and some rtives who were keen on arranging a marriage

    for her, while the whereabouts of the younger daughter remained a mystery, as she had vanished

    without leaving any clues.

    As they prepared to leave, Zachary, driving a modestly sized sedan, generously offered, ¡°Mr. and Mrs.

    Thorne, please allow me to drive you home first.¡±

    Although his car was not arge SUV like a Cayenne, it had ample space to amodate everyone

    comfortably in one trip.

    Moreover, the guest of honor for the day was none other than Cam, his own mother. It would have

    been unreasonable to expect her to leave her duties to escort a few guests home.

    Maverick, somewhat irritable, waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Zach, you and the others go on ahead.

    We¡¯re

    1/2

    Chapter 175 Still The Same

    Laura concurred with a nod, ¡°Yes, go ahead. We¡¯ll wait a bit longer for Mich.¡±

    Zachary looked over at Lysander, his gaze conveying a silent inquiry. What should we do?

    Michelle seemed to have been swept up in the throes of romance, so much so that she wasn¡¯t even

    answering her phone. It appeared highly unlikely that she would return any time soon, and it seemed

    unfair to expect her parents to linger aimlessly at the hotel entrance waiting for her.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    And so, Lysander suggested, ¡°Dad, Mom, why don¡¯t you head home first? I¡¯ll go and look for Michelle.¡±

    Maverick, visibly agitated and his eyes wide with anger,mented, ¡°Once a girl grows up, she just won¡¯t

    stay put. I bet she¡¯s gone to meet that worthless fellow again!¡±

    Laura, anxious about the possibility of their family issues bing public, quickly grabbed his arm,

    whispering, ¡°Zach is still here. Don¡¯t just speak your mind.¡±

    ¡°Actually, now that you mention Zach, it reminds me,¡± Maverick continued, somewhat calmed by the

    interruption but still speaking rather freely. ¡°I¡¯d rather she got involved with Zach than that physics

    teacher. Zach might be older, but he¡¯s still younger than that teacher, and we know his family well.¡±

    Laura hurriedly covered his mouth, scolding sofily, ¡°What are you rambling about? With the way she

    acts, it¡¯s not even certain that Zach would be interested in her.¡±

    Maverick, frustrated and resigned, dered, ¡°Forget it. I don¡¯t care anymore. I¡¯m taking the bus back.

    Let her do whatever she wants. I can¡¯t control her now that she¡¯s grown up.

    With that, he was ready to leave.

    Laura, following close behind, pleaded, ¡°Maverick, what are you doing? Why lose your temper now?

    You¡¯re just giving everyone something tough at¡­

    Cam, overhearing the conversation,ughed and interjected, ¡°Who knows, maybe we¡¯ll all be family

    one day. What¡¯s the big deal about a few jokes? I¡¯ll join you on the bus back. Let Zachary drive

    Lysander to look for Mich.

    Laura waved her hands, protesting. ¡°Today is your birthday, and it was already an imposition having

    Zach pick us up this morning. We really can¡¯t impose on him any further.¡±

    Cam dismissed her concerns with a chuckle, ¡°Come on, Laura, no need for formalities with me. That

    rascal will be more than happy to do whatever your family needs!¡±

    20

    This statement, not whispered but rather spoken openly, was heard by several bystanders, leaving

    Maverick and Laura at a loss for words.

    Zachary, however, managed a light¨Cheartedugh, ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. Michelle is like a sister to me,

    so it¡¯s only natural that I look out for her.¡±

    Cam, ever the astute observer, watched Lysander¡¯s reaction carefully.

    Thetter maintained a calm andposed demeanor, not openly agreeing or objecting to anything.

    Having known Lysander since she was a child, Cam reckoned she probably understood her well. On

    the surface, Lysander appeared gentle and mild¨Cmannered, speaking in a soft and tender voice. Yet,

    beneath that calm exterior, she possessed a strong will and a firm sense of self¨Cdetermination.

    She did not dismiss the idea outright, which meant there might still be a chance!

    As they parted ways, with Cam leading the couple to a nearby taxi stand, she called out to her son,

    ¡°Zachary, you¡¯re now responsible for the safety of the twodies. Make sure you behave appropriately.¡±

    Zachary, clearly embarrassed by the unfolding events, gestured for them to proceed. As the taxi pulled

    away?

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176

    Chapter 176 Riding Shotgun

    As Lysander observed, Zachary¡¯splexion took on a deeper hue of red, and his hands awkwardly

    shifted about, searching for a suitable resting ce. She offered a soothing hum of understanding,

    gently reassuring him, ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel embarrassed. Back when I was working at the hospital,

    it wasn¡¯t umon for patients to try and set me up. I¡¯ve grown quite ustomed to it by now.¡±

    Zachary, visibly relieved by her tranquil handling of the situation, managed a smile and suggested,

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the car, and then we can go look for Michelle.¡±

    been

    Lysander checked her watch and noted that Michelle had missing for over two hours now. They had

    initially agreed on a three¨Chour window, yet she was still unable to reach her on her phone.

    ¡°Do you have any idea where Michelle might be?¡±

    Zachary responded with a thoughtful click of his tongue, ¡°There¡¯s a particr ce she might be.¡±

    Confident in his judgment, Lysander made her way to the vehicle, intent on entering. As she reached

    for the backseat door handle, Zachary paused and invited, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe sit in the front with

    me?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°When I went to start the car earlier in the parking lot, a water truck passed by. I forgot to roll up the

    rear window, and now the entire back seat ispletely drenched.¡±

    Lysander peered inside and confirmed that the back seats, made not of leather but a soft fabric, were

    indeed thoroughly soaked, rendering them unusable for seating at the moment.

    Lost in thought, Lysander didn¡¯t notice Zachary had already exited the car and was now holding open

    the passenger door for her. ¡°Get in,¡± he urged.

    As she lifted her head to meet his gaze, Zachary suddenly seemed flustered. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he

    asked.

    ¡°Zachary, do you realize what riding shotgun might imply?¡± Lysander questioned lightly.

    Zachary quickly dismissed any underlying implications with a shake of his head, ¡°Don¡¯t read too much

    into it. The water truck incident was just an ident. Several cars around were affected, it wasn¡¯t

    targeted or anything¡­ Besides, such significances aren¡¯t determined by a single car ride. Don¡¯t worry

    about it.¡±

    Even after several years apart, Zachary hadn¡¯t changed much from the person Lysander remembered

    five years earlier.

    From his childhood, he was a standout in science and engineering, particrly physics, often leading

    his ss and even winning the National Physics Contest. His mother, Cam, never missed an

    opportunity to boast about his achievements.

    Yet, he also disyed typical traits often associated with male students in engineering and sciences.

    He was straightforward and a bit awkward,cking finesse in small talk or ttering higher¨Cups, and

    was even more inept at engaging with women. Sometimes, he seemed naive, focused solely on his

    work, oblivious to the cunning maneuvers of the corporate world.

    Crucially, he was an open book when it came to his thoughts.

    Ever since his mother inadvertently revealed some family intentions earlier that day, his cheeks had

    been a persistent shade of red, extending to his ears and neck, betraying his embarrassment. This

    made him stumble

    Chapter 176 Riding Shotgun

    Despite not being the type to whisper sweet nothings or charm women effortlessly, he undeniably had

    the qualities of a decent husband, even if devoid of romantic love.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± No longer resisting. Lysander climbed into the passenger seat..

    Zachary seemed genuinely pleased, his movements brisk as he closed the door for her and hurried

    back to the driver¡¯s side.

    The car blended into the flow of traffic, and a slight smile lingered on his lips. ¡°Are you¡­fortable

    sitting

    there?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s brow furrowed slightly.

    Realizing how his question might havee across, Zachary quickly amended, ¡°I mean, how do you

    find the car¡¯s seats? The space, the size, and everything?¡±

    Understanding his intent, Lysander nodded. ¡°It¡¯s quitefortable.¡±

    Zachary, gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter, seemed relieved. ¡°That¡¯s good. If you feel

    ufortable at any point, you can recline the seat a bit more.¡±

    ¡°It seems like a hassle to adjust it backter.¡±

    ¡°No trouble at all, it¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t move it back. Next time you ride, it¡¯ll be set just as you left it.

    Convenient, right?¡± Zachary said.

    Sensing Lysander¡¯s silence, he hurried to rify, ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. Usually, I¡¯m driving

    alone. There¡¯s no one else in the passenger seat, so whether it¡¯s a bit higher or lower doesn¡¯t really

    affect my driving¡±

    Lysander offered a subtle smile, sensing his growing difort.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Zachary became increasingly uneasy, his palms sweating as he continued to speak.

    ¡°Zachary¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes?¡±

    ¡°Stop staring at me and focus on the road.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177

    Chapter 177 Magnanimous

    As the ck sedan gradually disappeared into the distance, Josiah lingered on the spot, taking a

    significant amount of time to collect his thoughts and emotions.

    Lysanne, still adorned in her white dress, tentatively spoke up, breaking the lingering silence between

    them. ¡°Josiah, stop staring. They¡¯re long gone,¡± she urged gently.

    Josiah¡¯s response was swift; his expression darkened as he crushed the cigarette he had been

    smoking in hist hand, discarding it into a nearby trash bin. ¡°What are you doing here? Is the ceremony

    over?¡± he asked, his tone icy.

    A sad smile briefly crossed Lysanne¡¯s face as she replied, ¡°Mom stayed with me until the very end.¡±

    When she mentioned ¡°Mom,¡± she wasn¡¯t referring to her biological mother, but to Susan.

    Lysanne¡¯s biological mother had been confined to a wheelchair for more than two decades. The mere

    fact that she had been able to attend and watch from the audience was remarkable, considering she

    was unable to physically apany her throughout the event.

    Josiah¡¯s voice was frigid as he corrected her, ¡°Just call her Madam Susan. My mother might not

    appreciate being referred to that way.¡±

    ¡°But we¡¯re engaged¡­¡± Lysanne started, trying to justify her words.

    ¡°Being engaged isn¡¯t the same as being married. There¡¯s no need to start changing how you address

    my family so prematurely,¡± Josiah interjected sharply.

    Lysanne reached out tentatively to touch his arm, seeking some form of connection, but he quickly

    moved away, eyeing her with suspicion. ¡°What are you doing?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Biting her lip, tears beginning to glisten in her eyes, Lysanne pleaded, ¡°Josiah, I know I messed up. I

    shouldn¡¯t have caused such a scene in Grandma Elisa¡¯s ward, and I definitely shouldn¡¯t have created a

    disturbance at the hospital entrance while looking for Dr. Thorne. I¡¯ve acknowledged my mistakes.

    Can¡¯t you forgive me?¡±

    ¡°Can a person be brought back to life after dying?¡±

    ¡°But even if I hadn¡¯t gone that day, Grandma Elisa was already on her deathbed. There¡¯s no certainty

    she would have managed to say all she wanted to,¡± Lysanne defended herself, desperation creeping

    into her voice. ¡°You can¡¯t me this entire situation on me!¡±

    A look of profound disappointment settled over Josiah¡¯s features. ¡°Lysanne, why have you turned into

    this?¡±

    ¡°L¡±

    ¡°When we first met as children, you were so kind and understanding. What has happened over the

    years that you¡¯ve changed so drastically, to the point where I hardly recognize you?¡±

    At this, Lysanne couldn¡¯t contain her tears any longer, and they spilled down her cheeks. ¡°Who can

    stay the same as they grow up? The incident with Grandma Elisa was an ident. And I know you¡¯ve

    been dwelling on the child in Dr. Thorne¡¯s womb, your own flesh and blood. It must be weighing heavily

    on you. But I swear, I never once pressured her to terminate the pregnancy. I swear, if I had ever

    suggested such a thing, may lightning strike me down!¡±

    Josiah remained silent at her words.

    4:15 PM > M ¡¤

    Chapter 177 Magnanimous

    ¡°Do you still not believe me, even after I¡¯ve made such a solemn vow?¡± Lysanne implored, her voice

    breaking.

    With a sad smile, Josiah replied, ¡°Does it really matter whether I believe you or not? My grandmother

    can¡¯t

    return, and neither can the child.¡±

    Tears streamed down Lysanne¡¯s face as she made onest desperate suggestion, ¡°If you want a child,

    we could consider in¨Cvitro fertilization, or even seek a surrogate abroad. With today¡¯s technological

    advancements, as long as we have the means, isn¡¯t it feasible to have a child?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression instantly turned frosty. ¡°Surrogacy? Are you aware it¡¯s illegal?¡±

    ¡°We could go abroad, to a ce where no one knows us,¡± she suggested hastily. ¡°If that¡¯s not an

    option, perhaps you could find another woman to bear a child for you. I would treat them as my own,

    and we could raise them together. Wouldn¡¯t that be eptable?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s reply dripped with unmistakable sarcasm, ¡°Ms. Lysanne, you are indeed magnanimous.¡±

    ¡°What else can I do? They¡¯ve taken my womb; I can¡¯t bear children anymore. What other options do I

    have?¡± Lysanne responded, her voice tight with emotion. ¡°Fine, I¡¯m willing topromise even further.

    You can bring the child¡¯s mother back to live with us. Would that be eptable to you?¡±

    Josiahughed dryly. ¡°Lysanne, what do you think I am? Someone from ancient times taking a

    mistress?

 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178

    Chapter 178 She Has Moved On

    ¡°So, what exactly do you want from me? I¡¯m aware that I¡¯ve disappointed you, and I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve

    been ignoring me these past few days. I¡¯ve been hesitant to say anything, worried that I might further

    upset you. I¡¯ve been walking on eggshells around you¡­¡± Lysanne continued, her toneced with

    desperation.

    ¡°Is this somehow my fault?¡± Josiah interjected sharply. ¡°When will you stop using threats of death at

    every opportunity? Remember that time in front of that famous restaurant? You pulled Lysander into the

    street, and she ended up covered in bruises while protecting you and your unborn child. And now, after

    your secret has been publicly revealed, you¡¯re thinking of running into the street again? Is there some

    law I¡¯m not aware of that says dying in a traffic ident yields morepensation than jumping off a

    building or hanging yourself? Is that what they teach in thosew schools overseas?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s words struck Lysanne like a barrage of fine needles, targeting her most vulnerable spots.

    She broke down, tears streaming down her face, ¡°Josiah! You say I¡¯ve changed, but look at you! You

    weren¡¯t this harsh before!¡±

    ¡°If we¡¯re discussing aggressive behavior, I must have picked it up from you.¡±

    ¡°Do you hate me that much?¡±

    The man did not respond.

    At this, Lysanne continued, ¡°All right, you hate me, but then who is it you do love? Dr. Thorne? You just

    saw her, didn¡¯t you? Getting into the passenger seat of another man¡¯s car! She knows exactly what that

    implies. and yet she went ahead and did it!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Josiah dered, no longer wanting to hear any more. ¡°I went through with the formalities as

    a sign of respect for your parents. I¡¯m leaving now, do whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne called after him in a voice filled with anguish, ¡°Have you fallen in love with her?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s pace faltered for a moment. for a moment.

    ¡°And what¡¯s so special about her, anyway? She¡¯s always buried in work, neglecting her home life. Her

    looks are average at best, and she¡¯s so cold. Even her family background is nothing to write home

    about. And haven¡¯t you noticed? She¡¯s never truly loved you. Her marriage to you was merely a matter

    of convenience, nothing more!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡±

    ¡°She was just seen in the men¡¯s restroom with that man¡­

    ¡°Did you witness that? What else did you see? You mustn¡¯t speak of this, do you understand? Who

    else was with you?¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip, her eyes filled with resentment. ¡°Josiah, wake up! She¡¯s already moved on to

    someone

    else!¡±

    The location Zachary mentioned was an outdoor basketball court.

    He parked his car alongside the road. Lysander immediately noticed Calvin, who was d in a red

    basketball jersey, and Michelle, who wasughing cheerily on the sidelines, her expression as radiant

    as a sunflower,

    Bnce:

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    1611 +

    1 Pearls

    4:15 PM

    Chapter 178 She Has Moved On

    ¡°I knew she¡¯d be here,¡± Zachary remarked.

    Lysander queried, ¡°Do they frequent this ce often?¡±

    Zachary responded with augh, ¡°That guy really loves basketball, and he¡¯s actually quite skilled at it.¡±

    Lysander stepped out of the car and made her way into the basketball court, choosing a corner from

    which to observe quietly.

    Although she wasn¡¯t well¨Cversed in basketball, she had to admit, Calvin, who had bowed deeply when

    they first met, seemed quite unassuming. However, when he yed basketball, his charm was

    undeniable.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Zachary parked the car and joined her side, standing still.

    ¡°Back in our student days, we weren¡¯t burdened by so many practical concerns. We didn¡¯t have to

    worry about housing, cars, or jobs. Sometimes, all it took was a nce, a single phrase, and

    asionally, words weren¡¯t even necessary. Just a silhouette could leave an indelible mark on your

    heart for years. Those pure emotions. are truly enviable.¡±

    ¡°Do you envy them?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°I truly do envy them, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m eager to help them. The kind of pure happiness I missed out

    on in my life¨Cit¡¯s not toote for Michelle to experience it. She doesn¡¯t need to be rushed into dealing

    with the mundane aspects of life.¡±

    ¡°But life is long, and it¡¯s hard to continue based solely on the fleeting passions of our youth. Sooner or

    later, we have to face these worldly concerns.¡±

    ¡°Still, it¡¯s worth cherishing these wonderful feelings. Even if they don¡¯tst forever, at least we will have

    lived. our youth to the fullest.¡±

    ¡°Love without a resolution can be heart¨Cwrenching.¡±

    Zachary sighed deeply. ¡°But many people never even get the chance to experience such heartbreak.

    Take you, for example, Lysander. You¡¯ve always been wise beyond your years¨Cmature,posed, and

    always poised. But you¡¯re too rational; you¡¯ve never allowed yourself to be swept away by emotions.

    Even though you¡¯re surrounded by gentle breezes, your heart could still be caught in a tremendous

    wave¡­¡±

    ¡°Who said I¡¯ve never been stirred emotionally?¡±

    Zachary appeared taken aback. ¡°You¡¯ve had a crush on someone?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a robot; of course, I¡¯ve liked someone before.¡±

    ¡°Was it¡­ your ex¨Chusband?¡±

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 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179

    Chapter 179 Suddenly Feel A Bit More At Ease

    Lysander threw a nce back at him, her lips curling into a hint of softughter. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Zachary studied her expression carefully, then subtly shook his head, his voice tinged with realization,

    ¡°I understand now.¡±

    ¡°Do you really?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he added, breaking into the conversation with a reflective tone, ¡°I suddenly feel a bit more at

    ease as well.¡±

    Lysander shifted her gaze away, falling into a contemtive silence.

    Zachary¡¯s voice softened. ¡°You may not have feelings for me, but it seems you didn¡¯t have much

    affection for your ex¨Chusband either. Ever since I heard about your divorce, you¡¯ve seemed rather

    unfazed. If it were Michelle¡­ I imagine she could have cried a hole in the sky by now.¡±

    ¡°What does that have to do with feeling at ease?¡±

    Zachary let out a light chuckle, ¡°By that logic, I¡¯m toe¨Cto¨Ctoe with a scion, right?¡±

    ¡°Are your legs feeling any better now?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Much better, thankfully. The pain has significantly subsided after applying some cold water.¡±

    Earlier, when they had exited the car, Lysander had made a point to be the first one out.

    There was a suitcase in the trunk, most likely Zachary¡¯s, which probably contained a change of clothes.

    She had waited there for a moment, and as expected, saw Zachary had changed into a pair of shorts

    by the time he walked over.

    However, these shorts were quite loose and made from a slick material, looking more like they

    belonged to a sports uniform.

    Kneeling down for a closer inspection, Lysander remarked, ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s still a bit swollen. It should go

    down in a few days. Just be extra careful these next few days, try not to let the burn rupture, or it could

    easily be infected.¡±

    Zachary acknowledged her advice with a gentle hum, then added, ¡°Thank you for not charging me for

    this consultation, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander slowly stood up, a lightugh escaping her. ¡°Even if you went to the hospital, you wouldn¡¯t

    come to me for a consultation. I¡¯m a gynecologist.¡±

    It could have been because they had known each other since they were children that there was an

    initial sense of alienation between them. However, after exchanging a few words, they gradually

    rediscovered the familiarity of their childhood friendship.

    The interaction no longer felt so formal.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    ¡°Hm?¡±

    4:16 PM

    Chapter 179 Suddenly Feel A Bit More At Ease

    ¡°I saw the video where you were falsely used¡­ right at the hospital entrance.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly, though her expression remained neutral. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the inte

    rumors are quite intense,¡± she replied.

    ¡°It is, but most of the attention was focused on the fact that Mr. Guerra was cuckolded by a dark¨C

    skinned man. It barely affected you, and on the rare asions you were mentioned, they only praised

    your bravery and cunning.¡±

    Lysander responded simply with an ¡°Oh.

    By the way, do you know Mr. Guerra? Earlier at the restaurant, he looked like he was seething with

    anger¡­. was really sweating bullets, worried he might seek revenge on you.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Revenge on me?¡±

    ¡°You did publicly expose his wife¡¯s scandal, which sent his reputation plummeting and turned him into a

    laughingstock. If he truly seeks revenge, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not something we ordinary folks could handle.¡±

    I

    Lysander spoke softly, her tone calm, ¡°No, it¡¯s not my fault. It was his girlfriend who was in the wrong,

    not me. If she hadn¡¯t insisted on antagonizing me, I wouldn¡¯t have revealed the truth.¡±

    ¡°True, the Guerra family has such a vast empire; he wouldn¡¯t be so petty. Moreover, since you two are

    already. divorced, he wouldn¡¯t go to the extent ofpletely ostracizing his ex¨Cwife.¡±

    As they were speaking, Michelle ran over, calling out excitedly for her sister.

    Lysander looked at the men¡¯s jacket she was holding and the half¨Cdrunk bottle of mineral water in her

    hand, feeling somewhat helpless. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± she asked. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone

    home yet? It¡¯ste and our parents are worried sick.¡±

    Michelle yfully stuck out her tongue. The basketball game was so captivating, I just lost track of

    time.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysander, my dearest sister, you¡¯ve kept this secret from Mom and Dad for me, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Zachary lightly poked her forehead. ¡°Your sister and I had to team up to cover for you this time. It

    seems like we¡¯ve managed to fool them for now, but if you keep this up, I doubt we can keep it a secret

    for much longer.¡±

    Send Gifts

    310

    W

    4:16 PM

    Chapter 179 Suddenly Feel A Bit More At Ease

    ¡°I saw the video where you were falsely used¡­ right at the hospital entrance.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly, though her expression remained neutral. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the inte

    rumors are quite intense,¡± she replied.

    *It is, but most of the attention was focused on the fact that Mr. Guerra was cuckolded by a dark¨C

    skinned man. It barely affected you, and on the rare asions you were mentioned, they only praised

    your bravery and cunning.¡±

    Lysander responded simply with an ¡°Oh.

    By the way, do you know Mr. Guerra? Earlier at the restaurant, he looked like he was seething with

    anger¡­ I was really sweating bullets, worried he might seek revenge on you.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Revenge on me?¡±

    ¡°You did publicly expose his wife¡¯s scandal, which sent his reputation plummeting and turned him into a

    laughingstock. If he truly seeks revenge, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯s not something we ordinary folks could handle.¡±

    Lysander spoke softly, her tone calm, ¡°No, it¡¯s not my fault. It was his girlfriend who was in the wrong,

    not me. If she hadn¡¯t insisted on antagonizing me, I wouldn¡¯t have revealed the truth.¡±

    ¡°True, the Guerra family has such a vast empire; he wouldn¡¯t be so petty. Moreover, since you two are

    already divorced, he wouldn¡¯t go to the extent ofpletely ostracizing his ex¨Cwife.¡±

    As they were speaking, Michelle ran over, calling out excitedly for her sister.

    Lysander looked at the men¡¯s jacket she was holding and the half¨Cdrunk bottle of mineral water in her

    hand, feeling somewhat helpless. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± she asked. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone

    home yet? It¡¯ste and our parents are worried sick.¡±

    Michelle yfully stuck out her tongue. ¡°The basketball game was so captivating, I just lost track of

    time.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysander, my dearest sister, you¡¯ve kept this secret from Mom and Dad for me, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Zachary lightly poked her forehead. ¡°Your sister and I had to team up to cover for you this time. It

    seems like we¡¯ve managed to fool them for now, but if you keep this up, I doubt we can keep it a secret

    for much longer.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180

    Chapter 180 The Ice Queen

    Michelle gave a whimper that reminded one of a puppy, eximing, ¡°Zachary, you¡¯re so kind. You¡¯re

    like my real brother!¡±

    Zachary responded with a yful groan, ¡°Cut it out, with you as my sister, I¡¯m going to be worked to

    death.¡±

    Michelle pouted in response, ¡°Am I really that terrible?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Zachary shook his head, ¡°Being terrible and being strenuous are two different

    things.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s forget about it then. Oh, by the way, let me introduce you,¡± Michelle said as she turned

    around, calling out to a group of boys who were deeply engrossed in their game on the basketball

    court. ¡°Calvin-¡±

    At the sound of her voice, Calvin immediately turned his head to look in her direction.

    With a bright and cheerful smile, Michelle yfully beckoned him over with a wave of her finger.

    The boys around him exchanged knowing nces, nudging and pushing Calvin towards her while

    teasing him. ¡°Calvin, you sure move fast, already meeting the parents, huh!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that stunningdy? She has an icy beauty about her,¡± one of themmented.

    Calvin replied, ¡°That¡¯s Michelle¡¯s older sister.¡±

    ¡°Ah, your future sister¨Cinw!¡± another joked.

    One of the boys hooked an arm around Calvin¡¯s neck, teasing, ¡°Hey Calvin, does your sister¨Cinw

    have a boyfriend? If not¡­¡±

    Calvin pushed him away with a look of disgust. ¡°Get lost, Michelle mentioned that her sister was

    already

    married.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, what¡¯s with that look, Zeke? Isn¡¯t the brother¨Cinw standing right here? What are you

    thinking? Be careful, or he might just give you a good thrashing!¡±

    Zeke shot back, ¡°Can¡¯t I even ask a question?¡±

    Amidst the teasing, Calvin was coaxed over by the group, but the youngds trailing behind him

    seemed intent on witnessing the scene unfold. They all stood about a step behind, clearly ready to

    enjoy the spectacle. As Calvin approached, his hands rubbed together nervously, his smile a bit stiff as

    he greeted, ¡°Hello¡­¡±

    Michelle, ever the free spirit, quickly introduced the two. ¡°Calvin, this is my sister, my biological sister!

    The one I¡¯ve told you about, a straight¨CA student and a genius, a legend in our area!¡±

    The confident boy from before now seemed unsure of himself. He nodded at Lysander in a deferential

    manner, almost like a grand greeting.

    Michelle then stuffed the clothes and bottled water she was carrying into Calvin¡¯s arms and excitedly

    grabbed Lysander¡¯s arm, introducing him with a yful tone, ¡°Lysander, this is my boyfriend, Calvin.

    He¡¯s the captain. of our school¡¯s basketball team. Isn¡¯t he handsome?¡±

    Lysander, observing her younger sister¡¯s yful and teasing demeanor, indulged her with a smile, ¡°I

    suppose he¡¯s quite handsome.¡±

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    Chapter 180 The Ice Queen

    Michelle, clearly delighted by the acknowledgment, nudged Calvin. ¡°What are you standing there for?

    Greet them.¡±

    Calvin, still somewhat reserved, managed a hesitant introduction, ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Calvin. We caught a glimpse

    of each other once before, outside of cram school.¡±

    Lysander nodded with a smile, remembering the encounter. ¡°Yes, I remember.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Calvin responded, relieved.

    ¡°Your bow was executed quite perfectly,¡± Lysander added.

    Whoosh!

    At this, about ten boys behind them, who had been closely watching the interaction, burst into a wave

    ofughter.

    As theughter continued, Calvin felt increasingly ufortable and out of ce.

    Noticing his difort, Lysander took the initiative to break the ice, addressing the group behind him,

    ¡°Are these young men part of your basketball team?¡±

    Calvin confirmed with a nod, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°They are all quite handsome,¡± Lysander remarked as her gaze swept over the back row.

    Moments before, the group had been clutching their stomachs,ughing so hard at Calvin that they

    nearly fell over. However, as soon as they caught Lysander¡¯s sweeping gaze, they suddenly grew quiet

    and stood still, some even blushing as the color crept up their necks.

    With a dismissive wave of his hand, Calvin said, ¡°Ignore these people, they¡¯re all lunatics.¡±

    Lysander then asked Calvin, her tone casual yet inviting, ¡°Are you free now? I¡¯d like to have a chat with

    you, is that okay?¡±

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 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181

    Chapter 181 The Advantage Of Youth

    Calvin appeared momentarily taken aback, then he slowly nodded his head, ¡°I do have some free time,

    but¡­ would it be all right if I change my clothes first? I¡¯m all sweaty right now¡­¡±

    ¡°Sure, go ahead, I¡¯ll wait here with Mich,¡± Lysander responded amodatingly.

    Calvin nodded, clutching his clothes tightly as he prepared to dash toward the nearby men¡¯s restroom.

    Yet, before he could take a step, he paused, realizing that abruptly departing without acknowledging

    the other person by Lysander¡¯s side might seem impolite.

    ¡°You must be Michelle¡¯s brother¨Cinw, right? Hello, it¡¯s nice to meet you. I¡¯ll be back shortly, I won¡¯t

    keep you waiting long,¡± he said, attempting to be courteous.

    Michelle quickly interjected with a sharp p on his arm, ¡°What brother¨Cinw? Watch your words.

    This is Zachary.¡±

    Calvin looked somewhat confused. ¡°Not her husband? Didn¡¯t you say your sister got married?¡±

    ¡°What does marriage have to do with it? You¡¯ve really lost your touch for sweet talk; my sister is a

    sessful single woman now!¡± Michelle retorted sharply.

    Calvin nodded apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±

    With a forgiving smile, Zachary reassured him, ¡°It¡¯s all right, just go and change your clothes quickly.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    With that, Calvin toward the men¡¯s restroom, a group of his friends trailing closely behind him.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Calvin, Calvin, how much older is she than your girlfriend?¡± one of the followers quipped.

    Calvin frowned and dismissed the inquirer. ¡°I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t know, just go away quickly.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get all flustered and upset. I just heard that the beautifuldy is a strong, independent single

    woman,¡±

    another teased.

    Calvin, growing exasperated, retorted, ¡°Stop daydreaming. I¡¯ve heard from Michelle that her former

    brother- inw was a sessful businessman. If she didn¡¯t even fancy him, what makes you think she

    would be interested in you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Big business tycoons might be bald with beer bellies, but look at me. I

    have a full head of hair and a six¨Cpack. I¡¯m in far better shape than those old coots¡­¡± one of them

    boasted as he leaned in to whisper something to Calvin, which immediately resulted in Calvin kicking

    him.

    ¡°Gross! You¡¯re such a ruffian! Try spouting nonsense again! I¡¯ll twist your head off!¡± he threatened.

    Zeke, undeterred, persisted, ¡°Come on, what if she really does fall for a young pup like me? Wouldn¡¯t it

    be great if we became brothers¨Cinw in the future? I assure you, I will definitely look out for you.¡±

    This time, Calvin showed no mercy and delivered a sharp kick to Zeke¡¯s rear end, sending him

    sprawling to the ground and eliciting a wave ofughter from the onlookers.

    Approximately five minutester, Calvin reappeared, freshly dressed.

    E

    4.45 PM

    Chapter 181 The Advantage Of Youth

    Lysander inquired, ¡°What about your ssmates? If they want to go, they can join us.¡±

    Worried that Zeke¡¯s indiscretions might sabotage his ns, Calvin quickly shook his head, ¡°They¡¯re not

    coming. Let¡¯s just go by ourselves.¡±

    Lysander nced back and nodded, choosing not to press further.

    Soon, the group entered a nearby dessert shop and found afortable spot to sit. Knowing her sister

    was treating, Michelle didn¡¯t hold back and ordered an array of dishes.

    Calvin, however, was more reserved, merely noting, ¡°Michelle has ordered plenty, it¡¯s more than

    enough.¡±

    Both Zachary and Lysander opted for just a cup of coffee each.

    As the dishes arrived, Lysander initiated a casual conversation with Calvin. ¡°Calvin, are you nning to

    go to Apex City for university?¡±

    Calvin answered with the earnestness of a diligent student, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been looking into schools. I¡¯m

    nning to sit for the entrance exam for a basic public university in Apex City.¡±

    ¡°Does your family know about you and Michelle dating?¡±

    Calvin hesitated, ¡°N¨CNot yet¡­¡±

    This

    response noticeably shifted Lysander¡¯s expression to one of concern.

    Sensing the tension, Michelle quickly interjected, ¡°He¡¯s nning to tell his family soon.¡±

    ¡°Oh, when do you n on telling them?¡± Lysander asked calmly.

    Calvin¡¯s face drained of color as he stammered, ¡°Well¡­ soon, I¡¯ll find the right opportunity¡­¡±

    ¡°What kind of opportunity are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll find a time when my parents are in a good mood,¡± Calvin replied nervously.

    ¡°Your parents didn¡¯t approve of you dating?¡±

 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182

    Chapter 182 I Will Not Interfere

    With a rueful chuckle, Calvin began, ¡°It¡¯s not that they disagree, it¡¯s just¡­¡±

    He guiltily lifted his eyes toward Lysander, his voice wavering as he confessed, ¡°My dad has a really

    good friend, who has a daughter. When I was little, there was talk of a childhood engagement or

    something¡­

    Michelle cut in swiftly, ¡°What century are we living in that we¡¯re still talking about childhood

    engagements? We should be embracing free love now, right Lysander?¡±

    Lysander offered no response, her silence hanging in the air.

    Thus, Michelle turned to seek advice from Zachary once more.

    However, even Zachary¡¯s demeanor had shifted. ¡°Calvin, have you met the girl?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen her before.¡±

    ¡°Does she know about this childhood engagement?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ she does.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s her opinion on it?¡±

    ¡°She¡­ neither agreed nor disagreed.¡±

    Zachary chuckled softly, ¡°I see.¡±

    Calvin¡¯splexion had turned ashen. ¡°But I will make things clear with my family,¡± he insisted.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    ¡°When did you first learn about this childhood engagement?¡±

    ¡°Probably when I was around four or five years old?¡±

    ¡°You turned eighteen this year, and you¡¯ve known since you were four or five. So, you¡¯ve basically been

    living with the idea of this childhood engagement for over a decade, right?¡± Zachary probed further.

    Calvin was at a loss. ¡°I was just a kid then. I had no idea who I¡¯d end up falling for. You can¡¯t hold this

    against me; it¡¯s just not fair.¡±

    Hearing this, Zachary¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°You¡¯ve been seeing Michelle for quite a while now,

    haven¡¯t you? During this time, you¡¯ve even found a girl you truly like. Why haven¡¯t you rified things

    with your family yet? Even if you don¡¯t bring up the topic of having a girlfriend, have you ever once

    objected to the childhood engagement?¡±

    Calvin bit his lip, falling silent.

    ¡°Apex City and Harborbrook, one in the south and the other in the north, are over a thousand

    kilometers. apart. The climate differences are significant. You want a girl to leave her hometown and go

    to Apex City to study for

    you, risking her own future and destiny. Yet, you haven¡¯t even resolved your own family issues?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s anxiety escted as she watched. ¡°Zachary, what are you doing? Weren¡¯t you supporting us

    before¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up.¡± Lysander interrupted sharply, ring at her. ¡°Why are you interrupting when Zachary is

    speaking?

    4I5 PM

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Michelle, always intimidated by her older sister, could read the unease on thetter¡¯s face. Although

    she was inwardly anxious, she dared not utter another word.

    Zachary continued, ¡°Calvin, as a man, if you truly care about a girl, you need to consider her feelings

    more. Your grades aren¡¯t suited for studying in Harborbrook; you want to study in Apex City. But have

    you thought about Michelle? Her family and sister are all in Harborbrook, and her grades are good

    enough for the world- ss universities here. She has rtives and friends here. But if she follows you

    to Apex City, what can you promise her?¡±

    Calvin replied defiantly, ¡°This is between Michelle and me. As long as Michelle is willing, you have no

    right to interfere. We love each other, and if she wants to go to Apex City with me, that¡¯s her choice.

    Even her parents can¡¯t deny her the right to make that decision.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lysander said nonchntly, ¡°I won¡¯t interfere with her freedom to love. Let Michelle make her

    own decisions. Let¡¯s go, Zachary,¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face was etched with disagreement. ¡°Lysander¡­

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lysander urged, turning to look at Michelle. She pulled several bills from her wallet, handing

    them to Michelle. ¡°I¡¯ll head back with Zachary first. The bus services are probably done for the day. You

    should take a taxi home. Have a good talk with him. If you¡¯re still adamant about it, I¡¯ll talk to Mom and

    Dad for you.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183

    Chapter 183 Demolition

    Michelle was visibly surprised.

    She had braced herself for a stern reprimand from her sister, but Lysander¡¯s behavior didn¡¯t indicate

    any severe opposition

    Even more unexpectedly, Zachary, who had previously been supportive, hadpletely changed his

    stance.

    As she watched her sister settle the bill at the front desk and then depart with Zachary, Michelle felt an

    acute pang of distress seeing them walk away, growing more distant with each step.

    Calvin, still wearing a slight frown, turned to her. ¡°Michelle, what¡¯s up with them? Do they think I¡¯m

    dragging you down? They just look down on me, don¡¯t they?¡±

    Unable to contain her frustration, Michelle pleaded, ¡°Stop talking.¡±

    Once they were back in the car, Zachary still couldn¡¯t make sense of Lysander¡¯s decision.

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been the voice of reason. Calvin¡¯s family is chaotic, and yet you¡¯re considering helping

    Michelle to convince your parents? Lysander, are you truly ready to risk Michelle¡¯s future? What if they

    move to Apex City and Calvin ends up saying, I can¡¯t do anything, my parents arranged this

    engagement? What¡¯s Michelle supposed to do then?¡±

    As Lysander buckled her seatbelt, she posed a question, ¡°So, what do you suggest we do? Try to

    break them up?¡±

    1/2

    Chapter 183 Demolition

    ¡°At the very least, we should be putting some pressure on Calvin, right? He needs to deal with his

    parents and that childhood sweetheart of his.¡±

    ¡°If he wanted to resolve things, he would have done it by now. The fact that it¡¯s still unresolved.

    either too timid, or he¡¯s still undecided between the two girls. Putting pressure on him won¡¯t s

    ¡°Are we just going to stand by and watch Michelle get hurt?¡±

    help.¡±

    he¡¯s

    ¡°Don¡¯t you see how youthful love works? The more the world tries to pull them apart, the stronger their

    resolve bes, wrapped up in that melodramatic notion of betraying the world for love. If I intervene

    now, I might just end up intensifying their feelings.¡±

    Zachary, caught off¨Cguard by her insight, remarked, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to understand so deeply.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen it before with my own eyes. Remember my friend, Harper? That¡¯s exactly what happened to

    her. The more people opposed her, the deeper she fell.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°So¡­ what are you nning to do now?¡±

    Lysander chuckled lightly, ¡°Michelle might be a bit impulsive at times, but she isn¡¯t foolish. Let¡¯s give her

    some time to think things over by herself.¡±

    Zachary nodded and started the car.

    ¡°Hey, why is that white Cayenne behind us again? Do you think they¡¯re really following us?¡±

    Lysander responded nonchntly, ¡°Let him be. If he wants to follow, let him. He¡¯ll give up when he

    realizes it¡¯s hopeless.¡±

    Zachary kept an eye on the rearview mirror. Seeing that Lysander disyed no concern, he finally

    breathed a

    sigh of relief.

    The Cayenne had been appearing too frequently these past days.

    Initially, Zachary suspected that Lysander¡¯s ex¨Chusband was reluctant to let go. However, considering

    the turmoil within Guerra Grouptely¨Cthe CEO embroiled in a hit¨Cand¨Crun scandal and detained, his

    new partner consistently causing public disturbances, and thepany¡¯s stocks plummeting- it

    seemed unlikely.

    Josiah, managing such a vast enterprise, would be too preupied to engage in such behavior,

    especially today, which was the day of his engagement party with his new girlfriend.

    parents sat in the living room in a

    Lysander¡¯s return home cast a somber shadow over the Thorne family

    daunting silence.

    Trying to break the ice, Lysander greeted them, ¡°Dad, Mom, was the bus ride smooth?¡±

    Maverick looked up at her and then patted the couch beside him, signaling for her to sit.

    Settling beside her father, Lysander asked gently, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Dad?¡±

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡± Maverick seemed to struggle with his words. After a few moments of silence, he finally

    relented. unable to articte his thoughts, ¡°I¡¯ll let your mother talk,¡± he concluded.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184

    Chapter 184 What On Earth Is Josiah Up To

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Is it really that serious?¡± Lysander inquired, noticing the concern etched deeply on

    Laura¡¯s face.

    Laura began, ¡°When your father and I returned a short while ago, we found a notice from the local

    authorities downstairs. It mentioned that our building is scheduled for demolition.¡±

    Surprised by the news, Lysander questioned, ¡°When did they announce this?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re urging everyone to move out before Independence Day.¡±

    Realizing it was already July, Lysander calcted the short time frame left, barely over two months until

    the deadline in October.

    ¡°So suddenly? Wasn¡¯t there any warning beforehand?¡± Lysander pressed further.

    Maverick interjected, ¡°There had been some whispers about it, but your mother and I didn¡¯t really

    believe them. Our apartment is a government¨Csubsidized unit given by my workce. We figured if it

    really came to demolition, thepensation wouldn¡¯t be substantial¡­¡±

    Understanding the situation, Lysander remainedposed and offered a solution, ¡°Well, since I¡¯m still

    on break, I¡¯ll start looking for a rental for us.¡±

    Laura responded with a wry smile, ¡°Finding a rental is one thing, but what about you and your sister?

    We¡¯ve always been hardworking, hoping that selling this house would someday help support you

    financially, but now that¡¯s not going to happen¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lysander reassured her, ¡°I¡¯ll just need to save a little longer before I can afford a

    house.. And as for Michelle, she¡¯s only just started university. Who knows? Maybe she¡¯ll be sessful

    enough in the future to buy her own house and car.¡±

    Maverick gave a smallugh. ¡°I have no doubts you could achieve that on your own, but your sister¡­

    well, she still acts quite immaturely. Remember how right after your college entrance exam, you were

    already earning money tutoring, while she was still infatuated with her physics teacher?¡±

    Dad, you

    shouldn¡¯t be so quick to judge her,¡± Lysander defended her sister. ¡°I might be sessful, but she¡¯s my

    sister¨Cshe¡¯s got potential too.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not¡­¡±

    ¡°Maverick!¡± Laura sharply interrupted, pping him on the shoulder.

    Maverick quickly corrected his tone, ¡°Just as every offspring is unique, our daughters may have

    inherited different qualities. Let¡¯s not worry about this now. Once your break is over, you should head

    back to work. You don¡¯t want the hospital to rece you because you¡¯ve been away too long. You have

    a respectable and well¨Cpaying job; you should focus on that.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I understand, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯ve always been the reliable one, not causing us any worry, unlike Michelle,¡± Laura sighed.

    Desiring to shift the conversation away from potential conflicts, Lysander asked, ¡°Dad, what prompted

    the sudden demolition notice? Our home is quite remote from the city center. Why would they want our

    land?¡±

    Maverick exined, ¡°I spoke with Lance at the reception desk downstairs. He mentioned that a

    company

    ns to build an amusement nark on ournd¡±

    Chapter 184 What On Earth Is Josiah Up To

    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯ve always been the reliable one, not causing us any worry, unlike Michelle,¡± Laura sighed.

    Desiring to shift the conversation away from potential conflicts, Lysander asked, ¡°Dad, what prompted

    the sudden demolition notice? Our home is quite remote from the city center. Why would they want our

    land?¡±

    Maverick exined, ¡°I spoke with Lance at the reception desk downstairs. He mentioned that a

    company ns to build an amusement park on ournd.¡±

    Lysander pondered this for a moment, recognizing the logic. Thend here is cheaper, and being far

    from the city center, it¡¯s perfect for something like an amusement park.

    Maverick added, ¡°And you know, when you came back, Mdm. Cam mentioned that Zach¡¯s

    architectural designpany is handling the construction.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but they¡¯re just responsible for the design work. They don¡¯t make decisions about the demolition,¡±

    Maverick rified.

    Curious, Lysander asked, ¡°Whichpany is listed on the announcement?¡±

    ¡°It was something like¡­ ¡°Walter Constructions? That sounds right.¡±

    A sense of unease washed over Lysander. Thepany sounded rmingly familiar.

    Though she hadn¡¯t encountered him directly, she knew that her former father¨Cinw¡¯s name was WaltBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Guerra

    Yet, it might have been that she was overthinking things.

    Guerra Group¡¯s business empire typically involved luxury residential developments and hotels, not

    amusement parks.

    Nevertheless, to confirm her suspicions, she pulled out her phone to check. And sure enough¨CWalter

    Constructions, a subsidiary of Guerra Group, was involved.

    With a chuckle, Lysander grabbed her phone and headed out.

    From behind, Laura called out, ¡°Lysander, where are you off to? Dinner¡¯s almost ready.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to make a quick phone call. Go ahead and start without me,¡± Lysander replied, stepping

    out to gather her thoughts..

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185

    Chapter 185 You Were Once The Mother Of My Son

    Lysander descended the stairs.

    Downstairs, in the familiar spot, was the familiar car.

    When Lysander was just dropped off by Zachary a moment ago, the area was virtually empty. The old

    residential district had virtually no designated parking spaces. This was merely a narrowne within the

    neighborhood.

    The Cayenne was huge. Thus, even when parked on the side, it took up half of the street.

    Fortunately, this residential area was far from the city center, causing many to relocate. Now, it was

    primarily inhabited by older folks, with few young people choosing to live there. The area was

    somewhat deste, and even if the roads were upied, no one wouldin.

    As soon as Lysander stepped out of the apartment door, Josiah spotted her.

    He turned off the engine, exited the car, and leaned against it as he waited.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    As Lysander approached, he asked, ¡°Are you going shopping? Or just out for a walk?¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°And what about you? Are you here to share some good news, or to hand out

    wedding favors?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression darkened slightly as he pulled open the car door. ¡°Can we talk?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to get in the car. ¡°Let¡¯s talk here.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s hand rested on the car handle, his grip tightening and loosening intermittently. ¡°You can see

    this ce from your house window.¡±

    Lysander studied him for a while, then, bypassing him, she opened the back seat door and seated

    herself inside.

    Regarding the issue of the front passenger seat, the two individuals had experienced more than one

    unpleasant incident in the past. Josiah understood Lysander¡¯s intentions but chose not toment.

    Instead, he casually closed the front passenger door and took his ce in the back seat from the other

    side.

    Inside the car, there was a strong smell of smoke,

    Lysander frowned and waved her hand, prompting Josiah to roll down the car window. ¡°I apologize. My

    smoking habit has been out of controltely.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t say much. She simply asked, ¡°The reason?¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°What reason?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Turns out, I was just reading too much into things. Recently, you¡¯ve beening to our neighborhood

    not because of me, but to scout locations for the amusement park. It makes sense, really. Whether it¡¯s

    the geographical location or the development cost, this ce is quite ideal for an amusement park. As

    always, you have a keen eye for these things.¡±

    4 46 PM

    Chapter 185 You Were Once The Mother Of My Son

    Josiah¡¯s gaze narrowed as he took a deep breath. ¡°I won¡¯t hide it from you. Indeed, Walter

    Constructions is

    one of Guerra Group¡¯spanies.¡±

    ¡°Then, here¡¯s to wishing you sess in your new endeavor.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, said Josiah, ¡°it¡¯s ins

    like this?¡±

    the two of us. I want to have a civil conversation with you. Must we continue

    Lysander simply said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re now engaged. Shouldn¡¯t you maintain some

    distance from other women?¡±

    Josiah let out a snigger. ¡°Are you just any other woman?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Of course not, you were once the mother of my son!¡±

    In Josiah¡¯s eyes, mes seemed to be flickering in them.

    ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve spent these past few days reflecting on our history. Given the circumstances we find

    ourselves in, I think it¡¯s time for some honesty. I did have a pact with Lysanne when we were young,

    and I genuinely cared for her. But once she was married overseas, I let go of those feelings. When I

    married you, we led a peaceful andfortable life, and I never once considered leaving you¡­.¡±

    After a pause, he continued, ¡°Lysanne is the only child in her family, hence she is spoilt. I knew this

    from a young age. Mrs. Thorne wasn¡¯t in the best of health, so I always amodated her, which

    became a habit. When she returned to the country, I thought her actions were just her being petnt. I

    never imagined she was trying to reconcile with me. Before she confessed her feelings, I had actually

    been nning to distance myself from her and to focus on building a good life with you.

    ¡°But in the end, you still chose her, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186

    Chapter 186 Can We Talk About Us Now

    Josiah closed his eyes. ¡°This is the one thing I regret most in my life.¡±

    ¡°Regardless of any regrets, she was always your choice, Josiah. Let me give you an inappropriate

    example. Say we were at a holiday resort, both she and I were on the verge of falling off a cliff, and you

    could only save one. of us. The other would inevitably meet a tragic end. Who would you rescue?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, suchparisons are utterly pointless,¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s not just you who has reflected, as I¡¯ve done so too. At first, I thought

    you were a great marriage prospect. With both Grandma Elisa and Madam Susan treating me so well, I

    felt truly fortunate. I also believed that although our love might not be as passionate and intense as

    those in the movies, we would support each other, sharing life¡¯s ups and downs until the end of our

    days.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°No. you

    don¡¯t,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I thought I could step aside gracefully, allowing you two to pursue your love.

    That¡¯s exactly what I did. But Josiah, why did you have to make that call to me? I was finally finding

    peace, so why did you have to humiliate me that way?¡±

    Josiah sincerely asked, ¡°Is it because I called you, expressing my regret and desire to reconcile with

    you, that you felt humiliated and¡­ started to hate me?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? All this while, I¡¯ve always been your second choice. When Lysanne got married and

    you missed your chance, you settled for me, someone with a name that sounds just like hers. When

    you grew tired of her, resenting her for causing Grandma Elisa¡¯s untimely death and her failure to have

    herst words heard, you thought of me again. Josiah, you can¡¯t be too greedy. You can¡¯t have both

    love and stability. There¡¯s no such thing in this world!¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°There is.¡±

    Lysanderughed, mocking his hubris.

    ¡°When love and stability are found in the same person, it¡¯s not difficult.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Josiah, can we be honest with ourselves?¡±

    ¡°What do you want me to do, tell me?¡±

    ¡°You want this piece ofnd and to tear down this old neighborhood, all for the sake of business. All

    those seemingly sincere words you just said, are they really worth anything? Will they increase the

    compensation to my parents? I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s all there is to it

    Josiah¡¯s voice took on a slightly somber tone. ¡°Behind your hospital, there¡¯s a plot of abandonednd.

    You should be aware of it.¡±

    Lysander naturally knew what he was talking about.

    That was the ce where medical waste was discarded; it was also where she had cremated their

    child.

    ¡°I have purchased that plot ofnd and n to develop it in coboration with the hospital. The bottom

    three floors would be used as a cold storage facility for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. The

    remaining thirty floors above are to be constructed into residential apartments.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows slightly, biting her lip as she watched him.

    Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

    The Charming Ex¨CWife.

    Josiah continued, ¡°Those residences are meant for the residents of this neighborhood who will be

    relocated due to the redevelopment. Your parents can move there when the timees. It¡¯s close to

    you, so you can be by their side. There¡¯s no more need for long bus rides just to visit home.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¦Á¦Ò¦É¦Á

    ¡°I knew that if I bought a house for your parents outright, you would definitely reject it, thinking I¡¯m trying

    throw money at the problem. So, I came up with this solution. It not only resolves the issue of being

    near

    stop worrying about the

    your family but also provides you with a ce to settle in Harborbrook. You can alue of being near

    down payment.¡±

    Lysander continued to maintain her silence.

    ¡°Thepensation will still given as promised.¡±

    After pondering for a bit, Lysander then nodded. ¡°Alright, I understand. In that case, I thank you, Mr.

    Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Can we now have a proper discussion about us?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187

    Chapter 187 Her Good Friend

    ¡°What else do we have to talk about?¡±

    ¡°I like you.¡± Josiah turned slightly to face her directly, as if this made him appear more serious. His tone

    grew a little more solemn. ¡°Lysander, I want to be with you. I know you have other suitors right now, but

    I won¡¯t give up. At the very least, I want topete with him fairly.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Are you casting your fianc¨¦e aside?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re well aware of what happened with my grandmother, my mother, and thepany. Everything

    there was between Lysanne and I have beenpletely wiped out. The only reason I¡¯m agreeing now

    is because Mrs. Thorne has threatened me with her life.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever considered that if she finds out about your ongoing entanglement with your ex¨Cwife

    behind her daughter¡¯s back, she would still threaten you with her life?¡±

    ¡°No, Lysanne can¡¯t have children anymore. Their only wish is for me to take care of her for the rest of

    her life. As for the possibility of other women in my life, they¡¯re already prepared for that.¡±

    ¡°So? If you¡¯re Lysanne¡¯s husband in public, so what does that make me? A secret lover? Or a

    homewrecker?¡±

    Flustered, Josiah firmly grasped her shoulders. ¡°Of course not! I won¡¯t register my marriage with

    Lysanne, it¡¯s just a show to put Mrs. Thorne at ease¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Lysander forcefully pushed him away. ¡°Josiah, who do you think you are? Do you think I

    can¡¯t live without understand? What makes you think I would abandon my dignity for you?¡±

    ou Don¡¯t forget, our marriage wasn¡¯t built on love! In other words, I¡¯ve never loved you, do you

    Chapter 187 Her Good Friend

    Josiah was left somewhat dazed by her outburst, his gaze flickering. ¡°You don¡¯t love me? Then who do

    you love? That childhood friend of yours who is nearly thirty and hasn¡¯t achieved anything

    ¡°The standards of ordinary people like us aren¡¯t the same as yours. To you, Zachary might seem like an

    underachiever, but in my parents¡® eyes, he¡¯s a man with a stable job and exceptional character.¡±

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows, ¡°Have your parents already given their blessing for you two to be

    together? Do you love him?¡±

    ¡°Does love really matter? When I married you, I didn¡¯t love you either. On the contrary, he and I are

    from the same social ss and haveparable ies, while our parents have been friends for

    decades. Being with him guarantees a stable and secure future, a life I can foresee, and that¡¯s the life I

    desire.¡±

    Just as Josiah was about to say something, his gaze suddenly shifted upward, looking out the window.

    Having smoked in the car earlier, he had rolled down the windows to let out the smoke. Thus, their

    conversation was clearly audible from outside.

    Zachary hade over without them realizing, standing outside when he heard Lysander¡¯s words,

    which left him somewhat stunned.

    He nced at Lysander, then at Josiah, hesitating before he finally spoke. ¡°Lysander, you left your

    wallet in my car.¡±

    After opening the door, Lysander stepped out of the car and took the wallet. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No worries. Luckily, it fell in my car. Just be a bit more careful in the future. If it fell in someone else¡¯s

    car, you might not be able to get it back.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows. On the surface, the words seemed like a well¨Cintentioned warning.

    However, Lysander had just stepped out of his car. Given the situation and setting, those words

    sounded nothing short of a provocation to him.

    He too opened the car door and stepped out, walking up to Zachary. He stood firm before thetter.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Powell. I¡¯m Lysander¡¯s husband, Josiah.¡±

    Lysander corrected him, ¡°Ex¨Chusband.¡±

    Zacharyughed lightly. ¡°Hello, Mr. Guerra. I¡¯m Lysander¡¯s¡­ friend.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting back and forth between the two of them. ¡°Friends?¡± he

    questioned.

    ¡°Indeed, good friends, very good friends.¡±

    The color drained from Josiah¡¯s face in an instant.

    Send Gifts

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    310

 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188

    Chapter 188 Two Edge Sword

    Lysander simply shed a subtle smile.

    Good friend.

    These words were once a thorn in her heart, but now they had be a double¨Cedged sword aimed

    at Josiah.

    Zachary was still exining, ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for over twenty years and grew up together. We

    went to the same school, from elementary to high school. When she was deciding her college major, I

    was the one who helped her choose medicine.¡±

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face couldn¡¯t be any gloomier.

    Taking advantage of the situation, Lysander said, ¡°Mr. Guerra is nning to buy our neighborhood¡¯s

    land to develop it into an amusement park, hence his visit to survey the area.¡±

    Zachary suddenly understood. ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s what it was, I initially thought it was¡­¡±

    Josiah expression drastically changed. ¡°What did you think it was?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s nothing. As soon as I got home, my mom mentioned that our neighborhood is scheduled

    for demolition. Turns out, it¡¯s actually driven by Mr. Guerra. That¡¯s quite a coincidence.¡±

    Lysander spoke softly. ¡°Mr. Guerra mentioned that he ns to build a house within Harborbrook for us

    to be resettled. That would solve our housing problem in the future.¡±

    Zachary was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Really? That¡¯s fantastic! My mom was just worrying about

    having to rent a house. Oh, Lysander, should our families choose the same floor and continue being

    neighbors? Our parents could keep visiting each other.¡±

    Lysander chuckled and said, ¡°All you want is toe over to my house for a free meal, just like when

    we were kids.¡±

    ¡°Haha, Mrs. Thorne¡¯s cooking is just irresistible. I can chip in for the groceries and even lend a hand in

    the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the meal expenses. My mom always thought she was an exceptional cook, but

    sadly, both Michelle and I barely eat at home. And you know how my dad is, he never says anything

    complimentary. But you, on the other hand, always have a creative way to praise her cooking. Not only

    that, you¡¯d even take leftovers home. She would love it if you visited every day.¡±

    Zachary felt a bit embarrassed. ¡°Don¡¯t air my dirtyundry in front of others, alright? Can you at least

    save. me some dignity¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, now that you¡¯re here, don¡¯t leave. When I just came down from upstairs, my mom

    mentioned she was about to cook. Want to join us for a meal?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Zachary, rubbing his hands together with a sly grin, asked, ¡°Is it really okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Once you¡¯re done eating, pack some food for Mdm. Cam as well. That way, she won¡¯t

    have to cook dinner.¡±

    Zachary broke into a wide smile, his eyes sparkling. ¡°That¡¯s fantastic,¡± he said. ¡°My mom has never

    liked cooking, and I¡¯m sick to death of instant noodles.¡±

    Chapter 188 Two Edge Sword

    ¡°If she ever gets tired of cooking in the future, she¡¯s always wee toe over to my ce for

    meals. It¡¯s just my parents at home, and they¡¯d enjoy thepany.¡±

    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t be a stranger then.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Lysander looked at Josiah and said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯ll be taking our leave now. When I¡¯m free, I¡¯ll give

    you a

    treat.¡±

    After speaking, they took Zachary¡¯s hand and headed toward the entrance of the building.

    As they weren¡¯t walking fast, Zachary¡¯s voice could still be faintly heard.

    ¡°Lysander, isn¡¯t today Mr. Guerra¡¯s engagement party? Instead of apanying his bride¨Cto¨Cbe, he¡¯s

    out here looking at property? Talk about dedication.¡±

    Lysander just gave a slight smile, calmly stating. ¡°As long as the bride isn¡¯t upset, that¡¯s all that

    matters.¡±

    ¡°True. This is their business. It¡¯s not our ce to worry.¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°You know what¡¯s strange. I¡¯ve never seen a divorced couple getting along as well as you two do.

    Chatting andughing together, just like good friends.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t use the term good friends anymore in the future.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°There could easily be a misunderstanding.¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°What could possibly be misunderstood here?¡±

    ¡°Anyway, just don¡¯t say it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so how should I describe our rtionship if someone asks in the future?¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment, then said something.

    However, Josiah didn¡¯t hear clearly.

    By the time she had started speaking, the two of them had already entered the apartment building.

    Their voices werepletely enclosed within the concrete structure, no longer distinguishable.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189

    Chapter 189 Mourning My Lost Love

    Lysander¡¯s life continued as usual.

    In any life, there was bound to be problems.

    a

    First, she needed to find a new ce for her parents to move into as soon as possible.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Secondly, her younger sister had experienced a heartbreak.

    Lysander didn¡¯t really have a solution for this. She also wasn¡¯t particrly good at giving advice, and it

    seemed as though no amount of counsel would help with heartbreak. However, doing nothing wasn¡¯t

    an option as she only had one sister.

    So, when Michelle pleaded with her to go for a drink, Lysander thought for a moment and agreed.

    At her age, she was the spitting image of Daphne from the past. Back then, Daphne had been so

    distraught that she almost broke down mentally, to the point of considering suicide. Michelle, however,

    merely sought sce in alcohol to temporarily numb herself. At least her life wasn¡¯t in any danger.

    Lysander chose a fairly respectable bar, requesting the most secluded booth. She let her younger

    sister sit inside, shielding her from view while she sat on the outside. This was to prevent any

    unwee guests from spotting the intoxicated youngdy and getting any improper ideas.

    Michelle already had too much to drink, while her face was wet with tears. Hupping, she sprawled

    herself on the table. ¡°Lysander, when you divorced Josiah, was it painful?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I guess.¡±

    Michelle¡¯s lips quivered, tears starting to flow again. ¡°Why am I even asking you? You¡¯re like some kind

    of superhuman, unaffected by trivial matters such as love and affection.¡±

    ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°But Lysander, I¡¯m devastated,¡± Michelle sat up straight, taking another gulp of her cold beer. ¡°I argued

    with Mom and Dad for him. I even nned to move to the capital for him, but this is how he treats me.¡±

    The night before, Michelle was all alone, squatting in the small garden downstairs as she called her

    sister. As soon as Lysander came down, she was embraced by Michelle who then burst into tears.

    At that time, she couldn¡¯t probe further. Her priority was to soothe her sister¡¯s emotions.

    Fortunately, Michelle still had a bit of sense left in her. By the time the two returned home, she had

    managed to stifle her sobs, moving quietly and gently so as not to wake her parents.

    She had pleaded with Lysander early in the morning to bring her out for a drink. She managed to hold

    herself together during the journey, but once they arrived and she had a few sips of alcohol, she

    completely lost control and broke down in tears, sobbing so hard that she could hardly catch his breath.

    ¡°What did he say to you yesterday?¡±

    Michelle bit her lip and cursed, ¡°The b*stard was forcing me to choose between my parents and my

    love. If I chose my family, he would break up with me.¡±

    Lysander listened, her brow furrowed in concern. ¡°Did he really say that?¡±

    Chapter 189 Mourning My Lost Love

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡± Michelle nodded in a daze.

    ¡°And what if you had chosen love?¡±

    Michelle suddenly let out a snigger. ¡°He said that if I chose him, he would tell his parents, reject the

    arranged marriage, and then elope with me to the capital. Does he think I¡¯m a fool? This choice costs

    him nothing, as we¡¯d still be following the original n of studying together in the capital. As for eloping,

    his family would still be paying his tuition. What kind of clopement is that?¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t you think cloping is pretty cool?¡±

    Michelle gave her an incredulous look. ¡°Lysander, are you even my sister?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Michelle firmly shook her head. ¡°My sister is both smart and rational. She wouldn¡¯t ask such a foolish

    question.¡±

    ¡°Did it not ur to you that I was thinking from your perspective, believing that you would consider

    eloping as something really cool?¡±

    Michelle smirked. ¡°Lysander, am I an idiot to you?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Lysander casually took the beer bottle from her sister¡¯s hand without a hint of emotion,

    cing it far beyond thetter¡¯s reach. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already figured out his intentions, why are you still

    so upset?¡±

    Michelle shook her head. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t understand. I¡¯m mourning my lost love.¡±

    Lysander found this phrase to be truly bitter.

    ¡°Lysander, I think I¡¯m beginning to understand you now. As long as we can harden our hearts like

    breakup wouldn¡¯t feel painful. Just like when you divorced your husband, you carried on as if nothing

    happened, living your life as usual. Lysander, I really admire you,¡±

    e steel, even a

    Lysander didn¡¯tment on the remark. ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been pondering on whether youth is meant to

    be lived with such intensity, full of heart¨Cwrenching moments, and if someone like me, who¡¯s indifferent

    to it all, will end up regretting not having fully enjoyed that period of life.¡±

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t ever have any regrets. You¡¯re perfectly fine the way you are. You have no idea how

    unbearable a breakup is. Even though I was the one who initiated it, and I¡¯ve seen his true colors, it still

    hurts terribly¡­. Ugh

 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190

    Chapter 190 Another Acquaintance

    It was Michelle¡¯s first time drinking alcohol, and she had overindulged earlier. At this moment, the

    alcohol was getting to her head, causing her to start throwing up.

    Caught off guard, Lysander still stained her sleeve even though she tried to dodge swiftly.

    She called over a waiter, who helped her support Michelle to the restroom. After tidying Michelle up,

    they returned to their booth seat to rest.

    Lysander looked at her drunk and sorrowful sister, then turned to the waiter and said, ¡°Could you

    please bring a cup of warm water? Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Alright, please hold on a moment.¡±

    Before long, the waiter had brought over the warm water.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Miss,¡± the waiter said, pointing at her sleeve, ¡°Let me look after thisdy for you. You should go clean

    up quickly.¡±

    Lysander nced back at her sister. Despite her sadness, thetter likely didn¡¯t have the energy to

    wander off for the time being.

    Lysander was a doctor, a clean freak by nature, so this particr stench was indeed quite unbearable

    for her.

    ¡°Alright then, I appreciate your help. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lysander retreated to the restroom, where she meticulously cleaned her cuffs. She scrubbed them

    repeatedly with soap until the refreshing scent of lemon permeated the air. Only then did she feel a

    sense of relief

    within.

    However, when she returned to the booth seat, his sister was no longer there.

    She scanned her surroundings and immediately spotted the waiter who had been assisting Michelle

    earlier. Without hesitation, she approached him and asked, ¡°Excuse me, where¡¯s my sister?¡±

    The waiter nced at the booth seat, looking a bit puzzled. ¡°She was just there a moment ago, could

    she have felt sick and gone to throw up?¡±

    ¡°I just got back from the restroom.

    ¡°Could it be¡­ that she has gone home?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t tell her parents when she took Michelle out to drown her sorrows in alcohol. Instead,

    she dialed Zachary¡¯s number..

    The call was answered swiftly.

    ¡°Zachary, where are you now?¡±

    ¡°Haha, didn¡¯t you invite me over for dinner just yesterday? Have you forgotten already? By the way,

    where are you and Michelle? My mom and I came over today, thinking we could discuss the moving

    ns with you two.

    Chapter 190 Another Acquaintance

    Michelle isn¡¯t at home.

    Lysander¡¯s heart

    s still pounding, ¡°Zachary, is it convenient for you to talk now?¡±

    Zachary quickly grasped her meaning. ¡°Just hold on a moment.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Roughly a minute had passed when his voice echoed through the phone again. This time, it wasced

    with a hint of seriousness. ¡°I¡¯m out on the balcony now. Your parents and my mom are in the living

    room making ravioli, so they can¡¯t hear us. Lysander, did something happen?¡±

    After Lysander roughly exined the situation to him, Zachary was taken aback.

    ¡°You took her out for drinks?¡±

    ¡°Keep your voice down. Don¡¯t let my parents hear you.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I¡¯m heading over now.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to tell them?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell them I got called back to work unexpectedly. Don¡¯t worry. The bar isn¡¯t far. I¡¯ll be there in ten

    minutes.¡±

    After hanging up, Lysander was still brimming with anxiety.

    The d*mned girl was clinging onto me a moment ago, unable to walk properly. How did she suddenly

    disappear? Could it be that¡­ she was taken away?

    However, it was daytime then. The bar was sparsely popted, and there was no sign of Michelle.

    The waiter¡¯s face had also turned slightly pale. ¡°I apologize, miss. I¡¯ll report this to the manager

    immediately and have everyone help look for your sister.¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander¡¯s gaze settled on a pool table not too far away.

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I see her.¡±

    Lysander made her way over to the pool table.

    Adjacent to the bar was a billiard lounge, connected by a moon¨Cshaped doorway that allowed for easy

    passage between the two..

    In truth, the person Lysander saw wasn¡¯t her sister but another familiar face.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Send Gifts

    310

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191

    Chapter 191 Encounter At The Bar

    Clearly, that person had seen her as well.

    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t it the renowned Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander observed the spirited young man in front of her. Thed had vibrant red hair, wore a leather

    outfit, and even sported a shy earring on one car.

    In just a few days of not seeing him, he had gone from being a sharply dressed secretary to reverting to

    his original state.

    ¡°Leo.¡±

    ¡°You still recognize me?¡± Leo nonchntly mmed his pool cue onto the ground, leaning against the

    pool. table with a devil¨Cmay¨Ccare attitude. He tilted his chin up and squinted his eyes. ¡°Whether you

    know me or not, I¡¯ve been meaning to settle my sister¡¯s score with you.¡±

    Lysander averted his gaze, ncing over at Michelle who was standing not too far away, leisurely

    holding a

    CUC.

    ¡°Michelle,e here.¡±

    Michelle obediently nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    However, Leo skillfully extended his pool cue, blocking Michelle¡¯s path. ¡°Dr. Thorne,¡± he said, ¡°this

    youngdy promised to y a few rounds with me. She can¡¯t leave just yet.¡±

    Lysander was slightly angered. ¡°What? Are you nning to kidnap her in broad daylight?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t force her. She came with me willingly, didn¡¯t you, missy?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s face was flushed, her eyes barely open. She was clearly groggy still, but luckily, she could

    still recognize Lysander. She gave thetter a mischievous grin and said, ¡°Lysander, this guy here says

    he¡¯ll teach me how to y pool. I¡¯m over basketball now. I¡¯ve decided, starting from today, I¡¯m going to

    love pool!¡±

    Lysander wore a look of frustration, walking over with the intention of pulling her sister over, but Leo

    lightly. tapped her arm with the cue. ¡°What are you doing. Dr. Thorne?¡±

    It was immediately apparent that he was a regr in such venues, handling the cue with ease. The tap

    was far from gentle, leaving a bruise on Lysander¡¯s arm.

    Lysander looked at him and said, ¡°What happened between Lysanne and me has nothing to do with my

    sister. If Lysanne has any issues, she shoulde to me directly, instead of hiding behind a man like a

    coward.¡±

    ¡°Fine, just you wait. She¡¯ll be here soon.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than Leo turned his attention to the billiard lounge entrance behind

    Lysander. In his excitement, he waved his hands. ¡°Lysanne, Josiah, over here!¡±

    When Lysander turned around, she happened to see the two of them.

    Josiah carried an air of defiance about him, striding forward with purpose. Meanwhile, Lysanne trailed

    behind him, taking smaller steps as she hurriedly tried to keep up.

    When Josiah walked up to Lysander, he stopped and nced toward Michelle, who was not too far

    away.

    146 PM

    Chapter 191 Encounter At The Bar

    Finally, his gaze settled on Leo. ¡°I¡¯ve brought Lysanne. I¡¯m leaving her with you.¡±

    Lysanne reached out to grab his hand. ¡°Josiah, please don¡¯t send me away,¡± she pleaded. ¡°I promise, I

    won¡¯t touch any of your things in the future.¡±

    Josiah ignored her.

    His gaze remained fixated on Lysander.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Josiah¡¯s voice wasced with a hint of anger. ¡°Do you know what this ce is?

    This is not a ce you should be!¡±

    From a young age, Lysander had always been a diligent student and a well¨Cbehaved child.

    She had only been to a bar once before. It was during her senior year of high school when Daphne had

    disappeared and she had apanied her teacher to the bar to look for her.

    However, they didn¡¯t find her in the end.

    As a result, she had never truly been to a ce like this before.

    ¡°I¡¯m here looking for my sister,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯ll leave as soon as I pick her up. Michelle,e over

    here. It¡¯s time for us to go home.¡±

    Upon hearing the word ¡°home,¡± Michelle shook her head vehemently. ¡°I¡¯m not going back. If I go back,

    Mom and Dad will scold me again. I¡¯m so embarrassed. I can¡¯t go back.¡±

    ¡°Michelle!!¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m begging you. Please don¡¯t take me back. You promised me. You said I could let loose for

    a day. you promised.¡±

    Leo was off to the side, grinning at the spectacle. ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you see it now? It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not

    letting her go. It¡¯s your sister who refuses to leave.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Right then, Josiah took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Lysander and opposite Leo. ¡°Leo,

    stop this nonsense.¡±

    Leo gave a sheepish grin. ¡°Josiah, would I dare cause trouble in your presence? These days, our

    whole family is relying on you. Even my aunt and uncle treat you like a god. I certainly don¡¯t have the

    guts to mess around.¡±

    Then let her go.¡±

    Leo spread his hands out. ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t. You saw it yourself, it¡¯s her sister who refuses to

    leave, not me forcibly stopping her¨COuch! Josiah, it hurts!¡±

    Send Gifts

    éT 310

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192

    Chapter 192 Come To My ce Tonight

    Lysander stood behind Josiah¡¯s broad back,pletely unable to see what was happening in front. All

    she heard were a few bone¨Cchilling snaps, followed by a blood¨Ccurdling scream from Leo, akin to an

    animal being ughtered.

    ¡°Cut the cr*p and stop ying games with me. Didn¡¯t you understand when I told you to let her go?¡±

    Leo found himself sprawled across the pool table in an awkward position, his wrist twisted behind the

    back by Josiah. His face was flushed from the pain. ¡°I get it, I get it! Josiah, please let go¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you countless times to stop causing trouble!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re already engaged to Lysanne, so sooner orter¡­ Ahh- Lysanne, help me- Ahhh¡ª¡±

    Lysanne watched as Leo yelled in pain, fearfully saying, ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Shut up! It¡¯s exactly because you¡¯ve always been shielding him that he¡¯s turned into this good¨Cfor¨C

    nothing!¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip, daring not to speak any more.

    She stood behind Josiah, wearing a pitiful expression.

    With a meaningful look, Josiah said, ¡°Lysander, take your sister and leave.¡±

    Without any hesitation, Lysander went over and grabbed Michelle. ¡°Michelle, get a grip. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    At this point, Michelle had fallen into a drunken stupor, bing limp and slumping down onto a

    nearby chair. No matter what, she couldn¡¯t be roused.

    Lysander was so furious that she gritted her teeth. She looked down at her drunken sister, gently

    patted her face, and said, ¡°Michelle!¡±

    Michelle furrowed her brows, muttering under her breath. She shifted her position before falling asleep

    again

    Right at that moment, Zachary arrived. ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Immediately, Lysander felt as if her savior had arrived. ¡°Zachary, over here!¡±

    Zachary rushed over, panting heavily. ¡°What happened? How did Michelle get this drunk?¡±

    Lysander was exasperated. ¡°This girl¡¯s never had a drop of alcohol before. She drank too much too fast

    and has already vomited once. Yet, she¡¯s still this drunk. I can¡¯t even move her.¡±

    Upon seeing the situation, Zachary took off his coat and handed it to Lysander, saying, ¡°Hold this for

    me.¡±¡±

    Lysander quickly took the over in her hands as Zachary squatted down, lifting Michelle into his arms.

    However, it wasn¡¯t easy moving her.

    ¡°Well, well, this girl has been eating quite welltely.¡±

    Lysander unfolded his jacket, draping it over his sister¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Can you do it? If not, I can call the

    waiter over to help¡­¡±

    Zacharyughed. ¡°Lysander a man should never say he can¡¯t do it¡±

    Chapter 192 Come To My ce Tonight

    Zacharyughed. ¡°Lysander, a man should never say he cant do it.

    Lysander paused for a moment, speechless, and said, ¡°Is this really the time for suchme jokes?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s voice softened. ¡°I noticed you were extremely nervous. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here now. I

    promise to. get both you and Michelle home safely.¡±

    ¡°No, we can¡¯t go home,¡± Lysander stated. ¡°If my parents sec Michelle in this drunken state, they will be

    absolutely livid.¡±

    ¡°What should we do then? She¡¯s p*ssed drunk. We need to find a ce for her to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s find a hotel. I¡¯ll stay with her for the night.¡±

    After some thought, Zachary shook his head. ¡°Having you two girls stay at a hotel would only worry

    your parents. Here¡¯s an idea, mypany has provided me with an apartment. Both of you can stay

    there for the night.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be too intrusive?¡±

    ¡°Why are you being a stranger? Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment-¡°Josiah called out to him. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Powell, right?¡±

    Zachary recognized Josiah, replying in an apologetic tone, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Guerra. I was in such a rush

    to pick up the sisters that I didn¡¯t have the chance to greet you. Are you also here to have a good

    time?¡±

    Before Josiah could speak, Zachary politely smiled and nodded at Lysanne. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯ve brought

    Mrs. Guerra with you. You two are truly inseparable. You¡¯re just making everyone envious.¡±

 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193

    Chapter 193 Boyfriend Of Lysander

    Chapter 193 Boyfriend Of Lysander

    With an undetectable change in expression, Lysanne gently held onto Josiah¡¯s arm, smiling as she

    asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re¡­ Dr. Thorne¡¯s boyfriend, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Zachary was somewhat nervous as he turned his gaze toward Lysander.

    Lysander said curtly, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Guerra, please enjoy yourselves. We¡¯ll be taking our leave now,¡±

    Having said that, she gave Zachary a push.

    Zachary chuckled and gave a nod to Josiah. Then, with Michelle in his arms, he quickened his pace to

    catch up with her.

    ¡°Lysander, aren¡¯t you still friends with Mr. Guerra? Wouldn¡¯t it be a bit inappropriate to just leave like

    this?¡±

    Lysander simply quickened her pace, heading outside and helping him to open the ss doors of the

    billiard lounge.

    Seeing that she didn¡¯t respond, Zachary didn¡¯t press further. Carrying Michelle, he walked out, with

    Lysander following closely behind as they exited the door without ncing back.

    It wasn¡¯t until her figure disappeared from sight that Josiah finally shifted his gaze. In a cold voice, he

    said to Leo. Take care of your sister.¡±

    Then, he turned, intending to leave.

    From behind, Leo called out, ¡°Josiah, when will you be back? I¡¯ll bring Lysanne home then.¡±

    Josiah paused. ¡°It¡¯s not clear yet. Let her stay at the Thorne residence for now.¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne grabbed him. ¡°Will you give me a call when you get back? I¡¯ll head home on my own.

    Josiah sidestepped her. ¡°I¡¯m going on a business trip this time. The return date depends on how the

    work

    goes.

    Lysanne quickly suggested, ¡°How about not sending me back to the Thorne residence? Mom is pretty

    lonely at home by herself. If I¡¯m there, at least I can keep herpany and chat with her¡­¡±

    ¡°With Eleanor by her side, she¡¯ll never be alone.¡±

    ¡°But isn¡¯t it nice to have an extra person around? Besides, I was nning to learn a few of your favorite

    dishes. from Eleanor. When you return, I¡¯ll cook them for you myself.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was icy. ¡°Lysanne, for the sake of my mom¡¯s life, I¡¯d appreciate it if you¡¯d stay away from

    her.¡±

    Anxiety washed over Lysanne, her face turning pale. ¡°I understand my mistake now. I truly do,¡± she

    pleaded. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t cause such a fuss in the future. I¡¯ll listen to Mom in all matters. Isn¡¯t that

    enough?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Can you stop bothering her, please? Let her have some peace and quiet for a while. You¡¯re not

    unaware of how much Grandma¡¯s death affected her!¡±

    Whenever Elisa¡¯s passing was mentioned, a significant part of Lysanne¡¯s confidence seemed to fade

    away.

    Her eyes were rimmed with red, and her lips slightly pouted. ¡°Fine, we¡¯re already engaged anyway. You

    promised my parents, so you can¡¯t back out now.¡±

    Chapter 193 Boyfriend Of Lysander

    Josian gave her a meangiui oox, then turned and waiken away.

    When he left, Lysander was already long gone.

    There was only a white Cayenne parked by the roadside.

    A gentle rain began to fall from the sky.

    Zachary was driving, stealing a nce at the two sisters in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

    Just a moment ago, Michelle was still somewhat conscious, but now she hadpletely fallen asleep,

    lightly snoring as she leaned against her sister¡¯s embrace.

    Lysander attentively wiped the sweat from her forehead, fanning her with her hand.

    Suddenly, it seemed as if she felt his gaze, looking straight back at him.

    Zachary, as if scorched, quickly averted his gaze, lightly coughing twice to mask his awkwardness.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Zachary, is it convenient for you to have us? If not, Michelle and I can just stay at a

    hotel.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re almost there, just at the uing intersection.¡± Zachary seemed to reassure her, exining.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You and Michelle will stay here tonight, and I¡¯ll go back to my ce.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°But the house is several kilometers away from your architectural designpany. It

    must be quite inconvenient for you to travel back and forth.¡±

    Zachary expressed indifference. ¡°No worries. It¡¯s just a matter of getting up a bit earlier. Right now, you

    should focus on exining to your parents about spending the night out.¡±

    The mere thought of it gave Lysander a headache.

    She, on the other hand, was doing fine..

    She had been living alone in Harborbrook for many years, and her parents were quite confident in her

    independence.

    However¡­

    She looked at her little sister, sleeping soundly in her arms like a piglet, and was at a loss for words.

    This little girl had too many secrets, none of which she could share directly with their parents. She

    really couldn¡¯t think of any reason that would convince their parents to allow her to stay out all night.

    Zachary suggested, ¡°Why not just tell the truth? Say that it was toote after you finished shopping,

    and it wasn¡¯t convenient to go home, so you simply stayed at my ce. Mr. and Mrs. Thorne always

    trust me, don¡¯t they?¡±

    At this point, this was the only solution left.

    Zachary added. ¡°By the way, Lysander, I¡¯ve found two adjacent apartments online. I¡¯m nning to rent

    one for my mom. Would you like toe and take a look?¡±

    Lysander roughly inquired about the geographical location.

    Zachary mentioned the name of a residential area. ¡°It¡¯s called Lighthouse Residence. It¡¯s quite close t

    hospital, an apartmentplex, and it¡¯s pretty good?

    Lysander was momentarily taken aback.

    in all aspects.¡±

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194

    Chapter 194 Do You Need Me To Come Over

    Zachary asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m renting there now.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°Isn¡¯t that perfect? If Mr. Thorne and Mrs. Thorne move there too, they¡¯ll be in the

    same neighborhood as you.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod.

    Zachary said, ¡°How about you help pack up some stuff in the next couple of days? I can take

    advantage of the weekend to help move your things as well.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°No worries. We¡¯ll call a movingpany.¡±

    ¡°The movingpany¡¯s staff are all men. Given that it¡¯s just you and Michelle, two girls, I can¡¯t help but

    worry. It would be much better if there were a man around.¡±

    Originally, Lysander thought that Zachary was somewhat of a worrywart.

    However, on the day of the move, when the movingpany¡¯s crew arrived and saw all the furniture in

    the house, they immediately quoted an incredibly inted price.

    Moreover, when seven or eight strapping young men rushed into the house, the already small living

    room immediately became extremely crowded.

    Even though it was her own home, Lysander couldn¡¯t shake off a subtle sense of unease.

    Her parents were already advanced in age, and her younger sister had juste of age. She

    genuinely had no chance to resist if these people truly had any ill intentions.

    The leader lit a cigarette, leaning against the door frame as he started to smoke. ¡°Is this price

    eptable? Are you moving or not?¡±

    Maverick was frustrated. ¡°With this amount of money, we could have bought a major appliance! We¡¯re

    not moving anymore. You guys can leave.¡±

    ¡°Leave? We¡¯ve spent our entire morning here, and several trucks have driven here, which also costs

    fuel. Your family has wasted half a day of my buddies¡® time, not to mention the gas money. You need to

    compensate us.¡±

    Maverick grew increasingly irritated. ¡°The deal fell through, so why on earth should we still have to pay

    for it?¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Sir, these are the rules,¡± he stated.

    ¡°What kind of rules are you talking about? I¡¯ve never heard of them. You all better leave now!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t leave without the money.¡±

    This group, taking advantage of their numbers, saw that the household consisted of only middle¨Caged

    individuals and a couple of young girls. They showed no intention of leaving

    Lysander, concerned for her family¡¯s safety, proceed with the idea of spending money to prevent

    misfortune. ¡°Okay, name your price.¡±

    ¡°t rate, a thousand.¡±

    Maverick was instantly infuriated. ¡°One thousand? You have the audacity to say that when you¡¯ve done

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    4. 4.

    Chapter 194 Do You Need Me To Come Over

    ¡°That¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to give it. We can just rest at your ce. Sir, you can take your time to

    think it

    over.

    Lysander was conveniently positioned by the window as she peered down below.

    The roadside was utterly deserted.

    The white Cayenne that had been parked there for the past few days didn¡¯t show up today.

    Suddenly, she found the situation rather amusing. It seemed like her rtionship with Josiah had

    always been like this. When she wanted to settle down with him, he chose someone else. When she

    had finally begun to start a new life, he regretted his decision and insisted on standing outside her

    building every day as if he were a permanent fixture.

    Yet, at this very moment, when she was desperately seeking someone¡¯s help, he was nowhere to be

    found.

    It was as if they lived in two different dimensions, their frequencies forever out of sync. Consequently,

    they could only drift further apart.

    Ring!

    Her phone rang.

    ¡°Lysander? Has the movingpany arrived yet?¡±

    Lysander called out, ¡°Zachary.¡±

    Hope instantly sparked in the eyes of Maverick and Laura. ¡°Is it a call from Zach?¡± they asked.

    Lysander gave a slight nod.

    Laura spoke loudly into the phone. ¡°Zach, have you finished up over there?¡±

    Lysander simply decided to put the call on speakerphone.

    Zachary¡¯s gentle and warm voice came through the phone. ¡°My mom didn¡¯t have much to bring. She

    didn¡¯t want to take the old furniture, only some clothes and daily necessities. I¡¯ve finished moving

    everything for her this morning. Mrs. Thorne, how are things on your end? Do you need me toe

    over?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195

    Chapter 195 The Person Within Reach

    Laura didn¡¯t even pause to think. She simply said, ¡°We really need your help, Zach. Can youe

    over! The movers are here, but my husband and I think their charges are a bit unreasonable¡­

    ¡°All right. I¡¯m downstairs now. I¡¯ll be up in a moment. Please wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Laura felt as if she had been pardoned. Clutching Lysander¡¯s hand

    emotionally, she said, ¡°It¡¯s okay now. It¡¯s okay now. Everything will be fine once Zach arrives.¡±

    Although Maverick didn¡¯t disy the same level of exaggeration as Laura, he, too, breathed a sigh of

    relief.

    In just a few minutes, Zachary arrived.

    Upon entering, he noticed a few workers squatting outside the door, with a few more standing inside.

    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±

    Upon hearing the sound, Laura immediately rushed out, her face filled with joy. ¡°Zach,¡± she eximed,

    ¡°you¡¯re finally here.

    Zachary smiled and nodded. ¡°I apologize, Mrs. Thorne. I should have arrived earlier, but there was a bit

    of traffic on the road.¡±

    ¡°No worries. No worries. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re here.¡±

    Zachary was quite tall, and his attire clearly marked him as a white¨Ccor worker. When he furrowed

    his brows, he could be quite intimidating. ¡°Mrs. Thome, is this the movingpany you hired?¡±

    Laura nodded. ¡°Their charges are too high. Mr. Thorne and I thought it wasn¡¯t worth it, so we decided

    not to use their services. However, they demandedpensation for lost work.¡±

    The head worker¡¯s confidence faltered upon seeing a young man in the house. ¡°Well¡­ we definitely

    need to bepensated for the lost work time,¡± he said. ¡°Your ce is so far from the city, and we¡¯ve

    made a wasted trip. We surely need some sort ofpensation.¡±

    Zachary asked, ¡°How muchpensation is needed?¡±

    Before the worker could utter a word, Laura quickly interjected, ¡°They¡¯re asking for a thousand.¡±

    Zachary remained silent. He dialed a number straight away. ¡°Hello, is this the customer service

    department for Elephant Movers Company? Yes, I want to ask how do you calcte thepensation

    for work disruption? Yes, okay. Please hold on for a moment¡­.

    Laura asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Zach?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne, where did you find them?¡±

    ¡°It was the flyer posted downstairs that led me to dial the number.¡±

    ¡°All right. Hand me your phone. I¡¯ll have headquarters verify the calction for the lost work

    compensation, and then they canmunicate with them.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll give it to you right now¡­¡±

    Suddenly, a pair ofrge hands covered the phone.

    The lead worker chuckled. ¡°Young man, it was all a misunderstanding. Thedy simply misheard¡­¡±

    2/2

    449 PM.

    Chapter 195 The Person Within Reach.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Zachary nced at him, didn¡¯t utter a word, and promptly brushed off his hand. He took back Laura¡¯s

    phone. and handed it back to her. ¡°Mrs. Thorne, check your phone.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay, then.¡±

    ¡°Wait a minute. Wait¡­¡± The lead worker instantly put on a different face, wrapping an arm around

    Zachary¡¯s neck, grinning like they were the best of pals. ¡°Let¡¯s not mention this to the headquarters,

    okay? How about this? We won¡¯t ask for anypensation for the work dy. We¡¯ll leave right now. Is

    that eptable?¡±

    Zachary wore a stern expression, forcefully shaking off the hand that had been ced on his shoulder.

    ¡°Buddy, I understand that you guys do manualbor and earn your money through hard work. We

    respect that. But does that mean you can take advantage of the fact that this house is filled with elders

    and women to inte your prices? If I hadn¡¯t shown up today, were you guys nning on pocketing the

    thousand behind our backs?¡±

    ¡°No, no, it was all in jest. I was just joking with you, but it seems you took it seriously. Let¡¯s just drop it.

    I¡¯ll take my guys and leave now. You know, young man, we earn our living the hard way. If the

    headquarters found out about this, we¡¯d be fined hundreds. That would mean a whole day¡¯s work for

    nothing. Do us a favor. We¡¯ll leave right away, and you can stop making that call.¡±

    Maverick had gained confidence now. Standing next to Zachary, he spoke with conviction. ¡°Weren¡¯t you

    just trying to intimidate us? Let me tell you¡­ I have your number. I can call your headquarters

    anytime.¡±

    ¡°Dad¡­¡± Lysander tugged at her father¡¯s sleeve, shaking her head.

    Maverick had always listened to her. Seeing her give him a signal, he didn¡¯t pursue the matter any

    further. He said, ¡°Forget it. Just go.¡±

    A few people came bustling in, and just as quickly, they bustled out again.

    Laura¡¯s face was pale. She plopped down, her hand over her heart as she took a deep breath. ¡°Finally,

    they¡¯re gone. That was terrifying just now.¡±

    Lysander walked over,forting her mother, ¡°Everything is okay now, Mom.¡±

    Laura was still shaken. ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust your capabilities, but in this society, there are

    far too many who would take advantage of the weak and fear the strong. No matter how resilient you

    are as a girl, you¡¯re still at a disadvantage when up against so many strong young men! If Zach hadn¡¯t

    arrived in time today, I would have been scared to death.¡±

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196

    Chapter 196 No Rush

    Maverick was slightly furrowing his brows, also feeling a bit of lingering fear. ¡°I was just thinking I

    should confront them first to buy some time while you and your sister escape. Your mother and I are

    old now, but you and your sister are still young. The way those men were looking at you, I swear, I

    wanted to gouge their eyes out!¡±

    In truth, Lysander had also felt that.

    Although several workers remained silent, their gaze continually shifted back and forth between her

    chest and legs.

    Though nothing was done, the look in their eyes truly made them feel ufortable.

    Zachary reassured them, ¡°Everything is fine now, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne. It might be toote to call the

    movingpany today. You should start by packing your clothes and daily necessities, and I¡¯ll take you

    to the new ce. Don¡¯t worry about the rest of your stuff. I¡¯ll arrange for a movingpany toe

    tomorrow and transport everything.¡±

    Laura nodded repeatedly. ¡°Okay, Zach. We¡¯ve troubled you once again. We¡¯ve really been a bother to

    youtely, I feel so apologetic.¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Zachary casually said, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal? My mom has already told you to feel free to treat me like

    your own son. Just use me as you see fit. You can be confident and bold about it. At worst, you might

    just have to whip up some tasty dishes, right?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so difficult about that? Zach, once we¡¯ve moved, you shoulde over for dinner daily! I know

    your mom can¡¯t cook; her cooking hasn¡¯t improved in decades. Come over for meals, and bring your

    mom too.¡±

    Zachary smiled and nodded. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll go ahead and bring the car to the front of the building.¡±

    Lysander helped her parents pack some toiletries and personal clothes. The items were not few, and

    along with her sister¡¯s belongings, they filled up threerge boxes.

    Her father suffered from a bad back, while her mother had poor eyesight. They lived in an old

    residentialplex thatcked the convenience of an elevator, only offering staircases.

    Lysander called her sister over for help. Take care of our parents.¡±

    Ever since Michelle nearly got into trouble after drinkingst time, she had been incredibly well¨C

    behaved recently. Whatever her older sister suggested, she wouldply without a word. She

    immediately went to apany her parents.

    Lysanne rolled up her sleeves, realizing that she couldn¡¯t possibly move all three boxes in one go. She

    prepared herself to make two trips.

    When Zachary returned, he had already removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves. As soon as he

    entered, he pointed to the three boxes lined up against the wall and asked, ¡°Are these the ones?¡±

    Michelle nodded, ¡°Yes,¡±

    Before Lysander could even utter a word, Zachary had swiftly stacked several boxes together and lifted

    them

    all at once.

    ¡°Michelle, the sound¨Cactivated light in the hallway is broken again. Walk your parents downstairs

    slowly, and be careful not to trip.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Holding her mother¡¯s hand, Michelle led the way, with Maverick following behind them as they slowly.

    2/2

    149 PM

    Chapter 196 No Rush

    stepped out the door.

    Michelle used her phone as a shlight. ¡°Mom, Dad, slow down a bit. Hold onto me.¡±

    Laura was still not quite at case. ¡°But what about Zach¡­¡±

    Michelle firmly squeezed her mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. Lysander is still there.¡±

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Michelle gave her a yful wink and whispered into her mother¡¯s ear, ¡°Mom, tell me, wouldn¡¯t you like

    Zachary to be your son¨Cinw?¡±

    Previously, Laura was somewhat hesitant.

    However, these past few days, seeing Zachary tirelessly helping to find a house and even assisting

    with the move left a very favorable impression.

    In addition to his recent actions, which were like timely rain relieving a siege for them, Laura felt

    extremelyforted in her heart.

    ¡°Actually, Zachary is a really good guy.¡±

    Michelle chuckled mischievously. ¡°How about whenpared to my former brother¨Cinw?¡±

    Laura chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve only met him less than three times. He¡¯s a big shot, a major businessman. How

    could he possiblye and help us with something as trivial as moving house?¡±

    In Laura¡¯s words, there was a sense of mncholy.

    Maverick had also heard and quietly said, ¡°Our approval doesn¡¯t really matter here. The most important

    thing is what your sister thinks. She just got divorced. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s particrly interested right

    now.¡±

    Michelle didn¡¯t seem bothered. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. Take it slow, then.¡±

 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197

    Chapter 197 Brother

    Despite her words, Michelle walked quickly, with her left hand holding her mother¡¯s and her right hand.

    holding her father¡¯s.

    In no time, they vanished around the stairway corner.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Holding her phone up as a makeshift shlight, Lysander illuminated the steps for Zachary.

    With

    great difficulty, Zachary was holding three boxes, painstakingly moving them down step by step.

    The three boxes were not light to begin with. Now, piled up in a stack, they obstructed Zachary¡¯s view

    of his feet. He had no choice but to move sideways, taking slow, cautious steps.

    ¡°Zachary, why don¡¯t you hand one of them to me?¡±

    Zachary sidestepped her hand, gently declining. ¡°Your hands are meant for surgery. They can¡¯t afford

    the slightest mishap. I¡¯ll take care of this heavy work.¡±

    Zachary was persistent, leaving Lysander with no other choice but to assist him as best she could. She

    tried to illuminate their path more brightly, matching his pace as they slowly moved forward.

    From the sixth floor, Zachary descended one level at a time. Before long, ayer of sweat had formed

    on his forehead. His white t¨Cshirt was soaked in sweat, clinging to his body.

    Lysander felt extremely guilty, yet Zachary was adamant about not epting her help. When they

    finally stepped out of the apartment door, both of them had a sense of relief as if their feet were finally

    on solid ground.

    ¡°Brother¨Cinw!¡°.

    As Michelle raised her voice, the calm that had just settled over Lysander was instantly disrupted.

    But when she looked around, where was Josiah to be found?

    As she looked back at Michelle, thetter was gazing in Zachary¡¯s direction.

    Zachary himself was already sweating profusely. The sudden shout startled him considerably. He

    furrowed. his brows slightly and said, ¡°Please don¡¯t scream like that.¡±

    Michelle hopped over, her steps light and lively. She leaned in close to whisper in his ear, ¡°Josiah, to

    repay you for saving me time and again, rest assured, I will help you.¡±

    ¡°You still shouldn¡¯t shout recklessly.¡±

    ¡°But look at this. My parents didn¡¯t object at all. They both agreed.¡±

    Zachary was flexing his aching wrist while he nced over at Lysander. ¡°All right. You¡¯re just a kid.

    Don¡¯t meddle in adult matters.¡±

    Zachary drove them back to their rented house, where Cam was already waiting.

    Just earlier on the road, Lysander received a call from the director, who asked if she had managed to

    settle her family matters and when she could return to work.

    Fred had said, ¡°During the summer break, it¡¯s our peak season, and we just don¡¯t have enough staff.¡±

    4:50 PM

    Chapter 197 Brother

    That was true. They, too, had busy periods in their obstetrics and gynecology department.

    However, there were two types of people.

    The first type were people who had meticulously nned their babies¡® arrival into this world, while the

    other. type showed up to terminate their term.

    When the student didn¡¯t attend school, they found themselves with free time.

    They were all young, around seventeen or eighteen. Once they fell head over heels in love, could there

    be any room left for rationality?

    Sparks flew in a moment of passion, but the oue was devastatingly painful.

    After ensuring her parents werefortably settled, Lysander said, ¡°Mom, Dad, you two should rest

    well. I¡¯m going to head back to my ce to get things ready. I have to go to work early tomorrow

    morning, okay?¡±

    Her parents understood her well. ¡°All right. Off you go. Don¡¯t let us keep you from your work.¡±

    Seizing the opportunity, Michelle immediately pushed Zachary out the door as well. ¡°Zachary, why don¡¯t

    you escort Lysander¡­¡±

    Then, with a resounding bang, the door was promptly shut.

    Zachary looked at the door, feeling both helpless and amused. ¡°Your sister,¡± he said, ¡°sure knows how

    to get over a breakup. One big drunken night and all her sorrows have vanished into thin air. I really

    admire her.¡±

    Lysander pressed the elevator button and waited. ¡°She kept going on and on about wanting to repay

    your great kindness.¡±

    ¡°Was it thest time she got drunk, and I went to pick her up?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, it was mainly about Calvin¡¯s matter. Fortunately, you were there to pull her back from the brink.

    Although she doesn¡¯t express it, she appreciates what you¡¯ve done for her.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°Well, that¡¯s true. If she really left Apex City for love and ended up getting hurt, she¡¯d

    be all alone. At least in Harborbrook, she has her parents, her sister, and me¡­¡±

    As he spoke, his tone took on a sudden note of self¨Cdeprecation. ¡°I¡¯m really nothing special to her. At

    most, I¡¯m just the kind guy from next door. Oh, and Lysander, this is for you.¡±

 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198

    Chapter 198 I Would Choose Her

    Lysander¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°What?¡±

    In the palm of Zachary¡¯s hand rested a band¨Caid.

    ¡°When I came back earlier, I noticed that you seemed to have hurt your fingertip. So, I went to my mom

    and got a bandage for you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hand, hanging by her side, twitched slightly. Her fingers clenched and then unfurled.

    Indeed, her fingers were injured, but she had been concealing it well, intending to tend to it once she

    returned to her ce. Unexpectedly, Zachary had noticed it.

    ¡°Thank you.

    ¡°Lysander, you really don¡¯t need to always thank me.¡±

    Zachary,¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Do you like me?¡±

    Zachary was clearly taken aback by her straightforwardness, somewhat at a loss for words. ¡°No, it¡¯s not

    like that. L¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t like me?¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. I do like you.¡± Zachary was at a loss for words to describe his current emotions. In the end,

    he could only muster up the courage, his face turning red as he said, ¡°Lysander, I¡­ I¡¯ve liked you for a

    long time

    now.¡±

    Ding!

    ¡°The elevator has arrived.¡±

    Lysanne was the first to step into the elevator. Seeing him unmoving, she called out, ¡°Zachary?¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    ¡°Come in.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right.¡±

    Zachary approached her, yet he still maintained a certain distance from her. The sudden conversation

    earlier had left him somewhat at a loss.

    ¡°Zachary, if I hadn¡¯t returned this time, were you nning on staying silent?¡±

    Given the circumstances, Zachary, being a man, mustered up the courage to speak. ¡°I had actually

    thought about telling you, but you got married so quickly. I just had to¡­ keep it to myself.¡±

    With a bitter smile, Zachary lowered his gaze to his own shoe tips.

    Chapter 198 | Would Choose Her

    at would you have done if I hadn¡¯t gotten divorced, if I hadn¡¯t returned to my hometown, and if we never

    had the chance to meet again?¡±

    Zachary pondered seriously for a moment before speaking ¡°Lysander,¡± he said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to feed

    you emper titudes. If your married life is filled with happiness and contentment, if I see that you¡¯re

    doing well, then I wall wish you well. And then, I will slowly try to forget you.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I might find a suitable girl to court marry, and have children with. We¡¯re all just ordinary

    people, living not just for ourselves but also for our parents and loved ones, who ce great hopes in

    us. Eventually, I, soo, would follow the path that everyone else chooses.¡±

    ¡°Will you treat her well?¡±

    Absolutely, Zachary said. ¡°If she¡¯s a good girl, I¡¯ll treat her well for the rest of my life.¡±

    What if just hypothetically, you were already married, but then I came back and wanted to be with you?

    How would you choose?¡±

    This question instantly stumped Zachary.

    His expression was one of great difort. ¡°No way, you¡¯re already married, and you¡¯ve never been

    fond of

    me

    ¡°So, let¡¯s say hypothetically. I came back and confessed my feelings for you, telling you I want to be

    with you. Who would you choose? Your wife or me?¡±

    Zachary struggled for quite some time.

    The elevator came to a halt, and they exited the building. Then, they headed toward Lysander¡¯s studio.

    apartment.

    Throughout the journey, Zachary walked at a leisurely pace.

    Several minutes had passed before he finally responded, ¡°I would choose her.¡±

    This time, it was Lysander¡¯s turn to pause. ¡°Your wife?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face revealed a struggle. ¡°Yes, even though I know you might not be pleased to hear this,

    and it might spell the end of my pursuit, but Lysander, I don¡¯t want to lie to you. I want to give you the

    most sincere answer. I would choose her.¡±

    ¡°Why? Can you tell me the reason?¡±

    Zachary took a deep breath. ¡°Since I married her, I will take responsibility for her.¡±

    Lysander gazed deeply at him.

    Zachary¡¯s appearance was actually quite refined among the average crowd. His skin was on the fairer

    side, and his physique leaned toward the slender end. Wearing a pair of sses, he looked every bit

    the model student, with a face that seemed incapable of telling lies.

    Perhaps it was amon trait among technical¨Cminded men; he wasn¡¯t adept at uttering sweet

    nothings to woo girls, nor would he resort to insincerements just to make her happy.

 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199

    Chapter 199 Can You ept It

    Lysander smiled, continuing on her way.

    Zachary was incredibly uneasy, shadowing her closely. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m struggling toprehend your

    intentions. Can you possibly provide me with an answer so I can at least understand, even if it kills

    me?¡±

    Lysander halted in her tracks, turning around to face him. ¡°Zachary,¡± she began, ¡°There are two things I

    need to rify with you.¡±

    ¡°Sure, go on.¡±

    ¡°Firstly, I haven¡¯t developed feelings for you yet. In fact, it seems like I¡¯m unsure of how to like

    someone.¡±

    The light in Zachary¡¯s eyes slowly faded away,

    That was especially the case when he heard her say, ¡°I don¡¯t have feelings for you.¡±

    ¡°However, I also want to share my thoughts with you sincerely. My parents and my sister like you very

    much. Mdm. Cam also mentioned this to me. I¡¯ve been thinking about it for a few days, and I believe

    that if we were together, life would probably be quite good.¡±

    The light in Zachary¡¯s eyes, which had just dimmed, suddenly brightened.

    ¡°Secondly, and this is something I must tell you. I¡¯ve had an abortion before.¡±

    Zachary was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Not only have I been married before, but I¡¯ve also had an abortion. My parents aren¡¯t aware of this, but

    I want you to know so you can think it over carefully. If you can ept this, then let¡¯s give us a chance.¡±

    Zachary did not immediately respond to her.

    In reality, she had also considered that. Zachary, a single man, couldn¡¯t exactly be called elite, given his

    circumstances. Yet, he did have some prospects. Finding an unmarried woman wouldn¡¯t be too difficult

    for

    him.

    There was a saying often found online¨CSecond¨Chand houses were fine, but not those where someone

    had died.

    She openly expressed herself, hoping that both parties, being fully informed, could act with sincerity

    and. fairness.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t ept it, that¡¯s okay. Just like you said, we can continue being close friends. Our parents

    can¡¯t force us to do anything. Given enough time, or if we find a partner, they¡¯ll eventually give up on

    this idea.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s throat tightened with difficulty as he spoke. ¡°Lysander, I don¡¯t want to deceive anyone

    one out of insincerity. I¡¯m taking this rtionship very seriously, with the intention of marriage and

    having children for a lifetime. So¡­ could you give me some time to think about it?¡±

    Lysander readily agreed, saying, ¡°Of course.¡±

    In the end, she didn¡¯t use the band¨Caid he gave her. Instead, she went home and used one from her

    own medicine box.

    It wasn¡¯t that she was avoiding anything in particr; it was just that the one at her home was

    waterproof, and she had surgery scheduled for the next day.

    After more than a week, Lysander returned to her job.

    2/2

    Chapter 199 Can You ept it

    Lynn was dozing off on the table when she rapped her knuckles against it. ¡°Get ready. It¡¯s time for the

    rounds.¡±

    Startled awake from her dreams, Lynn eximed, ¡°Noted!¡±

    A week had passed. At that time, one expectant mother had safely given birth to a baby girl. Another

    woman. four months into her pregnancy, was diagnosed with a different illness. To protect the mother¡¯s

    life, the decision was made to terminate the pregnancy.

    When she saw Lysander, her eyes instantly welled up with tears. Gripping her hand, she said, ¡°Dr.

    Thorne, my child is gone.¡±

    Lysander was now capable of soothing patients calmly and gently. ¡°I understand. It must be very hard

    for you right now, but it will get better with time. Once you¡¯ve regained your health, it¡¯s not toote to

    conceive again. They will still choose you to be their mother if you¡¯re meant to be with your child.¡±

    The pregnant woman couldn¡¯t hold back her tears at that moment, clutching her hand as she cried out

    in heart¨Cwrenching sobs.

    Lysander felt somewhat relieved. It was a good thing she had used waterproof band¨Caids. Otherwise,

    they wouldn¡¯t have been able to withstand the onught of tears.

    After finally soothing this patient, Lysander flipped through other medical records. As she walked, she

    asked. ¡°What about Prisci? How is she doing?¡±

    Lynn¡¯s expression turned peculiar.

    Lysander halted. ¡°Speak up. What happened to her? Did her mother¨Cinw really take her to Hestrya

    to find. out the gender of the baby?¡±

    Lynn licked her lips, then said, ¡°Her mother¨Cinw imed that our hospital¡¯s obstetricians weren¡¯t

    professional enough. She knew someone at another hospital and insisted that Prisci be transferred

    there.¡±

    ¡°Did the director also agree?¡±

    Lynn spread her hands out. ¡°What else can we do if they don¡¯t agree? Harry and his mother are in

    complete agreement. If the director insists on interfering, divorce is the only option left.¡±

    Send GiftsBelongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200

    Chapter 200 Hello Boyfriend

    ¡°What are they waiting for, then?¡±

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°Dr. Thorne, the hospital director¡¯s only treasured daughter, he gave her half of his

    fortune as her dowry. It was quite a sum, to say the least! If she were to divorce now, she¡¯d have to split

    that fortune with Harry. Honestly, after everything that¡¯s happened, I don¡¯t think Prisci has much

    affection for him anymore. But she¡¯s a dutiful girl. She doesn¡¯t want to see her father¡¯s hard¨Cearned

    wealth divided up. So, she has no choice but to endure and carry on.¡±

    Upon hearing, Lysander felt a certain unease in her heart.

    In the afternoon, there was a cesarean section surgery.

    The umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby¡¯s neck, posing a slight risk. Fortunately, she was

    experienced and, in the end, gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins¨Ca boy and a girl. Both the mother

    and her two children were safe and sound.

    By the time she finished work, it was already past nine in the evening-

    After she had gathered her belongings and left the hospital, she instinctively searched for the silhouette

    of the white Cayenne in the parking lot. But now, she found herself somewhat taken aback.

    After spending a few days at home, she had even lost this habit.

    She was about to hail a taxi at the alley entrance, bag slung over her shoulder, when she suddenly

    noticed a figure d in a woolen coat. He was standing under the brightest streemp in the parking

    lot.

    Zachary also spotted her and trotted over to her.

    She watched as he undid two buttons on his woolen coat, then pulled out something warm from within,

    offering it to her.

    ¡°This is¡­

    ¡°Roasted potato!¡± Zachary¡¯s nose was turning a bit red from the cold. ¡°Your favorite when you were a

    kid. Nowadays, they¡¯re all electrically roasted, which doesn¡¯t have that nostalgic taste. The one I bought

    is the traditional ash¨Croasted potato. Give it a try.¡±

    ¡°Where did you buy this from?¡±

    Zachary sniffed. ¡°Quilton.¡±

    Quilton was located on the easternmost edge of Harborbrook, where there was a vige that hadn¡¯t yet

    been demolished. It was about a forty to fifty¨Cminute journey from Central Hospital.

    The weather had gradually grown cooler, yet the potato resting in her hand was still faintly warm.

    ¡°Once I got off work, I drove over, and it took me quite a while to find a ce that makes ash¨Croasted

    1 potatoes. I got dyed on the roading back, so it¡¯s definitely not as good as when it¡¯s fresh out

    of the oven, but I¡¯ve kept it warm, so it should still be hot. Oh, and also this¡­¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Zachary was seen pulling out a stic disposable spoon, meticulously wrapped in cling film, from his

    coat pocket.

    ¡°Over at Quilton, they don¡¯t provide spoons when selling roasted sweet potatoes. So, I bought one from

    the convenience store. Worried about it being unhygienic in my pocket. I wrapped it in cling film.¡±

    Bnce:

    1 Coins =

    1044 +

    1 Pearls

    Chapter 200 Hello Boyfriend

    Suddenly, Lysander felt a slight sting in her nose.

    Zachary waited for her to speak, but she remained silent. So, he continued, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve thought it

    through, I can ept it.¡±

    Lysander lifted her head, meeting his

    gaze.

    Zachary¡¯s expression was incredibly serious. ¡°I spentst night tossing and turning, but I¡¯ve made up

    my mind. The past is the past, and the present is the present. All I want is your present and your future.

    I may not be as wealthy or handsome as Mr. Guerra, but I¡¯ll do everything I can to treat you well. It¡¯s

    okay if you don¡¯t like me right now. We can take our time getting to know each other. I¡¯m not in a rush,

    and I can wait. I believe that as long as we nurture this rtionship, there wille a day when it

    blossoms.¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander was reminded of that particr instance.

    It was in this very parking lot and under this very streetlight.

    To mend their rtionship, Josiah took the initiative and presented her with a bouquet of roses.

    But what use would that be?

    While he was still delivering roses, the love of his life had already moved into their marital home.

    She had only briefly held the bouquet of roses in the parking lot before Josiah ced them in the back

    seat. Later, she left them at the entrance of the bridal chamber, not taking them with her.

    Lysander took a sniff.

    Perhaps she was never meant to be paired with roses. Roasted potatoes were more fitting gifts for

    someone as ordinary as her. Holding one in her hand, it was warm andforting. She scooped a

    spoonful of the golden¨Corange flesh into her mouth. It was sweet, soft, and filled with the familiar taste

    of her childhood.

    This was her usual life, after all!

    Zachary did not receive a definitive response. He merely watched her as she delicately nibbled on her

    potato, wanting to ask but hesitant to press too hard for an answer.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get to know each other again.¡±

    Zachary was still in shock. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Hello, boyfriend.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201

    Chapter 201 Take A Walk With You

    On the way home, Zachary kept his head down and chuckled foolishly.

    Lysander was leisurely eating her potato, asionally ncing back at him. She noticed that Zachary

    was also sneakily watching her. The moment their eyes met, his face visibly started to turn red, and

    then he began to rub it hard.

    ¡°Why are you rubbing your face?¡± Lysander asked.

    Zacharyughed sheepishly. ¡°It¡¯s windy. My face is a bit cold.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Look, my face is red from rubbing it. I guess I rubbed too hard.¡±

    Lysanderughed out loud.

    He was bad at hiding his true intentions,

    ¡°It¡¯s really cold.¡± He emphasized.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I believe you.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face turned even redder.

    He took two steps forward, catching up with Lysander.

    ¡°Lysander, why are you walking home? Actually, I came by car.¡±

    Lysander turned her head and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to spend more time with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course I want to! I¡¯m just afraid you¡¯re tired after a long day at work.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. After a day¡¯s work, I want to take a walk and rest a bit.¡±

    ¡°Right, then why don¡¯t I take a walk with you after you get off work in the future? I can walk you well.¡±

    ¡°Your office is not close to the hospital. Are you going to walk all the way here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive over, park the car in the hospital¡¯s parking lot, and then walk you home.¡±

    ¡°After walking me home, don¡¯t you have to return to thepany¡¯s dormitory?¡±

    ¡°L¡±

    home as

    There was a subway station near the Central Hospital, but the architectural designpany was rather

    remote, so there was no subway station nearby.

    Zachary said very casually, ¡°I¡¯lle back for the car after seeing you safely home.¡±

    Chapter 201 Take A Walk With You

    92%

    across the city to pick me up from the hospital. He walks me home, then drives across the city again to

    return to his unit dormitory.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve moved here, it¡¯s just a few steps to get home. I¡¯m an adult.

    There¡¯s no need for you to worry so much.¡±

    Zachary asked very cautiously, ¡°Did something unhappy happen when Mr. Guerra used to pick you up

    from work?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention those who aren¡¯t worth it in the future.¡±

    As they walked side by side, time seemed to pass very quickly.

    When they arrived at the bottom of her apartment building, there was a look of disappointment on

    Zachary¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s so close¡­

    Lysander waved goodbye to him. ¡°You should go back now.¡±

    ¡°All right. Then¡­ I¡¯ll see you tomorrow?¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Only then did Zachary cheer up and wave at her with a smile. ¡°Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight¡±

    She turned around, entered the building, and pressed the elevator button.

    Zachary suddenly went forward again. ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°A few friends invited me to y ball this weekend. Would you be able to join us?¡±

    ¡°Where is it?¡±

    ¡°The basketball court of Harborbrook University. It¡¯s not that far. My best buddies will be there. They are

    all very easy to get along with.¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Lysander still seemed a bit hesitant.

    Afraid that she would refuse, Zachary said, ¡°A few of them will bring their girlfriends over. You girls can

    chat together or take a tour around the campus. If you really don¡¯t want to go, I can cancel it. Wherever

    you want to go, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Oh, right, you¡¯re a doctor. You must be quite tired usually. I suppose you would want to have a good

    rest on the weekends That¡¯s fine You take a rood rest. We¡¯ll talk again whenever you¡¯re free¡± Zachary

    added

    Bnce:

    Chapter 201 Take A Walk With You

    Zachary said, ¡°Go on up. Go to bed early. I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    ¡°Zachary,¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I just came back from vacation. I¡¯m not tired.¡±

    Understanding her intentions, Zachary couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Then I¡¯ll schedule it a bitter. You can

    sleep in. I¡¯ll pick you up at noon for lunch.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    The elevator door closed. It went up and stopped at the tenth floor.

    There was a window in the elevator room. Lysander stood in front of the window, looking down.

    Zachary had not left yet.

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202

    Chapter 202 He Lost His Nerve

    At this height, she couldn¡¯t see Zachary¡¯s face, but she could feel his happiness just from his

    movements.

    Turns out, being with the person you like is such a joyful thing.

    Lysander suddenly found herself empathizing with Josiah. After years of patient waiting, he finally

    experienced the joy of Lysanne changing her mind and confessing her feelings to him. She reckoned

    he must have been overjoyed too at that moment.

    On one hand, there was a life of neither meritorious deeds nor misdemeanors, on the other hand, there

    was the fulfillment of one¡¯s heart¡¯s desires with ecstatic joy. Given this multiple¨Cchoice question,

    anyone would know what to choose.

    After she got home and took a bath, the phone rang.

    The call was from Zachary

    ¡°Lysander, are you asleep?¡±

    ¡°I just took a bath. I¡¯m getting ready to sleep. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Can you call me again? I feel like I¡¯m dreaming.¡±

    Call?

    Lysander began, ¡°Zachary?¡±

    ¡°Not that. It¡¯s¡­¡± His voice trailed off for a long time. ¡°It¡¯s the other word you called me at the hospital

    entrance today.¡±

    Lysander understood clearly and shed a smile. ¡°Boyfriend.¡±

    From the other end of the phone, his heavy voice came through. ¡°Mhm!¡±

    On Saturday morning. Lysander woke up at half past six, as per her usual biological clock.

    She habitually lit up her phone, only to discover that Zachary had sent her a message at over four in

    the morning.

    He texted: What color are you wearing today? Reply after you wake up.

    Lysander was somewhat puzzled as to why he had texted that in the middle of the night.

    She tended to dress casually, prioritizingfort.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    In the rush when she first moved but, most of her clothes were left at Josiah¡¯s ce. She supposed

    they had all been thrown away by Lysander.

    Later, she had bought some new clothes, but not a lot.

    As she would be going to Harborbrook University today, she chose a rather student¨Clike outfit, a white

    high¨Cnecked sweater paired with jeans.

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    Chapter 202 He Lost His Nerve

    She replied: White shirt, dark blue pants.

    Not even a secondter, his message¡¯came through: Got it.

    That was his only reply. Lysander was full of confusion but didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. As usual, she

    tidied up the room and then read some academic journals, just like how she used to spend her

    weekends

    at home.

    At noon, Zachary called. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Lysander changed her clothes and went downstairs. When she saw Zachary, she finally understood

    why he had specifically asked about the color of her clothes.

    He was wearing a thick cotton denim jacket, underneath which was a white sweater, and a pair of

    denim jeans that were almost the same color as the jacket.

    Zachary ran over and stuffed another warm thing into her hand.

    It was an ash¨Croasted potato, which was still hot to the touch, and a clean little stic spoon wrapped

    in cling film.

    ¡°You take it to warm your hands and eat it on the way.¡±

    ¡°Did you go to Quilton again?¡±

    Zachary scratched his head in embarrassment. ¡°They don¡¯t sell it here. No worries. I drove there.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face started to turn red again.

    ¡°Stop rubbing.¡±

    Zachary didn¡¯t hear clearly. ¡°What?¡±

    Lysander pointed at her own face. Zachary understood and wished the ground could swallow him

    whole.

    Lysander took the initiative to change the subject. ¡°What time are you meeting up with the guys? I

    might have to go to the hospital. I have a document to deliver to a colleague.¡±

    Zachary immediately said, ¡°There¡¯s enough time. No worries. Let¡¯s go to the hospital to deliver the

    document first. We¡¯ll grab lunch after that.¡±

    The two of them slowly made their way to the hospital.

    Lysander had eaten breakfast in the morning, so she was not very hungry now. She held the roasted

    potato in her hand and did not eat it

    Her other hand hung at her side/swinging naturally as she walked.

    Suddenly, she felt as if a bug had brushed against her hand.

    She merely waved her hand without thinking too much.

    But on second thought she wondered if there were tigine hugs in this season.

    2/3

    Chapter 202 He Lost His Nerve

    From the corner of her eye, she saw his hand right next to her.

    He was clenching and unclenching his fist, wanting to hold her hand, but at thest moment, he lost his

    nerve and quickly withdrew his hand.

    Send Gifts

    ·Ë

    398

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203

    Chapter 203 Start Over With You.

    Lysander remained calm andposed, quietly observing for a while.

    He struggled for a while, but ultimately he still didn¡¯t dare.¡±

    They were already at the hospital entrance.

    Lysander said. ¡°Wait for me here. I¡¯ll be back quickly after delivering the document.¡±

    ¡°All right, you go ahead.¡±

    Lynn had been preparing for her professional title examination, so Lysander took the initiative to deliver

    her the materials she had previously used Lynn was extremely grateful. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m so sorry to

    have you r

    run this errand over the weekend.¡±

    Lysander flipped through this morning¡¯s ward check records and circled the names of a few pregnant

    women who needed special attention. ¡°Pay more attention to them.¡±

    ¡°All right, all right. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got this under control.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±

    When Lysander stepped out of the hospital, Zachary was still waiting for her at the same spot.

    Upon seeing her, he immediately raised both hands high and waved at her.

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander quickly walked out with a smile.

    Suddenly, someone beside her called out to her, ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment. When she saw the person in front of her, she put on a polite smile.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you, Mr. Guerra. Long time no see.¡±

    Lysander was calm, but Josiah seemed somewhat excited. ¡°You look well. It seems you¡¯ve been quite

    happy in the few days since you returned home.¡±

    ¡°I am. You¡¯re here at the obstetrics and gynecology department. Is Mrs. Guerra pregnant again? Do

    you need me to make the arrangement for you?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyebrows furrowed instantly. ¡°You know very well the situation between Lysander and me¡­

    Are you free today? I have something to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry. I have something on today. Is it something important? We can talk about it here now.¡±

    Josiah sighed, took a step forward, and reached out to her. ¡°Stop using excuses to avoid me.¡±

    Lysander cautiously took a step back, her smile fading. ¡°Mr. Guerra, if you have anything to say, just

    say it.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face showed confusion, ¡°You¡­ I just saw a leaf in your hair and wanted to help you remove it!

    Lysander touched her hair and removed the leaf herself.

    It was a fragment of a sm¨¢ll leaf.

    1/2

    Chapter 203 Start Over With You

    She casually tossed it into the trash bin at the hospital entrance and smiled. ¡°There are a lot of faller,

    leaves this season. Thank you for pointing it out, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    ¡°Is there anything else? If not, I have to go.¡±

    ¡°Those books you used to keep at home were soiled by Lysanne. They are not sold domestically, so I

    had someone buy identical ones from abroad. When will you be free? I can deliver them to your home.¡±

    ¡°No, thanks.¡± Lysander smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve got my title approved. I don¡¯t need those books anymore.¡±

    ¡°And

    our clothes¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want them anymore too. Please help me throw them away. If they¡¯re already thrown away, it¡¯s

    fine. I¡¯m just about to get some new clothes. Even if those old ones weren¡¯t thrown away, I¡¯d probably

    donate them. It¡¯s all the same.¡±

    Josiah finally couldn¡¯t hold back. He firmly grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him. ¡°Lysander, I

    don¡¯t want to beat around the bush anymore. You already know my feelings. I regret it, and I want to

    start over with you. I have started to deal with the Thorne family issues. You can rest assured that I will

    handle it properly this time, and I¡¯m not gonna leave anything to chance in the future. I know you are

    angry with me, and I understand the grievances you have suffered, but you have to at least give me a

    chance to make

    for it¡­¡±

    up

    ¡°Josiah, what are you doing? We¡¯re at the hospital! Let go!¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t let go! I don¡¯t want to let you go. I came here today specifically to find you, but they just told me

    you¡¯re off today. I was nning to try my luck again tomorrow, but I ran into you. This must be fate. If I

    keep some things to myself, I¡¯m going to go crazy! Lysander, let¡¯s start over. Let¡¯s have another child¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra!¡± Seeing that something was amiss, Zachary rushed over, pushed his hand away, and

    shielded Lysander behind him. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, pulling down the sleeves of her sweater to cover her wrists.

    Josiah¡¯s face suddenly turned cold. He looked at Zachary with a sneer. ¡°Mr. Powell, please excuse us. I

    have some private matters to discuss with Lysander.¡±

    Zachary remained still. ¡°If you have something to say, then use your mouth. How could youy a hand

    on

    a girl?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Powell, you¡¯re just her friend. Don¡¯t be too nosy,¡± Josiah said darkly.

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204

    Chapter 204 You Are The Outsider

    Josiah ignored Zachary and leaned over to pull Lysander, but Zachary pped his hand away. ¡°You are

    just a friend to her too. Don¡¯t you know that it¡¯s best to keep a distance from the opposite sex? Don¡¯t

    touch her casually, It¡¯s very impolite toward a girl.

    ¡°Mr. Powell, you should know about my rtionship with her.¡±

    ¡°You two are divorced, and any residual affection has dissipated. Now that your first crush is back, what

    semnce of a rtionship could possibly remain?¡±

    Josiah took a deep breath and said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ve looked into you. Your mother and Lysander¡¯s mother

    are close friends, so you are like a brother to Lysander and Michelle. In the future, we might meet again

    during festivals and holidays. There¡¯s a chance I might even call you ¡°Zachary¡® following Lysander.

    Let¡¯s not make things too difficult between the two of us, so it won¡¯t be awkward when we meet again in

    the future.¡±

    Zachary looked at him with a doubtful and shocked expression. ¡°Does that mean you still want to be

    with Lysander¡­

    ¡°I want to remarry her as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you just get engaged?¡±

    ¡°The situation is somewhatplicated. Now is not the time to exin. Mr. Powell, there are some

    misunderstandings between Lysander and me, and I would like to have a good talk with her. Could you

    please step aside? We¡¯ll visit you together someday. Lysander, over here. Let¡¯s not bother

    Zachary

    with our affairs.¡±

    Lysander dodged again. ¡°We have nothing to talk about. I¡¯ve made it clear that we can¡¯t possibly

    remarry. Don¡¯te looking for me in the future.¡±

    ¡°All right, if you need to vent, let¡¯s find a ce to talk it out slowly. I won¡¯t make any excuses. You can

    say whatever you want. Let¡¯s go. My car is parked at the usual ce.¡±

    Lysander ignored him and pulled Zachary away. ¡°Zachary, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Josiah took a step forward and blocked their way.

    His gaze fell on the sped hands of the two.

    To be precise, their hands weren¡¯t sped together, but Lysander was holding onto Zachary¡¯s sleeve

    without touching Zachary¡¯s hand.

    He frowned. ¡°You two are just friends. Don¡¯t get all touch¨Cfeely and mind your manners. Let go.

    Hearing that, Lysander let go of Zachary¡¯s sleeve and held his hand.

    Josiah¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°If you¡¯re mad at me and want to seek revenge, you can, but don¡¯t use this

    method to avoid involving innocent people.¡±

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡±

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    958 +0

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    08:33 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 204 You Are The Outsider

    ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend.¡±

    91%8

    Josiah didn¡¯t believe it and chuckled lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t make such childish jokes. I won¡¯t believe them.

    You¡¯ve known each other for so many years and never got together. Just two days ago he was still your

    neighbor, and suddenly he¡¯s your boyfriend? Lysander, if you want to find someone to piss me off, at

    least find. someone more usible. Even Adrian seems like a better match than him.¡±

    ¡°Believe it or not, it¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Josiah still didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Juste to me first and we¡¯ll talk. Don¡¯t embarrass ourselves here.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡± This time, it was Zachary who pushed away his hand. He pointed at his own clothes,

    then. pointed at Lysander¡¯s. ¡°Do you believe us now?¡±

    Josiah looked at their clothes, his eyes filled with shock and anger. ¡°Lysander, are you serious?¡±

    Lysander said coldly, ¡°Josiah, can¡¯t you tell? You¡¯re the outsider here.¡±

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205

    Chapter 205 The Friends Of Zachary

    Upon departing. Lysander was filled with a sense of regret. She realized that she could have handed

    over the materials directly to Lynn on her Monday workday, rather than rushing to deliver them today

    only to have her mood ruined.

    Zachary, on the other hand, did not take it to heart. ¡°It¡¯s just a coincidence. What can we do about it?¡±

    Lysander felt a slight pang of guilt in her heart. ¡°Who knows what got into him.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡± Zachary chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve seen his current girlfriend once. To be honest, she¡¯s not as

    pretty as you, nor does she have a good personality. Comparison is a thief of joy, so it¡¯s quite

    understandable if he regrets it.¡±

    Lysander said indifferently. ¡°Sorry for dragging you into this.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, actually, I¡¯m pretty happy.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so good that even Josiah likes you. But you chose me. Does this mean that in some way I am

    better than him?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like me. He¡¯s just not willing to give up.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Zachary¡¯s hand, resting on the steering wheel, twitched slightly.

    He could still feel the soft and smooth sensation of her hand in his palm.

    Upon arriving at Harborbrook University, Zachary parked the car in the parking lot and then the two of

    them walked toward the basketball court together.

    From a distance, they saw three or four people looking this way. ¡°Zachary!¡±

    Zachary also waved back in response. As his hand fell, he carefully brushed it against the back of her

    hand and asked softly, ¡°May I?¡±

    Lysander gently nodded her head.

    Zachary seemed a bit nervous, his palms slightly damp. However, his hands were wide and sturdy, his

    hold tender. He delicately held her hand as if cradling it and refrained from gripping too firmly, cautious

    not to cause any difort.

    Upon getting closer, they immediately heard a group of boys making strange noises.

    Zachary was embarrassed by his friends¡® yful jibes. He scolded, ¡°Stop messing around. Didn¡¯t we

    say we were going to y ball? Where¡¯s the ball?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t just focus on ying ball. Aren¡¯t you going to introduce us to this beautifuldy here?¡±

    Zachary licked his lips, turned his head to look at Lysander, and said softly. ¡°This is Lysander, my¡­ my

    girlfriend.¡±

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    Chapter 205 The Friends Of Zachary

    Lysander didn¡¯t understand the secretnguage between them. Zachary immediately rushed over to

    cover his friend mouth. ¡°You talk too much!¡±

    That boy wasn¡¯t annoyed. Heughed and continued, ¡°Oh, dessert, sweet dessert!¡±

    Zachary pinned him to the ground in anger and gave him a good beating.

    When he came back, he was clearly a bit guilty. ¡°He¡¯s really mouthy, but he¡¯s not a bad guy. I hope you

    don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. You guys seem to have a really solid rtionship.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. This is Hugo, this is Jett, that one is Diablo, and the one sitting on the ground, is Rafiki. These

    guys are all my buddies. We¡¯ve been friends for over a decade.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Josiah had never taken the initiative to introduce her to his friends.

    Perhaps it was because she was busy with work.

    Or perhaps it was because he felt it was not necessary.

    She only got to know Aiden when he took the initiative to flirt with her. It waster that she found out he

    was very close to Josiah.

    There was also Zane, whom Daphne had mentioned to her. He was the one who helped Josiah

    secretly view her status update.

    Until now, she still didn¡¯t know whether Zane was tall or short, fat or thin.

    Meanwhile, Zachary¡¯s friends lived up to their names and were easy to recognize. Hugo was tall and

    robust, Jett was small and agile, and Diablo had a strong ent when he spoke, Rafiki, on the other

    hand, was alwaysughing on the ground, looking like a monkey.

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 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206

    Chapter 206 She Has A Boyfriend

    Lysander greeted them with a smile, ¡°Hello.¡±

    Diablo was the friendliest among them all. He waved his hand and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, Lysander.

    From now on, you¡¯re one of us. If anythinges up, just give me a shout. I¡¯ll sort it out for

    Hugoughed. ¡°She has a boyfriend. Does she even need your help?¡±

    you

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Diablo disagreed, ¡°They will need to renovate their house when they get married and buy one in the

    future, right? Don¡¯t worry, Lysander. Leave it to me. I will make sure it¡¯s beautifully done.¡±

    Lysander nodded and realized that Diablo was in the renovation business.

    Zachary quietly exined to her on the side, ¡°After graduating, Diablo started his own renovation

    company, and the business is doing quite well.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Hugo was a sports science student. He¡¯s currently working as a P.E. teacher at Harborbrook

    University.¡±

    Lysander continued to nod, finally understanding why they had arranged to y basketball at the

    basketball court of Harborbrook University that day.

    ¡°Jett and I both work at the architectural designpany. We are now colleagues. Rafiki is the winner

    in life among us. His wife was the most beautiful girl in our department. She just gave birth to twinsst

    month.¡±

    ¡°Wow, really? He¡¯s indeed a winner in life.¡±

    ¡°His pair of twins are really especially adorable. If there¡¯s a chance, I¡¯ll take you to see them.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Rafiki stood up and urged from the side: ¡°Zachary, are you ready yet? Hurry up and change your

    clothes. We¡¯re already a bitte and it¡¯s getting dark.¡±

    Zachary was somewhat worried and hesitated to go over.

    Lysander gave him a little push. ¡°You go ahead. There¡¯s a chair over there. I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±

    It was the weekend. Apart from them, there were many other people who came to y at the

    basketball court of Harborbrook University. It was bustling with activity, and there were only a few

    empty seats left on the sidelines.

    Most of them were upied by girls from the university. Some were cheering for their boyfriends, while

    others were sitting shyly and quietly, but their eyes were always following one of the yers on the

    court.

    In other words, these chairs were generally considered family seats.

    Zachary¡¯s face was also filled with joy when she said she would take a seat and wait for him. ¡°I¡¯m going

    to join them, then.¡±

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    Chapter 206 She Has A Boyfriend

    ¡°If you need anything, call me anytime. I¡¯lle right away.¡±

    $91%0

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m a living, breathing person. What could possibly happen to me on a big

    university campus? You should hurry up. Don¡¯t keep everyone waiting.

    Zachary huffed coldly. ¡°They¡¯ve made me wait plenty of times before. Now it¡¯s their turn.¡±

    The changing room was right next to the basketball court. The boys changed their clothes very quickly,

    and in just a few minutes, Zachary, dressed in a red basketball uniform, came running out. Holding his

    clothes in his hand, he jogged toward her.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Give it to me.¡±

    While handing her the clothes, Zachary gently held her hand. ¡°Put these on if you¡¯re cold.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Diablo kept calling out to him. There was no telling if he was impatient or envious.

    Zachary reluctantly left and was then caught and thoroughly teased by his friends. Only then did he

    start to dribble the ball, run, and shoot.

    During her student days, Lysander seldom had this kind of experience.

    This was her first experience, and she found it somewhat novel¡­

    After a while, a young girl came over and sat next to her, initiating a conversation. ¡°Are you here to

    watch. your boyfriend y basketball too?¡±

    Lysander nodded with a smile. ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°Here, this is for you.¡±

    The girl unceremoniously stuffed a loudspeaker into her arms.

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    398

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207

    Chapter 207 Like An Eternity

    ¡°There are many people here. It¡¯s very noisy. If you don¡¯t use this, he won¡¯t be able to hear you even if

    you cheer for him.¡±

    As soon as she said that, she stood on the chair, holding a loudspeaker and shouting words of

    encouragement.

    Her boyfriend¡¯s name should be Harord or Harold. Lysander didn¡¯t hear it clearly, but there was indeed

    a quite sunny and handsome boy on the basketball court who looked over. The girl yfully made a

    heart shape with her hands, causing the whole court to cheer and shout.

    ¡°Why are you just standing there? You should cheer for your boyfriend too!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass¡­

    ¡°No, you¡¯re already here¡­ What¡¯s your boyfriend¡¯s name? I¡¯ll do it for you!

    Lysander was shocked by her friendliness.

    ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡± the girl asked again.

    ¡°Zachary.

    ¡°Zachary, right? Okay.¡± The girl took a deep breath and shouted into the loudspeaker, ¡°Zachary! Your

    girlfriend is too shy to cheer for you, so I¡¯ll do it for her! Score more points! If you¡¯re not named as the

    MVP, don¡¯te back to see her!¡±

    Everyone was amused by the girl¡¯s words.

    The basketball court was filled withughter..

    ¡°Zachary! Your girlfriend is so beautiful! If you don¡¯t win today, I will beg her to give me a chance!¡±

    Lysander was somewhat embarrassed.

    Zachary¡¯s face, too, turned as red as a tomato. He stood in ce for quite a while, and in the end, it

    was a ball thrown by Rafiki that snapped him out of it.

    Thanks to the girl, many people¡¯s attention was drawn to Lysander.

    She had a gentle appearance. Although her demeanor was somewhat cold, she seemed to be very

    easy to get along with. As time passed, a few more individuals gradually joined Zachary¡¯s small group

    to y ball together.

    During the halftime break, Zachary was the first to run over.

    Having exercised, he was still panting slightly, with bright, glistening beads of sweat hanging in his hair.

    His eyes also appeared moist and shiny.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Chapter 207 Like An Eternity

    Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander was taken aback for a moment before realizing what he was saying.

    She chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re not getting any younger. Don¡¯tpete with these young ones and just be safe.¡±

    Zachary nodded heavily. ¡°Mhm.¡±

    ¡°Wipe your sweat. You don¡¯t want to catch a cold.¡± She handed him another tissue.

    Zachary, however, didn¡¯t take it. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Can you¡­ help me?¡±

    Therge basketball court was located at the southeast corner of the campus.

    A white Cayenne slowly came to a halt. Through the fence of the campus, Josiah could clearly see the

    scene unfolding within.

    Zachary propped his hands on his knees, squatting down to amodate Lysander¡¯s height.

    Lysander held his clothes in one hand and a tissue in the other. Standing on her tiptoes, she gently

    wiped the sweat from his forehead and temples.

    She had her hair down that day.

    When they were together, Lysander had always tied her hair up. He had thought that as she was a

    doctor, she had long been ustomed to a neat and simple lifestyle. A ponytail also suited her.

    He had never seen Lysander with her hair down before.

    Her originally small, palm¨Csized face looked even more¨Cdelicate, and it also made her look younger.

    She seemed not much older than the female college students next to her, appearing just like an

    upperssman in her third or fourth year.

    He had also never seen Lysander wearing the outfit she was wearing that day.

    The white colorplemented her skin tone well, and the trench coat with a cinched waist design

    further entuated her graceful and beautiful figure.

    Her action of helping Zachary wipe his sweat was very gentle. Following this, Zachary returned to the

    court. The man observing from the car felt as though this brief moment had stretched out to feel like an

    eternity.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208

    Chapter 208 Every Right To Be Angry

    He originally didn¡¯t believe it at all.

    He understood her personality. A friend was just a friend, and a brother was just a brother. She

    wouldn¡¯t confuse them with love.

    Initially, he had trailed them to validate his suspicion that her anger was directed at him for the dual

    transgressions of taking her child away and his act of betrayal, further fueled by Lysanne¡¯s incessant

    provocations.

    She had every right to be angry, and since she was angry, he would let her vent it all out.

    Even if she randomly pulled someone to pretend to be her boyfriend to get back at him, he would

    ept

    It was just acting after all. It wouldn¡¯tst forever. Given Lysander¡¯s personality, she might keep her.

    distance from Zachary as soon as he was out of sight.

    But when he chased them from the hospital entrance to the parking lot, he saw with his own eyes that

    Zachary had opened the passenger door for her, and she did not refuse.

    Then arriving at the basketball court, he saw her sitting on the chair by the court, the girl with the

    loudspeaker, and the scene that had just happened.

    Josiah furrowed his brows, held a cigarette between his lips, and lit

    He thought it was not too bad.

    At least it wasn¡¯t Adrian.

    He couldn¡¯t do anything to the Sutton family, as he had to somewhat consider the dignity of the older.

    generation.

    Zachary, on the other hand, was just an ordinary designer. Josiah didn¡¯t believe that Lysander¡¯s

    standards would drop so drastically after being with him.

    She was only seeking sce in momentary loneliness, which wouldn¡¯tst long

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    At that moment, his phone rang

    He nced at it and hung up at once.

    Nheless, his phone continued to ring incessantly. With a swift motion, he silenced his phone and

    casually tossed it onto the passenger seat¨Ca spot Lysander had upied for three years.

    She would habitually ce a pack of disinfectant wipes in front of the passenger seat, a professional

    habit formed from being a doctor.

    But ever since Lysanne returned, there were no longer any disinfectant wipes left.

    Even though the phone was on silent, a name continued to sh on the screen.

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    apter 208 Every Right To Be Angry

    Not long after, it lit up again.

    This time, it was Carol.

    He paused for a moment before answering the call. ¡°Ms. Collins.¡±

    Carol sounded a bit weary as she said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Ms. Thorne is here again.¡±

    ¡°Just like before, tell her I¡¯ve gone on a business trip,¡±

    ¡°I told her that but she didn¡¯t believe it. She said she has something very important to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°Ask her to go. If she still refuses to leave, call security.¡±

    Carol was thorough in handling matters and had many concerns. ¡°Mr. Guerra, the previous incident

    was quite a big issue. If we create another scene by having security escort her out, I¡¯m afraid it will

    cause another stir. Moreover¡­

    ¡°What else did she do?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne brought over someone else.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a girl. I¡¯ve never seen her before.¡±

    ¡°A girl?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra, and she looks a lot like¡­ Ms. Lysander. I heard she is also studying medicine and is

    currently in her third year. Judging by her demeanor and actions, they look about sixty to seventy

    percent

    simr.

    Josiahughed. ¡°What on earth is she up to?¡±

    Carol said, ¡°Ms. Thorne said she would like to introduce you two to each other and then¡­¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    Carol said through gritted teeth, ¡°And then let her give birth to your child.¡±

    Just then, another call came in.

    Josiah hung up on Carol¡¯s call, then picked up the other call.

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡± The tone of Lysanne¡¯s voice had changed. It was no longer as piercing and elevated as

    before but rather carried a hint of caution.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°If you really can¡¯t bear to part with Dr. Thorne, I have a solution.¡±

    Josiah holding the cigarette in his hand, sneered, ¡°What solution?¡±

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    Chapter 208 Every Right To Be Angry

    is simply a godsend! I brought her back, but when I came to thepany, Ms. Collins kept saying you

    were on a business trip and wouldn¡¯t let me into your office¡­¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    91%

    ¡°Josiah, why aren¡¯t you speaking? She really does resemble Dr. Thorne. Why don¡¯t youe back

    now and meet her? Or maybe I can send her photo to-¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, what are you up to now? Pimping, or ying the old brothel keeper?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209

    Chapter 209 The Apple Of Your Eye

    Lysanne¡¯s voice wasced with sobs. ¡°Josiah, your words have been very hurtful

    hurtful recently¡±

    ¡°Is it? In the past twenty or so years, the things you¡¯ve said are far more hurtful than this.¡±

    ¡°L¡­ I admit that I may have been a bit excessive after we got together. That¡¯s because I realized that

    you no longer only had eyes for me like before. During the years I was away, you got married. You

    have already given part of your attention to her. You even have a ce for her in your heart. I just want

    to drive her out I want you to have only me in your heart.¡±

    ¡°You got dumped by another man, and you¡¯re carrying his child in your belly, yet you demand that I can

    only have you in my heart?¡±

    Lysanne wept. ¡°Josiah, what exactly do you want me to do for us to return to the past? Can you just tell

    me? I¡¯m really sad. I¡¯ve been suffering from insomnia. My mom is afraid I¡¯llmit suicide, so she

    stays up with me all night. Today, when I went out, my wheelchair almost fell down the stairs¡­

    ¡°Lysanne, that¡¯s your mom, not my mom. If you really care about Mrs. Thorne, then behave yourself.¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­ do you really hate me that much?¡±

    Josiah irritably rolled down the car window, letting the wind pour in. ¡°Some things are too explicit when

    said out loud. You might want to jump off a building again. It¡¯s enough if we both understand in our

    hearts.¡±

    ¡°Do we really have no chance left at all? Our feelings for the past twenty¨Cplus years-¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it because you have fallen for Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Josiah instantly became alert. ¡°What are you going to do to her again?¡±

    ¡°What else can I do? If I so much as touch a hair on her head now, you¡¯ll tear me apart.¡±

    ¡°Murder is illegal.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°But I advise you not to repeat the same mistakes, or I

    won¡¯t show you any mercy.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s heart sank. She realized that even if life was used as a bargaining chip, even if it was her

    own. parents wielding it, Josiah would only give that one chance.

    This method couldn¡¯t be used a second time.

    ¡°I understand now. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t go up against her anymore. Now, she is the apple of your eye.

    When you like someone, you always keep them in your heart. It¡¯s a pity that I was too young and naive

    back then. I couldn¡¯tprehend your true feelings.¡±

    Josiah sneered. ¡°Really?¡±

    Lysanne did not respond.

    ¡°All right, it¡¯s pointless to dwell on the past now, Just leave her alone. She has already endured too

    much that she shouldn¡¯t have because of this matter,¡± Josiah said.

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    Chapter 209 The Apple Of Your Eye

    Lysanne bit her lip and said softly, ¡°God will surelypensate her. I heard Aiden say that his brother

    really likes Dr. Thorne. The Sutton family also has a good background, and they are both doctors. Dr.

    Thorne¡¯s good days are yet toe.¡±

    Josiah suddenly felt so bored.

    Lysanne seemed to be constantly hinting to him that he no longer had a chance with Lysander.

    He was tired.

    ¡°I¡¯m in the middle of something. Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Josiah! I¡¯ll have Ms. Collins send the girl to your home. I¡¯ve been staying at the Thorne residence

    recently. You¡­ You¡­ Lysander let out a mournful cry. ¡°Once she¡¯s pregnant, I¡¯lle back to take

    care of her. After she gives birth. I¡¯ll help her through her postnatal recovery¡±

    Josiah¡¯s frown deepened. He hung up the phone immediately, and without wasting a second, he dialed.

    Carol¡¯s number.

    ¡°Mr. Guera?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Make her leave, and take that girl away as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°And tell the security that she is not allowed to enter the office in the future.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    He ended the call and tossed the phone aside. When he turned back to look, Lysander was no longer

    at the basketball court.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210

    Chapter 210 You Are Beautiful

    Lysander hadn¡¯t been to Harborbrook University.

    Zachary brought her to scroll around the campus. It was autumn, and the ground was covered with

    yellow leaves. The university did not arrange for anyone to clean up, allowing the fallen leaves to form

    a golden. path. It became a popr spot

    Along the way, they encountered many peopleing here to take pictures.

    The girl at the basketball court had caused such a ruckus that Zachary had be the focus of

    attention. As he was not quite ustomed to this feeling of being in the spotlight, he greeted his

    friends, changed his clothes, and left with Lysander.

    Zachary asked, ¡°Lysander, how about I take a picture of too?¡±

    you

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t really like taking pictures.¡±

    ¡°Just one. Do it for me, all right?¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Lysander looked at his clear and hopeful eyes and nodded. She couldn¡¯t bear to refuse him.

    Zachary was overjoyed. He quickly went to find a student nearby, handed her his phone, and then

    swiftly. ran back to Lysander¡¯s side, standing still

    The student clearly looked like a photography expert, constantly adjusting angles and poses. Finally,

    she found a position with very good lighting. ¡°Ready? Stand a bit closer.¡±

    Zachary slightly turned his body in her direction.

    The student giggled. ¡°What are you afraid of? She doesn¡¯t have any thorns on her.¡±

    Zachary was also somewhat embarrassed. He awkwardly exined to Lysander, ¡°I didn¡¯t like taking

    photos either. I have no experience.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Then neither of us shouldugh at the other.¡±

    Mhm.¡± Zachary said, then moved closer to her, half of his body hidden behind her. He looked as if he

    was about to encircle her in his arms. ¡°Is this okay?¡±

    The student shouted, ¡°Your hands!¡±

    Zachary was puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my hands?¡±

    ¡°Why are you posing with your hands behind your back when you¡¯re still so young? You¡¯re just like my

    dad.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ do I just let them hang naturally?¡±

    The student was momentarily speechless. She took a few steps forward, grabbed his wrist, and ced

    it on Lysander¡¯s shoulder before running back to her original position. ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    Bnce. 840

    Chapter 210 You Are Beautiful

    smile. As she was leaving, she patted his shoulder and said, ¡°This is as far as I can help you.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s face turned bright red, and he barely caught his phone.

    Realizing that Lysander was watching him, he felt, even more embarrassed and did not know what to

    say for a moment.

    It was Lysander who spoke first. ¡°How did the picture turn out? Let me have a look.¡±

    ¡°Oh, the picture.¡±

    Only then did Zachary hand her the phone.

    Lysander carefully examined the picture and had to admit that the student had good photography skills.

    On both sides of the road were golden sycamore trees. The sunlight, cascading from the upper right

    corner, was sieved into delicate shadows by the golden leaves, casting a perfect glow upon them.

    Lysander was smiling slightly, looking elegant. Zachary, standing half a head taller than her,

    complemented her well. Both of them, slender and radiant, looked quite harmonious once they donned

    their matching outfits.

    The only shoring was that Zachary did not look at the camera.

    He was looking down at her.

    Lysander distinctly remembered that right after the student had helped him had been staring rigidly

    ahead, as stiff as a wax figure.

    adjust his posture, Zachary

    She had mentally prepared herself, expecting Zachary¡¯s expression to be very unnatural and tense.

    However, she didn¡¯t expect that the picture would turn out so well.

    Zachary moved a bit closer and said gently, ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Mhm, it¡¯s not bad.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯re beautiful.¡± Zachary licked his lips, somewhat embarrassed.

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    398

    ¦°

    08:34 Mon, 3 Jun

 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211

    Chapter 211 My Determination

    This time, it was Lysander¡¯s turn to be embarrassed.

    ¡°Did I scare you?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just probably because I¡¯ve never been in love before. This is the first time I¡¯ve heard such

    sweet words. I¡¯m a bit slow to react.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go online and look for those quotes that make girls happy, learn more, and tell you more in the

    future.¡±

    ¡°No! Don¡¯t!¡± Lysander hurriedly interrupted him. ¡°I don¡¯t have a romantic bone in my body. It gives me

    goosebumps when I hear it.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°Actually, me too.¡±

    Lysander finally couldn¡¯t help it and broke into a slight smile.

    ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m not very eloquent, and I don¡¯t know how to say sweet words to make you happy, but I

    have already made ns. After working for a few years, I¡¯ve saved some money, and I¡¯m nning to

    buy a house in Acalux Residence. My savings are enough for the down payment, and the housing

    provident fund can cover the monthly payment. By the end of the year, when I get my annual bonus, I¡¯ll

    have the

    for renovation. Although I¡¯m not a wealthy man, I will work hard to earn money and support the family.

    But¡­¡±

    money

    ¡°But what?¡±

    ¡°That property is very popr. It¡¯s not easy to buy, but I have already made a reservation. The property

    consultant has urged me to submit documents and sign the contract.¡±¡°

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing. Are we going this afternoon? Or¡­¡±

    ¡°I want to submit your documents too¡­ I know it¡¯s a bit too soon and perhaps a bit inappropriate, but¡­

    I want to give you an assurance, and I want you to understand my determination.¡±

    Every Monday of the week was the busiest time.

    Lysander¡¯s current position did not require her to see patients every day. Her consultation hours were

    only on Monday mornings, and the rest of the time was Lynn¡¯s.

    She was busy all morning, and in the afternoon, she took a half¨Cday leave from the hospital to go to the

    sales department of Acalux Residence.

    Zachary

    y was still wearing his work uniform, standing at the door waiting for her.

    Seeing her get out of the taxi, he hurriedly went to meet her. ¡°Did you bring all the documents?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I did.¡±

    Zachary was a bit happy. ¡°Your parents didn¡¯t object, right?¡±

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    Chapter 211 My Determination

    Little did she expect Michelle to be such an ipetent teammate.

    Michelle was currently on summer vacation and had nothing to do. She didn¡¯t want to stay with

    Maverick and Laura, so she came over to Lysander¡¯s ce.

    That day, she was watching TV in the living room while Lysander went to take a shower.

    At that moment. Zachary sent a message, and Michelle leaned over to take a nce.

    Upon reading the message, she let out a sharp scream.

    Lysander was so scared that she thought there was an ident.

    By the time she rushed out anxiously, Michelle had already sent the picture in their family group chat.

    This was followed by a frantic call from Laura, who was desperate to know the exact timeline of events

    and the current stage of progression. Amidst the call, Maverick¡¯s strategic counsel, akin to a military

    advisor, intermingled with Laura¡¯s inquiries, subjecting her to an intense grilling.

    Cam was even more excited than Maverick and Laura.

    Unable to get through to Lysander on the phone, she ended up calling Michelle instead.

    Michelle directly turned on the speakerphone. ¡°I don¡¯t know the details either. My sister is currently

    talking to our parents. You can listen along, too.¡±

    Following that, Maverick and Laura abandoned their most loved TV series and hurriedly brought

    Lysander her household registry.

    Lysander simply found an excuse to work overtime at the hospital on Sunday, finally getting some

    peace.

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ording to Michelle, Maverick, Laura, and Cam had been getting along like family these past few

    days. Cam, especially, walked with a swagger. Even her steps seemed to float. When ying poker,

    she kept losing money to Laura and lost over six thousand, which made the other two yers so angry

    that they said they would never y poker with Cam again.

    When Michelle talked about this, she was very emotional. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re really lucky. You guys are

    not even married yet, and Zachary is willing to buy a house and put it under your name. I thought about

    it: if it were Calvin, he would refuse to write my name and ask me to pay for the renovation.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212

    Chapter 212 On Purpose

    Michelle hadpletely moved on from her first love.

    Love is beautiful. It gives people the courage to betray the world. But life, after all, is reality.

    She had always thought that the figure sprinting for ayup on the basketball court was so handsome.

    Her heart would beat so fast that it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest. Even when the

    teacher called his name during ss, she would immediately perk up, feeling even more nervous than

    when her own name was called.

    But all those meant nothing now.

    Among the people Lysander knew, almost no one could escape the curse of a failed first love.

    There was Michelle, who handled it calmly, and then there was Daphne, who was constantly filled with

    Sorrow.

    Of course, there was also Josiah, who had been a backup for more than twenty years.

    Nheless, he had gotten what he wished for now, which was to be with the woman he had loved for

    so many years.

    Lysander didn¡¯t know if this counted as her first love, but she was sure that her time with Josiah

    certainly didn¡¯t count.

    Their marriage was devoid of love. Even their separation was carried out with grace. hint of sorrow, the

    process of healing was swift, although she lost a child, too.

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Zachary called out.

    While there was a

    Lysander came back to her senses, handed him the folder, and said, ¡°Everything is in here.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry in.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    However, when they found the property consultant, they were met with disappointment.

    The property consultant said in embarrassment, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Mr. Powell. We just received a notice

    from the headquarters. The house you had previously reserved has already been purchased by

    someone. else.¡±

    Zachary was a bit angry. ¡°But I have already paid the deposit.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the headquarters has authorized us to refund you triple the amount of your deposit. I have taken

    care of all the necessary arrangements. Pleasee with me to the finance department, where I will

    promptly process your refund.¡±

    Zachary remained unmoved. ¡°This isn¡¯t about the refund. I want to buy this house. It¡¯s already been

    agreed upon, so how could you still sell it to someone else?¡±

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    Chapter 212 On Purpose

    Zachary was confused. ¡°You mean, someone is specifically targeting me? Who is it?¡±

    The property consultant chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ Oh, it¡¯s him!¡±

    He pointed at someone behind them.

    Zachary and Lysander looked in the direction his finger was pointing, only to see Josiah, dressed in a

    deep grey suit and a ck sleeve garter on his left arm, slowly approaching them.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, holding back her anger. ¡°What exactly do

    you want?¡±

    ¡°I remember you saying you wanted to buy a house in this area. Since I had some free time today, I

    came by to take a look.¡± Josiah nced around the sales department and slightly nodded his head.

    ¡°This area is really nice. It¡¯s tranquil amidst the bustle, close to your hospital, and located in the school

    district. It¡¯s indeed a good choice.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Are you doing this on purpose?¡±

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face faded. He pushed up the gold¨Crimmed sses on the bridge of his nose

    and nodded unabashedly. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Do you think this is fun?¡±

    Josiah nced at Zachary. ¡°Mr. Powell, you have to go to work this afternoon, do you? You can go

    ahead. I¡¯ll take Lysander to the hospitalter.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help it and pushed his shoulder. ¡°Josiah!¡±

    Josiah¡¯s body only swayed a little. He remained standing in the same spot. ¡°Lysander, I told you, I

    regret it.¡±

    ¡°What does it have to do with me? We are already divorced!¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s get married again.¡±

    ¡°Are you sick?¡±

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213

    Chapter 213 Stay Away From Me

    €91%#

    There were already many people around, and when themotion started here, it instantly attracted a

    crowd.

    Lysander really hated the feeling of being watched.

    Thest time she was surrounded like this was when his woman made a scene at the hospital

    entrance. She was forced into the spotlight, and the incident was widely talked about.

    The medical industry was different from others. There was little staff turnover. Everyone in

    Harborbrook¡¯s medical field more or less knew each other. Although no one had asked her face to face,

    she was well aware that there were discussions about her behind her back.

    When something had happened to Michelle, Fred had made up an excuse for Lysander to take leave

    and go home. He wanted her to avoid this trouble and take a break at home for a while.

    A dozen or so days had passed, and things had finally calmed down a bit. Yet there he was, causing

    trouble again.

    ¡°Josiah, did you two decide to harass me one after another?¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°I told you, I have nothing to do with her anymore.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ve already made it very clear to you that I have a boyfriend now. Can¡¯t you show a bit of

    decency?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I know that whatever I say or do now may not make much difference. You¡¯re still upset. You

    can tell me directly. What should I do for you toe back to me?¡±

    Lysander said decisively, That¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry. I can wait. Take your time to think.¡±

    The crowd around was getting bigger.

    asionally, gasps of astonishment could be heard from the crowd.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she the doctor from that videost time?¡±

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, she does seem like her!¡±

    The crowd of people raised their phones, aiming at them.

    Zachary stepped forward, protecting Lysander. ¡°Forget it, we won¡¯t buy this house. Lysander, let¡¯s go.¡±

    They walked toward the main entrance together.

    It was not until they got in the car that Lysander said angrily, ¡°He¡¯s a lunatic!¡±

    Zachary started the car, slowly merging into the stream of vehicles. His mood was rtively stable.

    ¡°Calm

    down.¡±

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    Chapter 213 Stay Away From Me

    Lysander understood what it meant. ¡°We agreed to part ways peacefully and not interfere with each.

    other¡¯s life. Who knew that he¡­¡±

    ¡°I actually think his change of heart seems quite reasonable. After all, given the choice between you

    and Mrs. Guerra, any sensible person would opt for you.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°All I want now is for him to stay away from me.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s hand, which had been resting on the steering wheel, slowly moved down. He gently held her

    hand. ¡°Lysander.¡°¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°There is a once¨Cand¨Cfor¨Call method to cut him off?

    Lysander jolted fiercely, sitting up straight.

    Her hand clenched into a fist, and she slowly drew it out of his palm.

    Zachary¡¯s Mand then returned to the steering wheel as heughed awkwardly. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know it¡¯s a

    bit too

    fast.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just don¡¯t want to enter into marriage so quickly again.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Actually, there¡¯s also the matter of buying a house. I understand your intentions, but after all, you¡¯re

    the one making the down payment, and you will also be the one repaying the subsequent loans. We

    can¡¯t just put my name on it. Before I came here, I had already thought it through. Either you pay for

    both the down payment and the mortgage, and we put only your name on it, or we each pay half of the

    down payment and the mortgage, and we put both of our names on it.¡±

    Zacharyughed and said, ¡°There¡¯s no point in saying all this now. The Guerra family is wealthy and

    powerful. We can¡¯t afford a house here anymore.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s look around, then. There should be a few more properties up for sale.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    At that moment, L

 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214

    Chapter 214 Not A Good Memory

    Zachary asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Lysander simply ignored the message. ¡°It¡¯s a promotional niessage.¡±

    ¡°Is it a real estate agent? You can reply to them. They are usually well¨Cinformed.¡±

    ¡°No. they¡¯re selling flowers.¡±

    ¡°A flower shop?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Soon after, Zachary¡¯s phone rang.

    He put on his Bluetooth headset and answered the call..

    Yet, he remained silent, simply listening to the individual on the other side of the call. His countenance.

    progressively soured.

    Finally, he responded in a low voice, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll hurry back as soon as possible.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Company matters?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been considering a job change recently. I have an interview scheduled for this afternoon,

    but I¡¯m running a bitte.¡±

    ¡°A job change? Why?¡±

    Zachary let out a chuckle. ¡°I thought that in the future, I would have to earn more money to support my

    family, so I need to earn more. Isn¡¯t money needed for everything from weddings to having children?

    Although state¨Cowned enterprises have good benefits, the sry is still a bit low. I want to switch to a

    private enterprise. It¡¯s equally tiring, but the ie is much higher.¡±

    Lysander felt somewhat ashamed.

    He has nned everything.

    From buying a house and getting married, to having children, he¡¯s already preparing for our future.

    But L..

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know rushing into marriage now seems a bit hasty. I haven¡¯t proposed to you and we

    haven¡¯t spent quality time together, yet we¡¯re fast¨Cforwarding to marriage and having children. Your

    previous rtionship shared the same pattern, so there would inevitably be worries. This is normal, and

    I can

    understand.¡±

    ¡°Then just drop me off at the intersection and go about your business. Don¡¯t bete for the interview.

    You need leave a good impression.¡±

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    Chapter 214 Not A Good Memory

    ¡°I¡¯ll just take a taxi back to the hospital.¡±

    Zachary looked achis watch again and again, and finally, with some regret, he said, ¡°Then, send me a

    message when you get to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    There was not much going on in the hospital in the afternoon.

    The pregnant women were in good shape these days. The bespectacled Lynn was currently lying on

    her desk, studying hard.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Seeing Lysander return, she greeted listlessly, ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re finally back.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°My thesis has been sent back again.¡±

    ¡°Let me take a look.¡±

    Since there was nothing to do in the afternoon, Lysander simply helped Lynn review her thesis. Lynn¡¯s

    direction was very simr to hers. She pointed out a few issues to Lynn, asking her to take another

    good look.

    Lynn was so annoyed she angrily threw her sses. ¡°Dr. Thorne, how did you manage toplete

    your professional title requirements back then? A single thesis is nearly driving me to the edge. The

    mere thought of future professional title evaluations makes me feel like I¡¯m at the end of my rope.¡±

    Lysander reminisced about the night she prepared for her professional title evaluation.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a good memory.¡±

    ¡°I guess so too. I heard from Dr. Ena over at the internal medicine department that her myopia has

    worsened by three hundred degrees due to the preparation for the professional title evaluation.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Dr. Ena already over forty? Can her myopia still worsen?¡±

    ¡°I know, right? Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m already at seven hundred degrees now. Does this mean when I get to

    your level, my myopia will be at two thousand degrees?¡±

    Then you

    should take a break. Don¡¯t always be reading books or looking at theputer.¡±

    Lynn mmed the book shut with a thud. ¡°Dr. Thorne, Linda is treating everyone to dinner tonight.

    Shall we go together?¡±

    Linda was a nurse in the obstetrics and gynecology department and had a good rtionship with her.

    ¡°What¡¯s the asion?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s getting married! It¡¯s her Bachelorette party tonight!¡®

    Se..d Gifts

 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215

    Chapter 215 Meeting Adrian Again

    Lysander was surprised. ¡°Who¡¯s the groom?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Niel from the anesthesiology department! You didn¡¯t know? They started dating back in college. It¡¯s

    been five or six years now.¡±

    Lysander really didn¡¯t know,

    She didn¡¯t know much about her colleagues¡® rtionship status, other than knowing that Lynn was

    single without a boyfriend. She wouldn¡¯t ask about the rest, and they wouldn¡¯t tell her either.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, will you go with me?¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment, then sent a message to Zachary, asking him how his interview went.

    Zachary replied quickly: Just got out. It feels pretty good. But I might not be able to pick you up today.

    There¡¯s some unfinished work at the architectural designpany, and my boss needs it urgently.

    Lysander replied: Work is important. You do your thing.

    Lynn leaned in and asked her, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Lysander put away her phone. ¡°Lynn, I have a question for you.¡±

    ¡°Ask away.¡±

    ¡°Linda and Dr. Niel are getting married, so how much money should everyone give as a wedding gift?¡±

    Lynn pped her forehead. ¡°Oh dear, I¡¯ve been so absorbed in writing my thesis these past I¡¯ve

    completely forgotten about it. Let me ask around¡­

    After work in the evening, Linda came over and knocked on the door with a beaming smile.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, Lynn, are you done with your work?¡±

    Lynn nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re done. Are we leaving now?¡±

    few days that

    .¡°Yeah, my husband has made a reservation. But since we have quite a few people going, I¡¯ve

    arranged at

    ride for you all.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When they left the hospital, the ride Linda had arranged was already waiting at the hospital entrance.

    Upon reaching the destination, Lysander, however, froze.

    Lynn asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander waved her hand and got out of the car.

    She had been here before.

    Chapter 215 Meeting Adrian Again

    Their party came in six cars in total. Linda and Niel drove their own car, four cars were rented, and one

    even trailed directly behind Linda and Niel¡¯s car into the parking lot.

    After the car came to a stop, Adrian got out.

    When they met, Adrian politely nodded at her. ¡°Dr. Thorne.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t seen Adrian in a while.

    Soon, another girl, seemingly in her early twenties, got out of his car and walked over to his side with a

    smiling face. ¡°Dr. Sutton! Who is this?¡±

    Adrian politely introduced, ¡°This is Dr. Thorne from our hospital¡¯s obstetrics and gynecology

    department. Dr. Thorne, this is my girlfriend. Sarah.¡±

    Lysander greeted, ¡°Nice to meet you.¡±

    Sarah, holding Adrian¡¯s arm, giggled. ¡°Nice to meet you too, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Adrian turned his head and said to Sarah, ¡°Let¡¯s head inside.¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Watching the two people leave, Lynn sighed with a hint of regret. ¡°Dr. Sutton is such a good man. What

    a pity.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Lysander asked with a smile, ¡°Why? Dr. Sutton is handsome, and the girl is pretty. They¡¯re a good

    match.¡±

    ¡°I feel pity for you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    As they entered Mirage, there were already some people inside.

    They seemed to be other friends of Linda and Niel.

    About ten colleagues from the hospital hade over. A few of them were from the anesthesiology

    department, who were quite familiar with Niel and Adrian. From the obstetrics and gynecology

    department, there were only Lysander and Lynn.

    Seeing that they were on their own, Linda took the initiative to approach them. ¡°Dr. Thorne, Lynn, if

    you¡¯re feeling bored, there are some entertainment facilities nearby. You can go and have some fun.¡±

    Lynn indeed had this intention. She handed the gift money to Linda, then hurriedly dragged Lysander to

    a pool table.

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 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216

    Chapter 216 Where I Lose

    Lysander frowned and asked, ¡°You y pool too?¡±

    Lynn winked at her. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect that, right? I¡¯m pretty good at it. Back in my undergraduate days,

    none of the boys in my ss could win me! Do you know how to y, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±

    Not only do I not know, I¡¯mpletely clueless about it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you then!¡±

    Without further ado, Lynn shoved a cue stick into her hand. ¡°You¡¯re my mentor in the hospital, but now

    the tables have finally turned!¡±

    Lysander figured she had nothing else to do anyway. Looking back, she saw the two stars of the day

    were drinking while being hemmed in by everyone else.

    Since she couldn¡¯t hold her liquor and didn¡¯t want to join them, she might as well y pool with Lynn.

    Lynn prompted, ¡°See here. Position your left hand like a support, and hold the cue to hit the cue ball

    with your right, just like this.¡±

    Bang!

    She pocketed a ball on the first hit.

    ¡°How about that, my skills are pretty good, right?¡±

    ¡°Amazing! You¡¯re Ms. Vale today.¡±

    ¡°Now, you try!¡±

    Lysander tried Lynn¡¯s method and missed.

    She tried again but missed the cue ball altogether. The cue stick struck air on the side of the ball.

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have talent in this.¡±

    Suddenly, a deep male voice came from behind. ¡°Only you two are here?¡±

    Lynn greeted with a smile, ¡°Dr. Sutton!¡±

    Adrian grunted an acknowledgment, slowly walked over, nced at the mess of balls on the table that

    Lysander had hit, and asked softly, ¡°Don¡¯t know how to y, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Nope, Where¡¯s your girlfriend, Dr. Sutton?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s acquainted with Linda, so she went to join them.¡±

    ¡°It seems like they¡¯re drinking over there, aren¡¯t you going to join them?¡±

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    Chapter 216 Where I Lose

    Lynn¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°So Dr. Sutton is also an expert!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not bad at it.Adrian asked, ¡°Down for a round?¡±

    Lynn rolled up her sleeves and said, ¡°Bring it on! We¡¯re in a team, Dr. Thorne, so it¡¯s two against one!¡±

    Lysander continually refused. ¡°I¡¯ll probably just hold you back, so I¡¯ll stand at the side and watch you

    guys y.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t! ying alone is so boring.¡±

    Adrian suggested, ¡°How about this? Let¡¯s invite another person so that it¡¯s two against two.¡±

    Lynn asked, ¡°Should I call your girlfriend over?¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°That¡¯ll do.¡±

    ¡°All right, wait for me for a bit.¡±

    Lynn put down the cue and went to call Adrian¡¯s girlfriend.

    The pool table was quite far from the bar. Without Lynn, the mood had turned cold, and the atmosphere

    a bit awkward.

    Lysander took the initiative to speak. ¡°Dr. Sutton, your girlfriend is very beautiful.¡±

    Adrian yed pool by himself disinterestedly, sinking one ball after another into the pockets.

    ¡°Are you certain about Zachary?¡±

    He didn¡¯t look up the whole time, still focused on the game, so Lysander thought she had heard wrong.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Adrian straightened his back, picked up the small chalk cube from the side, and gently rubbed the cue

    tip. ¡°I saw you guys the other day when he came to the hospital entrance to pick you up.¡±

    Only then did Lysander understand, she paused for a moment and softly uttered an acknowledgment.

    After chalking the cue tip, Adrian bent over again and sank all the balls on the table in one shot.

    ¡°Have you made up your mind? He¡¯s the one?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m still thinking.¡±

    He straightened up and looked at her. ¡°So you haven¡¯t decided yet?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s nice and treats me well too. It¡¯s my problem, I still have some unresolved issues.¡±

    Adrian nodded. ¡°Right, you should be more cautious this time.¡±

    ¡°I will

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    Chapter 216 Where I Lose

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°I just want to know where did I lose?¡±

    Send Gifts

    €19

 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217

    Chapter 217 y A Round With Me

    Lysander involuntarily looked toward the crowd not far away.

    Lynn¡¯s just going to call someone, so why isn¡¯t she back yet?

    ¡°You can stop looking. She already left.¡±

    Adrian took out the balls from the pockets one by one wearily, ced them back on the table, and

    aligned them with the rack.

    ¡°Your girlfriend?¡±

    Adrian exined, ¡°An actress.¡±

    Lysander was still stunned. ¡°That¡¯s pretty impressive. Has she been in any TV shows?¡±

    Adrian nced at her,ughed resignedly, and said, ¡°Forget it.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying. What exactly are you trying to say?

    Just tell me directly.¡±

    Adrian handed her a cue stick on the side. ¡°y a round with me.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how.¡±

    Think of this as giving me closure to let go of my obsession.¡±

    Lysander finally understood a bit.

    He shoved the cue into her hand, murmuring, ¡°Being an architectural designer isn¡¯t bad, but this

    industry values experience. Your boyfriend is too young andcks background, connections, and

    sessful projects. Rashly jumping to a privatepany now may not necessarily be a good thing.¡±

    Lysander suddenly felt like she was being watched.

    Adrian reassured, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be afraid. I bear no ill will. I just really want to understand the kind

    of person I lost to. I won¡¯t investigate him anymore in the future, so you can rest assured.¡±

    Holding the cue, Lysander also felt a bit down. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize to me, you were firm in rejecting me from the very beginning, not giving

    me any hope at all. Actually, adults understand what you mean. It¡¯s just that I couldn¡¯t ept it. I

    thought I still had time to re¨Center your heart after you divorced Josiah. I didn¡¯t expect everything to

    change after you went home once.¡±

    Adrian sighed andmented, ¡°Timing really is everything. He took advantage of the timing when you

    returned home, his identity as your neighbor, and your fallout with Josiah. He indeed should seed.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°If you want to think of it that way, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Adria smiled gracefully and said softly. ¡°It¡¯s good that we¡¯ve cleared the air. In the future, we¡¯ll still be

    partners in the operating room. I hope we continue to work in tandem and save lives together.¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Chapter 217 y A Round With Me.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s y ball.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know how.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Lynn just teach you a moment ago?¡±

    ¡°I might¡¯ve seen it, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve mastered it.¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll demonstrate it once more. Watch¡­¡±

    Adrian¡¯s skills were clearly a notch higher than Lynn¡¯s. Lysander didn¡¯t quite understand what

    constitutes a standard posture, but when Adrian bent over to aim his cue at the ball, his stance was

    beautiful.

    Unsurprisingly, he pocketed a ball.

    ¡°Would you like to try?¡±

    Lysander was just thinking about imitating his posture when she caught two people entering Mirage

    from the corner of her eye.

    The two neers stood side by side, the man looked clean and tall, while the woman was petite and

    gentle. The woman, especially, looked young and cute in a pink dress. She seemed to be just over

    twenty years old.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Adrian noticed her unusual behavior and followed her gaze, then immediately scoffed.

    The woman seemed to be visiting a bar for the first time. She was curious about everything, her big

    eyes darted around.

    Yet, she was somewhat scared at the same time, tightly clutching the arm of the man beside her,

    almost as if she was holding it in her arms.

    Send Gi

 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218

    Chapter 218 I Am Not His Wife

    Their posture had already crossed the line of friends.

    Lysander asked, ¡°The woman¡¯s family background should be pretty good, right?¡±

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°We have the same thought.¡±

    ¡°Do you know her?¡±

    ¡°I was abroad for many years and recognized the elders in Harborbrook but was clueless about the

    younger ones. You can take a picture and ask Aiden. That kid definitely knows.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I don¡¯t have Aiden¡¯s number.¡±

    Adrian raised an eyebrow. ¡°I thought you¡¯re on Whisper?¡±

    Embarrassed. Lysander asked, ¡°Aiden even tells you that?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me. He values his pride too much, so he wouldn¡¯t tell me such an embarrassing thing.¡±

    ¡°So how do you¡­¡±

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    Adrian exined. ¡°Josiah told me. He asked me to keep Aiden in check and away from you.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t speak and just sneered with a mocking smile.

    Adrian said, ¡°I haven¡¯t been back for many years, but Aiden was by his side and respected him like a

    truly brother. You were married to Josiah for three years, but Aiden didn¡¯t even recognize you. Josiah is

    something. Everyone said he treasured his wife, and he said he was married, but no one knew what his

    wife looked like. To put it nicely, it was to protect you but to put it bluntly, he didn¡¯t want you to be known

    as Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    Lysander listened silent/co

    ¡°Perhaps in his heart, I¡¯m not his wife, just a puppet bearing that title.¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°Actually, I shouldn¡¯t be the one telling you these, but that¡¯s how men are. If they ept

    you, they¡¯ll let you integrate into their circle as soon as possible, you¡¯ll at least meet with his close

    buddies.¡±

    Lysander thought of Zachary who took her to meet his friends right after confirming their rtionship.

    ng!

    A sound of shattering ss came from a distance. Then, came a woman¡¯s scream.

    They saw Harry embrace the woman, soothingly stroking her hair, gently patting her, andforting

    her. ¡°It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t be scared, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°It looks like he¡¯ll seed again. Should we tell Prisci so she can prepare in advance?¡±

    Lysander had already raised/her phone, quickly snapping a few photos.

    Bnce: 655 + 0

    08:36 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 218 I Am Not His Wife

    Adrian nodded, using his body to shield her. Taking the opportunity, Lysander found better angles and

    took several more pictures¨Cfront views, side views, the couple embracing each other¨Cshe got them all.

    She might not have Aiden¡¯s contact information, but she also had her own connections.

    She selected a few photos with the woman¡¯s portrait and sent them to Daphne.

    Daphne¡¯s call came quickly. ¡°Why did you send me a picture of this woman? Besides, her looks are.

    average, not even as good¨Clooking as you. If you want to look at a pretty woman, you might as well

    look in the mirror. Plus, this whole pink, princessy style¡­ Haha, I really can¡¯t appreciate it.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s style had always been rather cool. She disliked feminine style, especially the girlish kind.

    ¡°Daphne, do you know her?¡±

    ¡°No, why?¡±

    ¡°Take a closer look.¡±

    Daphne suddenly eximed, ¡°Hah! Does Harry have a new target again? Didn¡¯t he impregnate Dr.

    Ziegler¡¯s daughter before marriage? Have they divorced already?¡±

    ¡°Not yet

    ¡°So he¡¯s¡­ having an affair? No, wait, let me see, Harry has always had clear goals, this woman must

    have some background.¡±

    Lysander softly agreed, ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    However, Daphne perused the photos for a while but still couldn¡¯t recognize her. ¡°Her makeup is too

    heavy, so I can¡¯t tell. Wait! Let me ask for help.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219

    Chapter 219 He Do Not Know

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander felt stuffy in her chest.

    Adrian said, ¡°Let Daphne ask. She has many friends, so we¡¯ll know soon enough.¡± ¡°Oks

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s y ball while we wait.¡±

    As they chatted, Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

    Adrian asked, ¡°Is it Daphine? She¡¯s quick.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s my boyfriend.¡±

    Adrian¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡°Oh, is he here to pick you up? Go on, answer it.¡±

    Lysander smiled apologetically, walked to a corner, and answered the call. ¡°Zachary?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I went to the hospital, but your colleague said you went to a party?¡±

    ¡°Have you finished your work?¡±

    ¡°Yep, just finished. I originally wanted to pick you up so that we could go home together. Is your side

    ending soon?¡±

    ¡°Should be.¡±

    ¡°Send me your location, and I¡¯lle pick you up.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander sent him the address.

    Adrian said, ¡°The hospital isn¡¯t far from here. Have hime inside and y for a bitter.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°He¡¯s a geek who lives in his bubble, so he probably doesn¡¯t know how to either.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We can get to know each other. Many people in the hospital know that I¡¯ve been pursuing you.

    If he hears it from the others, he might feel ufortable. It¡¯s better to tell him directly, so we can all

    get along morefortably in the future/

    Lysander thought about it and felt that it made sense.

    Thus, she sent another message to Zachary, telling him toe inside when he arrived.

    About ten minutester, Mirage¡¯s door was opened again.

    The pool table was a bit far from the door, so he didn¡¯t look their way at first nce, instead, he saw

    Harry and the woman in pink.

    Chapter 219 He Do Not Know

    When the two men met, they fist¨Cbumped each other, seeming quite close.

    Adrian immediately raised an eyebrow, ¡°Your boyfriend seems close to Harry.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t aware of that.

    However, she, Daphne, Zachary, and Harry all graduated from the same high school, so it wasn¡¯t

    unusual that they knew each other.

    However, Adrian¡¯s gaze toward Zachary carried a hint of scrutiny, considering Harry¡¯s poor character.

    Lysander¡¯s phone rang again.

    ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m inside. Where are you?¡±

    ¡°Look to your left.¡±

    Zachary stood, finally seeing her standing by the pool table. He smiled and waved. ¡°I see you. I¡¯m

    coming right over.¡±

    When Zachary crossed the room to her, he noticed a man standing beside her and politely asked,

    ¡°Who¡¯s this. Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Oh, this is Dr. Sutton from the anesthesiology department of our hospital.¡±

    Zachary stretched out his hand. ¡°Hello, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t move..

    Awkwardness washed over Zachary as his hand was left hanging in the air, unsure whether or not to

    withdraw it.

    Fortunately, Adrian didn¡¯t hesitate too long and generously reached out to shake hands with him. ¡°Hi,

    Mr. Powell.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°How do you know I- Did Lysander tell you?¡±

    ¡°Sort of¡±

    Zachary withdrew his hand and casually held onto Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°You seem a bit familiar, Dr.

    Sutton.¡±

    Adrian nced at the two¡¯s sped hands and quickly moved his gaze away. ¡°The hospital recently

    used my photo as an advertisement poster and stuck it at the hospital¡¯s entrance, where everyone

    passing by can see it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s also possible. For you to be seen as the hospital¡¯s pride at such a young age, you must

    have a bright future ahead.¡±

    Adrianughed, neither confirming nor denying his im. ¡°Do you know how to y pool. Mr. Powell?¡±

    ¡°Sure, shall we go for a round?

    Adrian looked at I sander his expression yful as if questioning her earlier statement about Zachary

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220

    Chapter 220 Three Men

    Lysander, too, felt a bit awkward.

    She hadn¡¯t had much contact with Zachary for many years and really didn¡¯t know if he could y pool.

    Luckily, Adrian didn¡¯t say much. He picked up the cue, walked to the edge of the table, and asked.

    ¡°What do you want to y? Eight¨Cball or snooker?¡±

    Zachary replied, ¡°I can y both.¡±

    ¡°It seems like Mr. Powell can y quite well, ch?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m all right.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know much about pool, so she could only stand by the side and watch.

    She guessed they were ying eight¨Cball. She had once seen a famous yer from Ecron on TV

    ying snooker, using all kinds of hidden ball techniques.

    However, those two didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of using hidden ball techniques; they were both

    desperately trying to pocket the balls as quickly as possible.

    Thest ck eight¨Cball was potted by Zachary

    Did Zachary actually win the game?

    Lysander was somewhat shocked.

    Zachary chuckled and remarked, ¡°You let me win, Mr. Sutton.¡±

    Adrian, on the other hand, wore a stern expression and replied earnestly, ¡°I didn¡¯t let you win, Mr.

    Powell. Your skills are indeed exceptional.¡±

    ¡°Shall we y another round?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    It seemed the two had found worthy opponents in each other and started another round.

    Just then, Daphne arrived to report the results.

    ¡°So, that girl is the granddaughter of the Stone family from East Harborbrook. She¡¯s an Atharia¨Cborn

    Ecronian, raised abroad since childhood, and just turned twenty this year. She¡¯s been studying fashion

    design in Atharia and just came back less than half a month ago. I was wondering how there could be

    someone in Harborbrook that I don¡¯t know. Turns out, I¡¯ve never met her!¡±

    Lysander, not very familiar with the names in high society, asked, ¡°What¡¯s the Stone family like?¡±

    ¡°It depends on who youpare them with. Compared to the Guerra family and the Sutton family,

    they¡¯re not as prominent, but they do surpass my family slightly. The Stone family has a long¨Cstanding

    presete in the clothing business; they¡¯re reputed to be quite formidable.¡±

    Chapter 220 Three Men

    ¡°Oh, let¡¯s not delve into that. The Stone family has faced tragic losses. Initially, Old Mr. Stone had four

    sons, but then there was a ne crash, and three of them passed away, leaving only the third son

    behind. Heter got married and had a daughter, the one in your photo, but not long after, he met with

    a car

    ident-¡±

    ¡°He died?¡±

    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t, but¡­¡± Daphne lowered her voice and continued, ¡°Rumor has it that the ident had¡­

    consequences for the man¡¯s personal life.¡±

    Lysander frowned and asked, ¡°So, did the Stone family not have any children after that?¡±

    ¡°Yes, this girl is incredibly cherished by the entire Stone family. Old Mr. Stone believed that he brought

    bad luck, and feared any child growing up around him would encounter disaster. Hence, she was sent

    abroad to be raised before she was even a month old. It was only a few months ago that Old Mr. Stone

    passed away, prompting Mr. Stone to bring his daughter back home.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Lysander almost burst outughing.

    Fantastic! Yet another only daughter, and this one is truly precious. She might very well be groomed to

    take over the family business in the future. She was raised abroad under the attentive care of her

    family. She¡¯s in her early twenties and rtively inexperienced with the world. All these make her quite

    easy to handle.

    ¡°By the way, Lysander, I¡¯ve got something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°I asked Zane just now. You still remember him, right?¡±

    Lysander remembered the name,

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Previously, Josiah had asked Zane to sneak a peek at Daphne¡¯s status update, but he identally sent

    the screenshot to the wrong person, ending up sending it back to Daphne.

    That led to a series of awkward texts exchanged between the two for a while.

    ¡°What about him?¡±

    ¡°Zane is a dumb ss! He doesn¡¯t even know her, yet he volunteered to inquire about her for me. And in

    the end, it looks like he went to Josiah for help.

    Lysander was rendered speechless. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell him that the photo was sent by me, did you?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s a watermark of your phone model on the photo.¡±

    What?

    Daphne¡¯s phone was an Apple, yet the photo she sent had a Motor logo, indicating that it was a

    photo she received from someone else.

    The identity of the person who sent her the photo was self¨Cevident.

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221

    Chapter 221 Do You Not Know Why She Avoided You

    After ending the call, Lysander immediately kept her phone in her bag.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, Dr. Sutton, I should head back.¡±

    Only a few balls were left on the pool table.

    Zachary had already lined up his shot, poised to strike the ball.

    He straightened up and asked, ¡°Are you in a hurry? Why not wait for me to finish this game with Dr.

    Sutton? It won¡¯t take long for us to find out who¡¯s the winner.¡±

    Lysander mentioned, ¡°My parents will start to worry if I stay outte.¡±

    ¡°Just a few more shots. I promise it will be very fast.¡±

    Adrian chimed in, ¡°We can decide who¡¯s the winner next time. Dr. Thorne is right, it¡¯s veryte now.

    Let¡¯s continue the game another day.¡±

    Upon seeing the situation, Zachary went with the flow and put down his cue. ¡°You¡¯re right. Dr. Sutton,

    we¡¯ll pick up our game next time we get the opportunity.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡±

    Lysander left hastily. Zachary grabbed his jacket and followed after her, cautioning, ¡°Don¡¯t rush as it¡¯s

    getting dark. Mind your step.¡±

    When Lynn returned, Adrian was the only one left by the pool table.

    She scanned around and asked, ¡°Dr. Sutton, where¡¯s Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s gone home.¡±

    ¡°Huh? We¡¯ve only been here for a short while.¡±

    ¡°I think she¡¯s got a curfew to observe.¡±

    Lynn chuckled, saying, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. By the way, Dr. Sutton, your girlfriend has also left. I searched

    everywhere for her. Initially, I was informed that Ms. Sarah had gone to the restroom. Despite checking

    all of them, I couldn¡¯t locate her. It was only after asking the bartender that I discovered she had

    already departed. Why didn¡¯t she inform you before leaving?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps there¡¯s an emergency.¡±

    Adrian spoke in a casual manner as he finished the game by himself, pocketing each of the balls.

    Lynn sensed something was amiss but couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on it.

    In the end, she gave up. ¡°Since they have both left, how about a one¨Con¨Cone between us?¡±

    Adrian raised his brow, asking. ¡°Just wait for a while.¡±

    Lynn asked in confusion. ¡°Why do we have to wait?¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 221 Do You Not Know Why She Avoided You

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for someone.¡±

    ¡°Waiting for whom?¡±

    At that moment, a chill swept through the room.

    The bar¡¯s door swung open forcefully, allowing a rush of cold air from outside to flood the room.

    Annoyed, Lynn eximed, ¡°Why is he here?¡±

    Adrian cast a nce at Josiah, looking travel¨Cweary form his journey. He was still in his formal attire,

    suggesting he had rushed over from thepany.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Lysander?¡± he asked, panting.

    Adrianughed and replied, ¡°Hiding.¡±

    ¡°Why is she hiding?¡±

    ¡°What do Cou think?¡±

    Josiah fell silent.

    Adrian had just finished the game, with thest eight¨Cball elegantly rebounding into the middle pocket.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, care to have a round of pool?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression was cold and stern. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m in the mood for this?¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll y on my own.¡±

    Having said that, he proceeded to arrange the balls himself.

    Afterward, he leisurely started a game of snooker.

    Josiah nced at Lynn, who stood beside him, and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± Lynn wasn¡¯t friendly to him at all.

    ¡°What should I do to make you tell me?¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell you no matter what.¡±

    Josiah felt a surge of annoyance, but considering that Lynn was Lysander¡¯s most valued disciple and

    also her assistant, he refrained from arguing with her. Instead, he persisted in bothering Adrian.

    Adrian meticulously calcted the trajectory and friction. With a precise strike, the white ball collided

    with the red ball, causing it to glide smoothly between the ck ball and the brown ball before settling

    snugly in the corner behind the ck.

    What a perfect game of snooker!

    The ball was hidden seamlessly.

    Fuen Areisn neuleby¡¯t h?les haur nesire himself eerligina ¡°Veru well hidden¡±

    2/3

    90%•þ

    Chapter 221 Do You Not Know Why She Avoided You

    Nobody knew if he was referring to the pool shot or Lysander.

    Josiah¡¯s patience was about to run out. He questioned once more, ¡°Where on earth is Lysander?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222

    Chapter 222 She Does Not Want To See You

    Adrian said indifferently, ¡°Since she¡¯s hiding, it means she doesn¡¯t want to see you. Do you really have

    to insist on bothering her and earning yourself her dislike, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Do you know where she is?¡±

    ¡°For now, yes, but I can¡¯t guarantee I¡¯ll know where she is in the future.¡±

    As he leaned forward, he identified another wless trajectory and took the shot.

    However, this time, before the white ball could make contact with the red one, it was intercepted by

    another hand.

    Josiah swiftly plucked the white ball from the table and tossed it into a nearby trash bin, deliberately

    ending the game for Adrian.

    ¡°I really just want to see her once more, to properly exin things to her.¡±

    Adrian remarked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, not every exnation holds significance. Some are as mundane as in

    water, imparting no real change regardless of whether you¡¯ve heard them or not.?

    Josiah looked him in the eyes and asked, ¡°Have you decided not to disclose it to me? Fine, I¡¯ll find her

    myself.¡±

    ¡°Stop looking for her, you won¡¯t find be able to locate her.¡±

    Hearing that, Josiah stopped in his tracks.

    Adrian gestured toward the pool table with a nod of his chin, stating, ¡°Defeat me in a game, and I¡¯ll

    divulge

    it to you.

    Immediately. Josiah returned to the table. ¡°I hope you keep your word.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it if you win.¡±

    That was the most tense yet exciting snooker game Lynn had ever watched.

    Josiah excelled at seizing opportunities,unching an attack immediately when they arose, and

    clearing more than half of the balls on the table..

    Adrian was adept at making things difficult for Josiah; each snooker he set was more challenging than

    the

    Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.

    One of them started making moves while the other kept countering. As a result, the two of them quickly

    attracted many spectators to watch them y.

    The majority in their midst were hospital staff, all of whom knew Josiah and were even more aware that

    Adrian had openly pursued Lysander.

    Two men engaged in fiercepetition at the pool table, each maneuver filled with intensity. The

    match itself as already captivating, with its own set of highlights. Yet, alongside that spectacle unfolded

    the off- stage drama of two men vying for the affection of the same woman. The additionalyer of

    tension kept the surrounding spectators on edge, their emotions fluctuating with each turn of events.

    1/2

    08:30 MON,

    Chapter 222 She Does Not Want To See You

    After a prolonged stalemate, Adrian finally made a slight mistake in the endgame.

    Hence, hisst move wasn¡¯t executed well, leaving an opening in the snooker.

    Josiah took advantage of the opportunity and cleared all the balls in one breath.

    He raised his hand and tossed the cue onto the pool table, sighing in relief. ¡°Tell me, where¡¯s she?¡±

    Adrian wasn¡¯t upset. He smile and said, ¡°She left.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s gone? When?¡±

    ¡°Before you came here.¡±

    Josiah gritted his teeth and snapped, ¡°You kept me here ying snooker just so she could get away?¡±

    Adrian nodded with a smile, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Josiah bellowed furiously. ¡°Are you toying me around, Adrian?¡®

    ¡°Yup.¡± he admitted frankly. ¡°So, what do you want, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    90%

    Josiah took a deep breath and responded coldly, ¡°Do you think this tactic of yours will work? Even if

    she doesn¡¯t choose me in the end, it certainly won¡¯t be you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m different from you,¡± Adrian stated. ¡°I won¡¯t pressure her into anything. If she picks me, I¡¯ll treat her

    well. If not, I¡¯ll simply remain a good colleague and a good friend to her. I won¡¯t treat her as a rebound.

    Unlike you,

    Mr. Guerra¡­¡±

    He chuckled before continuing: ¡°You desire to have all the girls, but in the end, you end up with none.¡±

    ¡°You-

    ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Guerra, it seems like someone is looking for you over there.¡±

    Carol quickly walked over and whispered a few words to Josiah, looking somewhat solemn.

    Afterward, Josiah¡¯s expression became tense too.

    He turned to nce at Adrian. ¡°Dr. Sutton, despite being Aiden¡¯s elder brother, you¡¯re nobody to

    Lysander. Don¡¯t you dare think you¡¯re qualified to punish me on her behalf. Ms. Collins, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Josiah then left hurriedly. Carol led the way and helped him open the door.

    Lynn was still fuming, relishing in misfortune, she remarked, ¡°He left in such a hurry, I bet his mistress

    is stirring up trouble again!¡±

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223

    Chapter 223 I Do Not Love Him

    Zachary¡¯s car gradually came to a stop beneath Lysander¡¯s apartment.

    She pushed the car door open and uttered, ¡°I¡¯ll head upstairs. Be careful on the road.¡°¡±

    ¡°Hang on, Lysander.¡±

    She turned around, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Zachary smiled as he smoothed out the creases on her clothes. ¡°Were you at the bar today because a

    colleague invited you?¡±

    90%

    ¡°Yeah, a colleague is getting married soon and has invited some friends to the bar. Is there a problem?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. I just noticed that the way Dr. Sutton look at you seems very

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    different.¡±

    ¡°He did pursue me for a while,¡± Lysander candidly stated, thinking she might as well disclose that to

    him. ¡°But there¡¯s no possibility between us. Dr. Sutton understands this himself. He¡¯s a person who

    knows his boundaries, so from now on, we¡¯re just colleagues.¡±

    ¡°Well, Dr. Sutton is quite outstanding.¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s an anesthesiologist. There¡¯s currently a high demand for such talent domestically, and he¡¯s

    cream of the crop in his field. He¡¯s truly an excellent individual.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you choose him then? He¡¯s obviously way better than me. It wouldn¡¯t even be difficult for

    his family to buy an entire building, let alone buying you a house, right?¡±

    Lysander answered frankly, ¡°That¡¯s because I don¡¯t love him.¡±

    ¡°But you don¡¯t love me, either.¡±

    She fell silent.

    Zachary apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to respond to him.

    When it came to her feelings for Zachary, she found it hard to describe them as simply ¡°love¡± or ¡°not

    love.¡±

    He might not have been the best suitor, but his strengthy in his average nature, and even more so in

    his ability to allow Lysander topletely sever ties with her past life.

    If I had chosen Adrian, I¡¯d still remain in that circle. I¡¯d also inevitably have to meet Josiah and Lysanne

    regrly. Zachary is different. He¡¯s just an ordinary guy like myself, and we share the same

    background. Being with him, I can avoid encountering people from my past altogether. Most

    importantly, being with him makes everyone happy¨Cmy parents, my sister, Madam Cam, and

    Zachary himself.

    ¡°It¡¯s reallyte now. Go up and get to bed early, urged Zachary.

    90%

    Chapter 223 I Do Not Love Him

    She stood under the streetmp by the flower bed and waved him goodbye. ¡°See you!¡±

    Zachary¡¯s smile held a touch of bleakness as he closed the car window and drove away.

    After Lysander got home and took a shower, she received a message on WhatsApp.

    It was the same request as the one she had received during the day: Janelysanne.

    She sent it again.

    Lysander nced at the time and realized it was already 12:33 in the morning.

    She adjusted her WhatsApp settings to disallow friend requests.

    She had decided toply with the hospital¡¯s regtions by turning on the request setting during work

    hours, and then turning it off after adding the patient¡¯s contact.

    Even though it could be quite troublesome for her to keep changing the settings, she felt it was worth

    the

    effort.

    As she casually flipped through the photo album, the first few pictures revealed Harry affectionately

    doting on the darling of the Stone family.

    Suddenly, Lysander felt a twinge of difort as she looked at those photos.

    Birds of the same feather flock together. Since Zachary seems to have a good rtionship with Harry,

    does he know about what Harry did to Daphne in the past?

    Lysander thought to herself. If Zachary knows the truth, why does he still maintain a friendship with

    Harry? Is it simply because of the camaraderie among alumni of the same school, or is there another

    hidden reason? Considering the numerous ssmates they shared in school, I wonder why Harry, who

    was two grades below Zachary, seems to be his primary associate. Could it be that Harry¡¯s current

    business ventures are intertwined with the architectural designpany? Perhaps their frequent

    interactions for work purposes naturally lead to a closer rtionship?

    Suddenly, Lysander felt a throbbing sensation in her head.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224

    Chapter 224 You Made The Right Decision

    When Lysander went to work in the morning, the sight of Daphne at the entrance of the hospital

    surprised her.

    90%

    Today, Lysander didn¡¯t have to hold clinic hours, nor were there any surgeries scheduled, so she

    brought Daphne into her own office.

    Daphne said, ¡°I thought about it all night, and I can¡¯t let Harry continue like this.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    After listening to Daphne¡¯s lengthy exnation, Lysander finally understood her meaning.

    Harry personified the phrase ¡°taking advantage of the vulnerable¡± to the fullest extent. The first victim,

    Daphne, lost her future. The second victim, Prisci, sacrificed her physical and mental well¨Cbeing and

    might even end up losing the rest of her life. Now, a third victim had emerged.

    ¡°She¡¯s only two or three years older than I was back then, and she clearly looks like a decent girl, who

    wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the tricks of an old hand like Harry. Moreover, once he seeds, Prisci

    would inevitably have to divorce. By then, the ones who would be hurt are the two girls. Once the child

    in Prisci¡¯s belly is born, she would be forced to be tied to this scumbag for life, truly losing not only

    herself but also half of her assets.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I understand what you mean, but this matter will have to wait a bit longer.¡±

    Daphne became anxious. ¡°What are we waiting for? If we wait any longer, I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll get thatdy

    from the Stone family pregnant too!¡±

    ¡°Take a seat first. Listen to what I have to say.¡±

    Daphne was still anxious. ¡°Lysander, we can¡¯t let him harm otherdies anymore. We really can¡¯t dy

    any longer.

    ¡°Actually, I spent all ofst night thinking about this matter. Our thoughts are actually the same. Both of

    us want Prisci to end up like me back then, to get rid of the child and severe all ties with Harry.¡±

    ¡°Right! The farther away she is from people like Harry, the better.

    ¡°But if Prisci is unwilling, no matter how much we persuade her, it¡¯ll all be in vain.¡±

    ¡°Have you spoken to her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it more than once. I even went against the obstetrician¡¯s guidelines, advising her to terminate

    the pregnancy, but she rejected all my suggestions.¡±

    ¡°Could she still be in love with Harry?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure whether she loves Harry or not, but what I can confirm is, she loves children very

    much.

    Daphne shook her head. ¡°Lysander, I really don¡¯t understand. A child who hasn¡¯t been born yet is just a

    clump of cells in the stomach Can you really love them this much? To the point of disregarding your

    own happiness for the rest of your life?¡±

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 224 You Made The Right Decision

    90%

    secrete a substance that naturally binds the mother with attachment and boundless tolerance toward

    the child.¡±

    Daphne bit her lip. ¡°Just like the old you¡­¡±

    Lysander shifted her gaze, lowered her head and chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re talking about Prisci, no? Why are

    we talking about me instead?¡±

    ¡°Even though I don¡¯t understand these things, I also know that to make the decision to have an

    abortion, unless one is driven to utter despair, it is extremely, extremely difficult.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Lysander licked her lips. ¡°So I can really empathize with Prisci¡¯s reluctance. If I hadn¡¯t done it

    back then-¡±

    Daphne interrupted her abruptly, ¡°There are no ifs. You made the right decision.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know.¡±

    Daphne howled and slumped. ¡°What should we do then? Are we just going to watch Harry go and

    mess around with a third girl?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lysander said softly. ¡°Daphne, I have a solution. But just the two of us might not do, so

    I need you to step in and find someone.¡±

    ¡°All right, just say who it is you want.¡±

    Lysander whispered softly, ¡°Josiah

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225

    Chapter 225 Marrying The Wrong Man

    Lysander repeated her thoughts to Daphne.

    When Daphne first heard Josiah¡¯s name, her expression imhediately shifted.

    But when Lysander finished exining the n, Daphne¡¯s brow, knotted like a hemp rope, instantly

    rxed.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Daphne patted her chest. ¡°All right, leave this matter to me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush. To get this thing done, the most important thing is¨Cwe have to make Prisci give up.¡±

    After work, Lysander got in touch with Prisci.

    The two arranged to meet at a caf¨¦ near the hospital after work.

    But even when Prisci was sitting across from her, Lysander still couldn¡¯t recognize her.

    This emaciated, pale woman in front of me¡­ Is she the cherished daughter that Dr. Ziegler raised with

    his own hands?

    Due to her pregnancy, Prisci was wearing arge dress, which draped over her body like a huge

    sack.

    She was really too thin, which made her stomach look exceptionallyrge.

    Even though it had only been four months, and even if she was carrying twins, her belly wouldn¡¯t be

    this big.

    Prisci seemed to know that her current image wasn¡¯t looking too good, so she felt somewhat self-

    conscious as she greeted Lysander, ¡°Hi, Lysander.¡±

    Her voice was even hoarse.

    It sounded as if she had just been crying.

    Lysander quickly called the waiter over, first serving her a cup of warm water.

    ¡°Prisci, how did you end up like this?¡±

    Prisci seemed to have be somewhat numb and spoke slowly. ¡°Arguing all day, every minute,

    every second. I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°With your

    mother¨Cinw?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°And his three aunts, and his niece.

    Lysander listened and was shocked. ¡°Where exactly are you living now?¡±

    The house in his hometown.¡±

    ¡°Over at Purdina?¡±

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 225 Marrying The Wrong Mani

    Lysander¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Does your dad know?¡±

    06

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare letting him know. My dad is getting old. Lysander, as you know, my mom passed away

    early. My dad raised me alone, acting as both a father and a mother. If he sees me in my current state,

    he will go crazy.¡±

    When Prisci said these words, her expression was very calm.

    She was like a ve who had been oppressed to the point of losing her soul, a walking dead who had

    be numb to both pain and curses.

    ¡°Lysander, could you please not tell my dad that you met me today?¡±

    Lysander asked with a heavy heart, ¡°So, until when do you n to keep this a secret?¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t know, I will hide it for as long as I can.¡± Prisci gave a bitter smile. ¡°Lysander, actually

    even if you didn¡¯t look for me, I would havee to find you. I have a favor to ask of you.¡±

    ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°Could you help me to go¡­ together with my child when I go intobor?¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Lysander quickly grabbed her thin hand and anxiously said, ¡°Prisci, calm down first.

    Exin to me why they sent you to live in the countryside, and why have you be so thin?¡±

    Prisci slowly raised her eyes.

    Lysander watched her expression, observing her gaze shift from nkness to helplessness, and finally

    to despair. Regardless of how others looked at her, she sobbed uncontrobly in Lysander¡¯s arms.

    Judging by Prisci¡¯s demeanor, it seemed that she would need more time to talk things out..

    Lysander booked a room at a nearby hotel, hailed a cab, and took Prisci to the hotel.

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226

    Chapter 226 Not Too Late Now

    While Lysander was checking in at the front desk, she ordered a meal, asking them to bring it up as

    soon as possible.

    It was no secret that the dining options at the hotel were notoriously overpriced and, frankly, the quality

    rarely matched the expense.

    Yet, as Prisci voraciously devoured her pasta, there was an undeniable twinge of emotion in

    Lysander¡¯s gaze.

    Here was Prisci, the only daughter of the prestigious director of Central Hospital, a woman raised

    amidst privilege, now seeming to have strayed far from her refined upbringing.

    Following their meal, Lysander thoughtfully provided her with a cup of warm water. It was only then that

    Prisci began to slowly unravel the series of events that had transpired over the recent days.

    Their conversation turned to Harry, who despite being a former student of Apex University and a

    ime prospect of its esteemed Journalism Department, had a checkered past.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Officially, he was rmended for enrollment but neverpleted his studies due to a disciplinary

    action that resulted in a forced withdrawal during his junior year, with the reasons for his departure

    starkly

    noted in his academic records.

    With a cold sneer and a hollowugh, Prisci disdainfully uttered the damning word to exin his exit,

    ¡°Rape.¡±

    While at Apex University, Harry had fervently pursued a young woman known widely as the most

    beautiful female student in the department. She was a local, her father a prominent figure in the foreign

    trade sector, owning multiple properties in Apex City and possessing connections within the political

    sphere.

    Despite hermitted rtionship with a fellow honor student from a neighboring university, Harry¡¯s

    relentless pursuit only intensified.

    Tragedy struck at a get¨Ctogether held in a KTV private room where excessive alcohol led to dire

    consequences. The next morning found Harry and the girl in apromising state of undress.

    Prisci revealed, ¡°I only discovered this recently myself. He assured the girl that ¡®what¡¯s done is done

    and pledged to take responsibility. He even promised to apologize to her family and treat her right.

    Haha, what he really wanted was for her father to secure him a ce in Apex City!¡±

    Lysander handed her the cup of water, urging. ¡°Drink some water.¡±

    Prisci epted the cup but merely held it, chuckling deeply, ¡°But the girl was cleverer than I was; she

    contacted the police immediately. They gathered evidence from her body, and the rape usation was

    solidified! Apex University couldn¡¯t risk the scandal, so they sent out a disciplinary notice three days

    later and encouraged him to withdraw. His family¡¯s background is poor, hecks education, and he

    couldn¡¯t possibly seed in Apex City, so he ended up returning in shame to my mother¨Cinw¡¯s

    hometown, where I reside now.¡±

    Prisc raised her head, ¡°Over the years, he¡¯s tried his hand at various ventures, experimenting in

    nothing AVDE CUPeeded Intil he met me

    different G?lde but noth

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 226 Not Too Late Now

    90%

    Harry was repeating his past behaviors, but at that time. Prisci was deeply in love and unaware that

    she was walking into a trap. She became pregnant before their marriage, they registered the marriage

    shortly thereafter and then conducted their wedding ceremony.

    It wasn¡¯t until the dust had settled that¡­

    ¡°Lysander, I should have heeded your advice back then, terminated the pregnancy, and broken things

    off with him!¡± Prisci said.

    ¡°It¡¯s not toote yet, if you consent, I can assist you with the procedure.¡±

    With tears in her voice, Prisci confessed. ¡°The child can be aborted, but obtaining a divorce isn¡¯t so

    simple. Now there¡¯s a cooling¨Coff period required for divorces. Without his cooperation, I can¡¯t get a

    divorce at all.¡±

    Lysander quickly asked, ¡°What are his demands?¡±

    ¡°Everything that¡¯s in my name, and half of what¡¯s under my father¡¯s name.¡±

    Lysander gasped in astonishment.

    Fred had parted with nearly half his assets as a dowry to marry off his only daughter. Harry not only

    consumed his wife¡¯s entire dowry but also demanded half of his father¨Cinw¡¯s personal savings,

    which were intended for his own funeral costs!

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227

    Chapter 227 A Growing Sense Of Unease

    ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m scared to go through with a divorce! If I do, it would mean surrendering all of

    my father¡¯s lifetime savings! I¡¯d be the most unfilial daughter imaginable!¡± Prisci revealed.

    ¡°Butpared to the suffering you endure now, your father would surely prefer to make that

    exchange.¡± Lysander countered.

    father

    ¡°Because I¡¯m certain my father would agree, that¡¯s why I¡¯m afraid to leave. Lysander, I can¡¯t let my pay

    for my naivety and foolishness; I owe him an apology! That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, to ask if you¡¯d let ¦°¦¥ die

    alongside my child, so Harry can¡¯t use anything to extort my father¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense,¡± Lysander said softly, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely help you, but the baby needs to be aborted.

    Are you willing?¡±

    Prisci shivered. Her hand tenderly stroked her erged belly, her expression pained. ¡°Lately, my

    mother¨Cinw has been administering various folk remedies, things like baby gender¨Cchanging pills

    and boy¨Cbirthing clixirs, which are harmful. The baby in my womb has grown so much in just four

    months; I¡¯m afraid it might already be malformed.¡±

    Lysander eyed her stomach, biting her lip in hesitation.

    Prisci continued, ¡°Lysander, you were right, I should have listened to you¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still not toote,¡± Lysander reassured her, ¡°You need to stay here for now. Ignore any calls from the

    and concentrate on your health. We can¡¯t proceed with an abortion if you¡¯re not strong enough.¡±

    Tears welled up in Prisci¡¯s eyes. ¡°Lysander, do you have a n?¡±

    ¡°I do, but it will take some time. In the meantime, you need to get some rest and wait for my message.¡±

    After ensuring Prisci wasfortably settled in, Lysander headed to the supermarket adjacent to the

    hotel to pick up some essentials and food to take back to the room.

    She sternly reminded Prisci to stay indoors and avoid any contact with the Molseys before leaving

    the hotel.

    As she was on her way, her phone rang; it was Zachary. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m at the hospital entrance now,

    sorry for beingte today, got caught up with some things.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I had a few errands myself, I¡¯m not at the hospital. I¡¯ll just catch a taxi back

    later.¡±

    ¡°What happened to you?¡±

    ¡°Nothing major, just catching up with a friend¡¯s daughter; we had a meal together.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°I see, where are you now? I¡¯lle and pick you up.¡±

    ¡°No need, it¡¯s not far away.¡±

    ¡°We agreed that I would pick you up after work, I can¡¯t break that promise. Please send me your

    location.¡±

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 227 A Growing Sense Of Unease

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    However, remembering a recent conversation between Zachary and Harry, where the two men looked

    to be enjoying the interaction, she quickly withdrew the location and instead sent one to another

    crossroads a bit further away

    She then hailed a taxi to that next intersection. The two points were roughly a kilometer apart; it

    wouldn¡¯t take long to get there.

    Stepping out of the taxi, she waited at the roadside until Zachary pulled up. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Zachary, you¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Quick, get in, we shouldn¡¯t park here too long.¡±

    Lysander opened the door and settled into the car.

    Once she was inside, Zachary surveyed the surroundings,menting. ¡°This doesn¡¯t look like a

    commercial area, right? It¡¯s all office buildings here, not many shops or restaurants. Why did you meet

    here?¡±

    Lysander ined, ¡°She works around here, it was just more convenient.¡±

    ¡°You mentioned it was a friend¡¯s daughter, which friend? Do I know them?¡±

    ¡°A university friend, you haven¡¯t met.¡±

    Zachary persisted, ¡°I¡¯ve introduced you to all my close friends, aren¡¯t you going to introduce me to

    yours?¡±

    ¡°My best friend is Daphne, you¡¯ve met her already.¡±

    ¡°Daphne? Who¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°She used to go by Harper. We were in the same ss back at school.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I don¡¯t remember her.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander felt a growing sense of unease.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228

    Chapter 228 Is That Mister Guerra

    ¶à:90%•þ

    Zachary seemed to notice that herplexion wasn¡¯t looking good. He asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did I

    say something that upset you?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, closed her eyes, and leaned back. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that today was a bit busy,

    and I¡¯m tired.¡±

    ¡°You should lean back and take a nap. I¡¯ll call you when it¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°Zachary,¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Is yourpany going to have a dinner soon?¡±

    Zachary raised his eyebrows. ¡°How did you know? I was just about to tell you. Ourpany has

    recentlypleted a project, and the management has decided to hold a celebration banquet. We n

    to go to a high¨Cend karaoke lounge, and family members are wee. I want to take you and

    introduce you to my colleagues.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? You seem a bit odd today.¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯re going to karaoke lounge, is there going to be drinking?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a celebration, isn¡¯t it? There¡¯s bound to be some drinking. Can¡¯t you drink?¡±

    ¡°I can drink a little, but my tolerance for alcohol isn¡¯t good.¡±

    ¡°No worries, you can drink to your heart¡¯s content when the timees. Even if you get drunk, it¡¯s will

    take good care of you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s head had already turned to look outside the window. ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    ¡°Could you spare some time this Saturday? I¡¯lle to pick you up.¡±

    okay. I

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter. There are a few pregnant women whose conditions are still unstable. I might

    not be able to get away this weekend.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you should also take some time to rx. Work is very important, but you shouldn¡¯t push

    yourself so hard¡­¡±

    Zachary suddenly stopped the e car.

    They were right at the entrance of Central Hospital.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, is that Mr. Guerra?

    Guerra

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 228 Is That Mister Guerra

    The sky was beginning to drizzle.

    Pedestrians on the road had started to open their umbres one after another.

    90%

    Yet he seemed utterly unaware, letting the rain drench him, even allowing it to extinguish the cigarette

    he was holding in his hand.

    Two patrolling security guards passed by.

    ¡°He¡¯s here again?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? Hees here every day, but no one knows who he¡¯s waiting for, and he never finds

    them. Can¡¯t he just make a phone call?¡±

    ¡°Forget it. This is a hospital, there are plenty of people who have bad memories here.¡±

    ¡°He looks quite pitiful, sigh.¡±

    Right then, the phone suddenly rang.

    It was Daphine on the line.

    ¡°Lysander, I personally went to Guerra Group in the afternoon and ryed your words to Josiah, and

    he agreed.¡±

    Lysander hummed in acknowledgement. ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±

    ¡°Also, he asked me when you usually get off work. I initially didn¡¯t want to tell him, fearing he would go

    looking for you again. But he kept asking, so I deliberately told him that you¡¯ve been very busy at the

    hospital recently, working overtime a lot, and can¡¯t leave until midnight. Sometimes you stay up all night

    and just sleep in the hospital office. Anyway, I didn¡¯t give him a specific time, just made it hard for him

    to figure out. Hehe, don¡¯t worry, I will never let him disturb you again.¡±

    The space in the car was notrge, and the car window was still closed.

    It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

    Even without using the speakerphone, Zachary could easily hear Daphne¡¯s voice on the other end of

    the

    line.

    In the cover of darkness, Lysander snuck a nce at Zachary.

    She saw him slightly squinting his eyes, looking at the distant figure of Josiah. His fingers tapped lightly

    on the steering wheel. A faint smile she had never seen before lingered on his lips, as if he was lost in

    thought.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229

    Chapter 229 Just Give Me Five Minutes

    The neon lights outside the window were shing intermittently but only illuminated half of Zachary¡¯s

    face.

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    The other half was hidden in the shadow; Lysander quickly noticed that she couldn¡¯t quite make out his

    expression.

    Beep!

    A piercing whistle sound echoed in the air.-

    Lysander¡¯s first reaction was to think that they had stopped for too long, blocking the traffic behind

    them.

    When she finally regained her senses, she was shocked to find that Zachary was the one who honked.

    The sharp and piercing sound of this car horn attracted many annoyed nces from the people

    around. Zachary said apologetically. ¡°Did I scare you? I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t paying attention and

    identally pressed the hom.

    Just as Lysander was about to speak, she heard the car window on her side being knocked.

    Through the ss, Josiah was soaked all over, desperately knocking on the window and continuously

    calling her pame. ¡°Lysander, Lysander..

    The sound instion in the car was good. Even though she could see the veins bulging on Josiah¡¯s

    neck from his forceful roar, his voice was not very loud.

    His attention had also been drawn by the earlier honk, and he clearly recognized Zachary¡¯s car.

    Rumble Rumble¡­

    A sh of white light streaked across the sky, followed immediately by the deep rumble of thunder.

    ¡°Lysander, open the door. I have something to tell you, Lysander-¡±

    Lysander said impassively, ¡°Drive.¡±

    Zachary nce to the side. ¡°Have you really decided?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm, drive.¡±

    Zachary revved the engine, and the car slowly moved forward a few inches.

    Josiah took a step forward, chasing after her. He tapped on the car window even more urgently,

    continuously calling out her name.

    ¡°Why have we stopped?¡± Lysander turned his head to look at Zachary. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Zachary suddenly lowered his head and gave a slight smile. ¡°Lysander, I think it¡¯s not right to keep

    dragging this on. Maybe you guys should clear things up.¡±

    90%

    Chapter 229 Just Give Me Five Minutes

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    The voice of Josiah, mixed with the cold rain, seemed to hit her in the face.

    He wiped the water off his face, chuckled lightly, and said, ¡°Just give me five minutes, okay? Just five

    minutes.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t look at him, staring straight ahead. ¡°Drive.¡±

    Zachary was stumped by her words.

    Lysander grew anxious. ¡°I said, drive!¡±

    ¡°Just two minutes will do! Is that okay? Lysander¡­¡± Josiah dared not reach out to pull her; he could

    only stand outside and keep begging.

    Zachary, however, didn¡¯t make any moves at all..

    Lysander turned to look at him. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    ¡°I was just thinking, perhaps it would be better if you guys have a chat¡­¡±

    ¡°You knew very well that I didn¡¯t want to see him at all!¡± Lysander took a deep breath, trying her best to

    calm down. ¡°Zachary, I¡¯m going to say this onest time. I don¡¯t want to see him, not even for five

    minutes or two minutes. Please, drive. I want to leave this ce.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes were brimming with tears. ¡°Lysander-¡±

    Zachary reached out, gently holding her hand. His thumb tenderly caressed the back of her hand

    before he slowly nodded. ¡°Okay, whatever you say. It¡¯s your decision.¡±

    The car slowly moved, finally leaving its original spot.

    Only then did the weary Lysander close her eyes.

    However, she heard Zachary say, ¡°Lysander, it seems that Mr. Guerra is chasing the car.¡±

    Nevertheless, she didn¡¯t speak nor move.

    Zachary consequently stopped talking when he saw that she had no reaction.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t care less about how far Josiah was willing to pursue their car nor his fate in the end.

    When she finally arrived at the ground floor of the condominium, Lysander opened the car door, and

    after getting out of the car, she walked straight toward the entrance of the building.

    This time, she did not say goodbye to Zachary, an impolite gesture.

    However, she still gave him a faint smile.

    She figured that being too polite in the past had allowed everyone to take advantage of her.

    Rark at home she received a text from an unknown number I will handle the matter broerly and wou

    08:37 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 229 Just Give Me Five Minutes

    Lysander deleted the message and blocked the number.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230

    Chapter 230 When The Husband Fails

    The next morning, she set off just after five o¡¯clock, taking a taxi to the hotel.

    Prisci was doing fine. She was just so excited she couldn¡¯t sleep the night before after hearing

    Lysander¡¯s ns.

    Lysander ordered takeout for her,forted her for a while, and then took a taxi to the hospital.

    After returning from making her rounds, she saw Daphne¡¯s message: Josiah does work speedily.

    Below the message was a link to a news article: Lora Barron, the heiress of Seamus Corporation,

    returns to the country to take over the position of business department director.

    When Lysander called Daphne, thetter seemed to have been waiting. The first sentence she said

    when she picked up was, ¡°You¡¯re finally done with work!¡±

    ¡°Uh huh, I just got back from making rounds this morning. I¡¯ve seen the news.¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    ¡°Hahahaha. I can¡¯t believe how fast Josiah acts. He might not be a good husband, but his work

    efficiency is indeedmendable.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°This Lora, have you seen her before? Will she be recognized by the others?¡±

    ¡°You can rest assured that the boss of Seamus Corporation has a daughter, but she is an illegitimate

    one and was hidden very well. Previously, hardly anyone knew of her, and no one has seen what she

    looks like. In other words, no one is even sure whether her name is Lora or not.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°The day you told me about this n and asked me to see Josiah, I wondered if the

    celebrities and elites of Harborbrook were basically in the same social circle. Everyone saw each other

    frequently, so how could there possibly be an extraordinary daughter that no one has ever seen

    before? Moreover, Harry is not a fool, if there is even a slight hint of deception, he will not fall for it. So,

    Josiah is really impressive to be able to find someone with a suitable capacity this quickly.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know much about their circle, so she simply inquired further, ¡°That girl is an illegitimate

    daughter. Does that mean there are other heirs to Seamus Corporation?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there are. The boss of Seamus Corporation does have an elder daughter. However, she is a good

    wife and mother who doesn¡¯t fight for anything. She got married and had children at a young age. Her

    husband isn¡¯t really capable either. Their family is quite down¨Cto¨Cearth and doesn¡¯t have any grand

    ambitions. Therefore, there are often rumors that, in the future, Seamus Corporation might be handed

    over to the younger daughter who is overseas.¡±

    Lysander quickly understood the situation. ¡°Who¡¯s the candidate? Who are we looking for?¡±

    Daphne replied, ¡°I also want to know, so why don¡¯t youe with me to the cocktail party tonight? Let¡¯s

    go and enjoy the drama!¡±

    ording to Daphne, Seamus Corporation was hosting a cocktail party that evening to wee the

    returning Lora and many people were invited.

    After finishing work, Daphne waited at the hospital entrance in her red

    sports car.

    08:38 Mon, 3 Jun AD

    Chapter 230 When The Husband Fails

    Luckily, Lysander was not too busytely, so she could clock out on time.

    90%

    Once Lysander¨Cgot¨Cin, Daphne drove toward the party venue while asking her, ¡°What about your

    childhood sweetheart? Howe I haven¡¯t heard you mention him these past few days? Didn¡¯t you

    say a few days ago that you were nning to buy a house and get married?¡±

    Speaking of the topic gave Lysander a headache. She rubbed her temples, saying, ¡°All I hope for now

    is that he doesn¡¯t disappoint me too much.¡±

    ¡°What, does he also have a mistress now?¡±

    ¡°So why are you suddenly cooling down on him? That childhood friend of yours seems to have a good

    temperament. Oh. I just remembered the other day that we even participated in a speechpetition

    together when he was in school.¡±

    ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°We were the first year, and he was in his senior year,¡± Daphne said. ¡°But at that time, I didn¡¯t notice he

    well.¡±

    had any interest in you, or he might have hid it tar,¡± Daphne said. ¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°You remember him?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    ÊÛ

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231

    Chapter 231 Hoping That She Was Wrong

    9011

    ¡°I remember. He should also remember me because he won first ce in the speechpetition for

    two consecutive years, but in the third year, I beat him to it. Haha, I bet he was furious. Next time, if you

    see him, you mustn¡¯t bring this up in front of him, so as not to hurt his pride.¡±

    The more Lysander heard, the more troubled she felt.

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    During high school, Harperwas a carefree romantic. She can remember Zachary, yet Zachary has

    completely forgotten about her? Despite not remembering her, he is somehow familiar with Harry. Also,

    last night, his ¡°idental¡± press of the car horn attracted Josiah¡¯s attention, and he even caressed the

    back of my hand in front of thetter.

    A chill ran down Lysander¡¯s spine, and she could only hope that her spection was wrong.

    The cocktail party was held in a high¨Cend hotel owned by Guerra Group.

    Daphne brought two sets of dresses. The two of them changed their clothes in the car and then walked

    into the venue.

    ¡°Goodness, Josiah is amazing. Everyone who came today is someone famous. The show he put on is

    quite real.¡±

    In fact, Lysander never doubted Josiah¡¯s ability to handle things, she was just worried about whether

    Harry had arrived or not.

    Given his status, he might not necessarily be qualified to attend the cocktail party.

    Nevertheless, reality soon told her that she was worried for nothing.

    Soon, she spotted Harry, dressed in a suit and behaving like a poseur by the buffet table.

    He obviously made an effort to look sharp, even styling his hair to what was currently fashionable. His

    skin. was fair and his height was decent, making him look like a boy toy.

    He held a wine ss in his hand, aimlessly looking around.

    Suddenly, he broke into a wide smile and quickly stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Guerra¡­¡±

    Josiah had alsoe, but he didn¡¯t seem to be in as good a condition as Harry.

    With reddened eye rims and some dark circles underneath, it was clear that he hadn¡¯t gotten enough

    rest, looking somewhat fatigued.

    Josiah didn¡¯t want to engage him, so he turned around and walked in Lysander¡¯s way. Suddenly, when

    his gaze fell on her, he was slightly taken aback.

    Lysander was equally stunned. For a while, the two of them had hardly faced each other directly. The

    sudden eye¨Cto¨Ceye contact even caught her off guard.

    Adding to the abruptness of the situation was the approaching Harry.

    He hade chasing after J?siah but ended up running in Lysander and Daphne¡¯s direction.

    08:38 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 231 Hoping That She Was Wrong

    µÚ90%1

    Daphne was busy spotting who among her acquaintances was present. Hearing Lysander¡¯s words, she

    quickly did as she was told. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Harry is behind us.¡±

    Just as Daphne turned her head, Lysander grabbed her. ¡°Don¡¯t look back.¡±

    The voice from behind was somewhat faint and barely audible.

    It was Harry passing the buck. ¡°I only knew Lysander for a while when we were abroad. We didn¡¯t have

    much interaction, and I¡¯don¡¯t know much about her affairs.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t look too pleased; it wasn¡¯t clear whether he was tired or just annoyed with Harry. He

    frowned and asked, ¡°What are you doing here? Does yourpany do business with Seamus

    Corporation?¡±

    ¡°Business doesn¡¯t just fall from the sky; one has to take the initiative. I came today to join in the fun and

    see if there are any business opportunities.¡±

    ¡°A new director has taken office at Seamus Corporation. If you want an opportunity, you have to be

    able to persuade er.¡±

    Harry chuckled. ¡°I want to as well, but I have no ess to Ms. Lora. So, I was thinking, could you

    possibly help introduce us?¡±

    Josiahughed. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve nothing better to do?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I just have a piece of information that I¡¯d like to share with you, Mr. Guerra.¡±

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232

    Chapter 232 He Has Not Given Up

    Josiah replied. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, don¡¯t you want to know who that dark¨Cskinned scoundrel involved with Lysander is? Don¡¯t

    you want revenge?¡°.

    Josiahughed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say that you don¡¯t know much about her affairs?¡±

    Harryughed and said. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about other things, but I do know about this. And I have a

    photo of that dark¨Cskinned man. Should I send it to you?¡±

    Josiah nced at him for a few seconds and said coldly, ¡°Lora likes to listen to ssical music. There

    will be a concert at Harborbrook Music Hall this weekend.¡±

    Harry immediately understood. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Guerra. I will send over the photo of the Dark¨Cskinned

    manter.¡±

    Meanwhile, Daphne couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°Josiah¡¯s act is quite convincing, even his lines are well

    prepared.

    Lysander didn¡¯t speak as she slowly led Daphne away from the center of the action. Soon, she found a

    secluded corner where they quietly watched the drama unfold.

    Harry fiddled with his phone for a while, then took his wine ss and went off to make friends.

    Josiah, on the other hand, stayed in the same ce, looking around, and quickly spotted the secluded.

    corner where they were hiding.

    After he was certain Harry was busyworking and hadn¡¯t noticed them, he then gave Lysander an

    earnest look before turning to leave.

    Daphne, touching her chin, asked, ¡°Has he really given up on you this time?¡±

    Lysander took a sip of red wine. ¡°I guess so.¡±

    ¡°From the look in his eyes, it doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡±

    ¡°The oue has been determined. It doesn¡¯t matter what the look in his eyes says. In the past he

    could even ept his most beloved woman getting married and having children abroad, now it¡¯s not

    difficult for him to ept that his ex¨Cwife has a new life.¡±

    At exactly nine in the evening, Lora finally made her much¨Canticipated appearance.

    Wearing a long burgundy dress, she slowly descended the stairs in ck stilettos, her posture noble

    yet notcking the adorable aura of a young girl. She looked pretty with a small round face, big eyes,

    and a sweet

    smile.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Daphne, do you know her?¡±

    Daphne shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her before. She must be someone Josiah found.¡±

    08:38 Mon, 3 Jun 3

    Chapter 232 He Has Not Given Up

    young, innocent ones who were of some status. They were his perfect prey.

    90%

    One couldn¡¯t deny how good¨Clooking Lora was. At the very least, she was much more attractive than

    the granddaughter of the Stone family.

    Men were all visual creatures. Lora easily came out tops in terms of appearance and family

    background whenpared to the little princess of the Stone family. In other words, she was a better

    match for Harry¡¯s criteria.

    As soon as she made her appearance, she attracted everyone¡¯s attention.

    No one had seen Lora before. Today was her first public appearance, so everyone was somewhat

    curious.

    Josiah walked over to her and exchanged a few pleasantries, appearing very familiar. It served to

    further confirm her identity as the heiress of the Seamus Corporation.

    Soon, everyone raised their sses, showering her withpliments, and Lora, without being shy,

    epted them all. In the end, she even seemed a little tipsy.

    Josiah beckoned the driver over. ¡°Get a few female attendants to help Ms. Lora and then take her

    home.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    The driver nodded. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Soon, several waitresses helped Lora leave the hotel.

    Harry, who had been biding his time on the sidelines, also quietly followed them out.

    Daphne was somewhat worried. ¡°This girl has indeed had quite a bit to drink. Is she really drunk or

    pretending to be drunk? I hope she won¡¯t be taken advantage of by that pig, Harry!¡±

    Feeling frantic, she felt the urge to rush out and see.

    Suddenly, Lysander¡¯s phone vibrated.

    It was a message from another unfamiliar number:

    Don¡¯t go o

    I have arranged for a bodyguard to follow her behind the scenes. She is very safe.

    Daphne leaned over and took a look. ¡°Is it Josiah?¡±

    Lysander lifted her head, meeting his gaze not far away.

    However, their gazes locked for a second before parting.

    After confirming that she saw the text message, he quickly averted his gaze and briskly walked away.

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233

    Chapter 233 Who Knows What The Future Holds.

    About a minuteter, another text message was received:

    Don¡¯t delete me yet. Wait until this matter is over. I won¡¯t use this slumber after that, don¡¯t worry.

    Lysander turned off the mobile phone and held it in her hand..

    Daphne had prepared a long gown for her which had to pockets, so she could only keep holding it.

    Daphne asked, ¡°So, do we just wait for Harry to take the bait now?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°We can¡¯t wait forever. The child in Prisci¡¯s belly is getting bigger and bigger, and it

    will be more dangerous to induceborter. We have to hurry up, and we also need to make other

    preparations.¡±

    During the weekend, Lysander, together with Daphne, went to the hotel where Prisci was first thing in

    the morning.

    After she escaped from her neurotic mother¨Cinw and egoistic husband, Prisci¡¯s condition

    improved a lot. Although she was still very thin, the color had returned to her face.

    Seeing Lysander arrive, Prisci was very happy. ¡°Lysander, I have been eating and sleeping well

    these past few days.

    Prisci was now very dependent on her. Lysander looked at her big belly and asked, ¡°Have you

    difort these past few days?¡±

    felt any

    Prisci shook her head. ¡°No. Previously, my mother¨Cinw used to bring back some strange folk

    remedies for me to drink. Sometimes I would feel a bit ufortable, but these past few days, I¡¯ve not

    experienced any difort.¡±

    Lysander felt somewhat relieved. ¡°Has anyone from the Molsey family contacted you recently?¡±

    ¡°My mother¨Cinw called once, but I told her I have gone back to my parent¡¯s home. She is currently

    on vacation abroad, so she can¡¯t fly back to drag me back. There¡¯s not much she can do over the

    phone. I pretended the signal was bad due to how rural the area was and hung up.¡±

    Daphne gave Prisci a thumbs up. ¡°Well done!¡±

    When Prisci smiled, she actually looked quite pretty, giving her a very well¨Cbehaved and gentle

    appearance.

    A young girl like her, who should have been enjoying a wonderful romance during the best years of her

    life, had ended up that way. Who would have known she¡¯d encounter such a scumbag like Harry, who

    has tormented her to this extent.

    ¡°Lysander, as for the n you mentioned to mest time, I saw it on the news! Ms. Lora is definitely

    Harry¡¯s type. He won¡¯t miss this wonderful opportunity.¡±

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t called you these past two days, has he?¡±

    08:40 Mon, 3 Jun AD

    Chapter 233 Who Knows What The Future Holds

    ¡°Um, that¡¯s good then.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, shouldwe go shopping now ording to the n?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Are you ready?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Lysander. I¡¯m ready. The stock funds that my father ransferred to my name earlier, I have

    already sold them all for cash. They are all ced together with my savings on the same card, just

    waiting for today.

    Daphne casually asked, ¡°How much is there in total?¡±

    Prisci made a number gesture with her hand.

    ¡°Goodness, your dad is really generous. He is the Director of a public hospital, whose ie is far

    less than those in private hospitals. This is probably the wealth he has umted over the years.¡±

    married, as Harry Prisci¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°Yes, my father was afraid that I would not live well after I

    gotes from an average family. My father even told me not to care too much and not to say

    anything in front of hith, for fear of hurting his self¨Cesteem. Ha, since when does he have self¨Cesteem?

    He is just after my money. The child I am carrying in my stomach is his, but he doesn¡¯t care at all!¡±

    Daphne wrapped her arms around Prisci¡¯s shoulders tofort thetter. ¡°It¡¯s okay, after this matter

    is resolved, we¡¯ll find you a man who is ten thousand times better than him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done searching,¡± said Prisci. ¡°I want to be an independent woman like Lysander!¡±

    Daphne couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Then you¡¯re really behind in the news. Lysander also has a boyfriend

    now.

    Prisci was somewhat surprised. ¡°Lysander, you¡­ have a boyfriend now?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to respond, simply glossing over it. ¡°Who knows what will happen in the

    future? Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s gettingte. We should hurry up.¡±This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234

    Chapter 234 Not The Best But The Most Expensive.

    While Daphne drove, Lysander apanied Prisci in the back seat.

    ¡°Lysander, what do you think is the best thing to buy with this money? Gold? Should we just buy gold

    bars? After all, our goal today is to spend all this money and turn it into goods; gold bars are the

    safest.¡±

    Prisci nodded emphatically. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it thest few days. It¡¯s safest to buy gold.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lysander refuted, ¡°I have looked into some previous divorce asset division cases, and precious.

    metals are also considered as shared property. They will still be divided.¡±

    Prisci suddenly became flustered. ¡°Then what should we buy? Buying a house is definitely not an

    option. Should we buy a car? What else is there?¡±

    Daphne suggested, ¡°Buy a car. A luxury car under your father¡¯s name. A daughter showing filial piety to

    her own father, he should have nothing to say about that, right?¡±

    This time. Prisci didn¡¯t speak. Instead, she looked at Lysander for answers.

    Lysander rubbed her temples. ¡°No matter whose name the asset is under, it was purchased with the

    joint property of the couple, so it will still be divided equally.¡±

    Daphne suddenly became worried. ¡°What should we do then? Nowadays, there are transaction records

    for everything we buy. If Harry hires awyer to investigate, won¡¯t he get half of everything we bought?¡±

    Meanwhile, the car drove past Luxia Mall.

    Lysander remarked. ¡°Stop here

    Daphne pulled over to the side. ¡°Here? You¡¯re nning to¡­¡±

    When it dawned upon her, her face lit up with joy. ¡°This is a great idea!¡±

    Prisci still didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°Lysander, what¡¯s the idea?¡±

    Lysander remained silent, while Daphne smiled and said, ¡°Houses, tars, and gold can be apportioned

    to him, but if you¡¯re talking about clothes and bags¡­ Who in their right mind would insist on

    apportioning their ex¨Cwife¡¯s clothes after a divorce? It would be embarrassing! I doubt even a judge

    would agree to that. Besides, Harry is pursuing Ms. Lora, he wouldn¡¯t want to be entangled with his ex¨C

    wife over such trivial matters, as he would lose face, wouldn¡¯t he?¡±

    Prisci understood, but¡­

    ¡°Are we going to buy clothes from luxury brands? But these are the fruits of my father¡¯s lifetime of hard

    work. Buying so many clothes makes me feel like I¡¯m letting him down.¡±

    Daphneughed heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you don¡¯t open the packaging or cut off the tags,

    luxury goods can be returned with the receipt within a certain period of time. Spend all your money now

    on clothes and bags, and if things go well with Lora, Harry can¡¯t wait to divorce you as soon as

    possible. When

    will be the divorce procedures arepleted, immediately return those items, and all your money

    refunded!¡±

    Bnce: 211 +0

    08:40

    Chapter 234 Not The Best But The Most Expensive:

    ¡°There, there. Now is not the time to cry, Victory is already in sight. So, let¡¯s hurry up and get it done,

    okay?¡±

    Prisci nodded with tears. ¡°Okay, okay, Daphne, what if the progress on Lora¡¯s end is too slow and the

    return period has expired?¡±

    ¡°Then return it and buy it back. We¡¯ll just be going through the procedures again. Haha, if Harry wants

    to talk about thew, then we will follow thewpletely. Even if we go to court, he will have nothing

    to say.¡±

    This time. Priscipletely let go of her worries, nodding

    resolutely.

    Daphne drove the car straight into the underground parking lot, and the three of them took the elevator

    upstairs.

    Daphne was a regr there, so she took them to a luxury store she frequented, and with a wave of her

    hand, she said. ¡°This is the budget, try to spend it all for me. Today, I¡¯m not looking for the best, but for

    the most expensive!¡±

    Several shep assistants busily start working with joy and excitement.

    Lysander held Prisci¡¯s hand and went to take a seat nearby.

    Thetter was heavily pregnant, and her movements were somewhat cumbersome. Lysander took the

    opportunity to touch and examine thetter, roughly assessing her condition.

    Prisci asked. ¡°Lysander, is it¡­ going to be difficult to perform an abortionter?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t hide it from her. ¡°Any surgery carries certain risks. My assistant will exin it to you

    detailter, so you don¡¯t need to worry too much now.¡±

    in

    ¡°Will there be any side effects?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say right now. I need to conduct aprehensive examination before I can make an

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    assessment.¡±

    Prisci gritted her teeth. ¡°No matter what the side effects are, I¡¯ll ept it. As long as I canpletely

    cut ties with him, I¡¯m willing to do anything.¡±

    Lysander gripped Prisci¡¯s hand tightly, giving thetter support with the warmth of her own body.

    Soon, Daphne called out, ¡°Lysander, Prisci,e over here.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235

    Chapter 235 Do Not Get In The Way

    Lysander patted Prisci¡¯s hand, and the two of them went to the checkout counter together.

    Daphne handed the bill to Prisci. ¡°There are twenty¨Cfive items in total. To be safe, I¡¯mostly picked

    essentials, including some women¡¯s underwear. I¡¯ve tried to spend as much of the money as possible.

    What do you think?¡±

    Prisci nodded. ¡°That¡¯s fine, Daphne. You¡¯re familiar with this ce, I trust.

    ¡°Okay, then let¡¯s pay by card.¡±

    Prisci took out her bank card and handed it to the shop assistant.

    When the shop assistant gave her the receipt to sign, Prisci¡¯s hand was trembling.

    Lysander held her hand. ¡°Prisci, don¡¯t be nervous.

    Prisci steadied herself and quickly signed her name.

    ¡°Here you go.¡±

    The shop assistant politely packed all the items and handed them to her.

    Daphne said, ¡°She¡¯s pregnant and it¡¯s inconvenient for her. I¡¯ll take them.¡±

    ¡°Very well, Ms. Everhart.¡±

    ¡°Oh, by the way, I forgot to ask, what¡¯s your return period?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fifteen days.¡±

    Daphne nodded with satisfaction. ¡°Got it. We¡¯ll try them on at home. If there¡¯s anything we don¡¯t like, we

    might have to trouble you for a return.¡±

    The service of the luxury store¡¯s staff was impable. ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure.¡±

    As they left, Prisci felt a bit uneasy. ¡°We bought so much, and if we return everythingter, won¡¯t it

    affect the staff¡¯s performance? Will their wages be docked?¡±

    Daphne dismissed her concern. ¡°Don¡¯t

    worry. If feel bad about it, you can keep one or two items. If you¡¯re still worried, you can privately

    compensate them for any lost wages.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Prisci felt reassured. ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to trouble you to ask them for me. I don¡¯t want those two shop

    assistants to suffer. I can double theirpensation.¡±

    Daphne readily agreed. ¡°Sure, leave it to me.¡±

    As they were speaking, the elevator door suddenly opened.

    A person walked out.

    Chapter 235 Do Not Get In The Way

    ¡°Wait. Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    Lysanne caught up and blocked their way. ¡°Dr. Thorne, can I buy you a cup of coffee? I sent a friend

    request a few days ago, but you didn¡¯t ept. I really want to talk to you, can we?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Daphne responded coldly. ¡°We¡¯re busy. Stop getting in our way!¡±

    ¡°Ms. Everhart, I¡¯ve done a lot of wrong things in the past. I just want to sincerely apologize to Dr.

    Thorne¡­¡±

    9

    ¡°Who cares about your apology? What¡¯s the use of it? It won¡¯t make any difference! Also, someone like

    you wouldn¡¯t apologize sincerely. Are you up to something again?¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip, her voice trembling with tears

    ¡°I understand why you would think that. After all, I

    really was¡­ Dr. Thorne, I¡¯ve lost my child, and I¡¯ll never have another. This is my punishment from

    heaven. I truly know I was wrong. Lately, I¡¯ve been having nightmares about Grandma Elisa. She

    scolds me, saying I must apologize to you in person, or she¡¯ll never forgive me even in the afterlife and

    will haunt me forever¡­ Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m begging you, can we please talk?¡±

    ¡°Are you crazy or just don¡¯t understand humannguage? Grandma Elisa¡¯s death was your fault. You

    deserve those nightmares! What does this have to do with Lysander? If you keep bothering us, I¡¯ll call

    Josiah. Let¡¯s see if he still indulges you.¡±

 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236

    Chapter 236 My Bottom Line

    ¡°No!¡± Lysanne anxiously grabbed Daphne¡¯s arm. ¡°Because of Grandma Elisa¡¯s death and the child Dr.

    Thorne lost, he practically hates me now. The only reason he hasn¡¯t done anything is because of my

    parents. Ms. Everhart, please don¡¯t call him!¡±

    Daphne shook off her hand, feeling disgusted by her touch. ¡°Then stop bothering Lysander. Remember,

    you reap

    t you sow! Lysander isn¡¯t some kind of saint who has to fix your nightmares. Go cool off somewhere

    else! Lysandar, Prisci, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lysanne suddenly froze.

    ¡°Prisci? Are you Harry¡¯s wife, Prisci Ziegler?¡±

    Prisci looked drastically different from her wedding day. She was practically skin and bones with at

    protruding belly. Lysanne hadn¡¯t recognized her at first.

    Lysander frowned and shielded Prisci. ¡°I have nothing to say to you, nor do I want to hear from you.

    Just leave.¡±

    Lysanne noticed the luxury shopping bags in Daphne¡¯s hands. ¡°Are you shopping? Who are they for?

    Prisci?¡±

    Daphne immediately became wary. ¡°They¡¯re for me. Why?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I just saw you carrying so many bags and thought maybe all three of you bought something.¡±

    ¡°I have money. I can buy whatever I want. Is that a problem?¡±

    ¡°No, of course not. I just didn¡¯t expect you and Dr. Thorne to be so close to Prisci, taking her

    shopping. Thest time I heard from Harry, he said Prisci was resting back in her hometown. I¡¯m

    surprised to see her here.

    Daphne¡¯s heart sank.

    Lysanne knew Harry, and if the cunning man found out, things might getplicated.

    By then, things might not necessarily proceed smoothly.

    Lysander said, ¡°Prisci is worried about her baby. She came for a check¨Cup and to see her father.

    She¡¯ll go back soon.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. But pregnant women shouldn¡¯t move around too much. Prisci looks so thin, so she should

    be careful.¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Daphne retorted angrily, ¡°With Lysander here, what¡¯s there to worry about? Mind your own business.

    By the way, I heard you got engaged to Josiah. Congrattions, but please don¡¯t invite me to the

    wedding. I don¡¯t need that bad luck.¡±

    Lysander nudged her. ¡°Daphne, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Daph shot Lysanne a warning look. ¡°Stop following us and leave.¡±

    08:40 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 236 My Bottom Line

    Ding

    The elevator arrived again.

    Josiah hurried out, looking visibly anxious. The moment he saw Lysanne, he frowned¨Cdeeply.

    Lysanne shrank back, calling out softly, ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    Josiah ignored her and looked at Lysander from a distance. ¡°You guys may leave.¡±

    89%ðN

    Lysander didn¡¯t waste time and quickly led Prisci to another elevator, taking it down to the basement

    level and driving off.

    As the elevator doors were closing, she could faintly hear Josiah¡¯s angry roar, ¡°Why are you bothering

    her again?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s tearful pleas followed, ¡°I really didn¡¯te here on purpose. It was just a coincidence, I

    swear¡­..

    ¡°Lysanne. I¡¯ve given you enough chances. She¡¯s my bottom line: If you touch her again, you know the

    consequentes!¡±

    In the car, Daphne touched her nose and asked, ¡°Did you hear what Josiah said?¡±

    Lysander looked out the window. ¡°No.¡±

    Daphne chuckled but didn¡¯t push it, focusing on driving.

    Prisci, however, squeezed Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯ve saved me twice now. If there¡¯s

    anything I can do to help you, please let me know.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°You just need to eat more to decrease the risk of the surgery. That would be help

    enough for me.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237

    Chapter 237 When Do You n To Break Up

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    After resolving the asset¡¯s issues, Lysander immediately arranged for Prisci¡¯s abortion.

    However, Prisci¡¯s body was still too weak, and the procedure would be too harmful to her. To be

    cautious, Lysander scheduled the abortion for a weekter.

    When Prisci returned to the hospital, it didn¡¯t take long for Fred to find out.

    He almost burst into her room. The elderly man, slightly hunched with age, clutched the door for a long

    moment, barely recognizing the skinny girl on the bed, a mere skeleton of the daughter he had

    cherished for over twenty years.

    The moment Prisci spoke, she burst into tears. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Fred, a man in his sixties, immediately teared up. His steps were unsteady as he approached her,

    nearly stumbling.

    Thankfully, Adrian was there to catch him.

    Father and daughter embraced, with Prisci sobbing heart¨Cwrenchingly in her father¡¯s arms. Fred held

    her gently, afraid his fragile daughter couldn¡¯t bear the strength of a tighter hug.

    Seeing this, Lynn also started to cry softly.

    Lysander patted her hand. ¡°Time to go. Let¡¯s give them some time alone.¡±

    Wiping her tears, Lynn followed Lysander back to the office.

    Adrian, who had alsoe along, closed the door behind them.

    Lynn was still in shock. ¡°Dr. Thorne, is that really Prisci? She¡¯s not just skin and bones, it looks like

    she¡¯s had all the life drained out of her!¡±

    Throughout, Prisci never told her what she¡¯d endured at Harry¡¯s rural hometown.

    But it didn¡¯t take much imagination to know it hadn¡¯t been a pleasant experience.

    Prisci probably didn¡¯t even want to recall it herself.

    A pregnant woman, traveling all the way from the countryside to Harborbrook¨Chow perilous that journey

    must have been remained a mystery.

    Even Adrian sighed. ¡°Marrying the wrong person really brings endless suffering.¡±

    Lysander nced at Adrian, unsure if he was insinuating something. Even if he was, she couldn¡¯t tell

    whether he was referring to Josiah or Zachary.

    Lynn had a newfound understanding. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s some truth to the old saying that marriages

    should be between social equals. I used to think it was outdated, but now I see it might be right.¡±

    Before Lysander could speak, Adrian chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s mostly about the people involved. Even if they

    come.

    Bnce:

    183 +

    08:40 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 237 When Do You n To Break Up

    person¡¯s character.¡±

    Adrian then turned to Lysander. ¡°When are you nning to break up?

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected the sudden question. After a moment of thought, she said, ¡°Considering the

    friendship between our parents. I¡¯ll wait for a while. We¡¯ll naturally break up.¡±

    *If you already sense something¡¯s wrong with him, don¡¯t hesitate.¡±

    Lysander knew he was right.

    Perhaps she was influenced by the situation with Harry, but Zachary¡¯s recent

    and forced.

    ¡°Tll think about it. Maybe I¡¯m just overthinking things.

    That evening. Zachary came to pick her up after work as usual.

    behavior felt both familiar

    ?

    When Lysander walked out of the hospital, Zachary had already opened the passenger door for her.

    ¡°You seem a bit flown today.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Do I?

    ¡°Was it a tough day?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Are you in a hurry to get home and rest?¡±

    Lysander looked up at him. ¡°Do you have ns?¡±

    Zachary smiled. ¡°Remember the team¨Cbuilding event I mentioned? I wanted you toe with me. You

    couldn¡¯t make itst weekend, so our boss rescheduled it for today just to include you, our VIP.¡±

    Send Gitt

    398

 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238

    Chapter 238 Four People Two Pairs

    89%1

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°For your team¨Cbuilding event, I¡¯m just an extra at most. Did they specifically wait

    for me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, our boss heard you¡¯re an gynecologist at Central Hospital and wanted to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Mect me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, his wife is due soon. He probably wants to consult you about something.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°They could just make an appointment to meet me at the hospital.¡±

    Zachary pressed her shoulder, gently urging her into the passenger seat. He then closed the door.

    He quickly got into the driver¡¯s seat and started the car.

    ¡°Having a child is a matter of great importance in life. Our department head is over forty this year, and

    hist wife is probably almost forty as well. There might be concerns about her being of advanced

    maternal age. It just happens that I have this connection with you, so they thought they¡¯d ask you first

    to have a better idea.¡±

    The car was already moving, and Lysander couldn¡¯t easily get out.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your team¨Cbuilding?¡±

    ¡°I told our boss that you like peace and quiet, not noisy ces. Originally, we were going to karaoke,

    but our boss booked a private restaurant for a meal instead. The ambiance there is quite nice and not

    noisy.¡±

    Lysander felt a bit overwhelmed. ¡°Why don¡¯t we meet alone tomorrow? Tell him to bring the recent

    prenatal examination results. Today¡¯s your team¨Cbuilding. Young people probably prefer karaoke or

    escape rooms, right? No need to amodate me.¡±

    Zachary smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Young people don¡¯t like team¨Cbuilding.¡±

    This was actually true.

    Central Hospital also organized some team¨Cbuilding activities, but it was hard for medical workers to

    find. the time and energy to participate. If they had time, they would rather go home and catch up on

    their sleep instead of joining any team¨Cbuilding activities.

    In recent years, Lysander had been so busy she hadn¡¯t even attended her university alumni gatherings.

    At the private restaurant, Zachary parked the car and led her inside.

    The restaurant had a serene ambiance, like it was situated in an ancient garden, with a sizableke in

    the middle. There were five or six huts in theke, each serving as a private

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    room

    Zachary led her into thergest one.

    But in this spacious room, there weren¡¯t the expected twenty or thirty people, just four, which consisted

    of two couples.

    08:40 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 238 Four People Two Pairs

    Maxim Reyes stood up quickly, patted Zachary¡¯s shoulder, and introduced the person opposite with al

    smile. ¡°Mr. Guerra, this is the talented designer I mentioned to you, Zach! Zach is very promising

    among our young designers and is a key talent I¡¯ve nurtured. I specifically rmended him as the

    architectural designer for the project we¡¯re cooperating with Guerra Group.¡±

    Josiah nced at Zachary but didn¡¯t speak, his gazending on Lysander behind him.

    Lysander didn¡¯t look back, but she felt uneasy. ¡°Zach, wasn¡¯t today supposed to be your team¨C

    building? Aren¡¯t the others here yet?¡±

    Zachary introduced. ¡°Mr. Reyes, this is the person I mentioned to you, my girlfriend, Lysander Thorne¡±

    ¡°Oh, Dr. Thorne!¡± Maxim was extremely obsequious, quickly making his heavily pregnant wife stand up

    to give her seat to Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne, please sit. I¡¯ve heard about you from Zach. You¡¯re the head of

    the obstetrics and gynecology department at Central Hospital, a formidable expert in gynecology! You

    two are both young, promising talents. What a perfect match!¡±

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239

    Chapter 239 I Am Sorry

    Lysander could distinctly feel a sharp gaze from across the room.

    She turned away, avoiding meeting his eyes.

    Maxim¡¯s heavily pregnant wife, Remi Dyer smiled as she took Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Dr. Thorne, please sit.

    The meal is about to start.¡±

    Lysander insisted. ¡°But the other employees haven¡¯t arrived yet. How can we start?¡±

    Remi affectionately patted her hand. ¡°They¡¯re all young people, not into gatherings. My husband told

    them to go have fun on their own. Come, sit here.¡±

    Lysander once again realized that although pregnant women were considered vulnerable, in a sense,

    they were also strong.

    Because of her pregnancy, if she set her mind on something, those caught by her couldn¡¯t dare resist

    too much.

    Just like now, she was forced to passively sit by Remi, and she couldn¡¯t directly shake off her hand.

    It was reminiscent of when she was pulled into the chaotic traffic by Lysanne and nearly lost her life.

    Remi called out, ¡°Maxim,e over here. Let Zach sit in your spot. The young couple should sit

    together.¡±

    Maxim pped his forehead,ughing heartily. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s forgetful of me. Yes, yes, couples should sit

    together. Today, there are three couples here. It¡¯s like celebrating Valentine¡¯s Day. Isn¡¯t that festive?¡±

    At this point, Josiah abruptly set down his cutlery.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    Maxim and Remi immediately fell silent, not daring to speak anymore.

    Zacharyughed heartily, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents stirring within the private room. He

    poured a cup of wine for Josiah first, then filled his own. ¡°Mr. Guerra, here¡¯s to you. I¡¯ll go first, you go at

    your pace.¡±

    With that, he tilted his head back, downing half a ss of vodka.

    After finishing, he turned the ss upside down, indicating it was empty.

    Zachary ced the empty ss on the table and raised his voice. ¡°I hope our architectural design

    company¡¯s cooperation with Guerra Group goes smoothly, achieving a win¨Cwin situation.¡±

    Josiah remained unmoved, keeping his head slightly tilted. He looked like he was assessing Zachary,

    yet also contemting something.

    Lysanne sat beside, shrinking into a small ball, not daring to utter a word.

    Seeing Josiah silent for a while, she called softly, ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    08:40 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 239 I Am Sorry

    ¡°If it¡¯s nothing, don¡¯t meddle.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Remi was full of empathy. Taking advantage of her age, she jokingly

    advised, ¡°Mrs. Reyes, don¡¯t be so harsh to your wife. Be careful she won¡¯t let you into the bedroom

    tonight.¡±

    ¡°We live separately.¡±

    Remi¡¯s smile froze on her face. ¡°D¨CDid you have a fight?¡±

    89%

    Lysanne felt even more aggrieved. She sniffled and forced a smile. ¡°No, we didn¡¯t quarrel. He¡¯s busy

    with work, sometimes working overnight, so it¡¯s more convenient to live separately.¡±

    Saying so, she nced at Josiah with a touch of resentment.

    Seeing Josiah¡¯s continuously darkening expression, she disyed a helpless smile,

    Maxim intervened, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay. Couples quarrel all the time. My wife and I argue often. It¡¯s

    normal. Sometimes harsh words or deeds can demonstrate one¡¯s love, right?¡±

    Remi also chimed in, ¡°Yeah, yeah, it¡¯s very normal.¡±

    Josiah raised his ss, but his gaze remained fixed on her, his tone somewhat self¨Cdeprecating.

    ¡°Sometimes, I actually wish we could quarrel. Always bottling it up inside, not even giving a chance to

    exin, not even starting a fight, that¡¯s the hardest.¡±

    Zachary refilled his own ss again, raising it to clink with Josiah¡¯s. ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s better to speak up

    about anything.¡±

    Remi asked, ¡°Zach, do you quarrel with Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°We have never fought.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°We grew up together from childhood. Our parents have always been close, so we know each other

    inside. out. There¡¯s nothing to quarrel about.¡±

    Remi was a bit envious. ¡°You two are childhood sweethearts. That¡¯s really nice.¡±

    She joked, ¡°Zach, you¡¯re smart to have secured such a beautiful and outstanding wife early on. Once

    you¡¯re married and have children, your career will flourish even more. That¡¯s true sess in both

    career and family.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°Lysander is a career¨Coriented woman. I don¡¯t know when she¡¯ll have children. But

    I¡¯m not in a hurry. I¡¯ll wait for her.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you two are so loving¡­¡±

    Boom!

    08:41

    Chapter 239 | Am Sorry

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240

    Chapter 240 1 Will Kill You

    Even though he said that, everyone could tell he wasn¡¯t in a good mood as he was smashing his

    cutlery and ss.

    This meal was destined to be tasteless.

    Josiah stood up and said. ¡°Mr. Reyes, I need to discuss this cooperation with the board of directors. We

    can¡¯t confirm partneringwith your architectural designpany yet. I¡¯ll have my secretary contact you

    once we have news from the board. I have other matters to attend to, so I¡¯ll leave now,¡±

    Maxim was a bit puzzled. ¡°Huh? Mr. Guerra, what do you mean? We were getting along fine before,

    why the sudden change?¡±

    Lysanne stood up abruptly and followed. ¡°Josiah, wait for me¡­¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    But Josiah didn¡¯t wait for her at all. He strode to the door of the private room.

    As he opened the door, a person stumbled in from outside.

    A strong smell of alcohol hit them, mixed with the nauseating stench of vomit.

    The person still held half a bottle of alcohol, swaying with drunkenness. As soon as he saw Josiah, he

    laughed and tried to hook his shoulder, ¡°Hey, Reuben, let¡¯s continue drinking! Today, I must get you

    drunk! Hey¡­. What are you doing!¡±

    Josiah forcefully pushed him away, furrowed his brows, and looked at his own hand.

    Lysanne immediately understood and handed him a tissue from her bag. ¡°Josiah, wipe your

    hands¡­

    Josiah didn¡¯t take it. He let the sleeve that the drunkard had touched hang by his side, slightly away

    from his body. ¡°Where¡¯s the waiter? Get someone over here to take him away!¡±

    Lysanne nodded quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll go get someone right away!¡±

    Saying that, she ran out in her high heels to find someone.

    The drunkard was thrown off by Josiah, and he fell heavily to the ground. He also got angry and

    propped himself up against the wall, his face flushed. ¡°Reuben, are you crazy? Why did you hit me¡­

    Before he could finish his words, he caught sight of Lysander sitting not far away.

    Today, she wore a light beige woollen coat, sitting gracefully and beautifully.

    The drunkard immediatelyughed. ¡°Reuben, is this the call girl you summoned? She¡¯s pretty good-

    looking. What¡¯s her name? Come, have a drink with me.¡±

    Lysander only felt a strong smell of alcohol rushing toward her.

    She immediately stood up and took a step back, barely managing to dodge the lunge of the drunken

    man.

    With sharp sound, the chair she had just sat on was knocked over by the drunkard, making a harsh

    scraping noise.

    Chapter 240 I Will Kill You

    with augh. ¡°Lady, you¡¯re quite shy. Don¡¯t be shy. Aren¡¯t all of you in this line pretty good at ying

    hard to get? Serve me well, and you¡¯ll definitely get your money.¡±

    Saying this, he moved closer to Lysander again.

    Maxim had long since hidden in the corner with his pregnant wife.

    However, Zachary still stood in his original spot, watching her being targeted by the drunk man. He

    merely said, ¡°Sir. I¡¯m afraid you may have entered the wrong ce.¡±

    The drunkard had turned into a puddle of mud from excessive drinking so that he couldn¡¯tprehend

    these words. His eyes were fixed on the beauty in front of him as he approached her. ¡°Lady, don¡¯t hide

    from me. See this bottle in my hand? If you can drink it all in one go. I¡¯ll give you five hundred¡­ no, a

    thousand. Will a thousand be enough for you for the night? Or should I add more? Apany me

    tonight, and if you perform well, I¡¯ll sponsor you long¨Cterm¡­¡±

    Lysander kept stepping back until her back hit a wall.

    She nced anxiously at Zachary, but Lysanne had already called over a waiter, and Zachary seemed

    to be conversing with the waiter,pletely unaware of her predicament

    The greasy voice closed in again, ¡°Lady, why are you still hiding? Come here, let me give you a kiss.

    Let¡¯s

    if your lips taste sweet, mmm¡­..¡±

    The drunkard was about to lean in with his thick lips.

    With nowhere else to retreat, Lysander fumbled blindly on the table¨Cuntil she found a bottle. Just as

    she raised her hand, someone else acted quicker.

    Bang!

    Clear liquid mixed with dark red blood trickled down from the drunkard¡¯s head, instantly covering his

    entire face.

    The drunk man¡¯s eyes widened as his face turned pale. He slowly fell toward her.

    Lysander was startled, almost about to scream.

    But even more rming was Josiah¡¯s expression.

    He held a broken wine bottle in his hand, hoisting the man up by the scruff of his neck with one hand

    while pressing the jagged edge of the bottle against the drunkard¡¯s throat with the other. The words

    seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll f*cking kill you!¡±

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241

    Chapter 241 Does It Smell Good

    Josiah was for real.

    A winding trail of blood suddenly appeared on the drunkard¡¯s neck.

    Remi, hiding in the corner, turned pale with fright. ¡°My God! There¡¯s blood!¡±

    Lysanne and a few waiters quickly rushed over.

    ¡°Josiah, calm down. Someone could get hurt!¡±

    The waiters were also scared out of their wits. The men desperately tried to rescue the drunkard from

    Josiah¡¯s grasp, while the girls had already run out to call the manager.

    ¡°Murder! Murder!¡± The drunkard woke up at this time, screaming in pain while struggling.

    Lysanne tried to unclench Josiah¡¯s fist, but he forcefully shook her off. ¡°Get lost!¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡± Lysanne fell to the ground. ¡°Josiah!¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Josiah seemed to have gone mad. He casually threw the broken wine bottle to one side, grabbed the

    drunkard by the cor, and hoisted him up from the ground into mid¨Cair, dragging him toward the

    window.

    The drunkard could no longer struggle. He could only keep begging Josiah, ¡°Please, I was wrong.

    Please,

    stop. Ahh!¡±

    The window was pushed open, and the drunkard was forced to lean out of the window.

    Outside was ake.

    Although not very deep, the water had already be bone¨Cchillingly cold. Falling in wouldn¡¯t kill him,

    but he couldn¡¯t escape the torment of being alive.

    Josiah¡¯s hand loosened slightly, and the drunkard slid down half a meter, his hair almost touching the

    water surface. His hands were swinging wildly in the air as if trying to grasp something.

    Seeing his head already submerged in water, the drunkard got so scared that his nose started to run

    and his eyes filled with tears. ¡°Spare me, please!¡±

    At this moment, Josiah finally regained a bit ofposure. He held him by the cor with one hand,

    asionally loosening his grip. The drunkard¡¯s face was mostly submerged in the water, with bubbles.

    gurgling on the surface.

    He seemed to have timed it perfectly.

    Just a second before the drunkard suffocated, Josiah would lift him again.

    The drunkard coughed violently, his face so wet that it was impossible to distinguish between the water

    and his tears.

    Chapter 241 Does It Smell Good

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, does it smell good?¡±

    The drunkard shuddered in fright and nodded hastily. ¡°Y¨CYes, it does.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°Theke water smells good, does it? Then why don¡¯t you go back down and taste

    some more?¡±

    ¡°No! It doesn¡¯t smell good. It doesn¡¯t smell good at all. It stinks. Please, pull me up first. I¡¯ll make it up to

    you if I¡¯ve offended you. Please! Mm-¡±

    A ring of bubbles floated up on the surface of the water again.

    It was much less than thest time.

    When the drunkard was dragged out again, he was already unable to utter a word, his face was flushed

    red, and he was having some difficulty breathing.

    Lysanne got up from the ground, ran over, and tugged on Josiah¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t do this. This is

    a restaurant, and there are many witnesses. If something really happens, you will be held

    responsible¡­¡±

    Josiah gave her a cold nce. ¡°It¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t take responsibility when your cousin ran someone

    over.¡±

    ¡°L¡­¡± Lysanne was at a loss for words. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your own good.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s for my own good, then tell your parents that we¡¯ve long been over and take them back to the

    nursing home. Don¡¯t show up in front of me again.¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°Get out.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    [OR]

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242

    Chapter 242 The Outburst Of Josiah

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes reddened in the blink of an eye.

    When she first came in, she was treated as an honored guest, addressed as ¡°Mrs. Guerra¡± by Maxim

    and Remi. But now, having been scolded by Josiah, she felt so humiliated that she turned her head

    away, stepped back, covered her face, and sobbed quietly.

    The manager of the restaurant rushed over right then.¡±

    He stood at the entrance of the private room, not daring to move forward. ¡°Sir, let¡¯s talk things out

    calmly. I am the manager here. You can bring up any requests orints to me.¡±

    The only responses to him, however, were the drunkard¡¯s repeated screams and the gurgling sound.

    underwater.

    The manager, fearing a real casualty, persuaded, ¡°Sir, should we call the police if there¡¯s any conflict?

    Our hotel doesn¡¯t take sides. But if you keep this up, he¡¯s going to die!¡±

    Josiah remained still.

    The bubbles on the water were almost on the verge ofpletely disappearing.

    The manager implored anxiously, ¡°Sir, please stop¡­.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    This time, Josiah finally reacted.

    He turned his head and saw Lysander quickly approaching him. Then she raised her hand and

    pped.

    him.

    Josiah¡¯s gold¨Crimmed sses were knocked askew, and his head tilted to one side.

    Maxim and Remi gasped in surprise. Lysanne was also startled by the noise.

    ¡°Are you out of your mind? Are you going to kill someone in broad daylight?¡±

    Lysander did not hold back on that p. Even her own palm was burning. She said sternly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you

    going to pull him up?¡±

    She then turned to the manager. ¡°Get a few young men toe over and help.¡±

    The manager quickly rushed over with a few waiters, and they clumsily pulled the drunkard up.

    His entire upper body was already soaked through, and his eyes were tightly shut.

    ¡°He seems to have stopped moving¡­¡±

    ¡°Is he dead? Oh my God¡­¡±

    Lysanfle was terrified. He grabbed Josiah and started to pull him outside. ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s run.¡±

    08:41 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 242 The Outburst of Josiah

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    89

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°Just shut up and be quiet!¡±

    Lysander knelt on the ground with a cold face, lifted the drunkard¡¯s eyelids to take a look, and then

    quickly undid her coat in a few moves. She ced her hands one on top of the other on his chest,

    pressing down hard, again and again.

    In just a few moments, the drunkard turned his head, spat out a mouthful of water, and started to cough

    in pain.

    Everyone in the room finally let out the breath that they had been holding.

    Remi was particrly shocked. She held onto Maxim¡¯s hand and murmured, ¡°Thank goodness Zach¡¯s

    girlfriend came today. There was a doctor on site to administer first aid; otherwise, he might have really

    lost his life

    Maxim was a bit more experienced.

    When Remi was whispering to him, he nced at Lysander, who was performing CPR on the drunkard,

    and then af Josiah¡¯s skewed sses. Finally, his gaze fell on Zachary, who had been standing aloof

    from the beginning and was still standing in the farthest corner, observing everything.

    His expression suddenly became somewhat serious.

    His admiration and support for Zachary from before gradually transformed into confusion, eventually

    settling into caution.

    The drunkard coughed for a while and finally started breathing heavily. With tears and snot on his face,

    he shouted, ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to kill me! Call the police, quick. Catch him!¡±

    Performing CPR was physically demanding. Lysander was quite exhausted.

    She slowly stood up. ¡°You¡¯re all right now since you¡¯ve got the energy to talk.¡±

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243

    Chapter 243 Get Out

    The manager was still a bit worried. ¡°Is he really okay now?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s out of danger, but he drank quite a lot ofke water. What¡¯s in yourke?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. Just some fishes¡­¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s all right, then. There might be some microbes in his stomach, which might cause diarrheater.

    The weather is cool now too, so he might catch a cold. Just take a good rest for a few days.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the drunkard became upset. He wiped the filth off his face with his hand and

    shouted, ¡°I¡¯m going to call the police! Someone tried to murder me! This isn¡¯t over!¡±

    Josiah gave him a cold sideway nce, causing him to shrink back in fear.

    ¡°I feel dizzy and nauseous. I need to go to the hospital for a check¨Cup! If I don¡¯t call the police, who¡¯s

    going to pay for these expenses?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just want to spend a thousand a night for a girl, and now you¡¯re out of

    money?¡±

    ¡°How is that the same? Besides, what¡¯s it to you that I spend money on a girl? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m spending

    on your wife. Why are you so-

    Josiah was extremely fast. He dragged him toward the window to throw him out again.

    The drunkard turned pale with fright, gripping the window without letting go, ¡°Help!¡±

    Josiah gritted his teeth, looking down at him. ¡°I f*cking dare you to say that again.¡±

    ¡°All right, all right, I¡¯ll stop! Spare me, please!¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysander hit him angrily. ¡°Are you going to keep this up?¡±

    The veins on Josiah¡¯s neck bulged out. ¡°You¡¯re defending him after what he did to you?¡±

    ¡°Find another ce if you want tomit murder! I¡¯m very busy with my work. I don¡¯t want to be taken

    back by the police for investigation!¡±

    Josiah stared at her deeply for a while, sighed dejectedly, and heavily tossed the drunkard aside. He

    then took off his sses and wiped his face.

    His hands werepletely covered in blood, and his face was also smeared with blotchy bloodstains.

    ¡°Josiah, your hand!¡± Lysanne eximed in shock. ¡°Why is there so much blood? No, we have to hurry

    to the hospital!¡±

    Josiah roared, ¡°Don¡¯t you understand when I tell you to get out?¡±

    Atst, Lysanne couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer and burst into tears. ¡°Is everything I do now wrong just

    becauft I¡¯ve made mistakes before?¡±

    Bnce:

    08:41 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 243 Get Out

    Then, pulling Lysander along, he strode outside.

    Caught off guardysander was suddenly yanked forward by him.

    Josiah seemed to have prepared for this. He draped his arm around her shoulder as they walked out.

    89%1

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysanne chased after him, but she simply couldn¡¯t catch up. She could only watch helplessly

    as the two of them walked toward the entrance of the private room.

    Having been forced to walk out, Lysander eximed, ¡°Josiah!¡±

    ¡°Lysander, let¡¯s go first.¡± His voice finally softened a bit, but it still carried a hint of gloominess.

    G

    ¡°Hold up, Mr. Guerra,¡± Zachary extended his arm to block their way. ¡°Lysander is my girlfriend. Just

    leave her to me.¡±

    Josiah stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes as he sized him up for a moment. ¡°Have you seen

    everything clearly today?¡±

    Zachary chuckled, lowering his hand slightly. ¡°Sure enough, nothing can be kept a secret from you, Mr.

    Guerra¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°Come find me once you¡¯ve thought it through.

    Josiah held Lysander and turned to walk out of the private room.

    Outside the private room was a winding corridor. Having just stepped out from the brilliantly lit room,

    Lysander struggled to see clearly and inadvertently kicked the white marble railing. She let out a soft

    cry of pain.

    Hearing that, Josiah immediately crouched down and lifted her.

    ¡°What are you doing, Josiah?¡±

    Josiah remained silent and quickly carried her out of the private restaurant, heading straight for the

    parking lot.

    He stuffed Lysander into the back seat of his ck Rolls¨CRoyce Cullinan before entering himself.

    A strong smell of alcohol instantly hit her, and before she could react, she tasted its fiery vor on her

    tongue. As she breathed, she detected a blend of tobo and cologne on him.

 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244

    Chapter 244 Like A Beast Baring Its Teeth

    This kiss came unexpectedly.

    Josiah seemed like a wild beast that had lost its sanity. His kisses were without any pattern, seemingly

    driven only by animal instinct.

    ¡°Jo¡­ Josiah..¡±

    Lysander could barely breathe.

    She used all her strength to push him but to no avail. Instead, she tore his suit jacket away a bit. The

    desires in Josiah¡¯s eyes grew even more intense, and he pushed her down onto the seat, covering her

    completely with his body.

    They had kissed and shared a bed before, but she had never seen him this mad like a beast baring its

    teeth. She had always thought of him as powerful but harmless, but now, a clear sense of fear was

    gradually climbing up her spine.

    His kisses gradually moved downward. A sharp pain emanated from her corbone. But atst, she

    could. speak. She pushed his chest, creating a barrier between them. ¡°Josiah, sober up!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m too sober that I¡¯ve been holding back from going to you. I can only watch as you

    discuss marriage and buy a house with that weak and ipetent person!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re already divorced. Who I discuss marriage with or buy a house with is none of your business!¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± He gently pulled away from her, pointing in the direction of the private restaurant. ¡°You think

    he¡¯s the one for you?¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t need to exin my affairs to you. Get up!¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t move. Half of his body weight was pressing on her.

    In the cramped space of the vehicle, Lysander simply couldn¡¯t move.

    The disparity in strength between men and women is significant. Unless Josiah moved away, she

    couldn¡¯t. do anything.

    ¡°That piece of shit almost got his hands on you, and what did he do? He just stood there and watched!¡±

    Lysander had also realized it.

    She had to admit that she was disheartened.

    Even if she was not his girlfriend, as a man, he shouldn¡¯t have just stood by and done nothing.

    She could understand when Maxim didn¡¯t step in. After all, he had a pregnant wife to look after.

    But Zachary was all alone.

    He was a man with hands, feet, and strength.

    Bnce: 19+00

    Chapter 244 Like A Beast Baring Its Teeth

    ¡°How are you going to take care of it?¡±

    ¡°Why do you even¨Ccare?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t you understand? He doesn¡¯t like you at all. He¡¯s just doing it for-¡±

    ¡®Enough, I don¡¯t want to hear it! It¡¯s not like you¡¯re any better. Josiah, we¡¯re already divorced, and I have

    rejected you time and time again. But what are you doing now? Are you trying to take advantage of

    your drunkenness to rape me? What¡¯s the difference between you and that drunkard who almost died

    because of you?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s pupils suddenly contracted.

    The word ¡°rape¡± obviously hurt him.

    He slightly lowered his head, saw the red mark on her neck, the swollen corner of her mouth, and the

    open cor of her shirt, and closed his eyes to let out a deep sigh.

    Supporting his body with one hand, he used the other to help her tidy her clothes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said.

    Lysander pushed him away and sat up, buttoning her shirt one button at a time.

    However, her hands were slightly trembling, and all her attempts were unsessful.

    Josiah, with a full face of annoyance, said, ¡°Let me help you¡­¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°No!¡± Lysander jerked back.

    Josiah¡¯s hand stiffened in mid¨Cair. ¡°Did I really scare you? I¡¯m sorry. I¡­ I was a little out of control

    today.¡± Lysander fastened the buttons, then wrapped herself tightly in her coat. ¡°Open the door. I want

    to get out.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. I¡¯m going to go out and get some fresh air to calm down. You should also rest for a

    while. I still have something to say to youter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it.¡±

    ¡°You must.¡± Josiah¡¯s tone initially hardened, but he quickly softened it again. ¡°Even criminals have a

    chance to state their case when they are on trial. It¡¯s not a solution for us to keep ying this game of

    hide and seek. Today is a good opportunity to clear things up once and for all.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245

    Chapter 245 The Girlfriend Of Aiden

    Josiah pushed the door open and got out of the car, lighting up a cigarette.

    This was the first time Lysander had directly seen him smoking.

    He skillfully bit off a piece, held it between his lips, and lit it. The adept way he held the cigarette

    between his fingers inexplicably filled her with a sense of fear.

    Is he still the Josiah I used to know?

    As some parts of his body were inconvenient to show, he stood facing inward when he got out of the

    car. Lysander could clearly see the impatient and stern expression on his face.

    She observed the man before her, noting his rogue-like demeanor. He seemed markedly different from

    the gentle and courteous version she had known for the past three years.

    He took out his phone and made a call.

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    About five minutester, as the cigarette burned out, he opened the car door and got in.

    The smell of alcohol, mixed with the scent of smoke, along with the smell of air freshener in the car.

    made her feel somewhat suffocated.

    Josiah noticed her slight action of covering her mouth and nose. He propped his hand on the back of

    the driver¡¯s seat, leaned his body forward, and turned on the external cirction system.

    Lysander said, ¡°You might as well open the windows. It¡¯s faster.¡±

    Josiah sat back down. ¡°I just want to be alone with you for a while. I don¡¯t want to hear those noisy

    sounds from outside.

    ¡°The task you asked Daphne to find me for has basically worked.¡±

    He took out his phone, gently tapped it a few times, and then handed it to her.

    It was a WhatsApp chat record.

    It wasn¡¯t a screenshot but a real-time chat interface of WhatsApp

    Harry: Are you off work yet? I¡¯m already downstairs.

    Harry: I¡¯ve traveled around most of Harborbrook to buy your favorite donuts from that shop. They are

    freshly baked I¡¯ve been keeping them warm with my body heat. They should still be hot when you get

    here.

    Harry: Babe, are you free this weekend? I have a gathering with some of my good friends. I¡¯ve known

    them for over a dude Shall we go together?

    Harry By the way, I heard that your father seems to be suffering from back paintely. I know an

    experienced traditional medicine practitioner who is very good ut acupuncture. When should we let him

    try acupuncture on your father?

    1/2

    Harry: Go to bed early. I¡¯ll be waiting for you downstairs at your ce at seven o¡¯clock tomorrow

    morning.

    Lysander frowned slightly. ¡°Is this¡­ Lora¡¯s WhatsApp?

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a new ount registered by Aiden. I know the username and password. I can log in at any

    time to check their progress.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Who exactly is this Lora?¡±

    ¡°Aiden¡¯s girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°Aiden has a girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°At this stage, yes.

    ¡°The two brothers are so different.¡±

    Josiah raised his eyebrows. ¡°Even after Zachary, you still think Adrian is better?¡±

    Lysander red at him. ¡°At least he doesn¡¯t y with a girl¡¯s feelings.¡±

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean he hasn¡¯t hurt a woman before. Adrian has had his fair share of romances

    abroad, leaving quite a few women in tears.¡±

    ¡°How is that the same?¡±

    ¡°It all ends with sadness. What¡¯s the difference?¡± There was obvious sarcasm in Josiah¡¯s words. ¡°He¡¯s

    just a better poser than Aiden.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not even familiar with him. Is it appropriate for you to say that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not familiar with him either. Is it appropriate for you to speak up for him like this?¡±

    Lysander was somewhat shocked by Josiah¡¯s imposing manner.

    ¡°How much have you drunk today?¡±

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face softened slightly. ¡°Before you came, I had a drink with Mr. Reyes. He

    comes from a state-owned enterprise background. He¡¯s an old hand at wining and dining and knows

    this business inside out. Since I needed a favor from him, it wasn¡¯t appropriate to refuse.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    H

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246

    Chapter 246 We Both Helped Her Together

    ¡°You asked for a favor?¡± Lysander didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°I thought they wanted to coborate with

    you. Why did you have to ask for a favor?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not exactly a favor.¡± Josiah let out a sigh, leaning back against the seat with some fatigue. ¡°The

    property rights of the residential area your parents live in don¡¯t belong to individuals. It¡¯s a collective-

    ownednd. And their unit, due to previous bankruptcy, owes a lot of foreign debt. They¡¯re in a hurry. to

    sell thatnd to pay off the debt. If I don¡¯t step in to buy it, other developers won¡¯t care if it¡¯s a

    government-subsidized unit or not, they¡¯ll only give a three-month deadline to move out, and then

    they¡¯ll just tten it. By then, your parents will not even have a house for retirement.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat surprised. ¡°So you went to look for Mr. Reyes because¡­¡±

    ¡°Their architectural designpany is a state-owned enterprise. They have connections in terms of

    approval procedures, so they can expedite thepletion of the formalities for housing for low- ie

    families. This way, I can start construction as soon as possible. It¡¯s actually a mutually beneficial

    situation. What I need is to move as quickly as possible, and they can facilitate that. What they want is

    nothing more than the project, and I can give them a portion of the profits.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really understand things rted to engineering.¡±

    Josiah looked at her, smiled slightly, and said, ¡°But I do. You don¡¯t need to worry about this.¡±

    ¡°I previously thought you were doing this to build an amusement park¡­¡±

    ¡°Building an amusement park is just a preliminary n. Time is a bit tight. I haven¡¯t thought that much

    about it yet. We¡¯ll talk about itter. The other day, I went to the entrance of your hospital to find your

    just to exin this to you, but I didn¡¯t get a chance.¡±

    Lysander remembered the events of that day.

    It was raining heavily. She was sitting inside Zachary car, while he was outside knocking on the door.

    Josiah gave it.¡±

    a bitter smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You¡¯ve said you don¡¯t want to see me. I was mentally prepared for

    Lysander pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°So, you asked me to stay today to talk about this.¡±

    ¡°And about Harry. Lora graduated from the film academy and has some acting skills. Aiden is quite

    willing to spend money on her. She ys her part well as a rich youngdy. Harry took the bait quickly

    and without much effort.¡±

    Lysander sneered as soon as she thought of this. ¡°He probably thinks he¡¯s really impressive for

    climbing up the socialdder again.¡±

    ¡°Have you

    discussed it with Prisci?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°The time of divorce. Have you decided on the return period for the luxury brand items?¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    1/2

    ¡°Daphne even told you this?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t say much. She just asked me if I could help find a rich youngdy to help put on a y. Her

    requirements were quite high. She had to be wealthier than her own family, and she had to be an only

    child. How many in Harborbrook could meet these requirements? Where am I supposed to find such a

    rich youngdy for her?¡±

    ¡°Does Seamus Corporation know about Lora?¡±

    ¡°I have a few projects with Seamus Corporation. I just gave them a heads-up.¡±

    ¡°So, does the owner of Seamus Corporation really have a daughter overseas? Will our actions have

    any negative impact on her?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°This person simply doesn¡¯t exist. Seamus Corporation has actually been quite

    troubled because there really is no one left. They have no heirs, and there are often some people who

    harbor ulterior motives within thepany. This time, I took advantage of the situation and created

    such a person, who can actually help Seamus Corporation maintain stability, so they just went along

    with it.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good, then.¡±

    ¡°You can rest assured about this. I¡¯ll take care of the aftermath. There won¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Josiah turned around, sighing helplessly. ¡°Like I said, if you need my help for whatever you want to do

    in the future, you can tell me directly. There¡¯s no need to have Daphne be the middle person. You know

    her personality. She¡¯s always displeased with me and never answers my questions properly. She just

    left me with a ¡®figure it out yourself¡¯ and then left. If I hadn¡¯t bumped into you guys at the mall that day,

    with Prisci in tow and all those branded shopping bags in your hands, I really wouldn¡¯t have been

    able to guess what you guys were up to.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your help with this matter. If Prisci can sessfully get rid of this jerk, I will tell her the

    whole truth, that it was you who helped her.¡±

    *The idea was yours. We both helped her together. If there¡¯s gratitude to be given, it should be given to

    both of us.¡±

    Send Gift

    398

 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247

    Chapter 247 A Permanent Regret

    Lysander said, ¡°I don¡¯t need her gratitude for helping her. Dr. Ziegler has shown me great kindness.¡±

    ¡°I have no particr ties with Dr. Ziegler or Prisci. I¡¯m only helping you. I don¡¯t need her gratitude

    either.¡±

    Lysander retorted, ¡°Do you mean to say that I should be the one expressing my gratitude?¡±

    ¡°No, there¡¯s no need for your gratitude. I just hope you could be a little less guarded toward me.¡±

    It was fine when he didn¡¯t say this. But after he did, Lysander slightly moved back, creating a distance.

    between them.

    Josiah smiled as he watched her movements and said softly, ¡°I was indeed impulsive just now. I¡¯m

    sorry.¡±

    ¡°Next time if

    I you have the urge, please don¡¯t choose convenience over feelings. There¡¯s always a woman by your

    side.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned slightly cold. ¡°This is the main reason why I asked you to stay today. I want

    to talk to you about my rtionship with Lysanne.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know.¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll just say my piece. You can listen if you want to. But if

    you don¡¯t want to, just cover your ears.¡±

    Lysanderughed in exasperation.

    They were in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, not a high-speed train.

    She could still hear him even if she covered her ears.

    ¡°Lysanne¡¯s parents and my parents are old family friends, You should know this, right?¡± he began.

    my

    ¡°When my father passed away, my mother was still pregnant with me. Upon hearing the tragic news of

    father¡¯s death, my mother fainted and nearly lost her life along with mine. It was Mrs. Thorne who

    stayed with my mother every day, cooked her delicious meals, and forced her to eat. After I was born,

    Mrs. Thorne took care of me a lot as well. During that time, thepany was in chaos, and it was Mr.

    Thorne who helped my grandmother keep things going.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s father passed away a long time ago. Lysander had heard this from Susan before.

    However, she was not very clear about the specific reason.

    Elisa valued Josiah very much. It was also because he was the only child left by her so

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Grandma Elisa must have had a hard time. Your father passed away, and your mother was pregnant

    and not in good health. Grandma Elisa had to take care of thepany.¡±

    Bnce

    351 +1675

    1 Cuins 1 Pearls

    This is a hurdle I can¡¯t get over in my life.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t let Grandma Elisa down. You managed thepany very well.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s precisely because I was so indulgent with Lysanne in the past that she couldn¡¯t even utter her.

    last words.¡± Josiah wiped his face in pain. ¡°You were right. I should have realized the seriousness of

    the problem when she insisted on causing trouble at the resort, regardless of my mother¡¯s safety.

    Otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have repeated the same mistakes, leaving my grandmother¡¯s death as a

    permanent regret.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°Grandma Elisa has already passed away. Your repentance won¡¯t

    change. the oue.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I can¡¯t change what happened to Grandma, so I can¡¯t let her affect other people and other things

    anymore.¡±

    Lysander lowered her eyes.

    She knew what Josiah was going to say next, and she also knew that her own answer would not

    change at all. No matter how much she said, it would be useless, so she simply responded with

    silence.

    ¡°Lysander, you might not want to hear what I¡¯m about to say next, but I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be able to

    see you again, so I must say it. Ever since we parted, I¡¯ve told myself countless times to let go, to give

    you

    freedom. I¡¯ve made you suffer, and I shouldn¡¯t bother you anymore. More than once, I¡¯ve promised you

    that I won¡¯t bother you again, and indeed, I can do as I say¡­ that is if you¡¯re not with. Zachary,¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    Bnce

 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248

    Chapter 248 I Did Not Understand You Before

    Lysander slightly raised her head. ¡°What else do you know?¡±

    ¡°You saw the messages that Harry sent to Lora, right? Do they seem familiar to you? Swap donuts for

    roasted potatoes, buddies¡¯ gatherings for ying basketball, traditional acupuncture for moving house,

    and the unchanging routine of bing a personal driver. You¡¯re so smart. You probably don¡¯t need

    me to say much more.¡±

    Lysander felt a slight chill in her heart.

    She had long noticed that Zachary was not so simple, and she even had a good rtionship with Harry.

    However, when Josiah put it that way, it still made her break out in a cold sweat.

    ¡°But Lora is the only daughter of Seamus Corporation, and I¡¯m just a daughter from an ordinary family.

    What does he see in me?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze slightly hardened. He solemnly said, ¡°He knew well that I would be present today, yet he

    still wanted to bring you along. Don¡¯t you understand what he¡¯s trying to do?¡±

    Lysander slightly furrowed her brows.

    Josiah continued, ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, he orchestrated that incident to gauge my reaction and assess

    the depth of my affection for you, as well as to determine the lengths I would go for you.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ sent that drunkard on purpose to take advantage of me? Did that drunkard pretend to be drunk?¡±

    ¡°It didn¡¯t seem like it, and it¡¯s also possible that it wasn¡¯t deliberately orchestrated by Zachary. He might,

    have seen the situation next door when he came and took the opportunity to lead the drunkard over to

    us. In any case, the appearance of the drunkard was too coincidental and something doesn¡¯t feel right.

    I have already asked Ms. Collins to investigate, and there will be results soon.¡±

    It turned out he had called Carol when he was outside just now.

    Lysander said, ¡°You hit him quite hard. Although his life is not in danger, he has a wound on his head.

    The water in theke is not very clean, so it¡¯s likely to get infected. A head infection can still be quite

    dangerous, so he needs to get to the hospital for disinfection and treatment as soon as possible.¡±

    Josiah burst intoughter. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re still the same as before.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You have a heart to save the dying and heal the injured. No matter what happens, the patient is the

    most important.¡±

    Lysander argued, ¡°I¡¯m not that great. It¡¯s just an upational habit, a conditioned reflex.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing.¡± Josiah said softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t understand you before.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°Have you finished telling me everything you wanted to today? If you¡¯re

    done one

    donc and let me nuu I don¡¯t like the

    Bnce

    hell of smoke¡±

    3511647

    1 Coms:

    Josiah looked at her, lightly tapping his fingers on the seat, then unlocked the door.

    Lysander pushed open the door and was about to leave when he grabbed her wrist.

    ¡°Lysander, what are you nning to do about Zachary? If you need me to step in, I can:

    Lysander withdrew her hand. ¡°My parents are already upset because of Michelle¡¯s university entrance.

    exam and puppy love. I don¡¯t want to make them sad anymore. I don¡¯t want this matter to end up in at

    mess, so please don¡¯t interfere. I will choose a rtively gentle way to end this rtionship without

    impacting the elders.¡±

    ¡°All right¡­ Then you take care of yourself.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    The cold wind outside sent a chill down Lysander¡¯s spine.

    She wrapped her coat tightly around herself. ¡°Mr. Guerra, please pay less attention to me. If Zachary

    thinks I¡¯m no longer of use, he won¡¯t waste his time on me.¡±

    As she turned to hail a taxi by the roadside, she ran into Carol getting out of a car and hurrying over in

    this direction.

    Carol saw her, paused slightly, and quickly regained herposure.

    She nced at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan not far away and Josiah, who had already got out of the car

    and was standing by, watching Lysander leave.

    ¡°Do you need me to call a taxi for you?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can manage.¡±

    Carol gave a slight nod. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Be careful.¡±

    ¡°I will. Thank you.¡±

    Carol nodded, then walked inside.

    Lysander suddenly felt bad for her.

    Carol used to address her as Mrs. Guerra, but now she didn¡¯t even dare to address her at all.

    Lysander would be unhappy if she addressed her as Mrs. Guerra.

    At the same time, Josiah would be unhappy if she addressed her as Ms. Thorne.

    Upon getting in a taxi, Lysander gave the driver the address of the residential area.

    On the road, she received a call from Prisci. ¡°Lysander, are you busy now?¡±

    ¡°No, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ I¡¯m bleeding¡­¡±

 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249

    Chapter 249 I Studied Medicine

    When Lysander arrived at the hospital, Prisci had already been wheeled into the operating room.

    As usual, Lynn was waiting outside with her white coat. As soon as she arrived, Lynn smoothly ryed

    the current situation. ¡°There¡¯s a risk of miscarriage. There may be problems with the baby and it can¡¯t

    be saved.¡±

    Truth be told, Lysander was already mentally prepared.

    Prisci¡¯s unborn child was unusuallyrge. Coupled with the fact that Harry¡¯s mother had previously

    fed her so many strange folk remedies, the child would have to be aborted sooner orter.

    However, she didn¡¯t expect it to happen so quickly.

    Daphne¡¯s hands were full of blood as she stood outside the operating room. ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander nodded at her. ¡°I know. I¡¯m going in now.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s face was pale. ¡°She bled so much. My car is full of blood¡­¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Daphne had always been fearless. It was rare to see her in this state.

    Lysander patted her shoulder. ¡°I have to go in first. You get some rest and have some hot water to

    rx.

    Lynn waved her hand to call over two junior nurses to take care of Daphne, then followed Lysander into

    the operating room.

    Lynn had been with Lysander for two years. She was very well-prepared.

    Adrian was also there, already wearing medical gloves and preparing for anesthesia. Seeing her in, he

    said, ¡°There¡¯s massive bleeding. It¡¯s a bit dangerous.¡±

    re

    Lysander nced at the monitor next to her. Prisci¡¯s blood pressure was already somewhat low.

    ¡°Is the anesthesia administered?¡±

    Adrian shook his head. ¡°Have you forgotten? Anesthesia and surgery are the same. The patient¡¯s

    family members must sign a consent form.¡±

    Lynn bit her lip and said anxiously, ¡°Dr. Thorne, do we really have to contact her awful husband?¡±

    Lysander pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°We still need to contact him. It¡¯s the procedure.¡±

    ¡°But Prisci is bleeding heavily. We can¡¯t wait any longer!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll reach out to him while performing the surgery Lynn, you make the phone call. You must get him

    toe over immediately.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡±*

    1/2

    Lynn went out with her phone,

    Lysander quickly put on a mask and rubber gloves, nodded to Adrian, and said, ¡°You may begin.¡±

    Adrian asked, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°Without a family member¡¯s signature, there will be countless troublester on if anything goes wrong

    with the surgery.

    Lysander snorted inughter. ¡°I¡¯ve been in the obstetrics and gynecology department for a long time

    and have seen all kinds of strange things. When ites to saving people, we must do our best.¡±

    ¡°If something unexpected happens, Harry is very likely to take advantage of the situation. Not only

    might he demand a huge amount ofpensation from you, but he could also make you

    lose your

    job.¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll go to court and let the judge decide. Dr. Ziegler won¡¯t turn a blind eye.¡±

    ¡°But Prisci is Dr. Ziegler¡¯s only daughter. If something really happens to her, Dr. Ziegler will be

    emotionally devastated. What if he loses his sanity¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly.

    ¡°I believe in Dr. Ziegler¡¯s character, but I don¡¯t believe in human nature,¡± Adrian added. ¡°When people

    are on the verge of copse, they desperately need to find an outlet for their hatred. Harry is

    undoubtedly the culprit for Prisci¡¯s suffering, but you are the lead surgeon. If Dr. Ziegler breaks down

    emotionally, he won¡¯t be able to protect you. You will still be in a passive position in co

    ¡°All right, I studied medicine, not the art of self-preservation. The mission of a doctor is to illnesses and

    save lives. As long as I have a clear conscience, that¡¯s all that matters. We¡¯ll deales nextter.¡±

    She took a deep breath and said calmly, ¡°Anesthetize the patient.¡±

    Adrian looked at her and nodded slightly. ¡°All right, I¡¯m with you.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250

    Chapter 250 It Is All My Fault

    The shadowlessmp was turned on, and the surgery officially began.

    The air conditioning in the operating room was very cold, yet a thinyer of cold sweat broke out on her

    forehead.

    ¡°Lynn.¡±

    A clean handkerchief lightly brushed across her forehead.

    ¡°Thank you. Hemostat.¡±

    In the next second, the hemostat was handed to her.

    However, the hand holding the hemostat was muchrger than that of an average girl.

    ¡°Lynn went out to make a call.¡±

    Lysander gritted her teeth and took the hemostat without saying anything.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne!¡± Lynn came running back with her phone, her eyes red. ¡°The emergency contact number

    is not Harry¡¯s at all. It¡¯s his mother¡¯s! His mother said..

    ¡°What did she say?¡±

    ¡°She said, if it¡¯s a girl, just let it be. She can¡¯t be bothered to make a trip over. She asked me to sign on

    her behalf.¡±

    Adrian let out a coldugh.

    Lynn bit her lip and continued, ¡°If it¡¯s a boy¡­ she said to keep the child alive if ites to

    sign the consent formter.¡±

    Lysander felt as if there was a ball of fire burning in her chest.

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that she was still in surgery, she would have gone to meet the mother an duo

    and pped them in their faces.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Did you ask her for Harry¡¯s contact number?¡±

    ¡°I did, but she said he has a very important project to work on and can¡¯t spare the time.¡±

    Project?

    It must be Lora, huh?

    Lysander thought for a moment, sighed, and said, ¡°Call Dr. Ziegler. We can¡¯t hide this matter anymore.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡±

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    Adrian said. ¡°Don¡¯t be distracted and focus on the surgery. We¡¯ll talk about the restter.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The surgery took nearly four hours.

    When the final stitches were in ce, Lysander felt a sudden disappearance of the heavy burden on

    her.

    Adrian looked at the monitor, then jotted down a few notes in the record book and said. ¡°Everything¡¯s

    fine. You should get some rest. I¡¯ll have the nurse take Prisci to the recovery room. I¡¯ll be there

    watching, so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

    Lysander nodded and stepped out of the operating room.

    She saw Fred standing outside.

    At that moment, he was just an ordinary father, already with white hair, in a state of panic and

    confusion.

    ¡°Lysander¡­ There was a slight tremble in his voice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Ziegler. The surgery was sessful. Prisci is in the recovery room, and Dr. Sutton.

    is looking after her.¡±

    Fred was stunned for a long time. He slumped down onto the ground, beating his chest forcefully. ¡°It¡¯s

    all my fault, it¡¯s all my fault!¡±

    Lynn hurried to help him up. ¡°Get up first, Dr. Ziegler¡­¡±

    Fred was assisted to a chair by her and a few junior nurses. He was still somewhat in a daze.

    Perhaps he couldn¡¯t understand at all why his lively and adorable daughter would be lying in the

    operating room, covered in blood, only a few months after getting married.

    ¡°Recovery room, yes. I want to see her¡­¡±

    Lysander gave Lynn a meaningful look. Lynn immediately understood and hurriedly stopped him. ¡°Dr.

    Ziegler, you¡¯re not sterilized. You can¡¯t go into the recovery room.¡±

    Fredpletely lost control, tears streaming down his face. ¡°I just want to see her.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.

    ¡°I know, I know, but Dr. Sutton is with her now in the recovery room. There¡¯s no need for you to worry.

    You should rest for a while, have some hot water, and wait for Prisci to wake up before seeing her.

    It¡¯s better for Prisci this way too.¡±

    Lynn had always been a sweet talker. When Fred was at his wits¡¯ end, she convinced him for a while

    and finally managed to calm him down.

    Lysander was also quite tired and went straight back to her own office.

    Bnce:

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251

    Chapter 251 Not That Scary

    Lysander looked at her. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you washed the blood off your hands yet?¡±

    Daphne looked at her hands, somewhat embarrassed. ¡°I was so worried that I couldn¡¯t care about

    everything else. Lysander, yourst miscare already scared me to death. Prisci¡¯s situation this time

    was even more terrifying than yours. You have no idea how scared I was when I got to the hotel and

    saw her lying still on the bed, the sheets drenched bright red from blood. She didn¡¯t react when I called

    her. When I touched her hand, it was as cold as ice! I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Her surgery is over now, she¡¯s no longer in danger.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. That¡¯s good. What about the baby?¡±

    Speaking of the baby, Lysander shook her head.

    Daphne didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°The baby was aborted, right?¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Is it a boy or a girl?¡± Daphne exined, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it. I just want to know the

    expression on Harry¡¯s mother¡¯s face if the child is a boy! Hasn¡¯t she always wanted a great-grandson?

    She drugged her perfectly healthy great-grandson to death! Let¡¯s see if she regrets it!¡±

    A troubled expression crossed Lysander¡¯s face.

    Daphne asked, ¡°Is the baby too small to determine the gender?¡±

    ¡°No, we can determine it.¡±

    ¡°So, is it a boy or a girl?¡±

    Lysander was silent momentarily, crossed the room, shut the door, and locked it.

    Daphne sensed something was off, her expression turned solemn. ¡°What happened? No, wait, you¡¯re a

    gynecologist, is it that hard to determine the baby¡¯s gender?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed difficult for me to determine it because¡­ the baby exhibited characteristics of both

    genders.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What¡­What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m merely specting at this point, but the medicine Harry¡¯s mother fed Prisci contained androgens,

    which affected the growth of the fetus, leading to its unusuallyrge size, and the development of

    certain male traits.¡±

    Daphne loudly cursed, ¡°Are they still even f*cking human? It¡¯s a good thing that the baby wasn¡¯t born.

    Wouldn¡¯t their life be ruined if they were?¡±

    Lysander was also sympathetic and sad for the child.

    Fortunately, Prisci didn¡¯t insist on keeping the child. No one could imagine the kind of life she, a

    1/3

    woman in her twenties, would lead in the future.

    Lysander nced at the clock and noticed it was already half past one in the morning.

    Today sure is thrilling.

    Knock! Knock! Someone knocked on the door.

    Daphne went to open it. ¡°Adrian?¡±

    ¡°Hi.¡± Adrian walked in and informed Lysander,¡±

    is awake, but we have a problem with her care

    tonight. Dr. Ziegler is getting on ige, and Prisci has no older female rtives.¡±

    Daphne immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Tonight is her first night after the surgery, so it¡¯s very crucial. Also, you don¡¯t have any nursing

    experience.¡±

    Daphne said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go look for a professional caregiver.¡±

    Adrian looked at Lysander, seeking her opinion.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°That¡¯s the only option we have left. By the way, Dr. Sutton, has Dr. Ziegler visited

    Prisci yet?¡±

    Adrian nodded. ¡°Prisci is so emaciated from having been through a miscarriage and losing a lot of

    blood, so she looks pale and weak. Dr. Ziegler fainted on the spot. Lynn is monitoring things there

    now.¡±

    No sooner than he finished Lysander¡¯s phone rang again.

    It was a string of numbers.

    Josiah.

    She hesitated briefly before answering the call but didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Josiah called out. ¡°Are you asleep yet?¡±

    ¡°Why are you calling?¡±

    Josiah was silent,

    ¡°If you don¡¯t answer me, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    ¡°I just want to tell you that Harry drugged Lora tonight and took her to a hotel.¡±

    Lysander was shocked. ¡°What?!¡±

    2/3

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My men have already found an opportunity to rescue her. She¡¯s safe now.¡±

    ¡°Please say everything at once next time.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Josiah lightly chuckled before adding, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Lysander had gone through a lot of scares that day and was absolutely exhausted. ¡°Thanks for telling

    me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I just wanted to remind you that Harry might have a hand in how he got Prisci

    pregnant just like what he did with Lora, Zachary and Harry are cut from the same cloth, so you should

    be more careful around him.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I drank too much today and saw you going around as partners with Zachary. When you were in

    danger. I kept on observing Zachary. He just stood there, watching, and didn¡¯t move

    help you. The more I watched, the angrier I got. In the end, I lost my temper and got heavy-handed with

    that man. and to you. I can only say that my emotions have been building up inside me for a while, and

    with alcohol as the catalyst, Ipletely lost control. I¡­ I¡¯m not that scary.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252

    Chapter 252 Saving My Past Self

    Lysander said. ¡°I heard from Miles that everyone addressed you

    school.¡±

    with respect when you were in high

    Josiah fell silent, only his slightly deepened breathing could be heard.

    ¡°Actually, the you today, is the real you, right? Your gentleness, chivalry, and attentiveness are because

    those are what Lysanne likes in a man. That¡¯s why you forced yourself to be what she likes. After

    marrying me, because you regard me as her substitute, you also subconsciously show that side to

    me¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Josiah denied anxiously. ¡°I¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right, Josiah. We¡¯ve agreed that I won¡¯t block you because I want to know Harry¡¯s and Lora¡¯s

    progress. I appreciate your help in this matter, but once it¡¯s over, I still hope we can go our separate

    ways and not have any other interactions.¡±

    Josiah was silent.

    ¡°I¡¯m very tired, so I¡¯ll go rest now.¡±

    With that, Lysander hung up the phone.

    Daphne had a look of disapproval. ¡°How can he still have the nerve to call you? Is his little sweetheart

    not sweet anymore?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want toplicate things, so she got straight to the point. ¡°Josiah told me that Harry

    took Lora to a hotel.¡±

    Daphne immediately understood. ¡°Is he trying to get Lora pregnant now, and then force he him?

    Goodness, could his motive be any more obvious?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°Rtively speaking, you¡¯re still quite lucky. At least he only intended to hu heart, not

    your body.¡±

    ¡°So what? Should I be grateful to him? Harry, that scm, never thought about putting in effort an always

    wanted to take shortcuts! Those toy boys who take shortcuts can at least make older wome happy. On

    the other hand, Harry¡¯s targets are always young, beautiful, and naive women. He want both their

    bodies and money! It¡¯s so disgusting! Lysander, can we report him to the police? Let¡¯s se him behind

    bars!¡±

    Lysander answered, ¡°Under what charges? Rape? Josiah¡¯s men had already rescued Lora. Harry¡¯s

    attempt failed, so even if we call the police, they won¡¯t find any evidence and can¡¯t detain him.¡±

    ¡°D*mn it! Are we just going to let him continue with his crimes? Can I hire some people to deal with

    him?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes darkened slightly. ¡°For now, let¡¯s first ensure Prisci sessfully divorces him, so just

    bear with it for the time being.¡±

    Daphne stomped her foot resentfully. ¡°I¡¯ve put up with him for almost ten years! I can¡¯t wait to skin this

    son of a gun alive!¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    1/2

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253

    Chapter 253 Unworthy Of You

    A miss in a rtionship was as good as a mile.

    Just a few hours ago, she had tacitly agreed to be his plus one, apanying him to the team building

    event of hispany.

    However, when Lysander saw him again a few hourster, she just felt contempt.

    Zachary was still in the same attire, a long light tan coat, a white, high-cor sweater underneath, and a

    grey and white checkered scarf, looking very down-to-earth and gentle.

    It was apletely different image of the man who coldly watched with a glint of greed in his eyes as a

    drunkard harassed her.

    ¡°Zachary,¡± she called out.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Zachary responded, then sighed before removing his scarf, and gently wrapping it around her

    neck. ¡°You¡¯re always selflessly caring for others. You¡¯ve been like that since you were a child. How can

    you dress so lightly in such cold weather?¡±

    The scarf¡¯s quality is good, and the material is also nice. It feels warm and won¡¯t irritate the skin, just

    like the persona he set for himself.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Yet, you specifically went and got a roasted potato?¡±

    Zachary smiled. ¡°I bought it because you like it. Come on, let¡¯s get in the car first. It¡¯s really cold out

    here.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t move. Instead, she just stared at him steadily.

    Zachary touched his face and smiled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is there something on my face?¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander withdrew her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Zachary opened the passenger door for her, and she got in,

    He started the car, leisurely driving toward her house. ¡°It drizzled a bit just now, so it¡¯s slippery.¡±

    ¡°Drive slowly then.¡±

    Zachary grunted in agreement and nced at the roasted potato in her hand. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    Zachary sighed deeply, his voice low. ¡°Were you frightened by what happened today? Lysander, I feel

    guilty that I couldn¡¯t protect you today. Are you angry at me?¡±

    Lysander looked at him. ¡°Should I be?¡±

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    3510+1525

    1 Coms = 1 Pears

    n-bin-ma if ¡ü

    it look like I¡¯m shirking responsibility. Just consider me a coward who can¡¯t even protect my own

    girlfriend. It¡¯s only right that you don¡¯t eat my potato.

    Lysander turned her head to look out the window and snorted.

    ¡°Why are youughing?¡± Zachary¡¯s tone turned gleeful. ¡°Do I sound silly?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s smile grew even wider, but the smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Are you silly? You¡¯re not silly at

    all. You don¡¯t have any connections, yet you managed to get into an architectural designpany on

    your own. You even earned Mr. Reyes¡¯ respect, so how could you be silly?¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°My mom often says I¡¯m a bookworm, only knowing how to bury myself in books,

    and clueless about social norms. As for Mr. Reyes, I guess it might be due to my diligence over the

    past few years. Everyone in state-owned enterprises has some background or connections, but I have

    none, so I end up with all the work. Mr. Reyes probably thinks I¡¯m honest, hardworking, and much more

    useful than those nepotists.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Mr. Reyes has a great eye.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not really about his ability to discern talent. Mr. Reyes, after all, is a leader and a

    businessman. Letting me handle the projects will maximize his benefits.¡±

    Lysander nodded slightly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I don¡¯t me you for what happened today.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zachary looked pleasantly surprised. ¡°That¡¯s great. I thought you would think I¡¯m useless, and

    be disappointed in me. After all, your previous husband was Mr. Guerra, and he was outstanding, so I

    often feel inferior, thinking you¡¯re out of my league.¡±

    ¡°Zachary,¡± Lysander interrupted. ¡°Can I ask you a question?¡±

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254

    Chapter 254 Teach Me

    ¡°Ask away. We¡¯ll spend the rest of our lives together, so whatever you ask, I¡¯ll answer honestly.¡±

    ¡°What is your n for the future?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s expression changed immediately, his gaze began to waver. ¡°What n? I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Lysander suddenlyughed. ¡°I mean your career. You can¡¯t just be an employee that Mr. Reyes only

    uses whenever needed for your whole life, right?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re talking about that?¡± Zachary let out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°What else? What n do you think I was talking about?¡±

    ¡°I thought¡­ Never mind, what I thought didn¡¯t matter. Let me answer your question first.¡± Zachary said

    seriously, ¡°I n to do well on the current project. If Mr. Reyes needs me, he¡¯ll definitely take me to

    future coboration meetings with bigpanies and investors. If possible, I¡¯ll work for arger

    company, where the sry and other benefits are much better.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by argerpany? Does corporates like Guerra Group count?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Guerra Group started in the real estate industry and has partnerships withpanies.

    abroad. Which architectural graduate wouldn¡¯t want to join Guerra Group?¡±

    ¡°What about you, do you want to join it?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Zachary was very cautious. ¡°Lysander, why are you asking me this?¡±

    Lysander withdrew her gaze and said, ¡°Didn¡¯t we fail to buy a housest time? We should have a n

    for the future.¡±N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Zachary said, ¡°You¡¯re right. Buying a house, renovating, a wedding ceremony, and having children co

    money. I have to work even harder and strive toplete a big project so that I can show all the

    bigwigs my ability and switch jobs as soon as possible¡±

    ¡°Zachary, it¡¯s simple if you want to join Guerra Group. I just need to talk to Josiah.¡±

    Zachary was starting to feel nervous, his grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, and Adam¡¯s

    apple bobbed. ¡°That¡¯s fine. You already divorced him, so you don¡¯t need to plead with him for me.¡±

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°True, he¡¯s my ex and you¡¯re my current boyfriend. I¡¯m worried that you might

    feel ufortable if you join the Guerra Group through a favor from my ex-husband.¡±

    Zacharyughed dryly. ¡°Right, I know you¡¯re worried about me.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Apart from changing jobs, do you have any other ns?¡±

    ¡°None for now.¡±

    trou tout indiant eximaen neud aut a windfall en dat nau dan¡¯s hasta en marie for the rest of your

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    Zachary¡¯s face slightly darkened. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t talk about pipe dreams. Even if you win the jackpot,

    it¡¯s only five million and just over three million after taxes. That¡¯s not even enough to buy a house in

    Harborbrook. Moreover, it isn¡¯t easy to win the jackpot.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, children from ordinary families like ours will have to work hard their whole life and contribute to

    society.¡±

    Zachary retorted, ¡°Not necessarily. After marrying Mr. Guerra, you could have stopped working, but

    you¡¯re too independent and strong-willed. Otherwise you could¡¯ve stayed homefortably as a rich

    man¡¯s wife and shopped leisurely. Wouldn¡¯t that be a happy life?¡±

    ¡°What about you? If you can get rich instantly, will you still choose to continue working?¡±

    Zacharyughed heartily. ¡°How to get rich instantly? Can you teach me, Lysander?¡±

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 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255

    Chapter 255 Do You Really Want To Marry Me

    ¡°Getting yourself a rich woman, for example?¡±

    Zachary patted the back of Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Stop thinking foolish things. It¡¯s you that I like. I wouldn¡¯t

    be interested in a rich woman regardless of how much money she has.¡±

    Just then, the sound of a WhatsApp notification pinged.

    It was Laura asking Lysander to give her a call after reading the message.

    ¡°Is it Mrs. Thorne?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s probably worried about you.¡±

    When Lysander called her mother, it only rang once before thetter picked up. ¡°Lysander? Are you

    two on your way back?¡±

    ¡°You two?¡±

    ¡°You and Zach, of course! I heard from Cam that he brought you to hispany¡¯s gathering today. It

    didn¡¯t want to bother you when you youngsters are having fun, but I noticed it¡¯s raining outside and was

    worried you wouldn¡¯t be able to get back safely if you two stayed out toote.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re on the way back already. I¡¯ll be home soon,¡± came Lysander¡¯s reply.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good. By the way, Zach didn¡¯t drink, did he?¡±

    Lysander nced at him. His eyes were clear and bright, and his mind was lucid. There was not the

    slightest sign that he was drunk.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, then. He¡¯s reliable and does everything to a tee. You must learn your lesson well this time.

    Don¡¯t always be too independent. Men like women who are a bit gentle and clingy. Cam told me he

    has been quite tired recently. You should pay him more attention. Don¡¯t let him feel as though he¡¯s the

    only one interested,¡± Laura advised.

    Lysander took a deep breath before replying, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, Mom.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to nag you. That time when you wanted to marry Josiah, I thought that you were

    never one to let others worry, so I didn¡¯t say much. Butter¡­ Lysander, Zach is a good person. He

    has never been married before and is young, capable, and good-looking. Most importantly, he cares

    about you and knows you well. I genuinely think he¡¯s a good match.¡±

    ¡°Mom, what exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just thinking you¡¯re not that young anymore. Aren¡¯t pregnancies for women over thirty

    concidend-hich rick? It¡¯s more tavinur on the body and the recoueru is tougher. If your u

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    and Zach ca

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    else to do, so we could help to look after your kid. Cam feels the same way, too. When she came

    over for dinner today, she even hinted that she wants to settle the marriage arrangements as soon as

    possible.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ve been busy at the hospitaltely and Zachary¡¯spany has also taken on a big project.

    We¡¯ll talk about thister.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t! It¡¯s okay if you guys don¡¯t have time. Your father and I can help you two with the preparations!

    Also, don¡¯t worry about the house. Your father and I have some savings, and you can have it all. Our

    family must also contribute half of the funds to buy a house. That¡¯s our bottom line.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart softened. In a gentle, reassuring tone, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I¡¯ll discuss the

    matter with Zachary, okay?¡±

    ¡°All right. Discuss it among yourselves. If you need anything, just let your father and me know anytime.

    This time, we¡¯ll definitely give you our full support.¡±

    After ending the call, Lysander let out a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Is Mrs. Thorne urging us to get married?¡± asked Zachary.

    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±

    ¡°I guessed as much. My mom has also been nagging me these past few days to the point that I¡¯m

    terrified when I see a call from her.¡±

    She smiled but said nothing.

    He continued, ¡°Actually, our parents are right. They¡¯ll feel at ease the sooner we get married. Here¡¯s

    what I think. Why don¡¯t we get our marriage certificate first, then take our time preparing for the

    wedding?¡±

    Turning around, she looked straight into his eyes. ¡°Zachary, do you really want to marry me?¡±

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 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256

    Chapter 256 I Will Wait For You

    ¡°Of course. Why would you ask such a question?¡± Zachary asked.

    Lysander responded, ¡°Nothing. I was just asking out of curiosity.¡±

    He startedughing. ¡°You¡¯re not having pre-marital jitters, are you? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not like Mr. Guerra.

    I don¡¯t have a first crush, so there won¡¯t be any other women

    ¡°Give me a bit more time.¡±

    ing in between us.¡±

    ¡°How much more time do you

    you need?¡±

    ¡°Are you in that much of a hurry?¡± she asked, raising her eyebrows.

    He gave a sheepish smile. ¡°Look at me acting foolish again. It¡¯s fine. Take your time to think about it. I¡¯ll

    wait for you.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived. Just drop me off here.¡±

    He said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the stairs.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve been performing surgery all afternoon and am feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. I want

    to get some fresh air to clear my head.¡±,

    They were not far from the residential area, only less than one hundred meters away.

    Hence, Zachary pulled over on the side of the road. She opened the door, got out of the car, took her

    bag, and left without a backward nce.

    When Lysander arrived at the hospital the next day, Daphne burst outughing as soon as she saw her

    ¡°Only one night has passed since west saw each other. How is it that the both of us now look like

    pandas?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°We look like pandas with our dark eye circles!¡± Daphne eximed. She had stayed up all night

    watching over Prisci and was, for once, looking exhausted.

    As for Lysander, she had had a sleepless night. It¡¯s my fault for noticing toote. Now, my parents think

    of Zachary. If we suddenly break up, they¡¯ll definitely leave no stone unturned to find out why. Just

    thinking about it is giving me a headache.

    ¡°How¡¯s Prisci?¡±

    ¡°She had a high feverst night. Itsted all night. The doctor on duty prescribed some antipyretics, but

    they didn¡¯t help much. Her temperature only went down slightly. She¡¯s still running a mild fever,¡±

    Daphne answered.

    Lysander flipped through the previous night¡¯s records. ¡°Thirty-seven point eight degrees is still okay.

    noa thathish. Revider cine can¡¯t take ina much suimuratio. Since che tank came within the

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    tonight, I¡¯ll prescribe more medication.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the professional, so I¡¯ll follow your lead,¡± Daphne replied.

    As they were talking, they heard amotioning from outside.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s going on,¡± said Daphne.

    She had just risen to her feet when the office door was kicked open with a bang.

    A burly man covered in tattoos stood in the doorway, and behind him was none other than Harry¡¯s

    mother.

    Upon seeing Lysander, Helen instantly burst into tears and fell to the ground. ¡°My poor daughter-in-w

    and grandson! Life has been so hard for you two! How did you end up with such an hical doctor

    who took my grandson¡¯s life!¡±

    A few nurses outside wanted to go and help her up, but the tattooed man stood at the door like a wall

    and there was no way for them to enter.

    Furious, Daphne pushed back her sleeves and uttered. ¡°That¡¯s not right. You left your daughter-inw

    in the countryside and didn¡¯t care about her. You went off traveling and having fun but suddenly feel.

    sorry for her now? Where were you when she lost so much blood yesterday and almost lost her life?¡±

    ¡°Stop spouting nonsense! How well I treat my daughter-inw is evident to everyone in the vige! I

    prepare various medicinal supplements for her to drink every day. Do you think I went on a vacation? I

    had heard of a skilled traditional medicine practitioner in Acocester who has a folk remedy for prenatal

    care, so I went there to get the folk remedy for Prisci,¡± Helen retorted..

    Suddenly, her gaze shifted, and she jabbed a finger at Lysander. ¡°Who could¡¯ve predicted would¡¯ve

    abducted my daughter-inw in just one day? She even performed an abortion. her! That could¡¯ve

    been the Molsey family¡¯s first grandchild! Dr. Thorne, a fetus is still a li that you¡¯re a gynecologist! What

    you did was downright heartless!¡±

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 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257

    Chapter 257 Not A Grandson

    ¡°You¡¯ve been driving me up the wall for a long time. See if I don¡¯t tear your mouth apart!¡± Daphne rolled

    up her sleeves, ready to lunge forward, but Lysander quickly restrained her.

    Daphne demanded furiously, ¡°Why are you holding me back? I¡¯ve put up with it for nearly ten years-

    and am settling the score today! Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t kill anyone. Just remember to get me out of the

    police station.¡±

    With that, she shook off Lysander and moved to attack.

    Meanwhile, Helen was not the least bit afraid. She plopped down on the ground, sobbing while

    pping the floor. ¡°Why is my life so hard? My grandson is gone, yet you still want others to hit me! Are

    all doctors nowadays so unscrupulous? Are the gods blind?¡±

    Daphne could not bear it anymore. ¡°Lysander, let me go!¡±

    Lysander wrapped her arms around her friend¡¯s waist tightly and shot her a look. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Don¡¯t

    forget that we still have important matters to attend to.¡±

    Seething with rage, Daphne almost ground her teeth to dust. She red at Helen fiercely, then pointed

    at thetter and snapped, ¡°Stop wailing! If you truly care about Prisci, go and see her instead of

    putting on an act here.¡±

    Nheless, Helen was not about to give in. Where¡¯s the hospital¡¯s director? I want to see your

    director! You conducted an abortion for no reason without seeking consent from our family. Are all the

    doctors in your hospital so big-headed?¡±

    ¡°You want to see the director? Do you think you¡¯re worthy? If he were here, you¡¯d be in even m trouble!

    You¡¯ve harmed his daughter to such an extent, yet you still dare toe here and cau scene?¡± Daphne

    sneered.

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I? My eldest grandson is gone! I demand an exnation today!¡±

    Daphne was so livid that she picked up a nearby chain intending to smash it. However, Lysander

    stopped her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an exnation!¡± Just then, Prisci-dressed in a hospital gown-was seen walking over

    slowly and with much difficulty from not far away while supported by Lynn and Fred.

    She was in so much pain that she was sweating profusely. Her face was pale, but her expression was

    cold and stern. Clenching her jaw tightly, she moved in their direction one step at a time.

    Lysander brushed past Helen and hurried over. ¡°Prisci, you can¡¯t be out of bed yet.¡±

    Prisci took her hand and said gently, ¡°You¡¯ve helped me a lot already. This time, I want to personally

    settle things with Harry and his mother.¡±

    Despite that, Lysander was still worried. It hasn¡¯t been twelve hours since the surgery. I¡¯m the one who

    performed the surgery, so I understand her wound¡¯s condition better than anyone else.

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    While Lynn shrank back, Fred piped up. ¡°I¡¯m the one who asked for Lynn¡¯s help. Lysander, Prisci has

    told me everything. I¡¯m grateful to you and your friend for your help. This time, let Prisci handle the

    situation herself.¡±

    Lysander wanted to say something, but she suddenly felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulder.

    She had not noticed that Adrian had been walking behind Fred and Prisci. He nodded at her,

    indicating for her not to worry.

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Prisci struggled to walk up to Helen, then gave a cold chuckle and said, ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    Seeing that, Helen quickly got up, held Prisci¡¯s hand, and uttered in a concerned tone, ¡°Prisci, my

    dear daughter-inw. How you¡¯ve suffered! Ah!¡±

    Prisci did not know where she got the strength from, but she managed to shake off Helen¡¯s hand.

    Thrown off bnce, Helen nearly tumbled to the ground.

    ¡°Listen closely. I wanted to get rid of the child. It had nothing to do with Lysander.¡±

    Helen was taken aback. ¡°Have you lost your mind? That was your flesh and blood! You used to adore

    him so much and couldn¡¯t bear to-

    ¡°That¡¯s true. I loved her very much, but what about you?¡± asked Prisci.

    ¡°I¡­ That was my grandson. I loved him, of course!¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, the baby wasn¡¯t a grandson.¡±

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 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258

    Chapter 258 Ruin His Good Fortune

    Helen shook her head. ¡°Impossible. I had several traditional medicine practitioners take your pulse, and

    I bought you so much medicine. Even if it was a female fetus at the beginning, it must¡¯ve turned into a

    male fetus now! Silly girl, don¡¯t be fooled by others. Quick,e over here-¡±

    ¡°Get lost!¡± Prisci¡¯s eyes were reddened and nearly bulging from her anger. ¡°It¡¯s because you fed me

    some strange medicine that the child in my belly turned into a freak! Yes, she wasn¡¯t a female fetus

    because she had both male and female gender characteristics! She was a real monster!¡±

    That left Helenpletely stunned. ¡°What¡­¡±

    Suddenly, Prisciughed. ¡°Do you want such a ¡®grandson¡¯? Hasn¡¯t your Harry found someone of high

    status? If I were to have his child, would that prominent youngdy still want a divorced man who has a

    child? He might be over the moon that I¡¯ve had an abortion. Be careful of ruining his good fortune if you

    continue to kick up a fuss.¡±

    There was a strange change in Helen¡¯s expression. ¡°Why are you talking about our family matters in

    front of strangers? Come, let¡¯s return to the ward first.

    ¡°Oh, no. Weren¡¯t you just thinking that the gods are blind? How about this? We get Harry toe here

    and let him speak for himself.¡±

    All of a sudden, Helen¡¯s bravado subsided, and she asked somewhat incredulously, ¡°Did you just say

    that Harry¡­ has found someone of high status again?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Didn¡¯t he tell you? The heiress of a listedpany took over thepany as soon

    as she returned to the country. That¡¯s much better than this shabby public hospital.¡±

    Helen¡¯s expression shifted ever so slightly.

    It seemed as though she wanted to smile but was desperately trying to hold it back, wanti continue

    disying the pained expression of one who had just lost a grandchild. However no suppressing the

    upward turn at the corners of her mouth. As a result, she looked excepti peculiar.

    Prisci took a deep breath before continuing, ¡°I signed the consent form for the abortion surg child

    was mine, and it was my own decision to terminate the pregnancy. It had nothing to do w anyone else.

    If you want to continue making a fuss, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll call Harry right now.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Helen immediately put on a smile. ¡°Harry has been swamped with worktely, so let¡¯s

    bother him.¡±

    ¡°In that case, please go back and tell him that I want a divorce,¡± Prisci responded, ncing at her

    with disdain.

    As a direct party involved in the situation, Prisci spoke very clearly. Many people heard and

    witnessed the incident. Not wanting to continue arguing, Helen left hurriedly.

    Adrian asked two nurses to bring a stretcher bed over Having just gotten into an argument and used up

    a lot of energy. Prisci could barely stand and had to be wheeled back to her room.

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    Nheless, she remained in good spirits. ¡°It hurts, but I feel much more at ease. D: Sutton, could you

    give me more anesthesia?¡±

    He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, then said softly: ¡°You can¡¯t just use anesthesia

    recklessly. Get Lysander to prescribe you some painkillers instead.¡±

    However, Lysander was upset and replied, ¡°I won¡¯t do so. Endure the pain and let it serve as a lesson.

    Is there no other time to vent your frustrations? Must you insist on getting out of bed the day after

    surgery?¡±

    Prisci tugged at her sleeve in a coaxing manner. ¡°I know I was wrong¡­

    Fred, who had been standing quietly to one side, rubbed his face with his hand. ¡°Lysander, Adrian, you

    twoe with me.¡±

    Lysander exchanged nces with Adrian, then nodded.

    She instructed Lynn to check on the condition of Prisci¡¯s wound before following Adrian out.

    Fred led the pair straight to his office.

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler.¡±

    Turning around, Fred said, ¡°Lysander, you shouldn¡¯t have kept what happened with Prisci from me.¡±.

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 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259

    Chapter 259 Repaying Favors Is Always The Hardest

    Lysander was aware. Sighing softly, she said, ¡°Prisci was afraid that you¡¯d be heartbroken to see her

    in her current state, so I agreed to help her keep it a secret.¡±

    Fred closed his eyes, choking back his pain. ¡°How can my sorrowpare to my own daughter being

    tortured like this? If I had known Harry was such a scumbag, I would never have agreed to them being

    together.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler, there¡¯s no use regretting now. The baby has been aborted now, and Prisci is doing quite

    well. As long as she¡¯s away from the Molseys, she will gradually get better,¡± Adrianforted him.

    Fred sighed deeply as he said, ¡°We owe you both so much. Lysander, I¡¯ve thought it over. You¡¯ve

    already reached the pinnacle in our hospital. There¡¯s no more room for growth here. So, I¡¯ve swallowed

    my pride and secured an overseas cement for you. You missed thest opportunity, didn¡¯t you? This

    is a great chance for you to advance your skills abroad and not let your talent go to waste.¡±

    Fred handed Lysander an application form and said, Fill this out and give it back to me by the end of

    the month. Also, Adrian, I¡¯m aware of your family situation. I shouldn¡¯t need to stick my neck out for

    but I promise to support you unconditionally if you decide to go abroad with Lysander.¡±

    you.

    Upon hearing this, Adrian turned to nce at Lysander. Then, he replied solemnly, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t

    mind either way. Whether here or abroad, my job is to treat and save people.¡±

    ¡°All right, take your time and let me know when you¡¯ve decided,¡± Fred said.

    As they left Fred¡¯s office, Adrian asked Lysander, ¡°Are you nning to go abroad?¡±

    Lysander pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°I need to think it over.¡±

    ¡°Are you hesitating because of Josiah?¡± Adrian asked.

    Lysander frowned slightly. ¡°What does this have to do with him?¡±

    ¡°Is it Zachary, then?¡± Fred asked again.

    Lysander replied, ¡°It has nothing to do with anyone else. I just can¡¯t stop worrying about my They are

    getting older, but my sister just started university. I¡¯m afraid that if I leave, there wil one to look after

    them¡­¡±

    ¡°I can help you with that,¡± Adrian offered.

    Lysander was taken aback.

    Adrian quickly rified, ¡°I mean, I can help you find a housekeeper or a part-timer. You know, my family

    has some influence in Harborbrook. I won¡¯t let your parents struggle.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Adrian continued, ¡°I have no other intentions. I just want to help.¡±

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    owe you one.¡±

    Lysander began, ¡°Actually, I¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on Prisci. I¡¯ll go ahead first,¡± Adrian interjected.

    Fortunately, Prisci¡¯s wound hadn¡¯t reopened. It just bled a little.

    Lynn had already ced a new dressing on Prisci¡¯s wound. Now that Prisci was resting on the

    hospital bed, Daphne was peeling a banana for her.

    ¡°I heard from Lysander that bananas are rich in potassium, which can help you restore physical

    strength quickly. You should eat a bit at least,¡± Daphne said.

    ¡°Thank you, Daphne,¡± Lynn replied.

    Daphne¡¯smiled cheerfully, content to help Lynn peel bananas.

    Seeing Lysander return, Daphne winked yfully, ¡°Did Dr. Ziegler give you a bonus or something?¡±

    Noticing the sisterly atmosphere between them, Lysander pulled up a chair and sat down. ¡°I suppose

    so,¡± she replied.

    ¡°Well, I guess you¡¯ll have to treat us then.¡±

    ¡°Sure, what do you want to eat?¡±

    ¡°Let me think about it. I¡¯ll let you know when I figure it out.¡±

    ¡°Take your time. I¡¯m going to rest for a while,¡± Lysander said.

    She had been busy all morning and hadn¡¯t checked her phone.

    There was a missed call from her sister, Michelle.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Lysander¡¯s family knew how demanding her job was. If she didn¡¯t answer, it meant she was busy.

    Michelle left a message for her.

    Lysander, Mdm. Cam brought a lot of tobo, alcohol, and health supplements today. I don¡¯t

    recognize the tobo brands, but there¡¯s a whole box of Macan alcohol Mom and Dad epted

    everything! Does this mean they¡¯re officially proposing?

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 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260

    Chapter 260 Same Spot As Usual

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but frown.

    Zachary was fast.

    It seemed like it was time toe clean.

    There was also a friend request from a stranger, whose profile picture was a white cloud.

    Since she had seen the picture for three years, she couldn¡¯t be more familiar with it.

    The stranger left a message along with the friend request. There has been an issue with Harry and

    Lora. Let¡¯s discuss in detail.

    Lysander approved the request.

    Almost immediately, Josiah¡¯s text came through. Did you and Zachary break up? Or did he sense

    something?

    Lysander texted back: Is this rted to Harry?

    Josiah: Yes. Harry has suddenly be less enthusiastic toward Lora. Even when Lora takes the

    initiative to make ns with him, he keeps making excuses to avoid her. My people have been

    monitoring his movements. This morning, he met with Zachary

    Lysander wasn¡¯t entirely sure what Zachary was thinking at that moment.

    The dinnerst night had left everyone exhausted.

    Instead ofing forward to defend her, Zachary chose to remain on the sidelines, which was

    completely contrary to his constant ims of him liking her.

    Even though he came up with ame excuse iming that the waiter blocked his way, with his

    intelligence, he probably knew he couldn¡¯t fool Lysander.

    Moreover, Zachary should have realized something after their conversation in the carst night.

    But then he had Cam bring over tobo, alcohol, and health supplements as betrothal gifts.

    Lysander really couldn¡¯t figure out what he was trying to do.

    Was he nning to use her as a bargaining chip to negotiate with Josiah?

    But she had obviously grown cold toward him, and judging from thest night, he wasn¡¯t oblivious to

    it

    So where did Zachary get his confidence that Lysander would still marry him and let him use her to

    negotiate terms with Josiah?

    Josiah wasn¡¯t stupid either.

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    il ta maka skin dal

    Josiah: Are you

    free after work? Let¡¯s talk in detail.

    Lysander refused. We can discuss this on WhatsApp.

    Josiah: It¡¯s hard to exin everything here.

    Lysander: If you can¡¯t exin things clearly, it¡¯s your problem. You can have Ms. Collins talk to me

    instead since she¡¯s much better at expressing things.

    After sending the message, Lysander suddenly felt that she might have gone a bit too far.

    After all, she was the one asking for Josiah¡¯s help. If he decided not to help, Prisci might not be able

    to get divorced.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Frowning in frustration, Lysander sent another message. How about I go talk to Zachary and see what I

    can find out?

    Josiah: Don¡¯t go. You¡¯re no match for him.

    A momentter, he sent another text.

    Zachary is not as innocent and harmless as he seems. He¡¯s very ambitious and ruthless. If he truly

    gets into Guerra Group, he might actually be someone significant in the future given the tform

    and opportunities.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but reply: Why does it seem like you quite admire him?

    Josiah did not dwell on the question. I¡¯ll pick you up after work today. Some things are better discussed

    in

    person.

    Just as they were texting, another message popped up on her phone.

    JaneLysanne: Dr. Thorne, are you free tonight? My parents would like to meet you, and they want to a

    casual meal. Is that okay?

    Lysander directly took a screenshot and sent it to Josiah.,

    Lysander: Your Lysanne wants to see me too.

    Suddenly, Josiah called.

    ¡°Come downstairs now,¡± he ordered.

    ¡°What are you doing? I have to work this afternoon!¡± Lysander protested.

    Then I¡¯lle up to you,¡± Josiah responded.

    Lysander stood up in shock. ¡°Where are you now?¡±

    vite you

    ¡°I am in the parking lot at your hospital. Come down to the same spot as usual, the one under the

    streemp,¡± Josiah said.

 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261

    Chapter 261 Lost Reproductive Ability

    When Lysander hung up the phone, she was filled with anger.

    Daphne asked her, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? We¡¯ve won aplete victory this time. I¡¯m not angry anymore,

    so howe you¡¯re angry again?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to exin. She muttered that she was going out to get some food and then

    quickly took the elevator downstairs.

    As soon as she stepped out, she saw Josiah indeed standing at the old spot where he used to pick her

    up from work.

    Beside him was his Rolls-Royce Cullinan, as usual.

    She lowered her head, walking briskly past.

    Josiah helped her open the car door, indicating her to get in.

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Just say it here. Hurry up.

    Josiah lightly chuckled. ¡°Did I really scare youst time?¡±

    Lysander looked around.

    Many people in the hospital were aware of her rtionship with Josiah.

    Lysander caused amotion at the hospital entrance, and basically, everyone at the hospital knew

    about it.

    Now, if acquaintances saw her talking with Josiah here again, who knew what stories others would

    concoct about them?

    She slightly lowered her head, impatiently saying, ¡°Can we hurry up and talk about the main issue?¡°

    ¡°It¡¯s a bitplicated. It can¡¯t be exined in just one or two sentences.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s cut to the chase.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not good with words. I can¡¯t make it short.¡±

    Lysander lifted her head to look at him, feeling both angry and anxious. ¡°You¡¯ve really changed a lot

    recently.¡±

    Before, he would never bicker back and forth with her like this.

    asionally, when she was temperamental, her speech tended to be rushed. He, on the other hand,

    was always the emotionally stable one, never anxious or impatient, always calm andposed, unlike

    now.

    They were hot arguing, per se. However, he was p*ssing her off quite a bit.

    1/3

    Lysander asked, ¡°Don¡¯t bother yourself bying all the way here if you Ms. Collins pass on the

    message to me.¡±

    can¡¯t talk properly. Just have

    ¡°Ms. Collins is busy.¡±

    ¡°You are the CEO. She is the secretary. Are you telling me she is busier than you?¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow, casually saying, ¡°I was a bit heavy-handed that day. It was somewhat.

    troublesome.¡±

    Lysander knew he was talking about that drunkard.

    ¡°Anyway, you have money. Doesn¡¯t it make more sense to justpensate? What¡¯s the trouble?¡±

    ¡°I heard¡­ there are some sequ.¡±

    ¡°What sequ?¡±

    ¡°It seems like¡­¡± He leaned slightly closer to her ear, his voice ambiguous. ¡°He¡¯s lost his reproductive

    ability.¡±

    It took Lysander several seconds to understand what he meant.

    She pushed him away in shock. ¡°He¡¯s just trying to deceive you. At most, a bottle thrown at him would.

    cause a mild concussion. What does it have to do with the lower half of his body?¡±

    Josiahughed. ¡°Yes, I also feel there¡¯s something amiss. But the other party refuses to let go. Ms.

    Collins can only y along. Let¡¯s see how the subsequentpensation discussions go.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne¡¯s cousin hit and killed that traffic cop. How you guys discussed it then, discuss it the same

    now.¡±

    Josiah suddenly had a glint in his eyes. ¡°Every time we talk, you always mention Lysanne¡­ Do you ca

    about her so much?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Lysander became impatient. ¡°Josiah, aren¡¯t you annoying? You made mee all this way, just to hear

    you say these pointless things? Are you going to speak or not? If not, I¡¯m leaving

    She turned around and was about to leave, when her wrist was suddenly grabbed.

    ¡°I speak,¡± Josiah said gently, pulling her back with ease. He opened the car door again. ¡°In the car,¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t get inside your car.¡±

    ¡°Not the back seat. You¡¯re getting int

    the passenger seat.¡±

    Lysander shook her head.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    2/3

    Lysander looked to his side and, sure enough, she saw two familiar-looking marker

    The parking lot was right in front of the hospital building. They both had two cups oftte in their hands,

    looking Lysander and Josiah¡¯s way.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262

    Chapter 262 Scratch My Back

    Lysander immediately climbed into the car.

    Josiah watched her swift movements, unable to hold back augh.

    There was a subtle citrus scent in his car.-

    Looking through the car window, watching the two young nurses gradually walk away, Lysander finally

    felt relieved.

    Watching the chief culprit leisurely open the door of the driver¡¯s cabin, and then calmly sit down,

    Lysander was seething with anger inside.

    He did it on purpose.

    Josiah got into the car and noticed Lysander¡¯s furious gaze. Nonchntly, he handed her something.

    Lysander didn¡¯t ept it. ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°I learned how to make it.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Roasted potatoes.¡± Josiah said, ¡°As for Zachary¡¯s character, let¡¯s not discuss it for now. But what is

    his. purpose? Is he really sincere?¡±

    Lysander turned her face away. ¡°I¡¯m not eating this.¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you quite happy when Zachary gave it to you? What, does the taste of the potato differ when

    it¡¯s gifted to you by a different person?¡±

    Lysander closed her eyes helplessly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so sarcastic. I misjudged Zachary, but even

    without your reminder, I had noticed something was off. I would have broken up

    with him sooner orter anyway.¡±

    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been there that day at the dinner, you would have been taken advantage by the drunkard.¡±

    Lysander immediately retorted, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t been there that day at the dinner, Zachary wouldn¡¯t have

    taken me at all, and I wouldn¡¯t have encountered any danger.¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah squinted slightly, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s true, He knows I can¡¯t let you go, testing again and again.

    If it weren¡¯t for me, he wouldn¡¯t approach you.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I would like to ask Mr. Guerra to show mercy and spare mne.¡±

    Josiah started the car. ¡°I let it go once, but it felt awful I regret it, so I won¡¯t let you go again in the

    future.¡±

    Stepping on the gas, the car smoothly pulled out of the parking lot and slipped into the traffic flow.

    Lysander immediately obiected. ¡°I have to work this afternoon! Where are vou taking me?¡±

    1/3

    ¡°Do you not want to help Prisci get a divorce?¡±

    ¡°Of course I want to.¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯ve got to know the other part as well as you know yourself. I wonder what kind of hint Harry

    has received from Zachary that he suddenly became cold toward Lora. Don¡¯t you want to know the

    reason anymore?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you just tell me if you found out?¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Josiah said. ¡°I can help you, but I scratch your back, you have to scratch mine too.¡±

    Lysander became nervous immediately, her body involuntarily leaning backward.

    Josiah looked amused. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I don¡¯t mean that literally.¡±

    ¡°So what do you mean?¡±

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face faded slightly, helpless and frustrated. ¡°I just wanted to talk to you more.¡±

    Since the divorce, Lysander has always tried to avoid Josiah as much as possible.

    Michelle encountered a problem as the college entrance examination was approaching. On one hand,

    Lysander wanted to go home to help Michelle ovee the difficulty. On the other hand, she also

    wanted to avoid him.

    Time was the best medicine.

    Daphne took ten years to get over that emotional ordeal, and she was now happily carefree, living life

    to the fullest.

    Moreover, what she experienced couldn¡¯t even considered heartbreak.

    At most, it was just a small bump in the road of life, one that could be ovee before long.

    Sometimes, Lysander would entertain the thought that if Zachary were a reliable man, she would have

    gritted her teeth and married him.

    With legal protection in ce, no matter how capable Josiah was, he couldn¡¯t stir up any

    anymore.

    Josiah couldn¡¯t possibly try to forcefully take a married woman.

    trouble

    After all, he would have to convince the shareholders of Guerra Group of the plummeting share prices

    should the news get out.

    What a pity.

    Zachary was also a second Harry, and moreover, he hid his true nature more cleverly than Harry.

    The intentions and ambitions of Harry were tantly written all over his face, but Zachary initially did

    not reveal any ws at all. He meticulously built up his ¡°boy-next-door¡± good image,

    even winning

 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263

    Chapter 263 His True Face

    ¡°The journey to buy you roasted potatoes is indeed a bit far, but it¡¯s not considered aimless wandering-

    If you like, I can set up a stall for the seller near the hospital.¡±

    ¡°What is this? Are you throwing money at me?¡±

    ¡°Can money sway you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not.¡±

    Josiah shrugged. ¡°I guess so. You¡¯re too rational and too clear-headed. Money can¡¯t sway you, so

    sincerity is the only way.¡±

    He said, ¡°Actually, the appearance of Zachary is not entirely bad, for he has allowed me to understand

    more about you.¡±

    #

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°If I had been truly rational and clear-headed, I should have demanded at

    large sum from you during our divorce. Back then, you were so eager to be with Lysanne, I bet you

    would have been willing to give me whatever I asked for.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne again? And you said you didn¡¯t care?¡±

    ¡°She almost ruined my job, so I hate her. Is there a problem?¡±

    Josiah obediently nodded. ¡°No problem.¡±

    While we were talking, the car had already gone far.

    Lysander also knew that it was probably not very likely for him to turn back now.

    The current Josiah was not the easy-going Josiah from before. He was more shrewd than ever-

    speaking and arguing, proficient in all aspects.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite eloquent.¡± Lysander sincerely said, ¡°I really didn¡¯t see it before.¡±

    Josiahughed. ¡°You¡¯re not bad either.¡±

    ¡°Where exactly are we going?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been working too hard these past few days. Close your eyes and take a nap. I¡¯ll call you when

    it¡¯s

    time.¡±

    ¡°Is it far?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit far.¡±

    Lysander picked up the phone and unlocked her phone.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you applying for a leave?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m calling the police to arrest vou.¡±

    1/3

    Josiahughed heartily. ¡°Lysander, I suddenly feel like we¡¯ve had a sham marriage.¡±

    Lysander actually felt the same.

    In that marriage, he was gentle and gentlemanly. She was also calm and elegant. Even if they

    divorced, they did it with dignity and respect.

    But the events that had urred in the past two days had led them to have a subversive understanding

    of each other.

    Whether it was the wine bottle that Josiah smashed on the drunkard¡¯s head or her sharp retorts that

    never lost ground, in the end, it¡¯s more urate to say that they were simply ¡°not familiar with each.

    other before.

    It was Elisa who stubbornly made things difficult. It was Josiah wanting to find a substitute, and it was

    also Lysander being indoctrinated by traditional thinking, believing that one should get married and

    have children when they reached a certain age.

    Rather than calling it marriage, it actually felt more like the house-ying game one used to y as a

    kid.

    Josiah said, ¡°Shall we get to know each other again?¡±

    Lysander was toozy to talk. She called the hospital to take a leave.

    She gave the reason for being too tired.

    Upon hearing this, Fred felt very guilty. ¡°The recent matter with Prisci has caused you a lot of worry.

    You should go back and have a good sleep. This afternoon, I will have Dr. Latour cover for you in the

    obstetrics and gynecology department.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Ziegler.¡±

    ¡°No need for formalities. It¡¯s only right. By the way, make sure to fill out that expatriate application form

    as soon as possible. Don¡¯t forget.¡±

    ¡°Um, okay.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander closed her eyes and pretended to sleep in her seat.

    Josiah seemed to have overheard her conversation. ¡°Are you going abroad?¡±

    She didn¡¯t move and merely hummed in response.

    ¡°Which country to go to? When will you leave? How long for?¡±

    ¡°Are you doing a census survey? Does this have anything to do with you?¡±

    Josiah did not get mad. Instead, he said, ¡°Lysander, I suddenly feel that the way we are now is quite

    good.¡±

    ¡°Do you like being scolded?¡±

    2/3

    ¡°We confront each other in our true selves. If you are dissatisfied with me, ust let out directly.. criticize

    me, scold me. It¡¯s much better than the previous pretense of politeness, yet impervious to

    reason.¡±

    Lysander kept her eyes closed. ¡°That¡¯s quite grand.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°I have a way with words.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264

    Chapter 264 Changing The Bargaining Chip

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Josiah finally took her to a mall.

    He parked his car at the parking lot.

    ¡°Are we going to wait for Harry here?¡±

    ¡°Um,¡± Josiah said, ¡°I had Lora arrange for him to meet here.¡±

    Lysander slightly frowned. ¡°Lora took the initiative to ask him out? Isn¡¯t that too eager?¡±

    Josiah tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. ¡°Lora told me that Harry has noticed something. Last

    time, when he drugged her and took her to the hotel, I arranged for the hotel waiter to knock on the

    door at that time, saying that there was a problem with the identity registration, and he needed to go to

    the front desk to re-check in, which interrupted him. After he left, my people took the opportunity to take

    Lora out. The timing of the waiter¡¯s arrival was indeed a bit coincidental, so I don¡¯t me him for

    suspecting.¡±

    ¡°So, are you nning¡­ to give him another chance today?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°What are you thinking? This is a mall, not a hotel.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I am a medical student, I only know how to treat diseases and save people.

    I can¡¯t make heads and tails of you business people.¡±

    Josiah suddenly pushed the car door open and got out of the car.

    Following that, the car door on her side was also opened.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡±

    ¡°Did Lora send a message?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lysander got out of the car, followed Josiah into the mall, and took the elevator straight to the cinema

    on the top floor.

    ¡°A romance movie or a horror movie, which one do you want to watch?¡±

    Lysander frowned, looking at him.

    Josiah remained unmoved, took out his wallet, and said to the staff, ¡°Two tickets for The Fright,st

    row. Seats by the side, please. Thank you.¡±

    The staff member nced at him, then at Lysander, understanding instantly. ¡°Okay, your tickets are

    ready. Here you go. Sir, would you like any popcorn or coke? Our popcorn is sugar-free, so it won¡¯t

    make ady gain weight.¡±

    1/3

    Josiah cocked his head to one side and asked, ¡°Do you want it?¡±

    Before Lysander could speak, Josiah said to the staff, ¡°Onerge popcorn and two cokes. Thank you¡±

    ¡°Sure, please wait a moment.¡±

    The waiter took the money and cheerfully went to prepare the order.

    Lysander lowered her voice, coldly saying. ¡°This is pretty interesting, huh?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Lysander turned around and left.

    This time, Josiah did not grab her wrist. Instead, his arm directly hooked around her waist and pulled

    her back, embracing her into his arms.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t hold it back any longer. ¡°Josiah, are you out of your mind?¡±

    ¡°Shh,¡± he whispered in her ear. ¡°Harry is watching us.¡±

    Lysander stepped angrily on his foot. ¡°Still trying to deceive me?¡±

    Josiah winced in pain, gasping, but the arm wrapped around her waist tightened even more. ¡°I didn¡¯t lie

    to you, look at your two o¡¯clock direction.

    Lysander turned around to look, and her pupils instantly shrank.

    Who was the person sitting in the waiting area, if not Harry?

    ¡°Stop looking,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Don¡¯t let him realize we¡¯ve seen him.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s body stiffened. ¡°What is Harry doing?¡±

    ¡°Zachary might have warned him, and he discovered the person I sent to keep an eye on him.¡±

    Lysander suddenly became anxious. ¡°What do we do now? Have all our efforts been in vain?¡±

    ¡°Exchange.¡±

    ¡°How to exchange? Who to exchange with? Harry?¡±

    Josiahughed coldly. ¡°No, Zachary.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t understand. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Zachary should also understand now that you¡¯ve discovered his purpose, exploiting you to gain

    benefits from me, this path has already failed, so he has changed and given me a new bargaining

    chip.¡±

    Lysander was taken aback for a moment, then suddenly realized. ¡°The bargaining chip is¡­ Harry?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah said, ¡°For one¡¯s own interests, sacrificing one¡¯s own friend. Heartless and ruthless, yet

    2/3

    from a better background, he might really be someone.¡±

 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265

    Chapter 265 What Does He Want

    The title of this movie was ¡°The Fright.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Josiah had intentionally chosen a seat in the far back corner, perfect for observing the rest of the

    theater.

    However, the downside was that from such a high vantage point, anyone turning around could easily

    see them.

    Josiah was like a wall, squeezing Lysander into the edge, pinning him between him and the wall.

    On the screen, an exploration team entered an abandoned, supposedly haunted hospital. The eerie,

    dark scenes and haunting music made Lysander extremely ufortable.

    Suddenly, everything went dark.

    Lysander could smell the lingering citrus scent on Josiah.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Before Josiah could answer, they heard several girls in front screaming in fright.

    Some children even cried out loud.

    A few secondster, Josiah let go. ¡°That scene

    s a bit scary¡±

    Lysander nced at him, only to see him sitting extremelyfortably with his legs crossed. He held a

    large bucket of popcorn, watching with great interest.

    ¡°Josiah, you dragged me out in the middle of the day just to watch a movie?¡±

    Josiah finally looked over, offering the popcorn. ¡°Want some?¡±

    Annoyed, Lysander refused. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Go on, they say it won¡¯t make you fat.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s face showed clear displeasure. Josiah chuckled softly, cing the popcorn on the empty

    seat beside him. He lowered his voice. ¡°You still don¡¯t understand what Zachary is up L

    lo.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Originally, Harry and Lora were making good progress. But with his sudden

    appearance, Harry grew suspicious. This is nothing more than him flexing his influence over you. He

    has the ability to sway Harry and potentially derail our ns.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Josiah said. ¡°And then?¡±

    ¡°If we want Prisci and Harry to divorce smoothly and protect their assets, we need to negotiate with

    him. Offer him what he wants in exchange, and he will stop interfering, allowing our n to proceed

    smoothly.¡±

    fosial nodded slightly. ¡°Have you considered what Zachary really wants? A man who calctes

    1/2

    everything to this extent. What could his goal be?¡±

    This question genuinely stumped her.

    Zachary was working at the architectural designpany, and Maxim seemed to support him

    significantly. Important projects, such as those coborating with Guerra Group, were handed to him.

    His prospects were quite good.

    Moving to a majorpany would be advantageous if he were to make a name for himself with-

    projects involving Guerra Group.

    What exactly does he want?

    ¡°I asked him about his thoughts on getting rich overnight, but he didn¡¯t seem very interested.¡±

    Josiah chuckled as if everything was within his grasp. I¡¯ve seen people like Zachary before. Like you,

    throwing money at him won¡¯t work. He¡¯s not a short-sighted nouveau riche.¡±

    ¡°Then what does he want?¡±

    ¡°He wants to make a name for himself, to prove his capabilities are far superior to those rich second-

    generation heirs. He wants those who looked down on him due to his background to grovel before

    him.¡±

    Lysander still didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°He¡¯s always been a top student and has a decent job. No one

    looks down on him.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you don¡¯t get it. In state-owned enterprises, the seniority-based system can crush one

    ambition.¡±

    Lysander shook his head. ¡°So what do we do now? Call him and arrange a meeting toe clean?¡¯

    ¡°No rush. Whoever calls first is in a passive position. Let¡¯s wait for him toe to us.¡±

    Lysander looked carefully at the front row of the cinema again.

    Harry hadn¡¯te in earlier, so he wasn¡¯t there.

    Is Zachary here?

    ¡°He is also not here.¡±

    ¡°So what are we doing now?¡±

 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266

    Chapter 266 Do Not Say That

    ¡°Watching a movie,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Instead of waiting around doing nothing, we might as well watch a

    movie. We¡¯ve been married for over three years, and we haven¡¯t watched a movie together, have we?¡±

    Lysander was speechless. She stared straight at the screen, ignoring him.

    Josiah offered her a coke. ¡°Want some?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother me. If we¡¯re watching a movie, let¡¯s focus on it.

    ¡°It¡¯s a horror movie. Aren¡¯t you scared?¡±

    Lysander tilted her head at him. ¡°Do you think I perform surgeries just for show? The blood is red

    syrup, and the flesh is just pork from the market?¡±

    Josiah suddenly nodded. ¡°Got it.¡±

    The movie soon came to an end.

    When the movie ended, the girls¡¯ faces were pale, and the boys took the opportunity tofort their

    girlfriends with hugs and hand-holding. Couples were scattered throughout the aisle.

    Lysander was calm, even holding arge bucket of uneaten popcorn. ¡°Michelle likes this. It would be a

    waste to throw it away, so I¡¯ll take it back for her

    She went to the counter and asked for a stic bag to pack the popcorn.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze was filled with curiosity and regret as he looked at her.

    Lysander walked back with the bag. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°I feel like I still don¡¯t know enough about you.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Likewise.¡±

    As they left the cinema, Lysander nced back in the direction they came from, but there was no sign.

    of Harry.

    Had he already left, or had he gone to meet Zachary?

    They exited the mall and got into the car when Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

    The caller ID showed someone¡¯s name.

    Josiah¡¯s eyes narrowed with displeasure. ¡°After this matter is settled, block him.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°My parents are on good terms with his mother. Even if we know what¡¯s going

    privately, it wouldn¡¯t look good in front of the elders

    Bnce:

    3510

    1217

    1 Coins= 1 Pearls

    After a pause, he added. ¡°Add hisst name.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Lysander looked at the screen, where ¡°Zachary-bro¡± was shing, and answered the call.

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Zachary¡¯s voice was as gentle and clear as always. ¡°How was the movie?¡±

    Even though she knew he wasn¡¯t as innocent as he seemed, hearing Zachary¡¯s candidness for the first

    time still sent a chill down Lysander¡¯s spine.

    ¡°It was okay,¡± she said.

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°I originally nned to take you to see a movie too, but you¡¯re too sharp and caught

    on too quickly. It¡¯s a real pity¡­¡±

    The phone was suddenly taken from her hand,

    Josiah frowned slightly. ¡°Time and ce. Skip the nonsense.¡±

    Zachary¡¯sugh echoed through the phone.

    ¡°What¡¯s the rush, Josiah? All I¡¯ve done with Lysander these past few days is put an arm around her

    shoulder. No need to be so hostile.¡±

    ¡°If you had tried anything else, you wouldn¡¯t be here talking so calmly now.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice carried a hint of menace, making it clear he wasn¡¯t joking.

    ¡°How about we meet at the coffee shop next to the hotel where Lysander arranged for Prisci?

    Weryluv Caf¨¦, which is just downstairs. Sound good?¡±

    Josiah nced at his watch. ¡°Twenty minutes.¡±

    ¡°Okay, see you soon.¡±

    Twenty minutester, Josiah parked the car in front of the caf¨¦.

    Zachary was sitting by the window, waving at them.

    Josiah led Lysander inside. Zachary called a waiter over. He ordered politely, ¡°An iced ck coffee for

    the gentleman, and a warm milk for the Jady.¡±

    The waiter nodded. ¡°Sure, please wait a moment.¡±

    Zachary smiled slightly. ¡°If I remember correctly, Josiah, you prefer ck coffee, right?¡±

    Josiah was unfazed, pulling out a chair for Lysander and helping her sit before sitting down beside her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, so any kind is fine. I actually prefer teaf

    Zachary raised an eyebrow, chuckling. ¡°Oh, it seems it¡¯s Ms. Lysanne who likes coffee, and you

    adopted her preference.¡±

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 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267

    Chapter 267 She Is On Her Period Today

    ¡°Hey, Josiah, don¡¯t be angry. Can¡¯t I state the facts?¡± Zachary said. ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s all in the past. Now,

    our Lysander is the one you hold dear.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone remained icy. ¡°Didn¡¯t bring roasted potatoes to continue pleasing her today?¡±

    ¡°First, I¡¯m afraid of getting hit, and second,¡± Zachary chuckled, ¡°I got Lysander some warm milk. She¡¯s

    on her period today, and something warm would make her feel better.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Lysander.

    Lysander¡¯splexion didn¡¯t look too good.

    She was indeed on her period.

    But how did Zachary know?

    Josiah raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re in a bad mood today.¡±

    ¡°I was dragged out of work to watch a weird movie out of the blue. It¡¯d be a surprise if I weren¡¯t in a bad

    mood.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll have Ms. Collins check the movie reviews first. We¡¯ll only go

    go to the ones

    with good reviews.¡±

    With Zachary present, Lysander didn¡¯t want to argue with Josiah anymore, so she stayed silent.

    The waiter soon brought the coffee and warm milk.

    Lysander sipped her milk quietly. This negotiation was primarily between these two men, and she had

    little to do with it.

    Zachary¡¯s condition came quickly. ¡°I want Guerra Group¡¯s project management rights for the next three

    years.¡±

    Josiah took a sip of his coffee, seeming to find it bitter and took the warm milk directly from her to drink.

    The milk was sweet and fragrant with added sugar, and his brow rxed slightly. ¡°You have quite an

    appetite. Guerra Group handles dozens, even hundreds of projects each year. With the funds over ten

    digits, you¡¯re asking me to bet my fortune against yours.¡±

    I originally nned for five years,¡± Zachary said. ¡°If Lysander and I get married and buy a house.

    together, even if you wanted us to divorce, it wouldn¡¯t be a matter of five years. It could be eight or ten

    years, right?¡±

    ¡°I like Lysander, but I¡¯m not a fool,¡± Joy

    said.

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°If you really want to bet the project management rights of Guerra Group for ten years against me, it

    1/2

    would be easier for me to just kill you.¡± Josiah leaned back against the couc 1, crossing his legs. ¡°Since

    you¡¯ve put in so much effort, you should understand me to some extent. It¡¯s not that difficult.¡±

    Zachary squinted his eyes and chuckled lightly. ¡°Indeed, I guess only Lysander believes thar you¡¯re at

    gentle and kind gentleman, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°State your bottom line directly.¡±

    ¡°I want three projects from Guerra Group.¡±

    ¡°Which three?¡±

    ¡°The second phase of the resort in Mount Clindon, the amusement park after demolition, and the

    Landmark Times Square in Strico.¡±

    Josiah smirked slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve put in quite some effort.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my bottom line. It won¡¯t affect Guerra Group¡¯s future, but I can¡¯t take a loss either. Whether

    Harry and Prisci can divorce smoothly is just a matter of your approval, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah remained silent for several minutes.

    Finally, he said, ¡°Deal.¡±

    As they left, Zachary politely escorted them to the car as he looked at Lysander with great regret.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not entirely using you. I really like you. If I had a family background like Mr. Guerra, I

    wouldn¡¯t let you get hurt.¡±

    Beep!

    The sharp sound of a car horn startled Lysander.

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Zachary was startled too.

    Josiah said, ¡°I was trying if it still honks. The car needs maintenance.¡±

    Send Gifts

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    U

 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268

    Chapter 268 I Will Not Turn Back

    Zacharyughed heartily, not forgetting to say to Lysander, ¡°Lysander, give me ten years. If I seed,

    I¡¯lle back and take you away¡­ Hey! I¡¯m not finished yet!¡±

    The car sped off like an arrow.

    Josiah irritably yanked off his tie and tossed it aside. ¡°He sure talks a lot.¡±

    After a while, he still hadn¡¯t calmed down.

    Lysander asked, ¡°So, is the deal settled now?¡±

    ¡°Those three projects are Guerra Group¡¯s most important strategic projects for the next few years. With

    those projects, wherever he goes, he¡¯ll be well-respected.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t fully understand, but she got the gist of it.

    Zachary had put in so much effort. There was no way he would let go of this once-in-a-lifetime

    opportunity easily.

    ¡°Thank you for handling this,¡± Lysander said. ¡°When we divorced, I didn¡¯t ask for a share of our joint

    assets. Consider itpensating for your loss this time. Is that enough?¡±

    ¡°What if it¡¯s not enough? Will you make up for it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m kidding. Don¡¯t be so serious. I want you to be happy when you¡¯re with me.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t remarry you.¡±

    This time it was his turn to be silent.

    ¡°After this matter is over, we¡¯ll go our separate ways. I¡¯m a pretty tough person and not very y romantic.

    You don¡¯t need to waste your time on me. It¡¯s useless.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about yourself like that. I understand that you can¡¯t ept me right now, but you

    don¡¯t have to be so absolute. Who knows what might happen in the future?¡±

    ¡°No matter what happens, I won¡¯t turn back.¡±

    ¡°If I turn back, then what does the child we lost count for?¡±

    Buzz!

    Josiah¡¯s phone vibrated again.

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    ¡°That¡¯s not appropriate.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s from Lora. Just look at her messages and ignore the rest. It won¡¯t be inappropriate then.¡±

    Lysander hesitated but then picked up his phone.

    She entered the password with practiced case.

    She knew it was Lysanne¡¯s birthday.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    However, the system indicated the password was incorrect.

    ¡°Did you change your phone password?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±¡±

    ¡°To what?¡±

    ¡°The day our child died.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hand trembled, and the phone nearly slipped from her grasp.

    Josiah exhaled in pain. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hands were shaking uncontrobly as she entered the digits, finally getting them right on

    the third try.

    She opened the message from Lora, which contained a screenshot.

    Harry: Babe, I¡¯m sorry I got caught up with urgent work these past two days. Please don¡¯t be mad at

    me, okay

    Harry: I didn¡¯t mean to ignore your messages.

    Harry: I made dinner reservations for tonight. I¡¯ll pick you up after work and apologize properly. You can

    punis me however you want, okay?

    Harry: This morning, I talked to a friend who told me some things that made me misunderstand you, but

    I understand everything now. When we meet, I¡¯ll exin it all. Give me another chance, okay?

    Harry: Babe, please respond when you see this. Otherwise, All be worried all day.

    Lysander looked at the repeated ¡°babe¡± and felt nauseous.

    Josiah nced over. ¡°Is it about Harry?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s back to begging Lora for forgiveness.¡±

    ¡°That means Zachary kept his promise.¡± Josiah chuckled. ¡°He¡¯s afraid I¡¯d really kill him if I went crazy.¡±

    Lysander suddenly felt curious. ¡°Were you really that crazy before?¡±

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 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269

    Chapter 269 What Type

    Lysander felt a chill from Josiah¡¯s gaze.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°You are right.¡±

    Josiah leaned in slightly. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°We got married for three years for nothing.¡±

    Zachary was scheming. He was nearly thirty years old and still just a workhorse in the architectural

    designpany, without gaining any substantial benefits.

    If it weren¡¯t for Josiah providing him with this golden opportunity, who knows how long it would take for

    him to fulfill his ambitions?

    Josiah had been managing the entire Guerra Group for years. How could he possibly have a gentle

    and soft personality?

    ¡°Zachary was right too. Probably only a fool like me would believe you were a good person and believe

    it for three years. If I had known your true nature back then, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have dared to lose my

    temper with you.¡±

    Josiah chuckled softly and finally sat up straight, putting his sses back on with one hand.

    He flexed his wrist and said quietly, ¡°You¡¯re not a fool

    en on

    He continued, ¡°You¡¯re very smart, but your intelligence has always been righteous. You don¡¯t step

    others to climb up like Zachary and Harry. As for me, Lysander, there¡¯s one thing I never lied to you

    about. During those three years, I genuinely wanted to live with you forever.¡±

    ¡°They say a leopard can¡¯t change its spots. You pretended to be a warm and gentle man in front of me

    for three years. Wasn¡¯t it tiring?¡±

    ¡°Do you like warm and gentle men?¡±

    ¡°Then it means you don¡¯t like them,¡± Josiah said, nodding knowingly. ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering what type

    you actually like. But unfortunately, your past is too clean, leaving no reference points. But it¡¯s fine.

    We¡¯re going to spend our lives together. I don¡¯t want to pretend anymore. Let¡¯s be our true selves. It¡¯ll

    be easier for both of us.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t let Josiah drive her to the hospital entrance.

    She got out at the previous intersection and walked the rest of the way.

    When she returned to her office, Adrian was sitting in her chair, reading a book.

    Lysander checked the time. ¡°It¡¯s past office hours. Why haven¡¯t you left?¡±

    Adrian put down the book and stood up. ¡°You took the afternoon off?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I was a bit tired and went home to rest.¡±

    1/2

    Then why did youe back?¡±

    ¡°I was worried about Prisci, so I came back to check on her.¡±

    Adrian nodded slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The caregivers Daphne found are very diligent, and Fred is

    personally overseeing things. Even if Harry and Helen show up, there¡¯s nothing to fear.¡±

    ¡°What are you doing in my office?¡±

    ¡°Lynn had some questions about her thesis and wanted your help. You weren¡¯t here, so she came to

    me.¡±

    ¡°Lynn had some questions about her thesis and wanted your help. You weren¡¯t here, so she came to

    me.¡±

    ¡°She went to the cafeteria to get food.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°Thanks for helping Lynn. If Prisci is okay, I¡¯ll head home.¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander was already at the door and turned back. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Did you spray perfume?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Lysander was slightly startled.

    he lifted her sleeve and sniffed. It was a faint citrus scent.

    It was Josiah¡¯s scent.

    After she spent the whole afternoon with him,

    1. some of his scent had transferred onto her.

    ¡°Oh, maybe my sister used an air freshener at home.¡±

    Adrian gave a dryugh. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Maybe. I¡¯ll ask her when I get home. I¡¯m leaving now

    Having cleared things up with Zachary, Lysander could only walk home from now on.

    Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t far and would help dissipate the scent.

    But Michelle, with her keen nose, still noticed. ¡°Lysander, does your hospital¡¯s alcohol smell like

    oranges now?¡±

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270

    Chapter 270 Quick To Admit

    Lysander was puzzled. ¡°Is it that strong?¡±

    She had been out in the cold wind for quite some time. What should have been a ten-minute walk

    turned into over half an hour.

    Lysanne, like a little dog, sniffed around her.

    When Laura saw this, sheughed and scolded, ¡°Your sister¡¯s tired from work. Don¡¯t bother her. Come

    help me set the table.¡±

    Lysanne ran to the kitchen barefoot.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    She got scolded by Laura again.

    Even though she was quick to admit to her mistake, she would dare to do it again.

    Wearing reading sses, Maverick walked out holding a notebook, muttering to himself.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Dad, are you taking notes while watching the news?¡±

    Maverick red at her. ¡°You silly girl, today Mdm. Cam sent a lot of things-Macan, Marlboro, and

    supplements. These are the betrothal gifts! I have to take notes to reciprocate properly in the future.¡±

    Laura and Lysander came out with dishes, cing them on the dining table. Their faces were full of joy.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been friends for decades. We don¡¯t need to fuss over such details.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about fussing or not fussing, it¡¯s about showing attitude. Although our family is marrying off :

    daughter, we¡¯re not greedy. No matter how many gifts the Powell family sends, I¡¯ll give back the same

    value in return. The items might differ, but the total price mustn¡¯t be lower. This is about giving face to

    our daughter. When Lysa gets married, we¡¯ll stand firm!¡±

    Michelle waved her hand. ¡°Dad, I think you¡¯re overthinking it. Mdm. Cam and Zachary just wanted to

    express their love for Lysander.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still young, so you don¡¯t understand. Lysander sufferedst time. Their family is high in status. If

    there are rumors of infidelity, they believe it immediately, even to the point of divorce. We didn¡¯t even

    get a chance to exin ourselves. This time, it won¡¯t happen. I won¡¯t let others look down on my

    daughter.¡±

    After speaking, he added, ¡°It will be the same for you then.¡±

    Michelle pouted. ¡°But what if I marry someone wealthy? Their gifts are worth tens or hundreds of

    thousands. We can¡¯t afford that.¡±

    Laura was handing out the cutlery and immediately hit her head. ¡°You dare to try? Your head is much

    worse than Lysander¡¯s. She already took a big tumble. You better not risk your life, got-it? It¡¯s a no from

    me.¡±

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    so much

    Laura angrily steriliser car. If you weren¡¯t my daughter, I wouldn¡¯t bother to discipline you!¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, I got the future, when I look for a partner, I¡¯ll find someone with a simr background tours,

    sconteone who we know thoroughly, just like Zachary,¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Launlimitel her the cutlery. ¡°Go, wash them again.¡±

    Michelle grumbled unwillingly. They were clean to begin with. You insisted on using them to hit my

    head¡­¡±

    ¡°Hurry up and go.¡±

    Michelle was different from

    vander. Evsander had always been independent since she was young, capable of being diligent without

    her parents intervention. Her parents were often worried not that she wasn¡¯t ambitious, but that it too

    ambitious for her body to keep up with.

    Michelle was quite mischievous wit site was young causing trouble everywhere and getting scolded by

    her parents a lot.

    ording to Maverick, she only managed to get into top university through countless scoldings.

    Speaking of university, Laura said ¡°vsnder talked to your sister, and we decided to let her stay in

    Harborbrook. Discuss with Zach aboudige spores and see which university would be more suitable for

    her.¡±

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271

    Chapter 271 I Think I Have Seen This Woman Before

    Lysander said, ¡°Michelle¡¯s scores are good, so she should go to a science and engineering university

    and choose a good major.¡±

    ¡°A science and engineering university¡­¡±

    ¡°Mom, if you have any thoughts, you can tell me.¡±

    Laura said, ¡°I was thinking, Zachary is currently in a state-owned enterprise. After all, he will be

    Michelle¡¯s brother-inw, our family. I was thinking, could we let Michelle study architecture or civil

    engineering, so that in the future, after she graduates, Zachary can help her get into the state-owned

    enterprise.¡±

    Lysander gently advised, ¡°Mom, a state-owned enterprise might not necessarily suit Michelle¡¯s

    personality.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s not suitable about it? A state-owned enterprise is much more stable than a private one. You

    know what Michelle is like. It¡¯s hard to imagine her working hard and getting promoted for a raise. In a

    state-owned enterprise, regardless of good or bad, they always pay the sry on time. A stable job is

    so much better.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°How about this? Call Zachary and ask him toe over for dinner. Your dad and I can ask him about

    his work situation.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°He¡¯s been very busytely. Let¡¯s not bother him.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Is his work getting busy again?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ what about your wedding ns? Will it be postponed again? Oh dear, your dad and I were

    thinking of getting engaged after the New Year and having the wedding on Labor Day. How long is he

    going to be busy?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. Mom, Dad, let¡¯s eat. The food is getting cold.¡±

    As they were speaking, there was a knock at the door,

    Michelle immediately stood up. ¡°Is it Zachary? I¡¯ll go open the door.¡±

    Laura stood up happily. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the kitchen and get another set of cutlery.¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, Michelle¡¯s puzzled voice sounded. ¡°Miss, who are you looking

    for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m looking for¡­ Dr. Thorne. I texted her this afternoon but she didn¡¯t reply. Did I disturb you at

    dinner?¡±

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    her coat.

    Michelle turned back and said, ¡°Lysander, thisdy says she¡¯s looking for you.¡±

    Laura came out with the cutlery and also looked puzzled. ¡°Lysander, who is this?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a patient of mine.¡±

    Lysanne smiled and nodded politely, addressing the elders, ¡°Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne. I¡¯m Dr.

    Thorne¡¯s patient. She performed surgery on me before.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I sec. You came to find Lysander sote at night. Is there something urgent? Come in and talk.

    cold outside.¡±

    Lysanne waved her hands repeatedly. ¡°No need, no need, Mrs. Thorne. Thank you. I do have

    something to discuss with Dr. Thorne, but I won¡¯te in. My shoes are dirty, and I don¡¯t want to di

    your floor. I¡¯ll just stay by the door.¡±

    ¡°Miss, why do I feel like I¡¯ve seen you somewhere before? You seem familiar.¡± Michelle tilted her head

    scrutinizing Lysanne, but couldn¡¯t recall.

    Lysander immediately stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s talk outside.¡±

    Lysanne politely bid farewell to the elders. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, you can continue eating. I¡¯ll just talk.

    to Dr. Thorne here. We won¡¯t go far.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡±

    Maverick suddenly furrowed his brows slightly, ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve seen this woman before.¡±

    Michelle got her father¡¯s confirmation and nodded repeatedly. ¡°Right? She does look familiar.¡±

    Laura served them both food, whispering, ¡°Why do you think she¡¯s familiar? She¡¯s a patient of

    Lysander¡¯s, and Lysander¡¯s patients are all from the obstetrics and gynecology department. Have

    either of you been to the obstetrics and gynecology department at Central Hospital?¡±

    Michelle pursed her lips. Sheughed heartily and said, ¡°That¡¯s true, probably a case of mistaken

    identity. Let¡¯s eat, let¡¯s eat. Wow, we have garlic butter prawn today!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t choose. Save some for Lysander.¡±

    Lysander put on a coat and stepped out of the house,

    As she closed the door, the lively chatter of her parents and sister inside the house was shut out.

    Lysanne said, ¡°My car is downstairs, Dr. Thorne. Shall we talk in the car?¡±

    Send Gifts

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    Brice

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272

    Chapter 272 Have You Not Acted Enough

    Lysander walked downstairs but didn¡¯t get into her car. Instead, she stood under therge tree at the

    entrance of the building.

    ¡°Speak up. What do you want from me?¡±

    Lysanne lowered her head and chuckled, her expression poignant. ¡°Actually, I know you don¡¯t want to

    see me. You don¡¯t even want to reply to my WhatsApp messages.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you know.¡±

    ¡°I know everything. After all, it¡¯s because of me that you lost the child with Josiah.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s patience wore thin. ¡°I didn¡¯te down here to listen to your nonsense.

    Lysanne said, ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll get straight to the point. My parents want to meet you.¡±

    Lysander slightly squinted her eyes. She chuckled lightly and said, ¡°Whatever you want to say, say it all

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    at once.¡±

    Lysanne took a deep breath, sounding urgent and helpless. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re very good people.

    They won¡¯t do anything. They just want to invite you for a meal.¡±

    ¡°No need. I have no connection with your parents.¡±

    ¡°They¡­¡±

    ¡°Lyss!¡±

    From the nearby bright red sedan, Howard Thorne opened the door and walked slowly toward them.

    ¡°You go back and apany your mom. I¡¯ll have a word with Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysanne nodded obediently. ¡°Okay, Dad. Dr. Thorne, you guys can talk.¡±

    Once Lysanne got into the car, Howard politely introduced himself. ¡°Dr. Thorne, hello. I¡¯m Lyss¡¯ father.

    Although we haven¡¯t met directly, you should have seen me before at the hospital.¡±

    The middle-aged man was well-dressed and had a cultured manner.

    He was quite different from Lysander.

    ¡°Hello.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed presumptuous to disturb you, Dr. Thorne But please understand us as parents. Lyss made

    a mistake, and now she can¡¯t have children anymore. This is the punishment she has to bear. Although

    we¡¯re heartbroken, there¡¯s nothing we can do. However, Lyss is our only daughter. We need to n for

    her future.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Josiah has already gotten engaged with her, right? As the future mistress of the

    Guerra

    um den umuld does in ne

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    ¡°As you said, said it¡¯s just a title that isn¡¯t real. Josiah is a good kid. Because of Lyss¡¯ mistake this time,

    he lost his own child, and Old Mrs. Guerra died in resentment. We can only shamelessly use gratitude

    and obligation to tie Josiah to us and save Lyss. But we also know that this situation can¡¯tst long.

    Guerra Group must have an heir. Josiah will definitely get married and have children. By then, Lyss will

    still. have nowhere to go.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, it¡¯s meaningless for you to tell me these things. You can directly discuss them with Josiah.

    He responded, ¡°But Josiah likes you. It¡¯s fated that we both share the same surname. My wife and I

    have discussed it for a long time, and we don¡¯t have anything substantial to offer. If you reconcile with

    Josiah in the future, can you let Lyss go? Let her stay with the Guerra family, under their protection.

    That would be enough¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, Josiah and I can¡¯t be together again. You can keep these words for now and tell them to

    Josiah¡¯s future wife when he¡¯s ready to remarry.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysander!¡± A gentle male voice came.¡±Why are you standing outside in this cold weather?¡±

    Seeing the neer, Lysander scowled. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne called me, saying Michelle wants to hear my opinion on choosing a major and invited me

    for dinner at home.¡± Zachary still had the appearance of a diligent young man. ¡°What about you? Why

    are you standing here?¡±

    As he spoke, he grabbed her hand directly.

    Lysander tried to pull away, but Zachary held on tightly and winked at her.

    Seeing the two holding hands, Howard frowned slightly. ¡°Who is this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Lysander¡¯s boyfriend. Mister, you are¡­¡±

    ¡°Boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°Yes, for now, I¡¯m still her boyfriend, but our parents have met, so it should be getting serious soon.¡±

    Howard was taken aback. ¡°Are you¡­ nning to get married?¡±

    Zachary smiled slightly and nodded. ¡°Yes. Mister, are you Lysander¡¯s friend? You¡¯re wee to our

    wedding.¡±

    Howard¡¯s expression wasplex. He looked at Lysander and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Dr. Thorne¡­ to be

    quite popr. Okay, since that¡¯s the case, forget what I said today. Sorry for the disturbance. Goodbye.¡±

    Zachary waved to them as the car drove off.

    Once the car was gone, Lysander immediately pulled her hand away. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough acting

    these past few days?¡±

    Bnce:

 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273

    Chapter 273 Does Your Mother Know

    ¡°Does your mother know about all these?¡±

    ¡°No, she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. I don¡¯t want my mom to lose a good friend in her middle age.

    Zachary said, ¡°My mother doesn¡¯t know much about my affairs.¡±

    ¡°How do you know about my menstrual cycle?¡±

    ¡°Michelle told me.¡±

    ¡°Did

    she tell you this on her own volition?¡±

    ¡°Your sister, whether it¡¯s her looks. personality, or intelligence, is nothing like you. I only had to make a

    bit of small talk, and she spilled everything. Genes are truly a mystery.¡±

    Lysander was slightly displeased, ¡°Michelle thinks highly of you, always speaking well of you. How

    could you talk about her like this?¡±

    Zachary shrugged, nonchntly saying, ¡°It¡¯s not like she can hear me.¡±

    ¡°But I heard it.¡±

    ¡°So what do you want to do, help her beat me up?¡¯

    Lysander pointed in the opposite direction. ¡°Don¡¯te to my house anymore. You¡¯re not weed

    here.¡±

    Zacharyughed heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m about to go to Strico. Mr. Guerra might have a bit of a

    temper, but he is reliable and efficient. In the next three to five years, I will be based in Strico.¡±

    ¡°About us, how should we exin it to our families? We need to agree on a unified story, so as not to

    worry my parents and Mdm. Cam.¡±

    Zachary suddenly leaned in with his arms folded. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re really good. I really feel that it¡¯s

    such a shame.¡±

    Lysander red at him. ¡°I¡¯m serious.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just tell your family the truth that it was Mr. Guerra who helped you, and I am a

    shameless viin, using you to threaten Josiah.¡±

    Lysander tilted her head at him. ¡°Zachary, if you continue to act like this, I will call Josiah right now and

    cancel the previous coboration with you. It¡¯s okay if Harry doesn¡¯t want to divorce, we can just

    proceed with awsuit. It will just take more time.¡±

    Zachary raised his eyebrows, nodded, and said, ¡°Thas true. You and Daphne have already helped.

    Prisci transfer out all the money. Even if they divorce, Harry won¡¯t get anything.¡±

    1/3

    ¡°I¡¯m d you know.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Zachary retracted his gaze, straightened his body, and said seriously, ¡°Here¡¯s the n. I¡¯m

    going to Strico. After a while, we¡¯ll say that due to the distance, we naturally broke up.¡±

    ¡°How long do we wait?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t

    you decide?¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment, then said, ¡°The end of this month.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too quick? I¡¯ll only be in Strico for a short while at the end of the month.¡±

    ¡°I might be going abroad for an assignment at the end of the month,¡± Lysander said. ¡°It¡¯s settled then. I

    hope this time you won¡¯t y any tricks, and let Harry and Prisci divorce smoothly.¡±

    Zacharyughed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Josiah has shown enough sincerity for you. Chasing after a girl is quite

    tiring, and I won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡±

    Zachary did as he promised.

    Lysander had no idea what he said to Harry again, but Harry¡¯s progress with Lora skyrocketed after

    that.

    He had only sent a message to reconcile with Lora the previous Thursday, and by this Tuesday, there

    were already some rumors circting.

    Having heard them, Daphne said: ¡°I heard it from my dad. Seamus Corporation is preparing for a

    wedding.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat surprised when she heard it. So soon?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it happened so fast that even my dad was surprised. He was even wondering where Seamus

    Corporation had managed to find a promising son-inw because he wanted to find one for me too.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Your dad is still forcing you to go on blind dates?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Daphne stirred the ice cubes in her coffee nonchntly, making a ttering sound. ¡°Why

    is the older generation so stubborn? Not getting married won¡¯t kill you, so why must one get married?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Each generation has its own way of thinking. Society is progressing so quickly that the

    older generation¡¯s mindset has not yet adapted.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m so annoyed, Lysander. I want to escape it all for a while.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I have already submitted my application for the overseas transfer, would you like toe with

    me and have some fun abroad?¡±

    Daphne was immediately intrigued. ¡°Sure! That would be great. When are you leaving?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not confirmed yet. Probably at the end of this month, or the beginning of next month. It will be just

    in time to see Prisci break free from her troubles and start a new life.¡±

    2/3

    No sooner had she finished than she noticed someone had unknowingly stood beside them.

    Ady was dressed in a suit, shirt, and A-line skirt. With ck high heels, she looked very much the

    professional.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Daphne, is she your friend?¡±

    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.

    Daphne shook her head, directly asking, ¡°Is there something you need?¡±

    The woman¡¯s red lips curved slightly. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I presume?¡±

 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274

    Chapter 274 An Enemy Approaches

    Lysander frowned. ¡°And you are?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Ms. Elmore, legal advisor for Guerra Group.¡± The woman spread a folder out in front of her.

    ¡°Please sign this document.¡±

    ¡°Guerra Group? Did Josiah send you?¡±

    The woman gave a slight smile. ¡°Kind of, but not really. However, you can take a look at this document

    first, then we can talk further.¡±

    Before Lysander reacted, Daphne had already taken the document.

    She rustled through two pages, then eximed in surprise, ¡°A transfer agreement?¡±

    The woman nodded slightly. ¡°Yes, this is a transfer agreement for a beach-front mansion. I have

    appraised this mansion, and it is currently worth about fifty million. Moreover, the scenery is pleasant,

    and the surrounding environment is quiet, which is particrly suitable for the elderly to retire. Oh, and

    this¡­¡±

    The woman took the folder back, flipped to another page, and ced it back in front of Lysander.

    ¡°There¡¯s also this bungalow with an area of two hundred and sixty square meters, right next to the

    science and engineering university. It¡¯s a two-minute walk to the school, so if you don¡¯t want to live on

    campus, you can go home every day. By the way, the housekeeper and part-timer wille to clea

    and cook at fixed times. You don¡¯t have to worry about their sries, as someone will pay for it. T same

    goes for the beach-front mansion.¡±

    Daphne asked, ¡°Are these for free?¡±

    ¡°Of course. As long as Dr. Thorne signs off on them, I can handle the paperwork when I get back.

    There¡¯s no need for Dr. Thorne to run around.¡±

    ¡°Haha, what¡¯s going on with Josiah? Does he think he has too much money?¡±

    The womanughed politely. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this address the concerns you have been harboring, Dr. Thor

    Taking care of your elderly parents and your younger sister¡¯s education, all these can now be solved.

    What other concerns

    o you

    have?¡±

    Lysander subconsciously felt that something was not quite right.

    ng on her.

    She had made it very clearst time to Josiah that she didn¡¯t buy into the idea of him splurging

    What is this now?

    ¡°Let me confirm once again. Was it Josiah who sent you?¡±

    The woman¡¯s eyes suddenly twinkled as she lowered her head and chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s true that I¡¯m from

    Guerra Group¡¯s legal department, but I also have the right to handle personal matters

    Daphne was shocked. ¡°It wasn¡¯t Josiah? Then who is it that¡¯s so generous?¡±

    1/3

    The smile on the woman¡¯s facepletely disappeared, reced by a hostile expression. ¡°Dr. Thorne,

    there¡¯s an old saying that goes, ¡®quit while you¡¯re ahead. Since you need a house and there¡¯s someone

    willing to give you one without you having to pay anything, why wouldn¡¯t you take it?¡±

    Lysander cut straight to the point. ¡°You probably have more to say; there are additional conditions to.

    this agreement, right?¡±

    The womanughed. ¡°Someone as sharp as you makes my job easy. Yes, it goes without saying there

    are certain conditions attached.¡±

    ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°The hope is that you can sever all ties with Mr. Guerra, it would be best if you never saw each other.

    again.¡±

    Daphne suddenlyughed. ¡°Here I was, thinking it was something else. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s absolutely fine.

    Where should I sign?¡±

    The woman snatched back the folder that Daphne had taken, pretending to dust off the non-existent

    ¡°dust¡± on it, and disdainfully said, ¡°I need Dr. Thornes signature.¡±

    Daphneughed. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, afraid I¡¯ll dirty your folder?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not particrly afraid, but if it gets dirty, I¡¯ll have to reprint a copy, which is quite troublesome.¡±

    Daphne abruptly mmed the table and stood up. ¡°Who sent you here?¡±

    The woman was just as resolute. She looked straight back and replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I cannot disclose

    ¡°D*mn you¡­

    Lysander held her back. ¡°You¡¯re the legal advisor of Guerra Group and your surname is Elmore. Ma

    ask if Yvonne Elmore is your-

    ¡°I am her.¡±

    Lysander suddenly understood andughed softly. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    Daphne looked puzzled. ¡°Who¡¯s Yvonne?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne¡¯s ssmate from elementary school through high school. They have a good rtionship.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°Lysanne?¡± Daphine asked, ¡°Did she ce her cousin as a secretary for Josiah in Guerra Group and

    even nted her best friend as the legal advisor? Hehe, Josiah is really something, allowing Guerra

    Group to be infiltrated to that extent. I really don¡¯t know if Guerra Group will still bear the surname

    Guerra or change to Thorne in the future.¡±

    Yvonne said softly, ¡°You actually know me, Dr. Thome?¡±

    H

    ¡°A few months ago, during a ss reunion at Mirage, saw you.¡± Lysander said. ¡°I heard Ms. Lysanne

    call your name, you were always protecting her stomach.¡±

 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275

    Chapter 275 Can You Do It Or Not

    Yvonne raised an eyebrow. ¡°Were you there that day too?¡±

    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, so much for saying that blind dates that lead to marriages have no strong emotional

    foundations. You obviously care a lot, don¡¯t you? Even following Josiah and Lysanne to the ss.

    reunion without their knowledge.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sneaking around. It was Josiah who took me

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t he introduce you to us then? Instead, he was always with Lysanne. When everyone tea

    him about them being together, he didn¡¯t deny it.¡± Yvonne suddenly burst into a snigger. ¡°Ah, I real do

    feel sorry for you, having a husband who has a woman he¡¯s loved deeply for many years in his

    name?¡± heart¡­ By the way, when you two are in bed, has he ever called out the wrong

    ¡°Hey!¡± Daphne warned her, ¡°Show some respect.¡±

    Yvonne turned her head to look at her. ¡°Have I disrespected her?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t always talk about sex. It¡¯s broad daylight. Is there nothing else in your mind other than that?¡±

    ¡°Miss, the ancient days are long gone! We now live in an open society, and besides, I didn¡¯t say anyth

    explicit. Can you stop being so narrow-minded?¡±

    Daphne, with her explosive temper, suddenly felt like erupting.

    However, Yvonne was no stranger to arguments. She continued to stand tall, looking down wi disdain.

    ¡°Do you want to beat me up? Then you better be prepared to pay for my medical expbor lost cost,

    andpensation for mental distress. I won¡¯t let it go easily. If you want to cur that¡¯s fine too. I have

    depression. If you dare to curse me now, I dare to slit my wristster.¡±

    Despite being outraged, Daphne was rendered speechless. ¡°No wonder you¡¯re a friend of a

    homewrecker. Birds of a feather flock together. You¡¯re all b*tches!¡±

    Beep!

    Yvonne took out a voice recording pen from her bag and pressed the save button.

    ¡°Miss, I have just recorded what you said to me. Later I will leave a suicide note exining that your

    words have caused a rpse in my depression, leading me to choose suicide due to shock. However,

    rest assured, I won¡¯t cut too deep, and I probably wont die. If anything, it might just inconvenience D

    Thome toe and save me at the hospital.¡±

    Daphne was infuriated. ¡°You came prepared, didn¡¯t you? You even brought a voice recording pen? You

    were just waiting to provoke me, record it, and then slit your wrist?¡±

    ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯m awyer. Carrying a voice recording pen is a professional habit. Besides, if you didn¡¯t

    say anything outrageous, I wouldn¡¯t have recorded any evidence. Look at Dr. Thorne, calm and quiet,

    not uttering a word of abuse. Even if something goes wrong, she bears no responsibility, while you will

    take all the me. You, you are nothing but a pawn¡­¡±

    1/3

    ¡°Shut up! Lysander and I will go through hell and high water for each other. No one can break us up!¡±

    ¡°Save those words for when you get to the police station.¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡­

    ¡°Ms. Elmore¡­¡± Lysander stood up, giving a slight smile.

    Yvonne smiled in response. ¡°Do you have anything to say, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°I can sign the agreement. Coincidentally. I¡¯m preparing to go abroad. I probably won¡¯t see Josiah in the

    future.¡±

    Yvonne nced at her disdainfully. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you were proudly iming to have divorced him

    without taking anything. You truly choose money over pride.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s sighted, Ms. Elmore. Could you please check if it¡¯s okay?¡±

    Yvonne took the folder, checked the signature, and then snapped it shut, coldly saying, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I hope

    you keep your word. I¡¯ll keep this voice recorder. If you have any interaction with Mr. Guerra again, I¡¯ll

    immediately take this recorder and slit my wrist. By then, your friend¡­ hahaha, probably won¡¯t die, but

    will be condemned by the public and cyberbullied. You had better watch out.¡±

    Daphne endured her setback in silence, her face turning red with anger. ¡°A dignifiedwyer using such

    despicable methods to threaten people. You¡¯re making a great example indeed.¡±

    Nevertheless, Yvonne¡¯s mood brightened. ¡°Thank you for thepliment.¡±

    Daphne gritted her teeth. ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°Alright, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be going. Once the title deed is ready, I¡¯ll have it courier Central

    Hospital. Dr. Thorne, remember to sign for it personally. This property deed is very If it¡¯s lost, fifty million

    will be gone!¡±

    Lysanderughed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll definitely receive it myself.¡±

    Yvonne waved the voice recorder in her hand,

    you You¡¯ve ruined her entire life and should pay a corresponding price. She should hire some thugs

    and get them to have a go at you. It would be be you also get pregnant¡­ In fact, we should hire the

    most disgusting of scum. That would be interest hahaha¡­

    ask me, why go through all this trouble and said, ¡°Lysanne is really kind-hearted,

    No sooner had Yvonne finished th everything?¡±

    Lysander took out her phone from under the table. ¡°Did you ho

    Yvonne¡¯s face changed. ¡°Who are you calling?¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    Panic began to set in on Yvonne¡¯s face. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Daphne suddenlyughed. ¡°Oh my, why the panic? You¡¯re allowed to use a voice recorder, but we¡¯re n

    2,

    this fool is yourpany¡¯s legal advisor, so what¡¯s your exnation for this?¡±

    Yvonne suddenly lunged forward, trying to snatch Lysander¡¯s phone.

    However, when it came to fighting, no one was Daphne¡¯s match.

    Daphne pushed her away without hesitation. ¡°What are you doing? Are you trying to kill Lysander?

    Josiah, can you take care of this? She wants to kill Lysander!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re lying. I¡¯m not!¡±

    ¡°I clearly saw it. You were holding a small knife in your hand!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t! I didn¡¯t! Don¡¯t you dare make false usations?¡±

    ¡°You said you wanted to slit your wrists, didn¡¯t you? Aren¡¯t you supposed to carry a small knife with

    you? How can you slit them without a knife?¡±

    ¡°You¡­

    From the other end of the phone came Josiah¡¯s chilling voice. ¡°Leave this matter to me. I¡¯ll take care of

    it to your satisfaction.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276

    Chapter 276 Who Should Be Chosen

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Lysander said, ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    Josiah replied, ¡°What do you want me to do?¡±

    ¡°What do I want you to do?¡±

    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±

    And so, Lysander lifted his head, looking toward Yvonne.

    Yvonne¡¯s eves flickered with panic, but she still managed to maintain herposure. ¡°At worst. I¡¯ll be

    fired. My family is wealthy. I don¡¯t need to cling to a man. This job is optional for me. Besides, when

    Lysander initially let me into Guerra Group. I never nned on doing any real work.¡±

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re not really a legal advisor, are you? You¡¯re just a spy, right? Who¡¯s Mr.

    Guerra talking to right now?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra would never do that. I¡¯m not afraid to tell you, Lysanne means a lot to Mr. Guerra. It¡¯s not

    something prople like you can understand.¡±

    ¡°What does she mean to him? Don¡¯t follow the clich¨¦ plot of trashy novels, iming that they¡¯ll be

    together for eternity, okay?¡±

    Yvonne, her nose held high, sneered, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll just say one thing, it doesn¡¯t matter if you have me

    fired. Mr. Guerra will absolutely never leave Lysander If you don¡¯t believe me, let¡¯s wait and see.¡±

    Daphne pouted, making a face at the phone screen, and roared, ¡°That¡¯s great, let jerks and sluts of the

    world stay together so they don¡¯t bring harm to others.¡±

    She then ruthlessly hung up.

    ¡°Yvonne Daphne? What are you doing here?¡±

    It was Aiden, who had his arm wrapped around ady with a sexy figure.

    Additionally, there were two other people. One was his brother, Adrian, and the other was someone

    Lysander didn¡¯t know.

    Daphine whispered in her ear. ¡°That¡¯s Zane Yarrow?

    Aidden was

    shrewd man, his eyes glistening as he chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s quite a sight to see several beautiful women

    arguing How about everyone calm down? Filgive everyone a treat today. Just do me this favor, okay?¡±

    Sniggering. Yvonne snapped, ¡°Why are you sticking your nose into our business? Shouldn¡¯t you be

    spending time with your busty bosom there?¡±

    ¡°Busty bosons aremon, but beauties are rare.¡±

    With just a few words from Aiden. Yvonne¡¯s heart fluttered wildly. ¡°I wonder how many young girls

    1/3

    you¡¯ve deceived with that tongue of yours. You should really mind your behavior.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my behavior? My ex-girlfriends all speak highly of me, don¡¯t you too?¡±

    Yvonne made a gesture as if to p him.

    ¡°Cut it out. It¡¯s been a long time since we broke up. We can

    still be friends if you don¡¯t bring up the past.¡±

    ¡°Fine. If you don¡¯t want me to mention it, I won¡¯t. You¡¯re the boss.¡±

    Daphne pulled Lysander to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go out.¡±

    Yvonne suddenly reached out to block their path, sneering at Aiden, ¡°Aiden, whose side are you on?¡±

    Aidenughed. ¡°This isn¡¯t an election. It doesn¡¯t matter which side I take.¡±

    ¡°This is Dr. Thorne, you should know her, right?¡±

    Aiden felt somewhat awkward. ¡°Haha, um, I do¡­ I do!

    ¡°Good. She just called Josiah to tattle on me. If he¡¯s going to fire me, will you help?¡±

    Aiden¡¯s sense of awkwardness grew. ¡°It¡¯s not my ce to interfere is Josiah¡¯spany affairs, is it?

    ¡°Cut the act. Everyone knows that you treat Josiah like your own brother. So, let me ask you, who do

    you support to be his wife? Lysanne or Dr, Thorne?¡±

    Aiden helplessly said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask me about this issue. You should be asking Josiah instead.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t Josiah¡¯s answer obvious? Given how he treated Lysanne for thest twenty years, everyone can

    tell

    where his heart is.¡±

    Aiden touched his nose, continuing his persuasion. ¡°vie, it¡¯s pointless to make things difficult for Dr.

    Thorne. Why don¡¯t you let them go, and I¡¯ll take you out for karaoke?¡±

    When Yvonne saw him continuously changing the subject, her temper red up. She put her hands on

    her hips, pointed at Aiden¡¯s nose, and scolded, ¡°Aiden You must make a choice today, Lysanne or Dr.

    Thorne, whose side are you on?¡±

    ¡°If you insist on standing by Lysanne, then we can still be friends. If you can¡¯t tell right from wrong. I¡¯ll

    cut all ties between us.¡±

    ¡°Come on, aren¡¯t you being dramatic? We¡¯ve grown up together since we were children. Why should

    you cut ties over this?¡±

    ¡°Just tell me, whose side are you on?¡±

    Yvonne was met with silence.

    ¡°Speak up!¡±.

 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277

    Chapter 277 Should Love Start From Childhood

    Zane waspletely dumbfounded. ¡°This matter has nothing to do with me¡­.¡±¡°¡±

    ¡°How can it not? Haven¡¯t you seen how much Josiah has cared for Lysanne over the years?¡±

    ¡°I did, but-

    ¡°What do you mean but? You, Aiden, and¡­¡± Yvonne¡¯s finger pointed at them one by one before.

    stopping at Adrian¡¯s face abruptly.

    Adrian slightly furrowed his brows, his expression annoyed. Lips tightly pressed together, he looked

    down at her.

    Yvonne¡¯s face suddenly turned red as she withdrew her finger begrudgingly. ¡°Aiden!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, I¡¯m here, mdy. Go ahead and speak.¡±

    ¡°Who is this, aren¡¯t you going to introduce him?¡±

    Aiden couldn¡¯t wait for her to change the subject, so he quickly introduced them eagerly. ¡°Oh right, look

    at how forgetful I am. Let me introduce you, this is my elder brother, Adrian. He grew up abroad. and

    has only recently returned to the country.¡±

    Yvonne slightly lowered her head, sneaking a nce at Adrian. Her voice suddenly became soft. ¡°So,

    he¡¯s the elder brother you¡¯ve mentioned before.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. He¡¯s someone extraordinary. He has carved out a niche for himself in the medical field. Now,

    he is a well-known anesthesiologist both locally and internationally.¡±

    ¡°Oh, a doctor.¡± Yvonne nodded. ¡°That¡¯s indeed very impressive.¡±

    Aidenughed out loud. ¡°Adrian, this is Yvie, from the Elmore family.¡±

    Adrian frowned slightly. ¡°The Elmore family?¡±

    *Exactly. The Elmore family of North Harborbrook.¡± Aiden exined to Yvonne, ¡°Yvie, my brother is not

    in business, so he doesn¡¯t know much about the situation in Harborbrook.¡±

    Yvonne¡¯s eyes glistened as she hummed in acknowledgment. ¡°It¡¯s understandable Having not returned

    to the country for so many years, it¡¯s natural that he doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    Aiden stroked his chin, sensing something was off. He reminded her, ¡°My brother, like Josiah, also has

    a first crush in his heart.¡±

    Yvonne¡¯s face changed. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Aiden nced at Lysander and quickly withdrew his gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t know her.¡±

    ¡°Is she in Harborbrook?¡±

    ¡°Um. about that¡­¡±

    1/2

    Adrian nodded slightly. ¡°She is.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Yvonne¡¯s face fell as she twiddled her fingers. ¡°What¡¯s happening to the world now? Why do all good.

    men have their hearts set on their first crush? Lysanne picked the best one, and that woman has also..

    chosen an extraordinary man for herself. Do all romances need to start from childhood?¡±

    Aiden said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a first crush.¡±

    Yvonne nced at him. ¡°You? How can youpare yourself to Josiah and your elder brother?¡±

    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t.¡±

    Yvonne rolls her eyes. ¡°At least yout

    some self-awareness.¡±

    ¡°Hey, everyone.¡± Daphne crossed her arms and watched for a moment, a slight smile on her face.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to be choosing from two people? Why have the choices gone off track?¡±

    Aiden immediately turned pale. ¡°Can you stop bringing up that topic again? Just as I have painstakingly

    changed it¡­¡±

    ¡°I must bring this up.¡± Daphne was consumed by anger. She pulled out a chair with a tter and

    stepped on it with one foot. ¡°Aiden, Zane, I also want to hear your answers. Up until now, I still consider

    you two as friends. If you two also can¡¯t distinguish between right and wrong, then from now on, we

    each will go our separate ways. We shouldn¡¯t force ourselves to get along if our values are too

    different.¡±

    Being an amiable person, Zane smilingly made peace with both sides. ¡°Daph, Aiden is right. This is

    Josiah¡¯s problem. The two of us buddies shouldn¡¯t meddle for no reason.¡±

    ¡°How can this be meddling? All of you will have to show respect to Josiah¡¯s wife in the future, right? So

    go ahead and choose who you support.¡±

    Zane¡¯s smile froze as he nudged Aiden with his elbow

    Aiden was also at a loss, hanging his head and chuckling. ¡°No matter who I choose, I will have to show

    Josiah¡¯s wife respect.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278

    Chapter 278 I Think Lysander Is Quite Good

    Yvonne was upset. ¡°She¡¯s already divorced, so why are you still showing her respect? Aiden, you¡¯re

    just trying to escape by not wanting to offend either side. What are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared.¡± Aiden nced sideways at Adrian. ¡°I have two older brothers, one is Josiah and the

    other is my biological brother. Wouldn¡¯t that mean I have two sisters-inw?¡±

    Yvonne was shocked. ¡°Adrian also likes Lysanne?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne is truly blessed to have two exceptional men for her to choose from.¡± Yvonne was slightly

    jealous, but friendship ultimately prevailed. ¡°But Lysanne has always been popr with the boys since

    she was little. Many people like her. Aiden, your brother really has good taste.¡±

    Aiden cracked a wry smile. ¡°Yes, yes, yes, he has better taste than me¡­¡±

    Yvonne suddenly became triggered. ¡°Hey, what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    Aiden reacted by shaking his head frantically. ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not what I meant, I didn¡¯t say you¡¯re

    inferior to her. What I meant was¡­ the starlet I brought today fails inparison to Lysanne.¡±

    Yvonne snorted, ¡°If you have got the guts, say it to her face. Let¡¯s see if she¡¯ll still be nice to you.¡±

    However, Aiden was not worried at all. ¡°She is currently begging me to invest in her new y, so she

    wouldn¡¯t dare to fall out with me.¡±

    Yvonne waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Alright, I understand now. When ites to both Josiah and

    Adrian, you must be on Lysanne¡¯s side, right? Fine, we may have broken up, but our friendship

    remains. Zane, it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Me?¡± Zane tugged at Aiden¡¯s sleeve as if seeking help, but Aiden could only give him a helpless.

    look.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question, why are you hesitating? Answer me quickly.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Zane¡¯s voice became quieter and quieter. ¡°I actually think Dr. Thorne is quite good.¡±

    Yvonne abruptly turned around, her eyebrows furrowing in anger. ¡°What did you say?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that Lysanne has been unreasonable in this matter. She clearly knows Josiah has

    feelings for her, yet she pretends to be oblivious. She keeps him around under the guise of friendship,

    giving him hope from time to time, but she never directly responds to Josiah¡¯s feelings. Josiah has had

    a tough time all these years¡­¡±

    After hearing this, Yvonne¡¯s expression regained a sense of satisfaction. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this just prove even

    more that Josiah loves Lysanne? Why would you choose someone else?¡±

    Zane stammered hesitantly, ¡°But ever since Old Mrs. Guerra passed away, I feel that Josiah¡­ seems

    to

    the light. He hac alwave lesen muita concerned about De Theme He even sekad me to

    have

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls:

    doing well- Mmm!¡±

    Aiden quickly covered his mouth. ¡°Why do you spill the beans? Can¡¯t you read the room?¡±

    Upon seeing Daphne and Lysander, Zane immediately realized that he had misspoken..

    ¡°Daph, I-¡±

    Daphne waved her hand, stopping him, ¡°No need to exin, both Josiah and Lysander are well aware

    of this.¡±

    Zane was taken aback for a moment, then looked at Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne knows as well?¡±

    Daphne red at him. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to do things for Josiah, but I¡¯m not allowed to protect my best

    friend?¡±

    Zane also couldn¡¯t endure it any longer. ¡°Yvie, Daph, can you two stop pushing me? I¡¯m innocent!¡±

    Yvonne said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll consider that you have forfeited your choice.¡±

    Zane immediately nodded vehemently.

    Yvonne then turned to look at Adrian. ¡°Dr. Sutton, they say that all doctors are observant and analytical,

    so you must have a very sharp eye. In your opinion, is this Dr. Thorne better, or is my good friend

    Lysanne better? Have you seen Lysanne? She¡¯s a very innocent and adorable girl¡­¡±

    ¡°I have.¡±

    ¡°Abroad?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Yvonne suddenly realized. ¡°Oh right, Aiden just mentioned that you also have a first crush. Did you

    start liking Lysanne when you were abroad? But she was already married at that time, wasn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Elmore.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Yvonne lifted her head. ¡°Go on.¡±

    Adrian¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°We are all adults now, so stop forcing your friends into these childish

    schoolyard disputes.¡±

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 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279

    Chapter 279 You Do Not Understand

    Yvonne didn¡¯t react at first. After she froze momentarily, she suddenly became annoyed. ¡°Are you

    calling me childish?¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Firstly,¡± Adrian said, ¡°Aiden has stated that this is Josilih¡¯s business. Who he likes is his own decision.

    What use is it for you to force Aiden and Zane to make a choice? Secondly¡­¡±

    He paused, his voice instantly bing cold. ¡°Regardless of whether Dr. Thorne ultimately chooses

    me or Josiah, Aiden will have to respect her. Do you understand?¡±

    Yvonne was shocked beyond belief. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re not in love with Lysanne? Instead, you like¡­. you

    like someone whom Josiah has had his way with, a second-hand good?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Elmore, please mind yournguage.¡±

    Holding her phone. Daphneughed heartily and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, there¡¯s no need for her to mind her

    tongue. In fact, she should say more, as I¡¯m recording everything. When the timees, we¡¯ll go to

    court together. I too have depression, and I will also slit my wrists. Since we¡¯llpete with each other,

    let¡¯s buy the knives together. It will be cheaper.¡±

    Yvonne¡¯s face alternated between anger and embarrassment. She stomped her foot forcefully. ¡°Dr.

    Sutton, I didn¡¯t expect your judgment to be so poor. It¡¯s such a waste. Just a moment ago, I still thought

    you were a discerning¡ª¡±

    ¡°I think I have a clear sense of right and wrong. Ms. Lysanne knows exactly what she has done. As for

    you, Ms. Elmore¡­¡± Adrian continued, ¡°You should know better. I don¡¯t know what Ms. Lysanne has told

    you to make youe here and stand up for her so aggressively. I just want to ask one thing. Ms.

    Lysanne is the one directly involved in this matter. When ites to giving a house and making a

    recording, it should be her to do it. Why didn¡¯t shee herself, but instead sent you?¡±

    Yvonne bit her lip. ¡°Stop trying to sow discord! Lysanne and I have grown up together since we were

    young. I know her best. so stop ndering her!¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Adrian nodded. ¡°You¡¯re free to trust her unconditionally.¡±

    Daphne is extremely happy at that moment. As she held her phone, her eyes were gleaming and

    darting around. Seeing the scene gradually calming down, she, who loved to stir up trouble, asked,

    ¡°Why has everyone stopped talking? Ms. Elmore, continue your tirade. I¡¯m recording it. Make it more

    vulgar. If you don¡¯t curse a little, I have no reason to cut my wrist.¡±

    Yvonne rolled her eyes. ¡°Stop taking pleasure in other people¡¯s misfortune. I¡¯ll say it again, you guys

    don¡¯t understand what Lysanne means to Josiah.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, nor do I want to. Love means what it means.¡±

    Aiden took a short break, and his mind finally became active again. ¡°Oh my, we are all friends here, so

    let¡¯s not argue anymore. Aiden, you like ying pool, don¡¯t you? Let¡¯s go y pool. Everyone will bond

    after ying together.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he looked at Lysander. Do you want to go?¡±

    airs

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    Yvonne mocked, ¡°Pool? Can she y? Josiah is also very good at pool. Lysanne was personally

    taught how to y by Josiah.¡±¡±

    Daphneughed and said, ¡°You have such a sense of humor. What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t someone learn if

    she doesn¡¯t know how to y?¡±

    ¡°Learn now? All of us here are experts. Setting Josiah aside, Aiden and Zane were all taught by him.

    Although I¡¯m a bit weaker, I¡¯m already considered quite skilled among women. Who is she going to beat

    by learning now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not Lysander who¡¯s going to challenge you. It¡¯s me.¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m not going. It¡¯s a waste of time. Let¡¯s go, Lysander. We¡¯ll go somewhere else.¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Daphne mmed the table. ¡°I¡¯ve never been defeated. I just don¡¯t believe she can. I insist we

    go!¡±

    Adrian frowned and reminded her that this was a provocation. ¡°Daphne.¡±

    Then he shook his head at her.

    H

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The previously silent Lysander suddenly spoke. ¡°Last time I saw you guys ying, it seemed

    quite interesting. I¡¯m usually busy with work, but today I happen to have some free time. I¡¯d like to go

    and see for myself¡±

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 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280

    Chapter 280 Your Taste Is Worse Than Mine

    Aiden as booked the entire billiard lounge.

    Zane was hiding in a corner, typing on his phone like a discreetly. No one could tell who he was

    reporting the news to.

    Adrian seemed to be himself, but as a call came in, he went to a slightly farther ce to answer. With

    one hand resting on the pool table and the other holding the phone, he stood with a leisurely stance. As

    if he heard something amusing, he lowered his head and chuckled softly, subconsciously covering hist

    mouth with his hand.

    ¡°Tsk tsk. I really suspect Yvonne¡¯sw degree was bought.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Daphne and Lysander were walking at the back of the group, shaking their heads as they gossiped.

    ¡°Lysander, do you feel the same about her?¡±

    Lysander answered carefully, ¡°I don¡¯t understand the professional courses ofw students very well.¡±

    Daphne clicked her tongue again. ¡°Was I asking about her professional course? You¡¯re just pretending

    to be confused when you clearly understand what I mean,¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t hold back, gently bursting intoughter.

    When Daphne saw that she understood, she crossed her arms and sighed. ¡°Birds of a feather flock.

    together. That mistress isn¡¯t too bright either. That¡¯s why she can only hang out with Yvonne.¡±

    ¡°I must refute you on this. Setting aside her personality, Lysanne is professionallypetent. She once

    earnestly exined to me marriagew and propertyw.¡±

    Upon hearing the name of thisw, Daphneughed. Don¡¯t praise her just yet. I just sent a message

    Zane, asking about something.¡±

    ¡°So, Zane was chatting with you earlier?¡±

    ¡°He should be, but he is a double agent. After reporting to me, he immediately goes to report to Josiah.

    When she heard the name Josiah, the smile on Lysander¡¯s lips faded a bit.

    Daphne pointed some distance away. ¡°What do you think about this Yvonne, is it real or just an act?¡±

    Throughout the journey, Yvonne¡¯s treatment of Adrian was noticeably special.

    To be precise, she wasn¡¯t trying to tter him. Instead, she was just being sarcastic..

    For instance, when Adrian casuallyplimented Aiden on his new car, Yvonne had to interject,

    ¡°What¡¯s so good about Porsche? It¡¯s something for the nouveau riche who have no taste at all. Dr.

    Sutton¡¯s medical skills are not bad, but his taste really needs improvement.¡±

    Aiden fult chat suuluuned and unntad

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    However, Adrian did not back down.

    He patted his own younger brother¡¯s shoulder instead. ¡°Your taste is even worse than mine.¡±

    Aiden¡¯s embarrassment simply intensified.

    He did have a rtionship with Yvonne when they were still in school.

    However, Yvonne was rather proud. Her best friend had a simp of Josiah¡¯s caliber, yet she could only.

    make do with Aiden, which made her feel dissatisfied.

    Moreover, Aiden was not exactly a faithful man, as he had many women around him, and his taste was

    quite peculiar.

    During high school, innocent young boys generally liked the obedient type like. Aiden, on the other

    hand, was very trendy and liked sexy foreign girls.

    Daphnemented, ¡°Later on, all his girlfriends had huge bosoms.¡±

    Lysander looked at Yvonne¡¯s neat and t chest, suddenly somewhat confused. ¡°Since he doesn¡¯t her,

    why would Aiden still date Yvonne?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not too sure either. You can ask Aiden yourselfter.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It was just a casual question. I¡¯m not that interested.¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips. ¡°Look at the way Yvonne is looking at Adrian. Her eyes are practically glued to

    him.¡±

    Before Adrian could finish his phone call, Yvonne, holding a cue and idly swinging it back and forth,

    stood still as she watched him.

    In the midst of the conversation, Zane came over. ¡°Daphne¡­ Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Daphne deliberately teased him. ¡°Oh, have you finished the report? What instructions did your leader

    give you?¡±

 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281

    Chapter 281 Specific Instructions From Josiah

    Zane anxiously said, ¡°What report? There¡¯s none, really.¡±

    ¡°What were you busy with on your phone just now?¡±

    ¡°I was checking the map.¡±

    ¡°Oh, what kind of ce has such a long name? You¡¯ve been typing for over ten minutes.¡±

    Zane¡¯s face turned red, and he chuckled wryly. ¡°It¡¯s really nothing. I just came over to greet you guys.

    We just met and haven¡¯t really spoken much, I don¡¯t want to seem impolite.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Daphneughed. ¡°Ha, okay. Nice to meet you.¡±

    Zane breathed a sigh of relief, then turned to Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne, hi, have you yed pool before?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s okay. If Yvonne continues to be annoyingter, just ignore her. I¡¯ll take you to the bar instead.¡±

    ¡°What can you do there that¡¯s fun?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much, but you can order drinks there.¡±

    Daphne gave him a hard pat. ¡°I understand now. Josiah sent you to be her bodyguard, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    Zane, with a look of disappointment, asked: ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±

    ¡°Of course! You suddenlye over to say hello; anyone who isn¡¯t a fool could guess it, right? I¡¯m not

    Yvonne, who clearly is an idiot.¡±

    Zane frowned. ¡°I can¡¯t figure it out either. What is she trying to achieve with her actions today?¡±

    ¡°Alright, no need for you to y the bodyguard. Lysander has me. You go and do your own thing.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no, let me do it. You go y with Yvonne. I¡¯m really scared of her now, she just attacks

    indiscriminately. I can¡¯t afford to provoke her, but I can avoid her.¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips. ¡°You¡¯re abusing your role. Josiah asked you to protect Lysander, but you¡¯re

    actually just taking it easy. I need to talk to him about this. He¡¯ll deduct half of your sry.¡±

    Just as they were talking, Aiden came over, holding two beers in his hands.

    ¡°What are you guys doing? Let¡¯s go have fun.¡±

    Zane shook his head vehemently. ¡°I¡¯m not going. I¡¯m going to have a drink with Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Aiden understood that it was an ¡°order¡± from Josiah, so he said: ¡°Alright, then you

    guys go. Daphne, shall we go?¡±

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    Lysander nodded, indicating that she was okay, so Daphne responded, ¡°Let¡¯s go. I will absolutely not

    show mercy today.¡±

    ¡°Take it easy, mdy¡­¡±

    ¡°Take it easy? I¡¯m not going to allow her to behave with impunity. Aiden, you¡¯re being a bit unfair here,

    aren¡¯t you? You¡¯ve been broken up for over a decade and you¡¯re still protecting your ex-girlfriend?

    What¡¯s this, is Yvonne also your first crush?¡±

    Aiden was on the verge of tears, but none came out. He put down his beer and covered his ears.

    ¡°Daphne, please stop nagging. I beg you¡­.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s target was not Aiden, so she went straight to Yvonne and asked, ¡°Want to y a round?¡±

    Yvonne finally withdrew her gaze, the look in her eyes shifting from affection to burning rage. ¡°Fine,

    whoever loses today will throw themselves out of here.¡±

    Daphne started to take off her coat and roll up her sleeves as she spoke. ¡°That¡¯s too boring. Why don¡¯t

    the loser crawl out instead?¡±.

    ¡°Fine. It will be a crawl then. You had better not cryter.¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha, I¡¯m not necessarily going to be the one crying today, my dear¡­¡±

    The two women started their showdown. Aiden could only sp his hands together in gratitude to the

    heavens above. He obediently sat on the side, ying the role of a beer girl plus a cheerleader. He

    would cheer for whoever that scored and behave like male escort.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne,¡± Zane called out.

    Lysander came back to her senses. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°What would you like to drink? I¡¯ll go get it for you.¡¯

    ¡°Anything will do.¡±

    ¡°Josiah specifically told me that you can¡¯t take cold things. Shall I ask them to make you some ginger

    tea?¡±

 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282

    Chapter 282 Let Me Teach You How To y Pool

    Lysander hesitated for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Hot water is fine. No need for green tea,

    ¡°Alright, please wait a moment. Pool yers are usually brute, so they have cold water. But for hot

    water, it might need to be boiled on the spot. Give me a few minutes.¡±

    ¡®Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    Zane found himself a task and went toward the bar.

    Lysander watched Daphne and Yvonne for a while, the tension between them was palpable, like a

    raging fire.

    Daphne, in particr, didn¡¯t hold back. She sank four to five balls in a single turn, causing Yvonne to

    stamp her foot in frustration..

    Lysanderughed lightly at the sight.

    ¡°What are youughing at?¡±

    Lysander snapped back to reality. ¡°Have you finished your phone call?¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Adrian nodded slightly. ¡°Lynn just called and said that Harry and his mother went to look for Prisci

    again. She¡¯s a bit worried¡­ But don¡¯t you worry, Dr. Ziegler is there. He had security clear them out.

    They didn¡¯t even get to see Prisci, let alone enter the doors of the obstetrics and gynecology

    department.¡±

    Lysander was slightly relieved. ¡°I was afraid that Dr. Ziegler would not be able to ept seeing Prisci

    be so haggard. Now, it seems I should have told him earlier.¡±

    ¡°Actually, the timing was just right. You and Daph have already paved the way for the divorce. All

    Prisci has to do is follow the process, and it¡¯s only a matter of time before she escapes from he

    misery. Without what you guys have done, Prisci would still be entangled by Harry and Helen, unable

    to free herself. Dr. Ziegler wouldn¡¯t be able to be as tough as he is now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. There¡¯s no need to worry about anything now. We also have a way to reim her assets.

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler, as a father, would have agreed to any conditions proposed by Harry and his mother just to

    get

    a divorce after seeing Prisci in that state.¡± Adrian said, ¡°If I have a daughter in the future, she must

    never marry a jerk. It doesn¡¯t matter whether she is good at studying or not

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯re thinking quite far ahead, aren¡¯t you? You¡¯re not even married yet, but

    you¡¯re already thinking about a daughter? By the way, how is Ms. Sarah? I haven¡¯t heard you her

    recently. Being a star, she must be quite busy, right?¡±

    mention

    Adrian, with his arms folded, leaned against the wall shoulder to shoulder with her. He casually

    remarked, ¡°Mmm-hmm, she¡¯s quite busy indeed.¡±

    ¡°Then, isn¡¯t that akin to a long-distance rtionship?¡±

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    criticize anyone else.¡±

    Lysanderughed a little, but didn¡¯t say another word

    She could tell that Adrian didn¡¯t really like her mentioning his girlfriend. Being someone tactful, she

    immediately dropped the topic.

    ¡°Since we have nothing better to do, let me teach you how to y pool.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I really have no foundation at all, and I¡¯m not lying to you when I say that I¡¯m bad at

    sports since I was a child. Even in college, I only passed the eight-hundred-meter fitness test because

    the teacher went easy on me. Otherwise, I would have failed.¡±

    Adrian straightened his body, picked up two pool cues from the side of the wall, held one in his hand,

    and handed the other to her. ¡°ying pool isn¡¯t strenuous, as it mainly relies on the brain. Also, practice

    makes perfect. Let¡¯s give it a try first.¡±

    Lysander could only take the cue stick and followed Adrian to the edge of the pool table.

    On the table, the billiard balls had been neatly arranged into a triangle.

    Adrian bent over, making a beautiful break shot. The triangle of balls exploded instantly, scattering all

    over the pool table.

    ¡°You are a beginner, so you don¡¯t need to learn all these rules just yet. Let¡¯s start by practicing hitting

    the ball.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Adrian ced the white ball in front of her. ¡°Hit the white ball, aiming to strike the brown one. The goal

    is to pocket the brown ball. Give it a try.¡±

    Lysander adjusted her angle, chose a rtively good position, and bent down.

    ¡°Your fingers need to be slightly bent, acting as a fulcrum for the cue stick. Aim at the center of the

    white ball¡­ No, your hand position is incorrect.¡±

    Adrian put his cue stick against the wall and walked over. He gently adjusted the shape of her fingers.

    ¡°Like this. Yes. Rest the stick on top.¡±

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    Chapter 283

    Chapter 283 Come Over

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Lower it a bit more, so the cue stick is parallel to the table.¡±

    ¡°Is this okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, then try to lower your upper body as much as possible and adjust your position, so that your line.

    of sight, the cue ball, and the object ball are all on the same line.¡±

    ¡°Can I hit it now?¡±

    Adrian breathed in gently. ¡°You¡¯re still not lowering yourself enough, which messes up the straight

    angle.¡±

    He stepped closer and gently pressed down on her shoulder. ¡°Lower, just a bit more.¡±

    Lysander adjusted it a bit further down.

    ¡°No, your body goes lower, but keep this supporting hand steady. Otherwise, the cue stick¡¯s angle gets

    thrown off again.¡±

    A bit anxious, Adrian came forward to adjust her hand¡¯s position, lightly encircling her back to press her

    down gently. ¡°Right, keep your hand steady and lower your upper body¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah! What are you two doing?¡± a woman screamed.

    Lysander straightened up and turned her head.

    It was Lysanne, and beside her was Josiah.

    Zane stood beside them timidly, holding a ss. The water seemed quite hot, as he was only gripping

    the ss above the water line with two fingers.

    He looked at her apologetically. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m sorry. They don¡¯t have a kettle here, and it took a while

    to find one. Sorry to keep you waiting.¡±

    He passed the water over,

    Lysander reached out to take it, but Adrian was quicker. ¡°It¡¯s still a bit hot. Let it cool before you drink

    it.¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    She felt Josiah¡¯s gaze was more scorching than the cup.

    Adrian smiled slightly. ¡°Mr. Guerra, are you free today to bring Mrs. Guerra out to y?¡±

    Josiah gave Lysander a long look before meeting Adrian¡¯s eyes. ¡°I heard you have a girlfriend too, Dr.

    1. W didn¡¯t

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    Adrian¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°She¡¯s busy.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t dwell on the topic and reached out to grab Lysander¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come with me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡± Adrian also held Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m teaching Lysander. There are plenty of pool tables

    here for you to use.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°Can¡¯t I teach her?¡±

    ¡°Your wife is right here. Are you just going to leave her standing around? That¡¯s not very nice.¡±

    Josiah said coldly, ¡°Adrian, I¡¯m giving you a pass because of your brother Aiden, but you should

    understand my stance. Don¡¯t get in my way.¡±

    Adrian gestured behind Josiah. ¡°The way is behind you. In front of you, there¡¯s only a wall.¡±

    Tension filled the air. Meanwhile, Aiden was obliviously assisting two heateddies at a distance, and

    Zane was sweating nervously.

    ¡°Everyone, let¡¯s talk calmly.¡±

    Adrian tilted his head, smiling slightly. ¡°We¡¯re not arguing or fighting. How is this not calm?¡±

    Looking worried, Lysanne tugged on Josiah¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Josiah, this is a public ce. Don¡¯t make a

    scene.¡±

    Josiah red at her. ¡°Do I look like someone who avoids trouble?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. I just meant¡­ how about both of you let go? Dr.

    Thorne¡¯s wrist is turning white from the pressure.¡±

    Adrian let go first.

    Josiah hesitated for a couple of seconds before releasing his grip too.

    Even though Lysander was held by two people, there was only one set of fingerprints on Lysander¡¯s

    delicate wrist.

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you have quite a grip. Lysander¡¯s hands are meant for treating patients.

    If she gets hurt, will you take responsibility?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll take responsibility,¡± Josiah said, looking at Lysander again. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Lysander flexed her sore wrist. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡±

    ¡°There are other people here. It¡¯s inconvenient.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us that can¡¯t be said in front of others. Speak now, or don¡¯t speak at all.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed, his gaze turning cold.

    Knowing him well, Zane quickly grabbed his arm. ¡°Calm down, Josiah, calm down¡­¡±

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    ¡°Are you going to speak or not?¡±

    ¡°Do you know Harry and his mother went to see Prisci?¡±

    ¡°I know. Lynn just called. They were thrown out by Dr. Ziegler.¡±

    ¡°Then do you know that Harry doesn¡¯t want to marry Lora anymore?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s face changed. ¡°What happened? Did Lora¡¯s identity get exposed? Or is Zachary up to some

    tricks again?¡±

    ¡°Say something!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll say it.¡± Josiah pointed to the ground in front of him. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284

    Chapter 284 Nothing Else To Say

    Lysander didn¡¯t move.

    Josiah also stood his ground.

    Frightened, Zane quickly went to fetch Aiden.

    Upon seeing this situation, Aiden was also at a loss.

    They were What could he do?

    all close to 1

    But he had to try to mediate somehow.

    This stalemate couldn¡¯t continue forever.

    ¡°Uh¡­ Josiah, how about I set up a private table for you and Lysanne?¡±

    Josiah gave him a nce.

    Aidenughed awkwardly. ¡°You don¡¯t want to y? That¡¯s fine. You can sit and rest for a bit.¡±

    Adrian spoke up leisurely. ¡°Aiden, set up a table for me. Make sure it¡¯s the furthest one from here.¡±

    Aiden nodded quickly. ¡°Sure, how about that one in the corner?¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°That works.¡±

    Pointing to the distant table, Aiden called out, ¡°Set that table up for me, quick!¡±

    Adrian turned slightly to Lysander. ¡°Do you still want to learn? If so, let¡¯s go over there where quieter.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¦§

    But a hand blocked their way.

    Josiah said, ¡°Aiden, go y with your brother for a while. He needs a partner.¡±

    As clueless as Aiden was, he understood what was happening and decided to y dumb. ¡°I¡¯m no ma

    for my brother. Not even ten of me could win. I¡¯d rather not be cannon fodder¡­¡±

    Josiah ignored him and stared straight at Lysander. ¡°Are you really going to ignore Prisci?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Ziegler is protecting her now, so there¡¯s not much I can do,¡± Lysander replied. ¡°If Harry changes his

    mind, let him be. If ites to that, we¡¯ll go through the legal process. It¡¯s just a waste of time. Given

    Prisci¡¯s current state of mind, she¡¯s probably not in a hurry to remarry anyway. It¡¯s not a big

    deal.¡±

    She looked at Adrian. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Adrian nodded ¡°Okay¡±

    1/2

    ¡°Wait.¡± Josiah chuckled coldly. ¡°Lysander, are you really going to abandon me after using me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been polite to you, Mr. Guerra. If that¡¯s not enough, I can thank you on Prisci¡¯s behalf

    once more. Thank you for saving her. I¡¯ll inform Dr. Ziegler. He¡¯s a good man who always repays.

    kindness. Don¡¯t you worry, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiahughed angrily. ¡°What connection do I have with Prisci or your Dr. Ziegler that would make

    me go to such lengths to set up a trap for Harry?¡±

    ¡°You have a kind heart, Mr. Guerra,¡±

    ¡°You can ask Aiden and the others. I¡¯ve never been known for my kindness.¡±

    ¡°People do change.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, do you have nothing else to say to me?¡±

    Lysander hesitated. ¡°Uh, get pregnant soon?¡±

    Lysanne suddenly turned pale and forced augh. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re really hitting me where it hurts.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s not my fault you can¡¯t have children, Ms. Lysanne. Given our rtionship, I don¡¯t

    have to consider your feelings all the time. I¡¯ve fulfilled my duty as a doctor, but personally, I¡¯ve told you

    before to not bother me again.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes reddened, and she wiped them with the back of her hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it was my fault

    previously¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Stop this act. By the way, your friend Ms. Elmore gave me some documents today. She

    said if I sign them, she¡¯ll give me a seaside vi and a house in the school district. I just signed them.

    Ms. Lysanne, remember to keep your promise.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression darkened instantly, and Lysanne quickly shook her head. ¡°Josiah, it wasn¡¯t me who

    sent her. I didn¡¯t know Yvie would go to Dr. Thorne. I really wasn¡¯t me¡­¡±

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 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285

    Chapter 285 Do Not Push Your Luck

    ¡°Lysanne, why are you crying?¡±

    Yvonne hurried over and hugged Lysanne. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did you and Mr. Guerra have another

    argument? You two grew up together, don¡¯t you know his temper by now? He used to tolerate and

    amodate you for over a decade, but now that you¡¯re almost getting married, you can¡¯t keep

    throwing tantrums¡­.

    Lysanne quickly shook her head. ¡°No, no, we didn¡¯t argue. Yvonne, why did youe to see Dr.

    Thorne?¡±

    As she said this, Lysanne seemed a bit anxious. ¡°Didn¡¯t I warn you not to see Dr. Thome anymore?

    Why did you¡­¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand by and watch!¡± Yvonne¡¯s face turned sour. ¡°Even though she¡¯s divorced, she still leads

    them on. On one hand, she¡¯s getting Mr. Guerra to do things for her, and on the other, she¡¯s preparing

    to marry another man. I can¡¯t stand this kind of two-timing behavior.¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, hey,¡± Daphne immediately retorted, ¡°Ms. Elmore, how many rich men has your good friend

    Lysanne strung along before? Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not aware of her history. Do you really want me to

    spill all her past deeds likest time? Don¡¯t push your luck!¡±

    Yvonne was furious, her face flushing red. ¡°Lysanne never did such things. She just has a good

    personality. She¡¯s lively and outgoing, that¡¯s why guys like her.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that cr*p. Do you think no one knows about your past? Do you want to force my hand?

    Fine, just you wait.¡±

    As Daphne spoke, she pulled out her phone to make a call.

    Yvonne demanded angrily, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Gathering people.¡± Daphne said. ¡°I¡¯ll get some witnesses for you and a few reporters. Remember Mrs.

    Guerra miscarried a ck child? That was trending for days. I¡¯ll just remind the reporters abo Mrs.

    Guerra¡¯s past during her school days. It¡¯ll definitely get attention. Mr. Guerra, you better be prepared.

    Guerra Group¡¯s stocks might take another hit¡­¡±

    Watching Josiah¡¯s increasingly dark expression, Lysanne quickly covered Daphne¡¯s mouth. ¡°Ms.

    Everhart, if you want revenge on me, deal with me alone. Don¡¯t involve Josiah and Guerra Group.¡±

    ¡°Who are you? What¡¯s your status? Why would I take revenge against you?¡± Daphne pointed at

    Yvonne. ¡°If you really want to make peace, just tell your friend to behave and stop stirring up trouble.

    She even ims to have depression. Is depression now a tool that can be used whenever needed?¡±

    Yvonne shouted loudly, ¡°I really have depression! The doctor confirmed it with a diagnosis report!¡±

    Think about how you¡¯ve been yelling and screaming today. Does that look like depression to you?¡±

    Yvonne persisted, ¡°It¡¯s called smiling depression.¡±

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    If I¡¯m diagnosed with a mental disorder, can I kill you without needing to go to jail?¡±

    Yvonne was seething. ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Yvonne, stop it.¡± Lysanne grabbed her.

    But Yvonne wasn¡¯t giving up. She still wanted to argue with Daphne.

    Lysanne held onto her tightly. ¡°Stop causing trouble, okay?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean causing trouble? I¡¯m standing up for you! They¡¯re ndering you right in front of

    Mr. Guerra. I have to rify things for you in front of him!¡±

    ¡°You¡­.¡± Lysanne sighed.

    Daphne couldn¡¯t contain herughter. ¡°rify things, hurry up. I really want to hear it. Mr. Guerra, listen

    carefully about how innocent your wife is.¡±

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Of course Lyss is perfect. Otherwise, could Josiah have been in love with her for over twenty years?

    You may not believe me, but you have to believe Josiah¡¯s judgment!¡±

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 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286

    Chapter 286 An Unexpected Gain

    ¡°Ahem!¡± Aiden cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Yvonne, let¡¯s go y some pool over there.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to!¡± Yvonne shook off his hand. ¡°Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m exining things for Lysanne? Stop

    interfering and go away.¡±

    Aiden was dumbfounded.

    He knew Yvonne was naive, but he didn¡¯t realize she was this naive.

    Yvonne continued, ¡°Ms. Everhart, if you want to know anything, just ask me. I¡¯ve been Lyss¡¯ best friend

    since childhood. I know everything about her.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Oh, really? Then tell me, who was the father of that dark-skinned baby she had? I¡¯m really curious.¡±

    Yvonne stomped her foot angrily. ¡°What dark-skinned baby? That was just hyperpigmentation from

    eating something wrong! The baby just had darker skin! Those media outlets are spreading lies. I¡¯ll sue

    them into oblivion one day!¡±

    Daphne couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Oh, hyperpigmentation, is it?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she likes drinking coffee, so it¡¯s easy for her to get hyperpigmentation. Don¡¯t be fooled by her fair

    skin now. She was quite dark as a child until she went abroad for skin-lightening injections.¡±

    Daphne clutched her stomach,ughing. ¡°Lysander, did you hear that? What an unexpected gain!¡±

    ¡°What are youughing at?¡± Yvonne pointed at her angrily. ¡°Girls want to look beautiful. What¡¯s wrong

    with skin-lightening injections? And as for the baby¡¯s skin color, it was hyperpigmentation. I¡¯m telling

    you clearly today, so don¡¯t me Lysanne again!¡±

    ¡°Ms. Elmore. Daphne wiped away tears ofughter. How do you know the baby¡¯s skin color was due t

    hyperpigmentation?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because¡­ um!¡±

    Yvonne¡¯s mouth was suddenly covered.

    Lysanne frantically shook her head and signaled her with her eyes, but Yvonne became even more

    determined, using all her strength to push Lysanne¡¯s hand away. ¡°Lyss, being kind only gets you

    bullied. Today, I¡¯m telling the whole truth!¡±

    ¡°Yvie, stop it! Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll treat you to dinner¡­¡±

    ¡°No, I have to say it!¡± Yvonne stood tall and looked directly at Josiah. ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯ve kept quiet for too

    long. Yes, Old Mrs. Guerra¡¯s death was tragic, but you can¡¯t me Lyss for it! She was just being kind,

    bringing food to the hospital for Old Mrs. Guerra. Who could have known Old Mrs. Guerra would

    suddenly pass away? It was purely a coincidence!¡±

    Hearing this, Aiden and Zane couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. Each grabbed one of Yvonne¡¯s arms. One

    nud her susu while one envered her mouth

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    ¡°Please stop talking. Let¡¯s go now¡­¡±

    ¡°Ai¡­ Aiden, how dare you stop me?! I¡¯ll hit you!¡±

    Aiden was almost in tears. ¡°Hit me over there, okay? Ill stand still and let you hit me¡­¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, Aiden, you shouldn¡¯t treat a girl like that. Let Ms. Elmore finish,¡± Daphne said, crossing her

    arms and smirking. ¡°After all, she is your ex-girlfriend. Don¡¯t be so rough.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± Yvonne kicked Aiden. To avoid getting hit in his vital parts, he quickly stepped back, releasing

    her.

    Still not satisfied, Yvonne red at Daphne. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll owe you a favor just because you stood up

    for me.¡±

    Daphne shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s up to you. I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Yvonne straightened her sleeves, which had been messed up by Aiden, and continued to speak to

    Josiah. ¡°And about the baby, Josiah, you can¡¯t keep misunderstanding Lysanne. She just loves drinking

    coffee. You can¡¯t suspect her because of the baby¡¯s skin color. She is the woman you love the most!¡±

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 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287

    Chapter 287 How Do You Want To y

    Aiden pped his face with a resounding smack.

    Zane was slowly backing away, ready to bolt at any moment.

    Only Daphne remained, reveling in the chaos. ¡°Ms. Elmore, you still haven¡¯t answered my question.

    How do you know the child¡¯s skin color was due to hyperpigmentation? And how do you know Lysanne

    was bringing food to Old Mrs. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne told me herself. I believe her.¡±

    Squeak!

    A piercing sound echoed.

    Zane, in his haste to escape, had knocked over a chair

    He yelled as he made his escape, ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ve got something urgent at home. Gotta go!¡±

    Then he quickly fled the ¡°crime scene.

    Aiden¡¯s curses followed, ¡°D¡¯mn it, Zane! You ran off without me!¡±

    Yvonne was baffled. ¡°Why is Zane running-away? What¡¯s he so scared of, like he¡¯s seen a ghost?¡±

    Daphne nodded enthusiastically. ¡°It¡¯s almost Halloween. Maybe he really did see something spooky.¡±

    Yvonne scoffed, putting her hands on her hips. ¡°Ms. Everhart, do you have anymon sense?

    Halloween was two or three months ago.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s already passed? Well, I must be really dumb.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your

    fault,¡± Yvonne generously replied. ¡°Knowing you¡¯re dumb means you¡¯re not too dumb. Just read more

    books in the future.¡±

    Struggling to hold back herughter, Daphne nodded. ¡°Okay, thanks for the advice, Ms. Elmore.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. After all, I graduated from a famousw school, unlike you who graduated from a third-

    rate university. Encouraging you to read more is for your own good.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay, thanks for your great kindness, Ms. Elmore. I¡¯ll never forget it,¡± Daphne said before.

    bursting intoughter. ¡°I can¡¯t hold it in anymore. You guys keep chatting. I¡¯ll gough over there for a

    while. Hahaha¡­¡±

    Yvonne was bewildered and asked Lysander, ¡°Is your friend really mentally ill? If she is, it¡¯s better to

    seek treatment early. Mental health shouldn¡¯t be neglected.¡±

    Lysander cleared her throat. ¡°Well, thanks for your concern.¡±

    She nced at the people around her.

    1/2

    Adrian was smiling.

    Josiah¡¯s face was incredibly dark.

    Lysanne looked pale.

    Aiden had given up struggling and was now sitting in corner, doodling circles.

    Yvonne was still loudly dering, ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ve exined everything clearly. You can¡¯t misunderstand

    Lyss anymore. After all these years of pining for her, now that you¡¯ve finally got her, don¡¯t let petty

    thingse between you. She¡¯d be devastated. If she regrets being with you and decides to leave,

    don¡¯t cry then!¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Aiden finally spoke up. ¡°Ms. Elmore is right. You loved her for years, and I¡¯ve witnessed your

    love. Mr. Guerra, you should treat Mrs. Guerra well. Don¡¯t regret itter.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Yvonne nodded vigorously, like a pecking hen. ¡°Exactly, exactly. Dr. Guerra, you¡¯re cloquent.¡±

    Josiah gave Yvonne a disdainful look, but she seemed oblivious, smiling back at him.

    Josiah averted his gaze. ¡°Since everything¡¯s been exined, we won¡¯t disturb Mr. and Mrs. Guerra

    anymore. You guys have fun. We¡¯ll go over there.¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯re all going to y, let¡¯s y together.¡±

    Josiah shrugged off his coat onto a nearby chair. He picked up a pool cue and tested it in his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard Dr. Guerra is good at billiards. How about a game?¡±

    Aiden raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s your proposal, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Anything. I¡¯m game for whatever.¡±

    ¡°ying alone is dull. How about a doubles match?¡±

    ¡°The specifics?¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°You¡¯ll team up with Mrs. Guerra, and I¡¯ll team up with Lysander. Eight-ball, clear the table

    to win.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Are you doing this on purpose, Dr. Sutton?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, are you looking down on me or looking down on Lysander?¡±

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 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288

    Chapter 288 Assessing The Combat Power Of Their Opponents.

    Lysander immediately looked up at Adrian.

    I know nothing. Is he really confident enough to take on both Josiah and Lysanne by himself?

    Josiah seemed to share the same doubt. He coldly scrutinized Adrian, much like a predator assessing

    its rival¡¯s strength.

    Adrian didn¡¯t show any particr reaction. He just stood there, openly inviting his scrutiny.

    ¡°Oh my. Lysanne, are you okay?¡± Yvonne suddenly eximed, rushing to Lysanne¡¯s side and

    supporting her.

    Lysanne¡¯s face was pale, weakly leaning against Yvonne as she shook her head slightly. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Adrian nced at the weak Lysanne and suggested, ¡°Maybe we should call it off. Mr. Guerra, you

    should take Mrs. Guerra to the hospital first. She doesn¡¯t seem well, and it doesn¡¯t look like an act.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysanne slowly opened her blurry eyes. Tears glistened in her slightly reddened eyes. ¡°I-I¡¯m really fine.

    We¡¯re supposed to y, right? I can do it.¡±

    She swayed, steadying herself against the pool table. ¡°Dr. Thorne, let¡¯s y a game, okay?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s opinion aligned with Adrian¡¯s.

    Lysanne didn¡¯t seem to be acting. Her acting skills weren¡¯t that good.

    She responded, ¡°We can y another day. I have something to attend to. You guys should go to the

    hospital.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t leave!¡± Lysanne almost lunged, grabbing her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, please, just y with us.¡±

    Daphne intervened immediately, ¡°What are you doing? Faking an ident? Get up! Your husband is

    right there. Don¡¯t cling to others.¡±

    After hearing this, Lysanne smiled destely, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t have a husband.¡±

    ¡°Lyss, I won¡¯t allow you to say that!¡± Yvonne spoke up fiercely. ¡°It was all a misunderstanding before,

    and I¡¯ve exined it all for you. You and Josiah are engaged. Even if he¡¯s not your husband now, he

    will be in the future!¡±

    Thest sentence wasn¡¯t directed at Lysanne but at Lysander.

    It was deliberately said for her to hear.

    Just now, Lysanne had been sabotaged by this stupid friend. She didn¡¯t look too pleased now.

    ¡°Enough, Yvie. Stop talking. I¡¯ll decide for myself.¡±

    ¡°Fine¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Yvonne pouted. visibly upset. ¡°You don¡¯t appreciate my kindness. so go ahead and do as vou

    1/2

    wish. I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    As Yvonne turned to leave, Lysander clearly saw both Lysanne and Aiden heave sighs of relief..

    ¡°Hey!¡± Yvonne called out halfway, then turned back. Though she didn¡¯t name names, everyone knew

    she was addressing Lysander. ¡°Please be more loyal. Don¡¯t be fickle and ruin other people¡¯s

    rtionships.¡±

    Aiden hastily bowed from a distance away. He nearly fell to his knees to beg her to leave without

    looking back.

    Once Yvonne was gone, Daphne immediately took a deep breath. ¡°Suddenly, the IQ level in the air

    hast increased significantly. Adrian, your taste is impressive.¡±

    Adrian could only chuckle expressionlessly. ¡°Everyone was once young and foolish, right? You were no

    different back then¡­¡±

    Lysander coughed heavily twice, and Adrian immediately stopped himself.

    Breaking the stalemate was Adrian, who pondered for a moment before asking, ¡°Ms. Lysanne, are you

    sure you don¡¯t need to go to the hospital now?¡±

    Instead of looking at him, Lysanne gazed at Lysander and pleaded with a slightly submissive gaze, ¡°I¡¯m

    sure. Please, Dr. Thorne, stay and y a game with us¡±

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    2/2

 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289

    Chapter 289 Josiah Taught You

    Adrian asked, ¡°Lysander, what do you say?¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment and replied, ¡°I¡¯m still a beginner, and with Ms. Lysanne not feeling well,

    it could be considered fair.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to y?¡±

    Lysander looked up at him. ¡°Do you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you. If you want to y. I¡¯ll y with you.¡±

    Seeing that the participants had agreed, Aiden went to set up the pool table himself sensibly.

    Daphne patted Lysander on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m going to make a quick call. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Once the table was ready, Josiah asked, ¡°Who¡¯s breaking?¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±

    ¡°Then shall I do it?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze was icy as he removed his suit jacket. When Lysanne reached out to take it, Josiah

    dodged and called, ¡°Aiden.¡±

    Aiden quickly ran over, taking the jacket from him.

    ¡°Lysanne,¡± he said with a smile to ease the tension, ¡°you¡¯re about to y. It¡¯s not convenient for you to

    hold the jacket. I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Lysanne forced a smile. ¡°Oh, okay. I didn¡¯t think of that.¡±

    ¡°No worries, no worries. You focus on the game. I¡¯ll handle the logistics.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s break left the others with almost no chance to y.

    He nearly cleared the entire table by himself.

    Only thest ck eight-ball remained, perfectly aligned with the cue ball and the pocket, making it an

    easy shot for anyone with a bit of skill.

    Josiah stood up straight, smiling at Adrian. ¡°Clearing the table right off isn¡¯t very polite. I¡¯ll leave one for

    OU SO YOU

    can participate, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Adrian nced at the table, understanding the situation. He chuckled, ¡°Whether I sink this eight-ball. or

    not, the game¡¯s already yours, Josiah.¡±

    1/2

    Josiah tossed his cue aside and said softly, ¡°What now? We didn¡¯t agree on any stakes when we

    started.¡±

    ¡°It was just for fun. Who needs stakes?¡±

    Adrian leaned down, aiming for the ck eight.

    ¡°Dr. Sutton!¡± Lysanne suddenly called out.

    Adrian frowned, displeased. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Even Josiah¡¯s expression turned sour, his gaze darkening as he looked at her. ¡°Are you unwell?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s face was pale, her voice weak. ¡°No, it¡¯s just we agreed it was a two-on-two. After Josiah, it

    should be my turn, not Dr. Sutton¡¯s.¡±¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I just¡­¡± Lysanne sniffled and continued softly, ¡°Those were the rules we set at the start. We should

    follow them.¡±

    Sure,¡± Adrian said, putting his cue down and making way for Lysanne. ¡°Ms. Lysanne, you¡¯re right.

    ording to the order, it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s stance was perfect.

    Lysander, who had learned from Adrian for less than half an hour, could see that.

    her posture was very stable, and her hand used as support was steady-exactly like Josiah¡¯s stance.

    Clearly, Josiah had taught her.

    Adrian noticed this too and teased, ¡°Indeed, a good teacher produces a good student. Josiah, you

    taught her well.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened as he nced at Lysander, seemingly wanting to exin, ¡°That was many

    years.

    ago.¡±

    Lysander looked straight ahead, saying nothing.

    Adrian said, ¡°The hardest thing to forget is our youth. The feelings we have in our youth may only

    happen once in a lifetime and never again.¡±

    Josiah replied with a hint of bitterness, ¡°But youth also means immaturity. The choices made then

    aren¡¯t necessarily the right ones.¡±

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 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290

    Chapter 290 The Youth

    ¡°What¡¯s the standard for right or wrong? Is it career sess or family happiness? Until thest moment

    of life, no one can conclude whether the decision made back then was right or wrong.

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°Dr. Sutton, you sound quite nostalgic. Did you have a crush in your youth?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile turned disdainful. ¡°Then what¡¯s the use of expressing these ¡®youthful theories¡¯ now? At

    this age. who doesn¡¯t have a past? We¡¯re all on the same starting line, so why discriminate?¡±

    Adrian crossed his arms, looking at him. ¡°I do have a past, but how do you know that my present aren¡¯t

    the same person?¡±

    past and

    Josiah¡¯s expression changed abruptly as he nced at Lysander. ¡°Have you two met before?¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that we¡¯re both medical students

    ¡°But didn¡¯t Aiden say you¡¯ve been abroad all this time? And as for Lysander, I know she¡¯s never

    studied. abroad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been studying abroad all this time. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve been restricted from entering the country. Isn¡¯t it

    normal toe back for academic exchanges or holidays?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze

    aze grew more obscure. ¡°Just a few days, and you can fall in love with someone? You don¡¯t even know

    her situation. Isn¡¯t that a bit hasty as your feelings are based on just a few meetings?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not like you. You grew up with your childhood friend, but I don¡¯t have that privilege, so I have to

    believe in love at first sight.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°Dr. Sutton, this story you¡¯ve crafted isn¡¯t very realistic. Love at first sight? How many

    instances of that are there in the world?¡±

    Adrian met his gaze, calmly saying, ¡°Youth knows no love or hate, but it¡¯s when one feels most

    passionate.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Oh dear¡­¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s exmation finally drew both their attention.

    The situation on the pool table haspletely changed.

    What was once a simpleyout now had a snooker hidden within.

    The ck eight-ball was firmly tucked behind a colored ball in the corner.

    A promising game was instantly ruined, a good hand rendered useless.

    Josiah was already feeling irritated, and seeing this situation made it worse. ¡°Was this deliberate?¡±

    Lvsanne choked out. ¡°I¡­¡±

    1/2

    ¡°You should have let Yvonne take you back earlier.¡±

    ¡°I was just trying to buy some time, so Dr. Thorne could spend more time with you!¡± Lysanne cried out

    in frustration. ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to talk to you right now, so I just wanted to create some opportunities.

    for you.¡±

    Josiah was taken aback, then his brow furrowed even more. ¡°Lysanne, the trust between us was

    destroyed by you. I heard clearly what Yvonne said just now.¡±

    ¡°That was a long time ago! I¡¯m not like that now! My parents came back, and they¡¯ve talked to me a lot,

    and I¡¯m not afraid to tell you that my parents went to see Dr. Thorne once¡­¡±

    Josiah suddenly grew tense. ¡°What did they go to see her for?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be hasty. Hear me out.¡± Lysanne took a deep breath. ¡°If I said my parents went to see Dr. Thorne

    to try to matchmake you two, would you believe me?¡±

    Josiah snorted coldly. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°I know you won¡¯t believe it, but it¡¯s true. These days, my parents have discussed a lot, and yes, I do

    owe you a lot, but you also look down on our family¡¯s wealth. My parents really want topensate

    you.¡±

    Josiah saw through it clearly. ¡°Do they want topensate me, or do they want to beg me not to drive

    you away?¡±

    ¡°Both, I guess.¡±

    ¡°So, was it your parents¡¯ idea when you went to find that actress and then came to cause a scene in my

    company?¡±

 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291

    Chapter 291 Hold Up My Visa

    ¡°No, no, that was my own stupid idea. My parents have already scolded me,¡± Lysanne said, burying her

    head low. ¡°But I know that right now, you¡¯re in love with Dr. Thorne. My parents said they watched you

    since childhood. They know your temperament, and letting you suffer such a big loss for up nothing

    must make you ufortable. Since that¡¯s the case, why not find a way to make you happier¡­¡±

    grow

    Although Lysanne didn¡¯t express herself too clearly, everyone present was smart.

    Who couldn¡¯t understand her implied meaning?

    If Josiah rejected the stand-in actress and drove her away, then why not go directly to the real person?

    By helping Josiah pursue Lysander again, as long as he got what he wanted, Lysanne¡¯s situation would

    also improve.

    Even if Lysanne¡¯s parents left this world someday, although Josiah didn¡¯t like Lysanne, he would still

    take care of her a bit more, considering she had once helped him.

    Being an only daughter, but losing the ability to conceive, she was deemed undesirable by the higher

    echelons of Harborbrook. She feared marrying a man of lesser status, afraid of encountering

    maniptive schemers like Harry.

    Howard and Molly were entrusting their child to him.

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    After listening, Adrian couldn¡¯t help but sigh. ¡°Parental love is truly remarkable.¡±

    Lysanne also felt aggrieved. ¡°I understand now. I¡¯ve done many wrong things before. I¡¯ve wronged

    Josiah and Dr. Thorne. All the me is on me. Now I just hope you can reconcile, so I can redeem

    myself a bit. Old Mrs. Guerra won¡¯t have to scold me in her dreams every day.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne, I¡¯m deeply moved by your parents¡¯ far-sightedness, but ultimately, this matter depends

    on Lysander¡¯s own thoughts. She may not necessarily want to return to her previous life.¡±

    Lysanne immediately lifted her head. ¡°That¡¯s why I must seize this opportunity to reconcile them, to

    bring them back together! Dr. Sutton, I know you also like Dr. Thorne, but Dr. Thorne hasn¡¯t epted

    you either, right? You and Josiah are still in a fairpetition. Since it¡¯s apetition, why shouldn¡¯t

    we fight for it?¡±

    This series of dialogues made Lysander¡¯s head spin a bit.

    How did Lysanne change so thoroughly in such a short time?

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t you believe me?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t really believe you.¡±

    Lysanne nodded, unsurprised. ¡°It¡¯s understandable that you don¡¯t believe me, after all,-I did hurt you

    before. But wait and see, I¡¯ll prove it with actions. I¡¯m not the old Lysanne anymore, and there won¡¯t be

    anything between losiah and me If you¡¯re not hanny about it we won¡¯t be friends. I¡¯ll ¡®nrove it to you¡±

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    ¡°You don¡¯t need to prove anything to me. I won¡¯t be around to see it.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going abroad,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯ll probably be studying abroad for three years, and I¡¯m not sure

    whether I¡¯ll stay abroad or return home after three years. But in our medical profession, if the research

    topic is abroad, the chances of staying there are very high. So, whatever happens here won¡¯t concern

    me anymore.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going abroad?¡±

    Lysander nodded, ncing at Josiah, who looked equally shocked.

    ¡°So, I don¡¯t care whether you¡¯re sincere or not, Lysander continued.

    Josiah¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down. ¡°Which country are you going to?¡±

    ¡°Not sure yet.¡±

    ¡°When are you leaving?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know as it depends on the hospital¡¯s arrangements.¡±

    172

    ¡°Have all the procedures beenpleted?¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Why? Do you n to hold up my visa, Mr. Guerra?¡±

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 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292

    Chapter 292 Lysanne Still Has Secrets

    The match ended faster than expected.

    Despite Lysanne¡¯s attempts to ¡°help,¡± Adrian wasn¡¯t easy to fool. He seized the small gap Lysanne had

    deliberately created and cleared the table in one

    1.

    His speed was lightning-fast, taking less than ten minutes.

    Daphne was shocked. ¡°I just stepped out to make a phone call, and it¡¯s already over?¡±

    n grunted in agreement. ¡°If Ms. Lysanne hadn¡¯t made a mistake, you¡¯d have found us

    Adrian parking lot.¡±

    in the

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s over. It wasn¡¯t much fun anyway. Let¡¯s go. I just heard some good news, and I want to treat

    you all to dinner.¡±

    Lysanne weakly said, ¡°You guys go ahead. I¡¯m not feeling well. I¡¯ll head home to rest.¡±

    Daphne rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m inviting Lysander and Adrian, not you. What does it have to do with you?¡±

    Lysanne, feeling humiliated, lowered her head and didn¡¯t dare to speak.

    g to

    Even Daphne noticed something was off with her. ¡°Hey, are you okay? Are you crumble just because I

    scolded you? Do you have depression or something? I¡¯m not responsible if you decide to do something

    drastic.¡±

    Lysanne shook her head with difficulty, looking unsteady. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±

    Feeling a bit uneasy, Daphne quickly pulled Lysander along. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here. If something

    happens, we don¡¯t want to be involved.¡±

    Lysander was dragged out by Daphne.

    As Daphne stopped to open the door, Lysander looked back.

    Josiah wanted to catch up, but Lysanne suddenly copsed.

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    She fell straight down, hitting the floor hard.

    Josiah gritted his teeth and looked at Lysander.

    But Daphne was faster, dragging Lysander out the door and disappearing from view.

    Blood from Lysanne¡¯s face quickly spread, reaching Josiah¡¯s feet.

    Then came Aiden¡¯s panicked exmation and Josiah¡¯s furious roar.

    In the car, Adrian drove.

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    ¡°Are you worried about Lysanne?¡± Adrian asked.

    Daphne straightened up immediately, firmly denying it. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. Why should I be worried about

    her? Am I crazy?¡±

    They stopped at a red light, and Adrian nced at the two girls in the back through the rearview

    mirror.

    Daphne was visibly anxious, while Lysander maintained her usual calm demeanor.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay to admit it. The way Ms. Lysanne fell was indeed quite frightening. Shended face-first. It

    could be serious.¡±

    ncing at Lysander, Daphne grabbed her hand, and said stubbornly, ¡°She made Lysander go through

    an abortion. Adrian, you don¡¯t know how terrifying it was. Lysander bled so much, like a running faucet.

    She lost ten pounds just like that.¡±

    Lysander corrected her, ¡°It wasn¡¯t that much. If I lost ten pounds of blood, I¡¯d be dead.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know how scary you looked! I went to the bathroom after you, and it was like a bloodbath. I

    had to flush it seven or eight times to get it clean.¡±

    Lysander stayed silent.

    Daphne continued, ¡°She looked like a piece of paper, ready to be blown away by the wind. I took her to

    my ce for a month until she was somewhat recovered. Even now, she still suffers during her

    period¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough, Daphne.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Daphne covered her mouth, realizing that discussing these issues with a man might be

    inappropriate. ¡°Anyway, she caused you so much pain. Falling is nothingpared to that.¡±

    Seeing Daphne change the subject, Adrian didn¡¯t press further.

    He simply said, ¡°I don¡¯t know much about female health, but from what I saw today, Ms. Lysanne¡¯s

    health is definitely in trouble, and it¡¯s been like that for a while.¡±

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 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293

    Chapter 293 Equally Important

    Daphne said, ¡°Maybe there were aftereffects from the surgery of her previous abortion?¡±

    The light turned green.

    Adrian slowly pressed on the elerator and shook his head slightly. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Dr. Latour is a seasoned gynecologist. Her surgery should¡¯ve gone well.¡±

    ¡°The surgery might have been fine, but what if there wereplications afterward? By the way,

    Lysander, I¡¯ve been wondering, isn¡¯t it said that improper postpartum care can lead to postpartum

    illness issues like back pain or incontinence? She lost the babyte into her pregnancy, which is kind of

    like a small postpartum period. Could it be the same kind of postpartum illness?¡±

    Touching on her field of expertise, Lysander seriously exined, ¡°Postpartum illnesses are essentially

    physical damages caused by pregnancy and childbirth. These damages are usually irreversible and

    canst a lifetime. But in ancient times, people reveredrge families and didn¡¯t want women to fear

    childbirth, so they med all these problems on ¡®poor postpartum care.¡±

    That makes sense. Lysanne¡¯s family is well-off, and she¡¯s an only child. Her parents would have given

    her the best postpartum care. So why does she look so weak now?¡±

    Adrian suddenly interjected, ¡°Her health issues might not be rted to the surgery.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it rted to?¡±

    ¡°She lived quite wildly abroad.¡±

    Adrian left it at that, but they were adults and understood what he implied.

    Daphne shook her head. ¡°Josiah¡¯s love is truly remarkable. He loves Lysanne so much, but doesn¡¯t he

    care about what she did abroad? She was living so recklessly, and Josiah didn¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t he give up on her and choose to marry Lysander instead?¡±

    Daphne scoffed, ¡°But then he was willing to divorce her to take Lysanne back.¡±

    Adrian shrugged. ¡°Maybe Yvonne was right. We don¡¯t understand what Lysanne means to Josiah.¡±

    Daphne nced cautiously at Lysander.

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Lysander asked.

    Daphne clung to her arm. ¡°Nothing, just some good news.¡±

    ¡°What good news?¡±

    ¡°Prisci called me. Harry doesn¡¯t agree to the divorce.¡±

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    Daphine summarized, ¡°Nothing much, just a disagreement between Irry and his mother. Harry wants a

    quick divorce to be with Lora, but his mom thinks even a small ben it is still a benefit. She wants to get

    some money from Prisci, or else she feels her son had been a gigolo for nothing.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°Harry¡¯s mom thinks her son getting married is like being a gigolo? With Prisci¡¯s

    standards, if she wanted a gigolo, he¡¯d at least be handsome or strong. What does Harry have?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, you can¡¯t think about the Molseys with normal logic. They¡¯re both greedy beyond.

    measure.¡±

    ¡°So how was it resolved?¡±

    Daphne smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Fred threw him out. Prisci said her dad is already talking to awyer to

    file for divorce. Even if it takes five or ten years, they won¡¯t give the Molsey family a dime!¡±

    Lysander sighed in relief. ¡°It won¡¯t take that long. His mom is too shortsighted. She wants everything.

    But Harry is ¡®smart¡¯. He knows what¡¯s more important¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Josiah handled this well. Lora has a typical influencer face, but men seem to like that. We

    can¡¯t understand their taste. And with her being the heiress of Seamus Corporation and Josiah¡¯s

    endorsement, Harry wouldn¡¯t suspect a thing. She¡¯s such a good catch. Harry wouldn¡¯t pass up a

    woman with both beauty and wealth!¡±

    Adrian added slowly, ¡°Nothing falls from the sky for free. If it does, it¡¯s poisoned.¡±

    ¡°Whether it¡¯s poisoned or not, Harry treats women like stepping stones. This time, he got a full-on

    esctor. Poisoned or not, he¡¯d still take it.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Adrian agreed. ¡°Now we just wait and see Harry fall from grace.¡±

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 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294

    Chapter 294 Leaving The Country

    Though Daphne was a prominent youngdy, her tastes were surprisingly down-to-earth.

    In the end, she took them to a humble burger joint.

    As they munched on their burgers, she exined, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m stingy. I just really wanted you to try

    this burger joint. It¡¯s hot sauce is really amazing.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t take spicy food, so she ordered a burger without any hot sauce and ate slowly

    enjoying her meal.

    However, Adrian refused to even try it. Seeing Lysander eating contentedly, he frowned and said,

    ¡°Street food like this isn¡¯t very hygienic. Even if she doesn¡¯t know it, you should be aware. And why are

    you just following along?¡±

    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s that supposed to mean? There¡¯s nothing wrong with eating burgers!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t eat this,¡± Adrian insisted. ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else. My treat.¡±

    He stood up, ready to leave, but Lysander¡¯s words brought him back to his seat: ¡°When I was in school,

    I used to eat at the street stalls in the alley behind our campus. They were cheap and delicious, and it

    was perfectly healthy. Besides, our school was a medical university, and both students and teachers

    ate there. They¡¯re still working in Harborbrook¡¯s top hospitals, saving lives every day.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Daphne mumbled through a mouthful of french fries. ¡°Don¡¯t be like Josiah, who always insists

    on eating steak and pasta. That¡¯s so pretentious.

    Adrian hesitated, then sat back down.

    He called to the owner, ¡°I¡¯ll have one too.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Do you want any hot sauce?¡± the owner asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll skip it just like her.¡±

    Daphne teased him, ¡°Such a big guy, and you can¡¯t handle spicy food?¡±

    Adrian red at her. ¡°Be d I¡¯m eating this at all.¡±

    Daphneughed, giving him a thumbs-up. ¡°Not eating spicy food is your final stand.¡±

    Life went on as usual, and the sun continued to rise each day.

    However, there were significant changes in their department.

    With Lysander preparing to go abroad, many of her responsibilities had to be transferred to other

    colleagues. r thesis, had to take on more duties.

    Despite her age, Melinda Latour was brought back from retirement, while Lynn, though busy with her

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    Melinda was open-minded about it. ¡°After working hard all my life, i found retirement too boring. It¡¯s

    better to keep working. You go ahead and pursue more learning and evelopment.¡±

    Lynn, on the other hand, clung to Lysander and cried ¡°Dr. Thorne, when you¡¯re abroad, can you buy me

    some cookies?¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but smile.

    She truly envied Lynn, whose world was simple. As long as she published her thesis,pleted her

    work, and got her favorite cookies, her life was perfect

    The same went for her sister, Michelle.

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Last night, Michelle called, ¡°Lysander, if you¡¯re feeling sad, you can talk to me. I¡¯ll keep youpany.¡±

    ¡°Sad? Me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend. I know you¡¯re just hiding it so Mom and Dad won¡¯t worry. Mdm. Cam care overst

    night and apologized profusely to our parents. Lysander, did you and Zachary break up because he¡¯s

    being stationed in Strico permanently?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ sort of.¡±

    Michelle sighed deeply. ¡°I really thought you two were perfect for each other! It¡¯s all Zachary¡¯s lousy

    job¡¯s fault. They knew he was getting ready to marry and buy a house, yet they still sent him to Strico.

    What, the wholepany can¡¯t function without him?¡±

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 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295

    Chapter 295 The Life Of An Ordinary Person

    ¡°Is that what Mdm. Cam said?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t say it outright, but she was apologizing to Mom and Dad in a roundabout way. She was

    quite humble. But don¡¯t worry, they are taking it well. They see it as a missed opportunity but not

    entirely a bad thing. They chalk it up to fate.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. How have Mom and Dad been these past few days?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯vemented a bit, but they seem okay. Mom is genuinely a bit sad, but she understands that it¡¯s

    about Zachary¡¯s future. She can¡¯t say much about it. Dad seems fine, enjoying watching the Olympics.

    every day.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief. I¡¯m not home, and you¡¯ve grown up now. Take good care of Mom and Dad, help them

    with chores.¡±

    ¡°I know, Lysander,¡± Michelle obediently agreed. ¡°Oh, by the way, you don¡¯t need toe back this

    weekend to help me with my university applications. Zachary already helped me with them.¡±

    ¡°He went to our house?¡±

    ¡°No, he probably felt guilty toward our family. He didn¡¯te over, but he called me to his ce and

    helped me fill out the applications there.¡±

    ¡°Did you apply to a science and engineering university? What major?¡±

    ¡°Well, Zachary said it¡¯s tough for girls to find jobs in engineering, regardless of the major. So, he chose

    materials science for me, saying that polymer materials might be a booming field and could be more

    suitable for girls.¡±

    ¡°Do you like this major?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t say I like or dislike it. Lysander, I just want to graduate and earn a good living. Any major will

    do.¡±¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°At your age, don¡¯t you want to choose something like animation or

    gaming? I thought you liked anime.¡±

    ¡°Well, liking something doesn¡¯t put food on the table, Lysander. For kids from ordinary families like us,

    finding a job is the top priority. Chasing dreams is a luxury for the rich.¡±

    Lysander sighed with mixed feelings. ¡°You¡¯ve grown up so much over this summer.¡±

    ¡°Right? I feel the same, haha. Anyway, my anime has been updated. I need to catch up!¡±

    After hanging up, Lysander felt a sense of relief.

    Zachary had handled things well after getting the benefit, and the families hadn¡¯t fallen out.

    He even helned with Michelle¡¯s univercitu annlications Whether out of milt ar se a meeti

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    mecture he ume

    Michelle had matured significantly.

    The once rebellious girl who almost fell out with the family over a teenage romance had learned a hard.

    lesson from life and be more practical.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t sure if this was good or bad.

    it the modest family background that forced her sister to give up on her favorite major, bingsting

    regret? Or did these experiences make her more mature and sensible? Either way, there was a sense

    of regret.

    Perhaps in the future, when Michelle were to reach Lysander¡¯s age and feel overwhelmed by research

    work, she might regret not studying animation. She might feel a sense of loss and struggle.

    But this is the life of ordinary people, pushed forward by society.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, guess who I saw!¡±

    Lynn came bouncing in, startling Lysander.

    ¡°Who did you see?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°That woman who had the baby with the dark-skinned man! She¡¯s in the orthopedic department, with

    her parents, not your ex-husband.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Wow, her head is wrapped like a mummy. That looks serious. I was in the elevator and ran into her

    parents bringing her food. I overheard them. It seems it¡¯s not just orthopedics; her dad mentioned

    needing to see a psychiatrist from the psychiatric department too.¡±

    ¡°The psychiatric department?¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah, Dr. Thorne, do you think she might have gone mad from the shock?¡±

    Send Gifts

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 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296

    Chapter 296 The Familiar Figure In The Parking Lot

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to know about her situation or even hear about it.

    But Lynn kept rambling on. ¡°I saw her parents. They looked quite pitiful, especially her mom. She¡¯s not

    well and is sitting in a wheelchair, yet she still has toe to the hospital to see her daughter. Her daek

    seemed quite lively thest time I saw him, but when I saw him in the elevator just now, I was shocked.

    His hair is almost all gone.¡±

    ¡°Sigh, nothing is as touching as parents¡¯ love. When their daughter sins, they have to atone for it too.¡±

    ¡°Lynn.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Have you finished your thesis?¡±

    ¡°Oh. I forgot. Dr. Thorne helped me revise itst night, and I haven¡¯t looked at it yet.

    Lynn rushed off.

    ????

    go now.¡±

    Lysander sighed and took thepleted forms from the drawer, heading straight to Fred¡¯s office.

    The saying ¡°Nothing is as touching as parents¡¯ love¡± was indeed true.

    Fred had aged considerably recently because of his daughter.

    When Lysander¡¯s gaze fell on his hair, he awkwardly chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ve been busytely and haven¡¯t ¡± time

    to dye it ck.¡±

    Lysander smiled, ¡°Dr. Ziegler, have you found awyer? What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all sorted. He said the chances of winning are high. He was also surprised that we came up such

    an idea to protect our assets.¡±

    ¡°If we file for divorce, the return period for those items might not be enough. Should we return th now

    and buy them again closer to the court date?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. Prisci told me everything. I¡¯ll handle it. You focus on preparing to go.

    abroad.¡±

    Fred took the form from her hands and nced at it. He then nodded. ¡°Submit these documents, and

    the results should be out in about a week. I¡¯ll let you know then.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Oh, by the way, how¡¯s the handover of your work.

    going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve handed over all my patients to Dr. Latour and Ln. The new admissions and pregnant women. are

    mostly under their care now. I haven¡¯t taken on any new patients.¡±

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    Starting Thursday, you¡¯ll be on leave. Pack your things for going abro d and take care of things at

    home. By the way, I heard your sister is taking the college entrance ex..m this year, is she also studying

    medicine?¡±

    ¡°No, my sister applied for materials science.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good too. Material science is a field that needs development now. If your sister wants to pursue

    that path and needs help, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thank you, Dr. Ziegler.¡±

    Leaving Fred¡¯s office, Lysander walked slowly toward the obstetrics and gynecology department.

    With work gradually being handed over these days, she had a lot of free time now, no longer running

    around everywhere like before.

    In the elevator, she met a few familiar nurses who greeted her with smiles, ¡°Dr. Thorne, we heard

    you¡¯re getting dispatched abroad. Congrattions.¡±

    She smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Life was like going in circles.

    She was originally set to be dispatched, but it was disrupted by her unexpected pregnancy and divorce.

    Now everything was finally back on track, and she felt rxed.

    That was if she hadn¡¯t seen the familiar figure in the parking lot when she was leaving work.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Luckily, he was still at the gate, not getting any closer.

    He lowered his head, holding a phone in one hand to look at, while the other hand hung at his side.

    There was a cigarette held between his fingertips.

    Buzz!

    Her phone rang.

 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297

    Chapter 297 Coming Clean

    Josiah texted: Have you finished work? Can we meet? I¡¯m in the parking lot under your hospital. The

    usual ce.

    She didn¡¯t reply.

    After about half a minute, he sent another message: Ifyou don¡¯te out, I will go look for you in the

    hospital.

    When this message was received, Lysander had already left through the hospital¡¯s back door and

    hailed

    a car.

    Josiah hadpletely discarded his pretense.

    Whatever gentleness, chivalry, and consideration he disyed were all part of his mask, which was

    tailored to what Lysander liked. Now that his rtionship with Lysander has broken down, all the

    dominance and coldness deep in his bones have been fully revealed.

    If he couldn¡¯t catch her at the hospital entrance, it was very likely that he would wait for her downstairs

    at her house.

    Lysander didn¡¯t go back home. Instead, she gave the driver an address and said, ¡°Sir, please take me

    to Gute Temple.¡±

    Gute Temple was one of the most popraemples in Harborbrook, famous for prayers for health and

    peace.

    She had been a doctor for many years, so she heard many patients mention this ce. However, sh

    had never been here herself.

    I¡¯m about to leave soon, so it¡¯s just right for me toe and visit today.

    On weekdays in the afternoon, there weren¡¯t many people in Gute Temple. Only a few scattered one

    were wandering about.

    There were many cypress trees nted in the old temple, all of which seemed to have quite a few

    years under their belt, exuding a sense of simplicity and tranquility everywhere.

    asionally, she would encounter a few diligent young monks, who would greet her with their hands

    folded in prayer.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Can we get lucky charms here?¡±

    The monk pointed to the main hall behind him and said, ¡°You can get them there.¡±

    Lysander nodded in thanks, went to the main hall, bowed three times, and asked for a lucky charm.

    Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice outside, filled with age and pleading.

    ¡°I hope this charm will be useful. Oh, my poor daughter¡­

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    her repay it.¡±

    ¡°If there must be a punishment, please punish me instead. Don¡¯t punish Lyss anymore¡­¡±

    ¡°No matter what, you did save Josiah¡¯s mother¡¯s life. Because of that, Josiah won¡¯t do anything to Lyss.

    At most, he will just be upset, and that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°I know that! There¡¯s no way I wouldn¡¯t know about Josiah! The two of us won¡¯t be around forever, and

    Lysander is unable to have children. I¡¯m worried that there would be no one to take care of her when

    she gets old!¡±

    ¡°I will look for another opportunity to plead with Dr. Thorne. As long as she agrees to reconcile with.

    future.¡± Josiah, we would have helped Josiah. He could then treat Lyss better in the f

    ¡°B-But Dr. Thorne had a miscarriage before because of Lyss. What if she seeks revenge on Lyss after

    getting together with Josiah?¡±

    ¡°She probably wouldn¡¯t. Didn¡¯t we meet with Dr. Thornest time? She has a kind-looking face and is.

    good-hearted. Even if she doesn¡¯t like Lyss, she wouldn¡¯t really harm her.¡±

    ¡°Is judging her based on her appearance truly reliable?¡±

    ¡°What else can we do? Josiah is set on her, and I¡¯m actually quite relieved that it¡¯s her. If it were

    someone like Yvie, Lyss would be in for a rough time.

    ¡°Oh, you just reminded me of something from now on. From now on, have Lyss interact less with

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Yvie.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Isn¡¯t she getting along quite well with Lyss?¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s hard to say. Anyway, just do as I say.¡±

    While speaking, Howard caught a glimpse of Lysander in the main hall holding a peace charm. He

    slightly smiled and waved at her, greeting loudly, ¡°Dr. Thorne!¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298

    Chapter 298 Pestering Her

    Behind the main hall of Gute Temple, there was a botanical garden.

    It was very quiet.

    Howard pushed Molly under the gazebo behind the botanical garden.

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect to meet you here, Dr. Thorne!¡±

    She had originally wanted to leave the main hall quietly.

    However, since Howard already saw her, she made no attempt to avoid them.

    ¡°Um, I came to request for a lucky charm.¡±

    Howard smiled kindly as he said, ¡°Yes, I heard that the lucky charms here are very effective.¡±

    ¡°Are you two here to ask for a peace charm for Lysanne?¡±

    Howard nodded. ¡°Yes, we are. She¡¯s recently been injured and is in the hospital.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Those words had barely left her mouth when Molly could no longer hold back her sobs. She grabbed

    her hand, pleading, ¡°Dr. Thorne, can you help Lyss? I know Lyss was very immature before and did a

    lot of things to hurt you. We are willing to make amends, truly. Please help her¡­¡±

    Lysander withdrew her hand and replied, ¡°Madam, I am from the obstetrics and gynecolo department.

    Given Ms. Lysanne¡¯s current condition, she probably won¡¯t need my help.¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t understand. She-¡±

    Howard¡¯s face was ashen as he cut her off, ¡°Let me do the talking.¡±

    Unable to bring herself to speak, Molly touched the tears at the corner of her eyes with her fing turned

    her head aside.

    Seeing the two elderly people in pain, Lysander stillforted them in the spirit of humanitaria ¡°You

    two should just follow the doctor¡¯s advice. Whatever the doctor¡¯s treatment is, you only need cooperate.

    If the scars are severe, our hospital also has a stic surgery department, which can perform some

    cosmetic surgeries to repair her face, so don¡¯t worry too much.¡±

    Howard sighed deeply. ¡°No, it has nothing to do with her appearance. Old Mrs. Guerra seems to have

    been pestering her.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat confused. ¡°Old Mrs. Guerra? Hasn¡¯t she already¡­¡±

    Howard nodded. ¡°Sincest month, Lyss has been having frequent nightmares. She dreams of Old

    Mrs. Guerraing to find her, asking her to pay with her life for her great-grandson, We initially

    shaunku ir dar but a bad de

    Iranus hut chaline hann hanner this kind of dranu

    for a month now Ir anni

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    After hearing that, Lysander initially felt it was somewhat nonsensical

    Upon reflection, she recalled thest time she and Daphne apanied Prisci to shop for luxury

    goods. It seemed that Lysanne had tearfully begged her, iming that Elisa always scolded her in her

    dreams.

    So, it started from that time, huh? No wonder thest few times I saw her, she indeed looked more

    haggard each time, and her temperament has greatly chan

    ¡°I was educated in materialism, and I don¡¯t really believe in the existence of ghosts in this world. Even if

    they exist. Old Mrs. Guerra is very easy-going. She wouldn¡¯t be so harsh on someone from a younger

    generation.¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand Old Mrs. Guerra.¡± Molly said hesitantly: ¡°Her husband passed away carly, and

    she single-handedly raised Josiah¡¯s father. Later, Josiah¡¯s father died unexpectedly, leaving only Josiah

    as a child. For three generations, the Guerra family has been left with only Josiah, a sole descendant.

    She hopes every day that Josiah can marry and have children carly, but Josiah¡­ s, Josiah is also a

    child who values love. At that time, he was always waiting for Lyss and refused to go on blind dates.

    For Lyss, he even had a few quarrels with Old Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    Lysander really doesn¡¯t know about these things.

    When she married Josiah, it was indeed arranged by Elisa.

    At that time, however, Josiah was willing to get married and was not very resistant to blind dates.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Send Gifts

    ? 200 398

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299

    Chapter 299 The Red String

    So, at that time, the news of Lysander¡¯s marriage abroad had probably reached home, and only then

    did Josiah finally give up, agreeing to the arrangements made by Old Mrs. Guerra. Or perhaps, it¡¯s

    simply because of my

    name¡­

    ¡°As a result, Old Mrs. Guerra has quite an opinion about Lyss. She always feels that it¡¯s Lyss who¡¯s

    been leading Josiah on, neither epting nor refusing his advances, giving him hope but unwilling to

    openly be with him. Hence, Old Mrs. Guerra has some prejudice against Lyss.¡±

    Lysander smiled without saying a word.

    That¡¯s probably not really a prejudice.

    From Aiden and Miles, Lysander also learned some things about Lysanne when she was in school,

    both. openly and secretly.

    Even if she wasn¡¯t leading Josiah on, she was definitely keeping him as a rebound.

    It was a pity that back then, Josiah was willing to be a rebound. Elisa, however, was a true irondy. It

    only made sense that she could see through the little tricks of a girl aged seventeen to eighteen.

    Molly returned to the country, she reconnected with Josiah. But Dr. Thorne, Lyss really had no intention

    of disrupting your family. She has always considered Josiah her best friend since childhood. She had

    no idea that Josiah had feelings for her. You must believe me. I really am telling the truth¡­¡±

    continued, ¡°Later, you married Josiah and had children. Lyss¡¯ marriage failed, and after she

    Lysander chuckled, then nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Seeing her agree, Molly rxed slightly. ¡°It seems my husband was right! You truly are a kind-hearted

    and benevolent person, Dr. Thorne! No wonder Josiah likes you!¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, I won¡¯t be getting back together with Josiah as I¡¯m about to go

    abroad. However, considering the rtionship between Josiah and Lysanne, even without love, the

    familial bond that has been there since childhood would still exist. You don¡¯t need to worry too much.¡±

    ¡°We originally thought the same way, but Josiah is really stubborn this time. His grandmother, who

    raised him since he was a child, couldn¡¯t even utter herst words because of Lyss. And his child, also

    because of Lyss, was lost for no reason. Dr. Thorne, Josiah is sincere toward you. Can you give him

    another chance?¡± Molly said urgently.

    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, I understand your love and concern for your own daughter, but does that mean

    you can ignore other people¡¯s daughters? I am also my parents¡¯ beloved daughter, and they would not

    allow me to repeat the same mistakes.¡±

    Molly cried anxiously, ¡°I¡¯m sorry! I¡¯m sorry, Dr. Thorne! I didn¡¯t mean it that way! I was just worried and

    spoke without thinking. I-¡±

    Howard¡¯s voice suddenly changed, his gaze unbelievably fixed on the red string on Lysander¡¯s wrist. ¡°Is

    this yours?

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    ¡°May I have a look at it?¡±

    As Lysander usually had to undergo surgery, she was basically not wearing any jewelry.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    This red string was given to her by her parents when she was a child. They said it could bless her with

    safety.

    She was preparing to go abroad, and her parents were quite worried. As such, she brought it with her,

    which could provide somefort to her parents.

    Lysander said, ¡°This red string is just themon type sold outside. My parents bought it for me, for

    safety, good luck-¡±

    She gasped halfway through her sentence when she felt a sudden tight pain on the wrist.

    Molly was also somewhat excited, tightly grasping the red string on her wrist and carefully examining it

    up close.

    With her wrist painfully constricted, Lysander could only go with the flow and lift her wrist to let Molly

    take a closer look.

    ¡°Please loosen your grip, Mrs. Thorne, You¡¯re hurting me¡­¡±

    ¡°Lyss¡­ You are Lyss¡­¡±

    Howard was shocked beyond words. After confirming the red string, he looked up at her, his eyes filled

    with tears as he stammered, ¡°Y-You¡­¡±

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 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300

    Chapter 300 Every Parent Loves Their Child

    Lysander didn¡¯t remember how she got home that day.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Laura opened the door for her, hurriedly saying, ¡°You wash your hands first. The food has gotten cold,

    so I¡¯ll go and heat it up for you.¡±

    In the kitchen, five or six small dishes were neatly arranged, filled with various kinds of food, and a

    soup.

    ¡°Mom, is all this left for me?¡±

    Laura started the fire, working and speaking at the same time, ¡°Yes, the three of us have already eaten.

    We saved some for you in advance. Why did youe back sote today? Didn¡¯t you say you

    basically don¡¯t work overtime recently?¡±

    The range hood on the stove seemed to be quite old. It was very i

    noisy.

    Lysander could only faintly hear her mother¡¯s voice, but she could clearly see her mother¡¯s busy and

    hardworking figure.

    Those few dishes, two of them were what Michelle liked, and the other two were what Lysander liked.

    ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Laura raised her head, looking at her with confusion. ¡°The dishes will be all heated up

    soon, so you should go wash your hands. It will be ready in no time.¡±

    ¡°Why do you keep staring at me? Is there something on my face? Did I just get some soot on it the

    bottom of the pot?¡±

    Laura wiped her hands hastily and continued cooking the hot dishes.

    As Lysander walked into the room, Maverick was sitting at the head of the bed, seemingly flippin

    through a bank book. Seeing her return, he hurriedly waved his hand at her. ¡°Lysa, my eyesight is poor

    now. Come in quickly and help me look at this.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t until Lysander walked into the room that she saw Maverick holding several bank books in hi

    hand.

    ¡°Dad, what are you doing?¡±

    Maverickughed somewhat bleakly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going abroad? It¡¯s alwaysfortable at home, but

    things will get rough once you¡¯re out. I heard that ravioli costs hundreds per serving in Stounia. You¡¯d

    better bring more money with you.¡±

    A bittersweet feeling welled up in Lysander¡¯s heart. She sat down next to her father and said with a

    smile, ¡°Who told you that? That must be a scam.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never been to Stounia, so I don¡¯t know if things are expensive there. As a woman, you must

    always nay attention to your cafetu when ites to eating and amodation Voy must stay in a

    better

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    savings.¡± Maverick lowered his voice as he continued excitedly, ¡°Don¡¯t ell your mom, though. I¡¯ve been

    saving this secretly over the years.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel a warmth in her eyes, Dad, I am a work expatriate, I have a torm, and

    there¡¯s a hospital cafeteria for meals.¡±

    ¡°A woman like you also needs to buy some nice clothes, skincare products, and go on trips with

    colleagues during holidays. I¡¯m telling you, don¡¯t avoid group activities just to save money. You need to

    maintain good rtionships with your peers. You are alone in a foreign country. If something happens,

    your parents are not going to be around, so you can only rely on your friends for help.

    Lysander gently hugged Maverick¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Dad, Michelle still needs to go to university, so there will

    be many expenses in the future. If you give me all the money, what will she do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry

    about this. Your sister¡¯s matters are for me and your mother to worry about. You should focus on

    furthering your studies.¡±

    ¡°Dad, there¡¯s a chance I might stay there after I go.¡±

    Maverick didn¡¯t seem surprised at all. He gently ruffled her hair and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay if you choose to stay

    there. Studying medicine is all about saving lives and healing the wounded. No matter where you are.

    treating and saving people is a good thing.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s also possible that I won¡¯t be able to adapt to the environment there, and may return.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s even better. Having acquired advanced knowledge, you cane back to contribute to the

    nation and the people.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Dad, your ideological awareness is pretty high.¡±

    ¡°Have you forgotten that I am a retired veteran? All right, your mom dragged me to the supermarket

    today and bought a lot of delicious food. If you¡¯re not busy in the next couple of days,e home early

    for dinner. Once you¡¯re abroad, it will be hard to taste the vors of home.¡±

    ¡°Dad, you and Mom sure treat me well.¡±

    Maverick huffed. ¡°You¡¯re our child, after all. Every parent loves their child.¡±

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 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301

    Chapter 301 It Could Not Prove Anything

    When Lysander heard the word biological parents, her heart inexorably jolted.

    ¡°Hey, why did you rummage this red string out and put it on?¡± Maverick asked.

    Lysander paused for a moment before replying, ¡°Mom said this is a lucky charm.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Maverick nodded. ¡°Keep it on. It will allow us to rest easier.¡±

    ¡°Dad, how much did it cost for this red string when you both bought it for me? A colleague of mine saw

    it and wants to get one, too.¡±

    ¡°That was so many years ago. How could I possibly remember? Besides, the value of money back then

    was nothing like it is now,¡± Maverick answered.

    ¡°Where did you buy it, then? At Harborbrook Temple

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I honestly can¡¯t remember anymore.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you young girls prefer bracelets made of pretty little beads? I¡¯m surprised someone would still

    like something as rustic as a red string

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°Maybe she feels that the simpler something is, the more effective it is. By

    the way. Dad, does Michelle have one? I don¡¯t recall ever seeing her wear one.¡±

    ¡°Back then, she wasn¡¯t even in the picture yet!¡± Maverick waved his hand dismissively. this red string.

    Quick, help me check the bnces on these bank books. I can¡¯t see clear

    Thus, Lysander lent her father a hand.

    Maverick had four bank books, thebined total of which was a little over two hundred thousand.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    He took three of them out. ¡°If my memory serves me right, thebined amount of these th hundred

    and eighty thousand. I¡¯ve done the math, and if exchanged to Stounian currency, it w equate perfectly

    to thirty thousand.¡±

    ¡°Dad-¡±

    ¡°All right, I know what you want to say. I¡¯m your father, so you have to listen to me.¡±

    bout

    Lysander burst intoughter. ¡°I just wanted to ask where exactly our family¡¯s household registry is.¡±

    ¡°Why do you need the household registry?¡± Maverick instantly turned wary.

    ¡°The passport application requires it.¡±

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    Lysander caught the implication behind it. ¡°He came over today?¡±

    ¡°I ran into him downstairs. He probably knew that he wasn¡¯t wee here, so he didn¡¯te up and

    knock. He merely waited downstairs.¡±

    ¡°What¡­ did you say to him?¡±

    ¡°What else could I have said? I naturally told him to stay away from you and not to bother you again,¡±

    Maverick said resentfully. ¡°Here, the household registry.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Remember to return it once you¡¯re done using it. Recing it would be a hassle. You absolutely must

    not lose it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just take a few photos and return it to you,¡± Lysander said.

    She then returned to her room with the household registry in hand.

    When she flipped it open, her hands trembled slightly

    On it was printed: Maverick Thorne, high school education. O blood type. Laura Olsen, high school

    education, O blood type. Lysander Thorne, high school education, O blood type. Michelle Thorne,

    elementary education, O blood type.

    She recalled that they once renewed the family¡¯s household registry. At that time, Michelle was in

    elementary school, whereas she was in high school. Therefore, their educational levels remained as

    they were at the time of registration without being updated.

    However, the matter of blood type..

    ¡°Lysa, why have you gone off again? Have you washed your hands? Come out and eat!¡±

    ¡°Okay,ing!¡± Lysander hollered.

    She left the bedroom and returned the household registry to Maverick.

    Maverick asked, ¡°Lysa, your highest level of education here is indicated as high school. Is that okay?

    Smiling, Lysander nodded. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t really matter. Mainly, it¡¯s to verify my household registry.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see. That¡¯s good, then.¡±

    ¡°All right, all right, hurry up and wash your hands for dinner,¡± Laura urged.

    Throughout the night, Lysander remained somewhat restless.

    The entire family had type O blood, and since it was a recessive gene, it couldn¡¯t prove anything.

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 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302

    Chapter 302 May I Come In

    When Lysander went to the hospital the next day, she specially made a trip to the test center.

    In no time, the results were out.

    Lysander spaced out as she stared at the word ¡°A type on the test report.

    In her mind, she reyed the tear-choked words of Lysanne¡¯s parents yesterday. My name is Howard

    Thorne. This is my wife, Molly Anderson. We named our only daughter Lysanna. However, she went

    missing when she was very young. Your mother¡­ I mean, my wife met with a car ident while

    searching for our daughter. She was lucky to survive, but her legs were paralyzed, confining her to a

    wheelchair all these years. Lyss was adopted from an orphanage. We named her Lysanne, a very

    simr-sounding name¡­.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, what brings you here?¡±

    Jolted out of her thoughts, Lysander folded the test report and tucked it into her white coat. ¡°Dr. Latour.¡±

    ¡°Apatient¡¯s test results are out? You could¡¯ve just had them upload them directly into the system. did

    you personallye to collect them?¡± Melinda asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit urgent, so I came over to inquire about it,¡± Lysander replied.

    ¡°Which bed is the patient?¡±

    ¡°Bed No. 53, Prisci Ziegler.¡±

    Why

    ¡°Oh, I see, I know of her. Her situation is quite serious. No wonder you made the trip yourself. Have you

    gotten the results?¡±

    ¡°No. They aren¡¯t out yet.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Even without you here, there¡¯s still me. I¡¯m aware of her condition. Rest easy,¡± Melinda

    consoled.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    After Melinda had left, Lysander tore up the test report and tossed the pieces into the trash can.

    The transfer order came quickly.

    Lysander had initially thought it would only be issued next week, but Fred handed it to her that

    Thursday.

    ¡°Our coordination with the other hospital went smoothly. They have reviewed your case and are quite

    impressed with your track record, so they would like you to go over ahead of schedule.¡±

    Recently, Lysander had been caught up in a whirlwind of events. Thus, it was probably for the best that

    she left sooner.

    She went to bid Prisci farewell.

    1/2

    Prisci seemed much more spirited, her eyes sparkling at the sight o her. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Hey, feeling any better?¡±

    Prisci¡¯s face was already slightly rounded, rendering her utterly adorable when she smiled. ¡°My dad

    hired a caregiver for me. She prepares four dishes and a soup daily, so I¡¯m stuffed every single day.¡±

    ¡°Yourst abortion was quite risky, and it took a heavy toll on your health. Make sure to eat more and

    replenish your nutrients. Only when you¡¯re healthy again can your father be at ease,¡± Lysander

    advised.

    ¡°I know, Lysander. I¡¯ve been doing my best to eat.¡±

    ntact you again?¡±

    ¡°How are things with Harry? Did he contact you

    Prisci shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve blocked him and his mother. Now, I¡¯m just waiting for the court hearing. I

    don¡¯t want anything to do with him anymore.¡±

    ¡°I sec.¡±

    Just then, there was a knock on the ward door.

    Prisci said, ¡°I bet the caregiver is here with lunch again. Lysander, I can¡¯t finish it all by myself. Join

    me-¡±

    Before she had even finished her utterance, she eximed, ¡°Harry? Get out! Get out of here!¡±

    Snapping to her senses, Lysander quickly moved to shield Prisci behind her. ¡°How did you get in

    here?! Get out!¡±

    Dr. Ziegler had already told the security guards not to allow him in again.

    ¡°I brought him in.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra?¡± Prisci eximed in surprise.

    As soon as Josiah spoke, Harry obsequiously took a step back, ceding the doorway to him.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    With Josiah present, Prisci seemingly let her guard down a bit.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, did you need something from me?¡±

    Josiah grunted affirmatively. ¡°May Ie in?¡±

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 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303

    Chapter 303 Leave With Me

    ¡°You definitely can, but¡­¡± Prisci¡¯s gaze shifted in Harry¡¯s direction..

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since I dared bring him in, I can guarantee he won¡¯t dare cause any trouble,¡± Josiah

    assured.

    Somewhat uncertain, Prisci turned to Lysander.

    Josiah attempted to push open the door, but Lysander still blocked the doorway. ¡°What do you mean?

    Spell things out, please.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Josiah asked.

    Suddenly, realization hit Lysander, and she quickly recanted, ¡°No!¡±

    s, it was already toote.

    The words had already left his lips. ¡°I want to see you.

    Lysander stared at him intently. ¡°Why did you bring him if you wanted to see me?¡±

    ¡°Would you talk to me without a reason? These few days, you¡¯ve been avoiding me like a mouse

    seeing a cat. You¡¯ve stopped showing up at the clinic, and Lynn from the inpatient department said

    you¡¯ve even stopped handling those patients. I couldn¡¯t even drop by your ce and disturb your

    parents, afraid you might kill me.¡±

    ¡°At least you know that much,¡± Lysander huffed.

    ¡°So, I had no choice but toe and look for you here.¡± Josiah gave Prisci a slight nod in gr

    apologize for the intrusion, Ms. Ziegler.¡±

    Prisci had some knowledge of Lysander¡¯s involvement with Josiah, but not much.

    She could only force augh and say, ¡°It¡¯s no intrusion, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Molsey came here today to sign the divorce agreement with you,¡± Josiah said.

    Prisci¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Really? Didn¡¯t his mom forbid it?¡±

    Harry¡¯s face glowed with joy, his smugness evident in his eyes and the curve of his lips. He cheerfully

    pulled out the divorce agreement from his bag. ¡°I¡¯ll handle my mom. Prisci, all you need to do is sign

    this. You don¡¯t even have to go to the city hall. Mr. Guerra is so nice, offering to have his legal.

    department deal with our divorce proceedings. If you sign it now, we can get the divorce certificate this

    afternoon.

    Prisci looked at Josiah, still somewhat in disbelief.

    Josiah gave a slight nod, saying, ¡°I had my legal department draft the divorce agreement. You can sign

    it with peace of mind.¡±

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    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Lysander cried out. ¡°Let me look over the agreen ent.¡±

    Harry was slightly annoyed. ¡°Don¡¯t you trust Mr. Guerra? With him here, would he have me and Prisci

    be set up?¡±

    Lysander merely snickered.

    He probably wouldn¡¯t set Prisci up, but it¡¯s really hard to say whether he¡¯d do it to you.

    Josiah took the agreement from Harry¡¯s hand and handed it to her, saying, ¡°Feel free to look over it.¡±

    Lysander took it. It was a hefty stack, containing thirty to forty pages at the very least.

    ¡°So thick?¡±

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re as casual as we were back then?

    Indeed, Lysander never personally went to the city hall when she got divorced from Josiah..

    After she had sent off the signed divorce agreement to Josiah, it wasn¡¯t long before she received a

    package couriered in return with the divorce certificate.

    Back then, he was still on good terms with her. Hence, he probably didn¡¯t want to drag things out any

    longer and quickly took care of the formalities.

    Corralling her thoughts, Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s the division of assets like?¡±

    Harry hurriedly interjected, ¡°I renounce my im to the assets. All assets acquired after mar belong to

    Prisci.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re truly willing to give up?¡±

    Harry rubbed his hands together sheepishly. ¡°My girlfriend is pregnant. We¡¯re both from pr families, so

    we can¡¯t have her visibly pregnant during the wedding. So, we need to arrange it a possible.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Astonished, Lysander looked straight at Josiah. ¡°Lora is pregnant? What happened?¡±

    Josiah crossed his arms, in no rush. ¡°You¡¯d like to know?¡±

    Words cluded Lysander.

    Josiah continued, ¡°Once Ms. Ziegler has signed the agreement, leave with me.¡±

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 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304

    Chapter 304 I Do Not Want Yours

    Upon hearing Josiah¡¯s words, Prisci began to worry about Lysander. Holding the pen in hand, she

    remained motionless for quite some time.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Lysander asked Josiah directly, ¡°Can you guarantee there aren¡¯t any issues with

    the agreement?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s lips curved into a smirk. ¡°What¡¯s to worry about when it¡¯s Guerra Group¡¯s legal department?¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Guerra Group even has a legal advisor like Yvonne, so I must certainly ask clearly.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°She has already been dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Then, will she still give me the two houses she promised?¡±

    Josiah chuckled in anger. ¡°You¡¯re short of houses?¡±

    Lysander nodded docilely. ¡°Yes. The two houses she offered were pretty nice.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you don¡¯t want a house?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want yours.¡±

    ¡°Why, you think the house I give you will be haunted?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that, but I don¡¯t want to see anyone sneaking around.¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly and nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll act as a guarantor for the agreement. If any

    es wrong, you know where to find me.¡±

    Prisci let out a slight sigh of relief before asking Lysander softly, ¡°Lysander, since Mr. Guerra ha

    already said as much, there shouldn¡¯t be any problems, right?¡±

    Nheless, Lysander couldn¡¯t shake off the odd feeling within her.

    ¡°Could you attach a different term, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to meet with you.¡±

    Josiah went silent and stared at her intently for a few seconds, his

    gaze dark.

    Harry, on the other hand, was somewhat anxious. Scratching his head, he urged, ¡°Prisci, hurry up

    and sign the agreement. I have an appointment this afternoon, and I¡¯m runningte.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s appointment?¡± Prisci asked casually.

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    ¡°Old Mr. Stone wants to have lunch with Mr. Molsey.¡±Josiah said.

    Lysander was slightly taken aback.

    Lora was a faux heiress, her persona being that of a mysterious rich kid who had been abroad and

    never returned. However, the patriarch of the Stone family of Seamus Corporation was no ordinary

    man. He was frequently featured in financial news.

    Persuading him to lend a hand must have been Josiah¡¯s handiwork, and it had to have cost a lot.

    Prisci asked, ¡°Lysander, should I sign it? I¡¯ll follow your advice.¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander replied, Go ahead and sign it.¡±

    Prisci swiftly signed her name, handing the two copies of the divorce agreement back to Harry. ¡°From

    this point on, you¡¯ll go our separate ways. Regardless of whether you¡¯re doing well, we¡¯ll have nothing

    to do with each other anymore.¡±

    On the brink of having a beautiful dreame true. Harry hastily nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Prisci. Even

    if we happen to cross paths in the future, we¡¯ll be strangers. Lora can be a bit dramatic and jealous.

    She already threatened to break up with me once when she found out that I¡¯d been married. If this

    issue resurfaces, she might change her mind again, which would affect my rtionship with her.¡±

    Prisci looked at him disdainfully, ¡°Fine, then. I wish you a blissful marriage, a harmonious family, a

    long life together, and a houseful of children.¡±

    Harry happily handed the divorce agreement to Josiah. ¡°Mr. Guerra, what about the divorce

    certificate?¡±

    Josiah promptly made a phone call to Carol.

    After hanging up the phone, he said, ¡°Ms. Collins will have it sorted out by this afternoon. expect it via

    courier tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure!¡± Harry grasped Josiah¡¯s hand and shook it earnestly. ¡°Mr. Guerra, I can¡¯t thank y If it

    weren¡¯t for your great assistance this time, I doubt Lora and I could be together so smooth are

    practically a benefactor to the Molsey family, a second parent to me-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Josiah withdrew his hand in distaste. ¡°I merely yed the role of a middleman

    Primarily, it was you who won Lora¡¯s affection.¡±

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 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305

    Chapter 305 You Do Not Quite Understand M. en

    Harry was quite pleased with himself. He subtly lowered his voice and cast a suggestive nce in

    Lysander¡¯s direction. ¡°Mr. Guerra, um¡­ do you need my help?¡¯

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°How do you n on helping?¡±

    ¡°I can teach you a few tricks.¡±

    ¡°Harry, why are you still here?¡± Lysander shouted sterly.

    Jumping in fright, Harry clutched his chest in displeasure. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I must say that you need to rein

    in your temper a bit. Men aren¡¯t your patients. They have their pride. It¡¯s already good that Mr. Guerra is

    willing toe back to you. Why are you being stubborn-¡±

    Prisci shoved him out of the room. ¡°Scram! Get out! Get out right now!¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey, don¡¯t push me-¡±

    Prisci promptly booted him out, and mmed the ward door shut with a resounding bang.

    Harry cursed briefly outside, but he then left in no time.

    Prisci walked over to Lysander and shook her arm. Lysander.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Lysander shed her a smile. ¡°That is good. There¡¯s no need to go to court, and it gets resolved.

    quickly.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s true. I¡¯ll call Daphne right away. We¡¯ve got to quickly return those luxury brand items a

    clothes before repurchasing them. Mr. Guerra¡¯s secretary will be securing the divorce certificate thi

    afternoon, so I need to act fast,¡± said Prisci.

    Lysander gave a nod. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    With her phone in hand, Prisci made to leave the room. But looking at Josiah seated on t nearby, she

    couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly worried.

    ¡°Hurry up and go. Don¡¯t waste any time,¡± Lysander coaxed.

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll be stepping out, Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Prisci snagged her coat and left, leaving the couple alone in the ward.

    Josiah remained silent, simply watching her quietly.

    the couch

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    make eye contact intimidating.

    Deciding to let things be, she sat down beside the hospital bed, opened the drawer of the bedside

    table, and began to look through the medical records.

    ¡°Are

    you

    really not going to say a single word to me?¡±

    Without lifting her head, Lysander said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who came to look for me.¡±

    Josiah slowly rose to his feet and made his way to her.

    His shadow fell upon her, enveloping her figure entirely.

    The familiar scent of citrus wafted into her nostrils once more, and it grew increasingly intense. Like a

    virus, it seemingly infected the surrounding air with that aroma..

    I must have lost my mind to think that someone like Josiah a kind gentleman. After so many years in

    the cutthroat world of business, he can¡¯t possibly be a soft-hearted and innocent gentleman.

    ¡°What¡¯s the story behind Lora¡¯s pregnancy?¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly, pulling a chair over to sit beside her. ¡°You¡¯ve finally decided to ask, after all?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s merely an actress, so it isn¡¯t worth it for her to sacrifice herself.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°She¡¯s not pregnant.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t too surprised. ¡°Did you have someone forge a medical report?¡±

    ¡°Initially, I wanted to ask you to do it, but I then thought if Harry were to kick up a fuss in the future,

    would inevitably be dragged into the mess. So, I decided not to tell you in the end.¡±

    you

    ¡°So, who did you go to?¡±.

    ¡°The medical report was from the trash can, and the patient¡¯s name and date of the check-up were

    photoshopped.¡±

    ¡°Harry believed it?¡± Lysander was somewhat skeptical ¡°Aren¡¯t you underestimating him to use a

    photoshopped picture when he¡¯s such a shrewd person?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Lysander, you don¡¯t quite understand men. If a woman gets pregnant after sleeping

    with him once, it only affirms his virility. He would be nothing but pleased and proud without suspecting

    anything.¡±

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 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306

    Chapter 306 Are You Threatening Me Again

    ¡°If so, I must admit that I don¡¯t quite understand men, Lysander said.

    ¡°It¡¯s only natural since youck experience,¡± Josiah replied.

    ¡°True. When I go abroad this time, I¡¯m also nning to gain more experience.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Lysander, the more you provoke me with such words, the more it

    proves. you still can¡¯t forget me.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, gold is indeed valuable, but it¡¯s not necessarily to everyone¡¯s liking.¡±

    Josiah paused momentarily, then let out a somewhat helpless sigh. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m at a loss on how to

    treat you now. Gentle persuasion doesn¡¯t work on you, yet I can¡¯t bring myself to use force. Can your

    propose one condition straight away? If I can meet it, let¡¯s start over.¡±

    ¡°There are no conditions because it¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°There will always be a condition.¡± Josiah tapped his finger against the divorce agreement belonging to

    Harry. ¡°This is still with me. Whether it¡¯s to be submitted to the city hall or tossed into the shredder is.

    your call.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat livid. ¡°Are you threatening me again?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this either. But I¡¯m left with no choice. This method might be crude and

    straightforward, but it works.¡±

    ¡°Did you ever consider that Prisci and I have no familial ties? I can easily ignore this matte for the

    court hearing and the verdict.¡±

    ¡°Of course, you can do so. Then, I can also have Lora cut things off immediately and leave fo said

    Josiah.

    Infuriated, Lysander shot to her feet. ¡°How dare you!¡±

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t be upset. Sit down first.¡± Josiah took her hand and tugged her back down. ¡°It¡¯s not

    that I get to see you. Can we talk nicely?¡±

    Lysander turned her face away, refusing to cooperate.

    Holding her hand gently in his own, Josiah toyed with it lightly. ¡°You know exactly what I meant. Since

    you want to be an expatriate, I won¡¯t stop you. It¡¯s your career, and I won¡¯t interfere.¡±

    ¡°So, what exactly did youe to say today?¡±

    ¡°Give me a chance. Don¡¯t reject me outright.¡±

    Lysander inerely chuckled softly.

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    ¡°I¡¯ve known this for a while now. There¡¯s no need to repeat it.¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment. Then, he continued, ¡°Something happened when we were kids. Her

    mother also did a great favor to the Guerra family. I will look after her, but I won¡¯t allow her to interfere

    in my life anymore. Never.¡±

    ¡°What if she insists on interfering? Even if she doesn¡¯t do it like before but uses a different strategy of

    ying the victim and putting on the waterworks, what would you do?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°Why should I be concerned about her being a victim when I¡¯m no hero? I only promised Mrs. Thorne

    that I would take care of her in herter years. She still has to live her own life. I won¡¯t bother about the

    rest anymore,¡± Josiah stated.

    Lysander¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Mrs. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s Lysanne¡¯s mother. Her family name is actually Anderson, but I¡¯ve always addressed her as Mrs.

    Thorne since childhood and continued doing soter¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath before asking, ¡°So, you¡¯re only looking after Lysanne now out of

    gratitude?¡±

    ¡°Yes. To me, she is now just Mrs. Thorne¡¯s daughter, nothing more.¡±

    ¡°What if Mrs. Thorne has other children, then?¡±

    ¡°My answer remains the same. I¡¯m only regard it as repaying a favor. The rest is none of my business.¡±

    Lysander went silent.

    ¡°Lysander, what did you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lysander fibbed. ¡°Get Prisci¡¯s divorce certificate sorted out as soon as possible. It¡¯s better

    to settle this matter quickly. Once Harry realizes he¡¯s been fooled, he¡¯s bound to blow up for a while.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod. ¡°All right. Then, I¡¯ll take it that you agreed to my condition.¡±

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 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307

    Chapter 307 Enjoy Looking At The Skeletons

    ¡°Get the divorce certificate first,¡± Lysander insisted.

    Josiahughed. ¡°Okay.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Lysander was drawn back by a long arm around the waist.

    She struggled but couldn¡¯t break free, her back stered tightly against his chest.

    Feeling rather unease, she struggled frantically. ¡°Have you lost your mind? This is a ward, with people

    constantlying and going.¡±

    ¡°Stay still.¡±

    ¡°Could you at least consider the situation before you act up? Just because you have no shame doesn¡¯t

    mean I don¡¯t!¡±

    ¡°I said to stay still.¡± Josiah rested his chin on her shoulder. ¡°Just let me hug you for a bit.¡±

    ¡°I still have to work!¡±

    Josiah took her hand and ced it on his waist, then slowly moved it downward until it hit a snag.

    A buzzing started in Lysander¡¯s mind, and it went nk.

    ¡°Stop struggling and stay still. If you fire me up, we¡¯ll go downstairs to the car. I¡¯m not joki

    Lysander was so furious, she gritted her teeth. ¡°What absurdity!¡±

    Josiah also knew it wasn¡¯t the ce for it and tried his best topose himself. ¡°Let me cal before you

    leave.¡±

    Lysander was both furious and anxious. ¡°You¡­ could even get turned on in a ward?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been separated for nearly half a year now.¡±

    Lysander was struck speechless.

    The arm around her waist tightened a fraction.

    ¡°I¡¯m a normal man. Do you understand what half a year signifies?¡±

    ¡°How would I know? You¡¯re just a freak, Josiah!¡±

    Josiah¡¯s soft chuckle echoed in Lysander¡¯s cars. ¡°When we were together, I always held back, afraid of

    scaring or hurting you. And in the six months since our divorce, I¡¯ve also been abstaining.¡±

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    She desperately leaned forward to avoid him, but Josiah followed he movements and pressed down,

    The two of them were like perfectly nested spoons. His breath grew i creasingly heavier.

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°Revolting things that turns your stomach such as flies, cockroaches, or rats.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t work.¡±

    ¡°How do you know without even trying?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried it all before¡­ and they were indeed of no use.¡±

    Lysander was infuriated. Her eyes flickered, a sudden idea popping into her mind. ¡°How about I take

    you somewhere and help you resolve this issue?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes lit up in an instant. ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°Let go of me first.¡±

    ¡°Will it be fun?¡±

    ¡°I find it quite fun.¡±

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s lips widened slightly, ¡°Trying to pull another trick, nning to run?¡±

    ¡°So, do you want to go or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ve seen some¡­videos before. There are undeniably some pretty nice spots Josiah

    replied.

    Lysander gave him a slightly disdainful look. ¡°You watch those kind of stuff?¡±

    ¡°Aiden and the others often watch, so I inevitably caught a glimpse once or twice.¡±

    Words eluded Lysander.

    ¡°Well? Where exactly do you want to bring me? Tell me, and I¡¯ll decide whether to go with you.

    Lysander licked her lips and murmured, ¡°The andrology department.¡±

    Everyone knew that the primary ailment in the andrology department was infertility.

    There were many reasons for infertility, some congenital and others acquired.

    pital,¡±

    Most of the congenital ones could be improved through surgery.

    Meanwhile, those acquired required some physical simtion.

    Lysander led him before a small room at the end of the corridor.

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    With a firm grip on her wrist, Josiah yfully raised an eyebrow. ¡°W. it¡¯s in there?¡±

    ¡°Some¡­ teaching aids.

    ¡°Teaching aids? Or¡­ tools?¡±

    ¡°Both, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Josiah nodded. ¡°Open the door.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod and twisted the door open. Expertly timing her move, she swiftly withdrew her

    arm and gave him a firm push inside, then locked the door with a resounding thud.

    ¡°This is an anatomicalboratory. Enjoy looking at the skeletons and cool down!¡±

 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308

    Chapter 308 But No Thanks

    It was nearing the end of the workday in the afternoon, and Lysander assisted Lynn with her thesis.

    Suddenly, the office door was pushed open.

    Lynn thought it was a patient and immediately stood up. ¡°What happened? And which bed?¡±

    Sweeping a gaze over the intruder, Lysander stated directly. ¡°The third floor of the annex. Once you¡¯ve

    exited the elevator, take the left turn and go all the way to the end. The key is on the windowsill at the

    side.¡±

    The woman let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Then, she whirled around to leave in a hurry.

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±

    The woman halted in her tracks, turning back to look at Lysander.

    ¡®Go to Bed No. 54. Remember to take the documents on the bedside table.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    As swift as the woman came, she left just as swiftly.

    Lynn was utterly bewildered. ¡°Dr. Thorne, who was that just now?¡±

    ¡°Someone I know.¡±

    ¡°A patient of yours in the past?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the room at the far left end on the third floor the anatomicalboratory? It¡¯s usually deserted. Oh,

    I get it now. Was that person just now in charge of cleaning the skeletons?¡±

    ¡°Lynn, there seems to be an issue with your citation here. Come and take a look.¡±

    Lynn obediently ran back and sat down in front of theputer. ¡°Where? Where?¡±

    In truth, Lysander really liked being a doctor. What bothered her the most was writing a thesis.

    Writing a thesis was required to earn a professional title. The same went for publishing articles. The

    amount of writing was enough to make her head spin

    Recently, she finally had a rare moment of leisure. However, Lynn¡¯s thesis was riddled with problems.

    that seemed to pop up one after another. She was about to leave soon, so she felt that she should help

    Lynn get her thesis into decent shape at the very least

    Even though everyone in the hospital got along quite well, when it came to the tedious task of writing a

    thesis. few were willing to sacrifice their own time to beln.

    1/3

    Lynn was worried sick. ¡°Dr. Thorne, after you leave, what am I to do with my articles and thesis?¡±

    ¡°People always have to grow up.¡±

    Lynn puffed up like a blowfish. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll also put in a request with Fred. I¡¯ll go look for you during the

    next batch of expatriates.¡±

    ¡°Sure. All the best, then.¡±

    Knock! Knock!

    A knock sounded on the door again.

    Lynn nced up and chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the skeletons to you all, then. Thank you for your hard work.¡±

    The woman smiled without responding. Instead, she turned her gaze to Lysander.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Is there something you want to say to me?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Guerra. He has a message for me to deliver to you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Eat more. It¡¯s ufortable to hold a skeleton.¡±

    Lysander was struck speechless.

    The woman continued, ¡°Also, he

    id this. I¡¯ll get Prisci the divorce certificate tomorrow m

    and personally deliver it during lunch break.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    After the woman had left, Lynn finally realized what had happened. ¡°Dr. Thorne, how did she about

    Prisci¡¯s divorce? Is she thewyer hired by Dr. Ziegler? But what would awyer be do the

    anatomicalboratory?¡±

    Lysander shot her a look. ¡°You still have the energy to bother about others? Quick,e here and

    continue.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, thesis is such a dread! Who on earth was the genius who invented it? I want to kill him!¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    After getting off work, Lysander made a call home and said she wouldn¡¯t be back for dinner.

    Then, she took a taxi for another visit to Gute Temple.

    Next to the temple was a vegetarian restaurant.

    The service staff led her into a private room. Howard and Molly were already there.

    Upon seeing her, Molly was so excited that she tried to rise from her wheelchair by propping herself

    against the armrests. However, her legs were too weak, and she plopped back down heavily. Despite

    that, her eyes never left her.

 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309

    Chapter 309 DNA Test

    Upon hearing Lysander address him as Mr. Thorne, Howard seemingly had something to say yet was

    hesitant to do so.

    Finally, he let out a sigh and said, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    In the private room was arge round table meant for ten, yet there were only three of them.

    Molly was in a wheelchair, so she didn¡¯t require a chair.

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Howard pulled out two chairs beside Molly, gesturing for Lysander toe over and sit beside the

    latter.

    After some thought, Lysander chose a seat across from them. She pulled out a chair and sat down.

    Molly and Howard exchanged a nce, a faint shimmer of tears in their eyes. Howard gently wrapped

    his arm around her shoulder and whispered a few words offort.

    ¡°Have you ordered, Mr. and Mrs. Thome?¡±

    ¡°No. We weren¡¯t sure about your preferences, so we thought we¡¯d wait for you to arrive before ordering.

    Feel free to order anything you like, Lysa. It¡¯s our treat,¡± Howard said.

    Lysander lowered her head and flipped through the menu.

    Although that was a vegetarian restaurant next to a temple and served only vegetarian dishes, there

    was a wide variety. Naturally, the prices were also quite steep.

    She rang the bell and called the service staff, ordering a couple of dishes at random.

    ¡°You like bean curd?¡± Molly asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s passable.¡±

    ¡°I noticed that of the three dishes you ordered, two of them were bean curds.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t invite me over today for a meal, so I just ordered randomly, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne,¡±

    Tears instantly escaped Molly¡¯s eyes. In a choked voice, she said, ¡°How could you order randomly? It

    our first meal together. Howard, order some more. Lysa loves bean curd, so see what other bean curd

    dishes they have and order them all.¡±

    ¡°Sure, sure.¡±

    Wiping away his tears as well, Howard opened the door to the private room and stepped out.

    There was a coffee pot on the table. Lysander stood up and poured Molly a cup, cing it before her.

    Molly took it excitedly with both hands, reining in her emotions and thanking her endlessly.

    Lysander also noured a cun for herself and savored it slowly.

    1/2

    Sniffling slightly, Molly asked with a soft sigh, ¡°Lysa, do you enjoy d inking coffee?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s passable.¡±

    ¡°What do you like, then? ck coffee ortte? Have your dad go out and buy it.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne, it¡¯s just a piece of red string. It doesn¡¯t prove anything,¡± Lysander said.

    Molly felt a bit awkward and chuckled dryly. Then, she said apologetically, ¡°Lysa, there¡¯s something I

    want to tell you. Please, don¡¯t be upset, okay?¡±

    ¡°That depends on the matter.¡±

    ¡°Our daughter was missing for twenty-four years. That day, when we saw the red string, your father¡­ I

    mean, Mr. Thorne and I were so excited that we couldn¡¯t sleep the entire night. But to confirm it, we

    took your hair and that of mine and your father¡­ I mean, Mr. Thorne, for a DNA test.

    Lysander sipped her coffee with her eyes lowered. ¡°The results of a DNA test won¡¯t be out that fast.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. We pulled some strings to have it done as quickly as possible. By tomorrow afternoon, we

    should have the results.¡±

    ¡°Where did you get my hair?¡±

    Molly went silent.

    Somewhat conflicted, she bit her lip and said nothing

    ¡°The first time we met was downstairs at my ce when Lysanne apanied you to log at that time,

    you hadn¡¯t seen the red thread yet. Nor would the idea of conducting a DNA crossed your mind. Our

    second encounter was at Gute Temple previously, but I don¡¯t re hair behind then.¡±

    ¡°We stole it¡­¡±

    ¡°Stole it?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t exactly be considered stealing.¡± Molly felt somewhat ashamed, her voice growing incre softer.

    ¡°We visited the house where you once lived with Josiah.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°But, your daughter, Lysanne, also lived there. How can you be sure that the hai sent

    for the test was mine and not hers?¡±

    But

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310

    Chapter 310 Always Carried It With Him

    ¡°We¡¯re sure because the hair wasn¡¯t randomly from the room but was in¡­ a small box.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    ¡°A small box?¡±

    ¡°Well, Lyss once told us that Josiah had a little box he held precious. It was a ring box. He always

    carried it with him and never allowed anyone to touch it. Once, she wanted to see what was inside, but

    Josiah caught her before she could open it. He was livid and blew up, scaring her to tears.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Molly continued, ¡°Weter sought the help of Ms. Collins and obtained two strands of hair.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s brows instantly furrowed. ¡°Ms. Collins is on your side?¡±

    ¡°No, no, don¡¯t get it wrong. Ms. Collins has worked for Josiah for many years, and her loyalty lies solely

    with him. However, I could tell that she has a good impression of you. After we exined the situation

    to her, she agreed to help.¡±

    Lysander was slightly displeased. ¡°How much did you both tell her about this matter?¡±

    ¡°We only mentioned that we had suspicions and wanted to confirm them. We didn¡¯t utter a single word

    more than necessary.¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    ¡°Lysa, in truth, after we parted ways at Gute Temple that day, we understood that you might not want to

    acknowledge us. You went missing at such a young age, and we couldn¡¯t find you all these years, it¡¯s

    only natural for you to harbor resentment and anger.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I¡¯m not really keen on acknowledging you both.¡±

    Molly abruptly clenched her hands that were resting on herp.

    Lysander continued, ¡°But it isn¡¯t out of resentment. Instead, it¡¯s because I don¡¯t remember anything

    from my childhood. In my memories, there are only my current parents. They took care of me from

    young. Despite our family¡¯s destitute straits, they did everything they could to provide for my education.

    They were even willing to spend half their life savings to buy me a house. They are my real parents.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I truly do. They treated you exceptionally well and raised you like their own daughter. We

    are immensely grateful to them. Rest assured that we will do everything within our power to take care

    of them. As for their daughter, her tuition fees, living expenses, or any ns in the future such as

    studying abroad or whatever it is, we will shoulder all the costs.¡±

    ¡°Those are two separate matters, Mrs. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°I know¡±

    have a few question for you¡± Eveander vaid.

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    T Coins = 1 Pearls

    Molly immediately nodded. ¡°Sure. Ask away.¡±

    ¡°What if I¡¯m not Lysa when the DNA test resultse back?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible! I personally weaved that red string. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d mistake it!¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is hypothetical. What if you both really made a mistake?¡±

    ¡°Could youe over here for a moment?¡± Molly asked.

    ¡°What for?¡±

    ¡°There should be a faint line right above your left eyebrow. That was from when you identally fell

    when you were a child.¡±

    That left Lysander without a retort.

    Molly continued, ¡°Never mind. You don¡¯t need to conie over. You¡¯re grown up now. I¡¯m sur at your face

    in the mirror every day. You should know if you have that mark.¡±

    you look

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Judging by your expression, you should have the answer. What¡¯s your second question?¡± Molly.

    inquired.

    ¡°How old was your daughter when she went missing?

    ¡°Four years and three months old,¡±

    ¡°Logically speaking, one should already be able to remember things at the age of four absolutely no

    recollection of you both. My memories only consist of my current parci

    Molly admitted, ¡°I can¡¯t answer that either right now. After you went missing, your fathe exhausted

    every possible method. We went to the police, hired private investigators, and the entire Harborbrook

    inside down. We checked every train, ne, and long-distance bu was no news of you.¡±

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 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311

    Chapter 311 I Only Have One Request

    Molly said, ¡°Back then, the private investigators told us that given your your age, if we still couldn¡¯t find

    you after going to such lengths, there was a high chance you were kidna, ed by someone with

    malicious intentions, waiting to demand a ransom from us. But we waited and waited without a single

    call from the kidnappers. There was no news of you, and you vanished without a trace Three months

    later, the police told us that your chances of survival were extremely slim and urged us to ept the

    reality¡±

    She continued, ¡°I reckoned that perhaps after you got lost, you met with some incident or suffered

    some injury that made you lose your memories and forget your identity. At that time, you were already

    four years old and knew who your parents were and also our house number. As long as you were alive,

    with your intelligence, you would definitely find a way to contact us, call the police for help, or ask a

    kind stranger to phone us. But there was no news of you at all. We both thought that you were

    already¡­¡±

    She couldn¡¯t go on speaking anymore, pping her hands over her face and bursting into tears.

    Just then, Howard returned. He rushed over and gathered his wife into his arms, coaxing softly, ¡°Don¡¯t

    cry. Don¡¯t cry anymore. Lysa is back. This is a joyous asion. Why are you crying?¡±

    Molly clung to her husband¡¯s shoulder and cried uncontrobly. ¡°It was my fault¡­ I didn¡¯t take good

    care of Lysa¡­

    Whileforting his wife by patting her back, Howard was also teary-eyed. He said in a choked voice,

    ¡°What other questions do you have, Lysa? I answer them for you. Let your mother rest for a bit. All

    these years, she has been ming herself every day for what happened to you and almost took her

    own. life several times. If it weren¡¯t for my timely intervention andter adopting Lysa from the

    orphanage to give her a source of emotional support, she really wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold out.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hand that held the cup of coffee trembled slightly, causing its contents to spill out a bit.

    She snagged a few tissues and wiped the coffee on the table.

    ¡°I have one final question.¡±

    ¡°Ask away.¡±

    ¡°Did I know Josiah when I was young?¡±

    ¡°We only moved next door to the Guerra family a year after we adopted Lyss. Josiah was thrilled when

    he found out we moved in. He specifically came over, saying he wanted to see you and that you both

    had some sort of agreement. Ever since then, he has been very close with Lyss, caring for her

    meticulously from childhood to adulthood.¡±

    ¡°Did he mistake Lysanne for me?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps. Back then, we missed you terribly. After Lyss came to our home, the dresses your mother

    put on her were all previously worn by you. Even the hair bands she used were yours. We tried our

    best to dress her up like you. Given that you two were of simr age and bore a slight resemnce,

    she looked even more like you after being dressed up. Often, just looking at her reminded us of you.

    Now that I

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    Chapter 3111only

    Lysander hung her head low, letting out a heavy sigh,

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Howard.

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    ¡°Just speak your mind. It¡¯s only the three of us here today. There are no outsiders.¡±

    ¡°Does anyone else know about my identity now, apart from Ms. Collins?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, but once the DNA testes back, we¡¯ll certainly throw a grand banquet to introduce you to

    everyone. If you have any requests, don¡¯t hesitate to bring them up. We will do our best to fulfill them.

    We¡¯ve also talked about the situation between you and Josiah. He likes you a lot and is a good man. If

    he were to know you were the Lysanna he met when he was young, he¡¯d undoubtedly be thrilled. At

    that time, you two can have a grand wedding ceremony. We will definitely make you the envy of all the

    girls in Harborbrook.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I have only one request,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep this matter between us.

 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312

    Chapter 312 Do Not Want To Disrupt My Current Life

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    Howard was puzzled. ¡°But¡­ why?¡±

    Tears streaming down her face, Molly pleaded, ¡°You¡¯re still unwilling to acknowledge us? Lysa, it was

    all my fault. I was useless to have lost you and even couldn¡¯t find you. You have every right to be angry

    and me me, but please don¡¯t deny us!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to disrupt my current life. Nor do I want to make my current parents sad. They raised me,

    loved me, and cared for me. I can¡¯t bear the thought of them being heartbroken in their golden years

    because of this unexpected turn of events,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°B-But-

    ¡°I only wish to maintain the status quo and live my life peacefully,¡± Lysander interrupted.

    ¡°What about Josiah, then?¡± Molly asked. ¡°Despite it all, the two of you still ended up married. That¡¯s

    predestined fate! Although you both broke up because of Lysster, all it takes now is to clear the air,

    and you two can be together again. Plus, Lyss has realized her mistake. She won¡¯t cause you both any

    more trouble. I can assure you of that!¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no going back for me and Josiah. I¡¯m willing to acknowledge both of

    you, but I hope you¡¯ll respect my decision. I don¡¯t want this matter to escte and disrupt my life with

    my current family.¡±

    ¡°Lysa, perhaps you could give it some morethought.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Howard relented, his eyes red-rimmed. ¡°Your consideration for your current parents is proof

    that you¡¯re a grateful person. They raised you well. How about this? We agree not to publicize this

    matter or tell anyone else. But could you¡­ visit us often?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going abroad,¡± Lysander said.

    Howard panicked. ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°Soon.¡±

    ng!

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry

    I¡¯m sorry. I dropped the cup. So sorry¡­¡± Molly apologized frantically.

    Howard didn¡¯t bother about the cup, focusing on wiping his wife¡¯s tears. ¡°It¡¯s fine even if Lysa goes

    abroad. If need be, we can also travel overseas to visit her.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s the matter of my legs! My legs are useless I also want to go and visit Lysa, but I¡¯m bound to

    this wheelchair. I¡ª¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m here, and I¡¯ll wheel you.¡±

    ¡°How am I supposed to get on and off the ne? There are stairs, and I can¡¯t manage them.¡±

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    1 Coins = 1. Pearls

    ¡°Howard, you¡¯re not getting any younger. How much longer can you carry me?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as it¡¯s to visit Lysa, I¡¯ll always have the energy for it

    Clutching the cup in her hand, Lysander ultimately caved.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll give you both video calls often.¡±

    Molly grabbed her hand. ¡°Lysa, what did you just say? Could you please repeat that?¡±

    Lysander slowly withdrew her hand, but her attitude bad softened slightly. ¡°But doctors are usually very

    busy, so it might not be that often.¡±

    This means she has agreed!

    Tears welled up in Molly¡¯s eyes once again. ¡°Sure, sure. Get busy with your work and give us a video

    call when you¡¯re free. As long as we know you¡¯re healthy and safe, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    Shortly after, the service staff came in and served the food.

    The dishes were served one after another, taking up the entire table.

    Even so, there were still some that couldn¡¯t fit. So, the service staff brought over a trolley and ced

    the food there first.

    Howard stood up and took her some food with the serving spoon. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you like to eat. Try

    them first. If there¡¯s something you like, I can learn to make it. Then, you can have it whenever you

    come home.¡±

    ¡°Yes, exactly! Your father¡¯s cooking is delicious. Lysa, could youe over for a meal before going

    abroad?¡±

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    398

 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313

    Chapter 313 The Distance Maintained Well

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°I might not have time for that.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see¡­¡± Molly replied.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can alwayse home to eat after you return to the country,¡± Molly consoled with a

    smile.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see how.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps your father can go and cook for you overseas. The food abroad isn¡¯t that great. Nothing beats

    thefort of home-cooked meals.¡±

    ¡°Yes, your mother and I will go and visit you. Don¡¯t worry, for we won¡¯t cause any trouble for you. You

    can carry on with your work. We¡¯ll only cook and straighten the house up for you,¡± Howard interjected.

    The intense paternal and maternal love came too suddenly that Lysander found it hard to adapt for a

    moment.

    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Seeing herck of response, Howard and Molly felt increasingly lost. They didn¡¯t dare to take her food

    anymore, fearing she might not like it.

    After finishing the meal, all three of them felt quite exhausted.

    When it was time to leave, Howard had the service staff pack up all the uneaten food for her to take

    home. ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like cooking once you get home, you can just reheat them and eat.¡±

    ¡°My mom cooks every day,¡± Lysander said.

    Howard¡¯s hand that held the takeout boxes froze for a moment. He quickly hid his embarrassmen a dry

    laugh. ¡°Oh yes, that makes sense. You have someone cooking for you every day when you get home,

    so you don¡¯t need these.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll take them home, then.¡± Not wanting to upset her, Howard reassured, ¡°It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t worry about

    it.¡±

    ¡°Are you both going back to the hospital?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°Yeah. Lyss is still in the hospital. Her injuries this time are severe¡­¡± Subsequently, Molly hurriedly

    exined, ¡°Lysa, don¡¯t worry about this. You are our biological daughter. We share the same blood.

    We¡¯ve raised Lyss since she was young, and now that Josiah doesn¡¯t want her anymore, if we also

    abandon her, she wouldn¡¯t even be able to eat at the hospital alone.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. Take good care of her. I¡¯ll be leaving first,¡± Lysander said.

    In the n

    next few dow

    che received a text from Mallu jeru morning and evening

    Bnce: 3519 +

    111

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    There was nothing special. She merely asked if she was busy that day or tired from work.

    During lunch break, she would see Howard in the cafeteria every day. He would watch her from a

    distance, and if their eyes met, he would smile and nod at her in greeting.

    The distance between them was maintained well.

    Lysander felt somewhat relieved that her words that day had at least been heeded by Howard and

    Molly.

    She didn¡¯t want her current life to be disrupted, so they mutually agreed to keep a reasonable distance,

    trying their best not to cause her any inconvenience.

    Nothing changed much at home. Laura prepared different delicious food for her. Meanwhile, Maverick

    insisted that she bring more money. Her sister, Michelle, hugged her and cried. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re going

    abroad, and Zachary is moving to Strico. I was hoping that when I go to university in September, both

    of you could see me off. Now, I¡¯ll be all alone.¡±

    ¡°Your dad and I will go with you,¡± Laura said.

    ¡°I know. I just can¡¯t bear to part with Lysander.¡± Michelle pouted.

    Chuckling, Maverick teased his younger daughter, saying, ¡°Look at you! When your sister went off to

    university, she handled everything by herself. I was still working at that time. Your mom had to take you

    to school. So, neither of us could go with her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s different! Lysander is my sister, my only sister¡±

    Lysander hugged Michelle, suddenly feeling a pang of sorrow deep within. ¡°I¡¯lle back home

    whenever I can. And when you¡¯re on summer break, you can go visit me abroad.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Michelle immediately cheered up. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely go, then!¡±

    ¡°Do you know how much it costs for a flight ticket alone?¡± Laura sighed softly. ¡°Tens of thousands.

    Then, there¡¯s your university expenses-

    Lysander touched Laura¡¯s arm lightly, signaling her to stop talking.

    Maverick, however, said, ¡°Lysa, your sister is an adult now. We can¡¯t keep her sheltered forever. It¡¯s

    time for her to face some real-world issues.¡±¡±

    Lysander also understood that principle.

    However, she always had loved and protected Michelle more.

    Having weathered many storms, she didn¡¯t want her sister to share her experience.

    This time, Michelle showed great sensibility. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I won¡¯t go anymore, Lysander. But you can

    come home for Christmas! It would be great if we could celebrate it together.¡±

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    Chapter 314

    Chapter 314 Could I Be Smarter

    ¡°No problem, my sry will increase significantly as I¡¯m an expatriate. If you want to visit during the

    summer, I can cover the expenses.¡±

    Michelle shook her head vigorously. ¡°No, no, you work hard to earn money. Don¡¯t waste it on me. If

    miss you, I¡¯ll just video call. It¡¯s the same thing.¡±

    Lysander sighed sincerely. ¡°My little sister has really grown up.¡±

    After they had dinner, Michelle insisted on going back with her.

    Her younger sister had always been attached to her, and now, nearing their separation, it became even

    more intense.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t bear it either, so she brought Michelle back to her apartment to stay for a few days.

    This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

    At night, Michelley in the bed beside her, holding her arm. She said softly. ¡°Lysander, he came to see

    me today.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°That guy.¡±

    Lysander understood.

    It was Calvin, the one she almost had a falling out with her family for.

    Even though it hadn¡¯t been long since then, she had almost forgotten the boy¡¯s name.

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    Michelle let out a coldugh, ¡°He said I was too materialistic and wouldn¡¯t apany him to Apex City

    to pursue his dreams. He imed that when he bes sessful, I would regret it.¡±

    ¡°And what do you think?¡±

    Michelle admitted, ¡°At first, I felt a bit guilty like I had abandoned our rtionship. But then I thought it

    through. Love isn¡¯t everything in life. I have my loving parents, a caring sister, and good friends. If I left

    all of you to go to Apex City for love, it would be like gambling. Gambling that he would never change,

    that he would treat me well forever. But if I lost, I wouldn¡¯t just lose everything. I would also hurt the

    people who love me.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how tofort her, so she gently patted her sister¡¯s head and said softly, ¡°I don¡¯t

    have-much experience in this area, so I can¡¯t really advise you.¡±

    Michelle was puzzled. ¡°That can¡¯t be right. Lysander, you¡¯ve been in a rtionship with both Josiah and

    Zachary. How can you say you have no experience?¡±

    Lysander gave a wry smile.

    Her rtionship with Josiah was like fast-forwarding through the dating phase straight into a marriage

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    where they treated each other with respect. After they got married, they got busy with their own

    matters. Both yed their roles well, but it was like acting in a y without any real feelings.

    As for Zachary, it was almost entirely a performance on his part.

    If she hadn¡¯t been an indifferent person and hadn¡¯t really fallen in love with him, allowing her to see

    through his act in time, she would have ended up just like Prisci.

    ¡°Actually, sometimes I envy you. At your age, you can have a serious, heartfelt rtionship.¡±

    ¡°Do you regret not having an early romance, Lysander?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not regret. I still believe that studying and working are the most important. I feel a bit rueful, but life

    is about making choices. When you choose one thing, you inevitably give up another.¡±

    ¡°Like Daphne, who had a passionate rtionship but it affected the course of her entire life?¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°You¡¯re a bit luckier. Your ex-boyfriend¡¯s level was lower.¡±

    Michelle giggled. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m just smarter?¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re hesitating! I¡¯m your own sister! Even if I¡¯m a bit behind you, we share the same

    genes. I can¡¯t be that bad, right?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s smile faded slightly as she looked down at her sister¡¯s features.

    Lysander herself had delicate features, bearing more resemnce to Molly.

    On the other hand, Michelle had a sweet face. Her round face and round eyes looked more like Laura

    Beep, beep¡­

    Her phone buzzed with a message.

    It was probably the daily message from Molly.

    Michelle was closer, so she grabbed the phone. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Probably a colleague from the hospital¡­¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Michelle quickly sat up and turned the phone toward her.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315

    Chapter 315 The Mother Of Harry Is Dead

    ¡°It¡¯s Daphne!¡±

    Daphne?

    The message was brief.

    Daphne: Lysander, call me back immediately when you see my text.

    Lysander took the phone and went to the balcony. She told Michelle, ¡°You go to sleep first, I need to

    return a call.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander returned the call.

    Daphne¡¯s first words were, ¡°Something¡¯s happened.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Harry¡¯s mom passed away.¡±

    Lysander was shocked. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Lora disappeared. Harry, under the guise of being the grandson-inw of Seamus Corporation, took a

    lot of money and things from others before, promising projects and favors. Now that the wedding is off,

    people areing to him for their debts. But he¡¯s squandered all the money and has no way to repay

    them. Those people have sent debt collectors after him. You know, those debt collectors are basically

    gangsters. They¡¯ve kidnapped Harry¡¯s mom, and then¡­¡±

    Lysander nced at the time on her phone. It was well past eleven in the night.

    She suddenly felt a chill.

    Someone so lively and boisterous just¡­ died?

    ¡°Did you call the police?¡±

    ¡°No, Harry didn¡¯t dare to do that. He owes those people a huge sum of money. If they take him to court,

    he¡¯ll end up in prison.¡±

    Lysander gasped in horror. ¡°How could he dare to take people¡¯s money? Even if he really became the

    grandson-inw of Seamus Corporation, Old Mr. Stone is still in charge. He wouldn¡¯t have the authority,

    right?¡±

    Daphne sighed. ¡°Maybe his past experiences with other girls were too smooth sailing. It was a surefire

    sess as long as he ttered them, got them pregnant, and married them. No matter what, the girls

    end up at a disadvantage. He probably thought Lora was pregnant with his child, so it was a done deal.

    Ultimately, it¡¯s because he found sess too easily with Prisci that he became more and more

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    ¡°I¡¯m worried he might be desperate now and go after Prisci.¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t dare. This time, Dr. Ziegler is determined to avenge his da ghter. If he rushes to see

    Prisci, Dr. Ziegler won¡¯t take it lightly. If those creditors find out his wh reabouts, he¡¯s finished for

    life.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to respond to this oue.

    Harry hadmitted many wrongs, repeatedly exploiting the emotions of girls, leaving them empty-

    handed. Now, karma had caught up with him.

    ¡°Daphne, are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Why wouldn¡¯t I be? I¡¯ve finally avenged myself. I¡¯m ecstatic.¡±

    ¡°But your tone doesn¡¯t sound too happy.¡±

    Daphne sighed and shed a self-deprecating smile. ¡°He deserves his current fate. If I had seen him

    like this back in my senior year of high school, I would have been overjoyed. But now, after so years,

    my college entrance exam and my life trajectory has changed. And I¡¯m doing pretty well now. It just

    feels like vengeance doesn¡¯t mean much anymore.¡±

    ¡°But you saved Prisci.¡±

    Daphne chuckled lightly. ¡°I didn¡¯t save Prisci. I saved the past me from years ago.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°I just hope you can continue to be happy.¡±

    ¡°I am happy, of course. Oh, by the way, my dad is turning sixty this weekend. You have toe. I¡¯m

    leaving the country in a few days, and it won¡¯t be easy to see you again.¡±

    Lysander agreed instantly, ¡°Sure, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely be there.¡±

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316

    Chapter 316 Birthday Party

    Daphne¡¯s father¡¯s birthday party was scheduled for Saturday.

    Lysander made a point to arrive a bit earlier than nned. The Everhart family¡¯s servants were bustling

    with activity.

    Daphne had changed into a purple dress, with her hair and makeup meticulously done, though she

    seemed listless and low on energy.

    Seeing Lysander, Daphne perked up a bit. ¡°Lysander, over here.¡±

    Lysander walked over and handed her a gift box.

    There was no need for excessive formalities between them. Daphne epted it directly. ¡°Wow, a Tudor

    watch? You really splurged.¡±

    Lysander smiled. ¡°It¡¯s only fitting. By the way, you look a bit off. Didn¡¯t sleep well?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me started.¡± Daphne pointed at her purple dress. ¡°See this?¡±

    ¡°Looks pretty good. Is it a new purchase?¡±

    Daphne rolled her eyes. ¡°That¡¯s not the point, okay?¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the point?¡±

    ¡°My dad set me up! I was wondering before, isn¡¯t sixty considered young for people nowadays? Why

    did he hold a birthday party? He¡¯s not eighty or ny. My dad exercises every day and runs fast than

    me.¡±

    ¡°So what is the real reason for Mr. Everhart to hold a birthday party?¡±

    Daphne looked like she was about to cry. ¡°You guessed it, right?¡±

    Lysander nodded, patting her hair in constion. ¡°Older folks tend to be traditional.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Daphne sighed twice, then suddenly thought of something. ¡°By the way, my dad said he invite

    Josiah, but he said he was injured and sent a gift instead. When did he get injured? What happened?¡±

    Lysander awkwardly chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t contact you?¡±

    ¡°I blocked him.¡±

    ¡°Huh, doesn¡¯t seem like Josiah to give up so easily. It¡¯s not his style.¡±

    As they chatted, guests began arriving.

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    As expected, Daphne was called over by her father, Rufus Everhart. He held her hand and led her

    around the entire venue, introducing her to every suitable young man they came across.

    Rufus was enthusiastic, while Daphne was resigned.

    Lysander found a corner, sipping orange juice slowly, while Daphne kept giving her desperate looks,

    hoping she would find an opportunity to help her escape from an undesirable situation.

    But Rufus was deep in conversation, and it was awkward for Lysander to interrupt. She observed for a

    while but found no good opportunity.

    Finally, when Rufus finished talking to one suitor and seemed to need a drink, he let go of Daphne¡¯s

    hand to get some coffee.

    Seizing the chance, Lysander was about to rescue Daphne when her wrist was grabbed.

    ¡°Just sit tight.¡±

    Lysander turned around. She was puzzled upon seeing the familiar face. She nced at Daphne, then

    back at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯ting?¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah sat down next to her, adjusting his cuff. ¡°Am I not allowed to be here?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    As they were talking, more familiar faces arrived.

    Howard pushed Molly in her wheelchair. They were both dressed formally. Seeing Lysander, they

    headed straight over. ¡°Lysa¡­ oh, Josiah, you¡¯re here too.¡±

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 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317

    Chapter 317 He Got Injured

    Josiah seemed surprised to see Howard and Molly there. He stood up and greeted them, ¡°Mr. and Mrs.

    Thorne.¡±

    Molly smiled perfunctorily, her attention fully on Lysander. Her smile was slightly ingratiating as she-

    reached out to hold Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Why are you dressed in such thin clothes? You should have

    brought a coat.¡±

    Howard immediately took off his suit jacket. ¡°Wear mine.¡±

    Seeing their eager expressions and the warm suit jacket being handed to her, Lysander didn¡¯t ept it.

    Josiah raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, do you know Lysander well?¡±

    ¡°We¡­.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re hoping I can forgive Lysanne,¡± Lysander said. ¡°They¡¯re here to apologize on her behalf.¡±

    Howardughed awkwardly and agreed, ¡°Yes, yes, Lysanne made some mistakes before. We want to

    make amends for her.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned slightly cold. He stepped forward, blocking Lysander, and pushed Howard¡¯s

    hand with the jacket aside. In a chilly tone, he said, ¡°I¡¯ve made it very clear regarding Lysanne. Out of

    respect for old acquaintances, I won¡¯t pursue it further, but that¡¯s all. Please don¡¯t harass Lysander

    anymore.¡±

    The word ¡°harass¡± was a bit strong to use in this context.

    Molly felt a sting in her heart and forced a smile. ¡°Were not harassing her. We¡¯re just hoping to¡­¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Josiah interrupted. ¡°Lysander has nothing to do with either of our families anymore. She

    was the biggest victim in this matter. Please don¡¯t disturb her.¡±

    ¡°But Josiah, we¡¯re also trying to help you¡­¡±

    ¡°You needn¡¯t trouble yourselves with this. We are perfectly capable of handling our own affairs.¡±

    Molly was taken aback by Josiah¡¯s sudden cold attitude.

    Regaining hisposure quickly, Howard didn¡¯t seem hurt but rather relieved. ¡°Fine, then you handle

    your own affairs. Don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t interfere.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression finally softened a bit.

    Lysander attempted to ease the tension. ¡°How¡¯s Ms. Lysanne¡¯s injury?¡±

    Howard replied, ¡°The external injuries have mostly healed, and the rest will recover slowly. But she

    seems truly frightened. She is scared of everything she sees¡­¡±

    As ha omaled ha aanand

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    Josiah sneered. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to fear if you have a clear conscience.¡±

    Lysander asked. ¡°Have you consulted a psychiatrist?¡±

    ¡°We have, but there¡¯s no definitive conclusion yet. The doctor said to keep her calm and avoid

    stimting her. We¡¯ll have to see if she improves over time.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°The psychiatric department at Central Hospital is excellent. Follow the doctor¡¯s

    advice.

    ¡°Sure, sure.¡±

    Molly suddenly remembered and asked. ¡°Josiah, I heard you got injured a few days ago. Is it serious?¡±

    Josiah cleared his throat and tried to soundposed. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s not serious.¡±

    ¡°Where did you get hurt? I asked your mother, but she didn¡¯t know either because you wouldn¡¯t tell her.¡±

    ¡°Just a minor injury.¡±

    ¡°Where are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°My leg.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Does it affect your walking?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Oh, if it doesn¡¯t affect walking, it shouldn¡¯t be too serious. Your mother is very worried about you. In the

    future, if you feel unwell, let your elders know so they won¡¯t worry.¡±

    Josiah responded with a very soft ¡°Mm.¡±

 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318

    Chapter 318 Trouble Comes

    Howard smiled and tried to smooth things over. ¡°Okay, let the kids have eir conversation in peace. With

    us here, they can¡¯t chat freely. Shall I take you to see Rufus?¡±

    Molly snapped back to reality. ¡°Sure. Lysander, you go ahead and chat. I¡¯ll go with your dad¡­ I mean,-

    Mr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    Thankfully, Molly corrected herself in time, the word ¡°dad¡± just a slip of her lips without sound.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Watching Howard wheel Molly away, Josiah asked suspiciously, ¡°Did they seek you out before?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What did they say to you?¡±

    Lysander took a sip of her orange juice and said, ¡°You can probably guess what they said, so why are

    you asking me?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice carried a hint of coldness. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. Lysanne is their only daughter, and they¡¯ve

    spoiled her rotten. Whatever they say, just tutn a deaf ear to it. If they ask you out, call me, and I¡¯ll

    handle it.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯m leaving the country soon, so I won¡¯t be in contact with them.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Josiah¡¯s expression faltered for a moment. ¡°You¡­¡±

    Lysander immediately took a step back, eyeing him warily.

    Josiahughed helplessly. ¡°Are you that afraid of me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just defending myself.¡±

    Josiah was speechless.

    ¡°Did you enjoy your time with the skeleton in the anatomicalboratoryst time?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s grip on his ss tightened. His voice was low as he asked back, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°You must¡¯ve had a great time. I heard from Lynn that the skeletons hadn¡¯t been moved and were still

    dusty. Looks like you treated them with respect.¡±

    Josiah red at her. ¡°Don¡¯t pull stunts like that again. It¡¯s bad for both of us.¡±

    ¡°What does it have to do with me?¡±

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    ¡°I¡¯m a free single woman about to fly across the ocean to another continent. I hear things are more

    open in Epea and Adrune. As long as I¡¯m willing, I won¡¯t be a widow.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°Are you trying to rile me up?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡±

    ¡°Fine, provoke me if you want, but remember to protect yourself,¡± Josiah reminded her.

    Taken aback, Lysander lifted her head to look at him.

    ¡°Ms. Thorne!¡±

    The call caught Lysander¡¯s attention. It was the housekeeper who had helped adjust Daphne¡¯s dress

    carlier.

    She stood up. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    The maid recognized her and ran over, looking anxious.¡±,e with me quickly¡ª¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Everhart is in trouble.¡±

    Lysander stood up immediately. ¡°Did she argue with Mr. Everhart?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s worse than that,¡± the housekeeper said, her face pale and genuinely distressed. ¡°Come quickly,

    and you¡¯ll see.¡±

    The housekeeper grabbed Lysander and started to lead her away.

    Josiah instinctively followed, but the housekeeper stopped him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Guerra, but it¡¯s better if

    you don¡¯te.¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment and agreed. ¡°Daphne¡¯s father is forcing her into a blind date, and

    knowing her temper, she probably talked back to him. I¡¯ll go talk to her. If youe, it might make

    things worse.¡±

    Daphne was still furious, and she didn¡¯t have a good impression of Josiah. Adding fuel to the fire

    wouldn¡¯t help.

    Josiah understood and nodded slightly. ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t go. Be careful.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, hurry, there¡¯s no time to waste¡­¡±

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 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319

    Chapter 319 What Are You nning To Do With Her

    The housekeeper led her all the way through the hall and into the backyar garden.

    The Everhart family garden had a botanical garden, the tall trees creating a serene and silent

    atmosphere. There weren¡¯t any signs of argument or dispute.

    Lysander felt an immediate sense of unease, stepping back and turning to leave.

    But the next second, a cloth with a sharp, pungent smell was pressed over her mouth and nose.

    When she woke up, her entire body ached intensely.

    She moved slightly and realized her hands and feet were tied. The surrounding putrid smell,

    reminiscent of spoiled seafood.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Not far away, there were two points of amber light.

    Someone was smoking.

    ¡°What do you n to do with her?¡±

    air was filled with a

    ¡°What do I n? Ha, she ruined everything for me. If you hadn¡¯t stopped me, I would¡¯ve tied her to a

    rock and thrown her into the sea to feed the sharks.¡±

    ¡°You were the one who took her away from the Everhart family. If anything happens to her, the police

    will eventually trace it back to you.¡±

    ¡°I have millions in debt and three loan sharks cing a bounty after me. Do you think I care about the

    police?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s best not to kill anyone. Once someone¡¯s dead, there¡¯s no turning back.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t swallow this anger! If it weren¡¯t for her, Prisci wouldn¡¯t have secretly aborted the child.

    and moved all her assets. And that Josiah. Lora and the so-called heiress of Seamus Corporation were

    all

    part of a setup by Josiah! If it weren¡¯t for her, would Josiah have gone to such lengths to trap me? This

    d*mn woman ruined my life and made me a pariah!¡±

    ¡°Calm down¡­¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t calm down! This b*tch destroyed my life, and my mom died because of it! She has to pay!¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes widened in shock.

    That voice¡­ It is Harry! And the other¡­

    Zachary¡¯s voice was rtively calmer. ¡°Josiah treasures her. If you really kill her, even the police won¡¯t.

    be able to protect you.¡±

    ¡°Ha! I¡¯ll take her down with me if I have to! I have nothing left to lose. I¡¯ve been wanting to die for a

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    be impulsive and listen to me. Think about it. Josiah treasures her now. Use her as leverage to

    and money from him. Forget millions; he¡¯d give you billions. You can pay off the loan sharks and

    livefortably for the rest of your life.¡±

    ¡°Zach, I know you¡¯re looking out for me, but I can¡¯t let this go! This woman is too cunning. I know what

    she¡¯s thinking. She wants to avenge her good friend Daphne!¡±

    ¡°Avenge or not, we have to leave ourselves a way out. Don¡¯t push Josiah too far. He¡¯s a madman. You

    don¡¯t know what he¡¯s capable of¡­¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care! I just want her to suffer as well!¡±

    ¡°So what are you nning to do now?¡±

    Harry took a drag of his cigarette, exhaling a ring of white smoke. ¡°Ha, they made my life hell, so I won¡¯t

    let them have it easy. I¡¯ve already messaged Josiah. He should be here soon. There are hundreds. of

    fishing boats at this dock. I¡¯ve prepared gasoline. In a moment, I¡¯ll set them all on fire at once and let

    Josiah find her. If he can¡¯t, he¡¯ll watch his beloved woman burn to death. Hahaha¡­¡±

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 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320

    Chapter 320 Did You Teach Him That

    The surrounding stench of fish and shrimp grew increasingly potent.

    The scent overwhelmed Lysander, causing her to sneeze.

    The sound of her sneeze startled the two people outside. The orange-red glow of a cigarette end

    gradually drew closer. Following that, there was a sudden intense jostling beneath them, apanied

    by the sound of footsteps on the wooden nks.

    Suddenly, the surroundings lit up.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes struggled to adjust to the blinding light, causing her to shut them abruptly,

    ¡°Awake, are you?¡± Harry was crouched in front of her, smirking maliciously. ¡°She¡¯s more attractive than

    Lysanne,¡±

    Lysander strived to adjust to such lighting quickly, slowly lifting her head.

    Indeed, she found herself in a dpidated ship cabin. Fishing tools and equipment were haphazardly

    strewn about. The floor beneath her was a mix of seawater and the foul runoff from rotting seafood,

    which had soaked her skirt thoroughly. The grimy liquid clung to her skin, making her feel sticky all

    over.

    A gust of cold wind blew, leaving a chilling and nauseating sensation on her.

    Suddenly, a searing sting radiated from her neck, and she cried out in surprise.

    Harry was still clutching the burning cigarette butt in his hand before retracting it with a heartyugh.

    Zachary advised, ¡°Harry, don¡¯t do pointless things.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was just trying to scare her a bit,¡± Harry continued with his sardonicughter. ¡°Lysander,

    Dr. Thorne, my old ssmate, from our school days till now, you always carry this aloof demeanor. So,

    you do know what pain feels like?¡±

    There must have been a burn on her neck, causing an intense, piercing pain.

    Lysander was simply unable to touch anything as her hands were bound.

    She nced at Harry, then shifted her gaze to Zachary

    Zachary was still dressed in a crisp suit, his hair meticulously groomed, clearly indicating he had just

    come from a very formal event.

    As for Harry, he was only wearing a grimy, worn-out T-shirt, his jeans covered in filth. His appearance

    was disheveled, his hands smeared with grime.

    Even the cigarette he held between his fingers had taken on ayer of ashen gray.

    Unema had Alen natinad li

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    under his

    Lysander winced in pain, yet she managed a sneer. ¡°What great deed have you aplished that

    makes you think you¡¯re worthy of my respect?¡±

    ¡°Do you even realize you¡¯re in a perilous situation? How dare you still defy me like this?¡±

    ¡°Do you have the gall to kill me?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? Do you have any idea where we are? We¡¯re already at the seaside dock! If I toss you

    into the sea and you drown, no one will know-¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Do you seriously believe that?¡± Lysander turned to look at Zachary. ¡°You¡¯re usually so clever. How

    could

    you do something as foolish as kidnapping me? Are you giving up on your bright future? Josiah will

    eventually trace this to you. Do you think you can easily escape me?¡±

    Zacha

    was frowning. Upon hearing that, he offered an exnation. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was nning to kidnap

    you. By the time I arrived, you were already here.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Zachary also crouched down, gritting his teeth slightly. ¡°This matter has nothing to do with me. I truly

    had no involvement in this.¡±

    Harry was instantly furious. ¡°Zachary, what the h¡¯ll do you mean? Didn¡¯t you say that we are lifelong

    buddies? You taught me how to use women to achieve sess, and I said I¡¯d give you a top

    management position once I made it. What the h¡¯ll are you doing now?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s gaze instantly sharpened when she heard that. ¡°You taught him?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s frown intensified.

    Lysander urgently inquired, ¡°When did you two meet? When did you start teaching him? Does his affair

    with Daphne have anything to do with you?¡±

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 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321

    Chapter 321 Can You Use Your Brain

    Harry heartily pped Zachary¡¯s chest twice,ughing. ¡°Lysander, are you, st realizing now what kind

    of guy your ex-boyfriend was? Your best buddy Zachary, the one who grew p with you, sure knows how

    to hide his light under a bushel! If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he¡¯s not as handsome as me, he probably

    would have taken the lead,¡±

    Lysander found it hard to describe what she was feeling at the moment.

    She was somewhat shocked, but not overly so.

    She had long felt that Zachary was a man she couldn¡¯t quite understand.

    However, she couldn¡¯t dwell on the details, nor could she dissect his words too much. All she knew

    before was that Zachary and Harry were close. Thus, she previously thought that the way he treated

    her was something he had learned from Harry.

    However, to her surprise, Zachary was the real mastermind behind the scenes.

    Moreover, the situation could surprisingly be traced back to high school, to the incident that affected

    Daphne¡¯s entire life emotionally.

    Lysander stared at Zachary intensely. ¡°I¡¯ll ask you just once. Did you instigate him to do that to

    Daphne?¡±

    Zachary remained silent while Harry took a drag from his cigarette, his eyes hazy. With a frivolous

    smile, Harry said, ¡°Lysander, sometimes I really wonder if you¡¯re as dense as a block of wood. Back in

    high school, Zachary was clearly trying to win you over, both overtly and covertly, but you never

    noticed. Yet, when I used his tactics on Daphne, she fell for it instantly.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°So, you two were colluding with each other?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly, but he did give me an idea and lent me a hand, enabling me to secure a spot at A

    University sessfully.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s hands, hanging by his side, subtly tightened.

    Lysander saw it, but she felt it was even more ironic. ¡°You went to ensnare Daphne, presumably for i

    rmendation, but what¡¯s the point of Zachary trying to get on my good side? He¡¯s two grades abo

    us.¡±

    Harry shrugged. ¡°Obviously, it was all for the Mathematical Competition slot. Are you stupid? He was in

    his senior year, so if he could win a prize in the Mathematical Competition, he¡¯d get extra points for the

    college entrance exam! His grades in literature and Stounian weren¡¯t that great. However, with the

    bonus from winning thepetition, he could reach the threshold for a top university, However, you¡­.

    Well, the school chose you to go to Apex City for thepetition. There was only one spot.¡±

    Lysander finally remembered.

    That was back when she was a freshman.

    Due to her natural talent in mathematics, from freshman to senior year, she represented the school in

    1/2

    variouspetitions on numerous asions.

    So, that¡¯s how it is. Lysander lowered her head, letting out a soft chuckle. ¡°I truly sorry, Zachary. I guess

    I was just born insensitive to love.¡±

    Originally, Zachary was all wound up. However, upon hearing those words, he suddenly rxed. ¡°It¡¯s

    oku You couldn¡¯t help me in senior year, and it¡¯s the same now.¡±

    ¡°You couldn¡¯t win me over in our senior year. What makes you think I would ept you now?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re desperate to end your marriage with Josiah,¡± Zachary said. ¡°There¡¯s no point in

    denying it now that things havee this far. I knew that the moment you divorced Josiah, an

    opportunity had presented itself. But Lysander, I must admit, I didn¡¯t expect you to figure it out so

    quickly.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to tter me. I know you had nothing to do with my abduction. It was all Harry¡¯s doing.¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°As long as you know, that¡¯s good enough for me.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Harry angrily stubbed out his cigarette. ¡°You still trust him? He¡¯s a cunning person! How can you

    believe him when he says it has nothing to do with him?¡±

    Lysander let out a small sigh. ¡°Harry, can¡¯t you use your head for once? You kidnapped me directly

    from the Everhart residence. Even ignoring Josiah, the Everhart family will definitely investigate my

    whereabouts. I¡¯m not exactly small or unnoticeable, and the distance from the Everhart residence to the

    dock isn¡¯t short. How many cameras do you think are along the way? How many witnesses would¡¯ve

    seen us? Then, there¡¯s the Everhart family¡¯s housekeeper. Do you think that just because you¡¯ve paid

    her off, she¡¯ll stay quiet? Do you think the Everhart family couldn¡¯t do the same to make her talk?¡±

    Send Gifts

    598

 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322

    Chapter 322

    ¡°Lysander doesn¡¯t have to like me, but Josiah certainly doesn¡¯t want to lea ca bad impression of being

    cruel and sinister on her. If he dares to harm me, and Lysander witnesses t, she¡¯ll never ept him.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I finally get it now. No wonder you dared to poke the tiger and prov te Josiah¡¯s woman! You were

    confident that Josiah wouldn¡¯t dare to harm you seriously! But what a out me? I¡¯m at the point of no

    return! Without kidnapping her, there¡¯s no way Josiah and the Everhart family would pay me. Without

    money, those loan sharks would definitely kill me! Either way, I¡¯m a dead man!¡±

    Zachary flexed his sore and battered jaw. ¡°I warned you before not to get involved with loan sharks.¡±

    get

    ¡°What good does it do? I needed to win Lora¡¯s heart! Brand-name bags and cosmetics cost nioney!

    Dining in high-end restaurants costs money! If I didn¡¯t take out high-interest loans, where would I the

    money to date her? It¡¯s all because of Josiah! This Lora, the only daughter of Seamus Corporation, is a

    trap set by Josiah for me! And you-¡±

    Pointing at Lysander, Harry was screaming with rage. ¡°Josiah obeys your every word! Whatever you

    say, he does. You are the instigator behind all of this!¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    Bnce: 3439 +

    ¡°You¡¯re right, it¡¯s me,¡± Lysander said. ¡°That¡¯s because you ruined my bes friend! You changed the

    trajectory of Daphne¡¯s life and almost drove her to suicide! I watched wi 1 my own eyes as Daphne

    nearly copsed because of you. I can¡¯t stand by and watch you hurt another innocent woman!¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about Prisci?¡± asked Harry.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Harry said, ¡°It¡¯s her fault that she¡¯s dumb. I didn¡¯t even employ any tricks, yet she fell for it all on her.

    own.¡±

    H

    ¡°She¡¯s not stupid,¡± Lysander said coldly. ¡°She loves you.¡±

    No words left Harry¡¯s lips.

    ¡°She loved you, so she trusted you. But what did you give her in return? Endless deceit and relentless

    maniption. Not only did you plot against her, but you also targeted her dowry and her father¡¯s

    wealth! Harry, everything you¡¯re facing today is nothing but your own deserved retribution!¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Harry picked her up in one swift motion, dragging her onto the deck.

    The heavy footsteps immediately caused the small fishing boat, which was notrge to begin with, to

    start rocking and bobbing.

    ¡°See that?¡± Harry gripped her hair, pointing into the distance. ¡°If you push me to the edge. I¡¯ll drag

    you down into the sea with me. If I can¡¯t live, neither can you. I¡¯ll make sure we die together. What can

    Josiah do in his rage? Hahaha, I¡¯ll strip you bare, Even if he sends a rescue team, they¡¯ll only find you

    naked, seen by countless men!¡±

    Zachary noticed that something was off and quickly stepped in to intervene, ¡°Harry, you need to calm

    down-¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Harry roared, ¡°You still have a promising future, but I have nothing left! I¡¯m not afraid to die!¡±

    Zachary nced at his wristwatch. ¡°Josiah and his crew might be arriving soon. We should hurry. As

    long as Lysander hasn¡¯t sustained any serious injuries, Josiah won¡¯t be out for your blood. Ask him for

    a sum of money, pay off your high-interest debts, and then head overseas to live under the radar. After

    laying low for five, maybe ten years, you can resume a normal life.¡±

    you-can

 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323

    Chapter 323 Waiting For The Ashes

    It seemed that Harry was somewhat swayed by Zachary¡¯s words, hesitating slightly before he said,

    ¡°Even if I leave the country, won¡¯t Josiah be able to find out where I¡¯ve gone?¡±

    Zachary continued to persuade, ¡°I can help you. You can use my assistant¡¯s passport.¡±

    Harry didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°Hurry up, we really won¡¯t have timeter.¡±

    Harry razed intently at 1 veander beneath his feet suddenly letting out a sneer before dragging her

    3416 +0

    Bnce:

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    Lysander had a sinking feeling. ¡°What are you up to? Ah!¡±

    Before she could finish speaking, she waspletely drenched from hea to toc.

    The air was thick with the pungent smell of gasoline everywhere.

    Immediately after, Harry carried several buckets of gasoline outside. He doused not only his own ship,

    but also the surrounding vessels with gasoline. Finally, with a resounding bang, he closed and locked

    the cabin door from the outside.

    The cabin door was shut, causing the conversation outside to be faint.

    Lysander vaguely heard Zachary questioning him, ¡°Have you lost your mind? Are you trying to burn her

    alive?¡±

    Harry cackled wildly. ¡°I need to make sure that Josiah sends me the money as soon as possible. Once

    Lysander is out of danger, he might not pay me.¡±

    Whoosh!

    mes were erupting all around.

    The air began to thin rapidly, and soon enough, smoke started to fill the cabin, growing more intense

    with each passing moment.

    ¡°So many ships are aze. Josiah has no idea which one holds his woman. If he¡¯s a moment toote,

    his woman will either be burned alive or suffocated by the smoke. I need him to transfer the money to

    me immediately. Only after I confirm receipt will I tell him which ship she¡¯s on. Otherwise, he may as

    well prepare to collect her ashes!¡± spat Harry.

 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324

    hapter 324 Lysanne Arrived

    The fire was growing fiercer, causing a rapid increase in the surrounding ¡®mperature.

    Thick smoke began to billow around, and Lysander quickly started to feel difficulty in breathing.

    She mustered all her strength, trying to break free. However, for reasons unknown, the harder she

    struggled, the tighter the ropes around her hands seemed to bind due to Harry¡¯s mysterious method.

    The scorching air was so hot it seared her respiratory tract, causing a fiery sting. Her vision was blurred

    as the air was filled with a dense white smoke. The smoke was also mixed with a nauseating stench of

    rotting seafood.

    Tears streamed down her face as she choked on the smoke. She wanted to call out for help, but the

    thick smoke in the air stifled her voice, making it impossible for her to speak.

    ¡°Lysander!¡± It was Daphne¡¯s voice!

    ¡°Lysa, where are you?¡± It was Howard.

    They had arrived!

    Immediately, tears began to pour down Lysander¡¯s face. She struggled to move to the cabin door and

    forcefully rammed into it. The impact caused the boat to rock violently, and she hoped that would draw

    their attention.

    ¡°There must be at least thirty or forty boats here. How are we supposed to find her?¡± Howard¡¯s voice

    was filled with urgency, a hint of despair creeping in. Lysa¡­¡±

    Daphne was also panicking. ¡°Josiah, did you not make the payment at all? Why hasn¡¯t Harry sent over

    Lysander¡¯s location yet?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s response was brief, just two words. ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Why did Harry still¡­ I sent him money, and he blocked me! What a f*cking sc*mbag!¡± Howard¡¯s voice

    was already choked with sobs. ¡°Josiah, what do we do now? Think of something to save Lysa!¡±

    Someone said, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry. Josiah has already called the fire department. They¡¯ll be here soon.

    Dr. Thorne will be fine.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback when she heard that voice. It¡¯s Lysanne? Isn¡¯t she at the

    hospital? Why

    is she here?

    Howard¡¯s voice was growing weaker. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the fire department arrived yet? The fire is getting

    bigger.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was deep and frosty. ¡°I can¡¯t wait any longer. I¡¯m going to look for her.¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡± Lysanne called out. ¡°I¡¯ming with you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cauch trouble¡±

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    | Coins

    1 Pearls

    ¡°I understand you despise me right now, but isn¡¯t it better to have more people on the search? I¡¯m even

    more eager than you for Dr. Thorne to be safe. If anything happens to her, the resentment you hold for

    me will never fade in this lifetime.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t reply.

    Daphne spoke sternly. ¡°I¡¯ll join the search too. I¡¯ll begin from the far left. Josiah, you start from the far

    right. As for Ms. Thorne¡­ You start from the middle and expand outward. If you can save Lysander¡¯s

    life today, I¡¯ll owe you a favor.¡±

    Lysanne assured, ¡°All right, you can trust me. I¡¯ll do my best. Josiah, please let me do this. I really want

    to help you all.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s begin then,¡± replied Josiah.

    From afar, the anxious voice of Howard could be heard. ¡°Be careful, all of you! Lysa, where are you?

    Can you hear me?¡±

    Lysander mustered all her strength, trying to shout, but the smoke had already engulfed the entire

    cabin. She croaked out a few shouts, but they couldn¡¯t even drown out the sound of the surrounding

    wood burning.

    She could only repeatedly ram into the cabin, trying her best to make as much noise as possible.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the entrance.

    Lysander was overjoyed beyond belief. She continued to exert force, shouting as loud as she could.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you in there?¡± asked someone nearby.

    Lysander cried out. Even though her voice was already hoarse, she was still doing everything she co to

    save herself.

    A gap was created as the cabin door was pulled open, and Lysander caught sight of Lysanne¡¯s figure.

    Lysanne was standing outside, d in a dark-colored trench coat, and she had spotted Lysander too.

    Send Gifts

    ¡±

 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325

    Chapter 325 Hanging By A Thread

    ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡± said Lysanne.

    Lysander was already exhausted, her whole body weakening as she could only manage to nod

    fervently.

    Lysanne crouched down, quietly asking. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Lysander nodded, signaling for Lysanne to go get help quickly. She estimated that with Lysanne¡¯s

    strength, thetter would probably not be able to carry her out.

    ¡°Lost your voice?¡±

    Lysander nodded fervently, persistently signaling with her eyes for Lysanne to call someone over.

    It seemed as though Lysanne didn¡¯t catch her hint and even mumbled a few words. ¡°So, she¡¯s tied up.

    No wonder she couldn¡¯t break free.¡±

    ¡°Lysanne!¡± It was the voice of Josiah, who hade over.

    Lysander desperately tried to climb out, but in the next moment, a pair of hands firmly gripped her

    shoulders.

    Startled, she looked up only to see a fleeting, ruthless glint in Lysanne¡¯s eyes. Then, with a sudden

    force, Lysanne pushed her back and quickly locked the cabin door from the outside.

    Josiah moved quickly. When he jumped onto the ship, the entire vessel gave a slight shudder. ¡°Did you

    find her? Is she in here?¡±

    ¡°Stop! Josiah, don¡¯t open it! Dr. Thorne isn¡¯t in there. just opened the door. It¡¯s all aze inside.

    already.¡±

    ¡°Did you open the door to take a look?¡±

    ¡°I did. It waspletely empty inside. Dr. Thorne wasn¡¯t there, and the fire was raging in the cabin. I

    was afraid the fire would spread, so I quickly shut the cabin door again.¡±

    Daphne also arrived, asking, ¡°What are you guys doing here? Did you find her?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lysanne said. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going. The fire is too intense. We need to find Dr. Thorne as soon as

    possible.¡±

    Daphne hummed in acknowledgment, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll continue over there.¡±

    ¡°All right¡± Lysanne said. ¡°I¡¯ll continue to search around. Josiah, you should head over there quickly,

    too.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t reply.

    ¡°Josiah?¡±

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ourse, I¡¯m certain. I was also worried that the heavy smoke might ol scure my view, so I just bent

    to take a closer look. Indeed, there was no one inside.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°By the way, Josiah, it just urred to me. If Dr. Thome heard our voices, with her intelligence, she¡¯d

    certainly devise a way to get our attention. We need to be extra vignt for any unusual vessels. It

    might speed up our search.¡±

    Once again, Josiah remained silent.

    ¡°Hey, did you hear something from that boat? Josiah, I think I just heard some noiseing from it.¡±

    Immediately, Josiah asked, ¡°Which one?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s to your left. Do you see it? It¡¯s among those few ships over there. I¡¯m not sure which one exactly,

    but I¡¯m certain the sound came from that direction.¡±

    Following that, there was a flurry of hurried footsteps

    After the boat violently rocked, it eventually returned to calmness.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    The voices of everyone around began to grow increasingly distant.

    Lysandery on the ground, letting out a bitter chuckle. Oh, Lysanne. She pretended to be a weakling

    for so long. Atst, the opportunity for her revenge had arrived. Was it merely a coincidence that she

    took advantage of the situation, or had she been in contact with Hariy all along? I forgot that Lysanne

    and Harry met each other overseas. How could she possibly not know about what Harry had been

    through recently? I know Josiah must¡¯ve sent the money to Harry, but I bet he lost contact with Harry

    after that. Then, it was Lysanne who found me with unerring uracy. Could such coincidences really

    exist in the world? Myck of vignce is to me. I shouldn¡¯t have lowered my guard around Lysanne,

    and now I¡¯ll never see the light of day again.

    The fire was rapidly consuming the entire ship cabin.

    Lysander was on the verge of suffocation. In one moment, she was enveloped by pure white smoke. In

    the next, she was plunged into the dark realm of unconsciousness.

    Earlier, she exhausted all her energy trying to catch Lysanne¡¯s attention. Theck of oxygen made her

    consciousness gradually hazy, slowly sinking into oblivion.

 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326

    Chapter 326 Lysander Is Rescued

    Bang!

    Violent tremors and immense noise suddenly exploded beside Lysander¡¯s cars.

    ¡°Lysander!¡± someone shouted.

    Lysander wondered who it was.

    Another voice pleaded, ¡°Josiah,e out quickly. The fire is too intense. You¡¯ll end up dying if you stay

    there¡­

    ¡°Scram!¡± replied Josiah.

    Lysander felt light as if she had merged with the surrounding mist and dust while she was being

    effortlessly lifted up.

    When she woke up, an intense chill enveloped her entire body.

    She slowly opened her eyes, surrounded by a familiar environment. The ceiling and walls were pure

    white, and there was a faint scent of alcohol lingering in the air.

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re finally awake!¡± Daplme lunged forward, her eyes red from crying. ¡°You almost scared

    me to death!¡±

    Lysander opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a breathy whisper.

    Daphne instantly held her down. ¡°The doctor said you¡¯ve suffered severe burns to your respiratory

    tract, so you can¡¯t speak. Are you thirsty? Or perhaps hungry? I¡¯ve prepared everything for you, look¡­¡±

    One by one, Daphne showed her the items she held in her hands. ¡°This is lukewarm water. I¡¯ve cooled.

    it down for you. It¡¯s neither hot nor cold, and it¡¯s good for your throat. There¡¯s sugar and salt, too. The

    doctor said you can¡¯t eat solid food for now, but you can drink some sugar-salt water to replenish your

    electrolytes. I¡¯ll prepare it for you now.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    As she spoke, she simultaneously rushed toward the door and shouted with great excitement,

    ¡°Lysander is awake!¡±

    Several people burst into the ward, instantly surrounding her bed.

    Upon seeing Daphne, Lysander surprisingly found herself calming down.

    She looked around, her gaze cold and indifferent at the faces surrounding her.

    Howard¡¯s heart ached, Lynn was fraught with anxiety, and Prisci¡¯s eyes were red from crying.

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod, indicating that she had heard.

    Prisci¡¯s tears were flowing even more fiercely. ¡°This is all my fault! You only got targeted by that

    scumbag, Harry, because you were trying to help me! I¡¯m so sorry. Lysander¡­

    1/2

    Lysander couldn¡¯t reply.

    her well. Sheforted, ¡®ho could have predicted.

    Luckily, Daphne had been her friend for over twenty years and understoo ¡°No one can be on guard

    forever against those who continually do wrong. Harry¡¯s madness and his gall tomit such heinous

    acts? Don¡¯t me you self too much. The incident with Lysander happened at my house. We¡¯re

    investigating who took her to the backyard. My father is on it, and we¡¯ll have answers soon.¡±

    Prisci said, ¡°Lysander, my dad has already sent over the best pulmonology specialist to check your

    throat. Make sure you rest well.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Her gaze slowly shifted, settling on thest two individuals.

    THE

    Josiah was the first to enter, standing at the bedside closest to her. His clothes had been singed by the

    fire, leaving him looking rather gloomy.

    Lysanne stood beside him, looking somewhat disheveled but in a much better state than Josiah

    However, she seemed somewhat hesitant to meet Lysander¡¯s gaze. ¡°Dr. Thorne, it¡¯s a relief that you¡¯re

    awake. Josiah was almost driven mad by worry.¡±

    Lysander looked at Lysanne, her gaze filled with mockery.

    Lysanne, however, acted as if she hadn¡¯t noticed and continued to speak softly on behalf of Josiah.

    ¡°Josiah risked his life to save you from the fire. You were burned, but he didn¡¯t fare much better. His

    throat was also injured, making it difficult for him to speak.¡±

    Lysander cast a nce at Josiah.

    Indeed, his right check had suffered a burn, a mix of red swelling interspersed with charcoal ck. His

    suit and shirt sleeves were nearly burnt away, with his entire forearm covered in burns as well.

    He opened his mouth, his voice raspy. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Daphne immediately said, ¡°She can¡¯t answer you right now, you know. You should hurry up and tend to

    your wounds. It¡¯s not good to leave them untreated

    Josiah didn¡¯t leave. He just stood by the bed, watching Lysander.

    Send Gifts

    R 398

 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327

    Chapter 327 Something To Say To Josiah

    Lysander locked eyes with Josiah for a moment, then shifted her ze away continuing to look at

    Lysanne.

    Lysanne felt a shiver under Lysander¡¯s gaze and made an excuse to leave. ¡°Seeing that Dr. Thorne is

    all right, I can now rest easy. I¡¯m feeling a bit dizzy¡­¡±

    Howard supported her. ¡°You should head back, too. You insisted on going today even when I tried to

    stop you, and you¡¯re not even in good shape yourself

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Dad. Mom needs you here. You can¡¯t leave her side. However, someone from our family

    should attend Mr. Everhart¡¯s birthday banquet. I¡¯ve recovered a lot, and I want to help out.¡±

    ¡°I know. You¡¯ve truly be so much more understanding now, and it makes me very happy!

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    ¡°This is what I should do. I was truly stubborn before. Not only did my actions lead to Josiah and Dr.

    Thorne¡¯s divorce, but they also caused you all unnecessary worry. I¡¯m too unfilial.¡±

    ¡°All right, it¡¯s all in the past now. This time, Josiah saved Lysa ¨C I mean Dr. Thorne, and there¡¯s room for

    their rtionship to turn around. Once they reconcile, Old Mrs. Guerra won¡¯te to you in dreams

    anymore.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, if they reconcile, Old Mrs. Guerra will be at ease, and I can finally live a peaceful life,¡±

    ¡°All right, you should head back to your hospital room now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go check on mom first.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Lysanne had left.

    Daphne crouched down, whispering into Lysander¡¯s car, ¡°This b*tch seems to have really been driven

    to the brink by the supposed ghost of Old Mrs. Guern. She even sought you out today and put in quit

    an effort.¡±

    Lysander looked at her.

    ww it with my

    Daphine nodded. ¡°I own eyes. It¡¯s true. Old Mrs. Guerra truly cared for you. Even after she passed, she

    was still thinking about standing up for you.¡±

    Lysander slowly blinked.

    Daphine continued, ¡°What that b*tch just mentioned was indeed true. At the time, the boats were nearly

    engulfed in a sea of mes. Josiah painstakingly searched through each and every boat. When

    he finally carried you out, he himself was also severely burned.¡±

    With great difficulty, Lysander managed to utter two words.

    Daphne didn¡¯t understand. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 327 Something To Say To Josiah

    Josiah said, ¡°She wants a cell phone.¡±

    ¡°Your phone got fried. It¡¯s unusable now. Who are you trying to e: I? Your parents?¡±

    A cell phone was thrust into Lysander¡¯s hand.

    ¡°She needed something to type on because she has something to say,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Use mine first.¡±

    Lysander held his phone, struggling to type in a few crucial words: Do my parents know?

    Daphne immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t tell them. I didn¡¯t want them to worry.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Looking at you now, it¡¯s likely you won¡¯t make it abroad. The doctor suggested that with your injuries,

    it¡¯s best to rest and recuperate.¡±

    After a brief pause, Lysander nodded and typed: You all should go back and rest first.

    Daphne immediately objected, ¡°No way, you¡¯re injured like this. How can you be left alone? I¡¯m staying

    with you.¡±

    Lysander: I have a question for Josiah.

    Daphne paused, ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I should step aside? Is that what you

    mean?¡±

    Lysander nodded again.

    ¡°All right.¡± Daphne stood up. ¡°This time, it was indeed Josiah who saved you. You two should have a

    good chat. I won¡¯t leave and will just be outside the door. If anythinges up, Josiah, you can call for

    me.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    Daphne adjusted the nket for Lysander, then turned to Howard and said, ¡°Mr. Thorne, let me see

    you out.¡±

    Howard asked Josiah to take good care of Lysander before departing with Daphne.

    In the ward, Josiah and Lysander were the only ones left.

    Josiah asked, ¡°What do you want to ask me?¡±

    Lysander typed: Did Zachary tell you?

    After a few seconds of contemtion, Josiah gave a nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lysander smiled. As I expected.

    Then, she typed: What did he trade with you for this piece of information?

    ¡°Nothing. He¡¯s smarter than Harry and knows this matter has crossed my line. He¡¯s aware I¡¯m bound to

    2/3

 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328

    Chapter 328 Are You Driving Me Away Again

    After some thought, Lysander concluded that was the only logical e nation for her rescue.

    Zachary probably hadn¡¯t anticipated that Harry could go to such ext emes. He had obtained what he

    wanted, but in the process, he had managed to offend both her and Josiah. He must be wishing he

    could avoid seeing them forever.

    ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± Josiah sat down beside Lysander¡¯s bed, reaching out to touch her

    forehead. ¡°Seems like you still have a bit of a fever.¡±

    Lysander tilted her head slightly, attempting to evade his touch.

    Despite her efforts, her limited space for maneuvering still didn¡¯t allow her to evade.

    ¡°I¡¯ve washed my hands,¡± said Josiah. ¡°They shouldn¡¯t smell bad.¡±

    Lysander still shook her head.

    Josiah withdrew his hand, asking, ¡°Would you like to continue lying down or sit up

    Lysander typed: I¡¯m fine with either,

    for a while?¡±

    With a slight smile, Josiah moved to the foot of the bed. He turned the crank, and the hospital bed

    gradually elevated, gently lifting her upper-body into a sitting position. ¡°Is this height okay?¡±

    She nodded.

    Josiah said, ¡°If there¡¯s anything else you want, feel free to tell me.¡±

    Lysander replied: Don¡¯t tell my parents first.

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Yes, I understand. I have discussed this matter with the Everhart family, and we

    agreed not to publicize it.¡±

    Lysander: Thank you.

    Josiah saw the words on her screen and chuckled. ¡°I get what you¡¯re saying, but this time, a simple

    ¡®thank you¡¯ won¡¯t cut it. I¡¯m injured too, so it looks like we both might need some time to recover.¡±

    His voice was somewhat hoarse, and he lifted his arm to show her his wound.

    Lysander: Ask Daphne toe in and keep mepany.

    ¡°Are you trying to send me away again?¡± asked Josiah.

    Lysander: Aren¡¯t you going to tend to your wound?

    Josiah paused for a moment, then said, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go call her for you.¡±

    When Daphne entered, she was holding her phone and engaged in a voice message conversation with

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    someone.

    1/2

    Seeing Lysander¡¯s gaze, Daphne reassured, ¡°My dad found the housekeeper who tricked you. She

    took five thousand from Harry, agreeing to lure you into the backyard. just can¡¯t believe it. All that for

    just five thousand?¡±

    Lysander patted the spot next to her, signaling for her friend to con sit.

    Daphne waved her hand lightly, pointing to the apanying chair. ¡°I¡¯ll sit here. I don¡¯t want to crowd

    you

    Lysander chuckled softly.

    ¡°Oh yeah, what did you have to say to Josiah behind my back? Let me tell you, it¡¯s making me a bit

    uneasy.¡±

    After some thought. Lysander decided it was best not to let Daphne know about Zachary¡¯s matters.

    After all: Daphne was a straightforward and loyal person.

    If Daphne were to use the power of the Everhart family to jeopardize the project that Zachary had

    painstakingly secured, Zachary would undoubtedly hold a grudge and retaliate.

    Being resented by such a person would lead to endless troubles.

    Lysander typed: Mr. Everhart has had a hard time.

    After Daphne finished reading, she was filled with guilt. ¡°If I had known, I wouldn¡¯t have asked you to

    Harry to me everything on you. He¡¯s the type to bully the weak and fear the strong. He wouldn¡¯t dare

    to mess with Josiah, and he can¡¯t afford to offend Prisci now, so he can only vent his frustration on

    you.¡±

    Lysander gently patted her friend¡¯s hand, urging the litter not to me herself.

    Daphne held Lysander¡¯s hand firmly, reassuring her with a solemn promise, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you

    suffer in vain. Just wait and see. I¡¯ll make sure Harry pays dearly for this!¡±

    Lysander: Don¡¯t mess around.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± Daphne said. ¡°However, there is a silver lining to all of

    this. My father has promised not to set me up on anymore blind dates.¡±

    Lysander nodded and typed: What matters most is your own happiness.

    ¡°I am happy, but what about you? You were about to go abroad, and now, with this happening at such a

    critical moment, it seems you can¡¯t go anymore.¡±

    Lysander: I still want to go.

 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329

    Chapter 329 Keep Pretending

    ¡°How are you getting there now?¡± asked Daphne.

    Lysander: I don¡¯t want my parents to find out that something has happen I to me. They¡¯ll worry.

    ¡°So, what do you want to do? How can I help you?¡±

    Lysander lowered her head, preparing to type, but after a moment of thought, she put down the cell.

    phone.

    Then, she pointed at the smartphone that Daphne was holding in her hand.

    ¡°You want to use mine?¡± asked Daphne.

    Lysander nodded.

    Daphne handed her the cell phone. ¡°All right, you can use it.¡±

    Lysander typed out a message, then flipped the phone around to show it to Daphne.

    Daphne furrowed her brows, deep in thought for a moment, before firmly nodding her. ¡°All right, let¡¯s do

    it this way. However, you have to give me a few days to sort things out.¡±

    Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

    Daphne turned her head and asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Lysa, I¡¯m worried about you. I want to see you.¡± It was Molly¡¯s voice.

    Daphne had also heard it. ¡°It¡¯s that b*tch¡¯s mother. Do you want to meet her?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander gave a nod.

    Understanding the situation, Daphne walked over and opened the door.

    Molly still remained in her wheelchair, but Lysanne was pushing it, not Howard.

    Molly¡¯s eyes were red as if she had just been crying. Lysanne lowered her head, gently wiping her

    mother¡¯s tears with a tissue. ¡°Mom. It¡¯s okay, don¡¯t cry, Look, Dr. Thorne is indeed awake now.¡±

    Overwhelmed with emotions, Molly patted Lysanne¡¯s hand. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s good that she has woken up.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s gaze swept over the mother and daughter. ¡°What brings you two here?¡±

    There was a hint of appeasement in Lysanne¡¯s gentleness. ¡°My mother has always been concerned

    about Dr. Thorne, insisting oning to visit her. Ms. Everhart, please allow my mother to have a few

    words with Dr. Thorne. We¡¯ll leave as soon as we¡¯re done talking, I assure you.¡±

    Daphne didn¡¯t allow it. She nced toward the door and asked, ¡°Josiah, where are you?¡±

    Bnce: 3270+ 0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ¡°Come on in as well.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why the sudden change in attitude tow.rd me?¡±

    Daphne spoke bitterly. ¡°Considering that you risked your life to say Lysander this time, I¡¯ll let you off for

    an hour. However, I¡¯ve learned my lesson now. Your wife and mother-inw, one has a concussion, and

    the other is in a wheelchair. If anything happens in the ward, I won¡¯t be able to exin. It¡¯s better if you

    come in and keep an eye on them to avoid any unexinable situationster.¡±

    Molly felt a bit upset. ¡°Ms. Everhart, you¡¯re a good friend of Dr. Thorne, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m her best friend. We¡¯ve grown up together since we were kids, closer than most sisters. Is

    there a problem?¡±

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m just happy. Knowing that you¡¯ve been by Dr. Thorne¡¯s side as a friend brings me great

    Daphne furrowed her brows, turning to look at Josiah, ¡°What is your mother-inw implying? I¡¯m not

    quite understanding.¡±

    Josiah was also a bit puzzled. ¡°Mrs. Thorne, have you met Lysander before?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Molly¡¯s tears began to fall like rain, but she tried her best to control herself. ¡°No, I don¡¯t know her.

    It¡¯s just that I think Dr. Thorne¡¯s name sounds like Lyss¡¯ and felt a strange connection. Seeing her hurt

    caused me pain, too.¡±

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°Mrs. Thorne, you really don¡¯t need to. Even though Lysander and your daughter.

    share simr pronunciation in their names, their actual names are different, as are their personalities

    and characters. It¡¯ll be best not to confuse the two.¡±

    Molly expressed, ¡°I apologize. Our daughter, Lyss, was indeed na?ve in the past. Her father and I

    spoiled her, leading her to make many mistakes, including offending Ms. Everhart. I apologize on her

    behalf. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need, you¡¯re my elder. I can¡¯t ept this. Besides, she didn¡¯t do anything wrong to me. The one

    she wronged was Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Molly responded softly. ¡°You must know by now that Lyss has been gued by nightmares

    recently. Her mental state has been fluctuating. This is all a punishment from the heavens. She has

    fully acknowledged her mistakes now. When she heardst night that Dr. Thorne was missing, she

    insisted on helping. Nothing could stop her. She just wanted to atone for her sins, to do something for

    Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Daphne cast a nce at Lysanne.

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes were also tinted red. Her lips pursed as she hung her head low, fighting back the urge

    to let the tears flow.

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    Send Gifts

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 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330

    Chapter 330 All Is Dear

    Daphne waved her hand in irritation. ¡°All right, fine, she did something decent for once.¡±

    ¡°Can I have a few words with Dr. Thorne?¡± asked Molly.

    Daphne said, ¡°Just say a few words. Don¡¯t disturb Lysander¡¯s rest. The doctor has mentioned she

    needs to recuperate in peace.¡±

    ¡°All right, you can rest assured.¡±

    Lysanne then gently guided Molly to the front of the kickbed.

    Upon seeing Lysander, weak and d in a hospital gown on the bed. Molly couldn¡¯t hold back her

    tears. She tightly held Lysander¡¯s hand and said, ¡°My dear, you¡¯ve suffered.¡±

    Lysander nced at Molly, then shifted her gaze to Lysanne.

    Josiah also followed the two, positioning himself a slight distance away from them.

    Lysander handed him back his cellphone.

    Josiah took it and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t need it anymore?

    Lysander casually lifted Daphne¡¯s phone that she held in her hand.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Josiah didn¡¯t utter a word, simply epting his mobile phone into his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll have Ms. Collins bring

    you a new phone shortly.¡±

    Molly looked at Lysander, sniffed, and turned her head to call out, ¡°Lyss.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here, Mom,¡± replied Lysanne.

    ¡°Give me your hand.¡± Molly took Lysanne¡¯s hand, intertwining it with Lysander¡¯s, then held them b

    firmly. ¡°You two¡¯s names sound simr. It¡¯s like fate¡¯s own design. Lyss, you mustn¡¯t be so willful in t

    future. You should treat Dr. Thorne as if she were your older sister, treating her with respect and care

    understand?¡±\

    Lysanne obediently nodded. ¡°I understand, Mom.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne,¡± Molly softened her voice. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset with Lyss anymore. We¡¯ve already discussed.

    that her engagement to Josiah will be canceled. I¡¯ll handle it. We¡¯ll have Josiah¡¯s mother take Lyss as

    her goddaughter, so from then on, they¡¯ll be like siblings. You should live a good life with Josiah. He

    really is a good boy. I truly hope to see all of you children living harmoniously and happily in my lifetime.

    That way, even if your father and I are no longer around, the two of you will still have each other for

    support¡­

    Lysander immediately withdrew her hand.

    Taken aback, Molly was momentarily stunned. ¡°Are you still mad?¡±

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    3249 +0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    A flicker crossed Lysanne¡¯s eyes. She dared not meet lysander¡¯s gaze, her smile somewhat awkward.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mom. Dr. Thorne has every right to be upset with me. However, I will prove my determination

    through my actions. I believe that over time, Dr. Thorne will see my sincerity.¡±

    ¡°All right. Lyss, you really have grown up this time.¡± Molly looked a her, her eyes filled with deep

    satisfaction. ¡°In the past, I only have one wish. During that visit to Cute Temple, the gods have already

    fulfilled my wish, for which I am truly grateful. However, all is dear to me. I can only try my best.¡±

    ¡°Mom, what do you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Molly stated. ¡°All you need to remember is that from now on, you must treat Dr. Thorne as

    if she were your own sister. Even if she argues with Josiah, you must always stand by Dr. Thorne¡¯s

    side, understand?¡±

    Lysanne nodded repeatedly. ¡°Mhm, I¡¯ve got it, Mom.¡±

    Daphne leaned against the wall, arms crossed, growing more suspicious as she listened. ¡°Hold on a

    minute. What¡¯s this about sisters? It sounds like some melodramatic pce intrigue with fake sisterly

    bonds. Listen, Mrs. Thorne, Lysander can¡¯t speak clearly right now, but there are some things I need to

    rify on her behalf. She¡¯s already divorced from Josiah, and she has her own biological sister. She

    doesn¡¯t need any more random sister from who knows where.¡±¡±

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 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331

    Chapter 331 Harry Has Been Found

    Molly chuckled. ¡°There were reasons for the divorce, right? Was it because of Lyss¡­ Never mind, lers

    not bring up past heartaches. The issue at hand has been resolved. hasn¡¯t There¡¯s no other problem

    now. After all, people can always remarry even after a divorce.¡±

    Daphne furrowed her brows. ¡°That¡¯s not exactly how it goes-

    Suddenly, Lysanne interjected, ¡°Ms. Everhart, shouldn¡¯t we let Dr. Thorne decide on matters concerning

    herself and Josiah? You¡¯re her friend, that¡¯s true, but you¡¯re not her. If she and Josiah are truly in love,

    won¡¯t your interference just dy them?

    Upon hearing those words. Daphne found herself somewhat at a loss for words.

    Just a moment ago, Lysander had indeed asked her to step aside, wanting to have a private

    conversation with Josiah.

    Thus, she was unable to retort.

    Stammering slightly, Daphne said. ¡°This matter also doesn¡¯t really concern you and your mother, does

    it? Could you please refrain from meddling in affairs that don¡¯t concern you?¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Lysanne nodded agreeably. ¡°Let¡¯s not interfere. We should let Dr. Thorne and Josiah resolve

    it themselves.¡±¡±

    Daphne rolled her eyes, but her tone softened considerably. ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±

    ¡°Harry has been found.¡± Josiah put away his phone. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ll leave you here with Daphne for now.

    I need to go take care of him.¡±

    Daphne immediately rose to her feet, excitement lighting up her eyes. ¡°You found him? Where?¡±

    Josiah nced at Lysander, hesitating before finally saying, ¡°He should be in Guerra Group¡¯s

    underground garage now.¡±

    ¡°All right then! Josiah, if you don¡¯t burn him alive, I¡¯m going to be disappointed in you!¡±

    Josiah simply responded with two words, ¡°Rest assured.¡±

    He walked over, and through the nket, he gently held Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±

    He then turned to Daphne and said, ¡°Please look after Lysander for me. I¡¯ll be back quickly once I¡¯ve

    sorted this out.¡±

    ¡°Whether youe back or not doesn¡¯t matter to me. All I want to see is Harry roasted! Remember to

    apply a bit more chili sauce on him!¡± replied Daphne.

    Josiah smirked. ¡°Wait for my photo.¡±

    Then, he nodded at Molly. ¡°I¡¯ll be going ahead, Mrs. Thorne.¡±

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    3223 +0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne, rest assured, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± Then, Josiah turned around and left.

    Daphne huffed, addressing Lysander, ¡°You need to focus on healing. Since Harry has now fallen into

    Josiah¡¯s hand, he¡¯s definitely in deep trouble.¡±

    Lysander absentmindedly nodded, though she kept observing Lysanne.

    Up until Josiah left, Lysanne¡¯s gaze had hardly ever strayed from him.

    Her gaze followed him persistently until his figure vanished beyond the door. Only then did she

    reluctantly withdraw her stare.

    As soon as she turned around, she met Lysander¡¯s slightly teasing gaze.

    Lysanne was taken aback for a moment, then forced qut a couple ofughs. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Dr.

    Thorne? Why are you staring at me? Is there anything you need my help with?¡±

    said, ¡°Yeah! If there¡¯s anything you need help with, you can ask Lyss for help. It¡¯ll also

    Mollyt a chance to rest.¡±

    give Ms.

    Lysander withdrew her gaze, chuckling lightly as she typed: Have you done talking? If you have, then

    you should go back.

    Tears welled up in Molly¡¯s eyes, and she turned her face away, heartbroken.

    Lysanneforted Molly with an arm around thetter¡¯s shoulders for a while, then turned to Lysander.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, my mother truly cares about you. If she¡¯s been bothering you, I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    In response, Lysander merely typed: Leave.

    Molly sniffed, nodded, and said, ¡°All right, we¡¯ll be going then. You take good care of yourself.¡±

    Lysanne pushed Molly away. ¡°Dr. Thorne, we¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander turned her face away, neither looking nor responding.

    Daphne watched them leave, then closed the door and returned to her seat. ¡°Lysander, it seems like

    that b*tch¡¯s mother genuinely considers you her daughter. She appears sincerely worried about you,

    not as if she¡¯s pretending.¡±

    Lysander was typing on her phone.

    ¡°And then there¡¯s that b*tch. I guess she was really affected, seeming indifferent and apathetic now.

    She was indeed very determined when she went to rescue you this time.¡±

    Lysander: She was the first one to find me.

    Daphne was surprised. ¡°Huh? I thought it was Josiah who found-¡±

    Lysander: However, she pushed me back into the fire again

 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332

    Chapter 332 Leaving The Country

    In the days that followed, Daphne was constantly by llysander¡¯s side in the hospital, barely leaving her

    for a moment. ¡°Come on, try this. I asked my housekeeper to prepa e this chicken

    soup. The pasta is cooked until it¡¯s soft. You can¡¯t just survive on glucose solution. You: eed to cat

    something.¡±

    Lysander was very obedient, dutifully opening the lunch box and leisurely eating.

    On the wall of the ward was a television broadcasting the news. ¡°The cause of the fire at the seaside

    dock two days ago has been discovered. It was intentionally set by someone who was unable to repay

    a substantial debt, suggesting a certain degree of vengeance. The investigation into this case is

    ongoing¡­¡±

    As Daphne was peeling an apple for Lysander, shemented, ¡°The news is quite intriguing. They¡¯ve

    thoroughly investigated the case and its reasons, but they didn¡¯t mention a word about how the suspect

    was dealt with.¡±

    Lysander was leisurely eating her meal, unable to utter a word. With a spoon in her hand, she found it

    difficult to type.

    Daphne didn¡¯t seem to care. She nced around, lowering her voice to a whisper. ¡°Josiah has kept the

    information tightly under wraps. Even my dad couldn¡¯t find out where Harry is now.¡±

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    Lysander paused for a moment. Didn¡¯t Josiah mention something about the underground parking lot at

    Guerra Group?

    ¡°He¡¯s not there!¡± Daphne seemed to have seen through Lysander¡¯s thoughts and answered directly, ¡°If

    he were there, the underground parking lot would definitely have to be closed off. However, my dad

    said that cars areing and going as usual at Guerra Group. People who go there daily for business

    discussions or coborations are also directly driving into the underground parking lot. There¡¯s nothing

    out of the ordinary.¡±

    rry somew

    Lysander pursed her lips, continuing with her meal. I¡¯d be easy for Josiah to hide Harry Daphne kept

    insisting on burning Harry alive. Could Josiah have taken him to some sort of crematori something?

    That¡¯s impossible, right?

    Daphne said, ¡°Let¡¯s not concern ourselves with this anymore. Harry dared toy a finger on yo basically

    bearding the lion in his den. Josiah won¡¯t let him off easily. By the way, feeling

    are you today?¡±

    Lysander gave a nod.

    Back then, Harry had taken her onto the fishing boat. The floor of the cabin was damp, and in the icy

    weather, she had been chilled to the bone from the cold water for a long time.

    However, thanks to her clothes being soaked from the water essentially saved her from any burn

    injuries when the fire broke out.

    Josiah appeared to be more severely burned than her

    ¡°The task you assigned mest time, I¡¯ve taken care of it all,¡± Daphne stated. ¡°Whenever you feel up to

    it, we can leave.¡±

    1/2

    After some thought, Lysander typed: Now.

    The procedures for Lysander went incredibly smoothly.

    Fred had already arranged everything with the hospital Lysander w uld be working at in advance.

    Lysander had merely arrived early to report in. The person in chary of weing her there was a

    rather chubby yet endearing middle-aged woman named Lara.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t speakfortably, but Daphne was still around, so she had to rely on thetter to

    Lara was a cheerful and outgoing individual. She had given them a tour of the hospital, as well as her

    own office.

    In a cheerful tone, Lara spoke in Stounian. ¡°I had heard earlier that Lysander wasing over, so

    everything has been prepared. The colleagues here are easy to get along with, so you don¡¯t need to

    worry. However, you might have to sort out your amodation. I know of a few ces nearby that

    are up for rent. If you need. I can help you get in touch.¡±

    Lysander gratefully responded with a smile and agreed to start work three dayster officially.

    After that, Daphne took her out for a meal.

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    0

 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333

    Chapter 333 Make Up A Friend

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, Ennd is a culinary wastnd. There¡¯s hardly a ything tasty. We left in such a rush

    this time. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve brought severalrge boxes of sp. es with me,¡± said Daphne.

    Lysander chuckled lightly: Isn¡¯t there an Ecronian restaurant?

    ¡°There is, but the variety is quite limited. It¡¯s better back home, where you can find whatever you want

    to cat.¡±

    Lysander: What would you like to eat? We can make it ourselves.

    Daphne shook her head repeatedly. ¡°You¡¯re still unwell. How could I possibly let you cook for me? No

    way.¡±

    Lysander: I¡¯m already capable of working. The only issue is that I can¡¯t speak at the moment. However,

    preparing a meal or two isn¡¯t a problem at all.

    Daphne¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hurry. We need to find a house, then go to the supermarket for groceries and cook dinner at

    home!¡± Daphne said, pulling Lysander along as she spoke. ¡°Honestly, my dad has already arranged

    everything. You could stay at our ce, but no, you insist on renting your own house. It¡¯s such a

    hassle.¡±

    Lysander had her own thoughts.

    Due to the incident that urred at the Everhart residence, Rufus harbored a sense of guilt toward

    Lysander.

    However, the distance between the Everhart residence and the hospital was quite significant, making

    commuting a hassle. Besides, she had her own convictions to uphold.

    Daphne understood Lysander¡¯s temperament well. When Lysander refused, she didn¡¯t say anything.

    Suddenly, Daphne¡¯s phone rang.

    Daphne nced at the caller ID and picked up the phone. ¡°Adrian?¡±

    She mouthed to Lysander. ¡°It¡¯s Adrian.¡±

    Lysander nodded, indicating that she understood.

    ¡°Ah, all-right, I understand. However, I suspect she¡­ Okay, okay, fine, I¡¯ll ask her then.¡± Daphne

    covered the receiver, asking, ¡°Adrian mentioned that a friend of his owns a house right next to the

    hospital. His friend is currently out of the country, leaving the house vacant. He suggested that we

    could stay there.¡±

    Lysander slightly furrowed her brows. A friend? Did he make up that friend?

    His friend doar avigt. I basur el

    crill baritanr

    tan Ua¡¯s met ling¡± While I sandarume cri

    Bnce: 3179 +0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    how do we get there?¡±

    Lysander was speechless.

    ¡°All right, I understand. We¡¯ll catch up when you return then.¡± After anging up the phone, Daphne

    excitedly eximed, ¡°This is great. No need to look for a house any more.¡±

    Lysander still had some reservations.

    Daphne gave her a light tap. ¡°I heard it¡¯s even a small mansion, the kind with a garden. It¡¯d be a waste

    not to live in it. He sent me the address. Let¡¯s hurry and take a look at the house. Then we can go

    shopping and cook at home. I¡¯m starving!¡±

    Almost forcibly, she dragged Lysander along, rushing like a gust of wind to the house of Adrian¡¯s

    friend.

    Indeed, it was quite close to the hospital, only about a seven to eight-minute walk away.

    Moreover, it was a peaceful haven amidst the hustle and bustle. The location was excellent.

    Daphne retrieved a key from the mailbox nestled within the flower garden and unlocked the door.

    She had braced herself, expecting the ce, long uninhabited by anyone, to carry an unpleasant scent.

    However, reality proved otherwise.

    The room had been meticulously cleaned. Not a speck of dust was in sight. A subtle floral scent even

    lingered in the air.

    ¡°Wow, this house is quite impressive!¡± Daphne was the first to step inside. She strolled around the

    room. ¡°This person has quite good taste. The interior decor is quite artistic.¡±

    Lysander turned to the direction her friend was pointing at.

    On the wall behind the couch hung a massive oil painting.

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    The oil painting depicted the silhouette of a young girl strolling along a campus pathway nketed with

    golden leaves.

 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334

    Chapter 334 The Girl In The Oil Painting

    Lysander didn¡¯t really understand oil paintings, but she found that particr piece quite appealing.

    ¡°Why does this scene seem so familiar?¡± Daphne suddenly pointed oa dimly lit streetmp in the corner

    of the painting. ¡°Thismp is simr to the one in your mea.cal university.¡±

    Lysander merely cast a nce before swiftly averting her gaze, then shook her head.

    Daphne was still somewhat confused. ¡°It¡¯s not?¡±

    Lysander still shook her head.

    ¡°I was wrong about it?¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Fine, then. It¡¯s been many years since Ist visited the medical university. I might have remembered it

    wrong.¡± Daphne chuckled awkwardly.

    Lysander made a gesture of making a phone call.

    Understanding Lysander¡¯s intentions, Daphne handed her the phone.

    Lysander typed: Could you do me a favor and-call my parents? Just let them know I¡¯m safe.

    ¡°Oh, right. Darn, my memory¡¯s bad.¡± Daphne took the phone and immediately made a video call.

    The call was answered after just a single ring.

    Lara, Maverick, and Michelle squeezed into the frame, waving excitedly.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    ¡°Lysa!¡±

    ¡°Lysa, why did you leave so abruptly? You didn¡¯t even tell us anything. We were almost frantic when we

    couldn¡¯t reach you on the phone.¡±

    Suddenly, a faint pang tugged at Lysander¡¯s heart.

    Fortunately, Daphne was there to smooth things over. She reassured, ¡°Mr. Thorne, Mrs. Thorne, don¡¯t

    worry. It¡¯s just that Lysander is too outstanding. The hospital here encountered a rather difficult patient

    and was at a loss. Lysander had no choice but toe over early. As you know, treating patients and

    saving lives can¡¯t wait. Lysander didn¡¯t have time to inform you.¡±

    Laura nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes, yes, childbirth is indeed very risky for pregnant women. One slip could

    cost two lives. It needs to be handled quickly.¡±

    Maverick asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t Lysa speaking?¡±

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    that it hurt her to talk. No worries, she can hear you, go ahead and speak.¡±

    Laura felt a pang

    ¡°She just had a drink,¡± Daphne said. ¡°Lysander will be fine after a all to worry, so I hurried to call you as

    soon as we were done to les

    of sympathy. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they even let you rink water? Have you had any now?¡±

    w days of rest. I just didn¡¯t want you

    ou know we are okay now.¡±

    ¡°All right. As long as she¡¯s safe, that¡¯s all that matters. Have you guys eaten yet? Is the food expensive

    there? Does the hospital provide amodation? Where are you guys staying?

    What truly concerned parents were those simple yet practical matters.

    Daphne nced at Lysander, who mouthed the word ¡°Dormitory.¡±

    Daphne immediately understood. ¡°Oh, the hospital had arranged a dormitory for Lysander, and she

    also ate in the hospital cafeteria. It¡¯s not much different from being back in the country.¡±

    ¡°Oh wow, there¡¯s a dormitory? That¡¯s really great,¡± said Laura.

    Maverick immediately said. ¡°I told you, didn¡¯t I? Our Lysa is a real talent. They would offer great

    conditions just to retain such talent, but you wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Laura was filled with joy as she said, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe you. I¡¯m just worried about my

    daughter. She¡¯s going to be in a foreign ce, surrounded by different people. It¡¯s not safe for a young

    woman to live alone. It¡¯s much better for her to stay in the hospital dormitory where she¡¯ll be with her

    colleagues and can ask for help if needed.¡±

    Daphne added, ¡°Exactly, Mr. Thorne and Mrs. Thorne. The dormitory that the hospital assigned to

    Lysander is quite spacious. I¡¯m also living with her. Just now, Lysander promised me that she would

    cook me an Ecronian meal.¡±

    ¡°Does she know how to do it?¡±

    Upon hearing that, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.

    Laura chuckled as she said, ¡°Daphne, let me give you a heads up. I know my own daughter. The food

    she cooks is, at most, edible. However, if you¡¯re expecting it to be delicious, that¡¯s probably not going to

    happen.¡±

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 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335

    Chapter 335 It Is Me

    Michelle chuckled quietly from the side. ¡°Don¡¯t embarrass Lysander like that, Mom.¡±

    Howard chimed in as well, ¡°Exactly! there¡¯s no need to worry too much. Cooking, like everything else,

    requires practice. And it¡¯s natural for everyone to have areas they excel in and others they don¡¯t. Lysais

    SO exceptional in other aspects that it¡¯spletely normal if her cooking skills are a bitcking¡­.

    Watching her parents and sister converse back and forth, Lysander¡¯s heart gradually found a sense of

    calm.

    Daphne also joined in on the conversation. ¡°No worries! I¡¯m famously known for my strong digestive

    system. As long as it¡¯s edible, I can digest it!¡±

    ¡°Daphne, send me the addresster, I¡¯ve just learned how to use Google Maps and I want to see where

    Lysa is living now.¡±

    ¡°Huh? The address?¡± She turned to look at Lysander. Upon seeing her nod in response, Daphne said,

    ¡°All right, Mrs. Thorne. I¡¯ll send it to you in a bit.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Speaking of which, you should hurry up and get her a SIM card. We can¡¯t always trouble you

    whenever we want to contact Lysa.¡±

    ¡°Sure thing. When I go out to buy thingster, I¡¯ll take her along and get it done.¡±

    After ending the call, Daphne asked, ¡°Feeling relieved now?¡±

    Lysander nodded in response.

    But soon, Daphne¡¯s phone rang again. t

    ¡°It¡¯s my dad,¡± she said before answering the phone. ¡°Hello, Dad. We¡¯ve arrived, so don¡¯t worry¡­ Wha

    All right; I understand.¡±

    Lysander shot her a questioning nce.

    Daphne gritted her teeth and exined, ¡°My dad said my grandma had a fall. It¡¯s kind of serious.¡±

    Lysander nudged her, signaling her to hurry back to her country.

    Naturally, Daphne found it hard to leave her here all by herself. ¡°But you¡¯ve just arrived here, and you

    can¡¯t speak. If I¡¯m not around-

    Lysander simply took the phone over and typed out a message: Mr. Everhart wouldn¡¯t be calling you c

    r you at this hour if it wasn¡¯t serious. A fall could be serious for an elderly person, so you should head

    back and check on her as soon as possible.

    Daphne was also feeling a bit anxious. ¡°What will you do, then?¡±

    Lysander typed: You don¡¯t need to worry about me, I can handle things on my own.

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    Lysander typed: Go on. I don¡¯t want you to end up regretting it.

    Although she wasn¡¯t in the same department in the hospital, she had seen a lot.

    The thing elderly people feared the most was falling. Daphne¡¯s grai Imother had always been in poor-

    health, so it was probably a serious situation if Rufus had to call her

    Daphne held her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on my grandmother. Once things are stable with her, I¡¯lle right

    back to be with you.¡±

    Lysander nodded, urging her to hurry to the airport.

    Daphne hailed a cab and left shortly after.

    Without Daphne¡¯s constant chatter by her side, Lysander found it a little hard getting used to.

    Even so, it didn¡¯t matter. She was in a foreignnd, and she had promised herself a fresh start. As

    such, she had to manage her new life well.

    Although the house was already quite clean, she decided to make another trip to the supermarket, She

    purchased some household items and food, then spent the afternoon tidying up the bedroom.

    Afterward, she cooked herself a meal.

    In all fairness, her cooking skills weren¡¯t really that bad.

    However, whenpared to the seasoned culinary master Laura, it simply didn¡¯t measure up.

    Over the years, she had essentially grown ustomed to eating in the hospital cafeteria. Back in the

    day, when she used to visit the Guerra family¡¯s old house, they had a chef who prepared meals. Later

    when she returned to her own home, her mother would always prepare avish feast for each meal a

    result, she had never had to worry about food.

    Now, she had to gradually adapt to all of these.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    In the evening, a gentle drizzle began to fall in the foggy city.

    As she was heading downstairs to close the door, the doorbell suddenly rang, startling Lysander.

    Rendered speechless, all she could do was to knock hard on the door from the inside to indicate that

    someone was home.

    A familiar voice echoed from outside shortly after. ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s me.¡±

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    Chapter 336

    Chapter 336 She Understood What This Meant

    This voice¡­

    Taken aback, Lysander quickly opened the door.

    Adrian waspletely drenched, water droplets trickling down his hair strands one by one.

    Only then did Lysander realize, the rain outside was much heavier than she had ever imagined.

    He flicked the water off his head, letting out a chuckle as he asked, ¡°May Ie in?¡±

    Lysander quickly stepped back, clearing the way for him to enter through the door.

    She then fetched a brand-new towel she¡¯d bought that day from the bathroom and rushed out to hand it

    to him.

    Adrian nced at the towel she handed him, paused for a moment, and chose not to ept it. ¡°Is this

    yours?¡± he asked.

    Upon realizing, Lysander quickly waved her hands, indicating that although it belonged to her, she

    hadn¡¯t used it yet.

    Adrian asked, ¡°Do you have any tissues?¡±

    Lysander nodded, grabbed a box of tissues, and gestured toward the living room sofa, indicating for

    him to sit down.

    Adrian grabbed a few tissues and casually wiped the water off his face and arms. ¡°I¡¯m drenched all so I

    won¡¯t sit down. Is your throat still not better?¡± he asked.

    Lysander gave a slight nod in response.

    ¡°Did you take your medication on time?¡±

    She nodded again.

    ¡°That¡¯s good, then.¡±

    After drying his face, he nced down at the floor and said with a hint of apology, ¡°I¡¯ve dirtied the floor

    again.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand, indicating it was no big deal.

    ¡°Still haven¡¯t bought a phone?¡± Adrian then handed her his own phone without hesitation as he

    continued, ¡°Use mine for now. It¡¯s easier tomunicate via text. We can¡¯t always rely on hand

    gestures.¡±

    As Lysander didn¡¯t ept it, he simply shoved the phone into her hand.

    hand. Son a kis da.

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    Lysander entered the password, and the phone screen was unlocked.

    In that fleeting moment, she let out a slight sigh of relief.

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    She was genuinely afraid that his phone wallpaper or lock screen w. llpaper was somehow connected

    to her just like the oil painting in the room.

    THE

    In fact, she already felt slightly relieved when he revealed the password.

    0326 wasn¡¯t her birthday, nor did it have any relevance to her life. Seeing as he was still using the

    phone¡¯s default wallpaper, Lysander felt a bit more at ease.

    A man, who was still in his home country when he made a phone call in the morning, had arrived in

    Stounia by dawn, even braving a heavy rain in the process.

    She wasn¡¯t foolish, so she knew what this implied.

    Although she had openly rejected him before, and Adrian had never brought it up again, there were

    many things that she couldn¡¯t ignore simply by remaining in denial.

    Lysander typed: Why did you suddenlye over? Did you inform the hospital? Did the director

    agree?

    The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of a single night light..

    Adrian squinted a bit, leaning in closer to have a better look at the phone screen. He gave a slight nod

    and said, ¡°Yes, and I did study and work in Stounia. The director knows about it too.¡±

    Lysander typed: When are you nning to go back?

    Adrian chuckled lightly and asked, ¡°Does my presence make you feel uneasy?¡±

    Lysander typed: No, I¡¯m just worried about your work being disrupted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have another ce to stay. I was nning toe over tomorrow, but then I

    remembered that the wiring in this house is a bit old. Sometimes, when it rains, the power might go out.

    I was worried you¡¯d be scared all by yourself here, so I came to check on you. Seeing that you¡¯re okay

    puts me at ease. I¡¯ll be leaving in a bit.¡±

    Feeling a hint of embarrassment, Lysander typed: Thank you.

    ¡°Are you thanking me foring to see you?¡± Adrian asked.

    Lysander typed: Thank you for this house.

    Daphne imed she knew the owner of the house, and Lysander didn¡¯t say anything about it at the

    time. However, she didn¡¯t believe a single word of it.

    When she saw the oil painting hanging in the living room, her suspicions were further confirmed.

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    Chapter 337

    Chapter 337 Worried You Might Fall Ill

    It seemed as though Adrian understood her intentions. ¡°You¡¯ve figured it out?¡± he asked softly.

    She nodded.

    ¡°Technically speaking, this house isn¡¯t really mine. The owners are an elderly couple from around here.

    who emigrated to Archulea. I¡¯ve just been leasing it long-term.¡±

    Lysander typed: I can pay the rent.

    After some thought, Adrian didn¡¯t reject the idea. ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this once your work is all sorted out.

    There¡¯s no need to rush.¡±

    She had left in haste and indeed, she didn¡¯t have much money on her..

    She would have to wait until next month¡¯s paycheck before she had any disposable ie in hand.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Lysander typed: I¡¯ll pay upter.

    Adrian nodded. ¡°All right. It¡¯s gettingte, so you should rest soon. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    As Adrian turned around, only then did Lysander see a small suitcase ced beside him.

    Given the size of this suitcase, it could hardly hold much. Even a slightly thicker piece of clothing

    wouldn¡¯t fit.

    The temperature in Stounia was around ten degrees at the time. Even though he was wearing a trench

    coat, it waspletely soaked and clinging to his body.

    Lysander typed: Did you bring a change of clothes?

    Adrian paused in his steps, ncing at his pitifully small suitcase, and said with a chuckle, ¡°I didn¡¯t ha

    time to pack, so I only brought a few personal items with me.¡±

    Lysander typed: Did you leave any of your clothes here before?

    Adrian¡¯s gaze suddenly flickered, as he intensely watched her.

    Lysander was quite considerate. She opted to stay in the guest room after tidying it up, never once

    venturing into the master bedroom.

    If Adrian had lived here before, then it was possible that he had some clothes here.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s in the wardrobe of the master bedroom.¡±

    Lysander typed: Have you eaten yet?

    ¡°I had a little something to eat on the ne.¡±

    not that

    The food on the ne was definitely tasty.

    1/3

    Lysander gritted her teeth and typed: Go take a hot shower and change out of your wet clothes.

    A flicker of something unusual suddenly passed through Adrian¡¯s aze.

    There was a sense of surprise, but more so, there was confusion.

    Lysander quickly rified by typing: I¡¯m just worried that you might fall ill.

    Adrian let out a slight chuckle, but his smile carried a hint of mncholy as he said, ¡°I understand.¡±

    Feeling a little uneasy, Lysander typed: Your health is what matters most.

    Adrian nodded. ¡°Right. Thanks for your concern.¡±

    Lysander typed: Go take a shower and get changed. I¡¯ll whip up some food.

    Adrian looked up and asked, ¡°You can cook?¡±

    Lysander typed: I can¡¯t promise it¡¯ll be delicious, but it should at least fill your stomach.

    Seeing as Adrian went silent, Lysander typed: It¡¯s reallyte and it¡¯s pouring rain. I feel bad for making

    you go out of your way toe here. Let me cook you a meal as a token of my gratitude.

    After staring at her for a moment, Adrian finally nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    The kitchen, which was situated next to the living room on the first floor, was of an open concept.

    Lysander went to the refrigerator and took out some eggs and pasta that she had just bought today.

    She then started to heat up a pot of water.

    Adrian went to the master bedroom, and shortly after the sound of running water could be heard fr

    within.

    As it turned out, there was a bathroom in the master bedroom.

    Just a moment ago, she was pondering whether she should back away if Adrian emerged from the

    bathroom.

    With a bathroom inside the master bedroom, he would be able to change his clothes in the room before

    coming out.

    Naturally, this would be a lot better as the awkwardness between the two of them would lessen

    significantly.

    By the time the tomato pasta was ready, Adrian had also changed his clothes and came downstairs.

    Perhaps due to being at home, he was simply dressed in a white turtleneck sweater and a pair of ck

    sweatpants. This attire gave him less of an elite aura, instead, it added a touch of domestic softness to

    his appearance.

    ¡°What have you been cooking? It smells wonderful.¡±

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 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338

    Chapter 8338 Are You Two Together Now

    Adhtan was clearly taken aback. ¡°In our profession, regardless of the department warudinnost always

    Too busy a leveren cook i¡¯ve noticed that you basically cat in the hos, ital cafeteria allthedinne, so I

    didn¡¯t expect you to a cocsontell

    With a smile sonunder gestured for him to give it a try

    Adrian nced at at the spirit she handed him, his brows furrowing slightly.

    Lysander type: Ijasti bought it.

    Adrian immediately brated up, heading to the kitchen with a familiarity that came from routine.roomi a

    drawer, he took one seseveizi nirs of cutlery,

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because I¡¯ve back in the country for while, I find using forks to be score

    convenient. He then serdes o back down in his chair and asked, ¡°Why is there only one serving Aten

    you eating?

    Lysander typed: I had tenton then enente, so I¡¯m not hungry now.

    ¡°What did you have for dinnerti

    Lysander felt a bit embarrassed.d.

    She had a busy day today and given herensrappedte she didn¡¯t feel like cooking. So, she ended up

    eating just a few slices of toast.

    Adrian said. ¡°You must eat proper mentals¡±

    He took the spork from her hand and divided diche past on the te into two equal porn

    this half, and you take the other. I¡¯m not vargitancy

    Lysander fell silent when she heard that.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said while handing the spork back to heter.

    o ve can both have a little less,¡± h

    Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Lysander had no choices buto ept it.

    She held the spork in her hand, but she didn¡¯t cat the tood.

    The phone that Adrian had ced beside him ranging

    He then answered the call, ¡°Aiden?¡±

    ¡°Adrian, why did you suddenly return to Stounia?¡±\_||

    ¡°I came back to take care of some business. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°What business is it? Why the rush?¡±

    ¡°Some work-rted matters are beyond yourprehension. Note tell thewwhat¡¯s going on.¡±

    1173

    ?????

    With a hint of dissatisfaction, Aiden mumbled, ¡°Um, there¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you.¡±

    ¡°Quit stammering and just ask away! Adrian urged.

    ¡°Um¡­ I just wanted to ask if your rush to return to Stounia is becau e Lysander is also there?¡±

    The mention of Lysander caused both Lysander and Adrian to pause briefly.

    Adrian nced at her and said softly, ¡°Yeah.¡±

    With a mournful cry, Aiden eximed, ¡°I knew it!¡±

    ¡°Is this what you called to ask about?¡±

    ¡°Lysander¡¯s phone was never reced, and my Josiah couldn¡¯t find her anywhere. He couldn¡¯t even

    get through to Daphne. Later, 1 heard from my parents that you had returned to Stounia. I started to

    wonder if you and Lysander went there together.¡±

    ¡°Both she and I are indeed in Stounia, but we didn¡¯te together. I had only justnded not too long

    ago.

    ¡°Oh, I thought-

    ¡°What did you think?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing! So, are you two together now? Aiden said.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Aiden gasped when he heard that. ¡°It must be quitete there now, isn¡¯t it? Are you

    you two

    together

    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think.¡±

    *Regardless, Josiah would lose his mind if he found out. Adrian, you must promise to keep this a for

    me. Don¡¯t tell anyone I called you. Act as if I¡¯ve never reached out to you, that I have no idea y returned

    to Stounia, and that I¡¯m unaware Lysander is there too.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Adrian suddenly chuckled. ¡°Are you really that scared of Josiah?¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be urate to say I¡¯m scared of him. It¡¯s just¡­ Even though I see Dr. Thorne as my sister-

    inw, both you and Josiah are close to me. I¡¯m at a loss as to which one of you Lysander should

    belong

    10.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re notfortable calling her by name, you can call her Dr. Thorne instead,¡± Adrian said

    casually while munching on the pasta.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point, Adrian! I really don¡¯t want to see you and Josiah getting into a conflict over Dr.

    Thome. Being stuck in the middle is so tough for me!

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 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339

    Chapter 339 Let Me Know If You Need Help

    ¡°Then pretend you don¡¯t know, and don¡¯t concern yourself with this matter any longer.¡±

    ¡°I can y dumb, but¡­¡± Aiden said, ¡°Adrian, hold on a sec, I need to ake this call. I¡¯ll call you back.

    later.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After hanging up, Adrian carried on eating his pasta, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings.

    Seeing that she didn¡¯t move, he gently urged, ¡°Please cat.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand, indicating that she was not hungry, and it was toote for her to eat.

    Adrian said softly. ¡°You suddenly decided to go abroad earlier than nned and deliberately chose not

    to get a SIM card. Was it to avoid Josiah?¡±

    Lysander: Yes.

    However, given his capabilities. It¡¯s only a matter of time before he finds you.¡±

    Lysander: I¡¯ll think about it when that happens.

    Lysander never intended to hide from him forever.

    Nevertheless, there was little Josiah could do even if he found out.

    He had a business back in his home country, a mother to take care of, and there was also Lysanne.

    She had seen things clearly this time. All those talks of regret, repentance, and promises of turning

    over a new leaf were nothing but a farce. From the very beginning, Lysanne had been harboring ill

    intentions. She had never even considered giving up on Josiah.

    If the fire had been just a bit more intense that time and had Josiah arrived a bitter, Lysander would

    have truly perished in the sea of mes.

    A dead person stood no chance against Lysanne inpeting for Josiah.

    Lysanne would have decades ahead of her to gradually win Josiah over.

    At the very least, they both shared simr-sounding names. In the past, Josiah had treated Lysander

    as a stand-in for Lysanne. If push came to shove, Lysanne could also humble herself to act as

    Lysander¡¯s substitute.

    After all, Lysander was already a goner. No matter how capable Josiah was, he couldn¡¯t bring her back

    from the dead. Lysanne would still have plenty of time to n her next move.

    In truth, Lysander greatly admired Lysanne¡¯s tactics. Her strategy of feigning weakness to gain an

    advantage was indeed impressive.

    Even Daphne was deceived by her.

    1/2

    With Lysanne by Josiah¡¯s side, she could divert some of his attention. That way, Lysander could have a

    slightly better life in Stounia.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If he bothers you again and you need help, you cant me to me.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ve lived in Stounia for over twenty years, and I¡¯ve managed to build awork of friends and

    contacts. If you want to get away from him, I might have some ways to help.¡±

    No sooner had the words been spoken the phone rang again.

    As soon as the call connected, Aiden¡¯s voice, sounding as if he was on the verge of tears, came

    through. ¡°Adrian, Josiah is already on his way to the airport.¡±

    ¡°Has he found out?¡±

    ¡°Mmm-hmm, but I¡¯m not the one who spilled it. It seems like Josiah had visited Lysander¡¯s family and

    heard it from them.¡±

    Adrian simply hummed in response. ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Adrian, I really tried my best to y dumb, but¡­ well, you handle this situation however you see fit. I

    honestly don¡¯t know who I should be helping.

    ¡°In that case, just stay neutral. Besides, you wouldn¡¯t be able to help with this matter anyway.¡±

    Aiden was noticeably agitated. ¡°I only have one request. Please, don¡¯t start a fight.¡±

    Adrianughed in disbelief. ¡°What do you take us for

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just like in the animal kingdom? Topete for mating rights, two male lions have to fig out in a

    life or death struggle. You two are like older brothers to me. I truly don¡¯t want either of yo get hurt.¡±

    ¡°Enough, when did you be so chatty,¡± Adrian said. ¡°The final decision on this matter lies with

    Lysander. I will respect her choice. Josiah can¡¯t force her into anything, so you shouldn¡¯t worry so

    much.¡±

    Ring ring¡­.

    At that moment, Adrian¡¯s cell phone that received another call.

    Adrian put his phone down and nced at it, noticing it was an unfamiliar number.

    Nevertheless, he was certain who the caller was. ¡°It¡¯s Josiah.¡±

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    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340

    hapter 340 I Thought You Had Something To Say

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°You don¡¯t have a cell phone card right now, yet he actually called my number

    directly.¡±

    He looked up. ¡°Should I answer it?¡±

    With Adrian holding the phone, Lysander couldn¡¯t type.

    Thus, she spread her hands, gesturing as if to say that it was his decision.

    With a yful raise of his eyebrow, Adrian simply flipped his phone upside down on the table. ¡°Let¡¯s eat

    first.¡±

    The phone continued to ring incessantly, but he had neither the intention to answer it nor to hang up.

    Finally, the phone hung up by default.

    Adrian asked, ¡°Do you feel a bit more at ease now?¡±

    Lysander lifted her head to look at him.

    He, a grown man, had finished off half a portion of pasta in just a few bites. Sitting upright, he nudged

    his chin at the cell phone face-down on the table. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve seen howmitted Josiah is to

    you, even going as far as contacting you through me, his romantic rival, do you feel appeased?¡±

    Lysander understood his meaning and shook her head.

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t vented your anger?¡±

    Lysander shook her head again.

    Between her and Josiah, they were not love-struck sweethearts, so there was no need to get upset ove

    who loved whom.

    From the very beginning, she had a clear understanding of her own heart.

    She didn¡¯t love Josiah. It was just that she had grown ustomed to living with him over the course of

    those three years. However, the sudden appearance of Lysanne disrupted her life in a most unsettling

    way, ruining her once stable ns for life. This was the real reason she had wanted to avoid them.

    She pointed at the cellphone.

    Understanding her intent, Adrian handed it to her.

    She found the unfamiliar series of digits right from the missed calls list, then promptly blocked it.

    Then, she returned his phone to him.

    Adrian epted it with a smile. ¡°I thought you had something you wanted to tell me.¡±

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    1 Coins 1 Pearls

    Typing was also quite exhausting, and it was significantly slower than speaking.

    N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin so much, and she certainly di In¡¯t want to bare her soul to others.

    However, when she returned his phone, his palm brushed against the back of her hand. Lysander felt a

    burning sensation from it.

    The living room was dimly lit, and Lysander hadn¡¯t noticed how rmingly pale Adrian¡¯s face was.

    She slightly furrowed her brows, extending her hand to touch his forehead and quickly realizing it was

    scorchingly hot.

    Adrian seemed somewhat dazed, feeling something on his forehead. Instinctively, he reached up to

    grasp it, asking, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Once he recognized it was her hand, he gently let go, asking. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Lysander made a gesture, but Adrian didn¡¯t quite understand.

    She picked up her phone, typing out a message: You¡¯re sick. You¡¯re burning up.

    Adrianposed himself, and after clearly reading the words, he touched his own forehead. ¡°Do I have

    a fever?¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    He must have spent too much time in the rain today.

    Adrian gave a self-deprecating chuckle. ¡°I pulled an all-nighter at work yesterday, then rushed to catch

    a flight here as soon as I got off. I¡¯m a bit worn out and got caught in some rain. It¡¯s nothing serious

    though. You should get some rest. I¡¯m heading back to rest as well.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat worried.

    Adrian pushed himself up from the table, grabbed his small suitcase, and headed toward the door.

    However, it was unclear whether it was due to the soles of his shoes being too wet and slippery or if he

    simply lost his footing, but he almost fell down.

    Luckily, he was tall with long legs. He managed to steady himself by bracing his hand against the wall.

    His arm brushed against a wall hanging, causing a gash of several centimeters on his forearm.

    Immediately, fresh blood began to seep out.

    Adrian gritted his teeth, his brows furrowed. ¡°The ground is too slippery¡­¡±

    Lysander quickly stepped forward to support him, gesturing toward the living room couch for him to sit

    down.

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    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341

    The Charming Ex-Wife

    Chapter 341 A Chance Encounter

    Adrian stood his ground for a moment, but in the end, Lysander coax him to move. She guided him to

    the couch, gently pressing him down by the shoulders until he was s atedfortably.

    Lysander: Do you have a first aid kit at home?

    Adrian gave a slight nod, then shook his head. ¡°I used to have one, but the medications are probably all

    expired by now. When I lived here before, I did prepare a first-aid kit. But I was young and hadn¡¯t

    sustained any injuries. Even minor bumps and scrapes were easily taken care of with a quick visit to

    the nurse¡¯s station at work, so I never really used the one at home.¡±

    Lysander nodded. Lysander: I¡¯ll go out and get some medicine. Just wait here for a little while.

    Adrian grabbed her wrist. ¡°It¡¯s toote for you to go out alone. It¡¯s not safe for a girl. It¡¯s just a minor

    injury; it will scab over soon.¡±

    Lysander: The picture frame is rusty.

    At this point, Adrian remained silent.

    They were both doctors, and they knew exactly what it meant when they got scratched by a sharp and

    rusty instrument.

    Tetanus was not a joke.

    Moreover, the wound on his arm was still bleeding. Although it wasn¡¯t too deep, it had already stained

    at good portion of his shirt red.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    As he spoke, he tried to stand up

    up again.

    Lysander pressed him down once again. Lysander: The pharmacy is just around the corner. It¡¯s very

    close. Your wound will get wet in the rain.

    Adrian paused for a moment, then suddenly chuckled. ¡°I feel a little embarrassed. I initially came over

    out of concern for you, but I didn¡¯t expect to have you go out in the middle of the night to buy medicine

    for me.¡±

    Lysander broke into a smile. Lysander: Just wait for me here.

    Adrian studied her intently for a moment, ultimately modding in agreement. He handed his mobile

    phone to her. ¡°The umbre is in the cab by the main entrance. In case of any emergency, don¡¯t

    hesitate to call the police.¡±

    Lysander nodded. Following his instructions, she found the umbre and then she left the house.

    In reality, they weren¡¯t exactly in the city center. It was raining heavily, and there were hardly any

    pedestrians at night.

    Fortunately, the pharmacy wasn¡¯t far away, and Lysander quickly made her way inside.

    1/3

    Unable to speak, she resorted to typing in Stounian on her phone for the shop assistant to read. She

    listed out-antiseptic, cotton swabs, fever-reducing medication, a tetanus shot, and a small home-use

    syringe.

    The shop assistant softly asked her in Stounian, ¡°Can you speak?¡±

    Lysander pointed to her own throat and gestured with her hand.

    The shop assistant gave her a sympathetic look. ¡°No worries, I get what you mean. Just hang on a

    moment. I¡¯ll go fetch it for you.¡±

    Lysander nodded with a smile.

    Just as the shop assistant turned to fetch the medicine from the counter, the door to the pharmacy was

    pushed open once again.

    ¡°Good day, sir. How can I help you?¡±

    The visitor said, ¡°I need some burn ointment, thank you¡­ Mrs. Guerra?¡±

    Upon seeing the person in front of him, Lysander was taken aback.

    Isn¡¯t he¡­ Miles Rangel, amon friend of Josiah and Lysanne? I remember Lysanne having a crush

    on him during high school. How did he end up here?

    ¡°It really is you! You¡¯re here to buy medicine too? Are you feeling unwell?¡±

    Lysander shook her head.

    The shop assistant kindly exined to him, ¡°It seems that this youngdy is unable to speak.¡±

    Miles was shocked. ¡°What on earth happened?¡±

    Lysander simply smiled and decided not to say much

    Just as the shop assistant had prepared everything Lysander needed, she said, ¡°Excuse me, miss, you

    can pay over here.¡±

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    She followed the shop assistant to the counter, where the assistant showed her the bill.

    Lysander nodded, opening up her wallet.

    However, there was only a ten in Stounian currency inside.

    She had spent a significant amount at the supermarket during the day, leaving her with little cash on

    hand. A lot of her converted foreign currency was still in her bank ount, which she didn¡¯t withdraw.

    Lysander typed a message for the shop assistant to read: Could you please tell me where I can find an

    ATM nearby?

    Miles walked over and asked, ¡°Is there a problem?¡±

 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342

    Chapter 342 Booking A Hotel Room

    The shop assistant wore a look of regret. ¡°The nearest ATM is about a alf-hour walk away, across two

    streets. Plus, it¡¯s not very safe there at night. Lots of vagrants hang arou d that area.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Miles quickly understood what was going on. He volunteered, ¡°Just add her

    bill to mine. How much is it in total? I¡¯ll pay.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat hesitant.

    However, Miles justughed and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Josiah can reimburse meter, so you

    don¡¯t need to feel like you owe me anything.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment.

    Has Josiah already arrived in Stounia?

    She nced outside the pharmacy and sure enough, there was a car parked. She could vaguely make

    out a figure inside the vehicle.

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    At that moment, the shop assistant announced the total bill.

    After paying. Miles handed her a few items. ¡°Let¡¯s go.

    When Lysander remained still, Miles chuckled lightly,

    ¡°Arguing with Josiah?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to answer.

    ¡°I was wondering why he would suddenly show up in Stouniate at night and urgently wake me up

    apany him to the hospital. Turns out, you were sick. He probably came rushing over because I

    was worried about you.¡±

    Lysander slightly furrowed her brows.

    Have you been in the Stounia recently?

    ¡°Yes. After that ss reunion, I moved here for work.¡±

    No wonder he¡¯s unaware of all the things that had transpired between me and Josiah, still assuming

    that both of us

    are married.

    ¡°Miles, what¡¯s taking you so long-¡°Josiah questioned anxiously upon walking in.

    However, the moment he caught sight of Lysander, he abruptly stopped.

    His gaze was so intense that it made Lysander somewhat ufortable, subtly turning her face away.

    With a smile, Miles said, ¡°Do you two share some kind of telepathic connection? Even a simple trip to

    the pharmacy can lead to a chance encounter. Well, that¡¯s serendipity for you. Josiah, it seems your is

    injured. I just saw her buving tetanus medication.¡±

    -wife

    1/2

    Lysander quickly waved her hand to indicate otherwise.

    However, Josiah had already approached her, his gaze sweeping over he entire body. ¡°Where are you

    hurt?¡±

    She continued to shake her head.

    ¡°Is it serious? Let me take you to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander took a step back, continuing to gesture in refusal.

    Miles was somewhat puzzled. ¡°Josiah, why has your wife suddenly be mute?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze flickered as he casually said. ¡°She¡¯s got a throat inmmation.¡±

    ¡°Inmmation? That¡¯s really serious!¡±

    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d better go to the hospital for a check-up. Antibiotics are strictly regted abroad. I¡¯m not sure if

    they¡¯ll prescribe any anti-inmmatory medication.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°She¡¯s a doctor.¡±

    Miles was quickly reminded of the fact. ¡°Right, Ipletely forgot that your wife is a doctor. This makes

    things a lot easier. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you guys to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander still didn¡¯t move.

    In the presence of Miles, an outsider, Josiah couldn¡¯t just lift Lysander¡¯s clothes to check where injured.

    However, the exposed arms and lower legs were in perfect condition, showing no wounds. The also no

    blood stains on her clothes.

    Josiah breathed a slight sigh of relief. ¡°Are you nning on staying at this pharmacy tonight?¡±

    Lysander pressed her lips together, shaking her head.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to know where you live, I won¡¯t force you. It¡¯ste now. Let¡¯s first go to the

    hospital to have your injuries treated. Then we can get a room at a hotel.¡±

    Lysander looked up in rm.

    Josiah was telling her about his n. However, seeing her startled, like a deer in the headlights, he

    couldn¡¯t help but slightly curl the corners of his lips. ¡°We¡¯ll get two rooms.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343

    Chapter 343 I Came Just To See You

    Lysander also realized that she had overreacted, feeling slightly embar assed.

    Lysander: I¡¯m not hurt. There¡¯s no need to go to the hospital.

    ¡°What did you buy all these for?¡±

    Lysander: Just in case I need them.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have waited to buy them during the day? Did you really have to do it in the middle of the

    night, braving the rain?¡±

    Lysander: I¡¯m worried I might forget once I get busyter.

    ¡°You came to Stounia to work in a hospital, didn¡¯t you? It¡¯s so much easier to get medication there. You

    can do it any day, so there¡¯s no need to worry about forgetting, right?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°There¡¯s someone at your house.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone was certain, and Lysander didn¡¯t offer any rebuttal.

    ¡°Daphne has already returned home. I asstame you don¡¯t have any rtives or friends here either, so

    who is that? Your roommate? Or a colleague from the hospital?¡±

    Lysander kept mum.

    Noticing the tension between the two, Miles chimed in. ¡°Josiah, if there¡¯s something you need discuss,

    it can wait until you get home. It¡¯s quite chilly tonight, and your wife is lightly dressed wouldn¡¯t be good

    if she catches a cold.¡±

    Josiah gazed at her. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    Lysander shook her head, refusing his offer.

    ¡°In that case, how are you going back?¡±

    Lysander: I¡¯ll walk.

    ¡°It¡¯s pouring outside,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Since it¡¯s within walking distance, it means you live close by. As for

    residential areas around here¡­ Miles, where is the nearest residential area?¡±

    Miles said, ¡°It¡¯s not far from here, but it¡¯s a mansion neighborhood that¡¯s been around for a while.¡±

    Josiah turned around, asking her, ¡°Did you rent a mansion there? Does it belong to the Everhart

    family?¡±

    Lysander was somewhat speechless. Lysander: Mind your own business. Don¡¯t concern yourself with

    mine.

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    1 Coins

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    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°You suddenly disappeared without a word. No phone calls, and youpletely cut off contact. You are

    determined to leave me behind, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lysander lifted her head, gazing into his eyes, and gave a firm nod.

    Miles watched the drama unfold from the sidelines. ¡°Seems like this argument is getting pretty heated,

    huh? Sigh, couples tend to argue, but always reconcile in the end. Why don¡¯t youpromise? Josiah,

    you¡¯re a man. There¡¯s no shame in apologizing to your wife.¡±

    Josiah sighed heavily. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious that I havee to Stounia to apologize? If it weren¡¯t for the

    chance encounter at the pharmacy today, I wouldn¡¯t even have someone to apologize to.¡±

    Miles watched with great interest, even yfully patting Josiah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Who would have thought

    that you would have a day like this.¡±

    Josiah ignored him, taking Lysander¡¯s hand firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s go home first.¡±

    However, Lysander was unwilling. She stood where she was, not wanting to budge.

    Josiah Guerra then spoke in a cold, detached tone. ¡°You have three options. Either you go or I rent a

    room, or you stay here tonight. Choose one¡±

    back home,

    Lysander was outraged by her words.

    Before she could finish typing, Josiah had already scopped her up in his arms and started walking out.

    ¡°Miles, get the car ready.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright.¡±

    Josiah helped her into the back seat, then slid in beside her.

    ¡°Josiah, where are we going?¡±

    Josiah looked toward Lysander, allowing her to choose.

    Lysander pursed her lips, turning her face away to avoid looking at him.

    Josiah stated inly, ¡°Find a hotel nearby.¡±

    Instantly, Lysander whipped her head around, ring at him.

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t feel like going to a hotel?¡±

    Lysanderinued to stare at him.

    ¡°Miles, let¡¯s head to that mansion neighborhood you just mentioned.¡±

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    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Bnce:

    2916 +

    1 Coins:

    1 Pearls:

    ¡°This is the ce.¡±

    Josiah turned to Lysander. ¡°Which building are you staying in?¡±

    Lysander gave no response.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me, we¡¯ll head to the hotel.¡±

    Annoyed, Lysander yanked her hand free from his grip and walked straight toward a mansion.

    With a light chuckle, Josiah swiftly followed suit.

 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344

    Chapter 344 You Are Staying At His ce

    Lysander listened to the footsteps behind her, feeling a burning frust tion inside.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    She quickened her as a result.

    However, Josiah caught up within a few strides, snatching the umbre from her hands. ¡°Let me hold

    it.¡±

    The umbre was snatched away unexpectedly, leaving Lysander with no time to react. Meanwhile,

    Josiah had already started to survey their surroundings. ¡°The location seems decent, and the

    environment is not too bad.¡±

    Lysander ignored him and continued walking forward.

    Holding the umbre, Josiah followed closely behind, matching her pace with every step.

    She paused, turning back to look at him.

    Josiah uttered, ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Lysander: What on earth are you trying to do?

    He chuckled lightly. ¡°I thought I had made it quite clear already.¡±

    Lysander immediately responded: I thought I made myself quite clear.

    ¡°Let¡¯s give it another shot,¡± Josiah said. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to change your mind immediately, but le me

    prove my sincerity.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. Lysander: You should go back.

    ¡°Go back where?¡±

    Lysander: You know where.

    Josiah asked, ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure. Are you asking me to go back to my ce or to return home?¡±

    Lysander: Either is fine.

    Suddenly, he reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her into his embrace.

    Lysander felt a surge of anger in her chest as she forcefully shoved him away with her hand.

    Coincidentally, a car whizzed past out of the darkness. Its high beams were blindingly bright, and the

    puddles on the ground were sshed high into the air, drenching Josiah¡¯s back.

    Lysander was shielded by him, untouched by even a single drop of water.

    Josiah frowned slightly, muttering under his breath. ¡°Seems like not all the residents here are as refined

    as they should be.¡±

    1/3

    He reached back to tug at his clothes clinging to his back. They were drenched and dripping with water.

    With one hand upied by the umbre, he could only use his other hand to squeeze out the water.

    Water subsequently sloshed out, but it didn¡¯t do much good.

    His suit was nearly soaked through, and the shirt underneath clung da ply to his skin..

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander wanted to take the umbre, allowing him to use both hands to

    wring it dry.

    As soon as she reached out her hand, he skillfully dodged it. ¡°You¡¯re injured. Don¡¯t get wet. Let¡¯s go, we

    should head home first.¡±

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Suddenly, a puzzled voice came from the side.

    Adrian Held a shlight in his hand and upon seeing Josiah, he wasn¡¯t particrly surprised. ¡°Mr.

    Guerra, I can¡¯t believe how fast you have acted.¡±

    Josiah was actually the one who was most surprised.

    ¡°Do you live in this neighborhood too?¡±

    Adrian gave a nod. ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±

    The gaze of Josiah darkened slightly. ¡°That¡¯s quite a coincidence.¡±

    ¡°Does you also own property here, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Adrian chuckled lightly. ¡°What¡¯s so coincidental about that?¡±

    ¡°Lysander lives here now.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice grew slightly heavier. ¡°You should know that, right?¡±

    Adrian nodded. ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Did Daphne try to set you two up?¡±

    ¡°That was indeed the case before, but not anymore. She has her own family matters to deal with now

    and has no time for anything else.¡±

    Josiah spoke softly. ¡°Dr. Sutton, you must have important matters to attend to, to be out thiste. I

    won¡¯t keep you any longer. Please carry on. Lysander, let¡¯s head home.¡±¡°

    ¡°No bother at all. Lysander is currently staying at my ce.¡±

    Lysander felt Josiah¡¯s gaze suddenly sharpen as he looked down at her. ¡°Are you staying at his ce?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    Adrian slowly approached them, his tone nonchnt ¡°This ce is quite close to the hospital where

    2/3

    perfect for her to stay temporarily Bf she wants to rent her own ce in the future, I won¡¯t force her to

    stay.¡±

 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345

    Chapter 345 I Do Not Believe In Coincidences

    ¡°You really are considerate, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    ¡°Thanks f for thepliment.¡± Adrian turned toward lysander. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Lysander gave a nod.

    Lysander: Why did youe out here?

    ¡°I noticed you¡¯ve been gone for quite a while, and I was worried something might have happened to

    you, so I came looking,¡± said Adrian with a light chuckle, ¡°Now, I see you ran into someone you know

    and got caught up in conversation.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod, shaking the bag in her hand slightly. Lysander: I¡¯ve got the medicine.

    Adrian gave a nonchnt hum. ¡°Why don¡¯t youe over here? My umbre is a bitrger.¡±

    He extended his umbre toward her, positioning it next to the one in Josiah¡¯s hand, creating a path for

    her.

    After some thought, Lysander nodded and prepared to walk over.

    Josiah abruptly pulled her back. ¡°She can stay right here.¡±

    Adrian pointed to Josiah¡¯spletely soaked back. ¡°I¡¯m worried that you are so focused on shielding

    Lysander with the umbre that you end up getting drenched yourself, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows. ¡°Well, I¡¯m already soaked; it doesn¡¯t really matter anymore. The is

    quite heavy, so let¡¯s not get you wet too, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Lysander briskly shook off Josiah¡¯s hand and moved under Adrian¡¯s umbre, continuing forward

    without a word.

    Adrian gave a soft chuckle, subtly shifting the umbre toward her as they began to walk back together

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Where did you run into him?¡±

    Lysander: The pharmacy.

    ¡°A chance encounter?¡±

    She nodded.

    Adrian let out a snigger. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in coincidences.¡±

    Upon reaching the mansion entrance, Lysander was the first to step inside.

    Adrian stood at the door, closing his umbre. ¡°So, Mr. Guerra, you¡¯ve decided to tag along as well.

    What, fancy a little tour of my ce?¡±

    Josiah raised an evebrow. ¡°That¡¯s right. Is this a good time?¡±

    1/3

    ¡°No problem, but let¡¯s do it another day. It¡¯s toote now; we should all be resting.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sleepy yet. Since we¡¯re already here, why not just do it today!

    ¡°But Lysander has been busy all day today and is already very tired.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°She can sleep, while I have my tour.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just worried that you woulde across some upsetting scenes and consequently have sleepless

    nights.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened slightly. ¡°Upsetting scenes?¡±

    ¡°Mmm-hmm.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°I¡¯m not worried. Lysander knows her limits.¡±

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re overthinking it. Lysander certainly knows her boundaries.

    However, some of the items in my house are my personal treasures, things you can¡¯t buy in the market.

    I¡¯m just concerned that it might make you feel ufortable after seeing them.¡±

    ¡°How valuable is this treasure? I¡¯d actually like to broaden my horizons.¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Adrian tilted his head and said. ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s the case, please

    come in, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    The two men entered the mansion, one after the other.

    Meanwhile, Lysander was boiling water in the kitchen

    When she saw those two figures, she had a strong premonition-she wasn¡¯t going to any peace in

    coming days.

    Sure enough, within a few seconds, Josiah saw thergest painting hanging in the living room.

    Pointing toward the oil painting behind the couch, Adrian asked, ¡°Do you find it appealing?¡±

    Josiah stared at the painting, his lips pressed tightly together.

    The oil painting depicted Lysander from behind during her student years.

    She was unsure whether Josiah would be able to recognize it, or perhaps, he had never even been to

    Harborbrook Medical University and thus wouldn¡¯t know about the small campus path.

    ¡°Not bad.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice betrayed no emotion. ¡°Did you paint it yourself, Dr. Sutton?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°The resemnce is uncanny,¡± said Josiah. ¡°This must be from nearly a decade ago. She hasn¡¯t

    changed much since then.¡±

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 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346

    Chapter 346 The Muse Inspired My Extraordinary Performance

    Upon hearing these words, Adrian gave a slight smile. ¡°Indeed, she hast. changed much.¡±

    ¡°Who would have thought that you are such a skilled artist, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    ¡°Truth be told, I¡¯m not much of an artist. I dabble here and there, but I¡¯ve never had formal training. I

    guess you could say that it was the muse that inspire my exceptional performance.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°How old was she at that time?¡±

    ¡°She was in her sophomore year,¡± Adrian said. ¡°I happened to visit Harborbrook Medical University

    when I returned to the country for an exchange that year!

    Josiah tilted his head to look at the painting, giving a slight nod. ¡°Does this small path still exist in the

    medical university now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. You should ask Lysander about it.¡±

    Josiah turned around, looking toward Ivsander, who was in the kitchen trying to make herself less

    noticeable while watching the kettle boil. ¡°Does it?¡±

    Lysander pointed to her throat, indicating she couldn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°Oh, I forgot. Your voice hasn¡¯t recovered yet,

    Josiah slowly approached, one hand resting on the bar counter. His fingers grazed her neck

    nonchntly. ¡°Does it still hurt?¡±

    Lysander frowned in displeasure.

    ¡°Since you can¡¯t speak yet, are you able to go to work?

    Not far off, Adrian answered for her, ¡°She won¡¯t be consulting patients right away. She would have to

    first familiarize herself with the hospital¡¯s environment and procedures, then get to know her new

    colleagues. There¡¯s no need for her to say much, and I would be there to assist her.¡±

    After listening,

    jah said softly, ¡°Thanks for taking the trouble, Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t respond; he simply sat down on the couch.

    The medicine Lysander had bought was ced on the coffee table. He rummaged through it, pulling

    out a syringe and a tetanus injection. ¡°Lysander, I might need your help.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    Just then, the water had started to boil.

    She retrieved a fresh bottle of purified water from the fridge and mixed it with the recently boiled water

    to create a drinkable lukewarm mixture. She then carried it to the living room and handed the water to

    Adrian.

    1/2

    With a smile, he epted it. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lysander once again touched his forehead, then rummaged through ti bag to find the antipyretic and

    anti-inmmatory medicine for him.

    Lysander: First, take the antipyretic, then wait half an hour before taking the anti-inmmatory

    medicine.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    Adrian opened the box of antipyretics, took out a pill, and popped it into his mouth. He then took a sip

    of warm water to swallow it.

    .?

    Meanwhile, Lysander was making preparations on the side.

    She first disinfected her hands with alcohol, then proceeded to unpack the syringe and the tetanus

    shot. Her movements were professional and focused.

    With a gentle push of the syringe¡¯s plunger, the serum began to seep out from the needle tip.

    She gave him a nod, signaling that everything was set and he could proceed with the injection.

    Understanding her intention, Adrian rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, all the way to his shoulders.

    Lysander methodically applied disinfectant with an alcohol swab, injected the medication, and finally

    pressed a clean cotton swab on the wound to stop the bleeding. Simultaneously, she covered the used

    syringe with a protective cap before discarding it into the trash bin.

    Adrian pressed a cotton swab to his wound, leaning his head back against the couch. ¡°It hurts quite a

    bit,¡± he remarked.

    Lysander nced at him, then typed: Did I press too hard? It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve given an intr

    injection.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It¡¯s just that I haven¡¯t had an intramuscr injection in years.¡±

    Lysander pointed at the wound on his arm.

    He had injured his right arm, and she had specifically chosen his uninjured left arm to administe

    tetanus shot just a while ago. At that moment, he was using his right hand to press a cotton swab te the

    bleeding. However, his wound was still unattended.

    After waiting for a moment, Lysander carefully removed the cotton swab, noting that the injection

    wound had stopped bleeding. Only then did she prepare a fresh alcohol swab. Squatting in front of the

    couch, she proceeded to treat the injury on his arm.

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    2/2Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347

    Chapter 347 Looking For Trouble

    The sting of the alcohol made him slightly furrow his brows.

    Lysander noticed the tension in his arm muscles and tried to lighten her movements as much as

    possible.

    Adrian gave her a reassuring look and get it done.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s important to disinfect thoroughly. Just go ahead

    Lysander nodded, focusing intently on treating his wound.

    After sterilizing it with alcohol, she wrapped it gently with cotton gauze and bandages,pleting the

    dressing.

    Lysander stood up, simultaneously cleaning up the medical waste that had been used. At the same

    time, she pointed toward the anti-inmmatory medicine on the table.

    Adrian understood and reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Ill remember to take it.¡±

    She pointed again toward the direction of the guest bedroom.

    ¡°Alright, you don¡¯t need to worry about me anymore. You must be exhausted from today, right? You

    should rest now.¡±

    Lysander looked toward the direction of the kitchen once again.

    Josiah still stood there, arms folded as he watched them, making his thoughts unreadable.

    Adrian said tenderly, ¡°You should rest. Mr. Guerra is interested in touring the ce, so I¡¯ll show him

    around.¡±

    Touring?

    ¡°He is probably worried about you, afraid that you wouldn¡¯t befortable staying here. In fact, he¡¯ll

    likelye to pick you up tomorrow, and take you to a ce he deems foolproof.¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh.

    She agreed with what Adrian had said.

    What tour? He¡¯s probably here to stir up trouble.

    She typed on the phone: I¡¯ll stay with you for a few days until my voice recovers. After that, I¡¯ll move out

    and find a ce of my own.

    Then she returned his phone to him.

    Adrian looked at the text on his phone and slowly nodded. ¡°Alright, do whatever you please. I¡¯m very

    familiar with this area, so feel free to reach out if you need any help.¡±

    Bnce:

    2846 + 0

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    ¡°Go get some sleep now.¡±

    To get back to the guest room, one had to pass through the kitchen.

    As she passed by Josiah, she heard him say, ¡°You braved this heavy rain just to buy him medicine?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t even pause in her steps.

    She was too weary to exin and even less inclined to rify.

    She went straight into the guest room, then casually shut the door behind her.

    After that, she was oblivious to what happened.

    It might have been the excellent soundproofing in the vi, or maybe because she was genuinely

    exhausted, she quickly fell asleep after returning to her room.

    When she woke up, it was already past ten in the morning.

    As soon as she stepped out of the bedroom, she was greeted by the delicious aroma of food.

    Adrian was bustling around in the kitchen. ¡°You¡¯ve woken up at the right time. Freshen have breakfast.¡±

    Lysander nced around.

    ¡°He leftst night.¡±

    up

    ande

    She walked over and saw Adrian slowly stirring the scrambled eggs in the pan, where the eggs were

    just at the right consistency.

    It was the steamy heat that filled her senses earlier.

    ¡°Back when I was living alone, I couldn¡¯t get used to the local food, so I gradually learned to cook for

    myself. Even though my cooking skills weren¡¯t exactly top-notch, I¡¯ve been eating my own cooking for

    over seven years, so it can¡¯t be too bad.¡±

    Lysander gave him a thumbs up.

    Adrian chuckled lightly. ¡°By the way, Daphne called you this morning. Seeing you were still asleep. I

    didn¡¯t disturb you. She asked you to message her once you¡¯re awake.¡±

    Adrian¡¯s mobile phone was ce on the dining table.

    The iing call log showed Daphne¡¯s call at the top

    However, Lysander was unable to speak at that moment, so she could onlymunicate through

    typing.

    To type, one had to use WhatsApp.

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    1 Coins=1 Pearls

    ¡°You can simply reply to her using mine,¡± Adrian added. ¡°If you need some privacy, you can delete the

    chat history once you¡¯re done.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat at a loss.

    Adrian chuckled lightly. ¡°Go on, reply her now.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

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    398

 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348

    Chapter 348 Disappeared Without A Trace

    Lysander: Daphne.

    Daphne: What on earth? Dude, why so serious? You usually call me Daph. You¡¯re scaring me like this.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but introduce herself: It¡¯s Lysander.

    It was then that Daphne realized what was going on. Daphne: Ah, you¡¯re using his phone, aren¡¯t you?

    Lysander: Exactly.

    Daphne: Wait for me. Once I¡¯m there, I¡¯ll get a mobile phone for you.

    Lysander chatted with Daphne for a while, primarily inquiring about Delores¡¯ condition.

    Daphne:

    operati aren¡¯t looking too good. When I came back yesterday, my grandmother was already in the

    operating room. Moreover, the doctor didn¡¯t sound optimistic.

    Lysander: Wait a moment.

    Daphne: What¡¯s the matter?

    Lysander headed to the kitchen with her phone in hand. Seeing her approach, Adrian asked, ¡°Finished

    chatting so soon?¡±

    Lysander: Do you have Dr. Zablonski of the orthopedic department¡¯s phone number?

    Adrian furrowed his brows, pondering for a moment. ¡°Which Dr. Zablonski?¡±

    Lysander: Connor Zablonski, a doctor in his early fifties.

    Adrian shook his head. ¡°After I returned to the county, I¡¯ve always been in the obstetrics and

    gynecology department. I¡¯m not too familiar with people from other departments. Is there something

    wrong?¡±

    Lysander then asked: Can I use your WhatsApp to send a message to Lynn?

    ¡°Of course,¡±

    Adrian did have Lynn¡¯s WhatsApp. Lysander asked Lynn for Connor phone number, then copied and

    pasted it to Daphne.

    Lysander: Dr. Zablonski and I have a good rtionship. You should ask Mr. Everhart to reach out to

    him and see if he can provide better advice.

    Daphne immediately responded: Alright, I¡¯m on my way. Oh, by the way, Lysander, I heard from Adrian

    that Josiah is also there. Be careful of him, try not to go out unnecessarily.

    With a bitter smile, Lysander responded: Okay.

    Daphne: Also, it seems Harry has really disappeared. The dolice haven¡¯t been able to find him.

    1/2

    The moment this was mentioned, Lysander felt her heart drop.

    Daphne¡¯s mood wasn¡¯t the best either. Daphne: I subtly asked Aden, but h. doesn¡¯t seem to know

    anything. From what I can tell, it wasn¡¯t an act. He genuinely didn¡¯t know.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Lysander: Even Aiden didn¡¯t know?

    Daphne: It is precisely because even he didn¡¯t know that the situation caused such unease. The police

    couldn¡¯t find him, and everything seemed calm in Guerra Group. Yet, Harry had simply vanished.

    without a trace. Wouldn¡¯t you say that¡¯s frightening?¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander felt a wave of confusion washing over her.

    Daphne suddenly added: Lysander, my dad wants to have a word with you. Can you take a voice call?

    Mr. Everhart? Since he¡¯s an elder, I guess he just wants to advise me to be cautious or perhaps invite

    me to stay at the Everhart residence in Stounia.

    Lysander: I¡¯m in a position where it¡¯s difficult for me to speak right now. I appreciate Mr. Everhart¡¯s kind

    intentions. Daphne, could you please express my gratitude to him for me?

    No sooner had the message been sent than a WhatsApp video call popped up.

    Since the person on the other end was an elder, Lysander felt it would be rude to hang up, so she had

    no choice but to answer the call.

    Once the call connected, she saw Rufus¡¯s face, tinged with a hint of worry.

    It seemed that due to Delores¡¯ illness, he had be significantly haggard.

    Lysander waved at the screen to greet Rufus.

    ¡°Lysander, are you free to talk now?¡±

    Rufus¡¯s tone sounded grave, as if he had something important to say.

    Lysander gave a nod in response.

    Rufus had a keen eye. ¡°It seems like there¡¯s someone behind you.¡±

    Daphne, who was standing nearby, said, ¡°Dad, that¡¯s Adrian, the eldest son of the Sutton family who

    grew up in Stounia. He¡¯s currently working with Lysander.¡±

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 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349

    Chapter 349 The Man He Used To Be

    Rufus¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°From the ?utton family?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Lysander is using his phone now.¡±

    Rufus¡¯ voice deepened a little. ¡°Lysander, could you return to your room? There are some things I¡¯d like

    to discuss with you.¡±

    Lysander cast a nce at Adrian, who was still in the kitchen cooking scrambled eggs.

    He had heard it too, and with a smile, he said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    And so, Lysander gave a nod, clutching his phone as she retreated to her own room.

    Rufus had always been concerned, and in the end, he asked uneasily, ¡°Is the door properly locked?¡±

    Lysander nodded, swiveling her phone around to show him the tightly shut bedroom door.

    Daphne peeked over curiously. ¡°Dad, what¡¯s going on that¡¯s so serious? Adrian isn¡¯t a stranger. We¡¯re

    pretty close. Why do we need to avoid him?¡±

    Rufus nced at his daughter, letting out a sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Dad?¡±

    Rufus looked into the camera, saying, ¡°Lysander, I have a rough idea about you and Josiah. I heard

    he¡¯s gone to Stounia. Could you possibly go find him and ask him where exactly is Harry?¡±

    Before Lysander could even respond, Daphne jumped in to answer, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter where he is.

    Josiah really let him go?¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m worried about isn¡¯t whether Josiah would let him go. What I¡¯m worried about is that Josial

    would never do so! You guys don¡¯t understand. Josiah isn¡¯t the person you think he is. He is actually-

    Rufus seemed to be on the verge of saying something but then held back.

    However, his expression revealed that the situation was a lot more dangerous than it seemed on the

    surface, and he was visibly worried.

    Daphne also noticed something was amiss. ¡°Dad,¡± she said, ¡°If you have something to say, just spit it

    out. What exactly are you afraid of?¡±

    ¡°You all may not know, but Josiah¡¯s father passed away quite early. When he took over Guerra Group

    from his grandmother, thepany was rife with factions. Many of the older generation, relying on their

    seniority, didn¡¯t take him seriously. There were quite a few incidents during that time, but in the end,

    everything quietly settled down, as if nothing had ever happened.¡±

    Daphne said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? It just shows how impressive Josiah is.¡±

    ¡°What do c¨®i man imi?¡± Dafad I than halfan the old fallour changed

    Bnce:

    2802 +

    1 Coins = 1 Pearls

    away to enjoy their golden years at home. Do you think that was an easy feat?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps they were awed by Josiah¡¯s capabilities, deciding to step aside a id let the morepetent

    one take over.¡±

    ¡°Step down and yield to the morepetent party? You think it¡¯s that simple? Once power is tasted,

    how many can be magnanimous enough to willingly let it go? It¡¯s as if the entire older generation of

    Guerra Group was collectively forced to step back. Based on what?¡±

    Daphne was taken aback. ¡°Dad, do you know something we don¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know anything, but one thing I do know from that period was that Josiah had invited a

    highly esteemed board member for a fishing trip at sea. Three dayster, only Josiah returned.¡±

    After a few moments of silence, Daphne finally spoke. ¡°Dad, are you saying¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not implying anything. The news that came outter reported an unexpected tsunami at sea during

    those few days. It swept away a considerable number of fishing boats. Josiah¡¯s yacht was also near the

    tsunami, presumably carried away by the wayes. As for that particr director, he was never found.¡±

    Daphnemented, ¡°That doesn¡¯t add up. They both went fishing at sea together, so even if they

    encountered a tsunami, why was Josiah able to return alone? Moreover, tsunamis are unpredictable.

    No matter how capable Josiah is, he couldn¡¯t have foreseen a tsunami, could he?¡±

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    398

 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350

    Chapter 350 His Only Exception

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, I don¡¯t know anything. I just keep thinking about Harry, who has disappeared without a

    trace, and that incident from the past. Harper, try to avoid provoking Josiah in the future. Despite his

    youth, he¡¯s an enigma, even to me. And Lysander, I can see that you¡¯re a steady and reliable person. It

    might not be such a bad thing that you¡¯ve divorced Josiah. Focus on living your own life from now on

    and try to minimize your involvement with him.¡±

    Daphne was still somewhat disgruntled. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re making Josiah sound like some big bad wolf. You

    haven¡¯t seen it, but he¡¯s been a total doormat to that particr woman for over twenty years. It¡¯s so

    utterly pitiful.¡±

    ¡°Everyone has many facets to them. Perhaps, that woman holds a special significance for him. But who

    can guarantee they¡¯ll be someone¡¯s only exception?¡±

    This statement left Daphne utterly speechless.

    Rufus¡¯ tone wasced with a hint of worry as he went on to advise sincerely, ¡°Lysander, it was Harry

    who took you away from the Everhart residence, which makes us involved in this matter. I¡¯m truly

    afraid¡­¡±

    ¡°Dad, are you worried that Josiah might take his anger out on us? No way! I¡¯m Lysander¡¯s best friend.

    How could he possibly¡­¡±

    ¡°That esteemed director is the trusted assistant of Old Mrs. Guerra as she watched him grow up since

    he was a child. What do you think?¡±

    Daphne fell silent.

    Rufus said, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m not telling you this to scare you. Josiah is very concerned about you right

    now. I hope you can persuade him to hand Harry over to the police if he¡¯s still alive. The Everhart family

    will fully cooperate. As for the housekeeper who tricked you into leaving, I¡¯ve already made her turn

    herself in to the police. Perhaps this is the best way to handle things.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander was lost in thought for quite some time.

    When Adrian came to knock on the door, she was still somewhat dazed.

    The man Rufus spoke of and the ex-husband she had spent three years with seemed like two entirely

    different people.

    Yet, she truly felt a chill down her spine at that moment.

    Adrian called from outside, ¡°Are you done with your call? The scrambled eggs are ready, soe and

    have some.¡±

    Lysander opened the door.

    Upon seeing her face, Adrian was taken aback. ¡°Why do you look a bit off?¡±

    I veander shook her head let out a soft chuckle and headed straight to the dining room

    Bnce: 2779 +0

    1 Coins

    1 Pearls

    Adrian had already prepared two tes of scrambled eggs, with a sd bowl in the middle, filled with a

    well-mixed vegetable sd.Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°The fridge only has sd dressing. I¡¯m nning to stop by the Ecronian supermarket today to pick up

    some Ecronian cuisine condiments. You¡¯ll have to make do with what we have for this meal. Besides,

    your throat hasn¡¯t fully recovered yet, so you can¡¯t eat anything too vorful for now.¡±

    With a smile, Lysander gave a slight nod to express her gratitude.

    The scrambled eggs were the perfect consistency, soft and fluffy.

    ¡°After we finish eating. I¡¯m going to head out for some shopping. Would you like toe along? Maybe

    I can show you around so you can get familiar with the surroundings?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, then lightly tapped her forehead, silently posing a question.

    Adrian assured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the fever has already subsided. The wound on my arm is also healing

    well. I changed the dressing myself this morning.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°The rainst night was really heavy, but then again, it¡¯s typical for Stounia to have frequent rains.

    Remember to always carry an umbre with you when you go out.¡±

    She mechanically nodded while taking a bite of her scrambled eggs.

    The words Rufus had spoken earlier were still swirling in her mind.

    Adrian could tell that she seemed distracted and asked, ¡°Is there something going on at home?¡±

 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351

    Chapter 351 Come Stay At My ce

    Snapping back to reality, Lysander immediately shook her head.

    ¡°Why do you look so dazed, then?¡±

    $40%2

    Lysander made a visibly tired expression and gestured toward the bedroom, indicating that she wanted

    to go back to sleep.

    Realization dawned on Adrian. ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep wellst night? Makes sense, as you were probably

    constantly worried that the two men outside would start a fight.¡±

    Lysander was instantly embarrassed.

    It¡¯s fine, just a joke. Both Josiah and I are adults. He did indeed drop by the housest night but left

    shortly after without saying much.¡±

    Lysander took another spoonful of scrambled eggs into her mouth.

    That¡¯s just the calm before the storm. There¡¯s no way he¡¯ll let things go so easily.

    Adrian asked, ¡°After we finish eating. I¡¯m heading to the Ecronian supermarket. Will youe with

    me?¡±

    Lysander sbook her head.

    ¡°All right then. You take a nap. I¡¯ll be back once I¡¯m done with the shopping.¡±

    After they finished their meal, Adrian began to gather the dishes, ready to wash them. Noticing the

    injury on his arm, Lysander took the initiative to take over the washing up.

    When Adrian was about to leave, he initially wanted to leave his phone with her. However, after some

    thought, Lysander decided to decline.

    Upon seeing her resolute attitude, Adrian didn¡¯t insist. He simply started the car and left.

    After washing the dishes, Lysander waited in the living room for a while, and as expected, the doorbell

    rang.

    Peering through the peephole, she spotted a familiar figure at the door..

    She opened the door, and a cell phone was thrust into her hand.

    Josiah strolled in nonchntly, bypassing the living room and heading straight for the dining room. He

    pulled chair and settled down, asking, ¡°What did you have for breakfast?¡±

    Lysander sighed, closed the door, and returned to the dining room.

    The smartphone in her hand didn¡¯t have a password. She essed the notes app and began typing.

    Lysander: Where¡¯s Harry?

    She had forgotten to adjust the font size, so it was a bit small.

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    Chapter 351 Come Stay At My ce

    Lysander: Scambled eggs and sd.

    ¡°Have you had enough to eat?¡±

    She nodded.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Josiah said, ¡°Pack up your things ande stay at my ce.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brow, remaining still.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine even if you don¡¯t pack up. We can just get new daily necessities. All I need is for you toe

    with

    1. me.

    The only response he received was silence.

    ¡°Are you unwilling to leave? You¡¯ve only stayed for a day, yet you¡¯ve grown attached already?¡±

    Lysander: Josiah, I¡¯ve told you countless times. We¡¯re divorced and have no ties anymore. I don¡¯t want

    to be involved with you in any way. I moved to Stounia precisely to get away from you.

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face faded a bit.

    Perhaps, his smile was never really genuine to begin with. The forced grin faded away quickly.

    ¡°I understand,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it too, about ending it all. I know I¡¯ve wronged you, and if I

    can help you in the future, I will. Live your life the way you want to. As I said before, I won¡¯t force you.¡±

    Lysander: But you are indeed forcing me now.

    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯ve made up my mind I don¡¯t want to be a stranger to you.¡±

    Lysander: Then let¡¯s just be ordinary friends, like when we first got divorced. We can greet each other

    when we meet, no need for any awkwardness. If Madam Susan needs help in the future, I can lend a

    hand. However, I¡¯ve decided to work in Stounia now, so my ability to assist might be limited.

    There was so much to say that the time spent typing seemed rather lengthy.

    Nheless, Josiah was a quick reader and even quicker to reply.

    ¡°No,¡± Josiah suddenly looked up, his gaze fixed on her, ¡°Lysander, I want to remarry you.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows, slowly and firmly shaking her head.

    Josiah seemed to have anticipated her response long ago and wasn¡¯t surprised. He merely chuckled

    lightly. ¡°As for Harry¡­

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    Chapter 352

    Chapter 352 Even Breathing Is Wrong

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysander was intently listening.

    He paused for quite a while, then suddenly chuckled. ¡°I have no idea.¡±

    At that point, Lysander was starting to lose her temper.

    How could he not know A full¨Cgrown man had entered Guerra Group¡¯s underground parking and, up

    until now, even the police couldn¡¯t find him.

    Who else in Harborbrook had the ability to make someone disappear like that other than him?

    Lysander typed: If you don¡¯t know, then forget about it.

    Josiah said. ¡°I thought you would ask a few more questions.¡±

    Lysander: Is there a point in me asking?

    ¡°Sure. If you talk a bit more with me, who knows. I might even end up helping you look into it.¡±

    Lysander shook her head.

    Lysander: Since you im ignorance, then so be it. I don¡¯t wish to bother with this any further

    Josiah¡¯s expression was unreadable, betraying no emotion. ¡°Are you afraid that I might have done

    something to Harry?¡±

    Lysander fell silent for a moment before answering: This matter concerns the Everhart family. Since

    Harry has done something wrong, thew will punish him.

    Josiah immediately understood. ¡°Daphne¡¯s father sought you out, didn¡¯t he? He¡¯s afraid that if anything

    happens to Harry, the Everhart family will get caught in the crossfire.¡±

    Lysander: Harry took me away from the Everhart residence, so Mr. Everhart¡¯s worries are justified.

    Moreover, Daphne is also a victim when ites to Harry

    ¡°Lysander,¡± Josiah uttered earnestly, ¡°you can¡¯t always be thinking about others. Can¡¯t you consider

    things from your own perspective for once? It was you Harry kidnapped, and it¡¯s you who, till this day,

    still cannot speak because of him. Don¡¯t you want to seek revenge and make him pay?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows and replied: Of course I want to, but I hope it¡¯s through legal means.

    ¡°Legal?¡± Josiah scoffed. ¡°Thew is always a step behind. Harry ruined Daphne¡¯s life, then wrecked

    Prisci¡¯s, yet that doesn¡¯t break anyws. Even though he attempted to kidnap you, he failed in the

    end. There are things thew simply can¡¯t preside over.¡±

    Lysander: And who do you think you are to handle this on your own? Some kind of deity? Are you

    going to manage things even thew can¡¯t handle?

    Josiah¡¯s expression abruptly turned icy. ¡°Are you ming me?

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    in the silence. Josiah watched from the corner of his eye as each word she wanted to say materialized

    on the screen, one by one.

    ¡°Lysander, I suddenly feel as if no matter what I do, it seems wrong in your eyes.¡±

    When he received no response, he went on, ¡°Liking you is wrong: wanting to see you is wrong;ing

    to see you is wrong; wanting to help you is wrong¡­ Even me breathing is wrong.¡±

    Lysander avoided his gaze, turning her head to look at the corridor¡¯s lights instead.

    Am I really such a despicable person?¡± The weight in Josiah¡¯s voice intensified. ¡°Sometimes, I feel that

    the fact you still resist me and harbor such hatred for me might suggest that I still hold a ce in your

    heart. After all, we were husband and wife for three years. I was your first man. You-¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander spun around, her gaze burning into him intensely.

    With a sigh. Josiah crossed his hands over his legs. ¡°I too, was deeply hurt by the loss of our child. But

    we can¡¯t forever drown in our sorrow. When you went to terminate the pregnancy, I had no knowledge

    of the child¡¯s existence. You once asked me if I would still choose Lysanne if you told me you were

    pregnant then. I can tell you with certainty now that I wouldn¡¯t have. Had I known back then that you

    were carrying our child, no person or circumstance would have ever driven me away. I would have

    stayed by your side, living a good life with you and our child.¡±

    Lysander neatly wrote down her words and turned it around for him to see: You only dislike Lysanne

    now because of what happened to Grandma Elisa. You¡¯re answering past questions with your present

    state of mind. This is a temporal discrepancy, not your original answer.

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    Chapter 353

    Chapter 353 There Is No Future For Us

    ¡°That¡¯s because all of this is based on your assumptions. At the time, you¡¯d already decided in your

    heart that I would abandon you and our child for Lysanne. But you never actually presented the facts

    and allowed me to make my own choice.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hands trembled slightly as she typed: I made myself perfectly clear that day at the hospital

    entrance, said what needed to be said.

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯d thought of everything. For the sake of our child¡¯s well¨Cbeing, for my future, and for your

    own. ability toe out unscathed, you¡¯d calcted it all. You chose what you believe was the best

    course of action. You made all the decisions, even decided for me without even asking me.¡±

    Lysander: Josiah, can we not discuss this issue? I really don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore.

    ¡°This issue has been a thorn in both our hearts, leaving a wound in each of us that has gradually

    festered over time. You¡¯re always running so¡¯ I can¡¯t find you. Even when I do, you keep running away.

    When will we be able toy all our cards on the table so we can finally discuss properly how we should

    proceed in the future?¡±

    Lysander: There is no future for us.

    ¡°There is,¡± said Josiah. ¡°There will always be a future for us.¡±

    Lysander: Let¡¯s talk about it in the future, then.

    Josiah took a deep breath, finally giving in. ¡°All right. I honestly didn¡¯t expect you to have a proper

    conversation with me today. This is already better than I had hoped for.¡±

    Just then, his phone started to ring.

    The two of them were sitting close together, so Lysander could clearly see the name ¡°Carol¡± shing on

    the screen.

    Josiah didn¡¯t move aside to avoid Lysander and instead picked up directly. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, the representatives from the science and engineering university are asking when

    construction can begin.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Has the money been transferred?¡±

    ¡°Everything is in ce now. They mentioned that there should be a groundbreaking ceremony before

    starting the construction of the building and wanted to ask if you would have time to attend.¡±

    ¡°Tell them I¡¯m not free.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Carol said. ¡°When should wemence the project? I¡¯ve selected three auspicious dates for

    you. to consider. Please take a look.¡±

    ¡°The closest one will do.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll go take care of it right away.¡±

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    Chapter 353 There Is No Future For Us

    The science and engineering university.

    Michelle was due to start sses at the science and engineering university soon.

    Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯ve donated aboratory building to the science and engineering university Isn¡¯t your

    sister studying material science there? It should be of use to her.¡±

    Lysander felt extremely ufortable inside and typed. You don¡¯t have to do this for me. I don¡¯t want

    to be in your debt.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to feel indebted to me. I¡¯m just doing my part in cultivating talents for the nation. As a

    businessman, it¡¯s important to give back to society. Besides, Guerra Group has annual charity projects.

    This year, we may redirected our usual charity funds to donate a building to the science and

    engineering university. It doesn¡¯t make much of a difference.¡±

    Lysander still felt rather ufortable.

    Josiah rose to his feet. ¡°If you¡¯re not ready to move just yet, I won¡¯t insist on it today. But Lysander, I

    hope you¡¯ll reconsider. You need to understand what it means to move into a man¡¯s home.¡±

    The hospital granted Lysander a three¨Cday grace period before she officially started her job.

    On the fourth day, Lysander reported to the hospital early in the morning.

    Since she had only just taken the job, her responsibilities were not many. Her primary role was to assist

    the obstetrics and gynecology department.

    Fortunately, though her throat was still somewhat ufortable, she was at least able to speak.

    This provided a great deal offort to Lysander, who had been tirelessly typing for the i

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    few days.

    Compared to speaking, typing was indeed considerably slower.

    Moreover, oftentimes, words couldn¡¯t convey hier emotions at that moment.

    She shared her office with a male doctor, a Stounian with golden hair and emerald eyes. A nurse was

    whispering something into his ear, and the more he heard, the worse his expression became.

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Why is she so resistant to me? I¡¯m clearly trying to help her.¡±

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    Chapter 354

    Chapter 354 Things Are Starting To Get Interesting

    40%

    The nurse wore a look of helplessness. ¡°But they specifically requested for a female doctor. We¡¯ve tried

    to persuade them multiple times, but they¡¯re adamant.¡±

    The male doctor suggested, ¡°Let him transfer his wife to another private hospital then. We¡¯ll cooperate.¡±

    ¡°But his wife¡¯s due date is just a few days away. Moving around too much could easily put her in

    danger¡­¡±

    After the nurse finished speaking, she suddenly noticed Lysander, who was reviewing medical records

    not far away. Her eyes lit up instantly. ¡°Um, hello there¡­¡±

    Lysander was currently perusing the recent records of maternity patients from the hospital¡¯s obstetrics

    and gynecology department, aiming to familiarize herself with the conditions of this group of expectant

    *mothers as quickly as possible.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Suddenly, a gentle tap on her arm shapped her back to reality. ¡°Hello, are you looking for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I heard you¡¯re the new obstetrician.¡±

    ¡°Yes, you can call me Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Great! Lysander, could you lend a hand?¡±

    The nurse guided Lysander into a hospital room before telling her, ¡°The patient is one of your

    countrymen, so could you try to talk to her?¡±

    After a round of questions, Lysander came to understand the situation with this ¡°troublesome¡± patient.

    It was a young Ecronese couple, both working in Stounia. The woman was pregnant and nearing

    childbirth. However, she was grappling with a personal concern ¨C she

 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355

    Chapter 355 Stop Pretending

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne.¡±

    Lysanne turned around, a mix of surprise and joy on her face. ¡°Oh, Dr. Thorne, it¡¯s you! You¡¯re in

    Stounia now?¡±

    Lysander slowly nodded.

    Wow, she has some serious acting skills. I wonder which legendary person she learned from to have

    bestowed her such skills.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Lysander chuckled lightly, ¡°I came over here to work.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great! Congrattions, Dr. Thorne! You¡¯re so talented. I¡¯m certain you have a boundless future

    ahead.¡±

    Lysander said indifferently, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The wife was taken aback. ¡°Darling, you know this doctor?¡±

    Lysanne appeared somewhat embarrassed as she said, ¡°You could say we¡¯re acquainted. When I first

    returned to the country, I was involved in a car ident, neither too serious nor too minor, and it was

    this doctor who saved me. Dr. Thorne is highly skilled and very responsible, with an excellent

    reputation.¡±

    The wife was instantly overjoyed. ¡°It seems fate has brought us together!¡±

    She then turned to her husband, ¡°I don¡¯t care how you do it, but I want Dr. Thome to take care of me.

    You go and discuss it with the hospital.¡±

    The husband nodded resignedly. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go talk to them now.¡±

    With that, he turned and left the ward, presumably to seek out the male doctor.

    Due to Lysanne¡¯s ttering words, the young wife had be quite friendly toward Lysander. She not

    only invited her to sit but also offered her some snacks she had brought back from Ecron, which she

    took out from the cupboard.

    Lysander managed to find a few packets of preserved plums and handed them to her. ¡°Dr. Thorne,

    these aren¡¯t anything fancy, but they¡¯re quite tasty. Would you like to try some?¡±

    Lysander stared at the plums, not epting them.

    Seeing that, Lysanne found an excuse for Lysander¡¯s action. ¡°These pickled foods aren¡¯t exactly

    healthy. As a doctor, she might be more mindful of that.¡±

    The mother¨Cto¨Cbe nodded and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask my parents to send some other stuff from back

    hometer.

    ¡°No need, but thanks for the kind offer. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll head back to the office now. You guys

    carry on with your chat.¡±

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    Chapter 355 Stop Pretending

    Lysander furrowed her brows and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Taking a deep breath, Lysanne asked, ¡°Did Josiah alsoe to Stounia?¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡±

    ¡°He must have.¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you just telling your best friend that he came here with you? Why are you asking me now?¡±

    Lysanne asked, ¡°Did he go looking for you?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t bother to respond.

    ¡°Do you have any idea how much he set aside? The entirepany¡¯s affairs are being put on hold

    because he came looking for you¡­¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, are you here to me me?¡±

    ¡°How could I dare?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just the two of us now, so there¡¯s no need for pretense,¡± Lysander stated. ¡°I might have passed out

    that day on the boat, but I didn¡¯t lose my memory. I remember everything you did to me, crystal clear.¡±

    The innocent look in Lysanne¡¯s eyes vanished in an instant.

    In its ce was an imperceptible smile. ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t beat around the bush. Why have my

    parents suddenly be so nice to you? What did you say to them?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go and ask them directly?¡±

    ¡°I did, and all they said was that I had done wrong by you and owed you. They wanted to help me make

    amends.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not!¡± Lysanne said, ¡°My parents¡® concern for you is too unusual. I secretly saw them signing a

    will with awyer, intending to transfer all of the Thorne family¡¯s wealth to you! Even if they wanted to

    atone for me, why would they risk our entire fortune!¡±

    ¡°What do you think could be the reason?¡±

    Lysanne gritted her teeth, resentment seeping through her words. ¡°Did you threaten them? Did you say

    that if they didn¡¯t hand over the Thorne family¡¯s assets to you, you¡¯d tell Josiah to abandon me? After

    all, he listens to everything you say now. As long as you speak up, he¡¯ll definitely do as you say without

    any

    hesitation!¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t believe I¡¯m that charming

    ¡°Hah! Lysander, are you unting this in front of me? Are you seeking revenge? Yes, it¡¯s true I can¡¯t

    stand to see you doing well and wish nothing more than your demise. Only with your death can my life

    return to how it used to be. You hate me for almost pushing you to your death, don¡¯t you? Stop acting

    so aloof, like nothing bothers you. You hate me, don¡¯t you!¡±

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    Chapter 356

    Chapter 356 Do Not Call Again

    Luckily, this was Stounia.

    Lysander had been speaking in Ecronese, which nobody around them couldprehend. Only

    Lysanne was left huffing, her chest heaving, with her face and neck flushing red.

    ¡°You won¡¯t be able to take away even one of those.¡±

    Lysander turned around and asked, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you,¡± Lysanne emphasized, word by word, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about taking my parents or

    Josiah away from me.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Suddenly, there was the pinging sound of a phone notification.

    Lysanne instantly became alert. ¡°What was that noise?¡±

    Lysander casually pulled out her phone from her white coat, deliberately waving it in front of her. ¡°Oh

    dear, I must have identally turned on the recording feature at some point.¡±

    The color visibly drained from Lysanne¡¯s face. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re going to tell Josiah?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal,¡± Lysander proposed.

    Lysanne cautiously asked, ¡°What kind of deal?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s this recording¡±

    ¡°What else do you want!¡±

    ¡°I want Josiah¡­¡±

    Lysanne suddenly burst intoughter and mocked, ¡°I thought you were above it all, but it turns out

    you¡¯re just like everyone else, doing all this for a man¡­¡±

    Lysander spoke solemnly. ¡°I want Josiah to stay as far away from me as possible, preferably out of my

    life forever. You should try your best to make him fall for you so that he¡¯ll go back to our home country

    with you. If that happens, I¡¯ll permanently destroy this recording. I¡¯ll also cut off all contact with your

    parents. Your mother¡¯s health isn¡¯t good, and your father needs to take care of her. They won¡¯t be able

    to travel all the way to Stounia. As long as I don¡¯t reach out to them, you won¡¯t have to worry about the

    Thorne family¡¯s fortune falling into my hands.¡±

    Lysanne was somewhat skeptical. ¡°Are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Believe it or not, it¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Upon returning to her office, Lysander nced at her phone.

    The alert that had gone off earlier was actually a text message.

    Josiah: Why aren¡¯t you responding to my WhatsApp message

    Chapter 356 Do Not Call Again

    Lysander chuckled lightly.

    Surprisingly, he had even saved his own number, and it directly disyed the name ¡°Josiah.¡±

    She replied: I¡¯m busy.

    Soon, another message from him arrived: When will you be done with your work?

    Lysander: I don¡¯t know.

    Josiah: Anything in particr you want to eat? I¡¯lle pick you up once you¡¯re done with your work.

    Lysander: No.

    Seemingly dissatisfied with her perfunctory response, Josiah directly called her.

    The moment her phone rang, Lysander immediately hung up.

    Lysander: I told you I¡¯m busy, so don¡¯t call me. If you call again, il block you.

    As expected, these words were indeed effective.

    Finally, there was no more activity from Josiah.

    The Stounian male doctor came over to inquire about the situation. Lysander ryed the young

    couple¡¯s request to him. The doctor pondered for a moment, seemingly a bit troubled.

    ¡°Lysander, are you confident about this? I¡¯ve seen your resume, and you have extensive clinical

    experience. If you believe you¡¯re ready, I can make an exception to waive the three¨Cmonth internship

    period for you¡­¡±

    ¡°No need. Let¡¯s just follow the hospital¡¯s rules and regtions.¡±

    The male doctor seemed a bit surprised, yet he still maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, a smile

    ying on his lips. ¡°I had assumed, since you two arepatriots, that you would take on this

    pregnant

    woman.

    With a polite smile, Lysander responded, ¡°There are numerous hospitals and obstetricians in Stounia. If

    they wish to transfer, let them. I¡¯ve just arrived and am still not too familiar with everything. Even if the

    safety of the pregnant woman and the baby are at stake, I wouldn¡¯t take the case.¡±

    The male doctor nodded. ¡°All right, I get what you¡¯re saying. I¡¯ll go and talk to them this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    ¡°Right, I haven¡¯t introduced myself yet. My name is Eric Boyle.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Eric.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Eric squinted slightly and asked, ¡°Lysander, are you Adrian¡¯s girlfriend? He and I were schoolmates. He

    specifically mentioned you to me, hoping that I could look out for you more.

 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357

    Chapter 357 I Have Brought The Person

    ¡°No.¡±

    Eric raised an eyebrow, then replied, ¡°Oh, poor Adrian. Looks like he still hasn¡¯t won you over yet.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to take care of me. Just treat me like any other new coworker.¡±

    With a somewhat puzzled expression, Eric gave a nod. ¡°Are you really not his girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Really.

    The workload on the first day wasn¡¯t too heavy, so Lysander clocked out from work on time.

    ëŠ:40%ºÐ

    During her free time, she had searched online for rental information in the nearby area and filtered out

    a few suitable options, nning to check them out after work. If any were suitable, she intended to

    move as soon as possible.

    Little did she know, as soon as she stepped outside, she was startled by the piercing sound of a car

    horn.

    With a chuckle, Miles waved at her. ¡°Did I startle you? Sorry. I just started driving this car today, so I¡¯m

    still getting used to it.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand to indicate she was fine. ¡°Did youe to the hospital to see a doctor or to

    visit someone?¡±

    ¡°To visit a patient.¡±

    ¡°Oh, all right then. You¡¯re busy, so I¡¯ll get going.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Miles stopped her.

    Lysander frowned. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Are you familiar with theyout of this hospital?¡±

    She had actually made a conscious effort to familiarize herself with theyout of the entire hospital

    today. and had essentially gained a good understanding of it.

    ¡°Which department are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°The burn department.¡±

    ¡°Take the elevator up ahead to the third floor,¡± she instructed. ¡°Once you step out, turn right, and you¡¯ll

    see the nurses¡® station.¡±

    Miles asked, ¡°Can you guide me? I have a poor sense of direction and always get confused whenever I

    visit the hospital.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You can have a nurse lead you there.¡±

    ¡°Well, I happened to run into a familiar face here. Besides, I helped you out at the pharmacy the other

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    Chapter 357 I Have Brought The Person

    He had a pleasant temperament, spoke softly, and was a very easy person to get along with.

    She could somewhat understand now why Lysaane didn¡¯t fancy Josiah but chose him instead back

    then.

    ¡°Come on, Dr. Thorne. Please lend a hand¡­

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Lysander was nudged by him into the elevator, and Miles, with his quick reflexes, swiftly pressed the

    button for the third floor.

    As the elevator doors gradually closed, Lysander had no choice but to ept the situation as it was.

    Upon exiting the elevator, Miles still didn¡¯t let her off the hook. He blocked the elevator entrance with his

    body while nonchntly asking, ¡°Should we go to the right?¡±

    It seemed that someone on the first floor had pressed the elevator button, causing the elevator to

    descend again.

    Lysander helplessly replied, ¡°Yes, turn right and keep going until the end. You¡¯ll find the nurses¡® station,

    and the burn department is right next to it.¡±

    ¡°Take me there, will you? Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Although

    when she, der had a hunch about Miles unusual behavior that day, she was still slightly taken aback

    Josiah in the burn department.

    He was bare¨Cchested, his entire back and both arms covered in burn wounds.

    Moreover, the injuries were not minor.

    He heard the sound of footsteps and nced over his shoulder.

    Miles said, ¡°I¡¯ve brought the person you asked for. I¡¯ll head downstairs to make the payment now.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    There were two nurses tending to his injuries, but the extent of the burns was so severe that they were

    kept busy for quite a while.

    Josiah, however, showed no particr emotion. He nced at her and said, ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    ¡°How did it get this serious?¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°You never thought to ask, so naturally, you wouldn¡¯t know I ended up like this.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Josiah Guerra. Naturally, you¡¯ll receive the best care. There¡¯s absolutely no need for me to ask

    anything extra.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m Josiah Guerra, but I¡¯m also human, not made of iron and steel. My burn injuries haven¡¯t fully

    healed, and I got caught in the rain a couple of days ago. That¡¯s why I¡¯m in this state.¡±

    For a moment, Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°You should apply your medicine properly, and if you

    feel ufortable, tell the nurse.¡±

 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358

    Chapter 358 Let Me Tell You

    ¡°I¡¯ve already seen what you wanted me to see, but I¡¯m an obstetrician. I¡¯m not really good at handling

    external wounds.¡±

    Josiah snorted. ¡°I saw how well you handled things at Adrian¡¯s house that day.¡±

    ¡°Think what you will. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    ¡°Stop.¡± Josiah held her back. ¡°Is it enough if I just stop talking? You are busier than a president right

    now; seeing you has truly be a challenge.¡±

    A nurse nearby, observing their intertwined hands, teasingly asked, ¡°Sir, is this your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Josiah gave a shake of his head, uttering a single word, ¡°Wife.¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡± Lysander voiced, displeased.

    ¡°All right,¡± he gave in, ¡°let¡¯s drop this topic. You wanted to know about Harry¡¯s whereabouts, didn¡¯t you?

    I¡¯ll tell you.¡±

    Lysander quietly waited for his next words.

    ¡°I truly have no idea where he is.¡±

    Lysander pulled out her hand, intending to leave.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t rush off just yet. Let me finish¡­¡± Josiah insisted, refusing to let go. As a result, he agitated

    the wound on his arm, causing him to wince in pain.

    The nurse eximed from the side, ¡°Please don¡¯t move around, sir!¡±

    There was no sign of the grip on her wrist lessening. Lysander closed her eyes, resigned, and said,

    ¡°ying the victim, Josiah? That¡¯s not your style, is it?¡±

    ¡°As long as it serves a purpose, then it¡¯s a good style.¡± Josiah gently pinched her wrist. ¡°Sit down and

    let me exin it to you slowly.¡±

    Left with no other choice, Lysander could only sit down on a chair next to him.

    ¡°Indeed, I did take Harry to the underground parking of Guerra Group,¡± he said. ¡°He almost killed you,

    and I really wanted to end him. However, I¡¯m not that foolish. Even if I had the ability to kill someone

    under the watchful eyes of the police, how could I make a man of over a hundred pounds vanish?¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°I taught him a lesson before letting him go.¡±

    What lesson?¡±

    Josiah chuckled coldly. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he have a penchant for using women to climb the socialdder? Well,

    I¡¯ll just find him more women, then.¡±

    Upon hearing this. Lysander¡¯s brow instantly furrowed. ¡°Find him more women?¡±

    1/3

    22:38 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 358 Let Me Tell You

    ¡°Yep. About two hundred or more of them,¡± he said..

    Lysander drew in a sharp breath. ¡°So, is he¡­ okay?¡±

    40%•þ

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I have my own tasks to attend to; I can¡¯t possibly keep an

    eye on him all the time, can I?¡±

    ¡°But he¡­ over two hundred¡­¡±

    ¡°Why are you blushing?¡±

    Lysander red at him and retorted, ¡°I¡¯m not blushing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re red all the way to your neck.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡±

    ¡°I clearly see it.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to continue or not!¡±

    Josiahughed scornfully. ¡°I¡¯m done. What more do you want me to say? Do you want me to go into

    the details of what he did with those women?¡±

    Lysander was speechless. ¡°What happened next?¡±

    ¡°Later on, I had him released. He truly did walk out of Guerra Group¡¯s underground parking alive. As for

    where he went afterward, I honestly have no clue. However, he does have some skills. Even the police

    can¡¯t find him, which shows how good he is at hiding. It¡¯s also possible someone is helping him, like

    Zachary-

    At the mention of Zachary, Josiah nced up to observe her facial expression.

    She was still reeling from the shock of Harry having to deal with two hundred women, her mind a whirl

    of thoughts she couldn¡¯t quite grasp, so much so that she failed to respond at all.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What were you thinking about?¡±

    Lysander licked her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t understand, just ask,¡± said Josiah. ¡°If there¡¯s anything else you want to know, feel free to

    ask it

    all at once.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not you I want to ask.¡±

    ¡°Who are you nning to ask then?¡±

    Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the entrance. ¡°Josiah?¡±

    Upon seeing the neer, Josiah¡¯s expression shifted, instantly bing solemn. ¡°What are you

    doing here?¡±

    213

 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359

    Chapter 359 The Despicable Move

    Lysanne was holding a bouquet of flowers, looking innocent and harmless. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? My good

    friend Nina is about to have a baby, and I came to keep herpany for a while. I just ran into Miles at

    the entrance, and he mentioned you were here getting your wounds tended to.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Your friend is in Stounia?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s staying in the maternity ward.¡±

    Josiah uttered coldly. ¡°Then you should go quickly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s no rush. Your injury¡­ how did it suddenly get so severe? When you were back

    home, wasn¡¯t it improving? Did you get it wet? The doctor said you couldn¡¯t get it wet, so why did you-

    ¡°Enough!¡± Josiah interrupted her impatiently. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to meddle in my affairs. Just go attend to

    your best friend.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Lysanne was very obedient, even casually acknowledging Lysander¡¯s presence as well.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re here too.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Lysanne said with a smile, ¡°You guys continue chatting: I¡¯ll head up first.¡±

    Once she had left, Josiah immediately rified, ¡°I genuinely had no idea she woulde to Stounia

    too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°She said her friend is in the maternity ward. Did you see her there today?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Josiah let out a sigh of relief, quietly muttering under his breath, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry

    about her. She won¡¯t dare to do anything now.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s lips curved up slightly. ¡°Indeed, it seems she¡¯s changed alot.¡±

    She stood up, ready to leave.

    Seeing that, Josiah hurriedly questioned, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to make a phone call.

    To whom?¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to keep a leash on me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to control you.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was filled with helplessness. ¡°I¡¯m just afraid you might

    leave again.¡±

    Daphne.

    ¡°All right, go ahead. I¡¯ll be done here soon, so just wait for me¡±

    Chapter 359 The Despicable Move

    Without uttering a word, Lysander simply walked out.

    As soon as she stepped outside, she spotted Lysanne sneakily standing there, her ear pressed against

    the door.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysander bursting through the door abruptly startled Lysanne, who could only cover her mouth to stifle

    the scream that had almost escaped.

    Seeing Lysander looking at her, she red at the other woman.

    Unfazed, Lysander let out a nonchnt chuckle. She took her cell phone and moved to a slightly

    secluded stairwell, dialing a number.

    Daphne picked up quickly. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°Daphne, it¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Lysander? You got a SIM card?¡±

    ¡°Um, you could say that.¡±

    ¡°My goodness, your throat still hasn¡¯t fully recovered, has it? You still sound a bit hoarse.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get better with time. Being able to speak now is already a big improvement. A while back, I could

    onlymunicate by typing, which really had me on edge.¡±

    Daphne also began to cheer up. ¡°Then you should take good care of yourself during this period.

    There¡¯s a traditional medicine apothecary nearby, so you should go buy some herbs to make herbal

    soup.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Lysander responded: ¡°By the way, about Harry¡¯s matter¡­¡±

    She briefly exined the situation to Daphne, who remained silent for a long time.

    Atst, she managed to utter, ¡°Impressive.¡±

    ¡°So, Harry¡¯s disappearance probably has nothing to do with Josiah. You should reassure Mr. Everhart.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, tell me, do you think Harry is still alive?¡±

    Lysander answered, ¡°Josiah didn¡¯t really do anything to him. Could he possibly have other enemies?

    Oh, you mentioned how he toyed with the feelings of the Stone family¡¯s youngdy before. Could it be

    possible that they decided to take him out?¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is not that¡­ I mean¡­ Two hundred women? Won¡¯t he die from doing it too

    much?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander also felt somewhat uneasy.

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re a doctor. Based on your expertise, do you think he could have died from this?¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless. ¡°My dear, I¡¯m an obstetrician, not an andrologist¡±

    ¡°Just make a guess.

    This is out of my abilitics

    Chapter 359 The Despicable Move

    ¡°Wow, Josiah really is something else, pulling off such a despicable tactic¡­ Truly a rare breed.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360

    Chapter 360 Visiting The Gynecologist.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t finished talking?¡±

    Suddenly, Josiah spoke from behind her. Startled, Lysander asked, ¡°Is there something you need?¡± she

    asked.

    ¡°No.¡± said Josiah. ¡°I hadn¡¯t seen you around, so I came out to look for you.¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯m currently working at this hospital. There¡¯s no way I can get lost.¡±

    I

    Josiah gave a soft hum, his gaze continually drifting toward her phone screen. ¡°Is it Daphne?¡± he

    asked.

    ¡°What¡¯s up? Do you need something from her? Should I pass you the phone?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything from her. You can carry on.¡±

    Right then, Daphne¡¯s voice came through the receiver. ¡°Is that Josiah? Are you with him now?¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m working at the hospital, and he¡¯s here for

    treatment.

    ¡°He¡¯s seeing a gynecologist? When did he grow a uterus? You better hurry and inform the

    Amalgamated Nations and have him taken to aboratory for dissection. Who knows? It might just

    propel human civilization forward.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°Enough with the sarcasm.¡±

    ¡°Haha! By the way, I¡¯ll be there to keep youpany in a couple of days. What would you like to eat? I

    can send it over in advance.¡±

    ¡°Adrian mentioned that there¡¯s an Ecronian supermarket here, so we should be able to find everything

    we need. There¡¯s no need to send anything specifically.¡±

    ¡°Do you have anything you need sent back? I¡¯m in the country right now. I can help you run some

    errands.¡±

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m going to pick up some things for my parents and Michelle after

    work today. Could you help me deliver them to my house?¡±

    ¡°Sure! No problem.¡±

    ¡°All right, then. Let¡¯s leave it at that for now. I¡¯m off to work.¡±

    ¡°Pass the phone to Josiah.¡±

    Lysander was surprised. ¡°What do you want to say to him?¡±

    ¡°I have something to ask him.¡±

    Lysander handed the phone over to Josiah.

    Josiah had his hands resting on the guardrail, lost in thought, as he gazed out the window. The

    unexpected phone call invitation left him a bit b

 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361

    Chapter 361 Stay With Me

    Josiah said, ¡°The incident happened at the Everhart residence. Strictly speaking, you have the right to

    press charges. The Everhart family owes you an exnation.¡±

    ¡°Why would I press charges against the Everhart family? Mr. Everhart has always been kind to me, not

    to mention Daphne.¡±

    With a wryugh, Josiah said, ¡°You¡¯re kind to everyone, but you¡¯re ruthless to me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m even more ruthless to myself.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face stiffened slightly, and he remained silent.

    ¡°That ruthless afternoon, the lump of flesh and blood was reduced to ashes. It was true that she was

    ruthless.

    to herself.

    ¡°What did Daphne talk to you about? Why do you two need to hide it from me?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. She just asked about a few things.¡±

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Do those few things involve me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t concern me, why did you walk away?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face alternated between shades of pale and flush. ¡°Anyway, it really has nothing to do with

    you.¡±

    ¡°Why does your expression look so odd? It just doesn¡¯t seem right, no matter how I look at it.¡±

    Josiah sighed helplessly. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment and nodded.

    Josiah took a deep breath, his voice heavy. ¡°She asked me if a man could have sex with two hundred

    women.¡±

    ¦§

    Astonished, Lysander paused for a moment before blurting out, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°She told me she asked you, but you didn¡¯t respond. She guessed it might be because you¡¯re not a

    man, and you wouldn¡¯t understand a man¡¯s limits. However, she was genuinely curious and wanted to

    ask someone else.¡±

    Lysander was instantly at a loss for words.

    That was indeed something Daphne was capable of doing.

    ¡°And how did you respond?¡±

    Josiah looked at her, educating her like a teacher would. ¡°He only stayed with me for four days and

    three nights, a total of eighty¨Cfour hours, or five thousand and forty minutes. On average, that would

    mean

    Bnce: 4522 +1493

    Cork

    1 Pearls

    ºÅ40%Ó‹

    Chapter 361 Stay With Me

    With an air of annoyance, Josiah shot her a look. ¡°That¡¯s just me, not necessarily other men.¡±

    Lysander chuckled softly.

    Josiah said. ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself. You don¡¯t have any other examples topare me with.¡±

    ¡°How would you know?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face changed instantly. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not with me twenty¨Cfour hours a day, right?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Lysander chuckled and kept silent.

    ¡°Zachary? Adrian?¡±

    ¡°Neither.

    Josiah took a step closer, gripping her shoulders tightly. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Lysander same a name in response.

    Confused, Josiah furrowed his brows. ¡°When did you start having Japriumians around you?¡±

    In the next second, he reacted and became both angry and speechless. ¡°Where did you get that kind of

    film? Who gave it to you? Daphne? What kind of inappropriate stuff has she been showing you?¡±

    ¡°Once, myputer was infected with a virus.¡±

    Josiah was speechless. ¡°Don¡¯t blindly click on those pop¨Cup ads in the future.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°How many films did you watch?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten, but I think the actsted more than twenty¨Cfive minutes.¡±

    With a coldugh, Josiah said, ¡°It¡¯s about time we clean up these explicit websites.¡±

    ¡°Can you do that?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Josiah. ¡°I¡¯ll just go buy a newputerter.¡±

    ¡°No way. I have a lot of files on my oldputer.¡±

    ¡°Just remove the hard drive.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    Josiah gritted his teeth. ¡°I¡¯ll remove it for you!¡±

    Bnce:

    1 Coin!

    4522 +

    1441

    1 Pearls

    3 Jun

    Chapter 361 Stay With Me

    ¡°In a rush?¡±

    40%

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Did you make ns?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t make any ns,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯m going to shop for some items to send back to my parents

    and Michelle.

    Suddenly, Josiah rxed. ¡°Do you know where the supermarket is?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check the map.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯ve nned to buy some stuff, anyway. I

 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362

    Chapter 362 Look For You.

    Lysander furrowed his brows. ¡°You left before the medicine was applied?¡±

    ¡°Well, I was afraid you would run away.¡±

    ¡°You¡­

    Without further ado, Josh firmly grasped her wrist, pulling her back into the burn department.

    Upon their return, the two nurses greeted them with a smile. In Stounian, they asked him, ¡°Did your

    wife?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Sorry for keeping you all waiting.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Can we continue?¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod, then he removed his suit jacket, followed by his shirt.

    The shirt was white, and the bloodstains on it were clearly visible.

    ¡°Could you hold on to this for me?¡±

    you find

    There wasn¡¯t really anywhere suitable to hang clothes around, and tossing them on the ground didn¡¯t

    seem very hygienic.

    Lysander took the clothes from him.

    A hint of tenderness shed in Josiah¡¯s eyes. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    It was said in Stounian.

    He then turned to the two nurses and said, ¡°All right. Let¡¯s get started.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to see his back, that was marred with scars.

    Hence, she chose to focus on her phone and casually searched for the exact location of the nearest

    supermarket.

    Suddenly, the phone rang again.

    However, it wasn¡¯t hers. It was Josiah¡¯s,

    His phone was in the pocket of his suit. Lysander pulled it out, nced at it, and handed it to him. ¡°It¡¯s a

    call from your mom.¡±

    ¡°Could you answer it for me?¡± Josiah asked without lifting his head.

    ¡°Perhaps you should just return her callter.¡± Lysander once again tucked his phone back into his suit

    pocket

    ¡°My mom has been distant since the divorce, devoting herself to prayers. If she¡¯s calling me, it must be

    something urgent.¡±

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    22:39 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 362 Look For You

    ¡°Just answer it,¡± he said.

    Lysander thought of Susan¡¯s high blood pressure, fearing any dy might worsen the situation. She

    had no choice but to answer the call. ¡°Hello?¡±

    On the other end of the phone, Susan was stunned momentarily. ¡°Who is this?¡±

    1

    ¡°Madam Susan, it¡¯s Lysander. How have you been feeling?

    ¡°All¡¯s well. Lysander? Y¨CYour voice¡­ It¡¯s different. That¡¯s not right¡­ Lysander has always been mute.

    Who are you really? Where¡¯s Josiah? Why do you have his phone?¡±

    Upon hearing Susan¡¯s confident tone, Lysander felt a faint sense of relief in her heart.

    ¡°My throat has improved a bit, so I can speak now. However, it¡¯s still a bit hoarse. I guess it will take

    some time to get back to normal. If you don¡¯t believe me, just wait a moment and let Josiah get back to

    you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Susan gave a weary, bitterugh. ¡°I¡¯m getting old. My reactions

    are slower. You just called me Madam Susan. Only Lysander would address me that way.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Ms. Lysanne also address you in the same way?¡±

    ¡°Her?¡± Susan¡¯s tone was filled with disdain. ¡°Forget about it. I don¡¯t want to talk about her. Lysander,

    are you feeling better now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m much better now. Thank you, Madam Susan.¡±

    ¡°I heard about what happened that day. It must have scared you, didn¡¯t it? I¡¯ve been praying recently,

    hoping you could be blessed with peace and prosperity. It seems my prayers have had some effect, as

    you¡¯re able to speak now. Tonight, I¡¯ll go and recite the bible for you.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°There¡¯s no need to do that, Madam Susan. Everything will be all right.¡±

    ¡°Still, it¡¯s necessary, and I want to do it for you¡± Susan then asked, ¡°Is Josiah with you right now?¡±

    That question was subject to interpretation.

    After some thought, Lysander responded, ¡°We met by chance at the hospital.¡±

    Susan chuckled. ¡°It wasn¡¯t a coincidence. He specifically went to find you.¡±

    Lysander remained nomittal. ¡°Madam Susan, Josiah is currently tending to his wounds and can¡¯t

    take any calls. However, he should be better soon. I¡¯ll have him call you back in a bit.¡±

    Susan said, ¡°No need! No need. I don¡¯t have much to talk about with him. I was just curious if he had.

    found you, but now I already know¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­

    Suddenly, Molly¡¯s voice came through the phone. ¡°Lysa? Lysa, can you hear me? Are you doing all

    right over there?¡±

    Susan said to her, ¡°That¡¯s Lysanne¡¯s mother.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

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    22:39 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 362 Look For You

    39%2Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°The couple was so worried when they heard you had left without a word. They couldn¡¯t eat or sleep.

    They had no choice but toe to me, hoping I could give Josiah a call to see if there was any news

    about you.¡±

    Lysander responded nonchntly. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363

    Chapter 363 Bask In The Joy.

    Susan sighed and said, ¡°I¡¯m at a loss for words. Sure, Lysanne may be naive, but her parents have had

    a rtionship with our family for decades. They even helped me when I was pregnant. They¡¯re both

    really good people.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat agitated. ¡°Madam Susan, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll hang up now,¡±

    ¡°Oh, are you still at works I hope I¡¯m not disturbing you.¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯ve already finished work, but there¡¯s still something I need to attend to.

    ¡°All right. All right. You go ahead with your work, then¡­¡±

    With urgency in her voice, Molly pleaded, ¡°Susan, could you hand me the phone? I¡¯d like to speak to

    Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    Susan sounded a bit troubled when she said, ¡°Lysander is busy right now. She¡¯s fine, and she¡¯s already

    speaking again. You both can rest assured.¡±

    ¡°No, Susan. I haven¡¯t heard her voice. I really can¡¯t be at ease, Susan¡­¡±

    Susan¡¯s heart softened a bit. ¡°Lysander, could you perhaps-

    ¡°Madam Susan, I¡¯m really swamped right now. Sorry, I¡¯ll have to hang up.¡±

    With that. Lysander ended the call and stood there, momentarily stunned with the phone in hand.

    Josiah studied her expression, asking gently, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t look so well.¡±

    Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Did my mom say something?¡±

    Lysander averted his gaze. ¡°No. Um, I just remembered there¡¯s something left unfinished. Your

    clothes¡­¡±

    She scanned her surroundings and finally found a spot. ¡°I¡¯ll hang your clothes on the door handle for

    I¡¯m leaving first.¡±

    ¡°Hey, Lysander¡­

    Lysander left without looking back.

    When she was leaving the hospital, she ran into Miles again.

    Upon seeing her emerge alone, Miles asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Josiah? Why isn¡¯t he with you?¡±

    you

    ¡°He¡¯s still having the medicine applied. If you¡¯re looking for him, you can go directly to the third floor.¡±

    Bypassing Miles, she quickly left the hospital entrance.

    Throughout the journey, her thoughts were in turmoil.

    When she reached the mansion¡¯s entrance, she suddenly realized in surprise that she hadn¡¯t yet

    bought

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    22:39 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 363 Bask In The Joy

    39%ºÏ

    Hence, she used her map to navigate to the nearest mall. There, she selected a silk scarf for Laura and

    bought a bottle of wine for Maverick. She also purchased arge box full of assorted snacks for

    Michelle and sent it all back through a courier service.

    After much hesitation, Lysander decided to temporarily cease contact with the couple, Howard and

    Molly.

    When she returned to the mansion once again, Adrian was already there.

    He was just about to head out to look for her when he asked, ¡°Why are you

    back sote?¡±

    ¡°I went to buy some things to send back home. Did you need something from me?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°I was just worried about you.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a child.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡± Adrian¡¯s voice wavered. ¡°Did Josiah bother you again?¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    ¡°He already knows where you work and live. Escaping from him will indeed be a bit challenging.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    ¡°By the way, do you have the weekend?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. Why?¡±

    any ns i

    ¡°Let me take you somewhere else for a stroll. If we stay here, there¡¯s no guarantee that Josiah won¡¯t

    come to bother you again.¡±

    ¡°Where to?¡±

    Adrian gave augh and suggested, ¡°I have a friend who¡¯s getting married this weekend. Would you

    like to join me and soak up the joyous atmosphere?¡±

    ¡°Where is it? Elstunda or Sirmoor?¡±

    ¡°Neither. At sea.¡±

    ¡°At sea?¡±

    ¡°On a cruise ship.¡± Adrian said. ¡°The sunrise at sea is quite stunning. When it ascends from the

    horizon, it¡¯s truly magnificent.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡±

 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364

    Chapter 364 Unwilling To Meet Josiah

    Lysander had never attended a wedding on a cruise ship before, so there was also a hint of

    uneasiness. Should I be wearing evening wear or something on such a grand asion!

    Adrianforted her by saying, ¡°It¡¯s not some formal business banquet. It¡¯s more like arge party with

    young people. Everyone is just there to have fun. No one is going to be all uptight about dressing

    formally. Wear whatever makes youfortable.¡±

    Those words finally put Lysander at ease.

    In her hurried departure, she hadn¡¯t packed many clothes. However, out of respect for the newlyweds,

    she managed to find a rtively formal outfit from the few she had brought.

    She wore a white round¨Cneck t¨Cshirt paired with a long ck skirt. Thebination of ck and white.

    was always a choice that couldn¡¯t go wrong.

    In the morning, when Adrian came to pick her up, he took in her appearance.

    She asked. ¡°Is this okay?¡±

    Adrian pointed to his own polo shirt and jeans. ¡°You seem a bit more formal than me.¡±

    At this point, Lysander waspletely at ease.

    On the road, her phone rang several times. Calls came in from both Josiah and Daphne.

    She only answered the call from Daphne, who excitedly expressed that the doctor Lysander had

    rmended was incredibly skilled. Delores had already started to improve. Daphne also indicated

    that she would probably go to Stounia in a few days.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°I just sent the gift back. I¡¯m not sure when it will arrive. Weren¡¯t you the one who

    offered to help me deliver it?¡±

    Daphne readily agreed by replying. ¡°How could I possibly go back on my word? Rest assured,

    international shipping isn¡¯t slow these days. Once I¡¯ve sent off your gift, I¡¯lle over straight away.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to rush. Spend more time with Old Mrs. Everhart. When she¡¯s feeling weak, she

    appreciates it when the younger generation visits her more often.¡±

    ¡°All right, don¡¯t worry. I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander could already see the pier and the vast blue sea.

    After parking the car, Adrian took her to board the ship.

    Surrounding them, people came and went. There were those with golden hair and blue eyes, and

    others with ck hair and ck eyes. Yet, just as Adrian had said, everyone was dressed quite

    casually.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie, right?¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Do you know all the guests here today?¡±

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    ¡°You don¡¯t know the groom? I thought both the bride and groom were your friends.¡±

    39%

    Adrian¡¯s expression was somewhat subtle. ¡°The guy? Well, I guess you could say we know each other,

    but we¡¯re not close.¡±

    ¡°Did they also study medicine?¡±

    ¡°My senior, like me, studied anesthesiology while the guy studied business.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod. ¡°If you spot anyone you know, feel free to go and greet them. Don¡¯t worry

    about me. I¡¯ll be fine just enjoying the view from the deck.¡±

    your own?

    Adrian was a bit worried. ¡°Can you manage on your

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°I was a bit worried initially, but hearing what you just said, I feel much more

    at ease. Not everyone attending the wedding today knows each other, right? There must be many like

    you, who are friends or rtives of one side. Isn¡¯t it quite normal not to know the others?¡±

    A gentle smile appeared in Adrian¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, just go. Truth be told, I came out today mainly to avoid seeing Josiah.¡±

    Coincidentally, someone nearby greeted Adrian, ¡°Hey, Adrian! Long time no see.

    Lysander gave him a slight push. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll just take a stroll on the deck.¡±

    Adrian advised her, ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you can go inside the cabin. There¡¯s a lounge in there.¡±

    ¡°All right.

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    Chapter 365

    Chapter 365 Seen You Before

    As soon as Adrian walked away, the bearded man who had greeted him immediately hooked an arm

    around his shoulder. ¡°Why haven¡¯t I seen you

    aroundtely?¡±

    ¡°I returned to my country.

    ¡°So, are you nning to stay in Stounia in the future or go back?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been nning to take a break for a while now.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, being a doctor is indeed tough. You should really take a good vacation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Was that beautiful girl in the skirt just now your girlfriend?¡±

    The two of them were walking and talking, their voices gradually fading into the distance. The wind was

    strong by the sea, preventing Lysander from hearing Adrian¡¯s response.

    However, she could vaguely see that he had shaken his head in denial.

    Buzz! Buzz!

    Right then, she returned a few texts on her phone.

    Why didn¡¯t you answer my call?

    Where are you? Why is there no one at home?

    Lysander, are you safe now? Please let me know if you see this. I¡¯m really worried.

    Not far away, there suddenly came a burst ofughter and cheerful chatter.

    Lysander turned her head, her gazending on an exceptionally attractive and intelligent¨Clooking

    Aplothian woman who was surrounded by a crowd. Everyone around her was pping their hands and

    congratting her.

    The woman hadn¡¯t donned a wedding dress. She simply wore a white veil on her head.

    Without a doubt, it was the bride.

    She was unmistakably of Aplothian descent, yet her smile was radiant. Speaking in a wless Stounian

    ent, she was in the midst of a conversation with her friends.

    In Lysander¡¯s opinion, the girl was tall and cheerful, a truly likable youngdy.

    It seemed she had sensed Lysander¡¯s gaze and looked back at her. However, uponying eyes on her

    for the first time, the bride was slightly taken aback, apparently a bit surprised.

    Lysander gave her a nod, a smile gracing her features.

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    1 Pearls

    Chapter 365 Seen You Before

    ¡°Hello, you can call me Lysander. I¡¯m Adrian¡¯s friend, and it was he who brought me to attend your

    wedding.

    The woman shook Lysander¡¯s hand cheerfully. ¡°I know. I¡¯ve seen you before.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen ine before?¡±

    ¡°I have! There¡¯s arge oil painting in the Sutton residence. I¡¯ve seen it many times.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat surprised. ¡°But that¡¯s just a silhouette¡­¡±

    ¡°Haha! I can recognize you by your silhouette.¡± The woman yfully winked at Lysander, who found

    the woman¡¯s words rather cryptic.

    The woman, who was quite outgoing, gently grabbed Lysander¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Since you¡¯re here, you

    might as well have some fun. Let me introduce you to some new friends.¡±

    Initially, Lysander was content with just enjoying the sea breeze on her own.

    However, the bride was overly enthusiastic. Lysander couldn¡¯t bear to reject the bride, so she found

    herself being pulled into the crowd by the bride.

    ¡°Girls, let me introduce someone to you all. This is Lysander, Adrian¡¯s friend,¡± the bride said.

    Perhaps it was just Lysander being overly sensitive, but the way the bride said thest word of the

    sentence was as if hinting at something. It was hard to ignore.

    The surroundings were almost entirely filled with girls, who were instantly taken aback.

    ¡°It¡¯s you!¡±

    Lysander became even more bewildered. ¡°Do you all know me?¡±

    The bride spread her hands. ¡°To be honest, everyone has been curious for a long time about who the

    girl in the oil painting at the Sutton residence is. However, he¡¯s always been tight¨Clipped, not willing to

    say anything. For all these years, he¡¯s really kept everyone in suspense.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! We¡¯ve always been so curious. Just what kind of girl could hold such a special ce in

    Adrian¡¯s heart all these years?¡±

    ¡°Evidently, Adrian¡¯s taste is still inclined toward the Aplothian style. No wonder Lucy couldn¡¯t win him

    over.

    The bride chuckled. ¡°Lucy? She nearly scared the life out of Adrian.¡±

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    Chapter 366

    Chapter 366 I Remember

    The girls around also began to giggle, covering their mouths as they did that.

    Lysander was also somewhat curious. ¡°Why was he scared?¡±

    39%

    The bride whispered into her car, ¡°Once, Adrian drank too much, and Lucy took him to the hotel. She

    was dressed very provocatively. We all thought Lucy would definitely seed that time, but to our

    surprise, Adrian ran off. We even wondered if he was gay because he could be scared off even when a

    girl was that forward. But seeing you today, everything bes clear. He prefers the subtle beauty

    found in women from Aploth. He really can¡¯t handle anything too bold and passionate.¡±

    Lysander gave a dryugh. ¡°We¡¯re just friends.¡±

    The smile on the bride¡¯s face faltered. ¡°You two aren¡¯t a couple?¡±

    As they were speaking, a familiar voice echoed from behind, chuckling warmly. ¡°Rina, congrattions

    and best wishes on your wedding.¡±

    Upon seeing the neer, the bride immediately walked over and warmly embraced her. ¡°Thank you,

    my dear.¡±

    ¡°This is a gift for you.¡±

    ¡°Wow! Thank you. Can I open it now?¡±

    ¡°Of course.

    Under the watchful anticipation of the crowd, Rina unwrapped her present. She gasped and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t

    this the ne I¡¯ve been wanting?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Do you like it?

    ¡°I like it! But this ne is quite expensive and hard to find.¡±

    The woman chuckled lightly. ¡°Have you forgotten who my fianc¨¦ is?¡±

    Rina¡¯s face immediately lit up with realization. ¡°If he¡¯s the one who bought it, then I can ept it without

    any guilt. He wouldn¡¯t mind spending this amount of money.¡±

    ¡°Take it. It doesn¡¯t matter to him.¡±

    ¡°I know. Even if you wished for the moon, he would pluck it down for you!¡± Rina uttered with a yful

    irritation. ¡°Where is he? Why haven¡¯t I seen him? Didn¡¯t hee with you?¡±

    ¡°Oh! He had some unexpected matters to attend to. He should be here soon¡­¡± The woman turned her

    head and suddenly called out in delight, ¡°Josiah! Over here!¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Feeling somewhat relieved, Lysander had just been engulfed by the crowd. At that moment, everyone

    had pushed their way to her front, allowing her to quietly hide in a corner and observe the drama

    unfolding.

    That day, Josiah was dressed in a sleek silver¨Cgrey suit, while Lysanne wore a snug¨Cfitting silver

    fringed

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    long? Everyone¡¯s been waiting for you.¡±

    Josiah was frowning at his phone, a hint of impatience in his expression. ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one

    getting married today. What are they waiting for me for?¡±

    Lysanne was not upset. Instead, she pulled him forward and said, ¡°I have a lot of friends here today.

    Could you please spare me some dignity?¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    Again, Lysanne moved closer, feigning a hint of grievance and innocence. ¡°You promised my parents

    you would take care of me.¡±

    ¡°Go have some fun. I still have things to take care of,¡± he said.

    ¡°Could you at least say hello to my friends first?¡±

    Without any further exnation, Lysanne abruptly pulled Josiah over to the group of girls. Rina, who

    was clearly an old acquaintance of theirs, greeted him casually, ¡°Hey!¡±

    Josiah was a respectable man. He made a few polite remarks, which were essentially words of

    congrattions.

    Rina then pointed to the ne around her neck and said, ¡°Thank you for your gift. I really like it.¡±

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows and immediately lowered his gaze toward Lysanne.

    Lysanne shrank back sheepishly in response. ¡°The designer wouldn¡¯t sell it to me, you know. But when

    I mentioned your name, she immediately agreed. Rina¡¯s wedding is a big deal, and she should receive

    a decent wedding gift. Given your status, it wouldn¡¯t look good if you gave something too simple, so I

    took the liberty of giving that¡­ she uttered in Ecronese.

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 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367

    Chapter 367 Find Me In The Cabin

    Her tone was pleading, clearly showing that she was backing down and asking Josiah for his help to

    smooth things over.

    Josiah didn¡¯t really mind. He simply said. ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡±

    Rina was thrilled. ¡°I¡¯m truly fortunate to know your fianc¨¦e. When the timees for you two to tie the

    knot, please let me knows I¡¯d love toe to Ecron to attend your wedding. It would also be a perfect

    opportunity for my husband and I to take our honeymoon trip.¡±

    The color drained from Josiah¡¯s face instantly. His gaze toward Lysanne carried a sharp edge and a

    clear warning.

    Lysanne quickly mediated the situation by saying, ¡°He¡¯s rather busy. We¡¯re not sure when he¡¯ll be free.

    By the way. Rina, aren¡¯t you wearing your wedding dress today?¡±

    Rina sessfully diverted the topic. ¡°Wearing a wedding dress is so overrated, and it¡¯s not even easy

    to move around in. For my own wedding. I just want my friends to have fun¡­ Oh, right! Let me

    introduce you to a new friend!¡±

    Initially engrossed in the captivating y, Lysander was caught off guard when Rina suddenly grabbed

    her arm, pushing her abruptly to the front.

    ¡°Do you remember the oil painting I often mentioned to you? I finally found the girl from the painting!

    Her name is Lysander. Isn¡¯t she beautiful?¡± Rina uttered.

    Lysander¡¯s gaze subtly lowered.

    However, she could already distinctly feel the piercing gazes of two individuals simultaneously fixed on

    her.

    One was as hot as a zing fire, the other as cold as piercing ice.

    ¡°Lysander, let me introduce my friends to you,¡± Rina said warmly. Pointing at Lysanne, she continued,

    ¡°This is my dear friend, Jane. The man next to her is her fianc¨¦, Josiah, Like Adrian, he¡¯s a loyal

    person, having pursued Jane for many years. Now, they¡¯re finally engaged.¡±

    Lysander lifted her gaze, offering a light chuckle before nodding. ¡°Hello there.¡±

    Yet, the two individuals before her didn¡¯t utter a single word.

    Astonished, Lysanne stood frozen in ce, unsure of how to react. Josiah, on the other hand, was

    sporting a cold, thin smile. He asked Lysander in Ecronese, ¡°Did your phone fall into the sea?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you respond to my calls and messages?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°Instead of returning my calls, you came to the wedding with Adrian?¡±

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    Chapter 367 Find Me In The Cabin

    It was clear that Josiah was upset. ¡°Did youe here to avoid me, or because you wanted to spend

    time alone with him?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?¡±

    At this point, Josiah had lost all traces of a smile on his face. ¡°Where is he? Did he leave you alone to

    run off to enjoy himself?

    ¡°Do you need something from him?¡±

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    There was a palpable sense of an impending storm about Josiah.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Suddenly, Lysander recalled the story Rufus had shared with her. It was about two people setting out to

    sea, and in the end, only Josiah returned.

    Instantly, she became worried. Her brows furrowed as she said, ¡°Today is Rina¡¯s wedding day. Don¡¯t

    cause any trouble.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s chest heaved intensely for a moment. He nced around, noting that there were still people

    present, then leaned in and whispered to her, ¡°Come find me in the cabinter.¡±

    With an innocent expression, Rina asked, ¡°What are you guys talking about? Jane, do you guys know

    Lysander?¡±

    Lysanne felt awkward, and she could only vaguely respond, ¡°We do.¡±

    ¡°Oh! It¡¯s indeed a small world. Must be fate, huh?¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡±

    Josiah then said to Rina, ¡°You two continue your chat. I¡¯ve got some things to take care of. I¡¯ll go in and

    rest for a bit.¡±

    Rina nodded, teasing him with a yful ambiguity, ¡°All right, then. Lend me your fianc¨¦e for a while,

    okay? I¡¯ll return her to you in the evening, ensuring it won¡¯t interfere with your lovely night together.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t pay any mind. He merely shot Lysander a heavy nce, then took the lead and walked

    into the cabin.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 368

    <strong>Chapter 368: My Own Life</strong>

    Lysanne tentatively asked, "Dr. Thorne, are you going in as well?"

    Rina thought Lysander was tired, so she asked, "Lysander, are you tired as well? Would you like me to find Adrian for you?"

    Lysander shook her head. "Hell, I¡¯m not foolish enough to go in there."

    Rina said, "Enjoy yourself, then. The sea view is quite stunning. There¡¯s a buffet in the main hall of the cabin. If you get tired, you can rest in the cabin. There are six cabins in total, one of which is a makeup room. The other five are all avable for you to rest in without any disturbance. I might have to go get ready now."

    "All right."

    With a yful smile, Rina gave Lysander a nod before she, surrounded by a group of her friends, headed off to the makeup room in the cabin.

    Lysander stood there for a moment before finally asking, "Why haven¡¯t you gone inside yet?"

    After Rina and the other girls had left, Lysanne was still on the deck. Lysander waited for a while, but Lysanne didn¡¯t make any other move. Hence, Lysander decided to question Lysanne.

    Lysanne approached, maintaining a distance of about a meter from Lysander, leaning over the ship¡¯s railing and gazing into the distance. "Your rtionship with Adrian is moving along quite swiftly. This is Rina¡¯s private wedding today, and she didn¡¯t invite just anyone. The fact that Adrian was willing to bring you along is no wonder Rina assumed your rtionship was something special."

    Actually, from her recent interaction with Rina, Lysander had managed to figure out a few things.

    Rina was clearly a free-spirited girl. She held her wedding without a traditional gown, and there were no elders present. The attendees were mostly her peers, and the number wasn¡¯t particrlyrge. It was quite apparent that it was an intimate gathering for close acquaintances.

    Adrian brought her there, perhaps with ulterior motives, but Lysander was in no position to say anything.

    "What¡¯s your rtionship with Rina?" Lysander asked.

    Lysanne curved her lips into a smile. "She¡¯s my close friend¡¯s wife."

    Lysander understood then and said, "So you¡¯re a close friend of the groom."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysanne didn¡¯t deny it. "That¡¯s right. I was the one who helped him with his divorce proceedings from his previous marriage."

    "I see."

    Suddenly, Lysanne straightened up and said solemnly, "State your terms."

    "What terms?"

    "But you are expatriated from the hospital, aren¡¯t you? All Josiah needs to do is look up the list of hospital expatriates, and he¡¯ll know which hospital you¡¯re connected with. After that, he¡¯lle looking."

    "Where do you want me to go, then? Outer space?" Lysander scoffed. "I don¡¯t have that kind of capability at the moment."

    Lysanne was somewhat agitated. "Can¡¯t you go somewhere he wouldn¡¯t be able to find you? Like a small country that has no connection with your hospital. Surely, he can¡¯t turn the whole world upside down to find you, can he?"

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help butugh outright. "Why should I? I have my own life. Why should I suffer the consequences of your selfish desires?"

    Lysanne queried resentfully, "You still want to charm him, don¡¯t you?"

    "If I truly wanted to do that, you wouldn¡¯t even get a glimpse of him right now."

    Lysanne was stumped.

    "Ms. Lysanne, if you truly wish to rekindle your past rtionship with him, please put in the effort instead of constantly imposing on others. Josiah isn¡¯t in the cabin right now. Rather than wasting your breath on me here, you¡¯d better go find him."

    With that, Lysander headed straight toward the direction of the ship¡¯s cabin.

    Lysanne quickly stopped her. "Where are you going?"

    "Rina just mentioned that there were five cabins."

    Lysanne didn¡¯t respond.

    "Are you sure you¡¯re not going to look for him?"

    Again, Lysanne kept mum.

    "Well, I¡¯m leaving, then. Do as you please."

    Lysander then went to the cabin. It was just as Rina had described. There were six cabins in total, three on each side. Lysander chose a cabin, entered, and closed the door behind her, finding a quiet corner to gather her thoughts.

 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369

    Chapter 369 Right Inside

    .39%¿î

    As she passed by the makeup room, she heard that it was filled with the cheerful chatter andughter

    of the girls.

    The cabin door was left ajar, providing a glimpse of the youngdies, all dressed in their beautiful

    dresses and applying makeup. Rina, in her vibrant red gown, took center stage, touching up her

    makeup in front of a mirror.

    Of the five other cabins, four had their doors ajar, with only the one tucked away in the corner

    remaining closed.

    Josiah should be right in there. With that in mind. Lysander deliberately chose the cabin that was

    farthest from the one she thought Josiah was in, which happened to be directly opposite the makeup

    room. After entering, she locked the door behind her.

    The cabin wasn¡¯t particrly spacious, but it was more than ample for one person.

    There was a couch, a bar, and even a fridge. The fridge was stocked with an assortment of liquor.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t much of a drinker, so she simply chose to sit by the window, watching as the seagulls

    circled around the ship outside.

    The sounds of merriment from outside grew louder, likely because Rina and the others had finished

    their makeup and were preparing to head to the main hall for the ceremony.

    Right then, her phone buzzed twice.

    It was a text from Adrian that read: The banquet is about to start. Where are you?

    Lysander replied: I¡¯m resting in the cabin. I won¡¯t be going over.

    Adrian: Are you tired?

    Lysander: Not really. I¡¯m just not particrly ustomed to these lively events.

    Adrian: Should Ie over and keep youpany?

    Lysander: No need. You guys carry on and enjoy yourselves. I¡¯ll spend some time with the seagulls.

    Adrian: I think I just saw Lysanne. Did you also see her?

    Suddenly intrigued, Lysander called Adrian right away.

    Adrian quickly picked up the call. ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°I just met Lysanne. She mentioned that she¡¯s the groom¡¯swyer. She was the one who handled his

    previous divorce case. Your friend¡¯s name is Rina, right? Does she know that this is the groom¡¯s

    second marriage?¡±

    Adrian chuckled lightly. ¡°She does. However, in Epea and Adrune, things are more liberal. There are

    plenty of people who¡¯ve been married twice, and it¡¯s not umon to see those who¡¯ve been married

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    Chapter 369 Right Inside

    Adrian said, ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve lost all trust in men now,¡±

    Lysander smiled bitterly. ¡°Can you really me me? Not a single man I¡¯ve met has been reliable.¡±

    From Josiah to Zachary, and then to Harry, none among them could one truly trust.

    Even Aiden was quite the yboy.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not entirely true. Isn¡¯t Dr. Ziegler a reliable man? He raised Prisci all by himself, ying

    the role of both father and mother. What about your parents? Aren¡¯t they still in love?¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh and said, ¡°The marriages of the previous generation seem a bit more stable,

    don¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°There are good men among people of our age, too.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Me.¡±

    Lysander went silent.

    Adrian sensed her silence and quicklyughed to ease the awkwardness. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be

    disappointed in men at such a young age. You¡¯re acting as if you¡¯re already jaded.¡±

    ¡°By the way, it just urred to me. Remember when we were dining at that famous restaurant? You

    mentioned you knew Lysanne, but you didn¡¯t borate. Was it rted to that divorce case she was

    handling?¡±

    After a brief silence of two seconds, Adrian responded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Could you please tell me more about it?¡±

    ¡°Why not? However, I must admit that I¡¯m notpletely clear on all the details of this matter. All I did

    was provide some testimony in court. Paulo, today¡¯s groom, caught his ex¨Cwife cheating on him with

    another man. Rumor has it that the child she was carrying was also this man¡¯s. When they were getting

    a divorce, Jane, that¡¯s Lysanne, was Paulo¡¯swyer, and she helped him win the case and secure a

    substantial settlement.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°What about the child?¡±

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    Chapter 370

    Chapter 370 The Familiar Profile

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t save the child,¡± Adrian said. ¡°I testified in court because I was the one who tried to save her. I

    managed to save the adult¡¯s life, but the child didn¡¯t make it.¡±

    ¡°Was it a natural miscarriage?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Adrian said. ¡°I suspect it was a violent assault that led to the miscarriage.¡±

    Immediately, Lysander gasped. ¡°Who did it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not certain,¡± he said. ¡°My only responsibility was to present the diagnostic results in court.¡±

    After hearing everything, Lysander felt a mix of emotions.

    At that moment, someone was calling out for Adrian from afar. He covered the receiver and exchanged

    a few words before he got back on the phone and asked Lysander, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to

    come over and take a look?¡±

    Ñô

    Lysander felt a sense of unease when she heard the story about Paulo¡¯s divorce. ¡°I¡¯m not going. I¡¯ll

    hang up

    now.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, she gazed at the seagulls soaring outside the window. For some reason,

    couldn¡¯t shake off an unsettling premonition.

    Just then, someone outside was turning the door handle.

    Startled, Lysander eximed, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    From outside, a faint female voice could be heard. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve got the wrong ce.¡±

    Afterward, the girl fled in panic.

    Lysander walked over and opened the door, only to see a familiar profile.

    When she first saw it, there was a moment of disorientation.

    she

    She couldn¡¯t have known the profile any better. Every morning before stepping out, that was the profile

    she saw in the reflection in the mirror.

    However, the girl ran so fast that it was just a fleeting sight.

    The light in the cabin was dim, so Lysander thought perhaps it was simply her vision blurring.

    Her gaze inadvertently swept over the cabin where Josiah was, the door half¨Copen.

    He must have also gone to the front hell to attend Rina¡¯s toedding, right? Lysander had just returned to

    her own cabin and was about to sit down when a sudden loud noise erupted from outside the door.

    After that, the cabin door was knocked on again.

    Could it be that girl? The girl spoke in Ecronese just now. Could it be that she¡¯s in some trouble? Is she

    coming to me for

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    The urgency of the knocking on the door grew. Each knock was heavier than thest as if there was a

    matter of utmost importance.

    With great caution, Lysander gently cracked the door open. However, in the next moment, someone

    from outside tumbled in.

    It was a tall man..

    The man had a strong scent of alcohol on his body, and Lysander had no time to react before being

    pushed against the wall behind the cabin door. The heavy kiss fell upon her like a torrential downpour.

    She struggled with all her might, wanting to scream for help, but her mouth was gagged, making it

    impossible for her to utter a sound.

    When she was finally released, a dazed voice echoed in her ears. ¡°Don¡¯t scream. It¡¯s me¡­¡±

    ¡°Josiah?¡±

    ¡°Close the door. Close it first.¡± Josiah appeared quite frail, using the wall for support, barely managing

    to keep himself from copsing.

    Unintentionally, Lysander came into contact with the skin on his neck. It was scorching hot. ¡°What¡¯s

    wrong with you?¡±

    With gritted teeth and eyes shut, Josiah panted and said, ¡°First, close the door.¡±

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    His

    situation was off at the moment, and for safety reasons, she didn¡¯t want to close the door.

    As long as the door remained open, she could always make her escape at any moment.

    Outside, there were soft, secretive noises. It was all very sneaky.

    One of them was heard saying, ¡°He really isn¡¯t in the cabin. I¡¯ve searched through several cabins

    already.¡±

    ¡°How could it be? The cruise ship is only so big. He¡¯s not in the main hall, nor on the deck. He must be

    in one of the cabins.¡±

    ¡°But I really did check every single cabin. There really wasn¡¯t anything.

    One of them was the voice of Lysanne.

    Lysander also recognized the other person, who was most probably the girl who had just run away

    moments earlier.

    ¡°Is Lysanne looking for you?¡± Lysander asked.

    Josiah covered her mouth and urged, ¡°Shh¡­ Don¡¯t speak.¡±

 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371

    Chapter 371 Never This Gentle

    A faint scent of alcohol still lingered on his hands.

    At that moment, Lysander wondered if he was drunk.

    He then buried his head in the crook of her neck, his breath gradually growing heavier.

    Lysander had a gut feeling that something wasn¡¯t quite right.

    Josiah had a decent tolerance for alcohol. Given that he had been in the cabin the whole time, it was

    unlikely that he would get himself drunk.

    Furthermore, Lysanne and that girl were persistently searching for him outside.

    Lysander lowered her voice to a whisper and asked, ¡°Did you ingest something?¡±

    Josiah gave a slight shake of his head.

    ¡°In that case¡­¡±

    ¡°I just had a bit of wine. Just a little bit¡­ Josiah said.

    The skin op her neck was rather sensitive, and she could feel Josiah¡¯s forehead grow increasingly hot.

    Moreover, as he spoke, his lips moved, nearly brushing against her corbone.

    Instinctively, Lysander wanted to push him away.

    Josiah, however, was one step ahead, gripping her shoulders. ¡°I think I might have been drugged.¡±

    Lysander had also guessed so. His condition, as well as his current state..

    ¡°Just a while ago, a woman who bears a striking resemnce to you came looking for me in the cabin.

    I thought it was you.¡±

    He was talking about the girl outside the cabin.

    ¡°It seems like she knows Lysanne,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°Pfft! It¡¯s more than that,¡± Josiah sneered.

    The volume of his words suddenly escted, seemingly catching the attention of the two individuals

    outside.

    At that moment, Lysanne¡¯s voice grew closer and closer. ¡°It seems like there¡¯s some noiseing from

    this cabin. Did you hear it?¡±

    ¡°It seems so. I heard it as well.¡±

    Lysanne extended her hand, gently pushing the door open.

    But in the next moment, Josiah lifted his foot and mmed the door shut with a loud bang.

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    Her reaction amused Josiah, who slightly lifted his head from the crook of her neck, giving her a

    teasing look. ¡°Are you always this timid?¡± he asked with a yful smile on his lips.

    Lysander pushed his chin away with her hand, avoiding his breath. ¡°Stay still.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand straight. Josiah ducked his head again. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what drug it is, but it¡¯s quite

    potent¡­¡°

    Lysander felt as if a fire was burning inside her. ¡°Then go lie down on the couch!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°If you keep moving, I might not be able to hold back,¡± he said.

    Immediately, Lysander ceased her ongoing action of pushing him.

    Josiah seemed genuinely unsteady, with half of his body weight pressing down on her shoulders.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    The weight of a grown man was indeed somewhat overwhelming.

    At that very moment, there was a knock at the cabin door. ¡°Josiah? Josiah, are you in there?¡±

    Josiah muttered a curse under his breath.

    In a hushed voice, Lysander asked him, ¡°What on earth is Lysanne up to?¡±

    Josiahughed dismissively and replied, ¡°Who knows what she¡¯s up to? She clearly said she¡¯d back off

    before, even willing to let me be with you. I didn¡¯t guard myself. I didn¡¯t expect her to actually bring that

    woman here¡­¡±

    ¡°Who exactly is that woman?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he blurted, the effects of the medicine affecting him. ¡°Once, she said she couldn¡¯t have

    children anymore, so she sought out one of your juniors¡­ Just like you, studying medicine¡­ She even

    bore some resemnce to you¡­ She said¡­ Lysanne said she wanted her to have a child¡­¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander felt her head was about to explode. ¡°Wait¡­ Did she want you¡­¡±

    ¡°Mmm. Luckily, I¡¯m familiar with your scent. Just now, she took advantage of the dim light, came into

    my cabin, and threw herself into my arms, calling me Josiah¡­ At first, I thought it was you. But then I

    realized you would never treat me so tenderly¡­¡± Josiah said.

    Before the echo of his words had even faded, a knock at the door resounded again. ¡°Is anyone there?

    Is there anyone inside?¡±

    ¡°Lysanne, there might not be anyone inside. The door might have just been shut by the sea breeze.¡±

    Lysanne paused for a moment and deliberately said loudly, ¡°The sea breeze isn¡¯t that strong. There

    must be someone inside.¡±

 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372

    Chapter 372 Give The Guerra Family An Heir

    Lysanne began to muster all her strength to knock on the door.

    While she knocked on the door, she shouted loudly, ¡°Dr. Thome? Dr. Thorne, are you in there?¡±

    Such amotion finally managed to dampen Josiah¡¯s mood. He no longer continued whispering

    sweet nothings into her car. Slightly lifting his head, he frowned in the direction of the cabin door,

    showing clear signs of impatience.

    By this point, Lysander was amused.

    Josiah shifted his gaze down toward her. ¡°How could you still smile?¡±

    ¡°Why not? Josiah, you¡¯ve really outdone yourself, being treated like a stud, huh?¡±

    This remark clearly struck a sore spot. The arm wrapped around her waist tightened slightly, leaving

    Lysander breathless in an instant. Startled, she let out a gasp.

    Josiah gritted his teeth and sneered, ¡°Are you enjoying making fun of me?¡±

    Fortunately, Josiah knew when to stop. After a brief moment of holding her tightly, he let her go.

    Lysander yfully nudged him and asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a dip in the sea to cool off?¡±

    ¡°Would you take responsibility if I drown?¡±

    ¡°You have a fianc¨¦e, don¡¯t you? Why should it be my responsibility?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. If I were to die, I must give the Guerra family an heir first.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s one ready¨Cmade outside. Why don¡¯t you go?¡±

    ¡°When have I ever used knock¨Coffs?¡± He leaned closer to her. ¡°If I were to use anything, it would

    definitely be the real deal¡­¡±

    Seeing the me flicker in his eyes once more and his body gradually pressing down, Lysander

    instinctively ced her arm against his chest. ¡°Josiah, you¡¯re so heavy!¡±

    Josiah paused and harshly swiped his tongue across her lips. His voice carried a warning tone when

    he said, ¡°Don¡¯t provoke me now.¡±

    ¡°Then you should stay away from me for now.¡±

    His breathing grew increasinglybored, but thankfully, the persistent knocking and shouting from

    outside acted like a wake¨Cup call, finally tearing him back to his senses.

    He gently released his grip on her shoulders, looking away, no longer meeting her gaze. He took

    several deep breaths, attempting to quell the tumultuous me within him.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne! Dr. Thorne, are you all right? If you can hear me, please respond. I¡¯m worried about your

    safety¡­

    Suddenly, it sounded like another person was approaching the cabin from.

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    39%Áä

    Lysanne said, ¡°Lysander seems to be inside, but there¡¯s no response despite my continuous knocking.

    I¡¯m worried something might have happened to her.¡±

    The girl who bore a resemnce to Lysander timidly asked, ¡°Lysanne, didn¡¯t you say you were worried

    about a thief getting in? Why has it suddenly be a fear of idents?¡±

    Lysanne looked at her with disdain, shooting her a harsh re. ¡°What if the thief, cornered and

    desperate, ended up hurting someone inside?¡± she asked, her voiceced with annoyance at the girl¡¯s

    lack of foresight.

    The girl could only nod in agreement. ¡°Yes. You¡¯re right, Lysanne¡­¡±

    ¡°Adrian!¡± Rina beckoned Adrian over and said, ¡°Jane said that it seems like your friend, Lysander, is

    inside. You should hurry over!¡±

    Adrian made his way through the crowd and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Rina was getting a bit frantic. ¡°Jane said a thief might¡¯ve entered this room. However, your friend,

    Lysander, was supposedly resting inside. There¡¯s no response now. Could the culprit have taken her

    hostage?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°A thief? What was stolen?¡±

    Rina shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure myself. You should ask Jane.¡±

    As Rina spoke, she took a step back, clearing the way for Lysanne to exin things directly to Adrian.

    Lysanne was somewhat intimidated by him, feeling a significant loss in her momentum. ¡°It¡¯s just as

    Rina described¡­¡±

    Adrian nced at the tightly shut cabin door, his gaze suddenly shifting. ¡°Jane, did you actually see the

    thief with your own eyes?¡±

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    Chapter 373

    Chapter 373 Someone Is Definitely Inside

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Did you personally witness Lysander entering this cabin?¡±

    ¡°No. However, I did see hering this way. We¡¯ve already searched the front hall, the deck, and

    several other cabins. She wasn¡¯t in any of them, so she could only be in this cabin,¡± Lysanne said.

    Rina¡¯s husband, Paulo, had alsoe over and suggested, ¡°Maybe we should break the door down

    first. At the very least, we need to ensure the safety of Adrian¡¯s friend.¡±

    Rina kept nodding. ¡°Yes! Yes, go ahead and knock on the door.¡±

    Paulo took off his overcoat, rolled up his sleeves, and said to Adrian, ¡°Adrian, let¡¯s do this together.¡±

    Adrian halted him. ¡°Paulo, wait a moment.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Today is your wedding day. You and Rina should head back to the banquet in the front hall. I can

    manage

    on my own.¡±

    Rina then said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Adrian. Ensuring Lysander¡¯s safety is paramount. Once we confirm she¡¯s

    safe. we can resume our banquet at any time.¡±

    Lysanne also seized the opportunity to add, ¡°Exactly. Let¡¯s just barge in first.¡±

    The gaze Adrian cast Lysanne¡¯s way abruptly turned cold. Shortly after, his attention was drawn to the

    girl standing behind Lysanne. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s smile was somewhat unnatural as she took a step forward, positioning the girl behind her.

    ¡°This is my friend.¡±

    ¡°Your friend?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    Adrian shed a cold smile and said, ¡°Perhaps my vision has been failing metely. At a nce, I

    thought it was Lysander.¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, both Rina and Paulo turned their gaze.

    Rina gasped in surprise. ¡°She really does look like Lysander! Jane, did you bring a friend today? I didn¡¯t

    notice her earlier. Why didn¡¯t you bring your new friend to the front hall with us? We¡¯re all friends here.

    It¡¯s more fun when we¡¯re together.

    ¡°S¨CShe was feeling a bit seasick, so I let her rest for a while.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Is she feeling better now?

    The girl gave a faint nod, yet she dared not utter a single word.

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    Chapter 373 Someone Is Definitely inside

    Adrian¡¯s

    Raze

    39%

    shifted back and forth between Lysanne and the girl standing behind her as he tried to figure. out what

    Lysanne was really up to.

    Just at that moment, with a faint creaking sound, the cabin door was slowly opened.

    The figure of Lysander appeared within.

    Rina was overjoyed. ¡°Lysander! Are you all right? Is everything all right? Did something happen? Is

    there anyone else inside? Jane mentioned that a thief might¡¯ve broken in. Did you get hurt?¡±

    ¡°A thief?¡± Lysander turned to Lysanne. ¡°Only close friends and family attending your wedding are

    allowed on the ship today. How could there possibly be a thief?¡±

    Rina was stumped momentarily. ¡°That¡¯s right, Jane. Everyone here today is a good friend. Could there

    be an intruder?¡±

    Adrian then took a step forward, positioning himself in front of everyone, obstructing their view. He

    gently asked her, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired, so I sle

    quite deeply.¡±

    ¡°So, would you like to sleep a bit longer, or join us in the front hall for Rina and Paulo¡¯s wedding?¡±

    ¡°Wait!¡± Suddenly, Lysanne dashed forward, swinging the door open with a swift push. ¡°There¡¯s definitely

    someone else in here!¡±

    Adrian wanted to stop her, but Lysanne moved unexpectedly fast. In the blink of an eye, she had

    already

    the area, much like a detective. pushed open the cabin door and stepped inside. She began to insp

    Adrian nced at Lysander, who didn¡¯t show any particr reaction. She was leaning against the door

    with her arms crossed, calmly watching Lysanne bustling about.

    Seeing that. Adrian became calm.

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 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374

    Chapter 374 He Was Here

    Rina also stepped in. ¡°Jane, is there anyone else inside?¡±

    The cabin was rather small, making it difficult to hide a person. It was virtually impossible to remain

    undiscovered.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Lysanne became increasingly anxious as she searched. ¡°He really didn¡¯te?¡±

    Rina asked. ¡°Who are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°No one in particr. I was just concerned for Lysander¡¯s personal safety. I feared that someone

    sinister might be threatening her from the shadows.¡±

    Rina let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Jane, you truly are a greatwyer, with such a strong sense of justice.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve turned this cabin upside down several times already,¡± Lysander said. ¡°What on earth are you

    looking for?¡±

    Lysanne wore a look of confusion. ¡°Well¡­¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Lysanne gritted her teeth and answered, ¡°Thief.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, her voice calm yet firm. ¡°On what grounds do you suspect that there¡¯s a

    thief in ¦Ó¦Ç¦Í resting cabin? Did you see someone sneaking around, stealing things, or did you suspect

    me of being the thief, intending to find evidence?¡±

    As soon as those words fell, Adrian¡¯s expression turned sour. ¡°Jane, what exactly are you trying to do?¡±

    As the hostess for the day, Rina quickly stepped in to mediate the situation. ¡°Adrian, don¡¯t be upset.

    Jane

    wasn¡¯t using Lysander of stealing. She was just concerned for Lysander¡¯s sal

    ¡°Rina, do you really buy that story? The cabin is only so big. If there were even a dog in here, it would

    have been found by now. What is she still looking for?¡± Adrian asked.

    Rina was also somewhat at a loss for words. ¡°Adrian¡­¡±

    Paulo stepped forward to shield his wife, attempting to reason with Adrian. ¡°Don¡¯t

    be upset. Jane is an

    excellentwyer. I trust that she must have a good reason for her spection, On¡¯t be upset. Jane is an

    what she can find?¡±

    Adrian raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, are you suspecting Lysander of stealing?

    Why

    don¡¯t we wait and see

    ¡°No! That¡¯s not what I meant. I just thought we could wait a little longer¡­¡± Paulo said.

    ¡°All right, let her search,¡± Lysander said in a deep voice. ¡°I¡¯m quite curious myself how the greatwyer

    came up with this conjecture.¡±

    Everyone exchanged nces, only able to watch as Lysanne rummaged around inside.

    22:41 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 374 He Was Here

    §Ñ §â§Ñ§á.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Did you find anything?¡±

    Lysanne looked visibly upset when she answered, ¡°No, I really wasn¡¯t doubting you. I was genuinely

    concerned that someone might harm you.¡±

    ¡°Today, everyone here is a stranger to me, someone I¡¯m meeting for the first time. We have no grudges

    or disputes, so why would they wish me harm?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°I was genuinely just worried about you¡­¡± Lysanne responded.

    In a cool tone, Adrian told everyone to leave. ¡°Since nothing is found, let¡¯s just put an end to this. Rina,

    Paulo, please continue with the banquet. Don¡¯t let this minor hup spoil your mood.¡±

    Rina felt apologetic and said, ¡°Adrian, I¡¯m truly sorry.

    ¡°It¡¯s not you who should be apologizing.¡± Adrianforted. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with Lysander. That way, Jane

    can rest assured. Everyone else should head to the front hall. After all, today is your most important

    day. Don¡¯t let it be dyed.¡±

    Paulo nodded. ¡°With you around, Lysander will definitely be safe. Adrian, I¡¯ll bring some cake over to

    you guys in a bit.¡±

    ¡°All right.

    Paulo, with his arm wrapped around Rina¡¯s waist, left the front hall, and gradually, everyone else also

    departed.

    With only a few acquaintances left, there was no need to keep up appearances any longer.

    Lysanne asked, ¡°Was Josiah just here with you?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You¡¯ve searched the cabin, haven¡¯t you? Whether he¡¯s here or not, can¡¯t you see?¡±

    ¡°He must have been here!¡±

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    a pan.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Did you find anything?¡±

    Lysanne looked visibly upset when she answered, ¡°No, I really wasn¡¯t doubting you. I was genuinely

    concerned that someone might harm.

    you.¡±

    ¦§

    ¡°Today, everyone here is a stranger to me, someone I¡¯m meeting for the first time. We have no grudges

    or disputes, so why would they wish me harm?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°I was genuinely just worried about you¡­¡± Lysanne responded.

    In a cool tone, Adrian told everyone to leave. ¡°Since nothing is found, let¡¯s just put an end to this. Rina,

    Paulo, please continue with the banquet. Don¡¯t let this minor hup spoil your mood.¡±

    Rina felt apologetic and said, ¡°Adrian, I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not you who should be apologizing,¡± Adrianforted. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with Lysander. That way, Jane

    can rest assured. Everyone else should head to the front hall. After all, today is your most important

    day. Don¡¯t let it be dyed.¡±

    Paulo nodded. ¡°With you around, Lysander will definitely be safe. Adrian, I¡¯ll bring some cake over to

    you guys in a bit.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Paulo, with his arm wrapped around Rina¡¯s waist, left the front hall, and gradually, everyone else also.

    departed.

    With only a few acquaintances left, there was no need to keep up appearances any longer.

    Lysanne asked, ¡°Was Josiah just here with you?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You¡¯ve searched the cabin, haven¡¯t you? Whether he¡¯s here or not, can¡¯t you see?¡±

    ¡°He must have been here!¡±

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    Chapter 375

    Chapter 375 Jumped Into The Sea

    Áã39%®”

    Lysander retorted, ¡°Fine. If you say he came, then he must have. But why did you make such a fuss

    and call everyone here? To let them see him in my room? But what does it matter even if he was here?

    Other than us, no one knows about my rtionship with him. Even if everyone saw him, we could

    simply say he¡¯s a new friend I was having a chat with-

    ¡°How could it just be a chat? After all, he drank

    ¡°What did you drink?¡±

    Lysanne bit her lip. ¡°How did he leave, exactly?¡±

    ¡°He jumped into the sea.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Jumped into the sea? Did he really jump into the sea for the sake of

    your reputation?¡±

    With a cool voice, Adrian asked, ¡°Are you done?¡±

    He then pointed at the girl standing behind Lysanne. ¡°Where did you find her? What¡¯s your intention of

    bringing her on board?¡±

    Lysanne was seething with frustration. ¡°Adrian, do you think you¡¯re ying the hero, saving the damsel

    in distress? All these years, you¡¯ve held her in your heart, but has she ever truly seen you? She¡¯s

    nothing but an emotionless monster! She doesn¡¯t care for Josiah, and she certainly doesn¡¯t care for

    you. She¡¯s just a cold¨Cblooded creature without a heart! Why is it that all of you are ready to live or die

    for herThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Adrian was also getting angry. ¡°What does it matter to you whether she¡¯s cold¨Cblooded or

    not? Take that person with you and leave immediately!¡±

    Initially, Lysander was leaning against the door, curious about what Lysanne was up to. However,

    Adrian pushed her, sending her into the cabin. Then, with a thud, he closed the door from the inside.

    Once the door was closed, he settled down on the couch. His tone was less than pleasant when he

    said, ¡°Ignore her. Sit down.¡±

    The

    space on the couch was limited, so Lysander didn¡¯t approach him. Instead, she chose to sit at the edge

    of the bed not too far away.

    Adrian knew she was deliberately keeping her distance from him. The gloom in his eyes deepened.

    ¡°Did Josiah really jump into the sea?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, pointing toward the window. ¡°He climbed up from the window. He should be

    up on the deck catching a breeze now.¡±

    Adrian pulled out a piece of napkin from the table and handed it to her. ¡°Wipe it off.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Your lipstick is smudged,¡± he said.

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    Chapter 375 Jumped Into The Sea

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    he here attending the wedding with her? What on earth is he thinking? On one hand, he¡¯s relentlessly

    pursuing you, yet on the other, he seems to be unable to sever ties with his childhood sweetheart.

    Does he want to have both of you? Such good fortune doesn¡¯t exist in this world.¡±

    Lysander sighed, shaking her head. ¡°I really don¡¯t know what he¡¯s thinking.¡±

    Adrian nced at her swollen, red lips, then turned his face away in frustration. ¡°So, what were you

    thinking?¡± he asked resentfully.

    ¡°Obviously, I don¡¯t want to have any further involvement with him.¡±

    ¡°In that case, why did you let him kiss you?¡±

    ¡°He was drugged,¡± Lysander said. ¡°It must have been Lysanne¡¯s doing. Josiah told me that ever since

    Lysanne discovered she couldn¡¯t conceive, she somehow found a girl who looked a lot like me. She

    nned to have this girl bear a child for Josiah, and then raise it as her own.¡±

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Adrian scoffed coldly. ¡°Surrogacy is illegal. Isn¡¯t she awyer? Doesn¡¯t she know that

    herself?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, if she didn¡¯t use her own reproductive cells, it wouldn¡¯t be considered surrogacy?¡±

    Adrian gradually came to understand something. ¡°She drugged Josiah, then brought that girl onto the

    ship, intending for Josiah to mistake her for you, and then get that girl pregnant?¡±

    ¡°I guess.

    That makes sense. That way, Josiah will no longer have a reason to look for you.¡± Adrian suddenly

    paused before questioning, ¡°However, if that was the case, why would she bring people over and

    publicly try to expose your rtionship with Josiah?¡±

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 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376

    Chapter 376 You Are Incapable

    Lysander let out a self¨Cdeprecating chuckle. ¡°Perhaps she wanted to publiclybel me as the one who

    tried- to seduce her fiance?¡±

    Adrian was instantly filled with disdain.

    Lysander was somewhat exasperated. ¡°I never thought that even in Stounia, they would still be

    bothering me.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re truly determined to end it, you¡¯ll undoubtedly be able to do so.¡±

    ¡°How am I supposed to do that?¡± Lysander asked. ¡°You know I¡¯ve tried everything. I even stopped

    using my phone when I first arrived in Stounia.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    It¡¯s simple. Find someone and get married.¡±

    Lysander went silent.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re married and have a husband in the eyes of thew, all of Josiah¡¯s schemes will be

    pointless. No matter how powerful he is, he can¡¯t surpass thew,¡± he said.

    Adrian¡¯s gaze was unwavering and fervent, causing a sense of unease to stir within Lysander¡¯s heart.

    Consequently, she had no choice but to lower her gaze to her own toes, avoiding his stare.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t want to cut ties with him,¡± he uttered.

    ¡°I do!¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you speak up, then? It¡¯s clear that my suggestion is the most straightforward.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath and said, ¡°Marriage is a serious matter. I don¡¯t want to take advantage of

    anyone.¡±

    ¡°What if this person is willing to be taken advantage of by you?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, could you please not do this?¡±

    They were both adults. From the moment he proposed marriage, they bothprehended his

    intentions.

    Precisely because she understood, she felt incredibly troubled.

    Ever since she saw that oil painting in his house, she felt ufortable.

    ¡°Lysander, do you have any reservations?¡±

    Lysander was in distress. ¡°This is not a matter of concern.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the issue?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m incapable of giving you/what you want.¡±

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    Chapter 376 You Are Incapable

    ºÅ38%ÌŽ

    Lysander slightly lifted her gaze. Having known him for so long, that was the first time she felt that

    Adrian was somewhat aggressive.

    Gritting her teeth, she said resolutely, ¡°I¡¯ve told you. I don¡¯t like you that way.¡±

    ¡°Yes. You did mention that.¡±

    ¡°Why would I marry someone I don¡¯t fancy?¡±

    ¡°Who said that marriage must involve affection? In some ways, I agree with you. The foundation of

    marriage doesn¡¯t necessarily require a great deal of love. You didn¡¯t like Josiah, and Josiah didn¡¯t like

    you back then either, but your marriage still managed to work out line. If it weren¡¯t for Lysanne¡¯s

    unexpected interference, you two could have continued to maintain a harmonious and calm

    rtionship. So, if Josiah could do it, why not me?¡±

    This isn¡¯t fair to you.¡± Lysander said. ¡°In my marriage with Josiah, neither of us really loved each other,

    so it didn¡¯t matter. You¡¯re different. You are-

    ¡°I like you.

    Lysander kept silent for a while.

    Even though she knew it in her heart, when Lysander actually heard those three words, she still felt a

    slight tremor in her heart.

    Regardless of whether it was Josiah or Zachary, in truth, they were both putting on a performance,

    The difference was merely that one was acting with sincerity, while the other had ulterior motives in

    mind.

    However, these two individuals had never once told her they liked her.

    Those three words were more than just a confession of love. They also represented an attitude.

    The person

    who first voiced their feelings was actually choosing to be at a disadvantage in the rtionship. They

    were willing topromise first, to yield first, to adopt a submissive stance, to be in a passive position,

    waiting for the other party to deliver a verdict.

    How would other girls react upon hearing these words? Charmed? Joy! Being moved? Happiness?

    Lysander couldn¡¯t find the words to describe her feelings at that moment. All she could do was

    continuously shake her head. ¡°No. It really won¡¯t work.¡±

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    Chapter 377

    Chapter 377 My Turn

    Adrian remained silent, merely gazing at her with slightly lowered eyes.

    38%

    Lysander continued, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s best if we cut off all contact from now on, even as friends. I¡¯ll find a

    new ce to move out as soon as possible. I¡¯ll calcte and pay you for the rent for these past few

    days. Let¡¯s

    make a clean break.¡±

    Adrian withdrew his gaze. ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Since I¡¯ve already rejected you, it¡¯s better if we keep things clear and straightforward.¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Give it some more thought,¡± he suggested.

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°From the looks of it, Josiah is still going to keep pursuing you. The difference in his social status and

    yours is quite significant. With the power you currently hold, getting rid of him is practically impossible,¡±

    Adrian said.

    Lysander was still keeping mum.

    ¡°When you truly have no other options, you can still turn to me. We can consider a trial marriage that

    lasts a specific time. Or, if you want a divorce when Josiah has finally given up on you, it¡¯s fine. I won¡¯t

    stop you, nor will I cling to you like Josiah. If you say you want a divorce on any given day, we¡¯ll

    proceed with the paperwork on that very day,¡± Adrian added.

    Lysander closed her eyes. ¡°The person I was five years ago and the person I am now are not the

    same. The girl you knew from the medical university is not the same person standing before you now.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Let it go and don¡¯t be reckless. I was once married to Josiah. Even if the public is unaware, doesn¡¯t

    your family know? Even if they don¡¯t know now, they¡¯ll eventually find out. Would they ever ept you

    marrying a divorcee?¡± Lysander asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s my problem. You don¡¯t need to overthink it,¡± Adrian said. ¡°Since I¡¯ve voiced it out, I¡¯ll ensure all

    troubles are dealt with thoroughly.¡±

    ¡°No. It would make me feel too selfish.¡±

    He stood up and said, ¡°Lysander, you could actually afford to be a bit more selfish.¡±

    Lysander kept mum.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the front hall to take a look. Would you like to join me?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°You go ahead.¡±

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    Chapter 377 My Turn

    He forcefully pushed against the window, testing its sturdiness. ¡°As long as it¡¯s not opened from the

    inside, there¡¯s no way to open it from the outside. After I leave, the door will be locked, too.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Adrian picked up his jacket and left.

    As soon as he pushed open the cabin door, he collided with someone outside.

    Adrian let out a scoff, his voiceced with mockery. ¡°How is it that someone of your stature has

    resorted to such underhanded tactics, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Josiah started the conversation by asking. ¡°Do you want to marry Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Adrian answered.

    ¡°I advise you to better drop that idea.¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Adrian chuckled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you sure have a way with words. Currently, Lysander is single. It¡¯s her

    choice who she marries, and it¡¯s my right to pursue her. Why should I back off?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze was sharp. ¡°Dr. Sutton, out of respect for you being Aiden¡¯s elder brother, I¡¯ve always

    treated. you with respect. But when ites to Lysander, it¡¯s a different story.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take things slow and see how they unfold.¡±

    ¡°All right, then.¡±

    When Adrian stepped out, the two men¡¯s shoulders collided fiercely, yet neither was willing to give way.

    After Adrian left, Josiah slowly made his way in.

    Lysander felt a headacheing on. Are these two men really nning to take turns to challenge me?

    They just want to wear me down, don¡¯t they?

    ¡°Lysander-

    Lysander couldn¡¯t take it anymore. ¡°Are you here to interrogate me?¡±

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    398

 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378

    Chapter 378 A ssic Illness

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Why did youe back, then? Was the sea breeze not cool enough for you?¡±

    38%

    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± Josiah said, a weary frown on his face. ¡°I don¡¯t intend to interrogate you. How could I dare to

    now, when there¡¯s a rival waiting in the wings, ready to seize the opportunity?¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°I¡¯m tired, too. Go to another cabin.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t dare to go. The wine in that cabin carlier is drugged, and who knows what traps await me in the

    other cabins? Your ce is the safes

    With that, heid down on the couch.

    The couch was simply too short for him. His long legs were awkwardly folded, with more than half of

    them hanging off the edge. He looked extremely ufortable.

    However, Lysander was unable to determine whether his difort was due to the couch or because

    the effects of the medicine had yet topletely wear off.

    She didn¡¯t dare to approach, fearing she would be like amb walking into the lion¡¯s den. She could

    only stand her ground and asked loudly, ¡°Josiah, are you all right now?¡±

    His voice was muffled, a low hum emerging from his chest.

    After that, he coughed twice.

    Astutely, Lysander noticed that water was dripping down from his leg, which was resting on the armrest

    of the couch.

    His trousers clung tightly to his skin, the water slowly seeping into his shoes through the gaps.

    And from the heel of the shoe, water was steadily dripping down.

    Upon closer inspection, his suit jacket also appeared damp, but it seemed as though the mohad

    seeped out from within.

    Lysander focused her gaze and indeed, beneath the white shirt, the color of the skin was visible. It was

    clearly soaked through, clinging to the body.

    ¡°You didn¡¯ractually jump into the sea, did you?¡± she asked.

    Josiah¡¯s eyes slightly opened to a slit. ¡°Do you truly wish for

    ¡°Howe you¡¯repletely soaked?¡±

    my death?¡±

    He closed his eyes again, feigning sleep as he continued to rest. ¡°There¡¯s a pool on the deck. I needed

    to

    cool off.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take off your clothes before getting in the water?¡±

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    1065

    Chapter 378 A ssic Illness

    ¡°However, everyone was in the front hall attending Rina and Paulo¡¯s wedding at the time. No one was

    on the deck.¡±

    Josiah threw up his hands in exasperation. ¡°Forget it. Talking to you is going to be the death of me

    sooner

    orter.¡±

    Lysander retorted directly. ¡°Then why did youe looking for me? Just to amuse yourself by getting

    annoyed?¡±

    ¡°Am I not allowed to seek out trouble because I¡¯m bored?¡±

    ¡°Heh! I¡¯d suggest you see a psychologist. Your symptoms are indicative of a ssic disorder.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Everyone has their issues in this day and age,¡± he said nonchntly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any. I¡¯m very healthy.¡±

    Josiah exhaled deeply. ¡°You¡¯ve lost all your emotions. You can¡¯t fall in love with anyone, nor can you

    ept others¡® affection for you. How can you call that healthy?¡±

    Lysander went quiet.

    Josiah slightly sat back, feeling a bit guilty. That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯re right in saying that. I really do seem like a person devoid of normal

    human emotions.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I misspoke.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± She shrugged. ¡°However, I don¡¯t see anything wrong with it. Without the

    complexity of emotions, there are no expectations. And without expectations, there are not

    disappointments. Life might be mundane this way, but it brings peace of mind.¡±

    Leaning his head to one side against the back of the couch, Josiah gazed at her with a spellbound

    look. ¡°Even though you haven¡¯t really tasted the bitterness of love, why are you so pessimistic?

    Lysander, you¡¯re not even thirty yet. There¡¯s no need to pressure yourself like some old monk who has

    taken his vows.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379

    Chapter 379 His Business

    ¡°Perhaps the person who could truly captivate my heart hasn¡¯t appeared yet.¡±

    ¡°Have you truly never had your heart moved, not even once?¡±

    Lysander paused briefly, then nodded. ¡°There was one time.¡±

    38-6

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I forgot.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to talk about it, that¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Rina and Paulo¡¯s wedding was carried out sessfully.

    Despite some minor unpleasant incidents, the party afterward was said to be quite lively and exciting.

    However, all these were things Rina told her a few dayster.

    Rina was indeed a peculiar character. Even though it was her own wedding, she insisted on personally

    delivering gifts.

    Lysander gazed at the small, fluffy animal inside the cage, truly at a loss for Rina¡¯s intentions.

    Rina felt a bit embarrassed as she exined, ¡°The thing is, I¡¯m pregnant now, so I can¡¯t take care of it

    anymore. I¡¯m also notfortable entrusting it to just anyone, so I¡¯ve plucked up the courage to ask

    you could possibly take it in.¡±

    you

    Lysander asked, ¡°Does your family object to you keeping it? During pregnancy, as long as you ensure

    the pet isn¡¯t carrying any toxosmosis and is properly vinated and dewormed, it won¡¯t affect the

    baby.¡±

    if

    ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s not that. I just feel like I don¡¯t have enough energy. After getting pregnant, I¡¯ve been

    dealing with morning sickness and overall difort. This is a real, living little life, and I¡¯m struggling to

    take care of myself, let alone this tiny being. Lysander, I¡¯m begging you. It¡¯s so small. I just can¡¯t trust

    anyone else with it¡±

    ¡°So, you trust me, then?¡±

    ¡°You seem like a gentle soul,¡± Rina said, her hand holding onto Lysander¡¯s. ¡°A girl who could upy

    Adrian¡¯s thoughts for so many years must certainly be trustworthy.¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words.

    Rina said, ¡°Paulo is waiting for me outside, so I need to go. I¡¯m leaving it in your hands now. I hope you

    two get along well.¡±

    Rina then left, leaving Lysander alone in the house with the little white dog in the cage. They looked at

    each other, each seemingly lost in their own thoughts.

    Chapter 379 His Business

    38%ÌŽ

    Once the weekend was over, Lysander was upied with adjusting to her new hospital and position.

    She was also in the process of house hunting and gradually packing up her things. However, the move

    would have to wait a bit longer, at least until the weekend after next.

    Lysander released it from the cage, and the little white dog seemed to be quite sociable. It first licked

    her hand as a sign of affection, then promptly began to mark its territory around the living room, quickly

    spreading its scent in preparation for settling in.

    However, with thepanionship of this little one, Lysander found life to be considerably more

    interesting.

    She yfully poked its chubby little belly, but it didn¡¯t get upset. Instead, it moved closer to her and

    began to lick her fingers.

    Lysander gently patted its little head. ¡°What a simp.¡±

    ¡°Are you talking about me?¡± Adrian asked.

    Adrian had arrived at some point without notice. Lysander, holding the puppy, stood up and said, ¡°I was

    talking about the dog.¡±

    Adrian walked over and gently patted the puppy on its head. ¡°Quite adorable.¡±

    The puppy seemed to be naturally sociable, wagging its tail non¨Cstop while nestled in Lysander¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Did you buy it?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s from Rina.¡±

    ¡°She sent it here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. She said she¡¯s pregnant, so she could no longer keep it.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t say much about it, merely asking: ¡°Do you want to keep it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m about to move out and live on my own, which can be quite lonely. Having a small dog forpany

    wouldn¡¯t be too bad, would it?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s expression remained unchanged when he heard that she was moving out. However, the light

    int his eyes noticeably dimmed. ¡°Well, you might as well keep it. It can guard the house for you,¡± he

    said.

    Lysander sighed helplessly and said, ¡°Do I expect it to guard the house? Even if a thief showed up, it

    would probably just tter the thief.¡±

    ¡°Josiah has returned to his country.

    A sudden remark broke into Lysander¡¯s train of thought.

    Adrian continued, ¡°He left with Lysanne.¡±.

    Lysander, holding the dog, went to the living room and said, ¡°That¡¯s his business. Why tell me about it?¡±

    22:42 Mon, 3 Jun

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380

    Chapter 380 Not Your Mother

    Adrian asked, ¡°Hasn¡¯t he reached out to you?¡±

    Lysander gently stroked the soft fur of the little white dog. ¡°Why would he reach out to me?¡±

    ¡°I thought, at the very least, he would have said something to you.¡±

    Lysander remained silem, continuing to y with the little white dog.

    ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s pretend I never said that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s quitete, and it¡¯s hard to drive when it¡¯s dark.¡±

    With a helpless smile, Adrian rose to leave. ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. It¡¯s just that every time I

    confess my feelings to you, your attitude seems to turn rather indifferent.¡±

    38%¾€

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, I¡¯ll be honest. I don¡¯t have much experience dealing with situations like this. The best I can

    do is try not to give you false hope.¡±

    Adrian gave a nod. ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°If my behavior has hurt you, I¡¯m truly sorry. I¡¯ll be moving out this weekend.¡±

    By then, Adrian had already reached the door. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter.¡±

    Lysander never expected that those words could actually have a different meaning.

    During her midday break, she received a call from Daphne.

    ¡°When I went to deliver the local specialties to your parents, I think I saw Josiah¡¯s car,¡± Daphne said.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Where did you see it?¡± Lysander asked,

    ¡°In the residential area. When I arrived, I happened to see him lugging loads of packages upstairs. I

    decided to wait for him downstairs, probably for a little over an hour, before I finally saw hime

    down.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°What about those things?¡±

    ¡°He took the things down with him.¡±

    Hearing that, Lysander let out a small sigh of relief.

    Daphne also felt somewhat frustrated. ¡°Your parents are really stubborn. I just don¡¯t know what they

    discussed in that one hour. I¡¯m worried that if your parents see Josiah, they might get angry. It would be

    terrible if they were upset to the point of harm.¡±

    ¡°Did you check on them?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡± Daphne could barely contain her joy. ¡°Rest assured, your parents are doing just fine, and

    Michelle is also doing well.¡±

    With a subtle smile, Lysander gently said, ¡°That¡¯s good, then.¡±

    22:42 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 380 Not Your Mother

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°It seems that b*tch¡¯s mother is on herst legs! It might sound immoral to say this, but who knows if

    the b*tch¡¯s skewed values have anything to do with her mother¡¯s teachings? Wasn¡¯t it mentioned before

    that her mother was always sick and frail? It won¡¯t be surprising if she doesn¡¯t make it through this

    winter.¡±

    A buzz filled Lysander¡¯s mind. ¡°What exactly happened?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not quite sure¡­ Why are you so worked up? She¡¯s her mother, not yours.¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment before saying, ¡°Daphne, I have to hang up now. Something¡¯se up.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Aren¡¯t you on your lunch break?¡±

    ¡°I need to go check on something.¡±

    ¡°All right, then. You carry on with your work.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander immediately called Josiah.

    The phone rang on and on before it was finally answered.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°How is Lysanne¡¯s mother doing?

    Lysander¡¯s tone held a certain urgency that left Josiah somewhat bewildered, but he still answered, ¡°I

    was just about to discuss this with you. Mrs. Thorne¡¯s condition suddenly worsened, and she¡¯s been

    unconscious ever since. The doctor¡¯s prognosis isn¡¯t promising, suggesting we prepare for the worst.

    Given the urgency of the situation, I came back first. Mrs. Thorne has been kind to me, and if anything

    were to happen, Mr. Thorne wouldn¡¯t be able to handle everything on his own. I had toe back to

    help.¡±

    ¡°She was confined to a wheelchair due to her leg condition, right? Were there any other illnesses? Why

    did her condition suddenly worsen?¡±

    ¡°There were many technical terms I didn¡¯t fully understand. However, based on the doctor¡¯s words, it

    appears that she has suffered a significant trauma in her early years, which has severely stimted her

    brain, resulting in neurological paralysis. This time, it seems to be a simr situation to the previous

    one, but it appears to be even more severe¡­

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381

    Chapter 381 Take Me To See Her

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t get a response.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m here,¡± Lysanderfinally replied.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne might not have much time left. I¡¯ll sort things out here ande back to be with you as

    soon as I can.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I don¡¯t need yourpany.¡±

    That afternoon, she took a week off from the hospital and headed straight to the airport.

    By the time she returned to Harborbrook, it was already the early hours of the following day.

    She hailed a cab and headed straight for the hospital.

    The nurse at the reception desk was somewhat taken aback when she saw her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re

    back?¡±

    she asked.

    ¡°Um, could you please help me find out which ward a patient named Molly is in?¡±

    ¡°All right, just a moment¡­ Thirteenth floor, bed 63.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    In the wee hours, the hospital was scarcely popted. She went straight up to the thirteenth floor, but

    the ward was deserted.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Josiah strode over quickly, his gaze filled with surprise and uncertainty. ¡°Why did you suddenlye

    back?¡±

    Lysander herself didn¡¯t know how to exin.

    She asked outright, ¡°How is she?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Molly.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s receiving treatment in the ICU,¡±

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    Donrle

    22:42 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 381 Take Me To See Her

    Lysander was somewhat dazed.

    38% %1

    Josiah pulled her into his arms. ¡°Take a rest. You don¡¯t have to speak if you don¡¯t want to. I won¡¯t ask

    anymore. I¡¯ll have Carol take you home first. I might not be able to make it home tonight, so you go

    ahead and wait for me there, okay?¡±

    With that, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

    Lysander stopped him. ¡°Take me to see her.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    With a puzzled expression, Josiah asked, ¡°Did youe back specifically for Mrs. Thorne? Did you

    two have any connections before?¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡± She lifted her head, her eyes red. ¡°Take me there, now.

    Josiah gazed at her intently and nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    His coat still retained his body heat, and she feltforted.

    Josiah swept her up in his arms, coat and all, and together, they headed to the ICU.

    The first person to see them was Susan.

    ¡°Did you get the medical records? This is¨CSusan was taken aback for a moment. ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Lysander tugged at the corner of her mouth. ¡°Hi, Madam Susan.¡±

    ¡°You look unwell. You¡¯re practically ashen!¡± Susan chided Josiah with a light p. ¡°Lysander is sick, yet

    you still refuse to let her go. Have you lost your mind? Why on earth did you bring her back from

    Stounia. when she was doing just fine there? Are you trying to ruin her career as well?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t even attempt to dodge, enduring several hits. He then gently tightened his suit jacket

    around Lysander.

    Susan¡¯s voice was far from quiet, which was overheard by Howard and Lysanne, who were keeping

    vigil outside the ICU.

    Immediately, tears started pouring down Howard¡¯s face like a heavy rain. He stumbled toward

    Lysander, nearly falling over. ¡°Lysa¡­¡± he croaked out.

    Lysanne hurried over to help. ¡°Dad, what are you doing? Please, get up¡­

    Susan also stepped in to help. ¡°That¡¯s right, Howard. The ground is cold.¡±

    Yet, Howard seemed to turn a deaf ear to it all, practically throwing himself at Lysander¡¯s feet and

    reaching out to grasp her. ¡°Lysa! Lysa¡­¡±

    Backing away with Lysander in his arins, Josiah wore a guarded expression. ¡°Mr. Thorne, what are you

    doing?¡±

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    These past few days, she¡¯s been constantly talking about you. Lysa, please¡­ Go see her onest

    time¡­¡±

    Lysanne gritted her teeth frustratingly and said, ¡°Dad, have you mistaken someone else for me? I¡¯m

    your daughter!¡±

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 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382

    Chapter 382 Be A Substitute

    ¡°Yeah, Howard¡­ You¡¯ve got the wrong person. Lyss has been here all along.¡± Susan said.

    She then shot Josiah a meaningful nce. ¡°You take Lysander to rest first. Howard hasn¡¯t been quite

    himself all day today. We wouldn¡¯t want to frighten Lysander.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod, intending to leave with Lysander in his arms.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you to see her.¡± Lysander suddenly said.

    With a pair of fiery eyes, Howard gave a firm nod. ¡°All right, good child. Thank you.¡±

    Lysander struggled slightly, signaling for Josiah to let her go.

    Josiah was perplexed. ¡°Mr. Thorne has mistaken you for someone else. Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll handle

    the situation.

    Howard eximed excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m not mistaken! She is indeed Lysa!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, please, take a moment to calm down.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t afford to stay calm any longer! Molly is unconscious inside. If she doesn¡¯t see Lysa soon, I¡¯m

    afraid she might never get the chance!¡± Howard yelled.

    Lysanne firmly gripped Howard, who was on the verge of losing his sanity, and yelled, ¡°Dad, are you

    also going don¡¯t recognize me either?¡±

    mad? Mom doesn¡¯t recognize me, and now yo

    Howard shook Lysanne off and immediately reached for Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Kid,e with me.¡±

    Josiah firmly held onto Howard¡¯s arm. ¡°Mr. Thorne!¡±

    ¡°Let go.¡± Lysander said.

    Josiah shook his head at her. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve made a mistake once before. I won¡¯t let you be someone

    else¡¯s stand¨Cin again!¡±

    Tears streaming down her face, Lysanne dered, ¡°I¡¯m right here! There¡¯s no need for a stand¨Cin!¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡± Lysander lifted her head, looking at Josiah. ¡°Le

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡±

    go of him. I want to go with him.¡± go of him. I want to

    Seeing Josiah¡¯s hesitation, Howard swiftly pulled Lysander from his embrace and headed straight for

    the ICU.

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°Howard!¡±

    Seemingly unfazed, Howard took Lysander¡¯s hand and led her inside.

    Suddenly, Lysander came to a halt.

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    for losing you, and it¡¯s all our fault. However, your mom really wants to see you. The hardest thing she¡¯s

    ever had to deal with is losing you. She¡¯s been ming herself for decades, and now that we¡¯ve finally

    found you. You just-

    Lysander¡¯s voice was steady when she said, ¡°Put on the sterile gown.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Before entering the ICU, you need to put on a sterile gown and ensure proper disinfection,¡± Lysander

    said.

    Just then, a nurse from the ICU emerged and recognized Lysander, ¡°Hi, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod. ¡°Could you please fetch me two sets of sterile gowns? We¡¯re going in to

    check on the patient.¡±

    ¡°I understand this gentlem¨¢n is a rtive of the patient, but Dr. Thorne, are you also going in?¡± the

    nurse asked.

    í‘

    ¡°Yes.

    ¡°However¡­ You know I¡¯m not stopping you deliberately, but you¡¯re aware of the hospital¡¯s rules. Only

    close rtives are allowed in.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Then-

    ¡°The patient inside is my mom.

    The nurse was taken aback. ¡°What?¡±

    Howard pleaded urgently, ¡°Miss, please provide us with sterile gowns quickly. My wife has been

    yearning to see our daughter. I beg you to hurry¡­¡±

    The nurse was somewhat taken aback, yet Howard¡¯s sincerity seemed genuine. Furthermore, Lysander

    had established a certain level of trust during her years at the hospital. Without any suspicion, the

    nurse arranged for them to put on sterile gowns and proceed with the disinfection.

    Finally, when Howard entered the ICU, he saw his frail and emaciated wife. Instantly, a surge of

    emotion overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down his face as he took her hand and said, ¡°Honey, Lysa

    is here¡­¡±

    On the bed, Molly showed no response.

    If it weren¡¯t for the nearby machine disying vital signs, she would have been indistinguishable from a

    corpse.

    ¡°Honey, did you hear me? Lysa hase to see you¡­¡± Howard repeated.

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 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383

    Chapter 383 I Am Not Leaving

    Just like before, Molly remained motionless.

    Howard then quickly took Lysander¡¯s hand, cing it over Molly¡¯s. ¡°Do you feel that? It¡¯s our daughter.

    Lysa is here!¡±

    Suddenly, the withered fingers under Lysander¡¯s palm twitched slightly..

    Howard was overjoyed. ¡°She heard it! Lysa, your mom heard it!¡±

    Lysander was unsure of what expression to wear or how to react.

    Frankly, she didn¡¯t feel much for this biological mother of hers.

    In the more than meticulously.

    twenty years of her life before this point, it was Laura who had cared for her

    At the same time, Maverick might appear stern, but he was the one who cared for Lysander the most.

    Lysander had never felt that she wasn¡¯t their daughter, nor had she noticed any favoritism between

    herself and Michelle.

    Even after Lysander¡¯s divorce, Maverick and Laura were willing to sell their house just to provide her

    with a down payment. When she decided to move to Stounia, Maverick gave her the majority of the

    savings he had umted over his lifetime.

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to acknowledge Howard and Molly, not because she harbored resentment toward

    them for losing her. After all, her life hadn¡¯t been devoid of paternal and maternal love.

    She was merely worried that Maverick and Laura might get hurt if she were to acknowledge Howard

    and Molly.

    They were already past the age of fifty, so they might not be able to deal with this sudden turn of

    events.

    Besides, Howard and Molly still had Lysanne. The couple poured their love onto Lysanne, even going

    to the extent of risking their lives to threaten Josiah, all for the sake of ensuring a peaceful and smooth

    second half of life for Lysanne.

    They had long sincee to consider Lysanne as their very own daughter.

    Meanwhile, Lysander could never possibly consider herself as a sister to Lysanne.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    Hence, given the circumstances, Lysander thought it would be better to keep things as they were

    ¡°Lysa, your mom has woken up!¡±

    A joyous exmation jolted Lysander back to reality.

    Just moments ago, her hand was lightly resting on Molly¡¯s. Suddenly, Molly was grabbing her hand

    instead.

    Molly was still quite weak, but she mustered all the strength she could to hold on to Lysander as if

    terrified

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    Lysa, stay here with your mom. I¡¯m going to fetch the doctor.¡±

    Howard quickly wiped away his tears and rushed out, loudly calling for a doctor.

    In no time, both the doctor and nurse had rushed over.

    38%¾€

    The nurse advised Lysander, ¡°Dr. Thorne, we need to promptly assess the patient¡¯s condition. Could

    you kindly wait outside for a bit?¡±

    Lysander, being familiar with the process, gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

    However. Molly held onto Lysander tightly, refusing to let go. Molly¡¯s knuckles quickly turned white from

    the strain, her expression one of sheer panic.

    Lysander leaned down, giving Molly a gentle embrace. ¡°You just focus on cooperating with the doctor

    for your treatment. I¡¯ll be waiting for you outside.¡±

    Molly couldn¡¯t speak, so she could only let out a hum in response.

    Molly didn¡¯t let go of Lysander until thetter repeated, ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡±

    Under Molly¡¯s watchful gaze, Lysander slowly stepped out of the ICU.

    Howard, who was simrly stopped at the door, said worriedly. ¡°Lysa, the nurse said I¡¯m not allowed to

    go in.¡±

    Lysanderforted him by saying. ¡°Let¡¯s leave it to the doctor. We¡¯ll just wait outside.¡±

    ¡°When you came out just now, did the doctor or nurse say mom¡¯s condition any better?¡±

    anything? Is your

    ¡°Let¡¯s not disturb them for now. The doctor will do his best.¡±

    ¡°All right¡­ All right, I will listen to you.¡± Howard nodded.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll help you over there to sit and rest for a bit,¡± Lysander said.

    The moment they turned around, they saw that Josiah had somehow positioned himself behind them

    unnoticed.

    Susan and Lysanne were also there.

    Lysanne rushed forward and shook off Lysander¡¯s grip on Howard¡¯s arm. ¡°Dad, have you lost your

    mind? You¡¯re my father, not hers!¡± Lysanne grumbled

    ¡°I¡¯m her father¡­¡± Howard sighed and said to Lysanne, ¡°Do you remember me telling you that your

    mother and I lost our biological daughter back then, which led us to adopt your¡±

    The color drained from Lysanne¡¯s face instantly

    Josiah waspletely taken aback. ¡°Mr. Thorne, are you saying that¡­

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    Josiah looked toward Lysander.

    38%

    At first, his eyes revealed shock, which quickly gave way to confusion, only to finally settle on a sense

    of

    urgency.

    At that moment, Josiah desperately wanted to confirm something.

    ¡°Lysanne was adopted? At what age?¡± Josiah questioned.

    Howard sighed and answered, ¡°When Lysa went missing, she was just over four years old. Molly

    med herself, believing she had failed to look after her daughter properly. She was filled with guilt

    every day as we waited for news after reporting to the police. We waited for more than half a year, but

    in the end, the police told us that the chances of such a young child surviving alone outside for so many

    days were very slim. They asked us to face the reality¡­¡±

    With that. Howard cast a nce at Lysander.

    Lysander stood there quietly, her head bowed down. Her lips were tightly pursed, and no one knew

    what she had on her mind.

    Howard then uttered with a hint of bitterness, ¡°The way you look now, it¡¯s just like how your mother was

    when you went missing. For more than half a year, she sat idle, waiting for news every day. Every time

    the phone rang, she would shout out, believing it was news about you. I was no different. But every

    time we picked up the phone, it was either a rtive or friend checking in or the police saying there was

    no progress. The worst part was that most of the calls were telemarketers or scams¡­¡±

    Josiah¡¯s hands, hanging by his sides, clenched and unclenched repeatedly. ¡°You never told us about

    your daughter going missing¡­¡±

    ¡°Your mother knew all along,¡± Howard said. ¡°After we adopted Lyss, we were concerned that she might

    feel she didn¡¯t belong. Hence, we made it clear to all our rtives and friends that they had to treat

    Lyss like our own biological daughter from then on. We wanted to make up for everything our biological

    daughter missed out on by giving it all to Lyss.¡±

    Josiah turned toward Susan. ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve known all along?¡±

    Susan gave a nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Josiah questioned.

    ¡°Back then, you were just a kid. What good would it have done to tell you? Besides, children are

    notorious for not keeping secrets. Imagine if you had identally let it slip and Lysanue heard it. It

    would have upset

    her, too.

    Anxiously, Josiah said, ¡°If I had known it wasn¡¯t her, I wouldn¡¯t have-¡±

    Right then, Lysanne called out to him, ¡°Josiah!¡±

    Her eyes were filled with pleading, and she cautiously wanted to grasp his sleeve. ¡°I¡­¡±

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    Chapter 384 Deceived By Others

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°How old?¡± Josiah roared.

    Lysanne was startled, and tears quickly welled up in her eyes.

    Howard answered on her behalf, ¡°When Molly and I went to the orphanage, we originally wanted to find

    a girl about the same age as Lysa. However, we searched through several orphanages in Harborbrook

    and couldn¡¯t find any girl the same age as Lysa, except for one, and that was Lysanne. When we

    brought her back, she was already seven years old.

    A wave of paleness instantly washed over Lysanne¡¯s face when she heard those words.

    A child at the age of seven was already capable of remembering things.

    In other words, from the moment Lysanne arrived at the Thorne manor, she was acutely aware that she

    wasn¡¯t Lysander. Instead, she was a child adopted from the orphanage.

    The look in Josiah¡¯s eyes shifted gradually from indifference.to anger as he gazed at Lysanne. ¡°Why

    didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± he thundered.

    ¡°Josiah, it¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t tell you. It¡¯s just that I-¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you deny it when I mentioned we met once as children?¡± Josiah was p*ssed off.

    Lysanne was so nervous that her whole body was shaking.

    ¡°Lysanne, I told you I hated being lied to the most, didn¡¯t I?¡±

 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385

    Chapter 385 Laughing At Myself

    By then, Susan also discerned that things didn¡¯t seem as straightforward as she had initially thought.

    ¡°Josiah, what¡¯s going on?¡± Susan asked.

    In response. Josiah let out a cold, humorlessugh.

    ¡°Why are youughing when I¡¯m asking you a question?¡±

    Josiah withdrew his gaze, closing his eyes in pain. ¡°I¡¯mughing at myself.¡±

    Howard was puzzled. ¡°Josiah, why are you so worked up?¡±

    Josiah had his eyes shut, and he furrowed his brows tightly in distress.

    Understanding her son, Susan stepped in to exin, ¡°Howard, let¡¯s leave the kids to sort out their own

    issues. We should check on Molly first.¡±

    The moment those words fell, the door to the ICU opened. ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡±

    The scene that night was steeped in destion, filled with profound sorrow, and tinged with palpable

    terror and confusion..

    However, Lysander became the mostposed person.

    She responded, ¡°Yes? How¡¯s the patient doing?

    ¡°All vital signs have shown some improvement, but her physical condition is still poor, necessitating a

    few more days in the ICU. Additionally, she¡¯s been crying constantly. It might be beneficial if a family

    member could stay outside the ss to keep herpany and help soothe her emotions.¡±

    Hearing that, Howard dered resolutely, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±

    ¡°Let me do it,¡± Lysander said. ¡°You¡¯re advanced in years and have been pushing yourself for so many

    days. You should head back early to rest. I¡¯ll stay here and keep watch.¡±

    A bitter expression surfaced on Howard¡¯s face, ¡°Lysa¡­¡±

    ¡°Josiah?¡± Lysander called out.

    Immediately, Josiah responded, ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Do me a favor. Could you drop off my dad at home on your way?¡±

    Josiah replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have Carol do that. I¡¯ll stay here with you.¡±

    ¡°No need. Just help me get my dad home. Thank you. I appreciate your help. Lysander said

    Josiah¡¯s gaze softened. ¡°All right, leave it to me.¡±

    Madam Susan, thank you foring to the hospital to see my mom today. You should head home and

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    Chapter 385 Laughing At Myself

    should be concerned. Your mother will be in the ICU for several more days. You won¡¯t be able to

    handle it all by yourself. You¡¯ll need someone to take turns with you.¡±

    Lysander gave a bitter smile. ¡°I can¡¯t leave.¡±

    After all themotion that happened that day, it was clear to anyone with discerning eyes that the

    crux of Molly¡¯s illness was indeed Lysander.

    Molly was afraid that Lysander wouldn¡¯t acknowledge her, afraid she might never see Lysander again.

    Thus, enveloped by an overwhelming sense of despair, Molly lost her will to live..

    If Molly were to wake up again, not see Lysander, and get sicker, the consequences would be

    unthinkable.

    Susan also thought of that, so she said, ¡°In that case, let Josiah apany you. At the very least, he

    can help with delivering meals and water.¡±

    Lysander knew that Susan was trying to rekindle her rtionship with Josiah.

    She instinctively resisted, even contemting seeking help from Daphne.

    However, the thought of Delores being ill in bed at that time made her dismiss the idea.

    ¡°W¨CWhat about me?¡± Lysanne hesitated before asking, ¡°Should I stay as well? My parents have raised

    me all these years. I want to show them my gratitude and respect.¡±

    Lysander stared at her coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you, though.¡±

    A pallor washed over Lysanne¡¯s face. ¡°Even if you are our parents¡® biological daughter, you can¡¯t deny

    me the right to care for our mother, can you?¡±

    ¡°Care for her?¡± Lysanderughed coldly. ¡°When you were so desperate not to be abandoned by Josiah

    that you forced Mom to stake her life to pressure him, where was your filial piety then?¡±

    Lysanne was stumped.

    ¡°Have you only found your filial piety recently?¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°How could you say that about me? It¡¯s true that I was desperate, but I never forced Mom into doing

    anything!¡± Lysanne retorted.

    ¡°You knew full well that she had already lost a daughter once and couldn¡¯t bear the agony of losing you,

    100. Yet, you repeatedly threatened to kill yourself. If that was not maniption, what was it?¡±

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 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386

    Chapter 386 Provoke Me

    Watching his two daughters at each other¡¯s throats, Howard felt a heavy difort f

    his heart.

    ¡°Lysa, what¡¯s done is done. There¡¯s no use dwelling on it now. Lyss has been genuinely remorseful

    lately. The ability to recognize and correct one¡¯s mistakes is a great virtue. Let¡¯s not be too harsh on

    her, all right?¡±

    Lysander indifferently averted her gaze. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about her. She¡¯s the one who insisted ont

    provoking me.¡±

    ¡°She¡­ s. We spoiled her too much.¡±

    ¡°Since you know that she¡¯s been spoiled, it¡¯s time to start teaching her independence. She should stop

    expecting others to clean up her messes, whether it¡¯s you guys or Josiah.¡±

    Howard nodded. ¡°Yes. You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. This is the ICU. Everyone here needs a peaceful environment to recuperate. You all

    should head home for now. Too many people can interfere with the doctors and nurses performing their

    duties.

    Howard wanted to say something more, but Josiah interrupted him, ¡°Mr. Thorne, let me escort you my

    mom home first.¡±

    and

    Howard gazed at the delicate silhouette standing outside the ss, still feeling uneasy. ¡°Josiah, I¡¯m

    worried about her being alone.¡±

    ¡°My secretary will be here shortly. I¡¯ll have her take you and my mom home first. I n on staying here

    with Lysander.

    Susan also chimed in, ¡°That¡¯s right. Howard, you need to take care of your own health too. When Molly

    gets better, the three of you still have a life to lead. They need your care, so you must make sure to

    take good care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Howard¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. ¡°I failed to protect my daughter and couldn¡¯t take

    care of my wife properly. I swear I won¡¯t let them suffer even the slightest hardship in the future.¡±

    uh said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    After that sudden lunge just now, Howard¡¯s legs were still somewhat shaky.

    Josiah came over to assist him, slowly guiding thetter toward the door.

    Susan trailed behind them, not bothering to acknowledge Lysanne, who was left standing in the same

    spot.

    Lysanne quickened her pace to catch up. ¡°Madam Susan, let me assist you.¡±

    Susan replied indifferently, ¡°I¡¯m not so helpless that I need someone to support me. I can walk on my

    own.

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    1. A)

    Anxiety welled up in Lysanne¡¯s heart. ¡°Madam Susan¡­¡±

    Susan didn¡¯t pause. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Why are you calling me?¡±

    ¡°Do you not like me anymore, too?¡±

    Susan wore a half¨Csmile. ¡°How could that be? Josiah.¡±

    She hurried a few steps forward and grabbed Howard¡¯s other arm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t walk so fast. I can¡¯t keep up with you.¡±

    With a serious expression, Josiah responded, ¡°Okay.

    38%1

    Susan let out a sigh. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about Lysander, and you¡¯re anxious to rush back to her

    after entrusting us to Ms. Collins. However, you must also consider Howard¡¯s health. He knocked his

    knees quite badly when he fell earlier.¡°¡±

    A look of rity shed across Josiah¡¯s eyes. The next second, he slowed down his pace. ¡°Okay.¡±

    After they left the hospital and waited for approximately ten minutes, Carol arrived. ¡°Mr. Guerra.

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Send them home. Thank you.¡±

    Carol nodded. ¡°Understood. Should I send Mr. Thorne back to the nursing home?¡±

    ¡°No. The nursing home is up in the mountains. It¡¯s not convenient to get there. Let him stay at the old

    house for now.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Should Ms. Lysanne be arranged to stay in the old house for now, too?¡±

    Josiah paused, remaining silent.

    Since he was staying at the Guerra family¡¯s old house, Howard didn¡¯t find it appropriate to make

    decisions. on his own ord. He was, after all, just a guest.

    Lysanne hastily said, ¡°I won¡¯t return to the old house. Josiah owns a condominium near the hospital.

    I¡¯ve been living there all this time.¡±

    She was referring to Josiah and Lysander¡¯s marital home.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze suddenly turned cold.

    In the end, Susan made the final call. ¡°Let¡¯s all head back to the old house first.¡±

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    Chapter 387

    Chapter 387 Stand In For One Another

    Lysander greeted her colleagues in the ICU and then made a trip to the obstetrics and gynecology.

    department.

    Lynn was not present that night. Instead, a new intern, whom Lysander was unfamiliar with, was on

    duty.

    Seeing Lysander approach, the intern asked, ¡°Madam, there are no doctors on duty here at night. You

    might want to go to the emergency room.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°I came to pick up something.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Did you leave something here? You¡¯ll need to register at the nurse¡® station.¡±

    A nurse who knew Lysander happened to walk over to her and greet her. ¡°Dr. Thorne, weren¡¯t you

    assigned elsewhere?¡±

    ¡°I returned to the country to attend to some matters,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Is Lynn¡¯s folding bed still around?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I saw her using it just yesterday.¡±

    ¡°All right. Please help me to inform her when shees tomorrow. I¡¯ll be borrowing it for tonight and

    will return it to her tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Where do you need it taken to? Let me help you carry it there.¡±

    ¡°No need. There¡¯s an elevator.¡±

    When Lysander retrieved the folding bed and returned to the ICU entrance, she encountered Josiah,

    who seemed rather anxious, pacing back and forth at the doorway.

    Seemingly alerted by a noise, he turned around and saw her. He immediately approached Lysander

    and took the folding bed from her.

    ¡°Are you nning on sleeping here tonight?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve always seen family members of patients sleeping outside the ICU. I never thought it

    would be my turn this time.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Where do you want to put this?¡±

    ¡°Outside the ss window is fine. Somewhere she can spot me the moment she wakes up.¡±

    Following her instructions, Josiah set

    solidity, before he said, ¡°Okay, up the folding bed. He tested it first, ensuring its sturdiness and

    You can lie down for a bit. I¡¯ll go find a nurse to get you a nket.¡±

    ¡°No need. I couldn¡¯t sleep either. As long as there¡¯s a ce to rest, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Josiah let out a sigh, standing next to her with his hands hanging loosely by his side. He watched as

    she slowly took a seat, her gaze fixed on the person lying in the hospital bed through the ss window.

    He swallowed. He had countless thoughts churning in his mind, yet he was at a loss for where to begin.

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    Lysander found it amusing and asked, ¡°You¡¯re not a doctor. How can you be so sure she will recover?¡±

    ¡°I just wanted to make you feel better.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I truly am a cold¨Chearted person. I don¡¯t find this moment particrly distressing¡±

    Josiah said. ¡°You¡¯re not cold¨Chearted. It¡¯s just difficult for you to care deeply for someone else. I¡¯m not

    cursing anyone. I¡¯m merely drawing aparison. If the person lying there now were the mother who

    raised you, you certainly wouldn¡¯t be as indifferent as you are now.¡±

    Lysander hesitated for a moment, then softly hummed in acknowledgment.

    ¡°Do you still remember things from before you were four?¡±

    ¡°I barely remember anything,¡± Lysander said. ¡°My mom told me that I had fallen into the water when I

    was little and almost drowned. I can¡¯t recall anything from before that incident.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh, patting the other side of the folding bed. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit for a while?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m fine with standing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so tall, so I have to tilt my head back to talk to you. It¡¯s making my neck hurt.¡±

    The tension in Josiah¡¯s expression eased considerably as he took a seat at a slight distance from her.

    Still, a folding bed was, after all, a folding bed.

    When Lysander was sitting alone, she didn¡¯t feel anything unusual. However, the moment Josiah sat

    down, arge section of the seat seemed to copse instantly, causing Lysander to slide a bit to the

    other side.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he apologized. ¡°Maybe I should just stand.¡±

    ¡°Do you n on standing throughout the night? Just take a seat.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful, then.¡±

    For a moment, they fell silent, causing the atmosphere to turn eerily quiet.

    Lysander suddenly chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of twisted fate ties me and Lysander together. We

    somehow ended up being each other¡¯s substitutes. My parents treated her as if she were me while you

    treated me as if I were her.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it!¡± Josiah hastily denied it. ¡°I thought she was you. I had no idea at the time that you

    were missing.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388

    Chapter 388 All That Matters

    38%

    Lysander furrowed her brows for a moment but decided not to dwell on it after a few seconds.

    ¡°Whether you knew or not, it doesn¡¯t really matter now, does it? Your affection for Lysander can¡¯t

    possibly be because your parents arranged your marriage when you were children, right? You never

    struck me as someone who would just obediently follow your family¡¯s arrangements.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°So, what kind of person do you think I am?¡±

    ¡°May I ask you something first?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    There¡¯s hardly any resemnce between Lysander and me, from looks to personality. You¡¯ve loved her

    for so many years. It doesn¡¯t make sense for your taste to change so suddenly, does it?¡±

    Josiah curled his lips into a faint smile. ¡°Who knows? There¡¯s no logic in liking someone.¡±

    ¡°Was it due to the unwillingness to ept, or was it because of the lost child?¡±

    ¡°Neither.¡± Josiah paused briefly before asking, ¡°Can¡¯t you recall anything before you went missing?¡±

    ¡°asionally, I could recall some fragments, but they were all very scattered. Over the past few years,

    I¡¯ve hardly been able to remember even those fragments.

    Josiah nodded slightly. ¡°If you can¡¯t remember, then let it be. Don¡¯t dwell on it. Focusing on the present

    is what matters the most.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go out of your way to sound so gentle. I¡¯ve said it before, my rtionship with my

    biological mother isn¡¯t that deep yet. I do worry about her, but it¡¯s not to the point of despair where I

    need. someone tofort me.¡±

    Josiah gave an affirmative hum. ¡°You must be exhausted from rushing back overnight, aren¡¯t you? Why

    don¡¯t you lie down and take a nap? If Mrs. Thorne wakes up, I¡¯ll wake you.¡±

    ¡°What time is it now?¡±

    Josiah extended his arm toward her, allowing her to check the time on his wristwatch.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Go to sleep.¡±

    ¡°And what about you? Are you going to stay up all night to keep an eye on her?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that. I don¡¯t want to be in your debt. It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t stay here either. You should hurry

    back home.¡±

    Right then, Lysander¡¯s phone rang. It was Daphne calling-

    Bnce:

    4522 + 817

    1 Coin!

    1 Pearls

    22:44 Mon, 3 Jun

    A

    38%

    Chapter 388 All That Matters

    ¡°It¡¯s me. Lysander. What¡¯s the time over there? I hope I¡¯m not disturbing your work?¡±

    o, you¡¯re not. Go ahead and speak.¡±

    -No.

    ¡°Okay, I just wanted to let you know that my grandma is out of danger now. I cane to Stounia to be

    with you.

    I can head straight to the airport from the hospital and get on the next avable flight¡ª¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. Daphne.¡±

    ¡°Why not? Even though that jerk Josiah isn¡¯t around right now, I can¡¯t just leave you there alone, can I?

    1 need to be there to protect you.

    ¡°I¡¯m back in the country, too.¡±

    ¡°What? When did that happen?¡±

    I¡¯m at-

    Before Lysander could finish her sentence, her phone was snatched away. Josiah held it to his car and

    said, ¡°She¡¯s with me right now, and she¡¯s perfectly safe. You can rest assured and take care of your

    grandma.¡±

    As expected, a string of cursings came from the other end of the phone.

    Josiah was quite experienced by now. After uttering those words, he immediately moved his phone

    away and waited for several long minutes.

    ¡°Feel better after letting it all out? If you¡¯re done, that¡¯s good. Lysander is really tired and needs to rest.

    She¡¯ll call you tomorrow during the day. That¡¯s it for now.¡±

    Then, without any hesitation, Josiah pressed the end call button.

    Lysander, exasperated, went to snatch her phone back. ¡°Give it back to me!¡±

    ¡°I gifted you this phone.¡±

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll transfer the money to you. Now, give it to me.¡±

    Dodging her hand, Josiah gently coaxed, ¡°I can give you your phone, but you have to get a good

    night¡¯s sleep first.¡±

    Lysander gave him a significant look. ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I feel like I really can¡¯t understand you.¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯ll.

    you, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    Send Gifts

    in time, and it¡¯s okay if you never do. As long as I understand

    398Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389

    Chapter 389 The Twins

    Josiah stowed the phone away in the inner pocket of his suit jacket.

    38%ºÏ

    Lysander didn¡¯t find it appropriate to undress him right there and then. Even if she wanted to, she

    couldn¡¯t possibly manage.

    When she finally sumbed to sleep, she caught whiffs of not only the familiar scent of disinfectant but

    also a faint hint of citrus

    She also vaguely heard him muttering a few sentences.

    Lysander wanted to focus and listen carefully, but she was feeling too sleepy. Unable to resist, she

    quickly sumbed and dozed off to sleep.

    When Lysander woke up, she was startled.

    Several people were in front of her, all squatting on the spot, watching her.

    Two kids she didn¡¯t recognize, and two grown¨Cups she was familiar with were eyeing her.

    Lynn blinked her round eyes. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re really back? I couldn¡¯t quite believe it when they told

    1. me.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Who are these two children?¡±

    Lynn chuckled. ¡°Have you forgotten? These are the twins you had from your previous cesarean

    section.¡±

    ng!

    Frightened, Lynn turned around. Her expression instantly turned grim. ¡°Dr. Thorne, why is he here

    too?¡±

    Josiah looked somewhat startled. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll go find the cleaner to clean this up.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah turned around to leave, identally bumping into two rtives of patients. Then, he quickly

    apologized for his clumsiness.

    Lynn was puzzled. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he quite cocky before? Why is he so clumsy now?¡±

    Prisci noticed something. ¡°Him? Well, there might¡¯ve been a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? I¡¯m a woman. Surely he couldn¡¯t have misinterpreted my

    rtionship with Dr. Thorne as something more?¡±

    Prisci pursed her lips and let out a chuckle. ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t you mention taking the two kids to the

    pediatrics department? Shouldn¡¯t you get going?¡±

    ¡°Right, right, right. I¡¯ll go ahead then, Dr. Thorne. I¡¯lle back as soon as I¡¯ve dropped off the

    children.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand, urging Lynn to hurry along.

    ¡°Lysander, Is the patient inside a rtive of yours?¡± Prisci asked.

    Mon,

    Chapter 389 The Twins

    38%

    ¡°She must be a rtive who¡¯s very close to your family for you to specifically return to the country to

    keep herpany.

    Lysander didn¡¯t really want to discuss this topic, so she asked, ¡°How did you guys know I was here?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra contacted me this morning, asking me to bring over two sets of breakfast.¡±

    ¡°Josiah contacted you?¡±

    Prisci gave a nod. ¡°When I arrived, you were still asleep. Mr. Guerra was holding you so tightly that

    half

    of his body had gone stiff. It wasn¡¯t until I got here that he finally let you go. He asked me to keep an

    eye

    on you

    for a while as he went to fetch some hot water for you.¡±

    Lysander had a routine; she would start each morning by drinking a cup of hot water before breakfast.

    ¡°It seems Mr. Guerra misunderstood Lynn¡¯s words earlier.¡±

    Only then did Lysander wrap her mind around the situation.

    Just a moment ago, Lynn revealed that the two children were born from her previous C¨Csection

    surgery.

    In truth, she was simply the lead surgeon, having personally delivered two children.

    However, such a statement could easily lead to misunderstandings, making people believe that those

    two kids were Lysander¡¯s.

    Lysander let out a sigh. ¡°Let him misunderstand if he wants to. Those two kids are already four years

    old. Four years ago, I had just started working at the hospital. I didn¡¯t have time to get pregnant. He

    should be able to figure that out by himself.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll certainlye to realize this, but the fact that this matter could fluster him so much undoubtedly.

    signifies that children hold a unique ce in his heart.¡±

    A twinge of pain pricked at Lysander¡¯s heart, but she diligently suppressed it, striving to maintain an

    indifferent expression. ¡°Why do I get the impression that you¡¯ve been singing his praises the whole time

    today?¡±

 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390

    Chapter 390 You Are Her Cure

    Today, Prisci was wearing a cotton id skirt. Her hair had regained its shine, and she looked.

    significantly better than before.

    Deep down, Lysander was actually really happy for her.

    38%×Ô

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Prisci¡¯s gaze held a hint of mncholy. ¡°I¡¯m not necessarily defending him. I haven¡¯t actually met with

    Mr. Guerra that many times, but it seems like every time we did meet, he was always considerate of

    your feelings.¡±

    She added, ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m quite envious.¡±

    Lysander moistened her lips. ¡°Prisci, you should be aware of the whole story between him and me.

    You¡¯re just too kind¨Chearted, too forgiving. In the end, you¡¯re the one who always gets hurt.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I can¡¯t help but envy you. I¡¯ve never been cared for by someone in this way before.¡±

    ¡°There will be a time for that in the future.¡±

    Prisci stuck out her tongue. ¡°Forget it. It doesn¡¯t really matter if it doesn¡¯t happen. Right now, all I

    want is to spend quality time with my dad. I¡¯m not interested in all that romantic fluff anymore.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Prisci spotted something in the ss window from the corner of her eye. She eximed with

    surprise, ¡°Dr. Thorne, it seems like your rtive has woken up!¡±

    Lysander shifted her gaze, and there she saw Molly. She was still lying down, but she seemed to be in

    much better spirits. Upon catching her gaze, she gently waved at her, her face brimming with a

    contented.

    smile.

    Prisci said, ¡°Mr. Guerra has returned as well.¡±

    Josiah held a disposable paper cup in his hand, offering it to her. ¡°Have a drink.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t show any hesitation. She took it and downed it in one gulp.

    ¡°Do you want more?¡±

    Lysander shook her head, rising from the foldable bed, ready to discard the paper cup.

    However, having maintained the same position for too long, her legs went numb the moment she stood

    1. up.

    Luckily, Prisci was by her side, steadying her. ¡°Lysander, are you all right?¡±

    Lysander waved her hand a bit sheepishly. ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m okay.¡±

    Josiah also supported her other arm, his brows slightly furrowed. ¡°You could have just handed it to me,

    and I could have thrown it away. Why insist on doing it yourself?¡±

    ¨C

    22:45 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 390 You Are Her Cure

    µÚ38%)

    Josiah took the disposable paper cup from her hand and walked a short distance to throw it into a

    nearby.

    trash bin.

    When she returned, Prisci said, ¡°Lysander, I still need to deliver breakfast to my dad. If I¡¯mte, he¡¯ll

    be too busy to cat.¡±

    ¡°All right. Then you should go ahead.¡±

    Prisci also gave a nod of greeting to Josiah.

    Josiah said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the newly constructed garden district. I¡¯ll find an opportunity to discuss

    it with your dad. I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll go and talk to my dad, then.¡±

    Once Prisci left, Josiah also noticed Molly, who was straining to look through the ss window.

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne has woken up. I¡¯ll go and fetch the doctor.¡±

    Lysander held him back. ¡°No need. All her vital signs are being monitored. The doctor should have

    already noticed the fluctuations and is probably on his way here.¡±

    Before he could finish his words, he saw the doctor and nurse, their faces etched with urgency, swiftly

    making their way in.

    Josiah stated, ¡°I almost forgot that this is your turf. Do you understand what those numbers on the

    machines mean?¡±

    Lysander shot him a nce. ¡°I majored in clinical studies. How could I not understand?¡±

    ¡°Well..¡±

    ¡°Her vital signs are essentially normal now. She must have pulled through.¡±

    Josiah breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. My mom was right. You truly are her cure.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t always be there for her.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you still nning to go to Stounia? You originally left the country to avoid me, but

    now¡­. That¡¯s not necessary anymore, right?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391

    Chapter 391 Truly Fortunate

    Lysander was, admittedly, somewhat at a loss for words.

    That was the truth, indeed.

    She had only been in Stounia for a few days when she had another ¡°chance encounter¡± with him.

    Lysander asked. ¡°That day at the pharmacy¡­ Was it truly a coincidence that we met?¡±

    This time, it was Josiah¡¯s turn to be helpless. ¡°Even if I were incredibly skilled, it¡¯s not like I can predict

    the future. There¡¯s no way I could have known when you were nning to go to that pharmacy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, indeed.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Could this be what they call¡­ fate?¡±

    ¡°Stounia was the first country to experience the Industrial Revolution, and deeply rooted in

    materialism. But they also believed in God. Then even the heavens can¡¯t enforcews across borders..

    right?¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Heaven might not be able to help, but perhaps the god of love could.¡±

    As they were speaking, the door to the ICU was pushed open.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander walked over, asking, ¡°Dr. Riley, how is my mom¡¯s condition?¡±

    Riley appeared quite rxed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Rest is all that¡¯s needed now. Perhaps you possess some

    sort of miraculous power. Her vital signs have basically returned to normal. This afternoon, I¡¯ll have the

    nurse move your mom to a regr ward. You¡¯ll be able to see her and talk to her then.¡±

    Lysander sincerely expressed her gratitude. ¡°Thank you. I appreciate your help.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all part of the job. Nothing bothersome,¡± Riley jested with a cheerful smile. ¡°But your husband¡­ He

    was here with you all night. However long you slept, that¡¯s how long he served as a human couch. He

    didn¡¯t move a muscle, afraid he might wake you. Just watching him gave me sympathy aches.¡±

    The smile on Lysander¡¯s face subtly froze.

    Josiah said, ¡°Family members should naty

    support each other. When my grandma was hospitalized, Lysander waspletely dedicated and did

    her best. It¡¯s all about reciprocity.¡±

    Riley sincerely eximed, ¡°Dr. Thorne is truly fortunate to have found such a wonderful husband.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m truly fortunate to have married Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Well, well¡­ How sweet.¡± Riley chuckled lightly. ¡°All right. Enough with the lovey¨Cdovey stuff. I¡¯ve got

    work to do. If there¡¯s anything else,e find meter.¡±

    ¡°Sure, thanks a lot.¡±

    22:45 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 391 Truly Fortunate

    .38%Õæ

    Lysander gave him a nce. In the past, he would always pick her up at the hospital entrance in his

    car His appearance was quite striking, and his demeanor was extraordinary, making it easy for him to

    be recognized.

    Speaking of which, Lysander was also quite puzzled about one thing

    ¡°With these qualities of yours, howe Lysanne hasn¡¯t taken a liking to you after all these years? I

    wonder, is there something wrong with you, or is it her?¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Do you still remember Paulo?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Rina¡¯s newlywed husband:

    ¡°He was also considered a close friend¡® of Lysanne.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is it the ¡®close friend I¡¯m thinking of?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps. Back then, I was in the country, and she was in Stounia. She must have made quite a few

    close friends. As for whether there were any ambiguities that surpassed friendship, she denied it

    categorically, and I couldn¡¯t make a definitive statement either.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Did she have anything to do with the failure of Paulo¡¯s previous

    marriage?¡±

    Josiah nced at her. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Lysander looked somewhat disdainful. ¡°You im to like her, yet you know nothing about the men in

    her life? Given your style, shouldn¡¯t you have driven all these so¨Ccalled close friends away?¡±

    Josiah was quite speechless. ¡°Do you think I haven¡¯t tried that before?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t it work out?¡±

    ¡°Have

    you ever solved a practical problem when you were a kid? Imagine filling a pool with water while

    simultaneously draining it. When would it finally be full?¡±

    Lysander understood clearly. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you can¡¯t keep up with her pace of making new close

    friends while you¡¯re still trying to deal with the old ones?¡±

    Josiah let out a deep sigh. ¡°Perhaps she was born to love a life where she¡¯s the center of attention, like

    the moon surrounded by stars. She wouldn¡¯t give up an entire forest for a single tree.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re just¡­ not going to care? You¡¯re giving up? Letting her do as she pleases? Not uttering a

    word even when you¡¯re being stepped all over?¡±

    Josiah immediately retorted, ¡°I was just a good friend back then. How was I supposed to speak up?¡±

    Lysander nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right. You¡¯re just one fish in her pond, not yet a permanent fixture, without

    any official status.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve reminded me,¡± Josiah said, retrieving her phone the inner pocket of his suit with a frown.

    ¡°Adrian has been calling you quite a lot.¡±

    ¡°Give it to me. I¡¯ll respond to him.¡±

    Bnce: 4522 + 715

    38%

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 392 Even Ordinary Friendship Was Impossible.

    Lysander watched him, waiting for his next words.

    It seemed as though Josiah had made up his mind not to mention that person again. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We

    should check on Mrs. Thorne first. Do we need to do anything special to transfer her to a general ward?

    You can stay with her. I¡¯ll handle the procedures.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, still gazing at him.

    Josiah slightly tilted his head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander gave up. ¡°There¡¯s no need for procedures. The nurse will handle everything.¡±

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s a relief. Is this foldable bed borrowed from the obstetrics and gynecology department? I¡¯ll

    retum it.

    As he spoke. Josiah bent down to tidy up,pressing the foldable bed into apact size and

    picking it up. ¡°Should I put it in your office?¡±

    Lysander softly hummed in agreement.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll send it back now.¡±

    The foldable bed was neither too big nor too small. She had quite a struggle moving it from the

    obstetrics and gynecology department. Yet, when Josiah took it with one hand and walked away, he

    was light on his feet. This weight was nothing to him. In no time, he entered the elevator.

    The ICU was also bustling with activity.

    A few nurses were in the process of removing various tubes and instruments from Molly¡¯s body. When

    she was wheeled out, she abruptly grabbed onto Lysander¡¯s hand. She opened her mouth, wanting to

    say something, but she couldn¡¯t utter a single word,despite several attempts.

    Nothing was left but the crystal clear tears that trickled down from her eyes.

    The young nurse hadn¡¯t noticed that she was gripping Lysander¡¯s hand tightly while pushing the

    stretcher toward the elevator. Taken by surprise, Molly almost fell off the bed due to the sudden pull.

    Lysander was startled, too, and hurriedly took two quick steps to catch up. At the same time, she

    steadied. Molly, whose body was on the verge of copsing.

    The group of young nurses was quite starded. They quickly assisted Molly in getting herfortably

    reclined again.

    ¡°Madam, could you please let go first? We should head to the general ward first.¡±

    It seemed as though Molly hadn¡¯t heard. Her bony hand gripped Lysander¡¯s tightly, the grip growing

    stronger, and her eyes filled with pleading.

    The young nurse was at a loss and she hesitated before saying, ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­

    With a sigh, Lysander said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    38%

    22:45 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 392 Even Ordinary Friendship Was Impossible.

    This was a standard hospital ward, yet it was anything but ordinary.

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    This was the kind of ce where typically only high¨Cranking officials could reside, an absolute VIP

    treatment.

    Without a doubt, this was the handiwork of Josiah.

    Lysander watched as their hands intertwined and gently suggested, ¡°Let go first. I¡¯ll go and fetch a

    companion chair.¡±

    Molly¡¯s grip loosened for a moment, but she quickly tightened it again, her entire being consumed by

    tension.

    With no other choice. Lysander could only stand by the bedside, within her line of sight, watching the

    nurses bustling about.

    ¡°Dr. Thome, everything has been arranged. From now on, Wanda will be in charge of taking care of

    Mrs. Thome.¡±

    Wanda earnestly said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, if there¡¯s anything you need in the future, just look for me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest now, Mrs. Thorne. I won¡¯t bother you any further. If you need anything, just ring the bell

    for me,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay, sure.¡±

    All the nurses had left, leaving only Molly and her in the hospital ward.

    She locked eyes with Molly, both mother and daughter harboring mixed emotions.

    Molly found herself at a loss for words, leaving Lysander to break the silence first.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been Lysander for more than twenty years. My parents have always treated me well, so I¡¯m not

    yet ready to start calling you something else.¡±

    It seemed that Molly didn¡¯t care about this. She tried to shake her head, her tears flowing even more

    fiercely.

    Lysander continued, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about what happened before. It wasn¡¯t your fault that I got lost when I

    was young, and I¡¯ve lived a good life these past twenty¨Csome years. I¡¯ve never held any grudges

    against you. But I also understand that you¡¯ve cared for Lysanne as your own daughter for nearly thirty

    years, and you have deep emotional ties with her. To you, she and I are like two sides of the same

    hand, but for me, I can¡¯t treat her as a sister, not even as a regr friend.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392

    Chapter 392 Even Ordinary Friendship Was Impossible.

    Lysander watched him, waiting for his next words.

    It seemed as though Josiah had made up his mind not to mention that person again. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We

    should check on Mrs. Thorne first. Do we need to do anything special to transfer her to a general ward?

    You can stay with her. I¡¯ll handle the procedures.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, still gazing at him.

    Josiah slightly tilted his head. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander gave up. ¡°There¡¯s no need for procedures. The nurse will handle everything.¡±

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s a relief. Is this foldable bed borrowed from the obstetrics and gynecology department? I¡¯ll

    retum it.

    As he spoke. Josiah bent down to tidy up,pressing the foldable bed into apact size and

    picking it up. ¡°Should I put it in your office?¡±

    Lysander softly hummed in agreement.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll send it back now.¡±

    The foldable bed was neither too big nor too small. She had quite a struggle moving it from the

    obstetrics and gynecology department. Yet, when Josiah took it with one hand and walked away, he

    was light on his feet. This weight was nothing to him. In no time, he entered the elevator.

    The ICU was also bustling with activity.

    A few nurses were in the process of removing various tubes and instruments from Molly¡¯s body. When

    she was wheeled out, she abruptly grabbed onto Lysander¡¯s hand. She opened her mouth, wanting to

    say something, but she couldn¡¯t utter a single word,despite several attempts.

    Nothing was left but the crystal clear tears that trickled down from her eyes.

    The young nurse hadn¡¯t noticed that she was gripping Lysander¡¯s hand tightly while pushing the

    stretcher toward the elevator. Taken by surprise, Molly almost fell off the bed due to the sudden pull.

    Lysander was startled, too, and hurriedly took two quick steps to catch up. At the same time, she

    steadied. Molly, whose body was on the verge of copsing.

    The group of young nurses was quite starded. They quickly assisted Molly in getting herfortably

    reclined again.

    ¡°Madam, could you please let go first? We should head to the general ward first.¡±

    It seemed as though Molly hadn¡¯t heard. Her bony hand gripped Lysander¡¯s tightly, the grip growing

    stronger, and her eyes filled with pleading.

    The young nurse was at a loss and she hesitated before saying, ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­

    With a sigh, Lysander said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯lle with you.¡±

    38%

    22:45 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 392 Even Ordinary Friendship Was Impossible.

    This was a standard hospital ward, yet it was anything but ordinary.

    This was the kind of ce where typically only high¨Cranking officials could reside, an absolute VIP

    treatment.

    Without a doubt, this was the handiwork of Josiah.

    Lysander watched as their hands intertwined and gently suggested, ¡°Let go first. I¡¯ll go and fetch a

    companion chair.¡±

    Molly¡¯s grip loosened for a moment, but she quickly tightened it again, her entire being consumed by

    tension.

    With no other choice. Lysander could only stand by the bedside, within her line of sight, watching the

    nurses bustling about.

    ¡°Dr. Thome, everything has been arranged. From now on, Wanda will be in charge of taking care of

    Mrs. Thome.¡±

    Wanda earnestly said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, if there¡¯s anything you need in the future, just look for me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you rest now, Mrs. Thorne. I won¡¯t bother you any further. If you need anything, just ring the bell

    for me,¡± she said.

    ¡°Okay, sure.¡±

    All the nurses had left, leaving only Molly and her in the hospital ward.

    She locked eyes with Molly, both mother and daughter harboring mixed emotions.

    Molly found herself at a loss for words, leaving Lysander to break the silence first.

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been Lysander for more than twenty years. My parents have always treated me well, so I¡¯m not

    yet ready to start calling you something else.¡±

    It seemed that Molly didn¡¯t care about this. She tried to shake her head, her tears flowing even more

    fiercely.

    Lysander continued, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about what happened before. It wasn¡¯t your fault that I got lost when I

    was young, and I¡¯ve lived a good life these past twenty¨Csome years. I¡¯ve never held any grudges

    against you. But I also understand that you¡¯ve cared for Lysanne as your own daughter for nearly thirty

    years, and you have deep emotional ties with her. To you, she and I are like two sides of the same

    hand, but for me, I can¡¯t treat her as a sister, not even as a regr friend.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393

    Chapter 393 What Would I Want With Your Life

    A hint of struggle surfaced in Molly¡¯s eyes, but if gradually turned into understanding as she gave a

    slight

    nod.

    ¡°First, take good care of yourself and recover. We can discuss everything elseter.¡±

    Molly struggled to open her mouth to speak, but she could only manage to utter a sound that

    resembled ¡°ah.¡±

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re about to ask,¡± Lysander began, ¡°I need to give this some more thought. The

    opportunity in Stounia is a promising one for me. Whether to stay or to further my prospects there, I

    need to reconsider.¡±

    No sooner had the words been spoken when a knock resounded on the ward door.

    The figure of Josiah appeared outside the door. Through the ss pane of the hospital ward door,

    Lysander could see his face.

    She raised her voice and said, ¡°The door isn¡¯t locked.¡±

    With permission granted, Josiah gently pushed open the door and stepped inside, ¡°I¡¯ve returned the

    folding bed.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Why are you standing?¡±

    Catching a glimpse of Molly holding onto Lysander¡¯s wrist, he instantly understood, Swiftly, he pulled a

    companion chair from the side, cing it next to Lysander. ¡°Have a seat,¡± he said.

    Lysander sat and said, ¡°You should head to the nurse¡¯s station and grab anotherpanion chair.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°You barely restedst night. If anything were to happen to you, I couldn¡¯t bear the responsibility.¡±

    Josiah shed a faint smile. ¡°Who would dare burden you without my say¨Cso?¡±

    Qriginally, Lysander almost blurted out Lysanne¡¯s name.

    Upon reflection, it seemed that Lysanne¡¯s current situation was indeed not one that could be easily put

    into words:

    Initially, Josiah¡¯s regard for her was barely maintained by her title of ¡°childhood friend. However, their

    statuses abruptly changed. Even though Lysanne was still a childhood friend, the prefix ¡°not biologically

    rted¡± had to be added.

    At the very least, Molly would no longer threaten Josiah with her own life for her sake.

    ¡°Madam Susan?¡± Lysander asked, ¡°You are the sole heir of the Guerra family, after all.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Chapter 393 What Would I Want With Your Life

    Lysander yfully hinted, ¡°Well, you¡¯re mistaken there. There¡¯s a difference between those who are

    born into a family and those who are adopted.¡±

    Susan had once expressed her desire to consider her as her goddaughter.

    But certainly, it was nothingpared to the preciousness of her own flesh and biological son.

    Josiah said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re not asking for my life, she probably won¡¯t have anything to say.¡±

    ¡°What would I need your life for?¡±

    ¡°All right. Then I¡¯ll stay,¡± said Josiah, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. ¡°I can also help

    Mrs. Thorne with errands and assist Mr. Thorne in overseeing thepany.¡±

    Lysander nced at him, choosing not to say anything.

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne, are you feeling any better?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°She¡¯s still a bit weak right now, unable to speak.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod. ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken with the hospital. Mrs. Thorne can rest assured and

    recover here. For the time being, no other patients will be assigned to this area, making the

    environment much quieter.¡±

    Molly nodded in relief and extended her hand toward Josiah.

    Josiah reached out and took hold.

    Then, Molly gently ced his hand over Lysander¡¯s, giving it a soft pat.

    Josiah was quick to react, swiftly gathering his fingers to sp Lysander¡¯s hand within his own. ¡°Rest

    assured, Mrs. Thorne. I understand everything.¡±

    Molly¡¯s smile had not yet faded when Lysander had already withdrawn her hand. Standing up, she said,

    ¡°I¡¯m going to call¡­ her husband, let him know she¡¯s safe.¡±

    She still found it somewhat difficult to utter the word ¡°Dad.¡±

    She reached for her phone, ready to step out, but Josiah stopped her. ¡°I¡¯ve already called them all just

    now. Sit down.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

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    Chapter 394

    Chapter 394 Bringing Up The Very Issue

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s on his way here. You stayed up all night yesterday, so he wanted toe and let you rest.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath and slowly nodded.

    Josiah nced at his watah. ¡°Mr. Thorne should be arriving soon.¡±

    After a short wait, Howard arrived, looking weary from his journey.

    Upon seeing his wife awake on the hospital bed, Howard was ovee with emotion, his voice choked

    with tears. ¡°Look at you. What¡¯s the rush? This is a big deal. Our daughter needs time to process it all.

    You scared me to death.¡±

    Tears began to well up again in Molly¡¯s eyes, which had just dried. Yet her smile was rxed and

    composed.

    Howard was holding two lunch boxes in his hands. He ced one on the counter and handed the other

    to Lysander. ¡°Lysa,st time we had a meal together, I noticed that you enjoyed tofu. So, I made

    several different tofu dishes, along with some fresh vegetables, Would you like to give them a try?¡±

    Molly was also fervently watching her.

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, give it to me,¡± requested Josiah as he took it. ¡°I¡¯ll hold it for her first.¡±

    Howard nced at Lysander, noticing her expression remained unchanged, He could only manage a

    smile toward Josiah, handing him the lunch box. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared enough for two. It should be sufficient

    for both of you.

    ¡°All right. Thank you, Mr. Thorne.¡±

    Howard said, ¡°Josiah, I¡¯ll stay here with Mrs. Thorne. You and Lysa must be tired after staying up all

    night. Go home and rest. And don¡¯t forget to reassure your mom so she can ease her mind.¡±

    Josiah gave a nod. ¡°All right.¡±

    He reached out, gently grasping Lysander¡¯s wrist. ¡°Mr. Thorne, we¡¯ll be taking our leave now.¡±

    Exclusive content from N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Lysander was led out of the hospital by Josiah, and they walked all the way to the parking lot.

    He held a lunch box in one hand while he used the other to open the passenger side door for her.

    Without any sense of urgency, he simply waited.

    Lysander nced back at the hospital¡¯s entrance, sighed, and finally decided to go in.

    After ensuring her car door was securely closed, Josiah swiftly made his way to the other side. He first

    ced the box of food in the backseat before settling himself into the driver¡¯s seat. Only then did he

    gently start the car.

    22:45 Mon, 3 Jun

    A

    38%B

    Chapter 394 Bringing Up The Very Issue

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    ¡°Which home?¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment, then softly asked, ¡°Which home do you want to return to?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    Josiah let out a soft sigh. ¡°If you¡¯re worried that your parents and sister will be upset when they learn

    about this, then don¡¯t go home yet. I know your thoughts are a mess right now. Wait until you¡¯ve sorted

    out your feelings, then think about how to tell them.¡±

    Leaning back in her chair, Lysander gently closed her eyes. ¡°But if I don¡¯t go home, I¡¯ll have nowhere

    else. to go in Harborbrook.¡±

    ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll take you back to the old house. My mom would definitely be thrilled to see you.¡±

    With her eyes closed, Lysander hummed lightly. ¡°Lysanne meeting me might not necessarily make her

    happy.¡±

    The Guerr¨¢ family¡¯s old house and the Thorne manor were right next door to each other.

    Given Lysanne¡¯s personality, it was unlikely that she would obediently stay in the apartment. She

    would. surely go to the Guerra family¡¯s old house to be with Susan. Perhaps it was to strengthen their

    bond, or perhaps she was simply waiting for Josiah to return.

    Josiah had also considered this aspect. Without dy, he made a swift U¨Cturn at the intersection and

    headed north.

    Lysander opened her eyes. ¡°Where are you nning to go?¡±

    ¡°The resort on the mountain.¡±

    ¡°What are you up to? Are you nning to

 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395

    Chapter 395 Revealing My Attitude.

    Josiah clearly choked up a bit, then said, ¡°We¡¯re not staying in the same resort asst time.¡±

    Íí:38%Ô’

    He added, ¡°The air is better up in the mountains, Lysander. You need a quiet ce right now, don¡¯t

    you?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Half an hourter, the car pulled up at the entrance of a mountainside resort.

    Unlike six months ago, when there was only one resort hotel here, construction sites had now started

    cropping up not far away.

    After parking his car, Josiah retrieved the lunch box from the back seat. He noticed her, engrossed in

    observing the construction site nearby.

    He exined. ¡°I n to expand this ce into a vacation resort. Right next to the hotel, there will be a

    children¡¯s yground, and further inside, a retirement home for the elderly to reside.¡±

    Lysander withdrew her gaze, taking steps toward the interior of the hotel.

    These were all matters concerning the Guerra family. She had no business meddling, nor did she want

    to.

    Moreover, the term ¡°children¡± pricked at her heart.

    Upon reaching the reception, the uniformeddy behind the desk immediately recognized her. ¡°You

    are¡­

    Josiah walked over to her and said, ¡°Have the kitchen send over two servings of chicken broth as soon

    as possible.¡±

    The receptionist nodded. ¡°Of course, Mr. Guerra. I¡¯ll get right on it.¡±

    The youngdy excitedly dialed the kitchen¡¯s number.

    Josiah led Lysander toward the elevator lobby.

    As the elevator ascended, Lysander asked, ¡°Her uniform seems to be slightly different from the others,

    doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Indeed, I promoted her to the position of manager, he replied.

    Lysander lightly pursed her lips.

    The person Lysanne had dered she would fire, ironically, got promoted by him and became a

    manager.

    ¡°Are you deliberately going against Lysanne on purpose?¡±

    ¡°I simply wanted to make my feelings clear to you.¡±

    ¡°You used to be someone who clearly distinguished between personal and professional matters. Have

    you evaluated her work capabilities? What happened to the previous manager? Did you transfer or

    demote him? Is she trulypetent enough to manage such arge hotel?¡±

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    Chapter 395 Revealing My Attitude.

    £¤38%

    Lysander waved her hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s not that I dislike her. I just think your decision ispletely

    irrational, too impulsive.¡±

    With a bitter smile, Josiah said. ¡°Being rational isn¡¯t always helpful. Sometimes, it¡¯s better to act on your

    emotions. At least it makes you feel a bit better inside.¡±

    The elevator came to a halt at the top floor.

    Josiah was the first to step out of the elevator. Lysander asked him, ¡°You didn¡¯t take your room key

    earlier.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for a room key. I¡¯ve already switched the top floor room to a fingerprint lock. It won¡¯t

    be open to the public anymore.¡±

    He walked to the end of the corridor, stopping at thest room¡¯s door. After scanning his fingerprint, he

    promptly pushed the door open. ¡°Come in.¡±

    Lysander followed him inside.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Initially, it was assumed that the suiteyout would be quite standard. However, upon entering, she

    discovered this ce didn¡¯t resemble a hotel at all.

    Instead, it seemed as if¡­ it was their former marital home, that small apartment.

    The interior, including the furniture and partitions, had all been redone.

    ¡°When you left before, you didn¡¯t take anything with you. Some of your books and clothes¡­ were

    ruined by Lysanne. I moved everything else here. I bought new clothes for you, and they¡¯re all in the

    wardrobe. But there are a few professional books that I haven¡¯t been able to find the same editions of.

    Apparently, they¡¯re out of print.¡±

    Lysander slowly made her way in, her hand gently caressing the bookshelf.

    She picked this up at a flea market when she was in graduate school. It cost her ten bucks, bought

    from a senior student. After she got married, she moved into an apartment and continued to use it.

    Although the bookshelf wasn¡¯t particrly at

 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396

    Chapter 396 You Might As Well Have pped Me Directly

    ¡°Sometimes I stay here, but usually I have the staff clean it daily. I¡¯ll have them change the sheets and

    quil for you in a bit. You can stay here for the time being.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°What about you?¡±

    Josiah replied. ¡°I live next door.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Josiah stated. ¡°This is the top floor, offering great privacy. Once the door is closed, it¡¯s your own

    personal sanctuary, where you¡¯re free tough or cry as you please. The soundproofing is excellent

    too, so you don¡¯t have to worry about me hearing anything from next door.¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°I don¡¯t have money to cover your hotel bill.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, your words hurt more than a direct p in the face,¡± he responded.

    ¡°Take a good rest. I won¡¯t disturb you during this period. If you need anything, feel free to call the front

    desk, or you can call me as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯m heading next door.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Josiah left, and Lysander closed the door.

    Just as he had said, this was a room at the very top, offering a great deal of privacy. Once the door was

    closed, it was a world of one¡¯s own.

    Her phone had run out of battery a while ago.

    As soon as it was charged, several missed calls immediately popped up.

    They all hailed from Stounia.

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    There were also several unread messages.

    Adrian texted: You¡¯re back in the country? Is there an emergency?

    Adrian: Have younded safely? Could you send me a message when you do? I just want to know

    you¡¯re okay.

    Adrian: The puppy might have taken a liking to you. After you left, it kept waiting by the door for your

    return.

    The apanying image was a photograph of a small white dog lying in front of arge gate.

    In the expansive living room, the tiny creature seemed even more pitifully lonely.

    Adrian: Lysander, did my confession make you feel overwhelmed? If so, let¡¯s pretend I never said

    anything. We can be

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    1 Coin!

    1 Pearls

    Chapter 396 You Might As Well Have pped Me Directly

    friend to find a few ces that would be suitable for a girl to live alone. They¡¯re all in great locations,

    and thendlords seem pretty decent. I took some photos for you to look at. Pick the one you like, and

    I¡¯ll reserve it for you. That tway, you can move in as soon as you get back

    Adrian: Are my messages bothering your

    Adrian:

    sorry, but I won¡¯t be in touch for a while. Take some time to clear your head, spend time with your

    family, or perhaps have a chat with Daphne.

    Adrian: Lysander, I hope you won¡¯t forget that across the vast ocean, there is still¡­ there is a lone

    puppy waiting for

    §å§â§ß

    After going through all these messages, Lysanderpletely copsed onto the bed.

    She shielded her eyes with her forearm, her mind a chaotic mess.

    A few minutester, the doorbell rang.

    When she opened the door, the waiter was delivering food. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, this is the chicken broth that

    Mr. Guerra just ordered, with extra carrots and thyme.¡±

    Lysander gave an ¡°Oh¡± in response, clearing the way at the entrance.

    The waiter wheeled in a small cart and ced the dishes one by one on the table. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, may I

    ce the broth here for you?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°All right. Please enjoy your meal. I¡¯ll go and change your sheets and quilt for

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡±

    you

    The waiter went off to attend to other tasks, leaving Lysander alone, lost in thought in front of the

    chicken. broth served before her.

    Josiah knocked on the door. ¡°May Ie in?¡±

    Returning to her senses, Lysander slightly furrowed her brows. ¡°Is there something you need?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. I just noticed your door was open, so I thought I¡¯d drop by.¡±

    ¡°Come in,¡± she said.

    Josiah walked in, noticing the small cart. ¡°Please eat your meal.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll eat in a bit.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze shifted andnded on the phone she had casually ced by the bed.

    On it, Adrian¡¯s messages were clearly visible.

 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397

    Chapter 397 With Or Without You

    Josiah clearly saw it, yet there was no change in his expression. It was as if he hadn¡¯t seen the

    messages at all. His gaze directly shifted toward the distant window.

    ¡°The wind¡¯s strong in the mountains. Let me close it for you.

    As he spoke, he moved across the room and gently closed the window.

    Coincidentally, Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

    With a light chuckle, Josiah asked her. ¡°Do you need me to step aside?¡±

    Lysander picked up her phone and nced at it. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be necessary.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod, taking a seat on the couch.

    Meanwhile, Lysander simply pressed the speakerphone button.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    When Josiah heard the voice, a frown formed on his forehead.

    Lysander responded, ¡°Ms. Lysanne, what brings you to call me?¡±

    Lysanne seemed somewhatcking in confidence. ¡°I heard you stayed up with Mom all night. You must

    be tired. Thank you.

    Lysander didn¡¯t say anything in response.

    ¡°Dr. Thome?¡±

    ¡°Speak your mind directly. I don¡¯t have time for your roundabout ttery.¡±

    Lysanne was taken aback for a moment, then forced a chuckle. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll get straight to the point,

    then.¡±

    ¡°Hurry up.¡±

    ¡°Dad and Mom have already epted you. Does this mean you¡¯ll be moving back to the Thorne manor

    in

    the future?¡±

    Lysander was growing increasingly agitated. ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to fight with you over the Thorne family, and you shouldn¡¯t fight with me over Josiah.

    Let¡¯s each take a step back. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°Nothing¡±

    Lysanne was slightly irritated. ¡°Do you really expect to have it all?¡±

    ¡°Firstly, by bloodline, I am the rightful heiress. The Thorne manor is always meant to be mine. What

    grounds do you have to challenge this?¡±

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    Chapter 397 With Or Without You

    ¡°Ms. Lysanne, do you really think I want topete with you?¡±

    Íê38%

    Lysanne took a deep breath. ¡°I understand Mom and Dad are begging for your forgiveness right now,

    pleading for you to acknowledge them. No matter what you say, they¡¯ll agree. But you¡¯re just a medical

    student. Do you understand how to run a business? Do you know anything about the industry? If you

    take over the Thorne family¡¯s business, aren¡¯t you afraid of squandering everything Mom and Dad have

    worked for their entire lives?¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s not okay for me, a medical student, but it¡¯s fine for you, aw student?¡±

    ¡°Over the years, while Mom was ill, it was actually Josiah who was managing the Thorne family¡¯s

    company. And now, I am his fianc¨¦e.¡±

    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, you could ask Josiah for help in managing the Thorne family¡¯s business.¡±

    ¡°Correct

    ¡°So, it¡¯s okay for you to seek out Josiah, but I can¡¯t?¡±

    Lysanne immediately said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to get involved with him anymore?¡±

    This time, it was Lysander who hesitated for a moment.

    ¡°That¡¯s true.

    Upon seeing her rx, Lysanne quickly continued, ¡°The Thorne family business is managed by Josiah,

    and I don¡¯t want a penny from the shares¡® profits. It all belongs to you. You can still go to Stounia and

    continue your medical career, live the life you want. Doesn¡¯t this work out perfectly for both of us?¡±

    Unbeknownst to her, Josiah had already made his way over and was standing behind Lysander. He

    spoke up. ¡°I¡¯ll help look after the Thorne family¡¯s business. Whether you¡¯re there or not, it makes no

    difference.¡±

    Lysanne asked in surprise. ¡°Josiah?¡±

    Josiah took the phone from Lysander¡¯s hand and spoke into the receiver. ¡°Don¡¯t call Lysander again. I

    only promised your parents that I wouldn¡¯t let you harm yourself. I didn¡¯t make any other guarantees.¡±

    Lysanne detected the chill in his words, remaining silent for several seconds.

    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.

    ¡°Josiah, we grew up together since childhood. Don¡¯t you feel any affection at all?¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Josiah sneered, ¡°You knew all along that you weren¡¯t the Lysander from my childhood, yet

    you hid the truth. You epted all my kindness toward you and had me on standby for over twenty

    years. Is that the kind of affection you¡¯re talking about?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    C

 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398

    Chapter 398 The Irrelevant Ones

    The entire room fell into a profound silence.

    Josiah reached out and pulled her phone away, immediately ending the call. Then, he swiftly added.

    Lysanne¡¯s number to the cklist.

    When he returned her phone, he softly said, ¡°Don¡¯t answer calls from irrelevant people in the future.¡±

    Irrelevant people?

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help butment. Toute heartless.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°In my life, there¡¯s nothing I despise more than deceit.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t stay for long.

    After he left, Lysander quickly grabbed a bite to eat, then plunged straight into a deep, sweet slumber.

    When she woke up, the room was shrouded in darkness. ncing at the time on her phone, she

    realized it was already past three in the morning.

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    The setting was simple in the mountainous region, with only a serene valley visible through the

    enormous floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window.

    Unlike in the city, where no matter what time you woke up at night, there would always be lights outside

    as soon as you drew the curtains. It was indeed convenient, but it always left one feeling somewhat

    restless.

    It wasn¡¯t like this ce.

    The silence was so profound. It stilled her heartpletely.

    She pushed open the window and positioned herself on the terrace overlooking the valley. The air was

    somewhat damp, and it was only then that she noticed the gentle drizzle falling outside.

    The scent of flowers and fresh soil dominated the air, subtly intertwined with a faint whiff of smoke.

    In the darkness, his voice echoed from not too far off, next door.

    I¡¯ve already dealt with these documents. Take a look at them and inform the various departments to

    execute the orders outlined within. Let¡¯s reschedule the conference call. Yes, anytime after one in the

    morning tomorrow. Right, when you have a moment, could you pick out aptop and a cell phone

    suitable for a university student? Michelle is about to start school. See if she needs anything else and

    help her get it. Yes, just tell her you¡¯re a friend of her sister¡¯s. Alright, let¡¯s leave it at that for now. If

    anythinges up, get in touch with me. Try to text instead of calling. I¡¯ll respond when I see it.¡±

    This phone callsted for over half an hour.

    asionally, she could hear his faint cough. She wasn¡¯t sure whether it was due to the chilling cold of

    the mountains or the continuous chain of cigarettes he was smoking.

    After standing outside for a while, Lysander began to feel the chill and sneezed.

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    Lysander acknowledged with a hum..

    ¡°Why are you still awake at thiste hour?¡±

    ¡°I woke up.¡±

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    Josiah hastily extinguished his cigarette, turning his head to take several deep breaths as if attempting

    to clear out the lingering scent of smoke from his lungs.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside,¡± he said, ¡°Did I wake you up?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No, the soundproofing is excellent. I couldn¡¯t hear your voice at all from

    inside

    the room.¡±

    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you sleep, then? Are you worried about Mrs. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°It¡¯s probably due to my previous habit of working the night shift. After every night

    shift, I would always have to take on a morning shift next. I had to start rounds at six thirty in the

    morning. Taking into ount the time for breakfast andmuting. I had to get up at five o¡¯clock.¡±

    Josiah nced at the watch on his wrist. ¡°It¡¯s still two hours until five o¡¯clock. You can get some more

    sleep.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I have a question for you,¡± Lysander began, ¡°Lately, you¡¯ve been shuttling back and forth between here

    and Stounia, not to mention the hospital matters¡­ Do you usually deal withpany affairs at night?¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment, somewhat doubtful if she was showing concern for him, yet he felt it was

    unlikely.

    He said, ¡°I haven¡¯t been too busy. Ms. Collins is very capable. I¡¯ve decided to promote her to deputy

    CEO next month. She¡¯s already proven that she can handle many of thepany¡¯s affairs on her own.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    As he was speaking, thendline in his room began to ring.

    Lysander arched an eyebrow, to which Josiah promptly rified, ¡°It¡¯s not Lysanne. It¡¯s the room service

    I just called for.¡±

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    Chapter 399

    Chapter 399 Keep An Eye On Your House

    ¡°Room service, now?¡±

    Josiah became even more anxious. ¡°I ordered something. It must be the waiter bringing it up.¡±

    The phone was still ringing.

    Lysander spoke up. ¡°Go and answer it quickly. It¡¯s quite loud. Let¡¯s not disturb others rest.¡±

    Josiah gave a nod, quickly entering the suite.

    Roughly two minutes had passed when he emerged, a paper bag in hand. He gave it a little wave for

    her to see. ¡°Indeed, it was a delivery from the service stall.¡±

    Lysander took a closer look. The paper bag wasn¡¯trge, clearly insufficient for holding food. For a

    moment, she couldn¡¯t discern what was inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading back to sleep.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    However, she spent the entire night awake.

    She sent a message back to Adrian, telling him that she might have to stay in the country for a bit

    longer as a family member had been admitted to the hospital.

    Adrian asked: Do you need my help?

    Lysander politely declined, assuring that she could handle it herself.

    Adrian didn¡¯t insist, either. He wrote: Then, I¡¯ll help you keep an eye on the house.

    After some thought, Lysander messaged: As for the house you had helped me look at, I¡¯ve decided not

    to rent it for

    now.

    He replied: The location of this house is pretty good, and ites with great amenities. It¡¯s highly

    sought after. I¡¯ll reserve it for you first. Otherwise, someone else might snatch it up.

    She sighed, eventually typing out two words: No need.

    This time, Adrian took a long time to reply.

    Several minutes had passed before he finally sent a message: Is now a good time for a call?

    She responded: Sure.

    Soon, his call came through.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton.¡± Lysander¡¯s voice was somewhat subdued due to a hint of guilt. ¡°I might not be going to

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    Chapter 399 Keep An Eye On Your House

    No.

    Perhaps it was because of her swift and decisive response Adrian visibly rxed. ¡°I thought¡­¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Adriart said. ¡°Is it your dad, mom, or sister who¡¯s fallen ill? I¡¯ll have Aiden arrange for

    some caregivers to go over.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s neither. It¡¯s a different rtive.¡±

    ¡°A rtive who lives close to your family?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly the case, but¡­ I have to stay and take care of her.¡±

    Adrian said, ¡°I trust that there¡¯s a reason behind every decision you make. So¡­ how about this? I¡¯ll

    cancel the house for now, and when you return to Stounia, you can stay with me first. Then, I¡¯ll help you

    find another house. Does that sound okay?¡±

    Lysander felt an overwhelming sense of guilt welling up inside her. She didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    ¡°Can we talk about itter. Is that okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay, the puppy can stay at my ce for now.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, why don¡¯t you name it? We can¡¯t keep calling it ¡®puppy¡® forever.¡±

    Lysander switched her mobile phone to her other hand and said, ¡°You can name it.¡±

    ¡°This is the dog Rina gave you, so you¡¯re its owner.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not very good at naming stuff. Why don¡¯t you do it?¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Adrian asked, ¡°How about I name it ¡®White Coat¡®? You¡¯re a doctor,

    and you wear a whiteb coat to work every day. It just so happens that its fur is also white.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    ¡°Is that settled, then?¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    Vaguely, Lysander spotted a figure slowly making their way toward her.

    She said over the phone, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going to hang up now.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    ¡°Lysander,¡± Adrian said, ¡°When you¡¯re in our country, taking care of a sick person, you must also take

    good care of yourself¡±

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    Chapter 400 Are You Leaving

    ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for your return, alongside White Coat.¡±

    After hanging up the call, that person just happened to walk past.

    Carol was always impably made up and dressed in a sharp and professional manner. However, the

    morning mist in the mountains had given her a slight dewy sheen.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°I haven¡¯t been that for a long time now.¡±

    ¡°Apologies, Dr. Thorne. I was in such a rush that it slipped my mind.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Are you here to see Josiah?¡±

    Carol nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    She nced past Carol, spotting a young man behind her. He had an air of refined sophistication about

    him as if he was well¨Cread and schrly.

    Noticing her gaze, Carol took the initiative to exin, ¡°That is Dr. Cody. I¡¯m taking him to meet with Mr..

    Guerra.

    ¡°Did Josiah fall ill?¡±

    Carol was somewhat taken aback. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°What should I have known?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra¡¯s burn wounds are already severe, and after getting drenched in the rain, they became

    seriously infected. He was somewhat delirious by the time he disembarked the ne from Stounia.

    Upon waking up, he hastily attended to his wounds before rushing to Mrs. Thorne¡¯s ICU. I had intended

    to bring Dr. Cody overst night to help treat his injuries, but Mr. Guerra said you were already asleep

    and didn¡¯t want to cause amotion. So, I brought Dr. Cody over first thing in the morning¡­¡±

    Ms. Collins¡­¡±

    Josiah ¨¦merged from the elevator.

    He arrived in a rush, d only in the hotel¡¯s bathrobe. When he saw Lysander, his brows furrowed

    slightly. ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°I want to go to the hospital for a visit.¡±

    ¡°Hold on. I¡¯ll change my clothes and then take you there.¡±

    Before his words fell, Josiah turned and headed toward the direction of the elevator.

    Josiah, she called out to him.

    Chapter 400 Are You Leaving

    ¡°Can you still wear your clothes?¡±

    Josiah paused.

    Lysander lightly pursed her lips. ¡°Let¡¯s return to the room first.¡±

    She turned to Carol and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    ¨²pon returning to Josiah¡¯s room, Carol asked Cody to wait in the guest room first.

    As soon as Lysander walked through the door, her eyesnded on the man¡¯s shirt casually draped over

    the back of the couch.

    The originally white shirt was now marred withrge, blotchy stains at the back.

    There was a deep crimson, perhaps even the brown of an ointment.

    No wonder he wore his suit jacket all night yesterday. It was to hide the stains on his shirt from his

    wound.

    The ashtray on the coffee table was almost entirely filled with cigarette butts.

    Lysander looked up at Josiah, who was standing a meter away from her, showing signs of irritation. ¡°I

    had quit already, but there¡¯s been a lot going ontely.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond. Instead, she asked, ¡°Should we stay here or go back to your bedroom?¡±

    Carol was a sharp individual. She quickly said, ¡°Dr. Cody came in early this morning and hasn¡¯t had

    breakfast yet. I¡¯ll take him to the kitchen to see what¡¯s avable.¡±

    She quickly knocked on the door, leading Cody out and effortlessly closed the door behind them.

    But with great care, the medical kit that Cody brought was ced where Lysander could easily spot it.

    In the room, it was just the two of them, and there was no need to retreat to the bedroom at this point.

    ¡°Take it off,¡± Lysander said.

    Josiah stared at her for a moment, sighed, and resignedly removed his bathrobe.

    Although Lysander had mentally prepared herself, the sight of the wound on his back still took her by

    surprise.

    Even though she had spent two years rotating through the emergency department, bing

    ustomed to all sorts of bloody sights, the scene before her still made her gasp in shock.

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 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401

    Chapter 401 Did It Hurt

    Burn wounds aren¡¯t quite the same as other sharp object wounds.

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    The area isrge with numerous ruptures, making it more susceptible to infection than the average

    wound.

    Josiah¡¯s back was almost entirely a mess of raw wounds, with his upper arm and shoulder also

    showing varying degrees ofcerations. Some of the wounds had even spread to his corbone area.

    She gestured toward the couch. ¡°Sit down.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Lysander had already opened the first aid kit, searching for wound treatment supplies. ¡°Sit down:

    otherwise, I can¡¯t reach.¡±

    Josiah obediently settled down on the couch. ¡°Are you going to take care of my wound?¡±

    Lysander looked up. ¡°You think I can¡¯t do it?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just afraid the sight of the wound might frighten you.¡±

    ¡°I am a doctor. I¡¯ve long been ustomed to seeing all kinds of wounds. Where is the ointment you

    had the service staff bring overst night?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab it for you..¡±

    Lysander gently guided him to sit back down. ¡°Tell me where it is. I¡¯ll go get it myself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s on the nightstand in the bedroom.¡±

    Lysander made a trip to his bedroom and sure enough, she found the ointment on his bedside table.

    She nced over a few types of medication, finding them to be fairly suitable for his condition.

    ¡°These are prescribed by the doctor?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°How did you apply the ointment on your back by yourself?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t applied it yet, I was nning to do it today when Ms. Collins brought the doctor over.¡±

    Lysander set the medicine aside and bent over to examine the wound on his back closely. ¡°The area of

    the wound is toorge. Anti¨Cinmmatory medicine alone won¡¯t do much good. It would be best to go

    to the hospital as soon as possible for an IV drip. Otherwise, if the infection doesn¡¯t subside, it could

    lead to otherplications.¡±

    ¡°Then,

    I¡¯ll tonight. After taking you to the hospitalter, I need to make a trip to the office.¡±

    Lysander uncapped the bottle of disinfectant and casually remarked, ¡°Sure, as long as you don¡¯t mind

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    Chapter 401 Did It Hurt.

    ¡°If the infection reaches the dermal tissue, there¡¯s a high chance it will leave a scar.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a man. It doesn¡¯t matter to me whether or not I bear scars.¡±

    ¡°Suit yourself, then.¡± Lysander had prepared the cotton swab. ¡°This disinfectant is rather harsh, and

    given therge area of your infection, a thorough disinfection is required. It¡¯s going to hurt quite a bit,

    but I¡¯ll try to be as quick as possible. Just bear with it.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°All right,¡±

    Lysander began treating his wounds.

    A sharp pang of pain surged from his back.

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows, his muscles suddenly tensing.

    Lysander could feel it, but the force she used did not lessen. The wounds needed to be thoroughly

    disinfected of all damaged tissues, so being gentle simply wouldn¡¯t do.

    By the time all the wounds on his back werepletely disinfected, a total of three bottles of

    disinfectant had been used.

    Lysander said, ¡°There¡¯s no medical gauze here, so I can only do a simple bandage for now. Once we

    get to the hospital, you should head to the burn department. Let the nurses there take care of you

    properly and get you on an IV drip as soon as possible. Before the wounds are fully healed, you

    absolutely cannot get them wet. If you¡¯re thinking about taking a bath¡­ you might want to hold off on

    that for a while and just bear with it.¡±

    Josiah clenched his teeth and simply responded, ¡°Okay.¡±

    He was a clean freak.

    The wounds would take quite a while to heal, and it was easy to imagine how much difort he must

    have endured these past few days.

    Lysander looked at his current injuries, even doubting whether he had secretly taken a bath that night

    in Stounia.

    ¡°All done,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Don¡¯t wear too manyyers these days. Try to keep it airy.

    ¡°All right

    ¡°Did it hurt?¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Josiah admitted, ¡°It did.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°I thought you¡¯d insist it didn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only human. Of course it hurts, but.. these past few days, I¡¯ve been living as if in a haze. Yet, it¡¯s

    this sharp pain that makes me feel as if I¡¯vee back to life,¡±

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 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402

    Chapter 402 You Have Apologized Countless Times

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    ther stance, Josiali did not cut speaking

    ¡°Thank you for today¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Based an the hospital¡¯s rates, the cost for such arge¨Cscale wound cleaning and

    dressing would be one hundred and fifty.¡±

    Josiale¡¯s brow slightly rxed. ¡°That¡¯s pretty cheap!

    ¡°I won¡¯t charge you extra.¡±

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    ¡°Thought it was cheaper for a nurse. You are, after all, a chief doctor. Isn¡¯t a specialist¡¯s appointment

    more expensive than a regr one?¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath and said, ¡°Firstly, the hospital charges for dressing and cleaning wounds

    are based on the number of times, not on whether the service is provided by a specialist or a regr

    nurse. Secondly, I am a gynecologist, not a burn specialist. The titles of the two departments cannot be

    compared.¡±

    Josiah gave a subtle nod and pulled out his phone. ¡°Can I do a transfer?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Josiah quickly transferred the money. ¡°Done.¡±

    Lysander nced at her phone.

    Josiah gazed at her profile. Perhaps due to the recent events, she had lost a considerable amount of

    weight. Shadows of fatigue lingered under her eyes, indicating she hadn¡¯t been getting enough rest

    ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t go to the hospital today. I¡¯ll get-

    Suddenly, his phone vibrated.

    The screen thousand.

    disyed that he had received a transfer of cir

    ¡°I looked up the rates for the resort. It¡¯s off¨Cpeak season now, so this suite costs eight thousand a night.

    I don¡¯t have a keycard, so I can¡¯t go to the front desk to pay. Anyway, you¡¯re the boss transfer it to you.

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face subtly stiffened. He then let out a sigh.

    so it¡¯s the same if I just

    When Lysander had asked him for the medical fee earlier, he had found it odd. Given Lysander¡¯s

    character, it was unlike her to fuss over such a small amount of money.

    However, he felt that having some sort of connection with her was a good thing.

    Little did he expect Lysander¡¯s n from the very beginning to settle ounts between them.

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    Chapter 402 You Have Apologized Countless Times.

    Another sum of money had been transferred. This time it was five hundred.

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure how much the meal from the hotel costs, But considering the caliber of the

    hotel, it¡¯s likely not cheap. I transferred you five hundred, and if it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll transfer more.¡±

    Josiah held his phone, a self¨Cmocking smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. ¡°It¡¯s just a meal. It doesn¡¯t

    cost five hundred.¡±

    Then consider it the transportation expenses for the past couple of days? Does it seem a bit too little?

    Should I add more?¡±

    ¡°Must you do this?¡±

    Lysander sofily replied, ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, is it just me you¡¯re so heartless toward? You¡¯re kind to Daphne and Prisci, and even to

    Zachary previously. Am I the only one? I made one mistake, and now I¡¯m not given a single chance?

    Zachary deceived you and even used you, yet you can still speak to him calmly. Why is it only me who

    you treat with such cold indifference? I¡¯d genuinely prefer if you could have a proper argument with me

    for

    once.¡±

    Lysander quietly looked at him. ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood.¡±

    ¡°What did I misunderstand? You¡¯re not kind to Daphne and Prisci? Or you¡¯re also cold to Zachary?

    And what about Adrian?¡± Josiah felt a bit frustrated when it came to this matter. ¡°He encouraged you to

    go to Stounia, didn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°What I mean is, I tend to be cold toward anyone I don¡¯t want to get too involved with.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Is that so?¡±

    ¡°I met with Zachary and we even managed to hold a conversation, purely out of respect for our elders.

    His mother, Mdm. Cam, has been my mom¡¯s best friend for decades. You should know this.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know, and it confuses me. You can consider everyone else; you helped Prisci get through her

    divorce, and you pulled Daphne back from the brink of suicide, but why not me? Lysander, I know I

    made a mistake, and I want to change. I just hope for a chance to properly apologize to you. Is that too

    much to ask?¡±

    Lysander lifted her gaze to him. ¡°You¡¯ve apologized countless times already.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but you still haven¡¯t forgiven me.¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Lysander said. ¡°If you ended up marrying Lysanne, I would still be happy for you!¡±

    Suddenly. Josiah stood up. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t talk out of anger.¡±

    ¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not just talking out of anger; I¡¯m serious. I¡¯ve thought about it. You grew

    up together with her. The bond you¡¯ve forged over more than twenty years is indeed precious.¡±

    ¡°But you already know now. The only reason I was close with her initially was because I was unaware

    of your past disappearance. I treated her as if she was-¡±

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    Chapter 402 You Have Apologized Countless Ti

    She nced at the iing call disy, then took her phone to the balcony. ¡°Sorry, I need to take this

    call.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Lysa, it¡¯s Dad.¡±

    It was Howard.

    Lysander pondered for a moment. ¡°Did something happen at the hospital?¡±

    ¡°No, no, your mom is doing quite well. Ever since you arrived, her worries have been alleviated. She¡¯s

    now actively cooperating with the doctor¡¯s treatment.¡±

    ¡°So, why did you call?¡±

    ¡°Well, I just wanted to ask, where are you living now?¡±

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any ulterior motives, so don¡¯t worry. Ipletely understand that you don¡¯t want your

    foster parents to know about this matter because you¡¯re afraid it might upset them. Rest assured,

    without your permission, I won¡¯t recklessly go and visit them.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Just speak your mind.¡±

    Howard heaved a sigh. ¡°You and Josiah¡­ haven¡¯t made up yet, have you? Staying at the Guerra

    family¡¯s old house might not be the best idea at the moment. And I guess you wouldn¡¯t want to go back

    to your foster parents¡® house either. Why don¡¯t you stay at the Thorne manor? It¡¯s just next door to the

    Guerra family¡¯s old house.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Do you still not want to acknowledge us?¡±

    Lysander sighed. ¡°I simply don¡¯t want to limes

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Are you bothered by my rtionship with her?¡±

    37%

    ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, I¡¯m not. In fact, I¡¯d be quite pleased if you two could get married. After all, Howard

    and Molly raised Lysanne as if she were their own daughter. They¡¯ve always hoped that you¡¯d take

    care of her for the rest of her life.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows. ¡°I can take care of her, but the condition is, I want to be with you.

    Regardless of our childhood promises, or for the sake of our child who hasn¡¯t yete into this world, I

    want a fresh start. As for Lysanne, I will care for her within my means, but that doesn¡¯t mean I have to

    marry her.¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander¡¯s phone rang.

 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403

    Chapter 403 Josiah Got There In Time

    When Lysander returned to the room after the phone call, Josiah was no longer there.

    He had taken the time to remove the medical waste that had just been used for treatment from the

    trash

    bin

    She was the only one in the room, which surprisingly made her feel much more at ease. Sheid back

    down and had a good, undisturbed sleep.

    The next day, when she arrived at the hospital, there was an additional person in the ward.

    Prisci was feeding Molly soup.

    Seeing her approach, she greeted her with a smile, ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander also responded with a smile, ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°My dad always told me to repay the tiniest favor with enormous gratitude and charity. Besides, I¡¯ve had

    a lot of free time on my hands recently, so I thought I¡¯de over and lend a hand.¡±

    Lysander extended her hand. ¡°Thank you, but I can take over now.¡±

    Prisci handed her the bowl of soup and the spoon she was holding, then stepped aside. She

    watched as Lysander fed Molly the soup.

    ¡°Prisci.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Was the ward empty when you arrived?¡±

    ¡°No, Mr. Thorne has been here all along. He just went to the cafeteria to get some food, so I¡¯m helping

    him keep watch for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Food? Then where did the soupe from?¡±

    ¡°I made this myself. I included several ingredients known for their restorative properties. It¡¯s really good

    for recovery

    As they were talking, Howard returned.

    However, there was nothing in his hands, and he was wearing an expression of sheer panic.

    ¡°Lysa, you¡¯re here¡­¡±

    Lysander nodded. Noticing his paleplexion, she asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Howard sighed. ¡°Even though Lyss is two years older than you, she still behaves like a child. All these

    years, your mom and I have spoiled her too much.¡±

    ¡°What happened to her now?¡±

    ¡°Last night, she forgot to turn off the stove while cooking, and the house caught fire. The house was

    mostly.

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    Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 403 Josiah Got There In Time

    the house to burn down.¡±

    As Lysander continued to feed Molly soup, she aasually asked, ¡°She¡¯s all right, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    37%8

    ¡°Yeah, thank goodness Josiah got there in time¡­¡± Howard seemed to realize he had misspoken. He

    paused for a moment before quickly rifying, ¡°Josiah was just worried about his mother. After all, the

    two houses are adjacent, and if the fire had spread, it might have reached the Guerra family¡¯s old

    house too. He didn¡¯t go there specifically for Lyss. Don¡¯t overthink it.¡±

    No wonder he left so hastilyst night.

    Lysander said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter as long as she¡¯s fine.¡±

    Prisci muttered. ¡°It¡¯s quite something that a grown person could set the house on fire just by

    cooking.¡±

    Howard was clearly embarrassed as he awkwardly rubbed his hands together. ¡°She¡¯s never set foot in

    a kitchen since she was a kid. She doesn¡¯t have a clue about any of this, so¡­¡±

    ¡°That issue has been resolved, and I don¡¯t need to move into the Thorne manor anymore. I doubt it¡¯s

    even habitable now.¡±

    Howard felt even more awkward. ¡°How about I buy you a new house? You can choose whichever one

    you like. Just let me know.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter.¡±

    After finishing a bowl of soup, Molly also felt a bit weary.

    Lysander helped hery down, adjusting the nket around her. ¡°You should go back and take a look.

    I¡¯ll stay and keep watch here.¡±

    Howard waved his hand. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll stay here.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about Lysanne?¡±

    Howard did not respond.

    Lysander added, ¡°You¡¯ve raised her since she was young. Even without a blood connection, you¡¯d still

    feel concerned, right? Go and take a look, so Lysanne doesn¡¯t get the wrong idea that I¡¯m the one

    preventing you from going.¡±

    With a sigh, Howard walked over and patted her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll just go for a quick look, and I¡¯ll be right

    back.

    ¡°Prisci, could you help me see him off?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± said Prisci. ¡°Mr. Thorne, let¡¯s take the back door, shall we? The front entrance of the hospital

    is always congested with traffic, while the back door is much less crowded.¡±

    Howard followed behind Prisci as they left.

    Molly also closed her eyes to rest.

    When they left, the door to the ward was left open. From the corner of her eye, Lysander caught sight

    of familiar figure, who was gesticting wildly at the drway.

    ¨C

    2/4

    Chapter 403 Josiah Got There In Time

    She let out a chuckle, then beckoned a junior nurse over to look after Molly before she left.

    ¡°Lysander!¡± Daphne embraced her. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. There¡¯s just been so much going on at home recently.

    I couldn¡¯t get away. As soon as I had a moment, I rushed over to see you.¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Lysander removed Daphne¡¯s hands from her and said with a smile, ¡°When an elder is ill, you should

    fulfill your duty and look after them. Besides, there¡¯s nothing of great importance going on with me.¡±

    ¡°Nothing of great importance? You¡¯re now a daughter of a prominent family, you know. When I was

    coming here, I even asked my father. The Thorne family¡¯s business is muchrger than ours. Who

    knows. I might have to cling to you for support in the future.¡±

    Lysander tapped her forehead lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t. I¡¯m just an ordinary doctor.¡±

    Daphne guided her to the nearby rest area and sat down. ¡°Are you implying that you have no intention

    of inheriting the Thome family¡¯s wealth?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Are you

    out of your mind? You¡¯re the rightful heir! If you don¡¯t im your inheritance, all of the Thorne family¡¯s

    wealth will fall into the hands of that adopted girl! Listen to me, Lysander, this isn¡¯t the time for us to be

    high¨Cminded. What¡¯s rightfully yours, you must im! Why should you hand it over to someone else on

    a silver tter?¡±

    Lysander was much moreposed. ¡°I¡¯m not just going to hand everything over, but I studied

    medicine. I don¡¯t understand all that business stuff, and I certainly don¡¯t want to end up a spendthrift.¡±

    ¡°But that b*tch doesn¡¯t understand too! It¡¯s your family. Why let others spend all that money?¡±

    ¡°Josiah will help to keep an eye on things.¡±

    Daphne listened, only half¨Cunderstanding. ¡°You mean to say.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything by it. At this point, I don¡¯t have much say in everything that¡¯s happening. We¡¯ll

    just have to take it one step at a time.¡±

    ¡°Do you still n on going to Stounia?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°The situation here is tooplicated. If I go, I can¡¯t guarantee that

    something won¡¯t happen to Molly again.¡±

    Daphne let out a sigh. ¡°It¡¯s such a shame. You¡¯ve missed a great opportunity for an assignment

    abroad.¡±

    ¡°No worries. As I¡¯ve said before, as a doctor, no matter where I am, my duty remains the same: to treat

    illnesses and save lives.¡±

    ¡°Are you d about it, then?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t life just like that? You keep facing troubles and you keep makingpromises.¡±

    ¡°So, do you n on keeping this a secret from your parents forever?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll seeter,¡± Lysander said, somewhat worn out. ¡°Daphine, is my sister doing okay?¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, don¡¯t worry. Your sister is a total social bully. Not long after she started university, she made a

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    22:47 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 403 Josiah Got There In Time:

    bunch of friends. She¡¯s been happily busy every day.¡±

    ¡°What has she been busy with?¡±

    ¡°I heard she joined several clubs, even the student council. Every day she¡¯s either rehearsing for a y

    or practicing roller skating. She¡¯s absolutely over the moon with joy.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°What a carefree little girl.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, I heard that a senior from the university¡¯s basketball team was pursuing her.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat surprised. ¡°That fast? Hasn¡¯t it been just a short while since she started.

    university?¡±

    ¡°Kids these days are quite bold. I heard he was rather passionate.¡± Daphneughed. ¡°But your sister

    rejected him outright. I was quite impressed by her. Back in our day, even if we wanted to reject

    someone, we had to do it subtly and politely. Your sister is quite a force. She just said two words, ¡®No

    way!¡® and sent him off. Actually, in my opinion, that basketball boy was quite handsome and tall. He

    was really nice.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    Her ex¨Cboyfriend truly has a significant impact.

    It¡¯s likely that Michelle never wanted to have anything to do with a guy who ys basketball in her life

    again.

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    398

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    Chapter 404

    Chapter 404 Change My Dressing

    While they were talking. Daphne¡¯s face suddenly changed. She abruptly stood up and eximed,

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    When Lysander looked up, she saw a familiar figure.

    However, she was far from her usualmanding and condescending self. She was drenched from

    head to toe, draped in a white bath towel. Her wet hair clung to her scalp, making her look quite

    disheveled.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see my mom.¡±

    Daphne didn¡¯t even try to hide her displeasure with her. ¡°Where were you earlier? Your mom was

    hospitalized, and it was Lysander and Mr. Thorne who took turns to look after her. Have you been

    hiding at home, enjoying yourself?¡±

    Tears welled up in Lysanne¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t want toe; it¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    ¡°What? Your legs are your own. Who could possibly stop you if you decided toe? Were you tied up

    or locked away?¡±

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Lysanne.¡±

    Josiah appeared right then.

    He also spotted Daphne and Lysander, and his face contorted. ¡°Daphne, did youe to see

    Lysander?¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes darted back and forth between him and Lysanne a few times before she suddenly burst

    intoughter. ¡°Mr. Guerra, please don¡¯t address me so familiarly. I wouldn¡¯t want people to use me

    of trying to cozy up to the illustrious Guerra family. You should just call me Ms. Everhart.¡±

    Josiah was holding a bag of medicine in his hand. It seemed that he had just collected it.

    Daphne gave a quick nce. ¡°Is it Mrs. Thorne¡¯s medicine? Thanks for making the trip, Mr. Guerra.

    Hand it over to me, please.¡±

    No sooner had Daphne reached out her hand than it was gently brushed aside.

    Lysander drew her hand back. ¡°Someone will deliver Molly¡¯s medicine.¡±

    Daphne picked up on the underlying message. She nced at the soaking¨Cwet Lysanne, raised an

    eyebrow, and asked ¡°I see. So, you went to fetch medicine for Ms. Lysanne, didn¡¯t you, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Josiah raised his hand slightly, passing the medicine to Lysanne. ¡°Take this and head back to the ward

    first.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, I¡¯m worried about Mom. I want to see her¡­¡±

    ¡°Then you should go check on Mrs. Thorne.¡± Josiah extended his hand to grasp Lysander¡¯s. ¡°Lysander,

    something urgent happenedst night and I didn¡¯t get a chance to exin it to you. Let¡¯s go to your

    office¡­

    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? Don¡¯t get handsy¡± Daphne shielded Lysander behind her. ¡°Just use

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    37%0

    Chapter 404 Change My Dressing

    Josiah studied Daphne for a moment, then turned his attention back to Lysander. ¡°All right, then I¡¯ll say

    it

    here.¡±

    ¡°Last night, I got a call from my mom. The Thorne manor had caught fire. Both our houses were built

    entirely of wood, so you can imagine the disaster once it started burning. Plus, you know my mom has

    high blood pressure, and I was worried the shock would affect her, so I rushed back immediately. I

    nned to contact you once everything was sorted out, but the fire was so intense, it wasn¡¯t put out

    until early morning. The police showed up too, asking my mom and Lynne to go to the station to

    provide information to help determine the cause of the fire, which dyed things even further.¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander asked, ¡°Is Madam Susan doing well?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine. Just got a bit startled.¡±

    Lysander nodded slightly, turning to Lysanne. ¡°Did you suffer from a burn?¡±

    Josiah pursed his lips, remaining silent.

    Lysanne replied gently. ¡°There are minor burns on my arm and chest. The doctor has prescribed some

    medication.¡±

    ¡°The ones Mr. Guerra collected for you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lysanne nodded. ¡°Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t get the wrong idea. Josiah was actually nning to give me

    the medicine and then rush back to you immediately. It was my own worry for Mom that made me want

    toe over. This caused him to take an unnecessary detour and wasted some time.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°No worries. It¡¯s all thanks to this unnecessary detour; otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t have

    had the chance to meet with Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Lysanne said, ¡°Dr. Thome, I hope you¡¯re not upset.¡±

    ¡°Why would I be upset? Mom just went to sleep after finishing her meal. If you want to see her, keep

    your voice down. Don¡¯t wake her up.¡±

    ¡°Mom¡¯s asleep? Then never mind, I won¡¯t go in. If I disturbed her rest, it would be my fault.¡± Lysanne

    turned to Josiah. ¡°Josiah, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. I can go back to my ward by myself. You

    should exin things to Dr. Thorne properly, so there¡¯s no misunderstanding because of me.¡±

    She then gave Daphne a look. ¡°Ms. Everhart, shall we leave together? Let¡¯s give them some alone

    time.¡±

    Daphne crossed her arms and studied her,ughing at her words. ¡°Stop pretending. I haven¡¯t forgotten

    how Lysander was nearly burnt to death back then. Are you ying the innocent now?¡±

    ¡°I was bewitched back then. I-

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I don¡¯t care who bewitched you. You attempted murder. Just you wait. I¡¯ll get awyer

    and make sure you¡¯re behind bars. And don¡¯t even mention your parents. Even if God himself showed

    up, you¡¯d still have to face the music!¡±

    Daphne¡¯s voice grew louder as she spoke.

    However, within the hospital, especially at the entrance of the wards, maintaining silence was crucial.

    Lysander was just about to caution Daphne when hy wrist was suddenly seized and she was led away.

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    22:47 Mon, 3 Jun

    R

    37%

    Chapter 404 Change My Dressing

    Josiah didn¡¯t take her to her office instead, he found a nearby staircase. After leading her in, he

    promptly closed the door behind them.

    ¡°What I just said is the truth. There¡¯s nothing going on between Lysanne and me.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I believe you.¡±

    Josiah let out a slight sigh. ¡°Your parents, I mean Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, asked me to promise to take

    care of Lysanne. The fire incident happened abruptly and Lysanne did get burned. I brought my mom

    and her to the hospital. I only got her medicine because she didn¡¯t bring any money. I helped pay the

    fee and picked up the medicine for her. That¡¯s pretty much what happened.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, I believe you.¡±

    Josiah took a deep breath and calmed down considerably. ¡°Daphne just mentioned she intends to sue

    Lysanne in court. Is this your idea?¡±

    ¡°So what if it is, and what if it isn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you wish for, it¡¯spletely understandable. After all, you¡¯re the victim here. It¡¯s only right

    for you to seek justice through thew. I¡¯ll help you find awyer.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you promised the old couple to take care of Lysanne? If I do send Lysanne to jail, how will you

    exin it to them?¡±

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange things to lessen her suffering inside

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this matterter. At the very least, we should wait until Molly wakes up. I¡¯m worried that

    she might faint again if she hears this news before she¡¯s fully recovered.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°You brought me here just to tell me this?¡±

    Josiah finally showed a hint of concern in his gaze. He looked her up and down. ¡°You still look a bit

    worn out I¡¯ll have Ms. Collinse pick you upter to take you back to the resort for some rest. I¡¯ll

    stay here with Mrs. Thorne in the afternoon.¡±

    ¡°No need. You¡¯ve been busy all night, dealing with the fire and the burns. I can manage on my own.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of burns¡­ I suppose it¡¯s time for me to change my dressing.¡±

    ¡°All right, you head to the burn department then. I¡¯m going back to the ward.¡±

    Her wrist was seized once again.

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    398

 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405

    Chapter 405 Will You Change My Dressing

    Josiah embraced her from behind. ¡°Lysander, will you change my dressing?¡±

    ¡°How about I transfer another one hundred and fifty to you? I understand you don¡¯t want to owe me

    anything. I can transfer it to you right now.¡±

    Lysander pulled away the hands resting on her waist. ¡°There¡¯s a fully¨Cequipped burn department in the

    hospital and specialized surgical nurses. Don¡¯te looking for me.¡±

    ¡°I just want you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hand was already resting on the door handle.

    rai

    She fell silent for a moment, striving to keep her voice as calm as possible. ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s drop it.¡±

    ¡°Are you tired? It¡¯s all right. I can head to the burn department¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m talking about you and I.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice held a hint of hesitation. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s exactly what you¡¯re thinking. We were once close as husband and wife, but now that we¡¯re

    divorced, we¡¯re nothing more than strangers. You don¡¯t need to concern yourself with my affairs

    anymore, nor do you need to exin so much to me. Honestly, I don¡¯t want to hear it. If possible, I¡¯d

    rather we never see each other again.¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    Yet, it was clear that his temper was ring as his breathing grew heavier. ¡°Lysander, what do I need to

    do to make you feel my remorse and love?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything. I don¡¯t need any form of remorse, let alone love. That¡¯s all. Send my

    regards to Madam Susan for me.¡±

    When she returned to the ward, only Daphne was there.

    Daphne whistled. ¡°The pretentious b*tch has left.¡±

    ¡°Did you chase her away with your harsh words?¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Daphne spread her hands. ¡°Do I look like that kind of person to

    o you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    ¡°Haha, I was just teasing you. In my opinion, the whole visiting mom thing is just a pretense. She

    merely wanted to lure Josiah here, so that you could see him getting medicine for her.¡±

    ¡°I think so too.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s pointless, you know. Josiah already knows her true colors. Even if she tries to provoke you, the

    moment you get upset, Josial will onlye to pacify you. He won¡¯t pay her any mind. It¡¯s really just a

    waste of effort.¡±

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    Chapter 405 Will You Change My Dressing

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had nothing to do with Josiah for a while now.¡±

    Her news of returning to the country couldn¡¯t be kept a secret for long.

    Once Molly¡¯s situation had more or less stabilized, Lysander returned home for a visit.

    Both Maverick and Laura were taken aback. But when they heard that she would no longer be going to

    Stounia, their faces, although tinged with a hint of regret, were predominantly filled with joy.

    Laura busied herself in the kitchen, preparing her favorite dishes. All the while, she hummed along to

    her favorite songs.

    Maverick was filled with deep emotion. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t go. Lysa, honestly, at our age, we don¡¯t

    really expect you to achieve great things. As long as you and Mich are both healthy and safe and we

    can all spend time together as a family, those are the happiest days for us.¡±

    Lysander poured a cup of coffee for Maverick. ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll be staying in the country from now on and

    spending more time with you both.¡±

    Maverick was still somewhat uneasy. ¡°Were you¡­ mistreated in Stounia?¡±

    ¡°No.

    ¡°Tell me the truth. Are those foreigners looking down on Aplothians?¡±

    ¡°No. My colleagues are all quite nice to me. Dad, what were you thinking?¡±

    Then why did you return so soon after you left?¡±

    Lysander casually made up an excuse. ¡°I never felt it back home, but not long after I went abroad, it

    was Thanksgiving. Suddenly, I felt quite lonely, so I came back.¡±

    Maverick paused for a moment, then burst outughing. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that the truth? Thanksgiving is

    indeed a day for reunion. So, have you quit your job over there? Can you return to Central Hospital?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°I suppose I could return, but after working for so many years, I¡¯m

    quite exhausted. I¡¯d like to take a break before going back.¡±

    ¡°All right, all right, you should rest well, then. Speaking of which, our house is about to be demolished

    soon. They¡¯ve already given us notice a few days ago, saying they¡¯ll be discussingpensation

    agreements with each household. Your mom and I are getting on in years and there are lots of things

    we don¡¯t understand. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re home.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod.

    The very next morning, representatives from the relocation office arrived.

    There were four of the

    of them in total, three men and one woman.

    The woman took charge of the conversation, with three men who seemed to serve as bodyguards, but

    were more like an intimidating presence. They remained silent, standing behind her. Their arms were

    heavily tattooed, a clear warning that they were not people to be trifled with.

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    22:47 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 405 Will You Change My Dressing

    Lysander nced at the work badge hanging on the woman¡¯s chest.

    She was Ines from Prestige Constructions.

    It¡¯s not Josiah¡¯s father¡¯spany anymore?

    ¡°Ms. Thome, we¡¯ve already assessed the size of your previous house. ording to our current

    compensation policy, we can offer you apensation of thirty square nfeters. For the remaining area,

    you would need to purchase it at the original price.¡±

    Maverick was furious. ¡°This isn¡¯t what you all promised! Didn¡¯t we agree on a one¨Cto¨Cone

    recement? Our old house was over fifty square meters!¡±

    Ines smiled. ¡°Sir, can¡¯t you tell the difference between the old house and the new one? One is on the

    city outskirts, the other right in the city center, adjacent to the hospital. The price difference is

    astronomical! We¡¯re a business, not a government¨Cled demolition. We can¡¯t afford to make a loss, can

    we?¡±

    ¡°But before this-

    ¡°That was before. The previous constructionpany has already withdrawn from this project.

    Naturally, their previousmitments no longer hold. The specific policies will definitely be

    implemented ording to the newpany¡¯s terms.¡±

    ¡°Newpany?

    ¡°Yes. Sir, let me be frank with you. Thepany that was previously in charge of this project was

    actually under Guerra Group. Guerra Group is financially robust, and a loss of several billion doesn¡¯t

    hurt them. They are willing to contribute to the public, for which I would praise their selfless contribution

    to society. However, ourpany is small. We can¡¯t afford such arge capital investment. As for your

    thirty square meter home, we saw that you and your wife have retired without much source of ie,

    and you still have a college student to support at home. Therefore, thepany has specially given

    you a discount. Everyone else has had their area halved.

    Caught off guard by the unexpected news, Maverick could only respond with silence.

    Lysander asked, ¡°May I know how much more we need to pay?¡±

    ¡°That would depend on howrge of a resettlement house you¡¯re looking for.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any with three rooms?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we do have it, but that¡¯s thergest size avable, one hundred and thirty square meters. Out of

    that, thirty square meters areplimentary. You¡¯ll need to pay for the remaining hundred square

    meters.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the price per unit?¡±

    Ines pulled out a calctor, tapping away briskly. ¡°You should be aware of this plot ofnd. The

    cheapest price for a new house here is over fifty thousand. Multiply that by a hundred, and you¡¯ll get an

    idea of the amount we¡¯re talking about.¡±

    Maverick nced at the string of zeros on the calctor screen, a slight frown forming on his face.

    ¡°Lysa, perhaps we should opt for something smaller.¡±

    Ines quickly responded, ¡°I do have smaller ones. The smallest is about sixty square meters, with one

    bedroom and one living room.¡±

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    Mon,

    Chapter 405 Will You Change My Dressing

    ¡°That won¡¯t do at all. There won¡¯t be any room for Mich when shees home for the holidays¡­¡±

    Ines seemed to be quite ustomed to such situations. ¡°No worries. You can think it over some more

    and contact me once you¡¯ve made up your mind. However, time waits for no one, so please try to

    hurry.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406

    Chapter 406 Visiting Susan

    After Ines left, the house was momentarily engulfed in silence.

    Gazing at the table full of food that had already gone cold, Laura let out a sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll go heat up the

    food.¡±

    Maverick was about to reach for his cigarette again when Lysander grabbed his hand. ¡°Dad, stop

    smoking

    Maverick scoffed, ¡°Guerni Group?¡°.

    A sense of heaviness settled in Lysander¡¯s heart, but she remained silent.

    ¡°I was just wondering, who would want to use that remote area in our residentialpound? Turns out

    it was Josiah Lysa, Josiah wants to demolish the ce, and he¡¯s relocating us to a ce not far from

    your hospital. Is this because of you?¡±

    Lysander lowered her eyes. ¡°I guess so.¡±

    ¡°Is he still bothering you?¡±

    ¡°He used to.¡±

    ¡°So now, he suddenly stopped the demolition and brought in people from anotherpany. Has he

    given up, then?¡±

    Lysander recalled their conversation in the hospital stairwell and nodded.

    With a flick, the lighter burst into me..

    Before Lysander could intervene, Maverick lit up a cigarette and held it between his lips. ¡°I promise

    you, this is thest one.¡±

    Laura reheated the food once more, and everyone had a bit to cat.

    However, by the end of the meal, not much of the food had been touched.

    Laura took her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°How about this? Let¡¯s not worry about buying a house. The one we¡¯re

    renting now is quite nice, and it wouldn¡¯t be bad to continue renting. Plus, if we decide not to buy a

    house, we should receive somepensation, right? Even though it might not be a lot, you can take it

    for now. When you get married, it can be used to make a down payment with your future husband.¡±

    Maverick remained silent, continually smoking his cigarette.

    Laura gave Maverick a meaningful look. ¡°Maverick, say something.¡±

    Maverick sighed. ¡°Your mom does have a point. If it reallyes to it, we can just continue renting. It¡¯s

    not the end of the world.¡±

    At night, Lysander stayed at home.

    The rented apartment only consisted of two bedrooms and a living room. Since Michelle was living on

    campus and not at home, she slept in Michelle¡¯s room.

    Just as she was about to fall asleep, Howard sent her a message: Lysa, did you have a fight with

    Josiah?

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    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 406 Visiting Susan

    After some thought. Lysander responded: No.

    Howard: Then why hasn¡¯t he been answering my calls?

    Lysander: Perhaps he¡¯s busy. Is there something you need?

    37%

    Howard; it¡¯s nothing serious. I¡¯m just a bit concerned about Josiah¡¯s mother and wanted to inquire

    about her situation

    Lysander: With Josiah around, Madam Susan should be well taken care of.

    Howard: I know. I¡¯m sure I can count on Josiah to do the right thing. Given our long¨Cstanding

    rtionship between the two families, it¡¯s only right that I should pay a visit too. But I¡¯m tied up and

    can¡¯t make it. Could you possibly spare some time to go there tomorrow?

    Lysander had just spoken harshly to Josial. It was clearly not the best time for her to show concern for

    his mother.

    She got in touch with Eleanor instead.

    Thest time when Susan had a sudden bout of high blood pressure, she and Eleanor had exchanged

    phone numbers. This was so that if anything were to happen to Susan in the future, she could get in

    touch. with her quickly.

    It came in handy at that moment.

    Upon hearing of her impending visit, Eleanor was ted. ¡°Oh, wonderful! Madam Susan would surely

    be thrilled to see you.¡±

    ¡°Eleanor. Josiah¡­ will not be home tomorrow, right?¡±

    Eleanor was taken aback. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, aren¡¯t youing with Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°No.

    ¡°Did anything happen between you two? Are you upset with each other? I get it. Did Ms. Lysanne from

    next door say something again? Listen to me, Mrs. Guerra, Mr. Guerra really has no connection with

    her anymore. If he did something to upset you,e back and tell Madam Susan. She will talk to

    him¡­

    Lysander rubbed her temple, feeling a headacheing on. ¡°Eleanor, let¡¯s just see how things go

    when I get there tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go grocery shopping tomorrow morning and cook you something delicious.¡±

    Lysander ended the phone call.

    Although Eleanor didn¡¯t provide a precise response, she had gleaned some information.

    At that very moment, Josiah was not at home.

    Moreover, it was unlikely that he would return the next day, given that Eleanor waspletely

    unaware.

    The following morning, she purchased some fruits and supplements, then hailed a taxi to the old

    house.

    Susan appeared to be in good spirits. ¡°I wasn¡¯t burned. The fire was mainly next door. It didn¡¯t reach

    our side. But the ze was truly intense quite a frighter sight to behold.¡±

    2/4

    ÃÜ37%ÅÌ

    Chapter 406 Visiting Susan

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysander peeled an orange for her. ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re okay. You should try to keep your emotions

    stable in the future. If something like this happens again, let Eleanor call 911 for help. If the fire

    bes too dangerous, leave the house with Eleanor immediately. Don¡¯t worry about your belongings.

    Your safety is the most important thing.¡±

    Susan looked at her expression, her face filled with satisfaction. ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°How has your blood pressure been recently?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been taking my medication consistently and it¡¯s fairly under control. However, it seems that the

    recent cold weather might have caused a slight increase. I was nning to consult my doctor about

    whether there¡¯s a need to adjust the dosage.¡±

    ¡°Have you been keeping track of your blood pressuretely?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all noted down. I had Eleanor jot it all down in a notebook.¡±

    ¡°Give me that notebook of yours. I¡¯ll ask the cardiologist about how to adjust your medication. That way,

    you won¡¯t have to keep making trips to the hospital.¡±

    Susan was increasingly pleased. ¡°Sure, thank you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s t

    truly wonderful to have a daughter by my side. You¡¯re so gentle and considerate. Who knows where on

    earth my son is.

    Eleanor had already brought over the notebook. ¡°Madam Susan, you can¡¯t really me Mr. Guerra.

    After all, Mrs. Thorne is still in the hospital. He has to keep vigil there for Mrs. Guerra; he¡¯s just showing

    his concern for her.

    Susan was a smart individual. She took a quick nce at Lysander¡¯s expression.

    Seeing her face as still as a calmke, she knew the situation probably wasn¡¯t very promising.

    She smoothly changed the subject with augh. ¡°Lysander, how¡¯s your mom doing?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°The doctor mentioned that the recovery is going well, but rest is still necessary.¡±

    Susan gently advised, ¡°I was aware of the incident when you went missing back then. Your mom was

    once a very capable woman, but losing you left her ming herself for most of her life, draining her of

    all vitality. She was careless and failed to take good care of you, but that was never her intention. She¡¯s

    had a hard time over the years¡­

    ¡°Right, I understand.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a perceptive child. You understand many things on your own, so I won¡¯t bbor the point.

    Eleanor, how¡¯s the mealing along? Is it ready to be served?¡±

    Eleanor replied, ¡°The ingredients have been prepared long ago. We¡¯re just waiting for your word to start

    cooking. Given the cold weather, the food would cool down quickly if left out, so it¡¯s best to cook it fresh

    on the spot.

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s have the chef start, then,¡± Susan said, holding Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Stay and have a meal

    with

    1. mc.

    3/4

    Chapter 406 Visiting Susan

    Lysander hadn¡¯t nned on staying for long.

    However, Eleanor and Susan insisted on holding onto her, making it difficult for her to forcefully depart.

    The dishes were promptly served and Susan led her to the dining room.

    Just as she was abour to pick up her cutlery, the doorbell suddenly rang.

    Susan was somewhat perplexed. ¡°Who could it be at this hour?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407

    Chapter 407 Separate Ways

    Eleanor hurried over, and soon, her joyous voice could be heard. ¡°Mr. Guerra! You¡¯re back! Come, the

    food has just been served. Let me get you a set of utensils!¡±

    Josiah crossed the living room. Lysander, keeping her gaze lowered, could still sense his eyes on her.

    However, they didn¡¯t stay on her for too long.

    ¡°Mom, are you feeling better now?¡± asked Josiah.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Susan gestured to the spot next to her. ¡°Have you eaten?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.

    ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Come sit down and let¡¯s eat together.¡±

    Josiah pulled out a chair and sat down on the other side of Susan, perfectly facing Lysander.

    However, neither of them said a word to each other.

    Susan exined. ¡°Lysander came to visit me today, so she stayed to have dinner with me.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t even lift his head. He simply hummed in acknowledgment. ¡°Mom, after dinner, could you

    ask Eleanor to pack your things? I¡¯ve bought you a new house. You¡¯ll be moving there soon.

    Susan was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Why is that?¡±

    ¡°Houses made of wood are quite prone to catching fire in the winter, making them somewhat unsafe.

    Moreover, the Thome manor next door also needs to carry out some repairs, which will inevitably cause

    a considerable amount of noise during the construction. Given that you already have trouble sleeping, it

    might be best to find another ce to stay.¡±

    After hearing that, Susan found it reasonable and asked, ¡°Where am I moving to, then?¡±

    ¡°At my area. I bought the house next door as well.¡±

    ¡°Your apartment?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It may not be thatrge, but it¡¯s sufficient for you, Eleanor, and the chef to live in.¡±

    Susan nced at Lysander, letting out a soft chuckle. ¡°That works, too. After you finish work, you can

    come home for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    When a mother and her child were having a discussion, it was not appropriate for outsiders to be

    present.

    Thus, Lysander said, ¡°Madam Susan, I¡¯ve finished eating. It¡¯s time for me to head to the hospital for my

    shift change. Thank you for your hospitality. After I consult with the cardiologist, I will send you the

    dosage. From then on, you can take your medicine ording to the new dosage.¡±

    Susan stood up. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten much, though. Why don¡¯t you have a little more?¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 407 Separate Ways

    ¡°No need to rush. Josiah, could you give Lysander a ride? It¡¯s hard to get a cab around here..

    Lysander remarked, ¡°It¡¯s quite easy to get around. Calling Uber is very convenient now¡±

    Susan still insisted. ¡°Josiah!¡±

    Josiah dabbed at the corner of his mouth with a napkin, then slowly rose to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out?

    ¡°No need.¡± Lysander swiftly departed from the Guerra family¡¯s old house

    Indeed, trying to hail a cab there was quite a challenge due to its remote location. It was only after she

    added an extra tip of twenty that an Uber driver finally epted the request

    However, the journey was quite long. The system alerted her that she would have to wait for fifteen

    minutes.

    Lysander simply followed the small path outside the mansion, strolling leisurely as she waited.

    During that time, Michelle gave her a call.

    She must have heard from their parents that Lysander had returned to the country. As such, she was

    thrilled at the thought of seeing Lysander and announced she would being home that very night.

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander wanted to check where the Uber driver was. However, despite

    refreshing several times, the location just wouldn¡¯t update.

    The page disyed tworge words: Request Canceled

    Lysander frowned as she dialed the number of the Uber driver. The driver on the other end sounded

    somewhat apologetic. ¡°Your location is just too far away. The distance I have to cover without a fare is

    too much. I have to consider my costs, you see. Just then. I got a closer request and I epted it. I¡¯m

    really

    sorry.¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°If you had mentioned it earlier, I could have offered more money¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already gone far away now. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Left with no other choice, Lysander had to hang up the phone.

    She called for another car and even raised the tip to fifty, but no one epted her request.

    Beep! Beep!

    The honk of a car behind her gave her quite a startle.

    The car window of a Porsche glistening in gold rolled down, revealing the side profile of Josiah.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t catch a cab?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s almost here,¡± replied Lysander.

    His gaze was indifferent. ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving first then.¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The car window Pradually rose the golden Porsche

    neine mared and it quickly sned away

    214

    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 407 Separate Ways

    After walking for a while, Lysander finally managed to hail a cab when she reached the intersection.

    When she arrived at the hospital, she first visited the cardiology department. After rifying the

    dosage, she sent it to Eleanor.

    Eleanor asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra left just a few minutes after you did. Did you two run into each other?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°No, I left in a taxi. I didn¡¯t see him.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Madam Susan kept urging him and hoping he could make it in time to drive you to your

    destination.¡±

    ¡°Help me thank Madam Susan.¡±

    When Lysander returned to the ward, Daphne and Prisci were both there.

    Prisci was still feeding Molly while Daphne was engaged in a conversation with Howard.

    Seeing her approach, Howard was filled with joy. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Yep. I dropped by Madam Susan¡¯s ce this morning. She¡¯s doing pretty well,¡± responded Lysander.

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± said Howard. ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for your two friends. Prisci has been bringing soup

    every day, and Daphne has been keeping uspany all this time.¡±

    Daphne waved her hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m not as meticulous as Prisci. I wouldn¡¯t be of much help.¡±

    Lysander said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m already touched that you coulde. How about I treat you to a meal

    another day?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t. I¡¯ve been trying to lose weight recently, so don¡¯t even think about tempting me.¡±

    Howard said, ¡°You girls catch up. I¡¯ll take a stroll in the garden downstairs.¡±

    After Lysander saw off Howard, Prisci had also finished feeding Molly.

    Once Molly had fallen asleep, the three women left the ward and found a ce to sit outside.

    Daphne clearly had a lot to say. ¡°What on earth is Josiah thinking? He¡¯s pursuing you, yet he can¡¯t

    seem to forget his past love!¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Lysanne?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡±

    Prisci exined, ¡°Daphne seemed really upset when she arrived today. I asked her what happened

    and found out that it seemed likest night when Mr. Guerra went out for a drink or something with his

    buddies, he took Ms. Lysanne with him.¡±

    Daphne rolled her eyes. ¡°Adrian didn¡¯t drop a single hint. It was Zane who ended up sending me a

    photo asking what was going on. How would I know what¡¯s happening?¡®

    Lysander asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t Lysanne in the hospital due to burn injuries?¡±

    ¡°Well who knows?¡±

    3/4

    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 407 Separate Ways

    Suddenly, Prisci nudged Lysander¡¯s arm. ¡°Lysander, do you see that? Is that Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Down the hallway in the distance, a man and a woman stood out remarkably.

    The man was tall and broad, while the woman was delicate and seemingly helpless.

    Josiah still held the freshly collected medicine in his hand as the two of them crossed the corridor

    together and entered the elevator.

    Daphne said, ¡°I¡¯ll go ask him what he¡¯s thinking.¡±

    Prisci grabbed her hand. ¡°Daphine¡­¡±

    ¡°Prisci, don¡¯t pull me!¡±

    Prisci sighed, saying, ¡°Why don¡¯t we first hear what Lysander has to say?¡±

    Daphne turned around and looked at Lysander. ¡°Lysander, don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ll go get a clear

    answer for you.¡±

    ¡°No need to ask him anymore,¡± Lysander said. ¡°We¡¯repletely over now.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s expression shifted several times. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I had a final conversation with him, and we decided to go our separate ways.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408

    Chapter 408 A Favor

    Daphne had been best friends with Lysander for two decades. Thus, upon hearing those words,

    Daphne actually found herself calming down.

    The look in Prisci¡¯s eyes flickered as she said, ¡°Actually, this isn¡¯t too bad.¡±

    Lysander smiled, and Prisci bashfully stuck out her tongue. ¡°I¡¯m just talking nonsense, Lysander.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re right,¡± affirmed Lysander.

    Daphne stroked her chin, lost in thought for a moment. ¡°Lysander, has Josiah really given up pursuing

    you for so long?¡±

    after

    Lysander gazed at the distant silhouette of a man and a woman standing side by side and nodded

    slightly. ¡°From the looks of it, it should be.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been ruthless with your words before, so why did he suddenly give up this time?¡±

    Actually, Lysander hadn¡¯tpletely figured out why that was.

    However, it didn¡¯t really matter to her. Men and women were entirely different creatures, and she

    couldn¡¯t be bothered to delve into his mental processes any further.

    However, what Prisci said was indeed quite true and Lysander thought perhaps that ending was for

    the

    best.

    too well.

    From the moment she resolved to terminate her pregnancy, she understood it all too

    The oue of her rtionship with Josiah had already been determined.

    As for who Josiah ended up with afterward, that was no longer something she needed to worry about.

    From Josiah¡¯s perspective, the past was unchangeable, and his childhood friend had already turned

    back. His choice to be with Lysanne was simply a natural human response.

    Daphne patted Lysander on the shoulder. ¡°Would you like toe over for dinner at my ce tonight?

    My dad heard you¡¯re back, and he¡¯d like to meet you.¡±

    ¡°He wants to meet me?¡± asked Lysander.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of that matter with Harry?¡±

    Daphne pouted. ¡°Perhaps my father still feels guilty toward you.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to go. Michelle ising home tonight, and I¡¯ve

    already promised to spend time with her.¡±

    ¡°No worries. Why don¡¯t you bring your family along? Your parents know me anyway. Consider it as a

    wee home party for you.¡±

    After some thought, Lysander called her family.

    1/4

    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 408 A Favor

    In the afternoon, when Howard came to take over the shift, Lysander had a word with him.

    There was a hint of envy in Howard¡¯s eyes, but his words were somewhat humble. ¡°That¡¯s good. Since

    you¡¯re back from Stounia, you should spend more time with them. This meal sounds lovely. Once your

    mother¡¯s health improves, we¡¯ll host a wee home party for you, too. Daphine, you and your father

    muste when the timees as well.¡±

    Daphne was unsure about Lysander¡¯s stance toward her biological parentt, so she could only respond

    with a nomittal smile, ¡°Sure, we¡¯ll see if we have the time, and if we do, we¡¯ll definitely go

    Daphne was behind the wheel, driving home with Lysander. They picked up Maverick and Laura, along

    with Michelle, who had just returned from university.

    Michelle had tanned significantly and lost some weight as well, yet her eyes remained sparklingly

    bright.

    ncing at Michelle through the rearview mirror, Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°So, how¡¯s life as a

    university

    student?¡±

    Michelle pouted. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Just so¨Cso. Zachary said that once I¡¯m in university, things will get easier,

    yet I feel even more exhausted than when I was in high school.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Has Zachary contacted you recently?¡±

    ¡°He did, but not frequently, as his job seemed to keep him quite busy.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°By the way, Zachary was asking about you.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°It was just the usual stuff, you know. He asked how you¡¯ve beentely, if you¡¯ve been busy with work. I

    mentioned that you went to Stounia, and he seemed quite surprised.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    not

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Zachary is busy with work right now. To disturb him too much.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know, I never initiated contact with him. It was always him who chatted with me on WhatsApp

    whenever he had some free time.¡±

    Lysander breathed a small sigh of relief.

    Michelle was a naive girl,cking Zachary¡¯s cunning. When Zachary chatted with her, he merely wanted

    to probe for information to understand the situation between Lysander and Josiah. After all, his work

    was within the sphere of influence of the Guerra family, and gaining more insight into Josiah could only

    be beneficial to him.

    Daphne answered a phone call, exchanged a few words, then covered the receiver and asked

    Lysander, ¡°My dad wants to know if you¡¯d prefer Ecronian or Epean cuisine.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Either is fine.¡±

    2/A

    Chapter 408 A Favor

    ¡°The Epean restaurant is just up ahead, but if you want Ecronian food, we¡¯ll need to turn back

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to your ce for dinner?¡±

    Daphne let out a sigh. ¡°I initially suggested eating at home, but my dad mentioned that my grandma

    isn¡¯t doing too well. He was worried that it might spoil your enjoyment, so he decided we should cat out

    instead.¡±

    Lysander nodded, showing she understood.

    Delores needed to rest and recuperate at that time. As such, a meal at the Everhart residence would

    inevitably disrupt Delores¡® rest.

    Lysander turned to her parents and asked, ¡°Mom, Dad, would you prefer Ecronian or Epean cuisine?¡±

    Frankly, middle¨Caged people tend to have well¨Cestablished preferences, and they certainly favor

    Ecronian cuisine. However, upon hearing that they would need to take a detour, Maverick said, ¡°Let¡¯s

    just go to whichever is nearer. If we turn around, we¡¯ll have to get on the overpass, and there¡¯s bound

    to be traffic at

    this time.

    Michelle quickly nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go for Epean food. I¡¯ve never been to an Epean restaurant before.¡±

    After uttering a few more words into her phone, Daphne abruptly ended the call and continued driving.

    Shortly, she pulled up in front of an Epean restaurant.

    Rufus seemed exceptionally well¨Cprepared. He was dressed in Ecronian¨Cstyle attire, looking vibrant

    and sprightly, and personally weed his guests at the door.

    Lysander called out, ¡°Mr. Everhart.¡±

    Rufus greeted them warmly, ¡°You¡¯re here! Come on in. Your seats are all set.¡±

    The Epean restaurant appeared quite luxurious.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Lysander tugged at Daphne¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Why is it so grand?¡±

    Daphne shrugged. ¡°My dad is a bit prideful, but don¡¯t worry about it. Let Michelle eat to her heart¡¯s

    content. Please, don¡¯t hold back.¡±

    Epean dining differed from Ecronian dining in that it didn¡¯t featurerge round tables but rather utilized

    long rectangr tables.

    Three people were on each side, facing each other.

    Maverick and Laura were not very familiar with Epean cuisine. Lysander took the initiative and ordered

    seafood aglio olio spaghetti for them, a dish that would likely suit their pte. On the other hand,

    Michelle excitedly ordered a heap of unusual and exotic dishes.

    Lysander ordered herself a steak and leisurely began to cut into it.

    Rufus said with augh, ¡°It¡¯s no wonder Lysander is a surgeon. She wields a knife like a pro.¡±

    Lysander gave an embarrassed smile. ¡°Mr. Everhart, how is Old Mrs. Everhart doing? Please let me

    know if there¡¯s anything I can do to help.¡±

    3/4

    Chapter 408 A Favor

    ¡°Your words have put me at ease. Well, her condition has significantly improved. The doctor said she

    just needs to rest and recover.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°You don¡¯t need to keep dwelling on what happenedst time. Ultimately, it was the

    work of malicious individuals, and it had nothing to do with the Everhart family. You don¡¯t need to keep

    it on your mind.¡±

    When that topic came up, a shadow crossed Rufus¡® face. ¡°I know you¡¯re a kind and generous child.

    However¡­ To be honest, the reason I invited you to dinner today is that I have a favor to ask.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409

    Chapter 409 Private Jet

    ¡°Could you possibly ry a message to Mr. Gucira for me? The coboration with Riveron Corporation

    is crucial for the Everhart family. Given the vast array of options avable to Guerra Group, there¡¯s no

    need for it to fixate on Riveron Corporation, is there?¡±

    Lysander was left utterly bewildered. ¡°What¡¯s this about Riveron Corporation?¡±

    Daphne was originally engrossed in her phone. Upon hearing those words, she became somewhat

    flustered, tossing aside the cutlery she was holding. ¡°Dad, what are you saying? What¡¯s all this about

    Riveron Corporation and mergers? Moreover, Lysander and Josiah are already divorced. They have no

    rtionship with each other anymore. You know that!¡±

    Rufus sighed. ¡°Of course I know, but¡­ Well, let me just be frank with you. The Everhart family has

    been in partnership with the Riveron Corporation for over a decade, and our rtionship has always

    been solid. However, this year, Guerra Group unexpectedly extended an offer to Riveron Corporation,

    and they immediately signed a contract. A project that was about to break ground has nowe to a

    halt due to issues with procuring building materials. As you know, every day on the construction site

    costs money!¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows slightly. ¡°Mr. Everhart, I don¡¯t really understand these business matters.

    Even when we were married, I never interfered with Josiah¡¯s work. And now, we¡¯ve already divorced¡­

    I¡¯m afraid I may not be of any help with this.¡±

    ¡°I understand. This matter must put you in a difficult position. However, when you were trapped in a fire,

    I saw with my own eyes how Mr. Guerra risked his life to save you. There¡¯s no doubt that you hold a

    special ce in his heart. Lysander, I wouldn¡¯t havee to you if I wasn¡¯t out of options.¡±

    Daphine hurriedly eximed, ¡°Dad, are you losing your mind? Lysander already said she didn¡¯t

    understand. Aren¡¯t you deliberately making things difficult for her?¡±

    ¡°Harper, Lysander was married to Josiah for three years. I know you two are close, but have I ever

    asked. her for a favor? If it weren¡¯t for this emergency, I wouldn¡¯t have swallowed my pride¡­¡± Rufus

    rambled on. roughly exining the situation.

    Atst, Lysander had finally understood what was going on.

    The Everhart family was in the business of materials, dealing in everything from renovation materials to

    interior decoration supplies.

    Their primary clientele consisted of major construction firms, which included Guerra Group. Guerra

    Group could be considered the Everhart family¡¯s biggest client.

    Riveron Corporation, meanwhile, was a small¨Cscale supplier. The Everhart family would source raw

    materials from Riveron Corporation, process those materials, and then transform them into various

    construction materials needed by clients, earning the processing fees in between.

    However, Guerra Group suddenly and directly worked with Riveron Corporation. The former had even

    invested in a factory for thetter. That essentially meant the two were bypassing the Everhart family to

    work together.

    The capital that the Everhart family had initially invested was all borrowed from the bank. If they lost

    that business deal, they wouldn¡¯t just be unable to repay the principal amount, but the already

    constructed factory might even be auctioned off by the bank.

    That was wchur Rulin was nanicking ¡°Tveander Tres don¡¯t want to nut was in a.

    ve in a difficult position bur

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    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 409 Private Jet

    there is no other choice.¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡± Daphne eximed, abruptly discarding her cutlery, ¡°If it reallyes down to it, just sell the

    apartment you bought for me and my car, too. Use the money to repay the bank.¡±

    ¡°Silly child, that¡¯s not enough money! Even the interest alone is more than that!¡±

    ¡°Then-¡°Before Daphne could finish speaking, Rufus¡® phone began to ridg.

    Upon seeing the caller ID, Rufus grimaced. ¡°What happened?¡±

    A momentter, he shouted, ¡°What?! Call 911 first. I¡¯ll be there immediately!¡±

    Daphne noticed her father¡¯s paleplexion and knew something was amiss. She quickly asked,

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s condition has suddenly worsened. We need to rush to the hospital.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Lysander also stood up and said, ¡°Daphne, let mee with you. I did study

    medicine, after all. There¡¯s a chance I might be able to help.

    Daphne paled and was at her wit¡¯s end. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lysander told her parents, ¡°You two eat first. I¡¯ll go with them.¡±

    Then, grabbing her coat, she quickly followed the Everhart family out.

    When the trio rushed back to the Everhart residence, the ambnce had just arrived.

    Delores was wheeled into the ambnce, and Lysander hopped in right after her.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡± said someone.

    Lysander nced over, recognizing the individual speaking. ¡°Dr. Ivan. The patient is an elder of my

    friend¡¯s family. How are things?¡±

    Ivan nodded. After assessing Dolores¡® condition, he shook his head slightly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look too

    promising

    Daphne¡¯s eyes were red. ¡°Didn¡¯t the doctor say she was stable before? Why is this happening so

    suddenly?¡±

    ¡°Last time, her fall led to a fracture and a brain hemorrhage. After the surgery, her condition stabilized.

    However, her blood vessels are fragile, and there¡¯s always a risk of another brain hemorrhage. Dr.

    Thorne, you should understand this.¡±

    A sense of heaviness settled in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    Daphne studied Lysander¡¯s expression and knew instantly that the situation was indeed grave. She

    asked anxiously, ¡°What do we do now? Is my grandmother in danger?¡±

    Ivan said, ¡°At this point, I can only make a preliminary diagnosis. We need to get to the hospital for a

    cranial CT scan to confirm. If the bleeding is too severe, I¡¯m afraid¡­

    As he spoke, he cast a nce at Lysander.

    Lysander said ¡°Let¡¯s first take a look at the CT scan

    214

    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 409 Private Jet

    A

    Ivan gave a noi, simply uttering, ¡°Okay¡±

    Upon arriving at the hospital, the emergency room staff quickly coordinated with the CT scan

    department. The results came out promptly.

    The neurosurgeon, who was somewhat acquainted with Lysander, looked at the scans and exined,

    ¡°There is a substantial amount of bleeding. I¡¯m afraid we might have to perform a craniotomy.¡±

    Squeak!

    A piercing sound echoed.

    Rufus had nearly lost his footing, almost knocking over the medical stand next to him.

    Daphne quickly supported Rufus. ¡°Dad, are you okay?¡±

    37%B

    Rufus¡® face was ashen. ¡°Doctor, if we proceed with the craniotomy, is there a high probability of

    sess?¡±

    The doctor said. ¡°The patient is quite elderly, and a craniotomy is a major surgery. The risks involved

    are significantly higher for them than for the average person. However, if we don¡¯t proceed with the

    operation, the bleeding will continue to increase, leading ultimately to brain death.¡±

    ¡°Then do it!¡± Daphne gritted her teeth. ¡°Doctor, please perform the surgery on my grandmother as soon

    as possible. At least with the surgery, there¡¯s a glimmer of hope.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ The doctor hesitated.

    ¡°Is there anything else, doctor? Feel free to say it.¡±

    The neurosurgeon nced at Lysander with a hint of difort. ¡°Our hospital¡¯s Dr. Jenner, who is

    capable of performing craniotomies, happens to be in Apex City for a conference. Our hospital can¡¯t

    perform the surgery at this moment!¡±

    I

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯ll get in touch with First Hospital and see if we can transfer the patient there.¡±

    ¡°Almost all the neurosurgeons from Harborbrook are attending that recent conference. There are only a

    couple in First Hospital who can perform craniotomies, and they likely went as well.¡±

    Daphne was instantly filled with despair. ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    The doctor spoke with difficulty. ¡°We must transport the patient to Apex City as quickly as possible

    while coordinating with the hospital there for immediate reception. Upon arrival, she¡¯ll be taken straight

    into the operating room. Since there¡¯s a neurosurgery conference taking ce there, attended by many

    experts, the chances of a sessful operation will likely increase.¡±

    Daphne immediately began to use her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll buy the ne tickets right now!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t work.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°The patient is currently unconscious and needs constant medical supervision, something that regr

    commercial airlines simply can¡¯t provide.¡±

    Lysander asked straightforwardly, ¡°lust tell me, who we need?¡±

    3/4

    22:48 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 409 Private Jet

    R

    The doctor replied, ¡°I¡¯m afraid we might need a private jet.¡±

    37%

    ¡°Also it needs to be arranged fast. The longer a brain hemorrhage is left untreated, the more perilous

    the condition bes. Any dy will only make things worse.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t reply.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    The doctor sighed. ¡°You all should discuss it amongst yourselves.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410

    Chapter 410 Do Not Plead With Josiah

    Daphne muttered. ¡°Private jet¡­ Who owns a private jet? The Sutton family! Would the Sutton family

    have one? I¡¯ll call Aiden right now!¡±

    Beep Beep

    ¡°Hello? Ms. Everhart?¡±

    The call connected, but the other end was filled with a cacophony of voices. The sounds were chaotic,

    and faint strains of a song could be heard.

    Daphne sounded slightly panicky. ¡°Aiden, does your family own a private jet?¡±

    ¡°What? A water jet?¡±

    Daphne¡¯s teeth chattered in anxiety. ¡°I¡¯m asking if your family owns a private jet!¡±

    ¡°A jet? No. What¡¯s the matter? Are you nning a vacation?¡± He seemed to have covered the receiver

    while whispering to the person on the other end of the line, ¡°Very soon, very soon¡­

    ¡°Vacation, my foot! Where are you now?¡±

    ¡°Josiah is ying the host. We¡¯re out singing karaoke. Are you joining?

    ¡°Josiah?¡±

    That¡¯s right.¡± Aiden said. ¡°You better note. Josiah has been quite irritabletely. If you two meet,

    you¡¯ll likely turn the karaoke bar upside down. They¡¯re calling me to sing now, so I¡¯ll hang up if there¡¯s

    nothing else.¡±

    ¡°Wait, Aiden! Aiden!¡±

    The next second, all Daphne could hear was the busy tone on the line.

    She was so infuriated that she almost threw her phone away.

    In the ICU not far away, Delores was covered in tubes. Through a pane of transparent ss, Lysander

    nced at the readings on the monitoring equipment, her heart sinking further.

    Rufus was urgently speaking with the nurse. Although the actual words couldn¡¯t be made out, one

    could see an apologetic expression on the nurse¡¯s face as she continuously shook her head.

    After some contemtion, Lysander made a phone call.

    Daphne saw it and snatched her phone away in an instant. ¡°Who are you calling? Don¡¯t plead with

    Josiah on my behalf.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m just calling to ask if my parents have any connections.¡±

    Daphne was momentarily stunned but quickly caught on. ¡°Your biological parents?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 410 Do Not Plead With Josiah

    37%Á¿

    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say they already went to the nursing home in the mountains? Would they still have a

    solution?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not really familiar with business matters either. Let me ask first.¡±

    When she made the call, Howard swiftly answered the phone.

    After hearing Lysander briefly describe Delores¡® situation, Howard didn¡¯t Immediately refuse. He simply

    asked. ¡°Do you need it right now?¡±

    Upon hearing those words, Lysander was filled with joy. She nodded repeatedly, saying. ¡°Yes,¡±

    ¡°Let me make some calls, then. I¡¯ll get back to you.

    Roughly ten minutester, Howard called ¡°Lysa, I¡¯ve arranged for a private jet. I¡¯ve also set up a driver

    waiting at the hospital entrance. You and Old Mrs. Everhart should get to the airport as soon as

    possible.¡±

    Lysander activated the speakerphone. Daphne, at her side, instantly broke into uncontroble sobs.

    Rufus¡± eyes welled up with tears as he expressed his gratitude.

    Howard must have heard them. Heforted, ¡°Now¡¯s not the time for such discussions. Saving Old

    Mrs. Everhart¡¯s life is what¡¯s important.¡±

    ¡°Okay. All right.¡±

    Daphne gratefully squeezed Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°My dear friend. I¡¯ll properly thank you when I return.¡±

    Fortunately, Lysander had decent connections in the medical field, which came in handy when moving

    Delores into the ambnce. Daphne and Rufus hopped on as well. With the siren ring, the

    ambnce sped off toward the airport.

    Subsequently, Lysander returned to the hospital and helped fill in some pending forms for the hospital.

    transfer. While she was there, she also organized Delores¡® medical records and sent them to Daphne.

    She figured the records mighte in handy abroad.

    After she was done dealing with those matters, an hour had already passed.

    Howard called again and inquired about the situation.

    Lysander¡¯s voice held an additional touch of gratitude as she spoke. ¡°They¡¯ve already left for the

    airport. Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s condition is really critical. I¡¯m very thankful for your help this time.¡±

    Howard said, ¡°I just received a message that they¡¯ve already taken off. The ground arrangements on

    the other side are all set. As soon as theynd, they¡¯ll be immediately transferred to the hospital for

    surgery. Try not to worry too much. I¡¯ve met Old Mrs. Everhart before. She¡¯s a fortunate person, and I¡¯m

    sure she¡¯ll be blessed with good luck.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I hope Old Mrs. Everhart can pull through this time.¡± Lysander then asked, ¡°Does the Thorne

    family own a private jet? You¡¯ve never mentioned it before.¡±¡±

    Howard chuckled. ¡°Your mother and I have been living in the nursing home for almost twenty years

    now. We rarely even ride in cars, let alone have any use for a private jet.¡±

    ¡°In that case-

    2/4

    Chapter 410 Do Not Plead With Josiah

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I didn¡¯t contact Josiah. It¡¯s an old friend of mine, someone we¡¯ve known for most of our

    lives. We¡¯re very close. The moment I asked, she immediately agreed.¡±

    Having her thoughts exposed, Lysander felt slightly embarrassed.

    ¡°Next time the opportunity arises, I¡¯ll pay a visit to this old friend of yours. We owe her a great deal for

    her help this time.¡±

    ¡°Sure. We older folks have plenty of time, It¡¯s mostly up to you. You¡¯ve been running back and forth

    between Stounia and home recently. Not to mention, you¡¯re always so busy. Plus, there¡¯s the recent

    matter with Josiah. Lysa, I¡¯vee to realize that you¡¯re someone who can make your own decisions.

    As an elder, I won¡¯t pry into your affairs too much. Just remember one thing. Whatever decision you

    make, we will always support you.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I understand,¡± Lysander said.

    This time, Howard had truly done her a huge favor. After some thought, Lysander realized that, both

    emotionally and logically, she couldn¡¯t afford to be overly aloof.

    In the afternoon, she purchased some daily necessities and went to visit Molly.

    The sickbed was elevated slightly. Although Molly still seemed weak and listless, her condition had

    evidently improved. At the very least, she was now able to recline against the head of the bed.

    Howard was peeling an apple when he saw Lysander approaching. He quickly stood up. ¡°Why did you

    Lysander ced the items she had purchased into the cupboard and said, ¡°I remembered that the wet

    wipes and toilet paper are almost depleted, so I went out and bought some more to bring over.¡±

    Molly was currently unable to care for herself, and in many instances, she had to rely on wet wipes and

    toilet paper. Hence, such consumables were being used up at a significant rate.

    The hospital¡¯s cab was rather small, limiting the amount of supplies that could be purchased at

    once. Therefore, frequent restocking was necessary.

    When she stayed there to keep Mollypany, Josiah was mainly in charge of restocking.

    Now that she had severed ties with Josiah, she had to handle that matter personally.

    Howard said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about the private jet issue. We¡¯ve been close friends for decades,

    so I can still ask for this favor.¡±

    Despite Howard¡¯s stance, Lysander figured she should still express her gratitude. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here tonight.

    You should head back and get some rest,¡±

    Howard disagreed, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve been pretty worn outtely. Your mom just started speaking a few

    words. Although they¡¯re not coherent, I understand her. She feels like she¡¯s been holding you back,

    forcing you to return from Stounia. She feels indebted to you, even more so now. Don¡¯t worry. Your

    mom¡¯s condition has improved slightly. I¡¯ve arranged for a few female caregivers, and I¡¯ll be taking

    turns with them to look after her. You should go back and rest and spend more time with the parents

    who raised

    you.

    ¡°Caregivers? Would that work?¡±

    3/4

    6.37%2

    Chapter 410 Do Not Plead With Josiah

    ¡°Yes. Besides, your friend. Prisci,es over often, Counting in the caregiver, we have six or seven

    people taking care of one person. That should be more than enough.¡±

    Lysander thought back to her parents, who had dressed up to attend the event that day but hadn¡¯t been

    able to enjoy their meal. She felt a lingering concern in her heart for them.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, feel free to call me anytime. My phone is always on, twenty¨Cfour hours a

    day.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander nced at Molly on the hospital bed. Thetter managed a faint smile and nodded at

    Lysander.

    Lysander paused for a moment, then returned a smile.

    Send Gifts

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    398

 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411

    Chapter 411 Shameless Couple

    When she returned home in the evening, Lysander exined to her parents the unexpected situation

    that had urred at the Everhart residence that day.

    The two elders expressed their understanding.

    Maverick said, ¡°At our age, we all have elders to care for and children to look after. And most of the

    elderly are in their seventies or eighties. This is something we can understand. We can have a meal

    anytime. Tending to Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s health is of utmost importance.¡±

    Lysander gave a hum of acknowledgment. ¡°Mom, Dad, how about I take you out for dinner now?¡±

    Maverick waved his hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m so fed up. I don¡¯t even feel like eating anymore.¡±

    Confused, Lysander looked toward her mother.

    Laura helplessly said, ¡°It¡¯s Michelle. She mentioned something about a high school get¨Ctogether, and

    not long after she came back, she went out again. It¡¯s already so Tate, yet she hasn¡¯t returned. I¡¯ve

    been calling her, but no one¡¯s answering. She¡¯s a young girl, and it¡¯s so dangerous for her to be outte

    at night.¡±

    Maverick, infuriated, mmed his hand on the table. ¡°No, I must go find her.¡±

    Laura grabbed his arm. ¡°Where are you going to look for her? Do you have any idea where she might

    be?¡±

    Lysander asked in confusion, ¡°Did Michelle mention where she was going when she left?¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t bother mentioning it, considering how distracted she was. Before I could even finish my

    sentence, she had already left.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Let¡¯s do this. You two should eat first. I know a few of her high school friends..I¡¯ll ask

    them where they are gathering, and then I¡¯ll go pick up Michelle.¡±

    Once she stepped outside, Lysander made a few phone calls.

    However, the oue was somewhat worrisome as Michelle¡¯s ssmates werepletely unaware

    of any nned get¨Ctogether.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel irritated. Ever since she started university, she had been keeping a lot of

    secrets.

    Fortunately, one of Michelle¡¯s female ssmates offered a hint. ¡°Lysander, I think you should check out

    Skywatch,

    ¡°What is Skywatch?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a karaoke bar near our several asions.¡±

    iversity. I heard from someone that they saw her there on

    After expressing her gratitude, Lysander immediately hailed a cab and headed straight for Skywatch.

    She had initially thought all karaoke ces were pretty much the same. One could simply choose a

    private room at the front desk, pick out their drinks and snacks, and then head into the room to start

    singing

    However, when the car stopped at Skywatch¡¯s entrance, she was dazzled by the magnificent golden

    building before her eyes.

    1/4

    16%1

    Chapter 411 Shameless Couple

    The entire building was designed in the style of the Rodunstian era, with eightrge pirs at the front,

    all in a pure gold hue. Uniformed security guards stood at the entrance, giving it an appearance far

    from the average karaoke bar.

    Lysander thought. Ihat¡¯s Michelle doing here?

    At first nce, it was clear that this was not a ce where a university student could afford to spend.

    As she was entering, the security guard stopped her, saying, ¡°Are you alone?¡±

    Lysander looked up and asked. ¡°Is this a karaoke bar?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but-

    ¡°Can¡¯t a person go to karaoke alone?¡±

    The security guard shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Pleasee in.¡±

    Even though she had mentally prepared herself, upon entering. Lysander was still taken aback by the

    sheer opulence of the decor.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    When Lysander turned around, Aiden was also somewhat taken aback.

    He was slightly tipsy, not appearing entirely lucid, with a faint hint of drunkenness. ¡°You¡¯re here? Are

    looking for Josiah? Come on. Let me take you inside.¡±

    As he spoke, he reached out to pull her toward him.

    you

    Lysander hid her hands behind her back and avoided him. ¡°No. I¡¯m looking for someone else. I¡¯ll be

    going

    now.¡±

    ¡°Are you upset, Lysander? Don¡¯t be. Since you¡¯re here,e on. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    After having a bit of alcohol, Aiden grew bolder. He went behind Lysander and gave her a gentle push.

    Lysander simply couldn¡¯t withstand the strength of a grown man, and with his push, she was sent

    stumbling forward several steps, crashing straight into someone.

    The scent of tobo was overwhelming on that person.

    The reek prompted her to frown. In her fluster, she apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Aiden bellowed in fury, his face a yful grin as he approached to im his credit. ¡°Guess

    who¡¯s here?¡±

    When Lysander lifted her head, she found herself looking directly into Josiah¡¯s familiar face.

    However, Josiah was quite unlike his usual self.

    His light blue shirt was already somewhat crumpled, with a few vibrant red lipstick marks still lingering

    on

    the cor.

    Lysander didn¡¯t really understand linstick shades hoxhe could tell that the colors of those few linstick

    2/4

    Chapter 411 Shameless Couple

    marks were almost all different.

    Beyond the overpowering scent of smoke that clung to him, there was also a subtle hint of women¡¯s

    perfume.

    Upon closer inspection, she realized that the fragrance originated from the long¨Chaired beauty leaning

    against Josiah¡¯s shoulder.

    The woman¡¯s curly, raven¨Cck hair partially concealed her face, but one could still make out her

    crimson lips and fairplexion. She wore a fiery red bodycon dress that entuated her figure,

    making her look incredibly alluring.

    She seemed to have had a bit too much to drink as well. Unsteady on her feet, she leaned on Josiah¡¯s

    shoulder, murmuring something. The woman¡¯s lips brushed against Josiah¡¯s cor, leaving behind a

    few traces of her crimson lipstick.

    Lysander didn¡¯t recognize the woman.

    Or rather, she had never seen that woman before.

    Clearly, that woman didn¡¯t recognize her either.

    She nonchntly brushed her hair back with a myriad of grace, her eyes half¨Cclosed. Resting her chin

    on Josiah¡¯s shoulder, she asked with a faint smile, ¡°Who is this?¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    Aiden forestalled him and quickly replied, ¡°She¡¯s Josiah¡¯s official wife. All right, get up already and keep

    your distance from Josiah. Can¡¯t you read the room now that his wife is here?¡±

    ¡°Wife?¡± The woman turned her head and asked Josiah, ¡°Is she your wife?¡±

    Wearing an indifferent expression, Josiah responded curtly, ¡°No.¡±

    The woman chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯ve met your wife before, and she doesn¡¯t look anything like this.

    Mr. Aiden, have you had too much to drink? How could you mistake twopletely dissimr people?¡±

    Aiden was immediately indignant. ¡°The woman you met wasn¡¯t his real wife. She was an imposter. This

    one here is the genuine one.¡±

    The woman chuckled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, how could you have so many wives?¡±

    Aiden was a bit irritated, ¡°I¡¯ve already told you she¡¯s Josiah¡¯s legitimate wife. Why won¡¯t you believe

    me? 1

    ¡°Aiden!¡± Zane appeared from seemingly nowhere and grabbed Aiden¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯ve had too much to

    drink. Let me help you inside.¡±

    Zane appeared to be the most sober among them. He cautiously nced at Lysander, offered an

    awkward smile, and gave a slight nod as a form of greeting. Then, he helped Aiden back to their private

    room.

    Consequently, Lysander was left alone with the shameless couple, who had clearly had too much to

    drink, in the lounge.

    Lysander was still worried about Michelle. Eager tove, she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have something to attend.

    3/4

    22:52 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 411 Shameless Couple

    to-¡±

    36%

    ¡°You said you have a gift for me, didn¡¯t you? What¡¯s with the mysterious act? You even had to mention

    it.¡± Josiah turned to nce at the woman, who was practicallytching onto him, and chuckled. ¡°Where

    is it? Are you tricking me?¡±

    The woman gave him a flirtatious nce. ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t trick you, Mr. Guerra. The gift is already

    prepared. It¡¯s in the hall outside. Come with me, and you¡¯ll see¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    ¡°Hal ying mysterious,¡± Josiah scoffed.

    ¡°Come on,e on. You¡¯ll understand once youe with me.¡±

    Despite her own clumsiness, the woman still managed to walk off into the distance in her high heels,

    pulling Josiah along with her.

    The sharp click¨Cck of her stiletto heels echoed on the marble floor. Josiah simply let her have her

    way, allowing her to lead him by the hand around a corner and away into the distance.

    ¡°Ly¡­ Ah. Ms. Thome. Zane showed up once again.

    He even addressed Lysander differently now.

    Lysander easily went along with it. ¡°Mr. Yarrow.¡±

    With a bitter smile, Zane said, ¡°It seems like you and Josiah have truly parted ways this time.¡±

    Lysander gave a hum of affirmation.

    Zane let out a sigh. ¡°No wonder Josiah has been acting so out of charactertely. It¡¯s as if he¡¯s be

    at different person. But he wouldn¡¯t tell anyone why. I had a hunch that there might be some issues

    between you two, and it turns out I was right.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412

    Chapter 412 Who Is More Attractive

    Upon seeing Lysander remaining silent, lips pursed, Zane also found himself unsure about the current

    state of affairs between the two of them.

    ¡°Um, Ms. Thorne, are you here to see Josiah?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I had no idea he was here.¡±

    Zane seemed to have a sudden realization and nodded. However, Lysander wasn¡¯t sure if she was

    mistaken, but she seemed to notice a hint of disappointment on Zane¡¯s face.

    ¡°You guys carry on. I¡¯ve got things to handle.¡±

    Lysander nodded in acknowledgment to Zane.

    Zane, however, hastily inquired, ¡°Is there something troubling you? Maybe I can help.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but no need.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m helping you on my own ord. It has nothing to do with Josiah. Zane considered for a moment

    before adding, ¡°This ce¡­ it¡¯s not exactly safe for you to wander around alone. You never know what

    might run into.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°Isn¡¯t this just a karaoke lounge? Why wouldn¡¯t I be safe?¡±

    Zane¡¯s face stiffened and spoke awkwardly. ¡°Anyway, this isn¡¯t your typical karaoke lounge.¡±

    It seemed as though Lysander was beginning to understand.

    Yet, she wasn¡¯t entirely clear.

    you

    Given her line of work, she really didn¡¯t need to engage in any social events, so she wasn¡¯t all that

    familiar with the ins and outs of it.

    However, looking at Zane¡¯s expression, and recalling the lipstick marks on Josiah¡¯s shirt from earlier,

    one could make a few guesses..

    No wonder when Zane was just talking about Josiah, he used the phrase ¡°unruly.¡±

    ¡°You guys¡­¡± Lysander was at a loss for words. ¡°Did you alle here¡­ looking for¡­ women?¡±

    Startled, Zane quickly shook his head. ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not it. I¡¯m just here as the driver. They¡¯ve all been

    drinking, so someone sober has to get them home.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Josiah isn¡¯t here for the women either!¡±

    It seemed as though Zane had thought of something, letting out a dry chuckle, ¡°He was probably just in

    bad mood, looking for some distraction. The woman just now was just a singer he was with, strictly

    business. She¡¯s not the type to sell her body.¡±

    Lysander pursed her lips/¡°You don¡¯t me.¡±

    ed to exin this t

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    Chapter 412 Who Is More Attractive

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to exin, just trying to preserve Josiah¡¯s image.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod,

    Zane asked, ¡°Is there something so urgent that you had toe here?¡±

    ¡°Looking for someone.¡±

    ¡°A man or a woman?¡±

    ¡°My sister, Michelle.¡±

    Zane suddenly let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I thought that¡­

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s nothing. Do you have a photo of Michelle? I¡¯ll ask around to see if anyone here has

    seen her. It¡¯s certainly better than you aimlessly searching.¡±

    After giving it some thought, Lysander pulled out a family photo from her phone and handed it over to

    Zane.

    Zane took the phone and nced at it for a moment, raising an eyebrow. ¡°This is your sister?¡±

    ¡°Mm¨Chmm.

    ¡°You two sisters really don¡¯t look much alike, haha.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I appreciate your help. My sister is still young, and I¡¯m genuinely worried about her.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Zane also became serious, nodding slightly before making a phone call.

    In less than two minutes, Zane already received an update.

    Zane said, ¡°I¡¯ve got news, Your sister should be in Room No. 1036 right now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Um, do you need me to apany you there?¡±

    It was somewhat unsettling that Michelle, a young woman, had ventured to this ce alone. Zane was

    after all a man, and it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate if he happened to see something he shouldn¡¯t..

    And so, Lysander politely declined, ¡°No need, I can go by myself. I really appreciate your help today.¡±

    Zane waved his hand nonchntly. ¡°You and Josiah were once a married couple. Now that you¡¯re

    separated, who knows what the future might hold?¡±

    Seeing that Lysander wasn¡¯t interested, Zane decided to stop there. He quickly added, ¡°Just because

    we¡¯ve broken up

    doesn¡¯t mean we have to be enemies. Think of me as someone who¡¯s eager to help. If I can lend a

    hand, I will¡±

    Lysander gave a nod. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±

    1

    The ce was akin to aburrinth Zane had euided te briefly indicating thar Room No 1096 was erill

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    22:52 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 412 Who Is More Attractive

    some distance away. They would need to pass through the central hall to get there.

    When Lysander went past, she did her best to tread lightly, sticking close to the wall as she walked.

    At the central hall, there was a round courtyard.

    As dusk fell, the only light came from a crescent moon hanging in the ink¨Cblue night sky, its glow

    casting over a man and a woman standing shoulder to shoulder on the ground below.

    The woman rested her head on the man¡¯s shoulder, loosely holding onto his arm. Her voice was sweet

    as she asked, ¡°Did you like the gift I gave you?¡±

    The man lifted his gaze to the moonlight, lost in his thoughts, subconsciously uttering a soft ¡°hmm¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    In the next moment, the woman cradled his face, turning it toward her own. Their gazes met; she

    stared into his eyes and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t give you the moon.¡±

    The glint in Josiah¡¯s eyes flickered. He had already grasped the implication in her words.

    He brushed her hand away. ¡°Stop it.¡±

    Yet, the woman still posed the question, ¡°Who is more attractive? Me or your wife?¡±

    However, tonight was truly spectacr.

    While they were romancing under the moonlight, some discordant noises sounded off not far away.

    A man and a woman were engaged in a passionate exchange, causing quite amotion.

    It was right on the path that Lysander had to take to get to Room No. 1036.

    She could only remain where she was, unsure whether to behave as if she was just passing by, or to

    leave and find another route so as not to disturb the two¡¯s pleasant moment.

    Suddenly, she felt a chill creep up her back.

    But when she turned around, all she saw was a fleeting glint in Josiah¡¯s sses.

    His eyes quickly vanished into the night, making it impossible for her to discern his expression, let

    alone know if he had noticed her.

    Fortunately, the man and woman ahead had some sense of decency. They retreated into the nearest

    private room.

    The obstacle had finally departed.

    Lysander swiftly passed through the hall.

    In the moment of turning around, Lysander thought she heard Josiah¡¯s response, half truthful, half

    teasing as he said, ¡°You.¡±

    Following that, was the woman¡¯s seductiveughter.

    When she finally located Room No. 1036, Lysander was about to push the door open, just as Michelle

    was

    3/4

    Chapter 412 Who Is More Attractive.

    Astonished, Michelle paused for a moment. ¡°Lysander! What brings you here?¡±

    Upon seeing her sister, Lysander¡¯s irritation surged. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be the one asking you that question?¡±

    Hesitant for a moment, Michelle led Lysander to the hall and said, ¡°Wait here for a moment. I¡¯ll be right

    back¡­

    The hall was brightly lit, and it was then that Lysander could clearly see that Michelle was wearing the

    uniform of the service staff from this karaoke lounge.

    When she was looking for someone earlier, she hade across a few service staff on the road, all of

    whom were wearing identical uniforms.

    After roughly ten minutes, Michelle hurriedly rushed out, now dressed in her own clothes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go. Lysander.¡±

    The two sisters stepped out of Skywatch together, and it was only then that Michelle revealed the truth

    to her elder sister.

    ¡°Lysander, I lied about the ss reunion to our parents. I know it¡¯s wrong to lie, but I genuinely wanted

    to help alleviate some of the burdens. Buying a house requires so much money, and where would mom

    and dad

    get that from? We¡¯re both their children, so it shouldn¡¯t always be you taking the brunt of things. I want

    to share some of the load for our family too.¡±

    Upon hearing her sister¡¯s words, Lysander¡¯s anger slightly subsided. ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m stopping you from

    taking a part¨Ctime job, but you have to consider the circumstances. There are plenty of jobs that a

    college student can do, like tutoring or social work. Do you even know what kind of ce this is?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Michelle bit her lip, her head bowed as she spoke. ¡°But the pay here is really high at two hundred

    an hour. I¡¯ve asked the manager, there are dedicated ones who apany in singing and¡­ men. I¡¯m

    just a service staff, responsible for helping set up the equipment and delivering drinks and fruit tters.

    I don¡¯t do anything else.¡±

    Lysander felt exasperated. ¡°In theory, that¡¯s true. But if something were to really happen, would you be

    able to fight back?¡±

    ¡°I was really careful, you know. Whenever I went in to serve alcohol, I always left the private room¡¯s

    door open. That way, if I ever ran into some drunkard or something, I could make a quick getaway, and

    they wouldn¡¯t take advantage of me! Don¡¯t worry, Lysander. I¡¯m not naive. I¡¯ve nned out my escape

    routes.¡±

    Just as Lysander was about to speak, from the corner of her eye, she saw a man approaching.

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    Chapter 413 A Pair Of Sisters

    The man must have had too much to drink, as he casu

 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413

    Chapter 413 A Pair Of Sisters

    The man must have had too much to drink, as he casually draped his arm over Michelle¡¯s shoulder.

    As he spoke, the strong scent of alcohol wafted through the air. ¡°Are you new here?¡±

    Michelie, who was just a young woman who hade of age, instantly turned pale. She abruptly

    pulled the hand off her shoulder, her words a bit of a jumbled mess in her panic. ¡°Please show some

    respect!¡±

    Seeing the situation, Lysander quickly pulled her sister behind her for protection.

    The man licked his teeth, his interest piqued as he looked at Lysander. He sized her up from head to

    toe. ¡°This one works too, or¡­ both of you together?¡±

    Michelle was both frustrated and anxious. She tugged at Lysander, ready to leave. ¡°Let¡¯s go, sis. Ignore

    him,¡± she said.

    ¡°Oh, so you guys are a pair of sisters after all.¡±

    The man seemed intrigued, quickening his pace to catch up. He stretched out his hand, blocking their

    path. ¡°Are you two really sisters, though? You two don¡¯t look alike at all,¡± he remarked.

    Michelle scoffed. ¡°What¡¯s it to you if one of us takes after our dad and the other our mom?¡±

    ¡°Sure, of course. I was just asking. Why are you upset? You clearly look young¡­ Is this your first

    time?¡±

    Seeing the man¡¯s gaze gradually bing lecherous, his words taking a turn for the worse, Lysander

    subtly furrowed her brows. She took Michelle¡¯s hand, preparing to leave from the other side.

    But the man was relentless and pursued her again. ¡°Why are you running? Let¡¯s negotiate the price.¡±

    No sooner had the words been spoken than another person emerged from the main entrance. He

    seemed. to be friends with the drunkard. With a jovial tone, he asked, ¡°Horace, what are you up to

    now?¡±

    The man known as Horace spread his hands nonchntly and said in a roguish manner, ¡°We¡¯re

    discussing the price. They¡¯re real sisters.¡±

    ¡°Really? I haven¡¯t heard about it. Let me check them out.¡±

    Originally, Lysander thought that she could just quickly drag Michelle out of there, avoiding any further

    trouble with the drunkard.

    But now, another one had arrived, cornering them from both sides. She and Michelle were under siege,

    and escape was starting to seem less and less likely.

    Moreover, the one who arrivedter was clearly more sober than Horace. It was clear he hadn¡¯t drunk

    much.

    A drunkard and a sober adult man were simply not on the same level when it came to physical

    strength.

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    She could manage a drunkard, but she genuinely couldn¡¯t resist a physically strong, mature man.

    Michelle grew more frightened, clutching at her sleeve. ¡°Lysander, what do we do now?¡±

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    Chapter 413 A Pair Of Sisters

    ¡°No¡­ I won¡¯te here anymore.¡±

    With a sigh, Lysander pulled out her phone, ready to make a call.

    Horace took a step forward, swiftly snatching her phone from her grasp. ¡°Calling for help, are you?¡±

    ¡°The police, Lysander said.

    Horace chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re working at Skywatch, and you want to call the police for this?¡±

    ¡°Of course we should call the police. We¡¯re customers, here for the karaoke. If we encounter danger,

    it¡¯s only natural to alert the authorities.¡±

    ¡°Customers? Both of you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Horace scoffed. ¡°Right.¡±

    Lysander calmly said, ¡°Give me back my phone.¡±

    The man furrowed his brows in irritation. ¡°Name your price already. It¡¯s getting dark. Quit beating

    around the bush. I¡¯m losing my patience, and I¡¯ve got urgent matters to attend to.¡±

    Saying so, he was about to take action.

    Suddenly, Michelle called out into the distance, ¡°Josiah-¡±

    Josiah and his group should have also concluded their affair, as they were currently heading out.

    There were probably more than twenty people, and they were essentially all men.

    Zane and Aiden were also present. Apart from Zane, generally, everyone had a prettydy in their

    arms.

    Josiah also had someone by his side¨Cthe samedy with red lips and curly hair.

    Josiah casually ced his hands in his pockets, a woman clinging onto his arm. Upon hearing the

    heart- wrenching cries of Michelle, they all turned to look.

    Michelle seemed to have spotted her savior, and she waved her hands frantically, ¡°Brother¨Cinw!

    Brother¨Cinw, help me!¡±

    Horace asked, ¡°Missy, who are you calling out to?¡±

    Pointing at Josiah, Michelle eximed, ¡°Him! He¡¯s my brother¨Cinw!¡±

    Horace scoffed. ¡°Enough, little sister, do you even know who he is before you go around iming him

    ast your brother¨Cinw? That man is Mr. Josiah Guerra from Guerra Group. He¡¯s not someone you

    can just casually im as a rtive.¡±

    Michelle argued defiantly. ¡°He¡¯s my brother¨Cinw. You can ask him if you don¡¯t believe me!¡±

    Another man bluntly said. ¡°Do you really think Mr. Guerra would let his wife be exploited? Do you take

    me for a fool?¡±

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    22:53 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 413 A Pair Of Sisters

    Michelle was on the verge of tears. ¡°He¡­ he is¡­¡±

    36%

    Suddenly, Horace gave hispanion a pat on the shoulder, ¡°Who knows? Remember that incident

    from before? Mr. Guerra¡¯s wife made a fool out of him, even had a child that wasn¡¯t his. Maybe he

    couldn¡¯t bear the humiliation, so he sent her away?¡±

    Horace¡¯s friend stroked his chin and clicked his tongue twice. If you put it that way, it¡¯s not entirely.

    impossible. But¡­ why did he send his sister¨Cinw here too?¡±

    ¡°Haha, those upper¨Ccrust folks sure do love their reputation,¡± he said, ¡°Of course, when ites to

    revenge, the harsher the better.¡±

    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re saying, she¡­ she was really with Josiah? Now that does pique my interest. To have won

    Josiah¡¯s heart, and then to have her own affairs, this woman does have some abilities¡­¡±

    As they were speaking, Zane came running over.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I suspect these two had a bit too much to drink. They must have mistaken

    us for thedies at the karaoke lounge. No worries. I¡¯ve found my sister. We¡¯re about to leave.¡±

    Zane cast a wary look at the two men.

    Horace must have recognized Zane, as he immediately sobered up significantly and respectfully

    greeted, ¡°Mr. Yarrow.¡±

    Zane hummed in agreement. ¡°One should know their surroundings before getting drunk. She¡¯s a

    decent girl, not someone to apany you for drinks. Please refrain from any disgraceful actions.¡±

    Horace nodded repeatedly. ¡°Yes, yes, yes.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, you should go ahead with your younger sister.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She led Michelle away.

    The conversation between the two people echoed from behind.

    ¡°Mr. Yarrow, was that really Mrs. Guerra, the wife of Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°No.

    ¡°That girl was just now repeatedly calling Mr. Guerra ¡®brother¨Cinw, so we thought¡­¡±

    ¡°Even if she wasn¡¯t rted to Josiah, she¡¯s still a respectable woman. Do

    Josiah, she¡¯s still a respectable woman. Do you twockmon sense? There are plenty of women

    around, so why are you targeting those two?¡±

    ¡°Well, I thought I¡¯ve stumbled upon a lovely pair of sisters¡­ You know, what man wouldn¡¯t be thrilled at

    that prospect?¡±

    Michelle spat out vehemently. ¡°Absolutely disgusting!¡±

    Lysander hailed a taxi, first making sure Michelle On before she climbed in herself.

    3/4

    Chapter 413 A Pair Of Sisters

    After closing the car door, she finally confirmed that they were safe.

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed toe to this kind of ce again in the future, do you hear me?¡±

    Michelle stuck out her tongue. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lysander. Can we keep this from Mom and Dad? They¡¯ll

    definitely scold me again if they find out¡­¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh, a hint of helplessness in her voice. ¡°I can keep this from our parents, but you

    have to promise me¡ªno more taking such risks. If no one hade to our rescue today, we both

    would have been in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, I won¡¯te here again in the future. I¡¯ll look for other part¨Ctime jobs.¡± Michelle suddenly

    remembered something. ¡°Lysander, was that guy just now a friend of your husband?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Lysander pondered, then shook her head, ¡°In the future, don¡¯t call him your brother¨Cinw

    anymore.¡±

    ¡°Then? Who¡¯s he to you now?¡±

    ¡°You can call him Mr. Guerra¡­ Never mind, we probably won¡¯t see each other again anyway.¡±

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    398

 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414

    Chapter 414 Waiting For Your Call

    Michelle stuck out her tongue, obediently nodding. ¡°Lysander, do you think I¡¯m too foolish?¡±

    Lysander thought that perhaps she had been too harsh with her words earlier. After all, her sister only

    had good intentions, wanting to help case the family¡¯s burden.

    ¡°Of course not. You¡¯re still young, and there¡¯s so much in the world you haven¡¯t experienced yet. Your

    lack of experience makes it hard for you to foresee certain dangers. Mich, I know you mean well, but

    wealth isn¡¯t important. Your personal safety is what truly matters. Can you imagine how heartbroken

    Mom, Dad, and I would be if anything were to happen to you?¡±

    Michelle hung her head low, fiddling with her fingers dejectedly. ¡°Truth be told, I was a bit scared at first.

    I¡¯ve never been to such a grand ce before. But Zachary said¡­

    Lysander¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Who said?¡±

    Michelle panicked. ¡°Um, no¡­ no one.¡±

    Lysander became serious, ¡°Did youe to work here because of Zachary? Did he send you here?

    What did he tell you?¡±

    ¡°I was just looking for a part¨Ctime job, you know. But I couldn¡¯t find one that could help me make a lot

    quickly, so I asked Zachary for advice. He mentioned that a friend of his was working here as a junior

    supervisor and could arrange for me to work here. Zachary is so mature and reliable. He wouldn¡¯t in

    harm¡¯s way, would he?¡±

    Lysander was filled with anger.

    put

    me

    However, she reined in her emotions in front of her younger sister. They both returned home, and she

    helped her sister cover up the lie in front of their parents, Once all three of her family members had

    gone. to bed, she went downstairs alone and found a quiet spot to call Zachary.

    The call was answered quickly. ¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Zachary, what on earth are you trying to do?¡±

    Zachary chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for your call.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already gotten what you wanted. Why are you still pestering Michelle?¡±

    Zachary had seemingly braced himself for her fury, his tone remaining nonchnt. ¡°Shall we meet up

    and talk?¡±

    ¡°Tell me the location.¡±

    ¡°My home.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my mom is at home, too. I won¡¯t do anything to you. You¡¯re safe,¡±

    ¡°Zachary, I don¡¯t believe you.¡±

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    Chapter 414 Waiting For Your Call

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong

    with being guarded around someone like you?¡±

    ¡°All right then, where do you suggest we meet?¡°.

    ¡°At the burger joint by the residential area¡¯s main entrance.¡±

    Zachary readily agreed, saying, ¡°Sure.¡±

    After ending the call, Lysander headed to the burger joint first and ordered a burger.

    Roughly ten minutester, Zachary arrived.

    He was still dressed in a suit and shirt, appearing refined and well¨Cmannered, much like a corporate

    elite.

    Pulling out a chair, he took a seat across from Lysander and ordered a burger, too.

    ¡°Speak up,¡± Lysandermanded, her arms crossed as she looked him straight in the eye. ¡°What are

    you nning this time?¡±

    Zachary asked, ¡°Did you and Josiah break up?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°How is this rted to the matter we need to discuss?¡±

    Zachary scoffed. ¡°Josiah has been surrounded by all kinds of women recently, in all shapes and sizes,

    as if he¡¯s hosting a beauty pageant. I was initially puzzled, considering how deeply in love he was with

    you and how much he was willing to sacrifice for you. How did he suddenly be a yboy like

    Aiden? However, after asking around, nobody seems to know what exactly happened.

    Lysander said, ¡°You know that he and I are divorced, so whatever he does after our separation is none

    of my business. Whether he¡¯s hosting a beauty pageant or selecting a consort, what does it have to do

    with Michelle? She¡¯s just an innocent young girl! I¡¯m sure you know the kind of ce Skywatch is.¡±

    ¡°She wanted to make money, and I happened to have the right conpections. I also warned her about

    the potential risks involved, and she assured me that she would be cautious.¡±

    you

    ¡°Are you sure you made things clear with her?¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Don¡¯t believe me? Go ask her yourself.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Zachary was all smiles as he said, ¡°Come on, Lysander, your sister is already eighteen. Do you still

    think she¡¯s a naive kindergartener who doesn¡¯t know anything?¡±

    Lysander insisted, ¡°Even if she does know, what if someone there has ill intentions? How could a

    young girl like her possibly defend herself?¡±

    Zachary remarked with a devil¨Cmay¨Ccare attitude, ¡°She is, after all, Josiah¡¯s sister¨Cinw. Who would

    dare

    to harm her?¡±

    ¡°Could you possibly stoo mentioning losiah? If youso infatuated with Josiah, why don¡¯t you go to

    2/4

    Chapter 414 Waiting For Your Call

    Thymion, get a sex reassignment surgery, and marry him yourself?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Lysander, you haven¡¯t experienced the business world in Harborbrook,

    nor do you know the frustration of seeing your hard¨Cearned fruits ofbor be a gift for those with

    connections. You wouldn¡¯t understand how much convenience the name Josiah could bring.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°I¡¯m a doctor, not a businessman. The name Josiah doesn¡¯t grant me any particr

    advantages.

    ¡°That¡¯s just because you have no idea,¡± said Zachary.

    Lysander slightly frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Two burgers were served.

    Zachary took a bite and savored it before letting out a sigh. ¡°In the entire Harborbrook, how many

    people do you think could arrange a private jet so quickly to send Daphne¡¯s grandmother abroad for

    treatment?¡±

    ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is, the private jet was sent by Josiah¡­ No, that¡¯s not right. It was a favor from a

    friend of my elder rtive.¡±

    Zachary, too, hesitated. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Why would I lie to you about this?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°I really not him?¡±

    it

    Lysander rapped on the table, steering the conversation back on track. ¡°You still haven¡¯t exined why.

    you persuaded Michelle to work at Skywatch.¡±

    Zachary was straightforward. ¡°I want you to meet with Josiah.¡±

    Lysander was puzzled, ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to see what was really going on between you two. Are youpletely broken up, or was it

    just a minor spat?¡± Zachary put down his burger and pulled out a napkin to wipe his mouth.

    ¡°Aiden is a regr at Skywatch, and given Josiah¡¯s recent party¨Canimal lifestyle, Aiden will most

    certainly bring him there. Josiah must be familiar with your sister, right? If he still considers Michelle his

    niece, he¡¯ll definitely take some action. He might contact you to pick her up or send her home himself.

    The two of you would have to meet either way. But to my surprise, Josiah did nothing when he saw her.

    You came yourself. What surprised me even more was¡­¡± Zachary paused for a moment and

    continued, ¡°that when he saw you and your sister being surrounded by two men, he didn¡¯t even bother.

    Instead, he walked off with another woman in his arms.¡±

    Lysanderposed herself, studying him intently. ¡°Were you also at Skywatch just now?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t go in. I was outside the door, but I saw everything that needed to be seen.¡±

    ¡°So, do you believe me now? I¡¯ve really broken up with Josiah. If you¡¯re still nning to use me to get

    any benefits from him. I¡¯m afraid that n is going to fall through,¡± said Lysander.

    mming

    napkin down on the table, he said, ¡°I wasid off.¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡¯s orders?¡°Lysander was taken aback.

 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415

    Chapter 415 Only You Know

    Zachary responded, ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure before this, but now¡­ Though I hadn¡¯t been with the project for a

    long- time, the team was already formed and things were starting to take shape. Everything was on

    track, and we were about to release the first phase of the project. But at this crucial point, I was the

    only one who gotid off. I was clearly targeted.¡±

    ¡°So what? You want me to beg Josiah on your behalf, so he¡¯ll allow you to go back?¡± asked Lysander.

    Zachary said solemnly. ¡°I need to go back. You can decide how you¡¯re going to make that happen,

    either through coercion or temptation. All I care about is the oue.¡±

    Lysander was instantly infuriated. ¡°Are you threatening me with my sister?¡±

    ¡°You can say that. After all¡­ everyone thinks I¡¯m a saint, but only you know I¡¯m a scoundrel.¡±

    Lysander sneered. ¡°You really are quite self¨Caware.¡±

    Zachary drawled, ¡°I don¡¯t care. Harry is ambitious but stupid. Even if he managed to get involved with

    that youngdy from the Stone family, he¡¯d eventually be kicked to the side. He was even foolish

    enough toy a hand on you when Josiah was head over heels into you. He¡¯s practically digging his

    own grave.

    ¡°Where is he? Don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t know.¡±

    Zachary nced at her and said nonchntly, ¡°Who knows? He¡¯s probably gone crazy. No idea where

    he

    ran off to.¡±

    ¡°You really are heartless.¡±

    ¡°Not everyone can be Josiah, I have the ability and ambition to climb from the bottom. That requires

    ruthlessness. Zachary tapped on the table with his hand. ¡°I had full control over that project, and it was

    of utmost importance to me. I¡¯m giving you three days to help me return to thepany and continue

    to lead this project.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s different this time. As you can see, Josiah doesn¡¯t care about me anymore,¡± Lysander warned.

    ¡°Lysander, I trust you. You can do this. Like you said, your sister is currently an innocent young girl,

    unfamiliar with the ways of the world. Even if she doesn¡¯te to Skywatch, there are still countless

    traps waiting for her to fall into in this vast society.¡±

    Lysander closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about it.

    At this point, there¡¯s no use berating him. Zachary is clearly a despicable scoundrel. But¡­

    ¡°Three days is too short. I¡¯m not even sure if I can see him,¡± she revealed.

    ¡°That¡¯s your problem. Like I said, the project can¡¯t afford any dys. I don¡¯t have time to dawdle with

    you.¡± Zachary spoke.

    Lysander felt emotionally drained. I just can¡¯t catch a break.

    Her mind was a jumbled mess once she got home andy in bed.

    I was so firm with Josiah, burning the bridges with him, and now I have to go back to him and ask him

    for a favor?

    1/4

    Chapter 415 Only You Know.

    Lysander rolled over, burying her fare in the soft pillow,

    Her phone pinged.

    It was a message from Adrian: Are you busy?

    Lysander swiped open her phone and saw that Adrian had sent her several messages while she was

    out, which she hadn¡¯t noticed.

    Scrolling back, she saw several pictures of a puppy.

    It¡¯s White Coat.

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    She hadn¡¯t been away from Stounia for long, but White Coat had grown quite a lot. It looked adorable

    and friendly, clinging to Adrian in almost every picture.

    Beneath the photo was a message he had sent: It¡¯s starting to know who¡¯s its owner. I think it likes me.

    If you don¡¯te back soon, it might not recognize you anymore.

    The message was sent half an hour ago.

    After some thought, Lysander sent him a reply: Sorry, I didn¡¯t see the message, I¡¯ve been a bit busy

    these past few days. Thank you for taking care of White Coat. I¡¯ll be sure to thank you properly when I

    see you next time.

    Adrian: Is it because of Daphne¡¯s grandmother? You don¡¯t need to worry. I just got word from Daphne

    that her grandma was sent straight into the operating room as soon as she arrived. The surgeon

    operating on her is the best neurosurgeon in the world.

    Lysander: Is that so? That¡¯s great!

    Adrian: Are you feeling any better now?

    Lysander: Thank you.

    Adrian: Are you free right now?

    Lysander: Is there something you need?

    Adrian: Can we start a video call?

    Seemingly afraid she might misunderstand, Adrian quickly sent another message: I just want to let you

    interact with White Coat and get to know each other so it will recognize you when youe back.

    You¡¯re its owner, after all.

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander replied: Let¡¯s do that another time. I¡¯m pretty worn out. If

    White Coat thinks you¡¯re its owner, that¡¯s fine too. You¡¯re a good man deserving of its affection.

    Adrian: Really?

    Lysander: Of course. You¡¯ve been so kind to it. It¡¯s only natural for it to trust and rely on you.

    Adrian: So, what you¡¯re saying is, as long as I continue treating her well, she will trust and rely on me?

    He used ¡°she¡± instead of ¡°it¡±

    2/4

    153 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 415 Only You Know

    Lysander naturally caught that, but

    e was unsure how to respond. She feared he might persist if she dismissed it, but she was also afraid

    of hurting him if she was too harsh.

    Adrian had helped her before, so she didn¡¯t want to hurt him.

    Adrian Lysander, will you ever return to Stounia?

    Lysander: L¡­ Por not sure

    Adrian responded after a while: Regardless, I¡¯ve been cleaning the house for you. You cane back

    whenever you want. [you don¡¯t want to return, that¡¯s okay too. I¡¯ll bring White Coat back to find you.

    Lysander only grew increasingly restless.

    She replied: It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯m going to bed now. You should get some rest, too,

    This time, Adrian did not respond.

    Lysander waited for a while for his response and slowly drifted off to sleep.

    When she woke up in the morning, it was already half past nine.

    She nced at her phone and saw that Adrian had responded.

    At three¨Cforty in the early morning, he replied: Rest well, sweet dreams.

    After freshening up. Lysander headed to the hospital.

    Molly¡¯s condition had improved, and she was able to utter a few simple sentences.

    Howard was brimming with joy, smiling as he held his wife¡¯s hand. ¡°Your mother keeps saying she¡¯s

    worried about affecting your future, but I can tell she¡¯s happy to be near you. She¡¯s recovering well. The

    doctor who made rounds this morning said her condition¡¯s improving.

    Lysander sat aside, peeling oranges and feeding some to Molly. ¡°Good to know.¡±

    Howard asked, ¡°Lysa, you seem troubled. Is something wrong with Old Mrs. Everhart?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s surgery was done just in time, and she was brought

    back from the brink of death, but she hasn¡¯t woken up yet. Daphne sent me a message this morning.

    They probably need to keep her in observation for another three days.¡±

    ¡°This is great! It¡¯s a good thing they made it in time.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Lysander asked, ¡°Which of your friends lent us their private jet? Could you give me their

    contact information? Daphne is currently overseas taking care of her grandmother and can¡¯t return, so I

    need to go and express our gratitude in her stead.¡±

    Howard seemed flustered and he chuckled sheepishly. ¡°We¡¯ve been old friends for decades, so there¡¯s

    no need for such formalities. Plus, you¡¯ve been tired recently, so let¡¯s talk about itter.¡±

    ¡°Is it the Guerra family?¡± asked Lysander straightforwardly.

    The smile on Howard¡¯s face froze for a moment.

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416

    Chapter 416 Does Not Want To See Me

    Howard opened his mouth but didn¡¯t utter a single word after a moment of hesitation.

    Lysander sighed helplessly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say this matter had nothing to do with Josiah?¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s not really like that¡­¡± Howard stammered.

    Lysander shook her head in resignation. fh, never mind. The situation was critical back then, and we

    indeed saved Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s life. Mr. Thorne probably kept this from me because he didn¡¯t want

    me to feel awkward considering my recent breakup with Josiah. His intention was good.

    Lysander had always considered herself a reasonable person. Moreover, regarding this matter, she

    didn¡¯t feel she had the right to me anyone.

    The phone suddenly rang.

    She nced at the

    Caller ID and realized it was her younger sister, Michelle.

    Stepping out of the ward, she answered the call. ¡°What¡¯s up?

    ¡°Lysander, are you busy right now?¡±

    ¡°Not really. What is it?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s voice was noticeably hushed, and she whispered sneakily ¡°Um¡­ the woman who was in

    charge. of the demolition came by again just now, pressuring us for a response. Mom and Dad didn¡¯t

    want me to tell you, but I called you secretly.¡±

    ¡°How are Mom and Dad doing now?¡±

    ¡°I overheard them talking in their room. It seemed like Mom was nning to make a trip back to her

    hometown, apparently to borrow some money from her cousin. Dad was busy sending messages to his

    friends, presumably also trying to borrow money.¡±

    ¡°Where are you now?¡±

    y own room.

    ¡°I¡¯m in my

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°All right, I got it. I¡¯ll figure something out. You must promise not to take

    on that kind of part¨Ctime job again, okay?¡±

    ¡°No, no, I won¡¯t. I dare not go there again,¡± she promised.

    Lysander asked, ¡°By the way, has Zachary contacted you?¡±

    ¡°No, but I just gave him a call. After all, he helped me get this part¨Ctime job through his connections. It

    wouldn¡¯t be right if I suddenly didn¡¯t show up. I had to let him know and apologize, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Lysander spoke softly. ¡°Try to avoid contacting him in the future. He¡¯s quite busy with his work, so don¡¯t

    bother him.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 416 Does Not Want To See Me

    Soon, I think That woman was quite relentless.¡±

    After some thought, Lysander asked, ¡°Do you have many sses at your school these few days?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. That was why I took on a part¨Ctime job.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thy to spend some more time with Mom and Dad recently. I¡¯ll figure out a solution for the as

    soon as I can.¡±

    Michelle responded, ¡°All right, got it.¡±

    money

    ¡°Don¡¯t stress yourself out too much. You¡¯re still young. I¡¯ll take care of everything, so just focus on your

    studies. When I¡¯m not at home, take good care of Mom and Dad.¡±

    After ending the call, Lysander returned to the ward and informed Howard she needed to go before

    leaving the hospital.

    On the road, she dialed Josiah¡¯s number several times in a row, but no one answered.

    During herst attempt, the automated message indicated he had turned off his phone.

    So, she reached out to Daphne.

    Daphne sounded rxed. ¡°Grandma¡¯s getting on in years, after all, and we¡¯re prepared for any

    oue. This surgery was indeed timely. All we can do now is to leave the rest to fate.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°How are things going at Mr. Everhart¡¯s factory?¡±

    Daphne chuckled wryly. ¡°How can we evenpare to Guerra Group? Since Josiah wants to

    coborate, no one will choose us. I¡¯ve been talking to my dad these past few days, mentally preparing

    him for the worst. If things really don¡¯t work out, we might as well shut down thepany. After all, we

    still have some savings at home. He could take my mom on a vacation and rx.¡±

    ¡°Daphne, do you have Zane¡¯s WhatsApp?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I bet that guy is still lurking around in Instagram ying some sort of undercover game. What

    about it? Did he offend you?¡±

    ¡°No, can you give me his WhatsApp, please?¡±

    ¡°Do you need something from him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What business do you have with Zane? You two don¡¯t really cross paths, do you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not looking for Zane. I need to talk to Josiah.¡±

    Daphne immediately became anxious. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of getting back together with Josiah for the

    sake of my family¡¯spany, are you? Please, don¡¯t! I¡¯ve said it before, I want my parents to retire and

    close down thepany. I didn¡¯t say it out of spite. I genuinely want them to take a break and enjoy

    life.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t just about this. I need to talk to him about other things too. Daphne, focus on taking care of

    Old Mrs. Everhart and Mr. Everhart. I really need to speak with him.¡±

    2/4

    Chapter 416 Does Not Want To See Me

    Although still uneasy, Daphne gave Lysander Zane¡¯s WhatsApp in the end.

    Lysander sent him a message, and nearly half an hourter, Zane read it.

    Probably taken aback. Zane promptly called her. ¡°Can I¡­ help you?¡±

    ?s.¡±

    Lysande: said. ¡°Yes, I would like to know where Josiah is.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have his contact information?¡±

    ¡°I called, but no one answered.¡±

    Zane suddenly remembered something and cursed under his breath before saying. ¡°Um, wait. There¡¯s

    something I need to verify first.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    A few minutes passed, and Zane returned the call. ¡°Josiah might be busy today. Do you need to talk to

    him?¡±

    Yes.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re nice, so let me be honest with you. I¡¯m not sure what happened between you and

    Josiah that made him so determined to cut ties. Last night at Skywatch, I thought he¡¯d get angry and

    beat up those two jerks, but as you saw, he didn¡¯t want to get involved at all. You should know

    considering his attitude toward you now¡­ I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll want to meet you.¡±

    Zane was rtively reliable among all of Josiah¡¯s buddies, and he had made things pretty clear.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to see me?¡± asked Lysander.

    Zane chuckled awkwardly. ¡°Josiah was so devoted to you before this. He even stayed overnight at the

    hospital for your sake, sleeping on those ufortable cots and suffering burn wounds. And what did

    he get in return? Your rejection. Any man in his position will choose to give up. You have no idea what

    he was like in the past. We¡¯re all surprised to see him humble himself and do all those things for you.¡±

    ¡°So you got in touch with him just now, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± replied Zane after some hesitation.

    ¡°His exact words were that he didn¡¯t want to see me?¡±

    Zane paused for a moment. ¡°He didn¡¯t answer the call, but¡­¡±

    ¡°Was it that woman from Skywatch?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then was it Lysander?¡±

    ¡°Not her, too.¡±

    ¡°Then who is it?¡±

    Zane spoke helplessly ¡°Even I don¡¯t know who that man is and that¡¯s the scariest part¡±

    3/4

    Chapter 416 Does Not Want To See Me

    Lysanne was still Josiah¡¯s fianc¨¦e in name, butst night, he had left Skywatch with another woman in

    his arms without bothering to hide from the public as if he wasn¡¯t worried about media exposure and

    didn¡¯t care about being photographed. Furthermore, another unfamiliar woman had answered his

    phone this morning.

    It was still early, not even nine o¡¯clock yet.

    The two were probably still in bed, which was why that unfamiliar woman answered Josiah¡¯s phone.

    Zane said, ¡°You should understand what I mean by now.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Zane offered, ¡°How about this? If you need anything, you can talk to me. I¡¯ll do my best to help. Avoid

    contacting Josiah for now. He¡¯s probably furious at the moment, and no matter what you want from him,

    it¡¯s likely a no¨Cgo. Besides, if he truly doesn¡¯t want to see you, you won¡¯t get to.¡±

    After some contemtion, Lysander said, ¡°All right. I want you to do me a favor.¡±

    ¡°Sure. Tell me.¡±

    ¡°Once you find out where Josiah is going tonight, send me a message on WhatsApp and let me know.¡±

    Send Gin

    398

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417

    Chapter 417 Some Other Woman

    Zane replied. ¡°I can do that, but let me be clear. ¡°Things might not turn our well even if you came.¡±

    Lysander simply said. ¡°I appreciate your help.¡±

    With a sigh. Zane agreed.

    Lysander found a nearby caf¨¦ and sat down, waiting and looking up recent property prices in

    Harborbrook.

    Afterparing numerous options, she concluded that the designated relocation building had the best

    location and offered the highest value for money.

    Although it required a considerable investment, it was indeed worth it.

    Lysander finally grasped the meaning behind Zachary¡¯s words at that moment. Josiah¡¯s name sure

    does bring

    convenience.

    Harborbrook was a radiant metropolis. While the future of housing prices was uncertain, one thing was

    clear¨Cthey wouldn¡¯t decrease. The city¡¯s excellent location and promising development prospects

    ensured significant potential for appreciation.

    Josiah¡¯s decision to relocate the building here was likely not solely due to its proximity to Central

    Hospital. He must have considered various other factors as well.

    In the afternoon around three o¡¯clock, a message from Zane arrived.

    He simply shared a location with Lysander.

    Upon closer inspection, Lysander recognized the ce to be the very same bar where Adrian¨Chad

    taught her how to y poolst time. Mirage.

    Why did Josiah suddenly decide to go there today?

    Without a second thought, she immediately hailed a cab and headed in that direction.

    Just like Skywatch, Mirage was also exceptionally lively that night.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    As soon as she pushed open the door, she was met with a cacophony of noise. Inside, there were at

    least twenty people, both men and women.

    Zane had been keeping an eye on the entrance. When he saw here in, he subtly gestured for her

    to proceed further inside.

    Lysander gave a slight nod in gratitude and slowly made her way in the direction he had pointed out.

    She soon found her target at the pool table at the very back.

    Josiah was standing by the table with a few of his buddies who were leaning on their pool cues,

    anticipating a good show. A young girl dressed in a hoodie and jeans also stood next to him.

    dressed

    Lysander¡¯s first reaction was to wonder whether this girl was the same one Zane mentioned who had

    answered Josiah¡¯s phone in the morning.

    1/3

    22:54 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 417 Some Other Woman

    Or perhaps he had dismissed the one in the morning, and this is a new one.

    The girl¡¯s cheeks were rosy, and she was simply dressed in a white hoodie and jeans, her ck hair

    cascading down. Next to Josiah, she appeared exceptionally petite.

    It seemed as though Josiah was teaching her how to y pool. His tall stature hovered over her as he

    spoke to her. Their hands, both resting on the same pool cue, were so close that they almost touched.

    The men standing across the pool table couldn¡¯t help teasing Josiah mischievously when he didn¡¯t

    make any further advancements. ¡°Josiah, who teaches pool like this? You should hold her hand, like

    everyone dors.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Josiah, you should be a responsible teacher. Verbally instructing her won¡¯t be enough.¡±

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t know how to y yet. If you don¡¯t teach her properly, she¡¯ll find someone else to teach her

    sqon.¡±

    Josiah looked up at them and chided yfully. ¡°Even smoking can¡¯t shut you guys up.¡±

    Everyone erupted intoughter.

    The girl seemed quite young. Even if she wasn¡¯t a student, she couldn¡¯t have been out of school for

    long. Hearing those guys¡® words, she shyly lifted her eyes to nce at Josiah, but he wasn¡¯t looking at

    her.

    Josiah fixed his gaze on the pool cue, seemingly focusing on teaching her. He whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t listen

    to their nonsense. ying pool requires concentration.¡±

    The girl¡¯s face was flushed. ¡°Am I too foolish?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s only your first day of learning. Take it easy; there¡¯s no need to rush.¡±

    -Could you teach me again? I always seem to miss the mark,¡± she asked.

    Josiah bent down. ¡°All right. Look. The main reason you¡¯re having trouble aiming is because you¡¯re not

    lowering your line of sight.¡±

    The girl leaned forward further. ¡°Oh, is this okay?¡±

    ¡°Bend a little more.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± The girl continued bending down, almost nestled in his arms.

    ¡°All right, this is enough.¡± Josiah propped his left hand on the pool table for support, his right hand

    gripping the cue in her hand. ¡°With the cue ball, the colored ball, and the pocket all in one straight line,

    adjust your strength, then make your shot.¡±

    The girl, unable to resist the charm of aposed, gentle man like Josiah, blushed. Following his

    guidance, she struck the ball, but a sudden tremor in her hand caused the cue tip to veer off.

    Consequently, the cue ball that was supposed to hit the target ball deviated from its intended path. ¡°It

    still didn¡¯t go in. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The guys who were watching/burst intoughter right away.

    Aiden, having had a bit too much to drink, chuckled goofily, his gaze unfocused. ¡°They say a good

    teacher has exceptional students. Looks like vou failed, Josi I assumed she¡¯d seed on the first try.¡±

    2/3

    Chapter 417 Some Other Woman

    The girl¡¯s face flushed even more as she stammered, worried that Josiah might be upset. ¡°No, no. It¡¯s

    not your fault. It¡¯s me. I just can¡¯t seem to get a hang of it. I think I¡¯m just not talented in ying pool¡­¡±

    Josiah gestured for the waiter to reset the pool table to its previous arrangement. ¡°That¡¯s okay. Let¡¯s try

    again.¡±

    Someone immediately teased, ¡°You sure are patient, Josiah. You better focus, littledy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not every day you get the chance to be coached by Josiah. You might not get another chance like

    this if you don¡¯t pick it up now. He¡¯s a busy man after all¡­¡±

    The girl genuinely wished the ground would swallow her up. Instinctively, she found herself shrinking

    into Josiah¡¯s embrace.

    Josiah, holding the cue, scanned the people around him nonchntly and spoke with his arms

    crossed. ¡°If you guys are bored, why not y against me for the next round?¡±

    They all shook their heads no hearing that

    They were all exceptionally shrewd.

    Recently, Josiah had been acting rather out of sorts. Although no one knew why, there was an

    unspoken agreement among everyone to avoid mentioning it.

    Hanging out with him was fine, but they surmised they¡¯d be in serious trouble if they ended up crossing

    Josiah

    One particrly curious guy decided to change the subject as he recalled thest time he saw Josiah.

    ¡°I remember seeing you leaving with Ameliast night. Howe you¡¯re with this innocent young girl

    today? Aiden, did you introduce her to Josiah?¡±

    Gazing at him with a grin, Aiden casually shoved his hands into his pockets. ¡°You¡¯re making it sound

    like I¡¯m a pimp. Given Josiah¡¯s qualifications, leading a monastic life is thest thing he should do. He

    had some emotional baggage before this, but things are different now. He can live his life however he

    pleases.¡±

    When men gathered, they always spoke without any reservations.

    Josiah seemed oblivious to what they were saying. Once the pool table was reset, he gestured to the

    girl standing in front of him to hold the spot on the cue stick where his hand had been. In a deep voice,

    he said, ¡°Come, let¡¯s try again.¡±

    His friends tactfully chose not to disturb him when he ignored them. Instead, they teased Aiden with a

    sly grin. ¡°Aren¡¯t you

    afraid Lysanne will find out what you¡¯ve said? You better be careful, or she might teach you a lesson

    when shees to spotcheck on Josiah.¡±

    Aiden shrugged dismissively, shaking his head. ¡°Spotcheck on Josiah? She won¡¯t dare to do so now.¡±

    Send Gifts

    ¹é

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418

    Chapter 418 In What Position

    ¡°Why? Did they have a disagreement?¡± someone asked.

    Aiden shot him a nce. ¡°Do you even use the inte?¡±

    ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t

    u see the news while back?

    ¡°What news?

    Aiden pursed his lips, waving his hand in annoyance. ¡°Forget it. If you haven¡¯t seen it, then don¡¯t

    bother. It¡¯s irritating news.¡±

    The guy¡¯s curiosity was piqued, and he turned to ask his buddies what it was about.

    However, everyone seemed reluctant to borate further, looking away as if it were some taboo

    subject.

    Only one of them covered his mouth with his hand and whispered something into the guy¡¯s ear.

    The guy was immediately taken aback. ¡°A dark¨Cskinned kid? Doesn¡¯t that mean Josiah¡­ holy sh*t!¡±

    ¡°Would you keep it down?¡±

    Aiden raised his voice to stop them. ¡°Enough, let¡¯s drop this topic. From now on, keep your mouths

    shut, got it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we get it. I see. That¡¯s why Josiah has been out partying these few days. I was wondering

    why he suddenly changed his lifestyle after being virtuous and abstinent for over twenty years.¡±

    Aiden scoffed, ¡°You don¡¯t know a thing, so just shut up! Josiah¡¯s affair is none of your business-

    He was cut off mid¨Csentence upon catching sight of Lysander standing behind him out of the corner of

    his eye while shaking his head. Hisplexion changed dramatically, and he stiffened before turning

    around. ¡°You¡­ Why are you here?¡±

    Aiden¡¯s voice was loud, and everyone present heard him¨Cincluding Josiah and the girl who was

    learning how to y pool.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze barely lingered on Lysander before swiftly moving away, as if he didn¡¯t know her at all.

    He continued tutoring the girl. ¡°Your strike was a bit off earlier. You need to hit the center of the cue ball,

    like

    this-¡±

    The cue ball was struck, colliding with the ck eight¨Cball, which then sank precisely into the corner.

    pocket.

    The girl looked at him with eyes full of admiration. ¡°You¡¯re amazing!¡±

    Josiah chuckled, handing her the pool cue. ¡°Your turn to give it a shot.

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll try again.¡±

    However, her second attempt was

    still off the mark, failing to even

    hit the cue ball.

    1/3

    Chapter 413 in What Position

    µÚ36%Ó‹

    Aiden sobered up considerably and stood up straight, clearing his throat to mask his embarrassment.

    He then asked Lysander. ¡°Did youe here to y pool or to find someone?¡±

    Lysander seemed indifferent. ¡°I¡¯m here to see Josiah. There¡¯s something I need to discuss with him.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here for Josiah¡­ Um¡­¡± Aiden drew out his words, looking at Josiah, unsure what to do.

    He was fully aware of everything that transpired between these two, hoping he wouldn¡¯t get caught in

    the

    crossfire.

    However, Josiah seemed oblivious to the exchange between Aiden and Lysander. He didn¡¯t even lift his

    head as he spoke to the girl. ¡°Try again.¡±

    The girl felt a bit embarrassed. ¡°How about you go about your business? I¡¯ll go practice on another pool

    table.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t you want to learn from me?¡±

    The girl¡¯s attention was instantly drawn back by his gentle tone. ¡°I do.¡±

    His voice grew increasingly gentle as he said, ¡°Let¡¯s carry on then. I¡¯ll be right here for you. You need to

    be confident in yourself.¡±

    ¡°But I think thatdy wants to talk to you¡­¡± the girl said, hesitating.

    Josiah pointed at the center of the white ball. ¡°Look, aim here.¡±

    The girl nced at Lysander, a bit flustered. ¡°O¨COkay.¡±

    The atmosphere fell eerily silent, with only the crisp sound of the cue striking the balls filling the air.

    Zane was right. Josiah didn¡¯t want to see her.

    However, since she was here asking for a favor/she took the initiative to break the silence.

    Raising her voice, she said, ¡°Josiah, let¡¯s have a talk.¡±

    ¡°Thatdy¡­ The girl spoke up, but was once again interrupted by Josiah.

    ¡°Once you¡¯ve got your aim right, strike with confidence,¡± he said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate, hurry.¡±

    Josiah clearly didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with Lysander, so the others dared not say a word

    either. They could only exchange nces, hoping for someone to break the awkward silence.

    Zane came over to mediate. ¡°Josiah is busy at the moment. Why don¡¯t you go and take a break in the

    booth?¡±

    Without waiting for Lysander¡¯s response, he hastily told the service staff, ¡°Bring thisdy a ss of

    orange juice.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary¡± I sander renlied with a fondly ver firm demeanor declining his kind offer ¡°Til

    2/3

    Chapter 418 In What Position

    just have a quick chat with Josiah, and then I¡¯ll be on my way. I won¡¯t take up too much of his time.¡±

    Finding himself in a tight spot, Zane edged closer to Josiah and said carefully, ¡°Josiah¡­ you know your

    wife¡­ I mean, Lysander well. She wouldn¡¯t show up without a good reason. Something important

    must¡¯ve brought her here. Maybe we should hear her out first.¡±

    Josiah, boiding the cue, finally paused in his tracks. He nced at Zane, seemingly understanding why

    Lysander knew he was here. Then, he let out a cold chuckle. ¡°Looks like you have nothing better to

    do.¡±

    Zane knew he had been caught red¨Chanded. With a troubled look on his face, he turned toward

    Lysander, seeming to say there was nothing else he could do.

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Since Mr. Guerra¡¯s busy, I¡¯ll wait nearby. We can talk once he¡¯s done.¡±

    Having said that, she made her way to the booth that Zane had mentioned and sat down.

    However, she hadn¡¯t expected that she would end up waiting for more than five hours.

    Zane made his way over to her, pretending to bring her a drink as he quietly asked, ¡°Are you still

    waiting?

    Lysander nodded in determination.

    Zane let out a sigh. ¡°All right then.¡±

    She waited from evening to midnight, and then from midnight to the early hours of the morning. The

    patrons of the club came and went, yet Josiah still disregarded her, focused on teaching the girl how to

    y pool.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander nced at the time, which was already past two in the morning

    Today, Josiah was dressed in a white shirt, its sleeves rolled up to his elbows. When he bent over to

    strike the ball, the shirt clung tightly to his back, and she could see anotheryer of fabric underneath.

    It must have been the gauze used to cover the wound to prevent friction.

    She stood up and walked over again.

    This time, it was the girl who spotted her first. She paused, signaling to Josiah that Lysander was

    behind

    him.

    Josiah turned and looked back. ¡°Why are you still here? I thought you had left a long time ago.¡±

    Lysander spoke softly. ¡°I must advise you that since your back injury hasn¡¯t fully healed, it¡¯s best to

    avoid. any vigorous movements during this period. Try not to bend over too much when ying pool. If

    your wound reopens, the subsequent treatment will be a hassle.¡±

    Josiah straightened his back, finally giving her his full attention. His expression was intimidatingly his

    voice even frostier. ¡°In what position are you speaking to me now?¡± he asked.

    v cold.

    Send Gifts

    398

    C

    U

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419

    Chapter 419 Do You Know What I Want

    ¡°I¡¯m speaking to you as a doctor,¡± she replied.

    With a chuckle, Josiah mocked, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen a doctoring all the way to a billiard

    lounge to check on a patient.

    Observing that he wasn¡¯t in the mood to have a proper discussion with her, she decided not to beat

    around the bush anymore and stated bluntly, ¡°I¡¯m not here to check on anyone. I have some matters to

    discuss with you in private. It¡¯s already past midnight. Are you done with what you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°In private?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s friends, who had remained there, noticed the odd atmosphere and came up with various

    excuses to leave.

    ¡°Josiah, something urgent just came up. I need to leave now.¡±

    ¡°Me too¡­

    ¡°My girlfriend has called me several times, urging me to head back.¡±

    Zane, worried that some of their friends might struggle to find an excuse, quickly pped his hands to

    draw attention. ¡°It¡¯s about time to eat. Why don¡¯t we all go and have barbecue together? It¡¯s my treat

    today!¡±

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s go!¡±

    He brought everyone away with him, leaving only Lysander, Josiah, and the girl in the billiard lounge.

    The girl, pampered and fussed over all day, was upset when the atmosphere suddenly changed.

    Hanging her head, she stood aside without a word, showing no intention of making herself scarce.

    Lysander paid no mind to the girl who looked even younger than Michelle and only asked Josiah, ¡°Shall

    we talk somewhere else? How about the booth over there?¡±

    Josiah remained silent, his gaze fixed on the pool cuc.

    Lysander didn¡¯t say another word, staring at Josiah and awaiting his response. She was determined to

    stay until she achieved her goal.

    After a moment of silence, Josiah turned to the girl. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll have Aiden take you home.¡±

    The girl bit her lip. ¡°Will you teach me how to y pool again in the future?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see. If I¡¯m not avable, you can go to Aiden. He¡¯s quite good at it, too,¡± said Josiah.

    The girl pointed at Lysander. ¡°Is she your girlfriend?¡±

    Josiah nced at Lysander before denying. ¡°No, she¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡°Then, who is she?¡± the girl asked again, refusing to let the matter rest.

    1/4

    22:54 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 419 Do You Know What I Want

    Josiah frowned, his patience wearing thin. He promptly made a phone call. ¡°Aiden, where are you?

    Come back now and send her home.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, he beckoned a waiter over and instructed, ¡°Could you kindly escort this

    lady to the parking lot? Someone will be there to meet her.¡±

    The waiter nodded in agreement. ¡°Alright.¡±

    The girl¡¯s eyes reddened, ¡°Wait! Will I see you again?¡±

    Annoyed, Josiah rubbed his temples. ¡°Go on home.¡±

    ¡°I hate you!¡± Tears fell from the girl¡¯s eyes as she turned around and ran out.

    The waiter hurriedly chased after her, and the two quickly vanished from sight.

    Witnessing all that, Lysander slowly retracted her gaze.

    A hint of exhaustion was evident on Josiah¡¯s face. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡±

    Lysander followed him, returning to the booth and taking a seat across from him.

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Closing his eyes to rest, he said, ¡°You have something to say, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Thank you for helping with Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s matter.¡±

    Josiah seemed somewhat puzzled. ¡°Old Mrs. Everhart? Daphne Everhart¡¯s grandmother?¡±

    ¡°Yes. You¡­ didn¡¯t know?¡± Lysander was surprised.

    Josiah sneered. ¡°The Guerra family has little to do with the Everhart family. I don¡¯t have any personal

    rtionship with Daphne¡¯s father either. Why would I know?¡±

    ¡°So that private jet wasn¡¯t yours-

    ¡°What private jet?¡±

    Lysander studied him for a moment. He doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯s lying. I think he genuinely has no idea.

    So that private jet was really sent by Mr. Thorne¡¯s friend and has nothing to do with Josiah?

    For a moment, Lysander couldn¡¯t be sure.

    Josiah furrowed his brows impatiently. ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I think I misunderstood. Actually, the reason I came to see you today is to talk about

    Zachary,¡± she revealed.

    Josiah stared at her, a mocking smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°He went to you?¡±

    Lysander spoke straightforwardly. ¡°Yes. He was fired, and I know it probably wasn¡¯t your doing. You

    wouldn¡¯t bother doing something like that. One of the executives or managers working under you

    must¡¯ve made the decision. Zachary wants to return and continue leading that project.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re here to seek justice for your childhood friend?¡± Josiah scoffed.

    2/4

    Chapter 419 Do You Know What I Want

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°You¡¯re well aware of my rtionship with him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯d humble yourself to plead with me for his sake.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone became ambiguous as he continued, ¡°Or is Zachary just an excuse? Do you have other

    reasons to seek

    me out?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s because of my sister.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile faded. ¡°Who?¡±

    must

    ¡°My sister went working part¨Ctime at Skywatch. Youve seen hier. It was Zachary who lured her there.

    Last night, right outside Skywatch, she almost got into trouble. Zachary threatened me, saying that if I

    didn¡¯t help him, he¡¯d continue pestering my sister. She trusts him a lot, and I can¡¯t take that risk.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned cold again. ¡°That¡¯s the reason you came looking for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help you.¡± He stood up, ready to leave,

    Lysander hurried after him. ¡°Josiah, please, I¡¯m begging you-

    Josiah halted in his tracks. ¡°What right do you have to plead with me?¡±

    Lysander gritted her teeth.

    ¡°What do you have to offer in exchange for my assistance?¡± he pressed on.

    She was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Lysander, you came to see me alone and even sent everyone else away. What¡¯s the meaning of this,

    huh?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hands, hanging by her side, immediately clenched.

    Before she came, she had considered this aspect,

    There are two oues. He¡¯d either help me on ount of our past marital rtionship, or I would

    have to give him something in return. But what could I possibly offer in return!

    ¡°Did I get the wrong meaning?¡± Josiah said mockingly, ¡°Hmm? Oh virtuous and independent Dr.

    Thorne?¡±

    Lysander lowered her head, defeated. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can offer

    Then leave. Come find me once you¡¯ve thought things through.¡±

    Lysander grabbed his arm. ¡°Wait! Fine¡­¡±

    you.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze instantly turned colder. ¡°Lysander, do you know what I want?¡±

    She took a deep breath. ¡°Yes, and I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±

    Josiah spoke, enunciating each word slowly. ¡°You don¡¯t.¡±

    Lysander stared at him wordlessly.

    3/4

    Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 419 Do You Know What I Want

    ¡°So in your eyes, I¡¯m just a pervert obsessed with sex, am I right?¡±

    She didn¡¯t know what to say to that.

    Ñ©:35%:

    ¡°You¡¯ve never loved me, rejecting me time and again. No matter how hard I tried, how many times I

    apologized, or how many promises I made to make amends, you kept pushing me away. Answer me.

    Am Icking women? Why must I force a woman who doesn¡¯t love me to sleep with me?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420

    Chapter 420 Leave Me Alone

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± Lysander tried to exin.

    ¡°Who were you trying to impress with that fearless, ready¨Cto¨Csacrifice¨Cyourself act you just pulled?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Lysander, if you don¡¯t love me, then just leave me alone. Like you said, let¡¯s act like

    strangers. I won¡¯t bother you anymore, and we¡¯ll both go our separate ways.¡±

    They parted on bad terms.

    On her way back, Lysander sat in the taxi, exhausted like never before.

    Josiah used her own words against her, silencing her. Although he may have said that out of spite, his

    words still made sense.

    She was the one who said they should be strangers, and now, she was also the one who took the

    initiative to seek him out.

    Closing her eyes in thought, she called Michelle.

    As soon as the call connected, Michelle spoke in a somewhat anxious tone. ¡°Lysander, Mom took a

    bus back to her hometown this morning!¡±

    Lysander rubbed her temples, irritated. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to talk to her?

    ¡°I tried to, but Dad and Mom didn¡¯t want to burden you. They decided to gather some money on their

    own, borrowing as much as they could.¡±

    ¡°All right, I understand.¡± Lysander then asked, ¡°Has Zachary contacted you?¡±

    ¡°How did you know I just got off the phone with him?¡±

    Lysander grew anxious. ¡°What did he say to you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not about the part¨Ctime job. He said he¡¯s recently on his annual leave and has some

    free time. Coincidentally, a new ski resort just opened in the outskirts. He asked me if I wanted to go

    skiing.¡±

    ¡°And you¡­.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Michelle replied, ¡°I turned him down. I¡¯m aware that we¡¯re going through a tough time at home recently.

    How could I possibly go out and have fun when you, Mom, and Dad are all working hard to solve the

    crisis? I declined his invitation, and, he¡¯s very understanding. He even invited me and Dad to have

    dinner at his ce tonight. It¡¯s perfect timing since Mom isn¡¯t home, and neither Dad nor I are

    particrly good. at cooking. We¡¯ll get to enjoy Mdm. Cam¡¯s cooking-

    ¡°Mich, didn¡¯t you say you wanted to have Epean cuisine?¡± Lysander interrupted her.

    Michelle was taken aback by the sudden question. ¡°What? When did I ever say that?¡±

    ¡°When Daphne¡¯s dad treated us to dinner.¡±

    1/4.

    Chapter 420 Leave Me Alone

    since we¡¯ve always been having Ecronian cuisine, we could give Epean cuisine a try. After all, Mom

    and Dad have never tasted Epean cuisine before.¡±

    ¡°Stay home with Dad and wait for me. I¡¯ll be there to pick you up. Let¡¯s go out for dinner tonight,¡±

    Lysander said.

    ¡°But I thought we¡¯re supposed to be saving money now¡­¡±

    ¡°Saving for a house isn¡¯t as simple as skipping a meal. It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll save a lot by skimping on one

    meal. I¡¯ll probably be home in about twenty minutes. Wait for me by the entrance¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    The taxi pulled up to the entrance of the residential area, where Maverick and Michelle were already

    waiting by the roadside.

    Lysander spoke to the driver, then beckoned her father and sister to get in the car.

    Maverick was a bit puzzled. ¡°Lysa, why are we suddenly dining out? Epean cuisine is rather expensive.

    We should be more frugaltely. Cam and Zach just called us over for dinner.¡±

    Lysander smiled and reassured, ¡°Zachary has been too busy to spend time with Mdm. Camtely.

    Let¡¯s allow them some mother¨Cson bonding time.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Zach has indeed been swamped with work recently. He hasn¡¯t been home a lot. Cam

    really missed her son.¡± Maverick nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, so let¡¯s not interrupt their mother¨Cson quality time,¡± said Lysander.

    Her reason sessfully persuaded Maverick.,

    Naturally, Michelle didn¡¯t have any objections. Ever since that night at Skywatch, she had learned her

    lesson and was now behaving quite obediently.

    ¡°Where are we going to eat?¡± she asked.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t particrly fond of Epean cuisine. She had searched for a few restaurants on a

    popr review site, but none of them really caught her eye.

    In this regard, Daphne was quite the expert.

    She sent Daphne screenshots of a few restaurants, asking her to pick one.

    Not long after she sent the message, Daphne¡¯s call came through. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m back.¡±

    Lysander was surprised, and Daphne¡¯s voice sounded downcast.

    She was filled with worry. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Old Mrs. Everhart¡­¡±

    ¡°Grandma¡¯s doing fine. My dad is there with her. I came back on my own.¡±

    ¡°Daphne, are you all right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m doing okay, but¡­¡± Daphne sniffled and chuckled bitterly. ¡°You might have to provitle for me in the

    future.¡±

    22.84 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 420 Leave Me Alone

    What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°My family¡¯s factory is about to be auctioned off by the bank, so I came back to sort out the

    procedures.¡±

    Lysander suddenly remembered that this was the reason Rufus treated her family to a mealst time.

    However, Delores¡® sudden illness interrupted their conversation, and they didn¡¯t continue discussing

    that topic.

    ¡°Are you sure about that? Is there still a way?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If Josiah could back out, our family could continue coborating with Riveron Corporation. Then, we

    could repay this loan and keep the factory.¡±

    Lysander fell silent.

    Daphne sighed. ¡°I hadn¡¯t been involved in the family business before this and only heard about some

    details from my father recently while taking care of my grandma. Actually, our family business has been

    falling behind since five years ago. The only reason Riveron Corporation still partners with us is

    because Guerra Group specifically requests construction materials from my father¡¯spany. Riveron

    Corporation wants to build a connection with the Guerra family, so they have no choice but to turn to

    my father. Honestly¡­ to put it bluntly, Josiah gave my family a chance to make a living on ount of

    you.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Lysander, my parents have been supporting me all these years. When Grandma is illtely, my dad is

    struggling to keep thepany afloat while also tending to Grandma. He lost nearly thirty pounds from

    the stress. If the factory were to be auctioned off, all his life¡¯s work would be in vain. To

    want to help him would certainly be a lie. But L¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s grip on her phone tightened. ¡°Daphne, give me some time to think.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    say that I don¡¯t

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. A lot has happened recently. It¡¯s all just a chain reaction. I understand what¡¯s going

    on.¡±

    Daphne sighed. She had always been a carefree person, taking everything lightly aside from the

    incident

    when she was Seventeen.

    But no

    one could ever sever familial ties.

    Lysander understood Daphne¡¯s mixed feelings, but Josiah had made things very clear with her at this

    critical juncture.

    I could ask for his help, but I¡¯ll have to give him something in return. He doesn¡¯t want a one¨Cnight

    stand. Unless I agree to give him a serious rtionship, he will not help. But how am I supposed to

    control my feelings when ites to matters of the heart?

    Lysander felt an impending headache.

    In the end, she chose a highly¨Crated Epean restaura and treated her father and sister to a meal there.

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    22.55 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 420 Leave Me Alone

    Maverick had a typical Eeron pte, so many Epean dishes were not to his liking. Lysander ordered

    him a te of spaghetti and meatballs, which suited his taste preferences better.

    Michelle, on the other hand, ordered some dishes she had seen on television¨Csteak, baked escargot,

    and apple pie. She thoroughly enjoyed her meal.

    After finishing their meal and returning home, Lysander repeatedly cautioned Maverick and Michelle

    against getting involved with Zacharytely, and ideally, to avoid interaction altogether.

    Maverick was somewhat dubious, but he didn¡¯t care much since he had been focusing on raising

    moneytely. Lysander gave him a perfimctory exnation, and he dropped the matter.

    The following morning, Lysander went to meet Dapline.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421

    Chapter 421 The Benefactor

    Daphne briefly exined the situation listlessly, probably due tock of sleep the night before. ¡°I have

    to- pay off the loan within a week, or else the factory will be auctioned off. I listed my car on the used

    car tformst night and arranged a meeting forter.¡±

    Lysander nced at her bright red sports car parked by the roadside and asked, ¡°How much could it

    sell for?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in dire need of money, so I have no choice but to sell it at a loss. I bought this car for over a million,

    and it hasn¡¯t even hit five thousand kilometers yet, but the buyer only wanted to pay three hundred

    thousand.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you check if there are any other potential buyers?

    ¡°Not many people can cough up this much cash in one go. I¡¯ve asked others too, but most of them

    need to apply for a loan. The bank approval process alone would take at least fifteen working days, and

    I just can¡¯t wait that long.¡± Daphne downed a cup of coffee.

    Aside from the scent of coffee, Lysander also detected a faint hint of alcohol on her.

    ¡°Have you been drinkingst night?¡±

    Daphne smirked, forcing a dry chuckle. ¡°Just a bit. I was bored at home. The thought that I can no

    longer. be carefree and that I have to work hard to earn money to pay off debts is rather disheartening.

    It¡¯s such a pity that all the luxury items I bought before have passed their return period. Otherwise, I

    could have returned them like Prisci did to get some money

    back.¡±

    ¡°Are you nning to sell your bags too?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve put them on sale.¡±

    ¡°How much money did Mr. Everhart borrow from the bank to build the factory?¡±

    ¡°Over ten million.¡±

    ¡°It still wouldn¡¯t be enough even if you sold your car and bags.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but I don¡¯t know what I can do right now.¡± Daphne lowered her gaze. ¡°In the past, my parents

    paved. the way for me, but now when I want to do something for them, I have no clue what to do. Hey,

    do you think Josiah would take a fancy to me? Would it work if I offered myself on your behalf?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression was grim. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Come on, I was just joking. Don¡¯t look so sullen. It¡¯s not like you owe me anything,¡± Daphne said.

    She did feel indebted toward Daphne.

    During her most challenging times, Daphne didn¡¯t hesitate to lend her a hand.

    But now, the Everhart family was in trouble and she couldn¡¯t even do anything.

    Daphne patted the back of Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°All right. At worst, I¡¯ll just work a bit harder in the future.

    I¡¯ve lived carefree for many years now, anyway. I should at least do something meaningful while I¡¯m still

    1/4

    Chapter 421 The Benefactor

    Lysander said, ¡°Yesterday, I went to see Josiah for another matter, but he refused to meet me and was

    unwilling to help when he did.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s smile faded. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that he¡¯s been fooling around with a few womentely.¡±

    ¡°Yeah..

    Daphne waved her hand dismissively ¡°Ah, whatever, let¡¯s not talk about this. Before I came back, my

    father mentioned that we owe Josiah a great deal for his private jet, Grandma¡¯s life was saved thanks

    to him, so I must personally thank him.¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Lysander replied, ¡°The private jet wasn¡¯t his.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t his?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I asked him, and he said he has no idea about Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s situation.¡±

    ¡°He must be lying. Who else in Harborbrook could arrange a private jet in such a short span of time?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t look like he was lying. I think he genuinely doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­.

    Lysander took out her phone. ¡°Hold on, let me ask for you.¡±

    She made a phone call to Howard.

    Howard said as soon as he answered the phone, ¡°Perfect timing. My friend was just asking about Old

    Mrs. Everhart¡¯s situation today. She¡¯s quite worried, too. How about you, Ms. Everhart, and I go to her

    ce for dinner tonight?¡±

    Lysander looked at Daphne, wordlessly asking if she was fine with it. Daphne responded with a nod of

    agreement.

    In the afternoon, Lysander apanied Daphne to meet with the car buyer. The buyer, having struck a

    great deal, quickly paid the money and urged Daphne to transfer the ownership of the car. Then, he

    drove. off in a hurry, seemingly afraid that she might change her mind.

    Daphne watched the car¡¯s taillights fade into the distance, letting out a sigh. ¡°No wonder men treat their

    cars like their wives. I feel the rage of a husband whose wife has run off with another man.¡±

    Without a car, the two of them had no choice but to take a taxi to the hospital.

    After meeting up with Howard, the group hailed a cab together to visit his friend¡¯s house.

    Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s the hospital¡¯s n?¡±

    Howard answered, ¡°Your friend Prisci heard that we had something to take care of today, so she

    personally came over to look after your mom. Four other caretakers will be around, too. I¡¯ll be back

    after we finish our meal.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°You should go home and rest tonight. I¡¯ll stay here to keep watch.¡±

    The look in Howard¡¯s eyes softened, happy to hear Lysander¡¯s offer to help. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter.¡±

    2/4

    Chapter 421 The Benefactor

    Five minutester, the taxi came to a halt at a ce Lysander found uncannily familiar.

    ¡°Does your

    friend live here?¡± she asked.

    Daphne also recognized the ce. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the same neighborhood where you used to live with

    Josiah? Mr. Thorne, your friend owns a private jet, so why doesn¡¯t she live in a more upscale

    neighborhood?¡±

    Howard exined, ¡°She used to live in a mansion and only moved here recently. As people age, they

    often fear loneliness. She probably found living alone in a big house too isting, so she moved here

    to be

    closer to others.¡±

    ¡°I sec.

    Howard led them into the residential area, heading toward one of the apartment buildings.

    No one was more familiar with this path than Lysander.

    She had lived here for over three years, and every day, she had to take this route to and from work.

    It wasn¡¯t until Howard led them into the elevator, pressed the button for a familiar floor, and stopped to

    knock on an apartment door that realization finally dawned on Lysander.

    The door swung open, and Eleanor greeted them with a warm smile, seemingly anticipating their

    arrival. ¡°Mr. Thorne, you¡¯re here! Mrs. Guerra and Ms. Everhart, too. Doe in quickly. Madam Susan

    has been waiting for you all. Madam Susan, look who¡¯s here!¡±

    Susan greeted them with a beaming smile. ¡°Wee! Come on in!¡±

    Before Susan could even finish her sentence, Eleanor grabbed Lysander¡¯s arm and pulled her in,

    sitting her down on the couch.

    Susan was clearly thrilled. ¡°Eleanor and I spent the whole afternoon preparing for your arrival. Look,

    this is the menu we came up with! They are all Lysander¡¯s favorite dishes!¡±

    Lysander stared at the paper on the table, unsure of how to react.

    Daphne asked, ¡°Um¡­ Mr. Thorne, did Madam Susan lend us her private jet?¡±

    ¡°Yes,

    Howardughed heartilys I¡¯ve said, they¡¯re my friends. Our families have been neighbors for decades,

    and Josiah has always managed the Thorne family¡¯s business. We¡¯re practically family. When I heard

    your grandmother was in critical condition, my first thought was to reach out to the Guerra family. But

    given the rtionship between Lysa and Josiah, I thought it would be best for Susan to step in. After

    all, saving lives is what matters most.¡±

    Susan sat down next to Lysander. ¡°Yeah. Ms. Everhart, you¡¯re Lysander¡¯s closest friend, so of course

    I¡¯ll step in to help when you¡¯re in need. How¡¯s your grandmother holding up?¡±

    Daphne behaved politely when interacting with an elder. ¡°Thank you, Madam Susan. My grandma

    received the surgery just in time. She¡¯s currently receiving treatment abroad with my dad by her side.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great! It¡¯s good that she made it in time for the surgery. We can consider that a good deed

    done.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for your help. I wasn¡¯t sure what you might need, so I brought some health

    supplements for you. Lysander mentioned that you have hypertension. I¡¯ve checked, and these

    supplements won¡¯t affect your blood pressure, so you can safely consume thech

    3/4

    Chapter 421 The Benefactor

    ¡°Thank you. Lysander¡¯s friends are just like her, meticulous and reliable,¡± said Susan before raising her

    voice and asking, ¡°Eleanor, what time did Josiah say he¡¯d be back?¡±

    Eleanor nced at the wall clock. ¡°Seven o¡¯clock. He should be back soon.¡±

    While they were talking, the sound of a lock turning echoed from the main entrance.

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    398

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    Chapter 422

    Chapter 422 Changing Girlfriends Every Day

    The expression on Lysander¡¯s face subtly shifted.

    She had always been aware of Susan¡¯s attitude. During herst visit for dinner at their home, it was

    Susan who had called Josiah back. Later, Susan had insisted that he should escort her home.

    Under the table, Daphne had taken hold of her hand, applying gentle pressure.

    Lysander turned around, only to hear Daphne¡¯s firm voice telling her, ¡°Just focus on your meal; don¡¯t

    worry about anything else.¡±

    Lysander shot her a nce that implied she knew what to do.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯ve returned!¡± Eleanor greeted him. ¡°And who might this be?¡±

    Josiah had returned, but he was apanied by a woman.

    It was yet another unfamiliar face.

    She wasn¡¯t a social butterfly from Skywatch, nor was she a female college student from the billiards

    hall. Rather, she was a refined urban beauty, appearing to be in her mid¨Ctwenties, with a rather

    impressive demeanor.

    Daphne mumbled to herself, ¡°Van Cleef & Arpels.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t understand. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°The earrings and ne this woman is wearing are ssic four¨Cleaf clover designs by Van Cleef &

    Arpels.¡±

    ¡°Are they expensive?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not something the sried ss could afford.¡±

    Lysander nodded, indicating she understood.

    Susan wasn¡¯t surprised by the arrival of the new girl. Clearly, she had been mentally prepared. She

    smiled. politely and said, ¡°Tiffany, you came? It¡¯s been a while, and you¡¯ve be even more

    beautiful.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been abroad for quite some time and only recently returned home. I made it a point to visit you

    immediately. Here¡¯s a small token of appreciation I brought for you. I hope you like it, Madam Susan.¡±

    Susan gratefully epted it with a loving smile. ¡°You¡¯re so thoughtful. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I can¡¯t take all the credit for this gift. Josiah apanied me the whole of today to get it.¡±

    Josiah gave a snort, sounding like he wasining at first, but upon closer hearing, there was a

    hint of indulgence in his tone as he said, ¡°So you do realize what I did.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Tiffany Lanister yfully stuck out her tongue. ¡°Well, it¡¯s been so many years since I¡¯ve seen Madam

    Susan. I have no idea what she likes now, so naturally, I need you, her dear son, to help out.

    Susan opened the package, delightfully pulling out the contents. ¡°A scarf! It¡¯s so beautiful.¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 422 Changing Girlfriends Every Day

    ¡°Josiah mentioned that you¡¯re currently on medication. I¡¯m not a medical student and don¡¯t quite know

    what might conflict with the medications, so I didn¡¯t dare to bring you any supplements recklessly. This

    scarf is of excellent quality. I bought two ¨C one for you and one for my mom. I picked the color and

    pattern for hers while Josiah selected yours.¡±

    Susan raised an eyebrow, turning her gaze toward Josiah. ¡°Since when did you be so adept at

    choosing gifts for women? This pattern is indeed quite nice.¡±

    Josiah said. ¡°I remember seeing you have a shawl with a pattern quite simr to this one, so I guessed

    your might like this style.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that shawl, Susan chuckled, ¡°I really do have a fondness for that shawl.¡±

    The mother and son were engaged in light¨Chearted chatter, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

    Eyen Howard had a few words of praise. ¡°Susan, all these years of you doting on Josiah have not been

    in vain.¡±

    Susan expressed her annoyance, ¡°He¡¯s just copying others. That shawl was a gift from Lysander. He¡¯s

    merely giarizing her aesthetic sense.¡±

    Astonished, Howard nced at Lysander. ¡°You bought that shawl?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it was during Madam Susan¡¯s birthdayst year.¡±

    As Howard joined the conversation, Tiffany¡¯s attention was drawn to him. She sweetly called out, ¡°Mr.

    Thorne.

    Howard responded, ¡°Hello. I didn¡¯t know you wereing today, so I didn¡¯t bring any gifts. I¡¯ll make it

    up to you another day.¡±

    Tiffany politely said, ¡°As the younger one, it¡¯s only right that I should be the one bringing gifts to you. It

    doesn¡¯t make sense for me to ask you for gifts. By the way, has Mrs. Thorne¡¯s health improved?¡±

    ¡°Well, she had another brush with death recently. Thankfully, she received treatment in time, but she

    still. needs to take it slow and recuperate.¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll visit her at the hospital another day.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I understand you young people are busy. You¡¯ve just returned from abroad, so spend

    some more time with your parents. We can talk when you¡¯re free.¡±

    Tiffany squinted her eyes and asked, ¡°By the way, where¡¯s Lyss?¡±

    ¡°She¡­¡±

    Howard knew that Lysander and Lysanne were at odds, causing him to hesitate when replying.

    Josiah answered lightly. ¡°She should be arriving soon, right?¡±

    Upon hearing those words, the smile on Tiffany¡¯s face faded slightly. ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±

    Eleanor hurriedly said, ¡°Ms. Lanister, please take a seat. I¡¯ll get you an extra set of tableware.¡±

    ¡°All right, thank you. Eleanor.¡±

    2/4

    Susan said, ¡°Everyone, please take a seat. Our home has suddenly be quite lively today with so

    many visitors.

    The apartment, unlike a mansion, was constrained by space limitations. As such, the dining room could

    only amodate a rectangr table for six.

    Theyout of this apartment was actually quite simr to the one next door.

    Back when Lysander and Josiah were staying next door, the two of them rarely cooked at home.

    Her schedule was utterly erratic when she was busy, so she typically ate in the hospital cafeteria. On

    the rare asions when they had time to dine together, they usually ate out before heading home.

    Therefore, they hadn¡¯t even purchased a dining table. Instead, Lysander had ced a small bookshelf

    there.

    Studying medicine required an extensive number of books. She kept the ones she frequently used on

    that bookshelf. It was incredibly convenient to have them readily avable for use.

    Susan took her seat at the head of the table while Howard, being an elder, was also orded respect

    and thus sat separately at the other end of the table.

    Daphne, with Lysander in tow, took a seat to the left of Susan. Josiah, unconcerned with the others,

    pulled. up a chair and sat down on Susan¡¯s right. Following suit, Tiffany settled down next to him.

    In no time, Eleanor had set out a new pair of tableware for Tiffany before she started serving the

    dishes.

    Tiffany gazed at the array of dishes, a joyful look on her face. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve had such

    authentic Ecronian cuisine. Eleanor, your culinary skills are as impressive as ever.¡±

    Josiah served her a piece of pork rib. ¡°Feel free to have more if you like it.¡±

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m on a diet. Just a piece will do. I really can¡¯t eat too much,¡± Tiffany hastily replied.

    Lysander, whose hand had been resting under the table, suddenly felt someone touching her.

    Turning to the side, she noticed Daphne signaling her, urging her to check her phone.

    Lysander moved her phone under the table, and sure enough, she saw a WhatsApp message from

    Daphne.

    Daphne: Just what is Josiah doing? Has he been influenced by Aiden? Is that why he¡¯s changing

    girlfriends every day?

    Lysander replied with a bewildered expression.

    She didn¡¯t know what exactly Josiah was nning.

    Daphne: Wait a minute, it seems like this woman knows both your ex¨Cmother¨Cinw and your father.

    Could it be

    that¡­.

    ¡°Let me introduce everyone.¡± Susan took the initiative to start the conversation. ¡°Tiffany, you should

    know Mr. Thome, so I won¡¯t introduce him. This is Mr. Thorne¡¯s biological daughter, who was lost when

    she was a child, and they only recently reunited with each other. She is now a very aplished

    obstetrician.¡±

    Tiffany rose politely and greeted, ¡°Hello, Ms. Thorne. I¡¯ve heard that studying medicine is quite

    challenging. Any girl who can pursue it must be exo vionally outstanding!¡±

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    Chapter 422 Changing Girlfriends Every Day

    Lysander also rose to her feet to shake Tiffany¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Lanister. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet

    you.

    ¡°Lysander, this is Tiffany Lanister. Her father is the chairman of Riveron Corporation. He¡¯s an old friend

    of mine and your father¡¯s. However, she was raised overseas and only returns to the country during

    winter and summer breaks.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes widened instantly. ¡°Riveron Corporation? Isn¡¯t that the one that recently coborated

    with. the Guerra family¡­¡±

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    398

    O

 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423

    Chapter 423 His New Life n

    Riveron Corporation.

    Upon hearing it, Lysander also found it somewhat familiar.

    A few secondster, she remembered where she had heard it before.

    Rufus once mentioned that the Everhart family had always been in partnership with Riveron

    Corporation in the past. However, now that Josial had bypassed the Everhart family and directly

    established a coboration with Riveron Corporation, it had suddenly put a strain on the Everhart

    family¡¯s finances.

    As it turned out, this woman was the heiress of Riveron Corporation.

    No wonder she seemed so refined in her speech and demeanor. She was nothing like the social

    butterflies or college girls, who were merely ythings for wealthy men. This woman¡¯s status was not

    one to be taken lightly.

    Susanughed and told Howard, ¡°Once Lysanne arrives, we¡¯ll have a good chat with her.¡±

    Howard also nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    Daphne couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and asked, ¡°Mr. Thorne, what are you guys talking about?¡±

    Susan took the initiative and said, ¡°Previously, Josiah and Lysanne were engaged, but then¡­ a lot

    transpired, which was a significant shift for both families. However, life must go on. If Josiah and

    Lysanne. are not a good match, there¡¯s no need to bind them with a marriage. Today, I invited Mr.

    Thorne here to serve as a witness to dissolve this engagement.¡±

    Howard nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Daphne was still somewhat shocked. ¡°So¡­ did Lysanne agree?¡±

    ¡°She told me she agreed,¡± Howard said. ¡°No one here is a stranger, so I see no need to beat around

    the bush. After what happenedst time, Lyss lost her ability to be a mother. Josiah is also not

    getting any younger, and he adores children, so they decided to continue their rtionship as siblings,

    taking care of each other.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra¡­ you¡¯re nning on marrying and having children with someone else?¡±

    Susan looked at Lysander, as though her following words were deliberately spoken for her sake. ¡°Yes,

    the past events were not very pleasant, but if one party has already let go, then the other continuing to

    pester them would only be a disturbance. That¡¯s why Josiah and I reached an agreement to let go of

    the past and start anew. In this way, the other party can also freely choose the life they want.¡±

    Susan had always been respectful. Her words not only rified the situation but also carefully

    considered Lysander¡¯s status.

    Lysander had repeatedly made her stance clear in the past she had no intentions of getting back

    together with Josiah. She wanted to live her own life. Therefore, the best choice would be to keep her

    identity as Josiah¡¯s ex¨Cwife under wraps, allowing her to seamlessly return to her original life.

    The rest of the group were all aware of the circumstances behind the situation, except for Tiffany, the

    outsider. From Susan¡¯s words, it was clear that she didn¡¯t want Tiffany to know about the antecedents.

    1/4

    Chapter 423 His New Life nt

    However, today was a family dinner, and moreover, they were to discuss the dissolution of the

    engagement between Josiah and Lysanne. It was impossible that Josiah was not aware of this.

    Yet, he still brought Tiffany home, and it was clear that Susan knew she wasing.

    So¡­

    Could it be that Tiffany wasn¡¯t really an outsider after all?

    Was the annulment of the engagement rted to her as well?

    Susan said with augh. ¡°When you think about it, Tiffany is actually several years younger than

    Josiah.¡±

    Josiah gave a nod. ¡°Eight years.¡±

    Tiffany tilted her head adorably. ¡°Yes, Josiah was already heading off to university when I was only in

    the third grade of primary school. He was so much taller than me at that time. I really thought Josiah

    was a giant.¡±

    Josiah also said. ¡°Yeah, back then you were just a tiny shrimp, barely reaching my chest. Hmm, you¡¯re

    about the same now.

    ¡°Jose!¡± Tiffany eximed, stomping her foot in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve grown quite a bit, you know! I¡¯m up to

    your shoulder now!¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly, serving her another piece of spare rib. ¡°That¡¯s why you need to eat more. It¡¯ll

    help you grow taller.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m already twenty¨Cfive, well past the age of growing taller. But it¡¯s no big deal. If my height falls short,

    high heels will make up for it! Once I put on my high heels, I¡¯d be as tall as your ears!¡±

    Susan said with a yful grin, ¡°High heels aren¡¯t good for your health. If you can avoid wearing them,

    you should. If you need him, just have him bend down to listen to you.¡±

    Buzz.

    Lysander¡¯s phone chimed with a notification.

    Daphne: What¡¯s going on? Is this girl nning to marry Josiah?

    Lysander: I really don¡¯t know.

    Daphne: Oh my god, Josiah has been closely associated with Riveron Corporation recently, even

    bypassing the Everhart family to coborate directly with them. So this is the reason? Then what about

    the women he was with these few days?

    Lysander didn¡¯t know how to respond, so she just sent a sticker.

    Most of her collection of stickers was sourced from Lynn. She selected one featuring a cat with an

    ellipses above its head and sent it off.

    While they were talking, the doorbell rang.

    Eleanor opened the door and greeted the neer, ¡°Ms. Lysanne.¡±

    2/4

    Chapter 423 His New Life n

    ¡°Has Josiah arrived yet?¡±

    ¡°He has.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Lysanne slowly walked in, just about to call out a greeting when her gaze fell upon Lysander and

    Daphne.

    Daphne rolled her eyes in annoyance, while Lysander busied herself with drinking water, not bothering

    to look at her.

    Lysanne paused for a couple of seconds, then said, ¡°Madam Susan, Dad.¡±

    Susan responded indifferently, ¡°Ah, Lyss, you¡¯re here. Have you eaten yet?¡±

    ¡°Ihave, Madam Susan.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. We have guests over today, so the dining room is simply too crowded. Since you¡¯ve

    already caten, why don¡¯t you head to the living room and enjoy some fruit? Our home is quite small, so

    you¡¯ll still be able to hear the conversation.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Today, Lysanne was dressed quite modestly.

    She was dressed in a high¨Cnecked, long¨Csleeved outfit, not a hint of skin exposed.

    Lysander spected that it must have been because the burn she had suffered previously had not fully

    healed, hence the need to keep it covered.

    As Lysanne passed by the dining room, she nced at Lysander once more, her gaze carrying a

    certainplexity.

    However, it was Tiffany who took the initiative to stand up, greeting Lysanne, ¡°Lyss.¡±

    Her attitude toward Lysanne was somewhat unusually restrained, slightly awkward, and entirely

    unnatural.

    Lysanne cracked a dry smile and said, ¡°Tiff.¡±

    ¡°Lyss, 1¡­¡±

    Josiah tugged at her sleeve, gesturing for her to sit down. ¡°You haven¡¯t done anything to wrong her, so

    what¡¯s there to be afraid of? Sit down and eat.¡±

    Tiffany poked at the ribs on her te with her fork, still somewhat reserved.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, so I¡¯ll begin,¡± Susan cleared her throat, ¡°Lyss, you probably heard already, right? You

    should know why we¡¯ve called you here today?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s face was deathly pale¡¯as she slowly nodded.

    Susan, seeing her cooperation, felt somewhat satisfied. ¡°Today, let¡¯s make things clear with your father

    present. We all know how you got engaged to Josiah. But that¡¯s all in the past, and I don¡¯t want to bring

    it up again. However, Josiah now has new life ns, and we need to sever ties with the past. It¡¯s good

    that Tiffany is here today, as she can witness it all so the will be no doubts in her heart in the future.¡±

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    Chapter 423 His New Life nt

    Lysanne asked, ¡°Till, are you really nning to marry Josiah?¡±

    Tiffany stood up again. With her head bowed and her eyes slightly reddened, she resembled a child

    who had done something wrong. ¡°Lyss, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve known about Jose¡¯s feelings for you since we

    were kids. I never intended to get in the way.¡±

    Josiah slightly furrowed his brows. Clearly, he was repulsed by the past events. He didn¡¯t want to

    mention them, let alone hear about them.

    Lysanne nodded. ¡°I don¡¯t me you. I have but one request. I hope there¡¯s someone who truly loves

    him, to apany him throughout his life, so I must ask ¨C do you genuinely love him?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424

    Chapter 424 Not The One She Loves

    Tiffany became even more distressed. ¡°L.¡±

    With a bang. Josiah set down his cutlery, his toneced with impatience as he snapped, ¡°It¡¯s not your

    ce to ask that question, is it?¡±

    Though the words were delivered with an air of nonchnce, they held a somewhat intimidating force.

    The moment he put down his cutlery, Howard, who had just scooped some greens, was so surprised

    that his hand trembled, and they fell right off. Even Susan was somewhat startled, raising her head to

    look at

    him.

    Josiah meticulously peeled a shrimp, his slender fingers revealing surprising strength. With just a few

    deft movements, he had the shrimppletely peeled, which he then ced on Tiffany¡¯s te.

    ¡°Have a shrimp.¡±

    Tiffany bit her lip, not daring to speak.

    Josiah peeled another one, cing it on Susan¡¯s te. ¡°Mom, you should eat too.¡±

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, I remember you¡¯re allergic to seafood, so I won¡¯t peel one for you. Please, take whatever

    you

    want¡±

    With a cough, Howard said, ¡°All right. We¡¯re all family here, so no need for such formalities.¡±

    Josiah said calmly. ¡°We used to be family, but not anymore.¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone at the dinner table turned their attention to Lysander.

    No one paid any attention to the individual sitting alone on the living room couch.

    Howard, fearing that Lysander might feel awkward, gently patted her arm in aforting manner. He

    then took the initiative to smooth things over. ¡°Josiah, even if you¡¯re not my son¨Cinw, you¡¯re still

    someone Molly and I watched grow up. We share so many years of bond, and you¡¯re still considered.

    family in the future.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t say much. He picked up the red wine ss by his side. ¡°Mr. Thorne, let me toast you.¡±

    ¡°All right then.¡±

    When the sses clinked together, their rims were perfectly aligned.

    Josiah had no intention of moving his wine ss lower than Howard¡¯s and immediately moved away

    after clinking their sses.

    Howard took a small sip of his drink, gradually regaining his affectionate elder persona. ¡°Josiah, based

    on what I heard from your mother just now, you¡¯re considering having a child?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Various things have kept me upied in the past. Now that I have the chance, I

    want to seize it as soon as possible.¡±

    1/4

    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun

    €36%D

    Chapter 424 Not The One She Loves

    ¡°When are you two nning to have the wedding? Tiff¡¯s father and I go way back, so I¡¯ll definitely be

    there to support you.¡±

    Josiah looked at Tiffany with a smile. ¡°What do you think? When shall we have it?¡± he asked.

    Only then did Tiffany regain herposure, a faint blush painted on her face. ¡°What are you talking

    about?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what Mr. Thorne said? He was asking us when we¡¯re getting married.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not ready yet!¡± Tiffany yfully pushed him away. ¡°Don¡¯t mention this in front of Lyss¡­¡±

    With a chuckle, Josiah turned to Howard and said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to discuss the wedding ns with Tiff

    again. After all, this is our first time nning a wedding, and neither of us has any experience. We¡¯ll

    definitely let you know once we¡¯ve set a date.¡±

    Tiffany suddenly expressed her confusion, ¡°Huh? Jose, I heard from Aiden that you were married once

    before. Did you not have a wedding ceremony then?¡±

    Josiah cast his eyes down. ¡°No, there was no time.¡±

    ¡°Did that girl agree as well? She didn¡¯t object?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that? Every girl surely dreams of having the most romantic and grandest

    wedding.¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    ¡°Definitely! Nearly every girl has dreamed since childhood of walking down a path strewn with flowers

    alongside her Prince Charming, passing through a balloon arch, receiving the priest¡¯s blessings, and

    uttering I do. If you don¡¯t believe me, just ask the twodies across from us!¡±

    Daphne immediately waved her hands. ¡°I believe in staying single, so I might be an exception.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s rejection only made Tiffany more desperate in her search for an ally. She quickly turned to

    Lysander. ¡°Lysa, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Lysander was solely focused on eating her meal, her eyes fixed on the food before her. She had

    resigned herself to being invisible at today¡¯s dinner, nning to leave as soon as she finished eating.

    Unexpectedly, she found herself called out by Tiffany.

    Her hand awkwardly hovered mid¨Cair. ¡°I think¡­ for most girls, it¡¯s probably like that.¡±

    Atst, Tiffany found a sense of belonging. ¡°See, Jose? Lysa feels the same way too.¡±

    With a smirk ying on one corner of his lips, Josiah let out a soft chuckle. However, he didn¡¯t respond

    to Lysander¡¯s words. Instead, he shot back a question, ¡°Do you want a wedding with a floral balloon

    arch?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?.

    Tiffany was both embarrassed and annoyed. ¡°I was talking about you! How did the conversation turn

    back

    to me?¡±

    ¡°Me? I don¡¯t really have any thoughts.¡±

    ¡°You must have! When ites to marrying the on you love, who wouldn¡¯t wish for everyone¡¯s

    2/4

    Chapter 424 Not The One She Loves

    blessings?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned slightly frosty. ¡°Perhaps, I¡¯m not the one she loves.¡±

    Tiffany hadn¡¯t expected his response to be like this. Subconsciously, she felt as if she had stirred up

    trouble. ¡°Jose, did I say something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Quickly sit down and eat your shrimp. It will taste off if it gets cold.¡±

    ¡°Jose¡­¡±

    ¡°Listen to me..

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    Perhaps the advantage of a significant age difference between partners was this.

    The petite wife was pure, adorable, and obedient, while the husband was dominant, doting, yet gentle.

    Observing the interaction between the two, Lysander suddenly gleaned some insight into the dynamics

    of male¨Cfemale rtionships.

    If two people wanted to be together for a long time, they had to be two connected puzzle pieces. Where

    one stuck out, the other had to have the apanying groove. Only in this way could they fit together

    seamlessly.

    In that marriage, she was the piece that stuck out, tirelessly striving for her career and being so busy

    she could hardly breathe. On the other hand, Josiah made a conscious effort to suppress his true

    nature, transforming himself into a gentle and considerate man.

    Perhaps it was because he had loved Lysanne back then but couldn¡¯t have her. He had finally found:

    substitute with a simr name and had no choice but to settle for second best, amodating her

    lifestyle. As a result, he had thoroughly concealed his domineering and fiery nature, all in the hopes of

    spending a lifetime with a person named close enough to the woman he couldn¡¯t have.

    But in the end, she was not the sharp and assertive Lysanne.

    He wasn¡¯t exactly the tender and warm¨Chearted man either.

    To put it simply, the roles they yed in their marriage were self¨Cassigned, as if they were both

    performing in a y titled ¡°The Loving Couple.¡±

    It was trulyughable.

    ¡°Lysander, what¡¯s on your mind? What¡¯s making you smile?¡± Susan asked, her voice filled with

    affection. ¡°I owe you forst time. Thanks to you fetching the doctor and adjusting my medication, my

    blood pressure has significantly improvedtely.¡°,

    Lysander said, ¡°The key thing about blood pressure is stability. For now, please follow the current

    medical advice and take your medication. If there are any changes, let me know.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Your words put my mind at ease. We should ensure our families interact more in the future.

    Wouldn¡¯t want us to grow apart.¡±

    Lysander reassured her, ¡°Madam Susan, you can co on me. I¡¯ll do my best wherever I can be of help.

    3/4

    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun:

    Chapter 424 Not The One She Loves.

    36%

    However, due to the nature of my job, I might often be busy and may not be able to visit frequently.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s no problem. We can just as well keep in touch over the phone. What I¡¯m trying to say is, don¡¯t

    cut off contact with me just because of all those messy incidents in the past. It doesn¡¯t matter if you

    don¡¯te. visit me here. We can always meet up somewhere else if you want to see me.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    Howard picked up on the underlying message and asked, ¡°After Josiah marries Tiff, will they be living

    next door?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425

    Chapter 425 Too Slow To Grasp The Opportunity

    Susan nodded. ¡°Yes. After all, I¡¯m not getting any younger. That previous fire, along with a few sudden.

    bouts of high blood pressure, were all quite dangerous. Josiah is worried about me, so he decided to

    live next door from now on to take care of me. This way, he can also enjoy the meals Eleanor prepares

    when hees back from work in the evening.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very good.¡±

    Susan said with augh, ¡°I¡¯m just worried that living so close might disturb the two from having private

    time.

    While they were talking. Josiah had peeled a few more shrimps, which all ended up on the te in front

    of Tiffany.

    He pulled out a tissue to wipe his hands, casually remarking as he did so, ¡°It¡¯s fine. We can always go

    out on dates.¡±

    tter!

    Embarrassed, Lysanne picked up the fruit knife from the ground. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t have a good grip¡­ Ah!¡±

    She had reached for the knife in a state of panic. In an instant, her finger was sliced open, fresh blood

    trickling from the tip. It dropped in rhythmic plops, staining the pristine floor beneath.

    Howard was somewhat worried, getting up to check on her. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Lysanne shook her head, her voice a bit hoarse as she replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just an ident. Really,

    I¡¯m

    fine.

    Howard frowned. ¡°This wound is quiterge¡­

    As the host, Susan also stepped forward. ¡°How did you cut yourself so badly? Eleanor, please bring the

    first aid kit quickly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go right away, Madam Susan.¡±

    Lysanne repeatedly apologized, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t bother yourselves. I¡¯ll head to the hospital to

    get this sorted out. Dad, Susan, and¡­ Josiah, I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±

    Howard was somewhat uneasy. ¡°No, your wound is quite severe. We need to stop the bleeding

    immediately.¡±

    ¡°Here it is, the first aid kit!¡± Eleanor brought over the first aid kit. ¡°Oh my, there¡¯s so much blood. I don¡¯t

    think a band¨Caid will do the trick, will it?¡±

    Howard turned his head to look at Lysander. ¡°Um, Lysa, could you possibly¡­¡±

    Daphne firmly held onto Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Mr. Thorne, Lysander is an obstetrician, so her expertise

    doesn¡¯t align with this. Maybe it would be better to send Lysanne to the hospital. After all, it¡¯s best to

    leave professional matters to the professionals.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s intentions were clear as day, so there was nothing more Howard could say.

    1/4

    100 Slow To sp

    injured person right in front of you, do you n to just stand by and do nothing, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Daphne pulled a face. ¡°As I¡¯ve said, Lysander can¡¯t handle it because her area of expertise isn¡¯t this.¡±

    ¡°Who said that? When Dr. Thorne treated my wounds before, her technique was extremely

    professional.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°Mr. Guerra, are you insisting that Lysander treat your ex¨Cgirlfriend¡¯s wound?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Everhart, it¡¯s better to sort out your own matters first before meddling in other people¡¯s affairs.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s face instantly turned deathly pale.

    ¡°So what happened to my family was deliberate on your part?¡±

    Josiah stated, ¡°As the CEO of Guerra Group, every decision I make is in the best interest of the

    company. There¡¯s no question of doing anything deliberately or not.¡±

    ¡°Is it because I don¡¯t like you? But my animosity toward you is only because of what you did before-¡±

    ¡°Ms. Everhart, I am a businessman, and profits alwayse first. I won¡¯t be swayed just because

    someone grovels before me, nor will I abandon a partnership because of someone¡¯s crude words or

    bad attitude. I never let personal matters interfere with my work.¡±

    ¡°Hah! Is that so?¡±

    ¡°Believe it or not, it¡¯s up to you. Either way, it doesn¡¯t really matter to me.¡±

    ¡°You¡­

    Lysander grabbed Daphne, shaking her head at her.

    Indeed, the Everhart family was in deep trouble at the moment, and angering Josiah wouldn¡¯t do

    anyone any good.

    ¡°Let me take a look.¡±

    Lysander walked over to inspect the extent of Lysanne¡¯s injury.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Thetter must have been mistaken when she went to grab the knife, seizing the de instead of the

    handle.

    Hence, apart from the thumb, the other four fingers were all injured as well.

    ¡°Her tendons aren¡¯t damaged, so it¡¯s not a serious issue,¡± Lysander said. She then turned to Eleanor

    and asked, ¡°Eleanor, do you have any medicine to stop the bleeding?¡±

    ¡°Ah, would ibuprofen work?¡±

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about medicine, Mrs. Guerra. You¡¯re the expert here. Could you perhaps take a

    look inside the medicine box and see if there¡¯s anything we could use?¡±

    Eleanor upended the medicine box, spilling its entire contents onto the couch.

    2/4

    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun@

    Chapter 425 Too Slow To Grasp The Opportunity

    Upon seeing Lysander remain motionless while Susan had an odd expression on her face, Eleanor felt

    puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Susan frowned slightly and chastised. ¡°Eleanor, please refrain from speaking nonsense.¡±

    35%

    Immediately. Eleanor realized what she had done, her embarrassment reaching new heights. She

    nced at Lysander, then turned her head to look at Josiah, stammering, ¡°I, uh¡­¡±

    Josiah stood up. ¡°Mom. Mr. Thorne, it¡¯s gettingte, so I should take Tiffany home now. Tiff, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Susan questioned, ¡°You had alcohol earlier. Can you drive?¡±

    ¡°Till knows how to drive.¡±

    ¡°Oh, all right then. Just be careful on your way. Josiah, you should call a chauffeur service for the return

    trip.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Josiah helped Tiffany with her coat and bag before the two left together.

    The moment the door was shut from the outside, a hot tear sshed onto a wound drenched in fresh

    blood.

    Howard let out a sigh. ¡°What good does crying do now?¡±

    Lysanne had endured all night, but finally, she couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore. ¡°Dad, I just feel so miserable.

    If I had known it would end up like this, I would¡¯ve¡­ I would¡¯ve¡­¡±

    ¡°What would you have done?¡±

    Lysanne lifted her head, looking at Lysander, who was rummaging through the pile of medicine. ¡°I

    would¡¯ve just let Josiah be with Dr. Thorne from the beginning.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Daphne instantly became infuriated. ¡°Regardless of who Josiah is with,

    aren¡¯t you just ying the role of a homewrecker?¡°¡±

    ¡°I was too greedy back then. If I hadn¡¯t gone abroad, Josiah and I would have gone to study in Apex

    City together. Then, we could have¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of bringing up these things now? You were quite happy back then, weren¡¯t you? Being

    a ygirl and leading men on. One can¡¯t have it both ways, you know.¡±

    ¡°But how would I have known Josiah was truly the best without theseparisons?¡±

    Daphne pursed her lips and retorted, ¡°Do you know what your current situation is like? You were simply

    too slow to grasp the opportunity, Although, I must say he¡¯s a pretty shitty choice.¡±

    ¡°Ahem.¡±

    Susan cleared her throat.

    After all, as a mother, she was somewhat upset to hear her own son being spoken of in such a manner.

    Danhne quickly added. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    3/4

    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun

    ¦°

    Chapter 425 Too Slow To Grasp The Opportunity

    35%Á¿

    Luckily, Susan didn¡¯t hold a grudge. ¡°As I¡¯ve said, let bygones be bygones. There¡¯s no use crying over

    spilled milk. Lyss, I¡¯ve been thinking. You don¡¯t have many close connections back home. Why not

    continue your studies abroad? Besides, the legal profession is more sought after overseas. Instead of

    being unhappy every day here, why not change your environment and live well abroad?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go. I want to stay and take care of my parents.¡±

    ¡°Your parents have Lysander now, and she¡¯s a doctor. Can¡¯t she take care of them? Besides, you¡¯ve

    always

    been pampered by your parents, to the point you can¡¯t even do any chores. It would be better to hire

    some

    caregivers.¡±

    Send Gift

    398

    22:56 Mon,

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426

    Chapter 426 Let Us Talk About Us

    Ever since their engagement, Susan had been distant toward Lysanne, her demeanor cold. It was only

    due to Howard¡¯s presence today that she held back her words, careful not to say anything too harsh.

    Lysamie sought help from her father. ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t want to leave¡­

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    But this time, Howard was resolute. ¡°You were abroad for many years, so your connections and friends

    are all there. I need to take care of your mother and can¡¯t look after you anymore. I think it¡¯s better for

    you to stay overseas.¡±

    Lysanne immediately grew infuriated, pointing at Lysander. ¡°You¡¯re doing all this for her, aren¡¯t you?

    You¡¯re afraid she¡¯ll be unhappy and refuse to acknowledge you guys, so you don¡¯t want me to annoy

    her by being around. That¡¯s why you¡¯re chasing me far away¨CAhh!¡±

    Suddenly, a sharp, intense pain radiated from her wound.

    Tears streaming down her face, Lysanne cried out, ¡°What are you doing? It hurts so much!¡±

    With an emotionless expression, Lysander was pouring disinfectant onto her wound. ¡°It¡¯s for

    disinfection. Bear with it for a moment.¡±

    ¡°How much longer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop when you stop talking

    Lysanne pursed her lips but then said defiantly, ¡°Neither of us ended up with Josiah in the end, so I

    don¡¯t consider it a loss to you.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me! You were dumped, while Lysander chose to leave. There¡¯s a fundamental difference,

    okay?¡± Daphne said mockingly, her arms crossed.

    ¡°Really? Then can she also willingly give up on the Thorne family¡¯s wealth?¡±

    Howard angrily rebuked, ¡°Lyss!¡±

    ¡°Dad, if she¡¯s truly virtuous, she shouldn¡¯t be ying both sides! On one hand, she doesn¡¯t want to

    acknowledge you, yet on the other, she wants the Thorne family¡¯s wealth. She ims she won¡¯t

    reconcile with Josiah, but she¡¯s still entangled with him. Why does she get all the benefits and bask in

    all the glory? You want me to go abroad so I won¡¯t cause trouble for your biological daughter, fine. But

    remember, I was legally adopted and brought home by you. ording to thew, an adopted daughter

    has the same inheritance rights as a biological one! I¡¯m entitled to half of the Thorne family¡¯s wealth

    and thepany¡¯s

    shares!¡±

    Howard felt a deep sense of disappointment well within him. ¡°We raised you and spoiled you like at

    princess. You can have a share of our wealth, but only after we¡¯re gone. Are you implying that your

    mother and I should just die now?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to split it now. You could draft a will first, agreeing to divide the Thorne family¡¯s assets

    equally between Dr. Thorne and myself. Once both of you pass on in the distant future, Dr. Thorne and

    I

    can handle the rest ourselves.¡±

    ¡°How do you n to handle it?¡±

    *If it can!

    1/4

    Chapter 426 Let Us Talk About Us

    Howard¡¯s face was etched with disappointment. ¡°Fine, a will, is it? I¡¯ll write it for you right now!¡±

    Lysanne said. ¡°The Thorne family¡¯s assets are now jointly owned by you and Mom, so it requires both

    of your signatures to be valid. Can Mom write now?¡±

    ¡°If she can¡¯t write, then I¡¯ll just hold her hand and write for her! Would that be eptable?¡± Howard, so

    furious his blood was boiling, asked, ¡°Susan, do you have any paper and pen here?¡±

    Secing the situation escting. Susan had no choice but to y the peacemaker. ¡°Don¡¯t be rash. You

    and Molly are still young, so it¡¯s not auspicious to be drafting wills now. Eleanor, did you leave some

    food aside. for Molly?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Pack it up and let Howard take it to the hospital for Mollyter,¡± Susan instructed.

    ¡°Yes, Madam.¡±

    Susan asked again. ¡°Lysander, how does this wound look to you?¡±

    By then, Lysander had already disinfected the wound and was now bandaging it with gauze. ¡°It¡¯s a bit

    deep, but the bleeding has stopped. Just to be on the safe side, she should still go to the hospital for a

    check¨Cup.

    ¡°All right. I¡¯ll call the driver and have him take Lyss to the hospital.¡±

    Susan quickly arranged for a driver, and after ending the call, she said, ¡°The driver is waiting

    downstairs. Lyss. I¡¯ve already arranged everything with him. He will wait for you at the hospital

    entrance, and once your wounds are treated, he¡¯ll take you straight home.¡±

    Lysanne asked, ¡°Dad, are youing back to the hospital with me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Howard¡¯s expression was stony, ¡°I have other matters to attend to,¡±

    ¡°What about Mom?¡±

    ¡°Now you remember to care about your mother? Were you there when she had her surgery? Where

    were you when she needed someone by her side these past days?¡±

    Lysanne didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Howard said, ¡°You¡¯ve all grown up, and you have your own though W. From now on,

    we¡¯ll each go our separate ways. Whether you decide to go abroad or not, it¡¯s up to you. Susan, make

    sure to rest well. Lysa and I will be leaving now.¡±

    Susan nodded, a disappointed look on her face. ¡°All right, just send me a message when you get to the

    hospital.¡±

    ¡°Okay.

    Daphne said, ¡°Madam Susan, Iruly appreciate your help this time.¡±

    ¡°It was no trouble at all. I heard about the situation your family is in, but you saw Josiah¡¯s attitude today.

    I¡¯ll- try to mediate and see if I can do something about it. The bank will also give you some time to

    gather the funds for your loan, so don¡¯t worry. Wait for my news.¡±

    22:56 Mon, 3

    Chapter 426 Let Us Talk About Un-

    Daphine was ovee with gratitude. She deeply bowed to Susan. ¡°I really can¡¯t thank you enough,

    Madam Susan.¡±

    Susan let out a sigh and said, ¡°You¡¯re Lysander¡¯s best friend, and you¡¯ve helped her a lot in the past.

    Consider this as our Guerra family¡¯s way of repaying her.¡±

    After leaving the Guerra family¡¯s old house and throughout his journey out of the neighborhood,

    Howard remained silent, weighed down by heavy thoughts.

    Daphne was a straightforward woman with an impatient temperament. ¡°Mr. Thorne, there are some

    people and things in life that just aren¡¯t worth it. When it¡¯s time to let go, you should let go. Indecision

    can end up hurting the people you care about the most.¡±

    Howard nced at Lysander, his eyes filled with guilt. ¡°You¡¯re right. We were trying to be fair to

    everyone, not wanting to fav

    one over the other. That¡¯s why Lysa had to endure so much. When her mother was hospitalized, she

    even had to abandon her career in Stounia and rush back home to be by her side. I was indeed too

    indecisive.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Daphne felt a pang of sympathy. ¡°It¡¯s not that serious. Just make it up to

    Lysander in the future.¡±

    At that. Howard halted Lysander. ¡°Lysa, what¡¯s your take on the matter of dividing the assets?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°The wealth is yours. It¡¯s up to you two to decide.¡±

    ¡°I was mulling over this issue all the way here. I raised Lyss and know her character well. If we don¡¯t

    give her anything. I fear she might continue to bother you in the future. My thought is that we could give

    her a sum of money, a trade¨Coff for peace in the future. What do you think?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I have no objections.¡±

    ¡°Also, regarding thepany shares and other movable assets, I¡¯ll consult awyer to draft a contract

    and transfer everything to your name first. All these are the fruits of your mother and my lifetime of hard

    work, and they will be yours in the future. There¡¯s no need to divide them. As for Lyss, your mother and

    I have never treated her unfairly over the years. Giving her some money would just be us extending our

    kindness to the utmost.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes flickered.

    Howard thought she was disagreeing and quickly said, ¡°We can negotiate the number.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter.¡±

    As they were talking, a gold Panamera slowly pulled up at the entrance of the residential area.

    The car door swung open before a person stepped out.

    Josiah took the keys from the chauffeur, nodding at Howard. ¡°Mr. Thorne, are you nning to go home

    or to the hospital?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve returned, Josiah. Has Tiff been safely delivered to her home?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Her father is quite strict with her. She has to be home before nine in the evening.¡±

    ¡°Haha, I see. Lysander and I were nning to head ck to the hospital. We¡¯ve been out for a few hours.

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    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 420 Let Us Talk About Us

    now, and I¡¯m feeling uneasy.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod. ¡°Then I¡¯ll arrange for a driver to take you guys over.¡±

    ¡°Please do. Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡± Lysander called out to stop him.

    Josiah lifted his gaze. ¡°Is there something you need, Dr. Thorne?¡°

    ¡°Do you have some free time now?¡±

    35%

    Josiah straightened up, slowly saying. ¡°If it¡¯s about the same matter you mentioned at the billiard

    loungest time, then I¡¯m afraid 1 don¡¯t have time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about that matter.¡±

    ¡°What else do you want to talk about?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about us.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you me

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427

    Chapter 427 Women In High Heels

    Josiah studied her closely for a brief time before suddenly breaking into a chuckle. He dipped his head

    slightly and flexed his wrist with a rxed air, asking, ¡°What else do we need to talk about?¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Is your wrist giving you trouble?¡± she inquired with a hint of concern.

    ¡°You¡¯re a gynecologist: don¡¯t dip your toes into orthopedics,¡± he retorted yfully, leaving the woman

    speechless.

    At that moment, his phone started to ring. The caller ID shed the name ¡°Tiff¡± across the screen in

    bold letters. Without hesitation, he answered the call.

    ¡°Jose, have you made it home yet?¡± Tiffany¡¯s voice came through the speaker.

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m just at the entrance of the residential area,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Then hurry on home. I¡¯ve asked someone to pick up some analgesic balm for you. Make sure Eleanor

    helps you apply it to your wrist tonight. It¡¯s crucial for reducing the swelling.

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    ¡°Jose, I really owe you one for today. I would have embarrassed myself again without your help.¡±

    ¡°If you can¡¯t manage in high heels, maybe consider not wearing them. They only seem to cause you

    pain,¡± Josiah advised.

    ¡°But you know, it¡¯s because you¡¯re so tall. I look too short next to you without heels. And Lyss always

    looks so good when she wears them,¡± Tiffany exined, adding wistfully, ¡°I guess I just want to look as

    elegant as her.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to copy her,¡± Josiah replied.

    ¡°I know, but you used to adore her so much. Even though our marriage is more of a business.

    arrangement, I still hope you mighte to like me a little,¡± she confessed.

    Josiah pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture of his frustration. ¡°Fdon¡¯t fancy women who wear high

    heels.

    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°What about hairstyles? Do you prefer straight or curly hair?¡± Tiffany asked.

    ¡°I prefer straight,¡± hemented casually.

    ¡°That figures. Today, Lysa had her hair straight and Lyss had hers curled. You seemed to pay more

    attention to Lysa,¡± she noted.

    Josiah furrowed his brows, irritated. ¡°Don¡¯t start with that nonsense; they were our guests.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    1/4

    22:56 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 427 Women In High Heels

    ¡°You should head home soon, too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been on the phone for a while now. Are you home yet?¡± she asked.

    ¡°No, I ran into someone and we chatted for a few moments,¡± he exined.

    ¡°Is it someone you know?¡±

    Josiah, lighting a cigarette and taking his time, answered, ¡°Not particrly.¡±

    ¡°Was it¡­ Lyss?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Good, that¡¯s a relief. Tiffany hesitated before asking, ¡°Jose, can I ask you something?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Do you find I

    ¡°Do you find Lyss more attractive, or me?¡±

    Josiah reassured her, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about any old ties between Lysanne and me. There¡¯s

    nothing there.¡±

    ¡°Okay, goodbye then, Jose.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±

    After ending the call, Josiah turned to Howard. ¡°Mr. Thorne, my girlfriend just messaged. She wants me

    back home urgently. I apologize, but I have to leave now.¡±

    Before Howard could respond, Josiah had already walked away briskly, vanishing into the darkness of

    the night.

    Howard turned to Lysander. ¡°Lysa?¡±

    She gave a hum of agreement. ¡°Let¡¯s take a cab home.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    They gged down a taxi by the roadside and set off toward the hospital.

    During the drive, Howard seemed to struggle with something he wanted to say, remaining silent at first.

    By the third attempt, Lysander prompted, ¡°Just say what you need to.¡±

    Howard

    ahead¡°ghed deeply. ¡°Since the decision has been made to move forward, we should keep looking

    ¡°I understand,¡± Lysander replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t stop him because I expected anything from him.¡±

    ¡°What was it you wanted to talk to him about, then?¡± Howard queried.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t much to discuss now,¡± Lysander admitted. ¡°I just hope he doesn¡¯t transfer any residual

    hitterness toward me onto Nanhne and the Everha@amily!

    214

    Chapter 427 Women In High Heels

    Molly¡¯s recovery was advancing steadily. She had gained enough strength to change the television

    channels and select her favorite programs using the remote control independently.

    µç35%„“

    Despite her initial n to drop Howard off at home to rest, Lysander found that Howard was hesitant to

    leave. Consequently, they ended up staying the night in the hospital.

    The ward they were in had only a single caregiver¡¯s bed, but thankfully, they managed to make do.

    In the morning, Lysander picked up breakfast from the hospital cafeteria and brought it back to the

    room. As she neared the door, the sound of lively conversation could be heard from inside.

    Has visitors arrived to see Molly?

    As she pushed the door open, Lysander¡¯s expression shifted instantly. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Zachary stood there, impably dressed as usual. ¡°Lysander, you¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Lysa, your friend has been here quite a while, Howard informed her.

    Lysander looked displeased. ¡°What¡¯s your purpose here?¡±

    Zachary gestured toward the fresh flowers and fruit by the bed, ¡°I heard Mrs. Thorne is improving, so I

    thought I¡¯de by. We¡¯ve known each other since we were kids, and I understand the importance of

    these social courtesies.

    Lysander handed the breakfast over to Howard. ¡°You guys start eating. Zachary, step outside with me.¡±

    In the stairwell, she turned to face Zachary, her voice filled with exasperation. ¡°What are you really

    trying to achieve here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just visiting the sick, isn¡¯t that obvious? Zachary replied.

    ¡°Do you honestly expect me to believe that?¡±

    Zachary finally dropped his facade, scoffing coldly, ¡°I know you went to see Josiah. So, when are you

    going. to let me go back?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t agree,¡± she stated simply.

    ¡°Really?¡± Zachary mocked her. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who controls him? If you showed even a hint of

    vulnerability, how could he refuse?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve overestimated my influence,¡± Lysander retorted.

    Zachary looked at her skeptically. ¡°Did he really refuse, or did you never intend to help me from the

    start?¡±

    Lysander faced him squarely. ¡°I genuinely don¡¯t want to help you. I hate being ckmailed over family

    ties. If things go south, then they go south for everyone. I¡¯m not concerned about my mother and Mdm.

    Cam¡¯s decades¨Clong friendship anymore. I¡¯m ready to expose all your past misdeeds and reveal

    your true nature for all to see!¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Zachary was undeterred. ¡°I forgot to mention, yesterday, your father asked my mother for a

    loan.¡±

    Lysander paused: ¡°Did Mdm. Cam lend it?¡±

    3/4

    22:57 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 427 Women in High Heels

    35%1

    ¡°She did more than that; she also asked me to drive to the bus station to pick up Mrs. Thorne. It¡¯s

    always. so crowded there; you know how it is. idents happen. Also, after your sister found out, she

    pestered me about tagging along.¡±

    ¡°Zachary!¡± Lysander eximed.

    Zachary continued relentlessly, ¡°Lysander, I don¡¯t care how low you stoop or what sacrifices you make,

    this project is my best shot at making a name for myself. If I lose it, I¡¯ll haunt your family like a ghost for

    the rest of my life. So, what if you expose me? You can guard against me for a moment, but can you

    forever? If Josiah steps in, that¡¯s another story. I wouldn¡¯t dare touch anyone he protects. But if he

    doesn¡¯t care, then don¡¯t me me.¡±

    ¡°Zachary,¡± she retorted, ¡°it¡¯s fine to pursue sess, but one must never lose their moralpass!¡±

    Zachary sneered, ¡°Only those who impose limits on themselves live insignificant lives.¡±

    Just then, the phone rang. Lysander answered it, and Michelle¡¯s phone came through the speaker.

    ¡°Lysander, Mom¡¯s on her way back.¡±

    Lysander nced warily at Zachary before responding, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pick her up this afternoon.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need, Michelle replied. ¡°Zachary has some free time today, and he has a car. He can pick

    her

    up.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428

    Chapter 428 Is She Also Your Woman

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, please stop pestering Zachary so much,¡± Lysander chided her sister.

    ¡°But Zachary himself mentioned that he had some free time today and had to run a few errands in that

    part of town anyway. It actually works out perfectly, being right on his way,¡± Michelle countered.

    Lysander¡¯s response was tinged with urgency. ¡°I¡¯ve repeatedly told you not to get involved with him¡­..

    Michelle, can you please just listen to me?¡±

    ¡°Did things end that badly with Zachary? Why do you seem so eager to avoid him?¡±

    ¡°Just stop questioning me.¡± Lysander insisted. ¡°Do what you¡¯re told, okay? I¡¯m going to pick up Mom

    this afternoon. Stay at home and behave yourself, all right?¡±

    ¡°All right, I get it.¡±

    It was only after she had ended the call that Zachary let out a chuckle. ¡°Are you really that frightened of

    me?¡±

    Lysander did not offer him a weing look. ¡°If you¡¯ve finished what you had to say, then please

    leave.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way out, but you might want to consider trying a little harder. After all, Josiah is a man who

    once had genuine feelings for you. If things get desperate¡­ you might have to make some sacrifices.

    You know, with most men, as long as their physical needs are met, all other matters can usually be

    negotiated¡­¡±

    Lysander red at him furiously. ¡°You must really have been born the wrong gender. If you were a

    woman, I imagine you¡¯d be using your body to barter for all kinds of favors.¡±

    ¡°You should count yourself fortunate,¡± he retorted. ¡°If Josiah wasn¡¯t straight, I might actually find him

    quite appealing.¡±

    Lysander responded with scorn, ¡°Well then, I wish you bright future.¡±

    With a dismissive gesture, she turned her back, neatly sidestepped him, and strode away with

    determination.

    Zachary¡¯s voice followed her retreat, resonating through the air, ¡°I¡¯ll be eagerly awaiting your good

    news.¡±

    Later that afternoon, Lysander caught a taxi and journeyed to the bus station to collect her mother,

    Laura.

    When Laura appeared, it was evident she was far from fine; the redness in her eyes was a silent

    testament to tears recently shed, likely a result of her less¨Cthan¨Cideal visit back to her hometown.

    Laura confessed, ¡°Your eldest uncle is nning on constructing a home but finds himself short of the

    necessary funds; your second uncle¡¯s daughter is preparing for marriage, needing a sizable dowry,

    leaving him strapped for cash too. And your aunt, she¡¯s not faring well either, so I found it too difficult to

    broach the subject with her.¡±

    Embracing her mother warmly, Lysander consoled her, ¡°Let¡¯s not lose heart, we¡¯ll tackle these issue¡¯s

    one at a time. We still have a few days left; I¡¯ll figure something out.¡±

    Laura asked, ¡°By the way, Lysa, you¡¯re close to Daphne, aren¡¯t you? Maybe you could inquire if she

    could¡­¡±

    1/4

    22:57 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 428 Is She Also Your Woman

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    myriad problems, the Everharts were not in a position to assist.

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it, but let me take you home first,¡± Lysander reassured her, feeling the weight of the

    numerousplications that seemed to converge upon her return to her homnd.

    After ensuring her mother was settled at home and sternly advising them against contacting Zachary,

    Lysander made her way directly to Guerra Group¡¯s towering office building.

    Zachary¡¯s earlier words rang true¨Cbeing marked by someone of his character was a recipe for

    ceaseless trouble. Zachary had made it clear he was not one to relent until his goals were achieved.

    Upon her arrival at the Guerra Group building, Lysander was met with the news from a receptionist that

    Josiah was not present.

    Has he gone shopping with his new girlfriend again?

    Without Tiffany¡¯s contact details, Lysander had no option but to turn to Zane for assistance.

    The atmosphere around Zane was distinctly chaotic; the faint sound of billiard balls shing was

    audible in the background.

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re at a billiard lounge?¡± Lysander guessed.

    Zane responded with a nonchnt hum, ¡°Seems like Josiah has reignited his interest in pool. He was

    here just the other day, and now he¡¯s back.¡±

    ¡°Still hanging out with the usual crowd?¡± Lysander probed.

    Zane exhaled sharply.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?

    ¡°It¡¯splicated,¡± he replied cryptically, ¡°You¡¯ll see what I mean when you get here.¡±

    Hearing this, Lysander surmised the situation¡¯must¡¯ve beenplicated..

    Despite being somewhat prepared, Lysander was still surprised upon her arrival at the billiard lounge.

    Previously, the clientele had been predominantly male except for one female college student. This time,

    however, the scene was quite different¨Call the patrons were women.

    Among them, ¡®Lysander immediately recognized one¨Ca woman with vibrant red lips and luxuriantly

    wavy hair, whom she had seen with Josiah in Skywatch under the moonlight. She sat casually next to

    Josiah, holding his zer and a cigarette with practiced ease, the smoke swirling around her.

    As Josiah took his shot, standing back to survey the table, Lysander noted his right wrist appeared

    swollenpared to his left.

    Not far from this scene, Lysanne and Tiffany were deep in conversation, surrounded by several

    unfamiliar

    faces.

    What exactly is happening here!

    Zane, suddenly appearing, whispered, ¡°Lysander! You got here quickly; I thought I¡¯d have to wait

    longer.¡±

    2/4

    22:57 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 428 is She Also Your Woman

    Lysander, still perplexed by the scene, questioned, ¡°These women¡­ they all rte to Josiah

    somehow?¡±

    Zane ran his fingers through his hair, his expression perplexed. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what Josiah¡¯s n is, but

    it seems these women aren¡¯t bothered by each other¡¯s presence. It¡¯s not our ce toment, really.¡±

    ¡°What about Tiffany and Lysanne? Do they not mind?¡± Lysander queried.

    Zane chuckled, ¡°What can Lysanne do? She just has to put up with whatever Josiah decides. As for

    Tiffany¡­¡± He trailed off as he felt a piercing gaze on him.

    ¡°Zane.¡±

    ¡°Did you call me, Josiah?¡± Zane hurried over to him after shooting Lysander a look. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Josiah nced at Lysander and frowned. ¡°Why is she here again?¡±

    ¡°I¨CI have no idea.¡±

    Till is on her period and can¡¯t have anything cold. Go get her some warm water from the bar.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, right, of course.¡±

    Thedy with red lips and curly hair leaned closer to Josiah and remarked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re really

    thoughtful.¡±

    Josiah halted her with a raised hand. ¡°What¡¯s that smell? It¡¯s overwhelming.

    ¡°Perfume,¡± she said.

    Josiah scowled. ¡°What sort of perfume? It smells strange.¡±

    The woman leaned in closer, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. ¡°It¡¯s called Dawn after Sex.¡±

    ¡°Foreigners sure are bold when ites to nares.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re more open¨Cminded, after all. Here, have a sniff. Doesn¡¯t it smell like you¡¯ve just had sex?¡±

    Josiah shook his head irritably. ¡°Stop messing around.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the problem, can¡¯t you handle a bit of humor now that you¡¯ve got a serious girlfriend?¡± Thedy

    with red lips and curly hair clicked her tongue. ¡°You¡¯ve switched partners yet again, but it looks like

    you¡¯re still being bossed around, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Josiah abruptly extinguished his cigarette by stamping it under his shoe, issuing a stern warning,

    ¡°She¡¯s still young. Watch how you speak.¡±

    ¡°Feeling a little heartbroken?¡± The woman probed further, ¡°But why do I get the impression that she

    isn¡¯t truly the one who captures your heart?¡±

    Josiah let out a disdainful scoff, That¡¯s absolute nonsense.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, they imed you have been deeply in love with your former wife for over two decades.

    However, from what I¡¯ve observed, it hardly seemed significant. You scarcely spared her a nce, and

    it almost appeared as though there was a palpable disdain from you toward her.¡±

    3/4

    Mon, 3 JUN

    Chapter 428 Is She Also Your Woman

    ¡°Indeed. I¡¯m not quite fond of her.¡±

    35%

    Taking his turn at the pool table once more, Josiah leaned over with practiced ease. With a precise and

    smooth stroke, he sent the white ball careening toward the edge of the table, where it rebounded and

    nestled perfectly behind the coffee¨Ccolored ball, executing an impable snooker.

    Thedy with red lips and curly hair, her eyes twinkling mischievously, turned her gaze toward

    Lysander who wasn¡¯t standing too far off. With an inquisitive tilt of her head, she asked, ¡°Is she another

    one of your women?

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429

    Chapter 429 I Can Do What He Can

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Her eyes shimmered with a trace of ambiguity. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought,¡± the woman began, her voice low

    and sultry, ¡°that her style is precisely the kind that would captivate you.¡±

    Josiah chuckled, ¡°We¡¯ve barely known each other a handful of days, and yet you im to understand

    me

    so well?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not about how long you know someone, but rather how deeply you perceive them. However, I do

    believe in a woman¡¯s intuition,¡± she retorted. ¡°There¡¯s something distinct in the way you look at her.¡±

    Josiah emitted a dismissive snort. ¡°There¡¯s no difference whatsoever.¡±

    ¡°You seem to resent her, yet not entirely. Did she wrong you somehow in the past?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know her.

    ¡°Liar.¡± The woman chuckled, gently swirling her wine ss as she fixed her gaze on Lysander intently.

    ¡°Well, suit yourself. But given how generous you¡¯ve been these past few days, I feelpelled to offer

    you a friendly piece of advice. Women might say they appreciate gentleness and thoughtfulness, but

    deep down, they all desire to be overwhelmingly charmed, to be utterly swept off their feet. Merely

    being gentle and considerate fosters only mutual respect. It¡¯s only when you truly captivate her that you

    can im her. heart.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, reflecting deep thought.

    With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, the woman smirked. ¡°She¡¯s approaching. Need me to stir things

    up a bit?¡±

    Josiah, showing a hint of annoyance, pushed her away. ¡°Have your boss discuss the payment with my

    secretaryter.¡±

    ¡°All right. I truly value clients like you, Mr. Guerra. No need for any romantic entanglements, yet the

    compensation is quite generous. Actually, I find myself missing you already.¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡± By this time, Lysander had already approached the pair.

    With a smile as dazzling as the stars, thedy with red lips and curly hair greeted warmly, ¡°Hello there.¡±

    Lysander gave her a nce. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to interrupt, may I have a moment of your time? It won¡¯t take

    long. I just need to discuss something with Mr. Guerra, and I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    With an all¨Cknowing smile still ying on her lips, the other woman responded, ¡°You two go ahead with

    your discussion. Feel free to take your time.¡±

    She then rose from her seat, walking away with a captivating sway in her high heels.

    Lysander waved her hand slightly, dispersing the lingering aroma in the air. ¡°This scent is a bit

    unusual,¡± she noted. ¡°Is it perfume?¡±

    Mm.¡± Josiah¡¯s face returned to an indifferent expression. ¡°Are you here for Zachary, or for Daphne?¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 429 I Can Do What He Can

    ¡°It¡¯s about Zachary,¡± Lysander revealed. ¡°He¡¯s the type to act solely for his own benefit, without regard

    for the consequences. I can¡¯t stand the thought of anyone I care about getting hurt because of him, so

    I¡¯m left. with no choice but to seek your help.¡±

    Given his height, Josiah looked down at her with an air of superiority. ¡°I¡¯ve already told you, I¡¯m not

    getting involved,¡± he said dismissively.

    Lysander remained silent for a moment before slipping a card into his hand.

    Josiah pinched the card between his fingers, eyeing the inscription. ¡°Hurton¡­ Hotel?¡±

    Lysander confirmed, ¡°It¡¯s booked for the next three days.¡±

    ¡°Hmph.

    ¡°If things don¡¯t pan out, we can always extend our reservation.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before, I¡¯m not short on femalepanionship.¡± Josiah remarked, cing the card

    back on the bar and sliding it toward her. ¡°Besides, I have a girlfriend now. It really isn¡¯t appropriate for

    you to be doing this. Dr. Thorne.¡±

    This was uncharted territory for Lysander, and the embarrassment was evident on her face.

    She kept her gaze lowered. ¡°Y¨CYou may have a girlfriend, but that hasn¡¯t stopped your flirtations, has

    it? That woman earlier, and all the other women here tonight¡­¡±

    ¡°So, are you here to teach me a lesson on etiquette?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lysander simply stated, ¡°I can¡¯t think of any other approach. Or perhaps you can suggest

    something? Whatever it takes, I¡¯m prepared to do.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned icy. ¡°It appears you¡¯didn¡¯t grasp a word of what I said during ourst

    meeting.¡±

    As they faced off, another familiar figure entered, dragging a suitcase behind him. He called out softly,

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Lysander was visibly surprised. ¡°Dr. Sutton?

    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be in Stounia? How has he returned so suddenly?

    Adrian exined, ¡°I just bumped into Aiden. He mentioned you might be here. And Mr. Guerra is also

    present, I see.¡±

    A hint of sarcasm tinged Josiah¡¯s voice, ¡°Are you here to visit Lysander, Dr. Sutton?¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Adrian nced between Lysander and Josiah, settling his gaze back on her. ¡°But it seems like¡­

    my timing could have been better??

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just surprising to see you here so suddenly. Is everything all right back home?¡± Lysander

    asked.

    Adrian shrugged nonchntly, shing a smile. ¡°Nothing major happening back home! It¡¯s just

    incredibly boring being abroad alone. So, this time I brought your dog. White Coat, with me on the

    ne. It¡¯s not fair 2/4

    Chapter 429 I Can Do What He Can

    to have me look after it all the time.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± A pang of guilt struck Lysander. ¡°Thank you for taking care of him during this period.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, White Coat and I keep each otherpany.¡±

    Suddenly, Josiah interjected, ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re here, Dr. Sutton. Your girlfriend seems to be

    encountering some difficulties and needs assistance. As a man soon to be married, it¡¯s hard for me to

    justify helping her continually to my fianc¨¦e.¡±

    Adrian raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you¡­ about to be married, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°May I inquire who the luckydy is? Is it¡­ Lysanne?¡±

    Josiah let out a casual chuckle. ¡°No, it¡¯s Tiffany.¡±

    Adrian silently repeated the name, clearly unfamiliar to him

    Josiah rified, ¡°Riveron Corporation, the Lanister family.¡±

    Adrian nodded slowly, understanding the context. ¡°I¡¯m not frequently in the country, but I¡¯ve heard of

    Riveron Corporation. Ms. Lanister¡¯s background seems quitepatible with yours, Mr. Guerra.

    Congrattions in advance.¡±

    Gratefully, Josiah epted the congrattion., ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ll certainly send an invitation to you

    when the wedding preparationsmence.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll definitely be there,¡± Adrian stated, his brow creasing slightly as he looked at Lysander. ¡°Is

    something troubling you? If there¡¯s any way I can help, don¡¯t hesitate to let me know.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t help,¡± she responded after a pause.

    ¡°Perhaps you could exin further?¡± Adrian suggested, ¡°I¡¯m sure I can do what he can.¡±

    At first nce, his statement seemed innocuous. However, Lysander immediately sensed trouble

    brewing. This statement¡­. it appears to be a direct challenge to Josiah.

    Lysander appreciated Adrian¡¯s goodwill, but she feared his presence mightplicate an already

    delicate situation, leaving little room for negotiation.

    ¡°Really, it¡¯s not necessary,¡± she politely refused.

    Adrian simply stated, ¡°I don¡¯t have any ulterior motives, I just want to be there for you when you need

    help. In the past, you were married, so there wasn¡¯t much I could do. But now, with your rtionship

    with Mr. Guerra winding down, things are more clearly defined.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Josiah added, removing his gold¨Crimmed sses and meticulously cleaning them as he

    spoke. ¡°Dr. Sutton may be a respected/physician, but he is also the eldest son of the Sutton family.

    There¡¯s no reason for you to feel awkward when asking your boyfriend for help. Dr. Thorne.¡±

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430

    Chapter 430 I Never Regret My Decisions.

    Lysander addressed Josiah with frankness, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be sarcastic or to involve others

    unnecessarily. You know very well that Dr. Sutton isn¡¯t involved with me romantically. You¡¯re the only

    one who can assist me in this situation.¡±

    Adrian, listening attentively to Lysander¡¯s deration, showed no signs of irritation. His gaze on her

    remained soft and understanding. After she concluded, he interjected, ¡°Mr. Guerra, it seems there has

    been a misunderstanding. While Dr. Thorne and I are not in a rtionship at present, I won¡¯t conceal

    the fact that I am indeed pursuing her affections.¡±

    His tone took a sharper edgepared to the gentle manner he had used with Lysander. This

    revtion seemed to immediately sour Josiah¡¯s mood. With a look of displeasure, he set his cue down

    and, with a brusque tone, dered without turning, ¡°This matter is personal and doesn¡¯t concern me. I

    have other engagements to attend to. Please continue without me.

    His parting words carried a biting ent, underscored by the haste of his exit.

    Left behind, Lysander remained seated, releasing a soft sigh.¡±

    She had been ready to risk it all, to throw caution to the wind in hopes of a favorable oue. Josiah¡¯s

    recent interactions had hinted at a possible opening, a chance that he hadn¡¯t entirely closed off

    Yet, Adrian¡¯s unexpected appearance threw her ns into disarray.

    Adrian noticed her contemtive look and, filled with self¨Creproach, asked, ¡°Did Iplicate things?

    Hold on, I¡¯ll go after him and exin everything.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± Lysander responded with a gentle shake of her head, ¡°He¡¯s too upset now; any further

    discussion would be futile. It¡¯s not your fault. I appreciate your intentions, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Adrian¡¯s features softened with a mix of relief and hesitation as he queried, ¡°Lysander, did youe

    here today¡­ hoping to get back together with him?¡±

    A crack briefly appeared in Lysander¡¯sposed demeanor as she quickly refuted, ¡°I never regret my

    decisions.¡±

    Adrian breathed a quiet sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s reassuring, I was concerned that-

    Lysander interrupted with a ruefulugh, ¡°But indeed, I dide with a purpose. If we don¡¯t resolve this

    today, I¡¯m unsure when another chance might arise.¡±

    She had the patience to deal with Josiah, but she was afraid of Zachary taking any drastic actions due

    to his erratic behavior.

    Realizing that Lysander was not inclined to divulge the details of her predicament, Adrian chose not to

    press further. In aforting tone, he suggested, ¡°It¡¯s quitete now. Perhaps it¡¯s best you head home

    and rest. You can always reach out to him for a conversation tomorrow.¡±

    Unbeknownst to them, the wall clock hadpleted a full revolution, signalling that midnight was

    rapidly approaching. The billiard lounge staff began to wrap up their shifts.

    ¡°It seems that¡¯s the only option left.¡°Having not seen Lysander for some time, White Coal

    1/3

    Chapter 4301 Never Regret My Decisions

    *After sending her bill for the orange juice. Lyunder exited the billiard lounge alongside Adrian.

    As they approached his car. Adrian remarked casually, ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t had the chance to drop White

    Coat off beforeing here. How about I drive you two home?¡±

    Lysander realistically assessed. ¡°We¡¯re not going in the same direction. I¡¯ll take a taxi¡±

    Adrian, ever considerate, raised a practical concern. ¡°White Coat might be having some stomach

    issues Lately. If he gets sick in the taxi, it could be troublesome. It¡¯s happened in my car a few times

    already, so once more won¡¯t make a difference¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll send you the money for a car wash.¡±

    Adrian gave a resigned smile. ¡°All right, it¡¯ste. I¡¯ll keep the car wash ticket stub for you. We¡¯ll sort it

    outter; don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t forget.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Adrian concluded, ¡°Since you insist. I won¡¯t push. You and White Coat should get home safely.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Woof!¡±

    White Coal, having not seen Lysander for some time, seemed overjoyed at the reunion. The fluffy

    bundle appeared eager to jump into her arma as Adrian handed over

    in

    Lysander¡¯s eyes softened as she took a remarking. ¡°You¡¯ve taken good care of him.¡±

    White Coat had grown noticeably I fur, will puppy¨Csoft, had filled out, making it quite a handful to hold

    Its charming antics were hard to reuit

    ¡°He cats well, that¡¯s probably why he¡¯s grown¡± Adrian noted, seeing a slight lift in I ysander¡¯s spirits,

    Seizing the moment, he hailed a taxi that had just used by urging ¡°All right, hop in and head home

    jussard Take care on the road. Well deal with tomorrow¡¯s concert

    sor.¡±

    Lysander, holding White Coat close, settled into the back seat of the taxi, giving the driver her home

    address. As the taxi moved through the quieterte¨Cnight streets, the stroked the smooth fur, her gaze

    drifting across the passing cityscape.

    The night shift driver, looking to make conversation, nced back through the rearview mirror. ¡°Miss,

    was that your boyfriend who helped you into the car?¡±

    Quickly regaining herposure, Lysander responded, ¡°No, he¡¯s not¡±

    The driver chuckled, misreading the situation. ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. It¡¯s normal for young people to

    have disagreements. But your boyfriend, he genuinely cares about you. Look, he¡¯s been following us in

    his

    this time, ensuring your safety. If it¡¯s not a major issue, maybe you should forgive him.¡±

    From the rearview mirror, Lysander saw that Adrian had indeed been following discretely. It seemed

    less alsosat vignce and more about genuine concer

    The driver added, still smiling ¡°So, was I wrong?¡±

    A save of regret washed over Lysander as she rifes further. ¡°But he truly isn¡¯t my boyfriend, we re

    35%

    Chapter 4301 Never Regret My Decisions

    After settling her bill for the orange juice, Lysander exited the billiard lounge alongside Adrian.

    As they approached his car, Adrian remarked casually, ¡°Oh, I haven¡¯t had the chance to drop White

    Coat off beforeing here. How about I drive you two home?¡±

    Lysander realistically assessed, ¡°We¡¯re not going in the same direction. I¡¯ll take a taxi.¡±

    Adrian, ever considerate, raised a practical concern, ¡°White Coat might be having some stomach

    issuestely. If he gets sick in the taxi, it could be troublesome. It¡¯s happened in my car a few times

    already, so once more won¡¯t make a difference.¡±

    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll send you the money for a car wash.¡±

    Adrian gave a resigned smile. ¡°All right, it¡¯ste. I¡¯ll keep the car wash ticket stub for you. We¡¯ll sort it

    outter; don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t forget.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Adrian concluded, ¡°Since you insist, I won¡¯t push. You and White Coat should get home safely.¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Woofl¡±

    White Coat, having not seen Lysander for some time, seemed overjoyed at the reunion. The fluffy

    bundle appeared eager to jump into her arms as Adrian handed it over.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes softened as she took it, remarking. ¡°You¡¯ve taken good care of him.¡±

    White Coat had grown noticeably. Its fur, still puppy¨Csoft, had filled out, making it quite a handful to

    hold. Its charming antics were hard to resist,

    ¡°He eats well; that¡¯s probably why he¡¯s grown,¡± Adrian noted, seeing a slight lift in Lysander¡¯s spirits.

    Seizing the moment, he hailed a taxi that had just passed by, urging, ¡°All right, hop in and head home.

    Take care on the road. We¡¯ll deal with tomorrow¡¯s concerns tomorrow.¡±

    Lysander, holding White Coat close, settled into the back seat of the taxi, giving the driver her home

    address. As the taxi moved through the quieterte¨Cnight streets, she stroked the smooth fur, her gaze

    drifting across the passing cityscape.

    The night shift driver, looking to make conversation, nced back through the rearview mirror. ¡°Miss,

    was that your boyfriend who helped you into the car?¡±

    Quickly regaining herposure, Lysander responded, ¡°No, he¡¯s not.¡±

    The driver chuckled, misreading the situation. ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. It¡¯s normal for young people to

    have disagreements. But your boyfriend, he genuinely cares about you. Look, he¡¯s been following us in

    his

    I¡¯s normal for young people to car all this time, ensuring your safety. If it¡¯s not a major issue, maybe you

    should forgive him.¡±

    From the rearview mirror, Lysander saw that Adrian had indeed been following discretely. It seemed

    less about vignce and more about genuine concern.

    The driver added, still smiling, ¡°So, was I wrong?¡±

    A wave of regret washed over Lysander as she rifi further. ¡°But he truly isn¡¯t my boyfriend: were

    35%

    Chapter 430 I Never Regret My Decisions

    merely colleagues.¡±

    Her exnation sounded weak even to her ears.Who would show such concern for just a colleague?

    The driver, clearly not convinced, maintained a knowing smile and chose not to pursue the

    conversation further.

    Lysander pulled out her phone, contemting calling Adrian to ask him to stop being so considerate.

    But hesitated, her finger hovering over the dial button. Ultimately, she decided against it.

    It was crucial for Adrian to move on, but the timing wasn¡¯t right¨Che was driving, and any distraction

    could be risky.

    Lost in thought, she didn¡¯t notice the journey¡¯s end until she stepped out of the taxi. Out of the corner of

    her eye, she saw Adrian¡¯s car turn away, along with the departing taxi. She feigned ignorance of his

    lingering presence and entered her apartment building.

    Inside, White Coat immediately began to act yfully, sensing her mood.

    Lysander gently rubbed its head, setting up a makeshift bed with a sofa cushion for it. After arranging

    the water bowl and food dish, the fatigue from a day of activity finally caught up with her.

    Her empty stomach rumbled, a testament to herck of substantial food since she had only had orange

    juice at the billiard lounge. Deciding to raid the fridge for any leftovers, she was startled by a noise from

    next door.

    It was already three in the morning, and she distinctly remembered that the apartment beside hers was

    supposed to be vacant.

    Curious and alert, she tiptoed to the door and peered through the peephole, wondering about the

    source of the disturbance.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431

    Chapter 431 A New Neighbor

    The hallway was alive with the hustle and bustle of people milling about. Contrary to what one might

    expect at such an early hour, these individuals were not d in the typical attire of a movingpany

    but were instead employees from the property management office. The door of the adjacent apartment

    stood. conspicuously open, facilitating the transportation of items inside.

    Surprisingly, someone was relocating at the unheard hour of three in the morning.

    Once Lysander ascertained that there was no danger associated with the neers, she felt a sense

    of relief wash over her. Deciding to dismiss the disturbances, she proceeded to the bathroom to indulge

    in a rxing bath and prepare herself for bed.

    The next morning, Lysander was abruptly awakened from her slumber by the persistent ringing of her

    doorbell.

    Still groggy from sleep, she shuffled into her loungewear and approached the door, querying cautiously.

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Adrian¡¯s familiar voice responded from the other side. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Instantly, Lysander snapped to full alertness, though she hesitated to open the door further, instead

    reminiscing about the prior evening¡¯s events. Observing the assortment of packages Adrian was

    bncing. she inquired with a mixture of curiosity and caution, ¡°Dr. Sutton? What brings you here at

    this hour?¡±

    The bags, prominently disying the logo of a local supermarket and packed to the brim, indicated at

    substantial purchase had been made.

    1

    Adrian responded with a gentle tone, ¡°Did I interrupt your rest?¡±

    Only then did Lysander nce at the clock, noting with a slight blush that it was almost noon, She

    replied, somewhat apologetically, ¡°No, it¡¯s just that your visit was unexpected.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    She wa

    was still grappling with how to discourage Adrian¡¯s evident affection for her.

    Adrian offered aforting smile and exined, ¡°I had a free day today and remembered you hadn¡¯t

    caten muchst night. So, I thought it might be helpful to pick up some essentials for you from the

    supermarket. I¡¯ve brought various ingredients and some ready¨Cto¨Ccook meals; they¡¯re quite

    straightforward to prepare and will keep well in the fridge.¡±

    Lysander acknowledged his thoughtfulness with a nod, responding, ¡°Thank you, you¡¯ve really

    considered everything; it¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    She was midway through articting her reservations when White Coat, having been dozing on the

    cushion, bounded over to Adrian with familiar enthusiasm, clearly delighted by his presence.

    The puppy, still quite diminutive in size, stretched up on its hind legs, barely reaching a person¡¯s knees

    even at full stretch.

    As Adrian wasden with bags, he could not scoop it up immediately. Instead, he carefully set down his

    parcels and crouched to extend aforting pat to the excited creature.

    ¡°Woof!¡± White Coat joyously snuggled into his hand.

    GL

    1/4

    22:59 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 431 A New Neighbor

    witnessing the affectionate exchange between him and the dog melted her resolve, leaving her

    momentarily speechless.

    35%

    Standing up with White Coat, Adrian exined, ¡°I couldn¡¯t bring everything back from before, so this

    time I included some dog food, chew sticks, the medicine it recently needed, and a few toys.¡±

    At the mention of these items, White Coat¡¯s bright eyes immediately shifted to the shopping bags.

    Finding it increasingly difficult to dismiss Adrian¡¯s gestures of goodwill, Lysander reluctantly stepped

    back, inviting him in with a resigned, ¡°All right,e in then.¡±

    Adrian conscientiously slipped into the guest slippers and proceeded to unload the groceries into the

    kitchen, filling the nearly empty refrigerator to half its capacity. Then, rolling up his sleeves, he donned

    an

    apron.

    Lysander tried to intervene, ¡°Dr. Sutton, what are you doing-

    Adrian looked up innocently, ¡°White Coat is still a puppy. I spoke with the vetst night, and they

    suggested its upset stomach might be from its current dog food. They rmended a temporary

    change. I¡¯ve brought chicken breast and carrots to cook for it. Could I use your kitchen?¡±

    Caught off guard and unable to refuse, Lysander consented, ¡°You go ahead, I need to freshen up.¡±

    diet

    She had neglected to wash her clothes the previous evening due to unexpected events and now took

    the opportunity to handle herundry while also brushing her teeth and washing her face. When she

    finally reemerged from the bathroom, the dining table wasden with a variety of foods.

    In addition to the basics like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and sandwiches, Adrian had prepared several

    beautifully arranged appetizers.

    Emerging from the kitchen with a te of freshly fried ham, Adrian exined, ¡°Since I was already

    cooking for White Coat and had some time, I thought I¡¯d make us breakfast too. I wasn¡¯t sure of your

    preference, so I included both Epean and Ecronian options.¡±

    This spread was clearly not the work of an amateur.

    Nearby, White Coat contentedly munched on a mixture of chicken, carrots, and its usual dog food.

    After setting thest dish on the table, Adrian removed his apron and inquired, noticing Lysander¡¯s

    hesitation. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t you like the food?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lysander replied, shaking her head as she finally seated herself.

    Adrian¡¯s culinary skills had always impressed her, and that day was no exception. He looked concerned

    as he asked. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡±

    With a rueful smile, Lysander struggled to articte her feelings without causing hurt, ¡°Dr. Sutton,

    please don¡¯t go to this much trouble in the future.¡±

    The mood at the dining table immediately grew tense.

    Adrian sat opposite her, his demeanor more subdued than before. He nodded in eptance. ¡°All right,

    I won¡¯t do it again.

    Wanting to soften the blow, Lysander suggested, ¡°Loty

    cat first.

    2/4

    Chapter 431 A New Neighbor

    ºÅ.35%

    They began their meal in silence, each savoring a bowl of in oatmeal. As they neared the end of

    their meal, the doorbell rang unexpectedly.

    When Adrian made a move to answer it, Lysander quickly intercepted, opening the door herself.

    Outside stood a friendly¨Clooking woman, evidently the new neighbor from next door. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m your

    new neighbor,¡± she greeted politely. ¡°I haven¡¯t fully stocked my kitchen yet, could I borrow some

    ketchupt

    The woman, still d in her cooking apron, clearly needed the ingredient urgently. This was evident

    from her apologetic demeanor as she stood awaiting a response.

    Normally, Lysander did not keep such condiments on hand, and she turned to nce at Adrian, but

    before she could speak, he preemptively offered. ¡°We have some, I¡¯ll get it.¡±

    He quickly retrieved a brand¨Cnew bottle of ketchup from the supermarket stash and handed it to the

    grateful woman.

    ¡°Thank you so much,¡± thedy expressed her gratitude.

    ¡°No worries, we¡¯re going to be neighbors, so it¡¯s only right if we help each other out.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± she agreed, smiling, ¡°Oh, do you have a puppy? It¡¯s really adorable.¡±

    White Coat, seeming to recognize the praise, wiggled with excitement and hurried over to join in the

    fun. But like a fluffy ball losing control, it couldn¡¯t manage to stop in time and ended up tumbling right

    onto

    the floor.

    Just as Lysander was about to turn around and head inside, she noticed a small, fluffy bundle darting

    underfoot

    Startled by the sudden obstruction and terrified of causing harm to the dog. Lysander pivoted sharply to

    leave the scene. However, her slipper slid unexpectedly on the smooth floor, causing her to lurch

    forward toward the doorway.

    Instinctively bracing for impact, she adopted a protective stance, but before she could hit the ground,

    she felt a strong grip pull her back by her waist.

    Adrian, who had reacted just in time, looked visibly shaken, hisplexion pale as he quickly asked,

    ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Im fine¡­

    The neighbor, who had just borrowed some ketchup, was equally startled by the near mishap. Upon

    seeing that Lysander was safe, she let out a relieved sigh, patting her chest as she said, ¡°Thank

    heavens, it¡¯s a relief that nothing happened.¡±

    Caught in such an awkward public disy, Lysander wished momentarily that the ground would open

    up and swallow her. She was about to extricate herself from Adrian¡¯s supportive embrace using the

    door frame for support when a familiar voice echoed down the hallway.

    Aiden spoke as he walked. ¡°Josiah, Martha ran out of ingredients for cooking and she¡¯s gone to borrow

    some. Have a little snack to tide you over for now. You can have your breakfast once it¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± another voice responded.

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432

    Chapter 432 The Air Is Filled With Tension

    Josiah? What¡¯s he doing here?

    Lysander took another look at the kindly¨Clookingdy standing in front of her. Her face was unfamiliar,

    yet her efficient and quick movements reminded Lysander somewhat of Eleanor.

    Is she a housekeeper? Then who¡¯s the new neighbort

    ¡°Aiden, do we have any aspirin at home?¡± another voice called out, sounding strained.

    ¡°You just moved in, how could everything be perfectly in ce? Just wait a bit, Josiah, I¡¯ll call for an

    errand runner for you.¡±

    ¡°Hurry up, my head is killing me.¡± The weariness in Josiah¡¯s voice was more pronounced than it had

    been at the billiard lounge, impossible to overlook.

    In her moment of hesitation. Aiden emerged from the neighboring doorway, ncing around before his

    eyes fell on the unfolding scene. ¡°Martha, what¡¯s taking you so long- he began, but his words trailed off

    as he caught sight of his surroundings, inhaling sharply. ¡°Adrian? What are you doing here? You¡­

    Were you with Lysanderst night?¡±

    Martha chuckled lightly, adding to the confusion, ¡°So, you two know each other?¡±

    Aiden, looking flustered, asked in a whisper filled with urgency, ¡°Adrian, weren¡¯t you in Stounia?¡±

    Adrian replied calmly, ¡°I just got backst night.¡±

    ¡°You came straight here after returning? Did you also spend the night at Lysander¡¯s ce?¡±

    Martha interjected with augh, ¡°They¡¯re a married couple, after all. There¡¯s nothing unusual about

    them sleeping together.¡±

    Aiden appeared visibly agitated, stamping his foot as he eximed, ¡°Martha, please, no more talking!

    Isn¡¯t it chaotic enough already? You should hurry back to the kitchen, go on, quickly now.¡±

    Aiden seemed close to tears at the misunderstanding. They¡¯re not the ones who are married!

    Lysander, feeling her face pale, hastily pushed away Adrian¡¯s arm and steadied herself against the

    door frame, slipping her shoes on with trembling hands.

    Adrian slowly withdrew his arm, maintaining hisposure as he addressed Aiden, ¡°You go ahead, I

    need to have a word with him.¡±

    Lysander murmured an acknowledgment.

    Only after Lysander had turned to leave did Adrian address the lingering questions, ¡°What brings you

    here? Was the mansion that Mom and Dad bought for you notfortable? Why would you choose to

    live in such a small apartment?¡±

    He posed the question to Aiden, who wore a look of disbelief before gathering hisposure.

    ¡°Previously, Josiah had a project nearby. Madam Susan had trouble sleeping, and he didn¡¯t want his

    late returns to disturb her. So, he asked me to find a suitable house for him. I ended up renting this

    ce. Yesterday, he drank too much, so I brought him here to rest.¡±

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    3521

    Chapter 432 The Air Is Filled With Tension

    His voice softened as he spoke, his eyes flickering back and forth between Adrian and Lysander as if

    seeking confirmation of their rtionship.

    If Josiah learns that Adrian is with Lysander, what would be the fallout?

    In the midst of Aiden¡¯s worries, Josiah slowly stepped out from the next room, dressed in casual home

    clothes, his face more haggard and pale than usual, betraying his exhaustion. He furrowed his brows

    as he inquired, ¡°Aiden, who are you talking to?¡±

    ¡°No one! Josiah, there really is no one,¡± Aiden hastily tried to deflect, but it was toote.

    Josiah looked toward Adrian, who had shown up at Lysander¡¯s doorstep early in the morning. His

    expression, already sour, darkened further, bing more intense as he took in the scene.

    Adrian faced Josiah with an even¨Ctempered gaze, casually remarking, ¡°Mr. Guerra, have you recently

    moved into the house next door? That¡¯s quite the coincidence.

    Josiah barely acknowledged thement, his piercing stare carrying an unmistakable sharpness,

    entuated by the bloodshot look in his eyes that hinted at his fatigue or perhaps irritation.

    Lysander, meanwhile, approached carrying a bottle of medicine, which she handed over to him.

    Josiah arched an eyebrow inquisitively. ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°Aspirin. Just take one tablet at a time,¡± she instructed calmly.

    Josiah gave her a long look, his expression unreadable, and chose not to respond.

    Aiden, eager to ease the tension, gratefully took the medicine, thanking her, ¡°Thanks, Lysander.¡±

    Lysander, detecting a strong scent of alcohol still lingering on Josiah, furrowed her brows with concern,

    ¡°You were at the billiard lounge quitetest night. Why did you go out drinking so much? And so

    The smell was potent, indicating that he had either been drinking heavily or had only recently stopped.

    Josiah met her gaze squarely but then turned cold as she spoke. His reply was curt, ¡°I have my work

    schedule to maintain. Some matters involvepany secrets, and it¡¯s not appropriate to discuss them

    with outsiders.¡±

    Lysander, taken aback by his harsh tone, was the first to look away, feeling an awkward tension in the

    air.

    Adrian stepped slightly forward, positioning himself between Lysander and Josiah, trying to diffuse the

    situation. ¡°Let¡¯s set aside work discussions for now. It appears it will be a while before the housekeeper

    finishes preparing breakfast. Why don¡¯t you join us for a meal? I¡¯ve prepared quite a bit; it would be a

    shame to waste it.

    The air was filled with tensi¨®n.

    Aiden felt a cold shiver down his spine, hurriedly interjecting, ¡°No, no, Martha is just about to finish.¡±

    Josiah, shouldn¡¯t we head back??

    Josiah¡¯s lips twisted into a sardonic half¨Csmile, his eyes studying Adrian intently for a moment before

    he surprisingly conceded, ¡°I¡¯ll take you up on that invitation.¡±

    ¡°He stepped confidently into Lysander¡¯s house with waiting for her to invite him in.

    22:59 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 432 The Air Is Filled With Tension

    Stummed by his forwardness, Alden couldn¡¯t help but ponder, What on earth is going on?

    Adrian, still trying to maintain hospitality, offered, ¡°Would you like to join us as well, Alden? There¡¯s

    plenty

    of food.¡±

    ¡°You know what? Something urgent just came up, so I have to leave first!¡± Without another word, Aiden

    turned and hurried away, eager to escape the escting tension.

    Caught between his biological brother and the man who was like an elder brother to him, both vying for

    the same woman¡¯s attention, Aiden knew he had to navigate the situation carefully to avoid any conflict.

    Inside, Josiah unceremoniously took the seat Lysander had previously used, grabbing a toasted,

    aromatic sandwich and beginning to eat with evident relish.

    Observing his casual demeanor, Lysander was unsure of his intentions.

    ¡°Why are you standing there?¡± Adrian gestured toward a chair opposite Josiah, encouraging her,

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have something to discuss with Mr. Guerra? This opportunity is perfect. Why not take the

    moment to talk?¡±

    With a gentle nudge, Adrian guided Lysander to sit down across from Josiah. The room fell into an

    uneasy silence, broken only by asional nces Josiah threw her way,

    Josiah, appearing genuinely famished, quickly polished off his sandwich. He then casually wiped his

    hands with a napkin, his casual demeanor in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere.

    Adrian, standing protectively near Lysander, addressed Josiah, who was looking on indifferently. ¡°Mr.

    Guerra,¡± he started calmly, ¡°I need to rify something. I didn¡¯t stay here overnight. I only arrived this

    morning. The reason I brought supplies is that the puppy requires more than just dog food. After

    preparing some food for the dog, I also cooked breakfast for everyone here.¡±

    White Coat, at his feet, continued to circle around him, rubbing against his legs in a disy of

    familiarity. Nearby, a food bowl still contained some uneaten chicken and carrot meatballs,

    ncing sideways at the yful puppy, Josiah remained stoic, his voice devoid of warmth as he

    commented, ¡°You¡¯re truly a virtuous and capable man, Dr. Sutton, perfectly suited for a career¨Coriented

    woman.¡±

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 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433

    Chapter 433 The Dog Is Not So Bad

    Adrian, showing no signs of distress, candidly acknowledged, ¡°In the past, I wasn¡¯t really skilled in the

    kitchen or much of a homemaker. However, I¡¯m prepared to change if that¡¯s what the woman I love

    needs. In asting rtionship, sometimes one person has to be willing topromise a little more

    than the

    other.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice carried an ambiguous tone, making it difficult to discern whether he was being genuine

    or merely mocking. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, it sounds like you¡¯re almost there in securing your title. I

    suppose congrattions might be in order.¡±

    Adrian responded with a measured tone, ¡°It seems there¡¯s still quite a bit of distance to cover, but I¡¯m

    dedicated to continuing my efforts.¡±

    Lysander felt a quiver in her heart, her lips parting several times as if to speak, yet she found herself

    unable to voice a single word. Given that Adrian¡¯s intentions were as transparent as ss, she realized

    there was no need to repeat the prepared speech she had thought to persuade him to

    step back.

    Adrian observed her reaction, his eyes shadowed by a touch of sadness. He slowly withdrew his hand,

    feigning indifference as he remarked, ¡°As you can see, everything is quite clear between us. I¡¯ve

    exined all that needed to be exined. I¡¯ve said everything I had to say. I¡¯ll leave you two to your

    conversation. I think I¡¯ll go for a walk downstairs with White Coat.¡±

    He pulled a newly purchased puppy leash from the shopping bag he had brought along. With a

    practiced. gesture, he secured the harness around the puppy and prepared to leave. As he walked out,

    he didn¡¯t forget to leave a parting word, ¡°Continue with your discussion; call me if you need anything.¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Sutton, I¡¯ve got a girlfriend.¡±

    Adrian simply smiled at Lysander, saying, ¡°I¡¯m off.¡±

    With a gentle click of the door shutting, Josiah and Lysander were left alone in the expansive room,

    facing each other across the silent space.

    After Adrian¡¯s departure, an extended silence enveloped the room. Josiah seemed to disregard her

    presenc

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Finishing his sandwich, he then proceeded to serve himself a bowl of oatmeal, concentrating. solely on

    his meal, showing no inclination to engage in further dialogue.

    Yet, he was now sitting precisely where she had been, even using the utensils she had just used.

    ¡°Josiah,¡± Lysander called out to him.

    The man did not respond.

    ¡°This set of utensils¡­¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t even bother to look up, dismissively saying, ¡°After I use them, I¡¯ll take them away and

    dispose of them. Doesn¡¯t Dr. Sutton enjoy trips to the supermarket? It¡¯s a fine opportunity to browse

    new dinnerware.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡­

    ¡°Whatever, I can¡¯t be bothered to decipher what you mean.¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 433 The Dog Is Not So Bad.

    35%

    Lysander hesitated for a moment before deciding to remain silent. Knowing Josiah¡¯s penchant for

    cleanliness, it seemed wiser not to press the issue.

    She ventured a question. ¡°I heard from Aiden earlier that you¡¯ve rented a ce here because you¡¯re

    working on a nearby project. What project is it that I¡¯ve never heard of?¡±

    Josiah paused mid¨Csip, his reply automatic and nomittal, ¡°A new project.¡±

    His vague answer was as good as saying nothing at all.

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Josiah arched an eyebrow, his tone slightly confrontational, ¡°You don¡¯t have to speak if you¡¯ve got

    nothing to say. You never used to care about my projects.¡±

    ¡°I just thought your move here was quite unexpected,¡± Lysander retorted.

    ¡°Do you think I did this for you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think of it that way.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen Tiffany before.¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Aiden rented this ce for me. I only came here for the first timest night. I was too

    drunk to notice the details then. I just found out myself that he rented the ce right next door to

    yours.¡±

    Lysander ignored his sarcastic undertone and inquired further, ¡°How long are you nning to stay

    here? If you never go back, Madam Susan will be left alone at home.¡±

    With a sneer, Josiah responded without looking up. ¡°Eleanor will be with her.¡±

    Lysander noted his reluctance to engage further. For the time being, she decided it was best not to

    push against his evident indifference. She picked up another clean bowl from the table and began to

    eat her meal slowly.

    The breakfast Adrian had prepared was not only varied but also plentiful. Even after Josiah and she

    had eaten their fill, a considerable amount of food remained on the table.

    Lysander quietly rose and began to tidy up.

    Meanwhile, Josiah¡¯s attention remained elsewhere, his gaze fixed on the floor of the room, asionally

    drifting towards a corner near the kitchen where supermarket bags were piled up. Without raising his

    eyes, hemented, ¡°Adrian really does seem to care about you.¡±

    Lysander simply epted his observation.

    It appeared Adrian¡¯s efforts of giving them space would be in vain. Given Josiah¡¯s demeanor, some

    resolutions were evidently not going to be reached.

    Momentster, Josiah pushed himself up from the dining table. His voice was raspy as he thanked her,

    ¡°Thanks for the meal.¡±

    Lysander politely responded, ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±

    2/3

    The alcohol scent had considerably faded from Josiah since he first entered. Hisplexion looked

    notably better as he slowly made his way out, leaving without another word.

    Left alone in the house, Lysander contemted Michelle and Daphne¡¯s situation and pulled out her

    phone to check her messages.

    It was still early; Michelle was likely still in bed, and there was no news from Daphane either.

    Shortly after, the soft sound of a door closing echoed from next door.

    It must have been Josiah who had left.

    Lysander peeked through the peephole, catching sight of him heading straight for the elevator. It

    seemed. he was off to take care of some work.

    Apanied by a soft ding, the elevator doors slowly opened. Yet, Josiah didn¡¯t immediately step

    inside.

    Adrian, having returned from his walk, crossed paths with Josiah.

    With Lysander not present, the potential for immediate tension was low. They found each other slightly.

    disagreeable, scarcely bothering to exchange more than a few words or even make gestures of

    politeness,

    Having enjoyed its time downstairs, when White Coat saw Adrian halt suddenly, it promptly sat and

    wagged its tail eagerly.

    Josiah stood impassively in front of the elevator, seemingly unaware of the man and his dog who

    stubbornly refused to move aside.

    After a short standoff, Adrian tightened the leash in his hand, signaling to White Coat to step back with

    him. They cleared a path for Josiah, ¡°You must have important matters to attend to. After you, Mr.

    Guerra.

    Without a sideway nce, Josiah passed by him unceremoniously, leaving behind a briefment,

    ¡°The dog isn¡¯t too bad.¡±

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434

    Chapter 434 There Was No Room For Discussion

    Adrian¡¯s expression slightly tensed, a faint crease forming between his brows as he attempted to mask

    his emotions. By the time he gently knocked on Lysander¡¯s door once more, his features had smoothed

    into their customary gentle smile. He announced with a soft warmth, ¡°We¡¯re back.¡±

    White Coat trailed behind him, barking joyfully as if catching his mood.

    ¡°Mm, Lysander replied her voice slightly distant. After responding, she drifted back to her seat by the

    window, her gaze lost in the vague contours of the outside world.

    Observing that she desired solitude, Adrian chose not to intrude further. Noticing the nearly cleared

    dining table, he quietly made his way to the kitchen. There, he meticulously washed the used utensils

    and neatly arranged them back in the cupboard.

    In the living room, Lysander maintained her

    temtive silence.

    Adrian approached her gently, his voiceced with concern, ¡°What happened? Did the conversation not

    go well?¡±

    The discussion had not merely been unproductive¨Cit had been utterly futile.

    A bitter chuckle echoed silently within Lysander, though her face remained impassive. She managed a

    simple, ¡°In

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    to be as current state, we can¡¯t discuss anything. Dr. Sutton, I really appreciate your help, but I¡¯d like

    for a while now.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take my leave then,¡± Adrian responded, his movements carrying a trace of reluctance. As

    he moved toward the door, he paused to gently pat the fluffy head of the puppy following him,

    whispering, ¡°Take good care of her for me, I¡¯m leaving first.¡±

    White Coat seemed to understand, rustling softly as it stopped following him further.

    Lysander found herself alone until the afternoon. Not a single message or piece of news came through.

    Not worrying that she might disturb Daphne, she finally decided to reach out herself.

    ¡°The user you¡¯re trying to reach is currently unavable¡­¡±

    The automated response of customer service greeted her repeatedly, regardless of how many times

    she attempted the call.

    Given the dire circumstances the Everhart family was currently facing, Lysander resolved to take a taxi

    directly to the office building of Everhart Corporation.

    The once bustling Everhart Corporation was cerily silent and deserted. The grand lobby, previously

    guarded and lively, was now devoid of security personnel. The reception desk stood unattended, and

    the remaining employees seemed disoriented and uninformed.

    A sense of urgency propelled Lysander to ask one of them, ¡°Can you guys get in touch with Ms.

    Everhart?¡±

    The employee¡¯s response was a¡¯shake of his head. ¡°We¡¯ve been unable to reach her by phone. The

    bank representatives are here already, it seems they¡¯re nning to seal the office and liquidate the

    assets. We¡¯ve been trying all morning, but there¡¯s no response.

    Before Lysander could process the full implication, awyer, sharply dressed and apanied by

    bank

    form tha ian -the Than

    1/3

    preparing for an assessment of the assets.

    Lysander didn¡¯t hesitate to intercept the leadwyer. ¡°Excuse me¡­ Are you the bank¡¯s appointed

    lawyer?¡± she inquired urgently.

    Thewyer eyed her carefully before replying, ¡°Indeed, may I ask if you are Ms. Daphne Everhart?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m not her. But she¡¯s a good friend of mine. Can you tell me¡­ what¡¯s

    going

    on now?¡±

    Adjusting his gold¨Crimmed sses, thewyer exined, ¡°The situation with Everhart Corporation is

    ratherplex. It¡¯s not merely a simple bankruptcy; their assets are far insufficient to cover the debts.¡±

    Taking a sharp breath, Lysander pressed, ¡°What do you n to do?¡±

    It seemed that the situation was even more critical than she had anticipated.

    Thewyer¡¯s response was diplomatically cautious, ¡°We will proceed legally against the corporate

    entity to recover the debts. Any disputes will be resolved in court.¡±.

    Lysander knew from Daphne that the legal representative for the Everhart family was Rufus.

    She persisted, not letting thewyer move on, ¡°There¡¯s been an emergency at their home. Could you

    possibly extend a grace period? They¡¯ll address this as soon as they can after sorting out their family

    issues.¡±

    Thewyer, clearly skeptical of Everharts¡® ability to settle the debts, replied reluctantly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, as a

    lawyer, my duty is to my client. If Everhart Corporation can¡¯t meet the repayment within the legally

    stipted time, incarceration is the only alternative.

    Lysander found herself momentarily speechless.

    ¡°Miss, could you please step aside?¡± thewyer requested.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lysander implored, biting her lip, ¡°Can you give me a little more time? Just half an hour, let me

    try again.¡±

    Thewyer expressed his skepticism with a hint of incredulity in his voice, ¡°After all this considerable

    dy and no attempts at repayment, what could possibly change in just half an hour?¡±

    ¡°Look, putting someone behind bars isn¡¯t going to fill your pockets; it¡¯s a no¨Cwin situation. Half an hour

    is hardly a significant extension. If I still can¡¯te up with the funds after that, you¡¯re free to follow

    through with

    your procedures¨Cit won¡¯t be toote by then.¡±

    At this juncture, she found herself with no alternatives but to set aside her pride and endeavor to assist

    the Everhart family in navigating their/financial straits.

    Thewyer, acting on behalf of the bank, was well aware that retrieving the funds would make his job a

    lot easier. Checking his watch, he reluctantly agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll extend your time by another half an hour.

    Should anyone else ask, my hands are tied.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, that¡¯s more than generous,¡± Lysander acknowledged gratefully. After ending the

    conversation, she swiftly moved to a secluded area to make an urgent phone call.

    Howard¡¯s contact had long been a fixture in her pho, reserved for truly critical moments. The tension

    213

    Chapter 434 There Was No Room For Discussion

    was palpable even in the hand that clutched her phone.

    The connection was quick, and Howard¡¯s voice was tinged with surprise and happiness, ¡°Lysa? What¡¯s

    prompted this call?¡°.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me,¡± Lysander replied curtly.

    Detecting the slight unfamiliarity in her tone, Howard felt a pang of disappointment, yet his voice

    remained affectionate, ¡°Are you all right? Is there something on your mind you need to discuss?¡±

    He had always harbored a desire to reconnect and reconcile with his biological daughter, from whom

    he had been estranged for many years. Despite the passage of time, a palpable distance had always

    lingered between them.

    The

    mere act of Lysander reaching out had already brought him a sense of joy that wouldst quite a while.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, it¡¯s just that¡­¡± Lysander started, her voice faltering as she grew increasingly embarrassed by

    her request. She could sense the eagerness in her father¡¯s response.

    The amount of debt that Everhart Corporation had rued with the bank was astronomical. Including

    the rued interest, it totaled a daunting fifteen million. It was an amount she could not hope to repay

    on her own in a short timeframe.

    Sensing his daughter¡¯s unease, Howard proactively offered, ¡°Are you in some kind of trouble? Don¡¯t

    hesitate to tell me.¡±

    With some difficulty, Lysander managed to stammer, ¡°Could you possibly lend me some money?¡±

    Without pausing to inquire about the specifics, Howard quickly responded, ¡°Of course, just let me know

    how much you need, and I¡¯ll arrange for it to be sent to you straight away.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s face warmed with anxiety as she mentioned, ¡°Fifteen million¡­ would that be all right?¡±

    It was truly a substantial sum of money.

    Though taken aback by the magnitude of the sum, Howard didn¡¯t press her for reasons. Instead, he

    assured her, ¡°Absolutely, I can provide that. I have three million readily avable in my personal

    ount which I can transfer immediately. The remaining funds, however, will need to be drawn from

    thepany¡¯s reserves, and that¡­ well, Thorne Constructions and Energies is currently under

    Josiah¡¯s management. To ess thepany funds, we would need his signature.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435

    Chapter 435 The Crucial Issue Circles Back To Josiah

    After all the twists and turns, the crux of the maiter still circled back to Josiah.

    *All right. I¡¯ll go and find him,¡± Lysander said. Time was of the essence, and she really couldn¡¯t afford to

    exin why she needed the money.

    Howard was busy transferring money to her. He didn¡¯t ask many questions, only advising, ¡°I

    understand. Unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary, you wouldn¡¯t ask me for this. I¡¯ll transfer three million to

    you first. Go and get a signature from Josiah. He shouldn¡¯t make a fuss about it.¡±

    Feeling moved, Lysander replied, ¡°Okay¡±

    The three million was already secured, and all that was left was to get Josiah¡¯s signature.

    Lysander didn¡¯t dare to waste a moment, immediately dialing Josiah¡¯s number again. The call

    connected, but it was his secretary, Carol, who answered. ¡°Ms. Thomme, Mr. Guerra is currently in a

    meeting. If you have any matters to discuss, you can tell me first. Once the meeting is over, I will

    definitely ry the message to him.¡±.

    ¡°I¡¯m in a bit of a rush.¡± Lysander quickly exined, ¡°I just need his signature. Could you perhaps briefly

    disturb him for me?¡±

    While ncing at her watch, Lysander spoke urgently.

    Thirty minutes had already dwindled down to just ten. She hailed a cab to Guerra Group, and then from

    there, she rushed to Thorne Constructions and Energies to collect money from the finance department.

    Time was of the essence.

    Luckily, Carol agreed to help. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go and speak to Mr. Guerra right away. Please wait for my

    update.¡±

    Not long after the call ended, her phone rang again.

    Anxiously, Lysander asked, ¡°Did he agree?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra has agreed,¡± Carol ryed Josiah¡¯s response in a courteous manner.

    Atst, Lysander¡¯s anxious heart had somewhat eased.

    ¡°He stated that thepany is originally the Thorne family¡¯s property, and the money naturally

    belonged to the Thorne family members. He was merely helping to manage it, and as long as Mr.

    Thorne agreed, he had no objections. However, he¡¯s now no longer associated with you, Ms. Thorne,

    and this is the perfect opportunity to return the management rights of thepany. He would not

    interfere with it in the future.

    It seemed like Josiah was determined topletely sever ties with her.

    Lysander had no experience managing apany, so the sudden news left her somewhat distressed.

    However, Everhart Corporation was still waiting for this money to resolve their issues. She had no other

    choice but to say, ¡°All right. Could you please ry a message to him that I¡¯ve agreed?¡±

    Keeping Josiah¡¯s instructions/in mind, Carol didn¡¯t leave her waiting for news. Instead, she said, ¡°If it¡¯s

    not too much trouble, could you please make your way to Guerra Group as soon as possible to

    complete the necessary procedures?¡± /

    1/3

    Issue Circles Back To Josiah

    ¡°I¡¯m heading over now.¡± Lysander had no other choice.

    The money Howard had promised her arrived promptly. She immediately transferred the three million

    into Daphne¡¯s ount before returning to herwyer. ¡°I¡¯ve managed to gather three million. You can try

    transferring it through the bank system first. I¡¯ll need to make another trip to get the rest. Please wait for

    me.¡±

    With this amount of money, it shouldn¡¯t be hard to buy some more time?

    Thewyer promptly signaled the bank employee behind him to make an attempt.

    The other party confirmed the payment had been received over the phone. ¡°It¡¯s true. Everhart

    Corporation¡¯s outstanding debt is now only twelve million.¡±

    When thewyer heard this, his attitude toward Lysander became significantly gentler than before. ¡°We

    can hold off suing Everhart Corporation¡¯s legal representative for now, but the extension can onlyst

    until the bank closes. I hope you can make it quick.

    Lysander left Everhart Corporation much faster than when she had arrived.

    There were less than two hours left before the bank closed. It was enough time to get there and back,

    but no one knew how long the procedures would take or if Josiah would indeed be as agreeable as he

    seemed

    this time.

    When Lysander arrived at the CEO¡¯s office in Guerra Group, Carol and thepany¡¯s legal

    department had already prepared the necessary documents and were waiting for her.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    In the vast office, Josiah was nowhere to be seen.

    Lysander looked around, puzzled, and asked, ¡°Has Josiah¡¯s meeting not ended yet?¡±

    Carol had always been kind to her, and this time was no different. She patiently exined, ¡°Ms.

    Thorne, I¡¯m sorry, but Mr. Guerra left for the airport as soon as the meeting was over. He had to go on

    an overseas business trip today. This was a prearranged schedule.¡±

    It was clear that he had no intention of seeing her.

    However, Lysander had no intention of exposing the truth, nor did she n to probe further. After

    adjusting her somewhat hurried breathing, she nodded and said, ¡°All right. I understand. What about

    the paperwork?¡±

    Carol showed Lysander the documents that Josiah had signed before his departure, then led her to the

    legal department.

    The Guerra Group¡¯s legal team had already liaised with the Thorne family¡¯s legal advisor. At this point,

    all contractual procedures were in order, and only a final document was needed to sever the ties

    between the twopanies..

    Carol reminded Lysander, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you can take your time to read through. If there are any areas

    of concern, we can still make changes now.¡±

    Once the signature was ced, the contract would legallye into effect. From that point on, even if

    regret surfaced, there would be no turning back.

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, but it¡¯s unnecessary. I do think Josiah would stoop s

    low as to set a trap for

    2/3

    Circles Back To Josiah

    me in this contract¡±

    Lysander flipped directly to thest page of the contract, and without any hesitation, she signed her

    name. Then, she handed one of the two copies of the contract back to Carol

    Carol carefully put away the contract and then personally escorted Lysander out of the building. Seeing

    her about to hail a cab, she didn¡¯t forget to offer, ¡°Let me have my driver take you home.¡±

    No need. I need to go somewhere else,¡± Lysander gently declined. She then hurried to the nearest

    bank and promptly transferred twelve million from thepany¡¯s ount to the Everhart family¡¯s

    ount.

    After all was said and done, she finally had a chance to catch her breath. She sat down in the bank¡¯s

    lounge area and let out a long sigh.

    When Daphne called, Lysander had just stepped out of the bank. She expressed her frustration,

    ¡°Finally, you remembered to return my call. Do you have any idea how worried I¡¯ve been?¡±

    Her response was met with Daphne¡¯s choked sob.

    Anxiety immediately surged in Lysander¡¯s heart, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying?

    On the other end of the line, Daphne sobbed as she exined, ¡°Lysander, thank you. I¡¯ve received the

    money and the bank¡¯s notification. Not only is my dad spared from prison, but ourpany is also

    saved. I just don¡¯t know how to express my gratitude¡­¡±

    It turned out that she was crying tears of joy,

    Lysander let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. You almost scared me to death. Now, stop

    crying. We¡¯ve resolved the issue at hand, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us.¡±

    Daphne managed to stifle her sobs. ¡°Okay. Lysander, did you get this money from Josiah¡­¡±

    Send Gifts

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 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436

    Chapter 436 How Did They End Up Together Again

    ¡°I sought out Howard for it.¡±

    Daphne let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I see. I was afraid you had actually given yourself up for me. If that were

    true, I would¡¯ve been terribly guilty.

    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Since you¡¯ve helped me a lot, I¡¯ll definitely help you in oveing your current

    predicament.¡±

    Daphne was naturally optimistic, so her spirits didn¡¯t stay low for long. Remembering that she was still

    on the phone with Lysander, she said, ¡°Lysander, I won¡¯t be able to pay you back anytime soon, but I

    can at least treat you to a meal. Consider it a token of my appreciation.¡±

    ¡°Sure, send me the address,¡± Lysander responded. She had been worried about Daphne for almost a

    day, and at this point, she wanted to see her to confirm her condition.

    The ce Daphne chose to host was an exquisite, private dining restaurant that looked quite

    sophisticated at first nce.

    Upon arriving at the location. Lysander felt a wave of familiarity wash over her.

    Wasn¡¯t this the same location where Josiah nearly drowned that old lecher in the fish pondst time¡­.

    From behind the partition, Daphne, upon spotting Lysander from afar, immediately waved at her with

    great enthusiasm. ¡°Lysander, over here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± Lysander said with a smile as she walked over to take a seat. ¡°Why did you choose this

    ce? It¡¯s quite far.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes were tinged with redness. Her once plump cheeks had noticeably thinned down from

    before. Yet, her smile remained as radiant as ever. ¡°Of course, I have to choose a good ce to treat

    you to a meal. Don¡¯t be fooled by the fancy surroundings here. The food is even better. It¡¯s just a

    shame that I couldn¡¯t secure a private room.¡±

    The private dining restaurant, which operated on a reservation system, had a limited number of guests

    each day. Yet, her impromptu invitation to Lysander for dinner was fortunate enough to secure a table

    by the window.

    Lysander didn¡¯t mind at all. ¡°I think this hall is quite nice, not too crowded, and we can even enjoy the

    view of the fish pond in the courtyard.¡±

    Daphne nodded repeatedly, her eyes growing even redder, on the verge of tears. ¡°You¡¯re so good to

    me. I don¡¯t even know what to do,¡± she confessed. ¡°By the way, I didn¡¯t intentionally ignore your calls

    today. I was out meeting my dad¡¯s old friends. But none of these old guys, who would usually call my

    dad their close buddy, were willing to lend a hand when we really needed help.¡±

    Lysander handed her a tissue, gentlyforting her, ¡°People¡¯s feelings can be fickle. Don¡¯t take it too

    much to heart.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I wouldn¡¯t stoop to their level,¡± Daphne said, wiping away her tears. Then, her concern

    returned to Lysander. ¡°By the way, I checked the transfer records. Thest sum of money came from

    the Thorne family¡¯spany. Lysander, I remember that Josiah has always been in charge there. Did

    he say

    anything?¡±

    1/3.

    Chapter 436 How Did They End Up Together Again

    She was afraid that Josiah would put Lysander in a difficult position.

    Lysander sighed softly. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t even get to see him. But he won¡¯t be in charge of the Thorne

    family¡¯s business anymore. He has returned the management rights.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°He just let it like that?!¡±

    go

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Yes, he has been managing things for a long time now. At present, whether they are

    the biological or adopted daughters of the Thorne family, they have nothing to do with him. Both

    emotionally and logically, he¡¯s not in the wrong¡±

    True as that may be, Daphne couldn¡¯t help but worry for her. ¡°But isn¡¯t this too abrupt? He should at

    least give the Thome family some time to adjust. Right now, Mrs. Thorne is seriously ill, and Mr. Thorne

    doesn¡¯t trust anyone else to take care of her. He¡¯s been staying at the hospital by her side. Who in the

    Thome family has the time to manage thepany?

    very

    Lysander was absentmindedly looking at the menu, expressing her mncholy, ¡°I was pondering this

    issue on my way here. Hiring a professional manager isn¡¯t a bad idea, but finding someonepetent

    and trustworthy isn¡¯t exactly a walk in the park.¡±

    If dependable people were so easy to find. Thorne Constructions and Energies wouldn¡¯t have had to

    rely on Josiah to manage things all the time.

    Daphne instantly put aside her own worries. ¡°What will happen to thepany in the future? It takes

    time find a reliable person to manage it, and it¡¯s not guaranteed that we can find one. In the meantime,

    will you take over?¡±

    10

    Lysander hesitated for a moment, then nodded, saying, ¡°I guess I have no choice but to give it a try.

    After all. I¡¯ve taken money from the Thorne family, so it wouldn¡¯t be right to just abandon everything.

    That would be too heartless.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Despite saying she would give it a shot, she would undoubtedly strive to do her best.

    ¡°But you¡¯ve always been studying medicine. You¡¯re not familiar with how apany operates at all,¡±

    Daphne said, lost in confusion.

    Lysander gave a bitter smile. ¡°I¡¯m well aware of my own limitations, but all I can do now is strive to

    learn. I hope to encounter some reliable management in thepany and continue to scout around to

    see if there are trustworthy people. If there are, I might be able to smoothly extricate myself. Or, you

    could lend me a hand.¡±

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Daphne said, shaking her head vigorously. She waved her hands dismissively. ¡°If I go, I¡¯m

    afraid I might just mess things up for you. Don¡¯t you know me by now? I¡¯m probably even worse than

    you.¡±

    Before the incident at Everhart Corporation, she had always been a sheltered, pampered daughter,

    oblivious to the world outside her window. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have been so panicked, like a

    headless chicken.

    Lysander thought of her personality and spoke with weighty concern. ¡°I was just joking earlier, but you

    can¡¯t always be like this. Now, Mr. Everhart is unable to hold on, so the Everhart family is relying on

    you.¡±

    Daphne nodded solemnly. ¡°I understand. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve already started learning. If I can truly be

    a powerful and sessful female CEO, I will definitely help you. But if I¡¯m not cut out for it¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay too.¡°Lysander simply wanted to encouge her, not to put too much pressure on her. ¡°Just

    do¡¯

    2/3

    Chapter 436 How Did They End Up Together Again

    your best.¡±

    Daphne chuckled. ¡°In the off chance that ourpanies do end up going under, let¡¯s just go back to

    our old jobs. You can return to the hospital as a doctor, and I¡¯ll be your driver, even getting to

    mooch off your home¨Ccooked meals.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    As Lysander let out a soft chuckle, her expression changed subtly. Upon beyond the partition from the

    corner of her eye, she momentarily froze.

    ching a glimpse of a figure

    Daphne noticed a change in her expression and craned her neck to see what had caught her attention.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What do you see? Isn¡¯t that Josiah and that pretentious woman? How did they end up

    together again?¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437

    Chapter 437 Does Not Matter To Her

    It seemed as though Josiah didn¡¯t notice the onlookers as he was led by the waiter into the private

    room. across the courtyard, apanied by Lysanne..

    The private dining room was separated from the main hall by a uniquely scenic pond, around which a

    charming covered walkway was constructed. If the people outside didn¡¯t look carefully, they wouldn¡¯t

    notice the guests inside at all.

    This private dining restaurant was very good at maintaining discretion.

    for

    Daphne stared wide¨Ceyed some time before she could bear to look away. She turned to Lysander,

    her confusion evident. ¡°Didn¡¯t Josiah and that pretentious woman already part ways? Howe they

    can still dine together now? How can he be entertaining a new interest while rekindling an old me?¡±

    ¡°Let him be.¡± Lysander said nonchntly. ¡°He¡¯s always surrounded by a multitude of women. One more

    old me wouldn¡¯t make a difference. He can certainly afford it.¡± Lysander took a sip from her tea,

    sliding the menu across the table toward herpanion. ¡°I¡¯ve ordered some food. Why don¡¯t you add a

    few

    more?¡±

    Carol kept insisting that he had gone abroad for a business trip, but it was clear that he was just

    avoiding her.

    However, Lysander didn¡¯t really care. As long as the task was aplished and the Everhart family¡¯s

    crisis was resolved, it made no difference to her whether Josiah chose to leave the country or stray

    from the path.

    With a cautious tone, Daphne asked, ¡°You¡¯re not angry at all?¡±

    Lysander returned her smile. ¡°Why would I be upset? I no longer want to deal with his affairs. All I want

    now is to live my own life peacefully. What¡¯s in front of me is what truly matters. I already have enough

    on my te as it is.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Daphne wholeheartedly agreed, adding two desserts to their order on the menu. Then, she told the

    waiter, ¡°We¡¯re done ordering.¡±

    As the appetizers were being served, a new guest arrived in the courtyard, heading toward the private

    dining room where Josiah and Lysander were previously seated.

    Lysander was entirely focused on her meal, not bothering to look around, and she certainly didn¡¯t

    notice this particr guest.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    On the other hand, Daphne was surprised and put her fork down. She eximed in astonishment, ¡°Isn¡¯t

    that Tiffany? What is she doing here?¡±

    ¡°Tiffany?¡±

    Daphne lowered her voice andmented, ¡°Well, well, has Josiah started to let loose after his

    divorce? How did he manage to invite both his new and old mes here?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Matter D

    This secluded restaurant was indeed quite a distance away, and the prices were genuinely steep.

    However, the quality of the dishes was unquestionably remarkable.

    The steamed bass was both tender and juicy, masterfully cooked to preserve the original vor of the

    ingredients while highlighting the firmness of the meat to the fullest extent. The control over the heat

    was impressively precise.

    Daphne scrutinized Lysander¡¯s reaction carefully, noting her genuine indifference before continuing.

    ¡°One is his publicly acknowledged current girlfriend, while the other is his universally known first crush

    from Harborbrook. How on earth did Josiah manage to have these two women coexist under the same

    roof? Are you sure these two women won¡¯t start fighting?¡±

    Lysander meticulously picked out the fish bones. ¡°Everyone¡¯s lifestyle is different, as are their values.

    Daphne, you should try this fish. It¡¯s really quite tasty, but it won¡¯t be as good once it¡¯s cold.¡±

    Daphne picked up a piece of fish with her fork, her gaze still unwilling to withdraw from the scenery

    outside the window.

    It was such a shame not to use this juicy gossip as mealtime.conversation.

    Before long, the door to the oppositepartment swung open.

    Lysanne and Tiffany were seen walking out together, engaged in a lively conversation. Far from being

    at odds, they seemed to get along pretty well, which made Daphne couldn¡¯t help but marvel, ¡°I¡¯m truly

    astounded. It¡¯s just like they¡¯re sisters in some pce drama.¡±

    As Lysander listened to her vivid description, she turned her head to follow her gaze. Unexpectedly,

    she caught sight of Josiah just as he was exiting the private room. Their eyes met instantly.

    Initially, Josiah was absent¨Cminded, his brows furrowed. It was only when his gaze unintentionally

    swept across the room that he suddenly realized who was in the hall opposite him. His eyes instantly

    returned to the figure

    Lysander attempted to avoid eye contact as if nothing was wrong, but it was toote. They had already

    seen each other.

    Josiah seemed to recall the words he had entrusted to Carol that afternoon, his demeanor awkward as

    he took a step forward. But before he could actually step onto the corridor, Tiffany, holding onto

    Lysanne, turned around and said, ¡°Jose,e over here quickly and help me take a photo with

    Lysanne!¡±

    As night fell, the edges of the pond were illuminated by a series of courtyardmps. The ambiance was

    particrly captivating, perfect for taking photos that would turn out beautifully.

    Josiah withdrew his gaze from his shared look with Lysander, responding with a nonchnt

    expression, ¡°Okay,ing

    Swiftly, he made his way toward the gate by the pond.

    Lysander also returned her gaze to the dishes before she stood up and said to Daphne, ¡°Daphne, I¡¯m

    going to the restroom.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Daphine immediately showed her the way. ¡°Once you leave the lounge, turn right into the

    corridor, then just follow the signs.¡±

    20

    Lysander nodded in acknowledgment, then hastily

    the lounge.

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    35%9

    Chapter 437 Does Not Matter To Her

    She intentionally lingered in the restroom for a while, nning to return only after the trio had left.

    In this way, neither of them would feel too awkward, and she could enjoy her meal in peace

    But when she emerged from the cubicle, washing her hands at the sink, it was only when¡¯she looked

    up at the mirror that she discovered, to her surprise, that an extra person had silently appeared behind

    her.

    Lysanne was leaning against the wall, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she watched her

    reflection in

    the mirror.

    Lysander pulled out a tissue to dry the droplets of water on her hands, ready to turn around and leave.

    However, Lysander was stopped in her tracks by the prepared Lysanne. ¡°What a coincidence. Won¡¯t

    you even greet me, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Do we still need to exchange pleasantries, given our rtionship?¡±

    Lysanne chuckled. ¡°Even if we set aside our respective rtionships with Josiah, we are still daughters

    of the Thorne family, aren¡¯t we? You are their biological daughter, and I, albeit not by blood, was raised

    by them. Given this connection, we¡¯re bound to cross paths in the future. It¡¯s not like we can pretend

    not to know each other every time we meet, right?¡±

    Lysander took a shallow breath, her voice soft as she said, ¡°Hello, Ms. Thorne. Now that the greetings

    are over, I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Lysanne stepped forward, blocking her path, and asked with a hint of displeasure, ¡°What¡¯s the rush?

    Haven¡¯t you realized that I came here specifically to wait for you?¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± Lysander asked, neither humbly nor arrogantly, ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±

    Lysanne clenched her fists, getting straight to the point. ¡°I¡¯m here to remind you this. Don¡¯t forget, as

    the adopted daughter of the Thorne family, I have rights to the inheritance too. Now, our father has

    transferred all thepany ownership to you behind my back. This is illegal. The contract has no legal

    force!

    So that¡¯s all she¡¯s after.

    Lysander felt sorry for Howard and Molly in the hospital. She nodded and said, ¡°It¡¯s pointless for you to

    come and talk to me about this now. This was Howard¡¯s decision, and the matter has already been

    handled by Josiah, transferring the shares to me. If you disagree, you could try making a fuss with him.

    It might be more effective thaning to me.¡±

    Send Gifts

    39

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438

    Chapter 438 The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

    Lysanne was relentless. ¡°Even if Josiah didn¡¯t say anything, you still need to secure your position. As

    long- as I don¡¯t agree, don¡¯t even dream about resting easy!¡±

    Lysander asked coldly, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Lysanne began toy out her terms. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for much. We¡¯re both daughters of the Thorne

    family. so let¡¯s split it evenly. I want half of the shares in the Thorne family¡¯spany, and you need to

    return the public funds you¡¯ve moved. The three million our father gave you can be overlooked, but at

    least half of the remaining twelve million, which is on thepany¡¯s books, needs to be returned,

    right?¡±

    Unable to hold back her amusement, Lysander asked, ¡°Are these your thoughts, or are they Josiah¡¯s?¡±

    Lysanne slightly lifted her chin, a smug smile ying on her meticulously made¨Cup face. She looked

    down on Lysander with disdain and said, ¡°Initially, it was my idea, but when I mentioned it to Josiah, he

    didn¡¯t object. So, it¡¯s also his idea, I suppose. All we¡¯re asking is for you to cough up six million, which

    isn¡¯t a lot.¡±

    The more onecked something, the more one tended to emphasize it. Lysander recalled Josiah, who

    was said to be away on a business trip by Carol. With a cold gaze, she responded decisively, ¡°Let me

    make it crystal clear to you. It¡¯s impossible. If you can¡¯t ept it, feel free to sue me in court.¡±

    The funds had already been paid to the bank through Daphne¡¯s ount, so Lysander truly couldn¡¯t

    come up with any money.

    Lysanne, however, was not overly concerned about money. She shifted the focus, stating. ¡°There¡¯s no

    rush for the money, but what about the shares? The contract stiptes that you must give me half of

    the shares. That¡¯s what I¡¯m entitled to.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression grew colder, her bare face masked with a chill. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before. If you truly

    believe you¡¯re in the right, then take me to court and sue me through the proper channels. Whatever

    the judgement is after the trial, so be it.¡±

    Upon seeing her unresponsiveness and herplexion drastically changing, Lysanne squeezed out a

    sentence. ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t dare?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, Lysander assured her calmly, ¡°I just believe in the fairness of the judiciary and I also

    respect the solemnity of thew.¡±

    Thew would never condone such unreasonable behavior.

    After Lysander finished speaking, she bypassed Lysanne and left the restroom. She had just entered

    the corridor when she heard hurried footsteps behind her. It was Lysanne, persistently following her in

    her high heels.

    Lysanne was nearly out of breath. Stop right there!¡±

    Lysander ignored her, nonchntly continuing her journey back.

    Lysanne pursued stubbornly, stating, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m just after the money? I¡¯m considering the efforts

    of our parents. You¡¯ve always been in medicine, and you¡¯ve never been exposed to business

    management, let alone understand the principles of operation. Handing thepany over to you would

    only squander

    their hard work!¡±

    Cha cake with much mandate ne

    if che tal had an ¨C MAI¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

    mandas lietanad in has har h

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    23:00 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 438 The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

    grew colder and colder. She felt it was unfair to her biological parents, and her irritation toward her

    meddling increased.

    Lysander halted in his tracks.

    Lysanne quickly moved in front of her, blocking her path.

    35%Á¿

    The corridor near the restroom was a fair distance away from the pond, surrounded by an abundance

    of subtly swaying ferns. While they were bathed in the light from themps along the walkway, it was

    impossible for anyone to hide the smallest of expressions on their faces.

    Anxious. Lysanne yed the emotional card. ¡°Even if you haven¡¯t lived with them, even if you don¡¯t feel

    close to them, you can¡¯t just sit back and watch their business crumble, right? Dad has already given

    you three million.¡±

    This three million was a personal asset that Howard had transferred to Lysander through his individual

    ount. If it weren¡¯t for this, she feared she might have had to split even this amount in half.

    With patience, Lysander retorted, ¡°Even if I can¡¯t, what about you? Are you capable of running the

    company?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Lysanne said, brimming with an inexplicable confidence. ¡°Didn¡¯t

    Josiah manage Thome Constructions and Energies well in the past? If you transfer thepany to my

    name, I can find a way to have him continue helping¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°And then?¡±

    Lysanne, puzzled, asked, ¡°Is there even a need to ask? Of course, everything will remain the same.

    Thepany¡¯s growth will surely surpass what it was under your management.¡±

    She didn¡¯t mention a word about equity division or profit distribution,pletely forgetting the reason

    she had just used to ask for a share of the money.

    Lysander was not in the mood for idle chatter with her. Maintaining a straight face, she said, ¡°Good

    idea, but as I¡¯ve said before. No matter what you n to do, you should go to court first. Until I see the

    court¡¯s verdict, I don¡¯t want to and won¡¯t discuss this any further.¡±

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    Naturally, Lysanne didn¡¯t dare to engage in awsuit. Seeing Lysander about to leave, she gritted her

    teeth and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I have another solution.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested¡­¡± Lysander¡¯s words were abruptly cut off.

    With an air of having made a significant concession, Lysanne said, ¡°As long as you return to Josiah¡¯s

    side, he will still help manage the Thorne family¡¯spany. Surely, this wouldn¡¯t put you at a

    disadvantage, right?¡±

    Astonished, Lysander drew in a sharp breath, her face filled with confusion as she asked, ¡°Do you even

    know what you¡¯re saying?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯splexion had paled a shade more than before. Her best foundation couldn¡¯t hide her

    current indignation. Yet, for the sake of her interests, she managed to suppress the urge to have an

    outright. confrontation with Lysander/asking. ¡°For you, this solution should be more eptable than the

    previous one, right?¡±

    A gust of wind swept through, causing the leaves to stle sofil.

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    Chapter 438 The Enemy Of My Enemy Is My Friend

    34%?

    Lysander turned solemn and said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. I¡¯m just a bit curious. Why did your attitude

    change so quickly? You were clearly at odds with me before, doing everything in your power to push

    me away from Josiah. So why now have you suddenly started voicing different opinions?¡±

    Something must be amiss if one is exhibiting abnormal behavior.

    Lysanne thought she was moved by his words, so she casually said, ¡°Because I understand the

    principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and now you¡¯re no longer my enemy.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t readily believe these few words. She replied nonchntly. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve had quite a

    few enemiestely.¡±

    Living like this was truly exhausting. She was grateful that she had managed to extricate herself from

    the whirlpool that was Josiah¡¯s life in time.

    Unaware, Lysanne continued, ¡°You saw Tiffany just now, didn¡¯t you? She¡¯s currently the one Josiah

    openly acknowledges as his girlfriend, and most likely to be his fianc¨¦e. I want to get her out of

    the picture.¡±

    Even to this day, she still couldn¡¯tprehend where the problemy. She naively thought that as long

    as she could outshine the women by Josiah¡¯s side, she would obtain what she had always dreamt of.

    Lysander despised her, yet at the same time, she pitied Lysanne¡¯s short¨Csightedness.

    Lysanne managed to steer the conversation back. ¡°I may be out of the picture for now, but it¡¯s different

    for you. I can tell that you still hold a significant ce in his heart. If you¡¯re willing to swallow your pride

    and make concessions, he may not necessarily end up marrying Tiffany.¡±

    Her inexplicable self¨Cconfidence was truly admirable,

    A twitch tugged at the corner of Lysander¡¯s mouth, her emotions more absurd than hearing a fantastical

    tale. ¡°Your imagination is truly rich. But please, keep it to yourself. Don¡¯t drag me into it.¡±

    The events of the past, each and every one of them, were deeply etched in her heart. They served as

    reminders for her to live each uing day to the fullest, never to tread back on the path she had

    already walked.

    Lysanne saw that Lysander was not buying her act, so she intentionally put on a pleasant face and

    tried to persuade her, ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood me. I just feel that you and I are the same. After all, we¡¯re

    both daughters of our parents. Even though one of us is biological and the other is adopted, we¡¯re still

    closer to each other than we are to Tiffany.¡±

    She had never paid attention to these things before.

    Lysander spoke candidly. ¡°I noticed you¡¯re quite close with Tiffany. Weren¡¯t you just holding hands and

    taking pictures by the pond?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439

    Chapter 439 Good Times Are Coming

    Lysanne scoffed. ¡°She¡¯s just a spoiled little girl, eight years younger than Josiah. Without the Lanister

    family backing her up, do you really think they¡¯d have anything inmon?¡±

    34%0

    ¡°Go ahead and y your games. I¡¯ve been busytely. I don¡¯t have time to engage in your schemes.

    Whether you¡¯re nning to sue or you¡¯ve got other tricks up your sleeve, I¡¯m ready for it.¡± Lysander

    would never ept the terms proposed by such a hypocritical person.

    Today, Lysanne could cozy up to Lysander just to drive Tiffany away. Tomorrow, she could eliminate her

    without hesitation for her own gains.

    Lysander simply wanted to observe from the sidelines with a detached indifference.

    Lysanne saw her unwavering determination and yed her trump card in a seemingly submissive

    manner. ¡°Rest assured. My circumstances are different from before. As long as I can get Tiffany to

    leave Josiah, I won¡¯t vie with you for the title of Mrs. Guerra.¡±

    This was the funniest thing she had said all night.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help butugh, although it was more out of frustration than amusement. She retorted

    without hesitation, ¡°Have you been binge¨Cwatching too many pce dramastely, nning to apply

    their tactics to real life? Instead of wasting time on such thoughts, why don¡¯t you spare some time to

    get your brain checked? Given our unfortunate connection, I¡¯d be more than happy to rmend a

    good neurologist for you.¡±

    Then, she paid no further attention to Lysanne, whose face had turned pale with anger. With a calm

    andposed demeanor, she bypassed the trees and headed back toward the lounge along the path

    she hade from.

    The corridor up ahead was situated next to the pond. Given that Lysanne had pursued all the way to

    the restroom, it was likely that Tiffany was done taking photos and had returned.

    As for Josiah, he was probably in the private dining room, apanying her for dinner.

    As Lysander pondered, he ended up encountering them in the corridor, just one turn away from the

    entrance of the hall. There was only one path here; circumventing them was out of the question.

    Things really didn¡¯t go as nned.

    Lysander halted, attempting to blend into the night, but Josiah had already spotted her.

    Josiah was already standing in a well¨Clit area, towering over Tiffany by more than a head¡¯s length. At

    that moment, he easily nced over her head, catching sight of Lysander, who was trying to avoid him.

    His gaze involuntarily turned cold.

    Tiffany was oblivious to all this. She stood with her back to Lysander, acting coy toward Josiah. ¡°Jose,

    could you

    hold my bag for me? I need to go to the restroom to touch up my makeup. I identally smudged my

    foundation while taking pictures earlier. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    Josiah certainly acted the part of the big brother in front of her, expressing helplessly, ¡°All right. I¡¯ll wait

    for you at the door.¡±

    ¡°I knew you were the best!¡± Tiffany eximed, pulling out apact makeup bag from her purse. She

    med send irifuller

    mand handed coumed the

    im Innn rasine I sander iba panned in haetmel

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    23:01 Mon,

    Chapter 439 Good Times Are Coming

    yful expression on her face. ¡°Oh, Lysa, are you here for a meal too?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lysander replied tly.

    3450

    Tiffany exuded an air of carefree joy, typical of girls her age. With enthusiasm, she asked, ¡°Which

    private room are you in? How about we join together?¡±

    Perhaps only someone like her, who was utterly ignorant of Lysander and Josiah¡¯s past, would make

    such a

    remark,

    Lysander feltpelled to reply. ¡°No thanks. I¡¯m with a friend.¡±

    Tiffany did not doubt this as she expressed her regret. ¡°That¡¯s truly a pity. I was hoping to have a good

    chat with you. How about we go shopping together next time when you¡¯re free? I know a great

    boutique. Their hair essories are particrly good for photos.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t in the mood, nor did she want to get involved with anyone from Josiah¡¯s circle again.

    So, she simply brushed it off with a nonchnt, ¡°Maybe next time.¡±

    Under normal circumstances, this was merely a polite titude.

    Believing it to be true. Tiffany cheerfully went off to touch up her makeup.

    Lysander steeled herself and walked a distance away from the direction of the restroom. Standing a

    few steps away from Josiah, she asked, ¡°Are you serious about Ms. Lanister?¡±

    The bag that Josiah held in his hand had a warm hue. Adorned with adorable trinkets, it gave the same

    impression as Tiffany¡¯s.

    A girl as innocent and charming as her, who held no defenses against anyone, should not have

    be a pawn in the disputes of others.

    With a displeased expression, Josiah retorted, ¡°How is this any of your business?¡±

    After hearing Lysanne¡¯s nonsensical talk, Lysander grew more patient with him. ¡°Even I can see what

    you haven¡¯t noticed yet. Ms. Lanister is the cherished jewel of the Lanister family. She was pampered

    by her family since childhood. She simply doesn¡¯t have that many schemes. She¡¯s like a sheltered

    child.¡±

    Josiah tacitly agreed with her words.

    Lysander ced more emphasis on her next words. ¡°If you¡¯re truly nning to be with her, then limit

    your interactions with Lysanne. I won¡¯t say anything more than necessary.¡±

    Even if she revealed Lysanne¡¯s ns, he might not believe her. She couldn¡¯t be bothered to go through

    the trouble.

    Josiah listened with furrowed brows. ¡°On what grounds are you saying all this to me? Who I choose to

    be with is my personal affair. Currently, neither of the women has any objections, so what gives you the

    right

    to interfere?¡±

    Subconsciously, he was anticipating an answer.

    However, Lysander didn¡¯t grant his wish. She sighed lightly and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to interfere with

    your business, I just don¡¯t want to see innocent people get hurt. Since they don¡¯t mind and you don¡¯t

    care, just consider me as meddling in affairs that aren¡¯t my busness.¡±

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    Chapter 439 Good Times Are Coming

    She had said all that needed to be said, so the rest was left to fate.

    Lysander quickly headed toward the direction of the hall¡¯s entrance. She brushed past Josiah, swiftly

    moving several steps away from him.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    34%

    Instinctively, Josiah lifted his hand, finally turning to ask, ¡°Lysander, if I were to marry Tiffany, would you

    attend the wedding?

    This development was indeed unfolding a bit too quickly.

    Out of courtesy, Lysander turned around and asked, ¡°Have you guys set a date yet?¡±

    Josiah saw an appropriate level of surprise on her face. Beyond that, there was no trace of

    unnecessary emotion. His heart immediately sank, and he hoarsely said, ¡°It should be happening

    soon.¡±

    Just as Lysander was about to respond to him, the phone she carried on her rang. She fook it out and

    said, ¡°Let me take this call¡±

    Josiah could only wait with a stern face.

    The call came from Adrian, oblivious to the fact that he had timely rescued Lysander from a

    predicament. His voice was as gentle as always. ¡°Where are you? Have you had dinner yet?¡±

    ¡°At the restaurant. I¡¯m with Daphne. Did you need something?¡± she asked,

    The corridor was eerily quiet. Josiah, who had an exceptionally good sense of hearing, naturally heard

    Adrian¡¯s words. He stood still in his ce, a silent, cold smirk ying on his lips.

    Adrian assumed the person by Lysander¡¯s side was Daphne, expressing his concern, ¡°How did the

    situation.

    turn out?¡±

    Lysander responded truthfully, ¡°It¡¯s already taken care of.¡±

    Adrian was genuinely happy for them. ¡°That¡¯s great. Take your time to eat and celebrate properly. If you

    need anything at home, just let me know. It just so happens that I¡¯m free tonight and I¡¯m out shopping

    at the supermarket. I can pick up whatever you need and bring it over.¡±

    He always imed he was just passing by, leaving Lysander with no room for self¨Cdeception. She

    promptly responded in a nonchnt tone, ¡°There¡¯s no need. My housecks nothing. Once you¡¯re done

    shopping. you should head home. It¡¯s gettingte.¡±

    Adrian, in his good¨Cnatured way, spoke up again. ¡°I¡¯m kind of missing White Coat, you know. If you¡¯re

    busy, I can just go over and take it for a walk. Otherwise, it¡¯s always cooped up at home and that can

    get boring.¡±

    He had spent a considerable amount of time helping Lysander take care of White Coat, so it was only

    natural that he had grown fond of this fluffy creature.

    Lysander found it impossible to harden her heart and utter words of rejection anymore.

    another

    Adrian sensed a shift in the attitude from the other end of the phone and promptly brought up matter.

    ¡°By the way, I remember your home¡¯s light seemed to be broken, and you probably haven¡¯t had the

    chance to fix it recently, 1 happened to have borrowed some tools, so after I finish walking White Coal,

    I can swing by and fix the light for you.¡±

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    Chapter 439 Good Times Are Coming

    He did have a bit too many incidental matters on his te.

    Just as Lysander was about to refuse, Josiah, who was standing nearby, couldn¡¯t help but let out a

    cold, sarcasticugh. When she looked over at him, he added with a mocking tone, ¡°Is Dr. Sutton

    checking in on you? Are you two perhaps expecting some good news soon?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440

    Chapter 440 We Are All Clever Individuals

    His voice wasn¡¯t loud. In fact, it wasn¡¯t enough for Adrian on the other end of the phone to hear.

    Caught between the two of them, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of annoyance. She had

    already encountered enough trouble recently and neither had the time nor the inclination to waste

    energy on such trivial matters.

    While on the phone, Adrian sensed her silence and took the initiative to ask, ¡°Did you go to see Josiah

    again?¡±

    ¡°No, it was a chance encounter.¡±

    ¡°It seemed like he harbors quite a grudge against me.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, what are your ns for the future? Are you going back to Stounia, or do you n on

    working here?¡±

    ¡°Why are you suddenly asking this?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Anesthesiologists are in high demand, both domestically and internationally. I just think

    that if you could continue your medical career, no matter where you are, you would be able to help a lot

    more patients.¡±

    Adrian¡¯sugh had a touch of mncholy. ¡°I understand what you mean. I¡¯ll try to call you less in the

    future.¡±

    Lysander opened her mouth, wanting to deny it, yet she found herself unable to utter words that would

    contradict her heart.

    What she had just said, indeed, conveyed that meaning.

    ¡°All right, Lysander. I understand. I¡¯ll give serious thought to what you just told me.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander put away her phone, ignoring the disgruntled look on Josiah¡¯s face. She turned around and

    headed toward the hall door, never once looking back.

    Daphne had been waiting alone at the dining table for Lysander for quite some time. When she

    returned, she didn¡¯t question her about why she had been in the restroom for so long. Instead, she

    simply reported, ¡°Not long after you left, they moved to a different location for photos. I noticed that

    Josiah seems to favor Tiffany over that pretentious woman now.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a new me, so it is quite normal,¡± Lysander responded absentmindedly, appearing rather

    uninterested. She didn¡¯t seem to want to discuss matters concerning others. any further.

    Daphne noticed a shift in her mood and asked with concern, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander picked up her fork and resumed eating. ¡°It¡¯s nothing really. It¡¯s just that the corridors outside

    are a bitplicated. I almost lost my way.¡±

    She didn¡¯t want Daphne to worry alongside her, so she quickly made up an excuse to brush the matter

    aside.

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    Chapter 440 We Are All Clever Individuals.

    Believing it to be true, Daphne pushed the dessert that the waiter had just brought toward her. ¡°Have

    some sweets to calm your nerves. The view here is quite nice, but the unlit areas can be a bit eerie at

    night.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander picked up the spoon and tasted the panna cotta.

    After they finished their meal, it wasn¡¯t toote. Daphne suggested, ¡°Let me take you home.¡±

    Lysander thought about the potential visitor at home and shook her head. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.

    You¡¯ve been incredibly busy these past few days, so you should head home and rest. Paying back the

    money is just the first step. There will be plenty more for you to deal withter.¡±

    Daphne sighed heavily as she remembered the mess Everhart Corporation was in, momentarily

    forgetting to ask about her ns.

    As expected, Lysander took a cab back to her ce, and there, in the hallway, she saw Adrian.

    Just like before, he was carrying bags of various sizes filled with¨Cshopping items. The only difference

    was that this time, he had also brought along a toolbox.

    Adrian must have been waiting for her for quite some time now. When the voice¨Cactivated light

    flickered on, his initial reaction was to squint as the sudden brightness stung his eyes.

    ¡°Why have youe sote?¡±

    Adrian replied with a smile, ¡°We can discuss everything elseter. Your bedroom light is broken. It

    could be a bit risky if you need to get up at night.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have toe all this way to fix the light at such ate hour. What time is it already?¡±

    ¡°As a girl living alone, there¡¯s a risk if something were to happen, and there¡¯s no one around. Even if

    you: call for help, it would take time for someone to arrive. So, it¡¯s best to be extra careful.¡±

    They had already reached her doorstep. To forcibly drive him away at this point would seem rather

    inhumane.

    When Lysander opened the door for him, the lights in the living room had juste on. White Coat,

    which had been lying excitedly on the couch, sprung up and cheerfully dashed toward the entrance to

    greet its master.

    Woof! Woof!

    White Coat first circled around Lysander¡¯s trouser leg, waiting for her to bend and stroke it. Then, it

    scampered over to Adrian¡¯s feet, excitedly cing its paw on his shoe.

    Gently setting down the items he was carrying, Adrian finally had a free hand to scratch his head,

    speaking in a warm voice, ¡°Good. y by yourself for a bit. I¡¯lle backter to take you for a walk.¡±

    Before he¡¯d even finished speaking, he¡¯d already made a beeline for the kitchen with an ease that

    spoke of familiarity. Tying on an apron, he said to Lysander. ¡°This time, I didn¡¯t buy any semi¨Cfinished

    products. I¡¯ve chosen all fresh ingredients. That piece of beef brisket is particrly good. I can make a

    stew for you. I learned a stew recipe online, and it¡¯s especially good for girls.

    The sound of the refrigerator opening echoed from the kitchen quickly, indicating he was organizing the

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    Glever individuals

    ingredients he had brought.

    On her way back, Lysander had made up her mind. She could no longerfortably ept his

    kindness. However, when it came time to voice this, she still found it incredibly difficult.

    Better a short¨Cterm pain than a long¨Cterm torment. Hurting his feelings now was far preferable to giving

    him false hopes and then cruelly snatching them away.

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, it¡¯s reallyte. You really don¡¯t have to go through all this trouble.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    voice,

    Adrian sensed the distance in her quickly peeking out from the kitchen to ask, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Don¡¯t

    you like beef stew? I can switch it to fish stew. I bought fish too.¡±

    Lysander looked him straight in the eyes. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve already had my meal outside.¡±

    Recalling what she had mentioned over the phone, Adrian nodded and said, ¡°I understand. You¡¯ve just

    met with Daphne. I¡¯ll prepare it now, so you can simply heat it up for breakfast tomorrow. You don¡¯t

    have to cook then.¡±

    He was truly considerate in his thinking.

    Given the circumstances, Lysander had no choice but to be more forthright. ¡°I¡¯m an adult, and I can

    take care of myself. By the way, how much did you spend on shopping for me today? I¡¯ll transfer the

    money to you right away.¡±

    Without showing any emotion, she firmly established her boundaries with him.

    A fleeting bitterness shed in Adrian¡¯s eyes, his smile gradually fading. Yet, his demeanor remained.

    gentle. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so formal with me. Consider these things as gifts for White Coat. If you

    don¡¯t like them, I won¡¯t buy them anymore.¡±

    Without any hesitation, Lysander nodded. ¡°Okay, I can take care of my own meals. You don¡¯t need to

    trouble yourself running back and forth for cooking duties anymore.¡±

    Everyone involved was smart, knowing when to stop talking to avoid hurting others unnecessarily.

    ¡°I understand,¡± said Adrian as he slowly returned to the kitchen to remove his apron. It wasn¡¯t his first

    time being rejected by Lysander, but the disappointment was still evident on his face. He took a deep

    breath topose himself before stepping out.

    Having changed into her slippers, Lysander wasfortably seated on the couch, gazing at the night

    view outside the window.

    Adrian hid his disappointment well in front of her, acting as if nothing was amiss. He casually picked up

    his toolbox and said, ¡°Since I¡¯m already here, if you don¡¯t need me to cook, I can fix the light for you

    before I leave. Is it still in the bedroom? I¡¯ll go and take a look.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441

    Chapter 441 A Thief In The House

    As he spoke, he reached into the box he¡¯d brought along and pulled out a brand¨Cnew bedsidemp.

    Then, with deft movements, he disassembled it into itsponent parts.

    The deskmp wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, but its frame¡¯s weight was substantial. Adrian, holding it along

    with the numerous bags of purchases from the supermarket, had been standing there for quite a while.

    It was indeed no easy feat.

    Lysander had a moment of hesitation, but in the end, she steeled herself and did not help him bedroom

    door.

    open

    the

    Adrian was a man of refined manners. He wouldn¡¯t enter her bedroom without her permission, even if

    the door was left slightly ajar. He sought her consent, saying, ¡°I can help you change it. It will be quick.¡±

    Lysander rose and moved to the bedroom doorway. Looking at Adrian¡¯s hand, she said, ¡°You¡¯re a

    doctor, and your hands are invaluable. I can¡¯t bear it if they were to get injured.

    Adrian was somewhat taken aback. ¡°What about yourmp, then?¡±

    ¡°Thatmp has been in use for quite some time. I¡¯ll just have the property management take it down

    and then purchase a new one,¡± Lysander suggested, her voice casual yet her gaze unwavering as she

    looked at him.

    Adrian slowly put down thempstand and began to repack the toolbox he had previously opened. He

    admitted, somewhat helplessly, ¡°You¡¯re right. If it broken, we can just buy a new one.¡±

    He knew Lysander was intelligent, and sooner orter, she would realize that his so¨Ccalled errands and

    lamp repairs were merely excuses to see her. But he didn¡¯t expect that moment toe so swiftly.

    He had only been back in the country for two days.

    With a glimmer of hope, Adrian looked toward Lysander. Her impassive response gave him his answer.

    A wave of guilt surged within him, prompting him to take the initiative to apologize. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for

    causing you trouble again tonight.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize, but¡­ Lysander paused for a moment then added deliberately. ¡°Goodbye,

    drive safely.

    She didn¡¯t attempt to retain Adrian. Instead, she subtly showed him the door. Even her reminders were

    by the book, not giving him a shred of undeserved hope.

    Adrian¡¯s heart dropped. ¡°All right.¡±

    White Coat had been patiently waiting for him to take it for a walk. Seeing him about to leave after such

    a brief stay, it dashed over and bit onto the hem of his trousers, continuously whimpering in protest.

    Lysander whispered, ¡°White Coal, let g

    go.¡±

    Reluctantly, White Coat heeded her words and began to circle around Adrian again. He was wary of

    stepping on such a tiny puppy and found himself in a predicament, hesitant to take any steps at all.

    Awoo! tool

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    Chapter 441 A Thief In The House

    Adrian had taken care of White Coat for such a long time, so how could he bear to see it in such a

    distressed state? However, to avoid putting Lysander in a difficult position, he steeled his heart and

    locked it up in the cage.

    He had brought this cage originally, intending to use it when taking his pet to the vet for vinations.

    He hadn¡¯t expected it toe in handy so soon.

    ¡°All done.¡± Adrian feigned nonchnce as he spoke to Lysander. ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    Lysander bade him farewell. ¡°Goodbye.¡±

    No matter how upset Adrian was, he still felt a pang of reluctance. As he stepped out the door, he

    couldn¡¯t help but add a reminder. ¡°The weather forecast said there might be a thunderstorm tonight.

    Make sure you close the windows before you sleep.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Lysander replied sinctly, not wanting to utter a single unnecessary word.

    The door closed with a soft click.

    After a full day of hustle and bustle, Lysander was truly exhausted. After taking a hot bath, she quickly

    changed into her pajamas and retired to her bedroom for a much¨Cneeded rest.

    She wasn¡¯t sure how long she had been asleep when the subtle rustling noises from the living room

    forced her to lift her heavy eyelids.

    Outside the window, the world was still cloaked in an inky darkness, illuminated only by the scattered,

    dimly lit streetmps. Clearly, it was still the middle of the night.

    It seemed like White Coat was causing a fuss again.

    The little pup was naturally lively and energetic since birth. Lately, there were signs of it developing a

    knack for wreaking havoc around the house. On several recent asions, she had found the rascal

    gnawing on the legs of the couch.

    Lysander was dead tired. If it had to chew, then so be it. After all, owning a dog meant having to

    sacrifice some furniture.

    She lifted the nket over her ears, intending to continue sleeping-

    But the very next moment, something seemed off about the sounds emanating from the living room.

    Amidst the soft rustling noises, footsteps could be heard. This was definitely not a sound that a small

    dog could produce. It was a person!

    Lysander was jolted awake, all traces of drowsiness gone in an instant. Her first instinct was to reach

    for the switch by her bed. However, despite a faint click, the room remained shrouded in darkness.

    Indeed, the light over here had been broken for a while, and she had just turned down Adrian¡¯s offer to

    fix it earlier that evening.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    The timing of this event couldn¡¯t have been more perfect.

    The bedroom was shrouded in darkness. She reached out to the side of her pillow and suddenly

    remembered. My phone! She had left it on the coffee table in the living room the previous night and had

    forgotten to bring it in.

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    Chapter 441 A Thief In The House

    Outside, the sound of footsteps had faded away, reced by the frantic noise of someone rummaging

    through things.

    Gr¡­

    It was White Coat!

    It seemed to have sensed the presence of a stranger in the house, beginning to emit a low warning

    sound.

    But in the next moment, the low hum of the warning signal morphed into a high¨Cpitched, piercing

    shrick.

    It seemed as though it had been kicked and was in pain. The puppy¡¯s cries were sharp and shrill,

    causing a sudden pang in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    Lysander waited for a few seconds, yet the terrified cries from White Coat escted, gradually

    morphing into mournful wails.

    Lysander could wait no longer. Barefoot, she stepped onto the cold floor, gently and carefully pulling

    the bedroom door open just a crack.

    Just at that moment, a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, briefly illuminating the scene in the

    living

    room.

    The person who arrived was unmistakably a tall, grown man.

    This might have been a burr breaking into the house!

    A pang of dread seeped into Lysander¡¯s heart as she bravely reached out for thempstand to her

    side. When Adrian left, he only took his toolbox with him, leaving behind the deskmp he had brought.

    Moreover, he didn¡¯t bother to reassemble the parts he had dismantled from themp.

    The heaviest base was still lying on the ground.

    Lysander carefully picked up the base, holding her breath and focusing intensely as she slowly

    approached. the man with his back toward her.

    The man had turned the living room into aplete mess in his search, yet he hadn¡¯t found anything of

    value. In his growing frustration, he failed to notice the subtle sounds of movement that were mingled

    with the noise he was making.

    Lysander lifted the base high up, and then forcefully smashed it down.

    Apanied by a heart¨Cwrenching scream, the man clutched his head and fell to the side.

    In the darkness, thin lines of blood trickled down between his fingers.

    Despite Lysander¡¯s best effort to knock him out, the man merely staggered a few steps, falling against

    a cab to one side. He was soon struggling to stand up again.

    The thunderstorm forecasted in the weather report had arrived, with continuous rumbling sounds.

    echoing from outside.

    The chances of sess were too slim, whether it was finding a phone or shouting for help. As for

    running

    away¡­

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    Chapter 441 A Thief In The House

    Lysander was well¨Cacquainted with the room¡¯syout. To escape, she would have to pass by the man.

    Essentially, she was trapped with no way out.

    And so, with a firm resolve, she lifted the base once more and brought it crashing down again.

    I rather get sued over dying! At this point, it¡¯s all or nothing!

    Lysander¡¯s second attempt failed tond. The man, enduring the pain, rafsed his hand to block it,

    sessfully catching the edge of the base. His strength was far greater than hers, and this single

    instance led her to a sorrowful realization.

    In a situation where there was such a significant disparity in strength, she was able tounch a surprise

    attack initially. However, once the man was on guard, she could no longer gain the upper hand.

    Lysander hastily grabbed everything within her reach, hurling them toward the man. She was

    attempting to buy some time, hoping to make her escape. All the while, she was shouting at the top of

    her lungs, ¡°Help! Someone save me!¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442

    Chapter 442 I told You To Stop

    The man brushed the back of his head, the sticky residue on his fingertips evidently infuriating him.

    Perhaps his initial intention was merely to steal something. If his ns were exposed, he could easily

    flee, as a woman wouldn¡¯t possibly be able to stop him.

    But now that blood had been shed, a surge of violent intentions instantly welled up within him.

    He didn¡¯t immediately run off. Instead, he stood his ground, looking toward the direction of the main

    gate, seemingly torn between making a swift escape or seeking revenge first.

    But Lysander¡¯s cries were quick to draw the attention of the neighbors. The thief had no choice but to

    react swiftly, moving directly to restrain her. He forcefully covered her mouth and pinned her entire body

    against the wall.

    In the darkness of the night, Lysander leaned against the chilling wall, her whole body shivering from

    the

    cold.

    With a thunderous rumble, another p of thunder exploded in the pitch¨Cck night.

    Atst, Lysander could clearly see the face of the person before her.

    With small eyes and a square¨Cshaped face, his long hair shrouded half of her visage. The terror etched

    on his features,bined with the forceful grip on her, made his appearance somewhat distorted and

    frightening.

    Suddenly, she noticed an unusual spark in this man¡¯s eyes.

    He had initially been ring at her fiercely, but now, aided by the incessant shes of lightning and

    thunder outside the window, not only did she get a clear view of the man, but he also got a clear view of

    her.

    Due to her sleep, her hair was let loose, and the recent entanglement had left it slightly disheveled. She

    was only wearing a thin nightgown, which had been ripped open at the neckline during the earlier

    skirmish. The left strap had fallen down, hanging loosely over her upper arm.

    Almost her entire left shoulder was exposed.

    The man¡¯s gaze was sharp, slicing across her face with precision before trailing down her neck, finally

    resting on her left side, barely covered by her nightgown.

    Lysander became aware of the bone¨Cchilling danger.

    ¡°Listen to me.¡± Lysander struggled to suppress the fear within her, attempting to use words to make him

    back off. ¡°If you leave now, I won¡¯t call the police, and I¡¯ll pretend today never happened. If you¡¯re in a

    desperate situation, I can assist you to some extent within my means. But think it through. Attempted

    theft doesn¡¯tnd you in jail, but if you darey a hand on me, I will certainly use you of assault. I¡¯ve

    seen your face. I can describe your physical features to the police. A quick check of the surveince

    footage and finding you won¡¯t be difficult. If you try to escape punishment by killing me, it¡¯s the same.

    There¡¯s surveince here, so you can¡¯t run. Ruining the rest of your life for a moment of passion is not

    worth it.¡±

    The man halted, his gaze bing a bit clearer,cking the earlier confusion of tangled emotions.

    fale a

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    maal #1 kama mau man¡¯s lius en ensen

    1/3

    Chapter 442 1 told You To Stop

    door is right there. You may leave¡±

    After a few seconds of silence, she suddenly heard the man let out a cold huff.

    Immediately, she found herself yanked by a strong force and flung onto the couch. Without dy, his

    weight pressed down on her. His other hand began to roam her body, seeking an opportunity to tear

    apart her nightgowIL

    In the darkness, the sound of tearing fabric echoed.

    A buzzing noise filled Lysander¡¯s mind. Almost instinctively, she mustered all her strength to drive her

    knee upwards, aiming directly at the man¡¯s vulnerable spot.

    The man let out a low groan of pain, momentarily loosening his grip on her. Seizing the opportunity, she

    scrambled to the other side of the couch. Just as she was about to tumble down, that nauseating hand

    of his reached out for her again.

    Logical arguments had ceased to be effective, and Lysander¡¯sst hope had been shattered. Left

    powerless, he could only muster all his strength to cry out for help. ¡°Help me!¡±

    Boom!

    The rumble of thunder grew increasingly louder, quickly followed by a sudden downpour that came

    pouring down.

    Lysander¡¯s cries for help werergely drowned out by the thunderstorm outside the window. Barely any

    of it could reach beyond.

    In an instant, Lysander was consumed by despair.

    The man pulled her back onto the couch once again. This time, in the midst of chaos, he covered her

    mouth and nose, exerting far more force than before. This left her gasping for air in no time.

    The sensation of suffocation intensified, the darkness before her eyes bing so dense that she

    couldn¡¯t tell whether her eyes were open or closed. All she could feel was the dampness of lips and

    tongue, crawling on her neck like a slimy creature, inducing both fear and nausea.

    In the next moment, the heavy weight pressing down on her abruptly vanished.

    Immediately after, there was a dull thud of bodies colliding. The footsteps were chaotic and heavy as if

    the floor itself was trembling.

    Through her increasingly blurred vision, Lysander spotted another towering figure rushing from the

    balcony into the living room amidst the darkness. Drenched in rain and stepping over scattered shards

    of ss, he forcefully pinned the man who had been on top of her to the ground.

    At first, the man was able to resist a time or two, but the person suppressing him was like a crazed lion,

    launching harsh and relentless attacks. Soon, the man lost his ability to resist, left with no choice but to

    passively endure the beating.

    Lysander lifted her hand, which throbbed from being gripped so tightly, and shakily rose from the

    couch. Whether it was from fear or the cold wind pouring in from the broken window, she was shivering

    uncontrobly.

    ¡°Please¡­¡±

    2/3

    23:01 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 4421 told You To Stop

    He had barely begun to plead for mercy when another heavy punchnded, forcing him to swallow his

    words.

    ¡°D¡°mn it!¡±

    Cursing under his breath, he threw a punch. The man¡¯s head was forcefully knocked to the side, and a

    mouthful of blood spat out. It seemed as though he had been hit in a critical spot, losing all

    consciousness and copsing limply onto the ground.

    Gradually, Lysander regained her senses. Noticing something amiss with the thief, she immediately

    cried out ¡°Josiah

    Despite the chaos, Josiah continued unabated. With the help of the light filtering in from the window,

    Lysander saw that the thief¡¯s face was nowpletely covered in blood. Several teeth had been

    knocked out, and his original features were no longer recognizable.

    She blindly stumbled toward him in the darkness, frantically grabbing his arm. ¡°Stop it! Stop it now!

    You¡¯re going to kill him!¡± she cried out.

    Josiah¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, seemingly deaf to everything as he continued his actions. With

    Lysander¡¯s strength, she simply couldn¡¯t stop him.

    Blood spattered, gradually pooling on the ground into a sticky puddle.

    Even acting bravely for a just cause would be impossible if things continued like this.

    Lysander tightly clung onto his hand. loudly reprimanding, Josiah! I told you to stop!¡±

    This single utterance finally managed to halt his actions.

    Josiah¡¯s fist, poised to strike, froze mid¨Cair. He slowly turned his head to look at Lysander standing

    beside him. His gaze, though close, was filled with ferocity and madness.

    Despite having previously witnessed his chilling act of submerging someone in water at the private

    dining restaurant, Lysander was still somewhat frightened.

    His gaze was as if it could truly kill.

    Lysander licked her lips, murmuring softly. ¡°I¡¯m okay. You need to calm down first.¡±

    Josiah thoroughly examined her from head to toe as if he was earnestly checking to see if she had

    been harmed

    He discarded the man who had been beaten to the brink of unconsciousness and first helped her to

    stand. Only then did he remove his coat, wrapping it around her protectively.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443

    Chapter 443 Gentleness Alone Cannot Keep a Woman

    The outside of the clothing was soaked with rain, but the inside was still dry, offering a bit of warmth

    when draped over Lysander¡¯s shoulders,

    Lysander instinctively clutched the cor tightly, covering her exposed skin before taking in the current

    state of the house.

    The window had been shattered, leaving a gaping hole. Not only was the ss broken, but the wooden

    frame itself had split down the middle. The curtains pped wildly in the wind.

    With no window as a barrier, a lot of rainwater had entered the house, mingling with shards of ss

    and splintered wood scattered all over the floor, along with streaks of blood. The room, already in

    disarray due to the fight, closely resembled a murder scene.

    ¡°Josiah, are you okay?¡± Lysander asked.

    Josiah cast a cold nce at her. ¡°If I had killed him today, would you have called the police on me?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Will you, or will you not?¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    ¡°Heh, as expected. Dr. Thorne is indeed aw¨Cabiding citizen.¡°

    ¡°But I would have exined to the police that you did it for me¡­¡±

    Josiah exhaled heavily, leaning against the wall and sliding down slowly. There was a mix of self¨C

    mockery and amusement in his voice as he said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, you and I share no blood or bond. Do

    you really think the police would believe that I killed someone for you?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re notpletely unrted.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow, looking at her.

    ¡°You¡¯re my ex¨Chusband.¡±

    Josiah rolled his eyes, as if he had expected nothing good toe out of Lysander¡¯s mouth.

    He nudged the man lying on the ground with his foot.

    There was absolutely no response.

    The living room had transformed from a scene of utter chaos toplete silence. Lysander hesitated

    before speaking. ¡°Did you hear me screaming for help earlier?¡±

    Josiah replied irritably, ¡°No.¡±

    Lysander was speechless.

    ¡°Do you think I spend my nights eavesdropping at your door? Or that I¡¯ve bugged your house to listen

    to everything that happens inside?¡±

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    34%B

    Chapter 443 Gentleness Alone Cannot Keep a Woman

    Lysander said. ¡°I thought maybe my voice was drowned out by the thunder and rain.¡±

    ¡°Well, Dr. Thome, you¡¯re lucky I had insomnia sonight.¡±

    ¡°I sec.¡±

    Josiah suddenly burst out in anger, ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious why I had insomnia?¡±

    Lysander tentatively asked. ¡°Is it because of the new project nearby?¡±

    Josiahughed out loud in exasperation. ¡°I really wonder how you ever managed to get into medical

    school.¡±

    ai

    ¡°I¡¯m not a neurologist or psychologist. How would I know why you have insomnia?¡±

    ¡°Eine.¡± Josiah gritted his teeth. ¡°You¡¯re amazing.

    With that, he stood up.

    Lysander followed suit. ¡°Josiah¡­

    Ignoring her, Josiah calmly continued, ¡°Go back to the bedroom, close the door, take off the clothes,

    and hand it to me. After that, go back to sleep.¡±

    Having just experienced such an ordeal, how could Lysander possibly fall asleep? She looked down at

    the thief on the ground, her gaze filled with worry.

    He hadn¡¯t moved for quite some time. Is he still alive?

    Lysander struggled to speak and looked at the dim silhouette of Josiah. ¡°What about you?¡±

    With the ss shattered like this, he couldn¡¯t possibly return the same way. Even if he could go back

    through the corridor, his fingerprints and footprints would remain, not to mention the presence of such a

    thief in the house.

    Josiah¡¯s expression remained unchanged. ¡°Then it¡¯s a matter for tomorrow. If the police

    The to question

    you, just say that although you heard noises outside, you were too scared toe out, so you stayed.

    locked in the bedroom and didn¡¯t know what was happening outside.¡±

    The situation sounded much more serious than expected. His words seemed to imply that Lysander

    should just stand by and watch. She gasped, her voice trembling. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°Leave it to me. Do you remember what I just told you?¡±

    The shes of lightning and rolls of thunder outside the window never ceased.

    Lysander took advantage of the light to nce at the thief on the ground once more. ¡°Let me take a

    look first. There might still be a chance to save him.¡±

    She had just crouched down to inspect when she was abruptly hoisted up. Frowning, ¡°I¡¯ve told you not

    to concern yourself with these matters. Return to your room immediately. I can handle him.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s mind buzzed. ¡°Josiah, have you lost your mind?¡±

    ¡°Do you know where that Harry is now?¡±

    2/4

    23

    Mon, 3 Jun

    A

    34%

    Chapter 443 Gentleness Alone Cannot Keep a Woman

    Lysander shook her head.

    A glint shed in Josiah¡¯s eyes. ¡°The police don¡¯t know either.¡±

    Lysander grew more anxious. ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t¡­¡±

    The next second, Josiah stepped forward without warning. He extended his long arm around her waist

    and lified her into his arms.

    Lysander¡¯s feet suddenly left the ground, and the tension in her mind nearly snapped. She found

    herself on the soft bed in the bedroom.

    Struggling to sit up, she supported herself on the edge of the bed. ¡°Josiah, listen to me. I know you

    have the capability to handle this, but these two things are different¡­¡±

    Bruises from the thief¡¯s grip showed on her exposed arm, causing Josiah to frown deeply.

    His

    eyes darkened as he leaned closer in the dim light from the window and reiterated, ¡°Remember what I

    just told you. Don¡¯t worry about anything else.¡±

    Lysander clearly heard every word, feeling the undeniable pressure in his tone.

    She froze on the spot.

    Josiah looked at her bewildered expression and the rareck of defense in her demeanor. He finally

    smiled inappropriately and asked, ¡°What? Did I scare you? Afterst time, you should already know

    what kind of person I am.¡±

    ¡°Even at a time like this, you can still manage tough.¡±

    ¡°Your face is as white as a sheet,¡± Josiah said, either oblivious to the consequences of his previous

    actions or simply not caring. He stood by the bed, asking nonchntly, ¡°Lysander, are you scared

    because you were almost assaulted by a bad guy, or because of me?¡±

    ¡±

    Lysander countered, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t stopped you just now, would you have killed him?¡±

    Josiah paused, flexing his sore wrist. ¡°I would make him disappear.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Just like Harry.¡±

    ¡°Before we met, did you ever¡­¡±

    Josiah smirked. ¡°Take a guess.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Lysander, during those three years, I once thought being a gentle person was quite nice. A

    harmonious family, apatible wife, and a life full of sunshine. I was ready to be a gentle husband for

    the rest of my life. But a few days ago, someone told me that gentleness can¡¯t keep a woman.¡±

    Lysander took several deep breaths to calm her chaotic emotions. She pulled the nket over herself.

    When she spoke again, her voice, though still slightly hoarse, had regained its usual calmness. ¡°NowExclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    isn¡¯t the fime to discuss this.¡±

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444

    Chapter 444 Did He Just Kiss Your Neck

    Josiah waited silently for her to continue.

    ¡°The situation hasn¡¯t gotten so bad that we need to

    make him disappear.¡± Lysander analyzed their situation clearly: ¡°The thief broke in to steal and then

    tried to assault me. Both are undeniable crimes, and he will surely go to jail, but he doesn¡¯t deserve to

    die.¡±

    She hopped off the bed and walked out.

    Josiah grabbed her, frowning. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°My phone is in the living room. I need to call the police.¡±

    Seeing that Josiah still didn¡¯t let her go, she added, ¡°You acted in self¨Cdefense to protect me. Even if

    he is dead, it would be considered justifiable. I¡¯m not trying to get you arrested. I¡¯m not that heartless.¡±

    Josiah snorted. ¡°That¡¯s debatable.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to argue with him right now and said, ¡°Sexual assault is a violent crime. When the

    police arrive, I¡¯ll exin everything clearly.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile vanishedpletely. ¡°You still won¡¯t listen to me.¡±

    Lysander remained silent, confirming his words.

    Josiah said in a low voice, ¡°Lysander, we¡¯ve been married for three years, but it seems you¡¯ve never

    truly trusted me.¡±

    ¡°Is this really the time to bring that up? The guy outside could still be saved, but if we dy any longer,

    he might not be.¡±

    ¡°I just feel like I¡¯ve failed,¡± Josiah said. ¡°You¡¯re very independent and strong¨Cwilled, but you¡¯ve built a

    high. wall around your heart. You don¡¯te out, and no one can get in. I can¡¯t get in, and neither can

    Adrian.¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t lie to me about one thing: you don¡¯t need love. Even without love, you can live well. Or

    rather, you

    don¡¯t allow yourself to fall into it. You rationally leave yourself an escape route and withdraw at the first

    sign of danger, protecting yourself to the fullest extent.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re wrong. I actually admire you for always being able to make the most

    rational decisions. You did it when you left me and when you quickly aborted the baby to sever all ties

    with

    me.¡±

    ¡°If you want to think of it that way, then fine.¡± Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°This happened because of

    me, and I can¡¯t just leave the mess for someone else to clean up. Besides, after such amotion

    tonight, it¡¯s hard to hide it from the police. Even if I were to follow your n, I might not be able to

    escape punishment, and I don¡¯t want to hide behind others like a coward.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone softened slightly. ¡°The theft can be proven by the fingerprints in your home, but attempted

    sexual assault is hard to prove legally. He didn¡¯t actually seed, and they won¡¯t find his biological

    1/3

    Chapter 444 Did He Just Kiss Your Neck

    Lysander thought for a moment and then loosened the coat tightly wrapped around her. She looked

    down at the torn her and cor of her nightgown and quietly said, ¡°There is DNA evidence on this

    nightgown and on my neck. The police can collect it andpare it.¡±

    Josiah froze, his breath catching. With his reddened eyes and tightly pressed lips, he looked

    frightening.

    Lysander didn¡¯t notice his reaction and continued logically, ¡°I struggled and tried to scratch the thief¡¯s

    face but didn¡¯t seed. However, his biological evidence is definitely on me¡­¡±

    It wasn¡¯t until the room¡¯s atmosphere turned a degree colder did she look up and see Josiah¡¯s furious

    expression. His pupils shrank, his hands clenched into fists. He gritted his teeth as he asked, ¡°Did he

    kiss your neck?¡±

    The question was blunt.

    Lysander felt embarrassed and wanted to cover her neck but was afraid of wiping away the DNA

    evidence. She covered her neck with her loose hair and recalled, ¡°He only touched it during the

    struggle.

    Without looking back, Josiah walked out of the bedroom and asked, ¡°Do you have a pair of pliers at

    home?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s already¨Csoaked nightgown was drenched in cold sweat again. She hurriedly pushed off the

    nket and put on slippers. After chasing him into the living room, she stopped him from grabbing the

    thief¡¯s cor. ¡°What do you need pliers for?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face remained unchanged as he said matter¨Cof¨Cfactly. ¡°To pull out his tongue.¡±

    There weren¡¯t any pliers in the living room. His gaze swept across the cluttered floor and spotted a

    conveniently sized piece of broken ss.

    Just as he bent down to pick it up. Lysander kicked it away, grabbed his sleeve, and stopped him.

    ¡°Calm down, will you?¡±

    The rain outside had lessened, and moonlight gradually filled the living room, illuminating their faces.

    Josiah¡¯s face was expressionless as he stared at the unconscious thief with a look of disdain. ¡°He

    deserves it.¡±

    Lysander clung to his waist, preventing him from acting impulsively. ¡°I still prefer the gentle you from

    before.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Josiah lowered his head, looking into her eyes. Finally, he smiled sadly and asked, ¡°If I became the

    gentle person I used to be, would youe back?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t answer his question.

    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡±

    He lifted his hand, and with a little force, he could have shaken Lysander off, but he couldn¡¯t bring

    himself.

    to do it.

    This is the first time since our separation that you¡¯ve voluntarily hugged me,¡± he scoffed. ¡°And it¡¯s for a

    scumbag¡±

    Lysander quickly let go as if burned. ¡°I just don¡¯t wash things to escte further.¡±

    2/3

    23:02 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 444 Did He Just Kiss Your Neck

    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡± Josiah snorted coldly. ¡°I know you too well.¡±

    The living room was eerily silent.

    Lysander and Josiah stood still for a while before she quietly asked, ¡°Are you calm now?¡±

    Josiah grunted in acknowledgment hoarsely.

    Only then did Lysander release Josiah and turn to squat beside the thief. Despite her disgust and fear,

    his survival was crucial to them.

    The thief remained motionless, but upon her careful observation, she noticed a faint rise and fall in his

    chest.

    Lysander pressed her hand to his neck and sighed in relief. ¡°He¡¯s still alive.¡±

    Josiah said coldly, ¡°That¡¯s because it was too dark to see clearly.¡±

    Still worried, Lysander checked the thief¡¯s condition carefully before wrapping her cor tightly and

    standing up.

    ¡°Though I¡¯m not an orthopedic doctor, judging by his state of unconsciousness, he has multiple broken

    bones. Fortunately, none are fatal. However, the blood on his face looks bad, and he¡¯s lost several

    teeth.¡±

    Josiah wordlessly let out a coldugh, his hand that had been hanging by his side gradually rxed,

    revealing the blood smeared on his knuckles. It belonged to both the thief and himself.

    Lysander found some tissues from the mess and handed them to him to wipe his hands. She then

    retrieved her phone to call 911.

    Josiah stood by silently, with no intention of leaving.

    Lysander provided the dispatcher with their exact address and detailed the thief¡¯s condition, instructing

    them to bring a stretcher and stabilizers. Though not life¨Cthreatening, a sternum fracture could be

    serious if it punctured a lung, making a stretcher necessary for safe transport.

    After hanging up, she looked at the shattered ss on the floor and asked softly, ¡°The ss is quite

    thick. Did you break this ss with your bare hands?¡±

    After calming down, Josiah finally felt the pain from smashing the ss with his bare hands. He

    retorted, ¡°What else could I have done? Headbutt it?¡±

 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445

    B

    Chapter 445 Shot Himself In The Foot

    Actually, even if the sliding ss door had been unlocked, with his state of mind at the time, he would

    have chosen to smash it anyway.

    Lysander naturally continued to ask, ¡°Is your hand okay?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice softened slightly. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    His hands appeared broad and dependable, even though they were injured, they didn¡¯t look frightening.

    Lysander said seriously, ¡°I¡¯m really grateful for your help.¡±

    The despair of that moment still lingered in her heart.

    If Josiah hadn¡¯t shown up, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

    Josiah didn¡¯t use the excuse of not being able to sleep to brush off Lysander. He sat down on the sofa

    and told her the truth: ¡°When you went out the past two days, didn¡¯t you notice the mark next to your

    front door?¡±

    ¡°What kind of mark?¡±

    ¡°A circle with a check mark in the middle.¡±

    Lysander shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s a mark left by a thief checking out the ce.

    ¡°What does that mark mean? My house doesn¡¯t have anything valuable, and my daily items are pretty

    cheap.¡±

    ¡°Female, living alone,¡± Josiah exined. ¡°When I saw it yesterday, I asked Harry to find out. Harry

    found out that ces marked like this are usually targeted within three days. So tonight, I didn¡¯t dare

    sleep, worried something might happen to you.

    Lysander said nothing.

    ¡°Although your daily items aren¡¯t high¨Cend, a lone woman is physically weaker. Knowing they can¡¯t

    overpower a grown man, their first reaction to a break¨Cin is to pretend to be asleep and unaware,

    waiting for the thief to leave. This is actually the safest for the thief.¡±

    Lysander felt vexed. She¡¯d been so busytely that she hadn¡¯t noticed the mark outside her door.

    ¡°But this thief is probably a novice, Experienced thieves usually don¡¯t lock the door after entering,

    leaving it slightly open for a quick escape. Whether he was overconfident or ignorant, he locked the

    door, and I couldn¡¯t get in from outside, so I had to go through the window.¡±

    ¡°When the ambnce arrives, you should go to the hospital too. He¡¯s seriously injured, but you must

    have some minor injuries too. Get them checked.¡±

    Annoyed, Josiah replied, ¡°I said I¡¯m fine.¡±

    The ambnce wouldn¡¯t arrive for a while.

    1/3

    Chapter 445 Shot Himself In The Foot

    Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

    The atmosphere once again grew awkward.

    Lysander thought of the earlier encounter at the private restaurant and took the initiative to ask, ¡°If y

    move in, will Tiffanye with you?¡±

    you

    Josiah turned away, looking at her with aplicated expression. ¡°So what? What are you trying to

    say?¡±

    Lysander thought aloud. ¡°Tiffany grew up pampered and probably hasn¡¯t faced much danger. With all

    thismotion here, even you breaking the ss toe over, she must be really scared and worried

    about you.¡±

    Josiahughed in anger. ¡°So what? Are you trying to persuade me to go back andfort her?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re always thinking of others.¡± Josiah clenched his jaw, almost reopening the wound on his hand

    from the force. ¡°Never for me.¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re strong. Who would dare provoke you?¡± Lysander replied calmly. ¡°Actually, just me

    waiting for the ambnce is enough. The thief has broken ribs. He can¡¯t do anything.¡±

    Her words were kind, covering all necessary considerations. She fixed her gaze on Josiah, subtly

    indicating that it was time for him to leave.

    Josiah felt a chilling bitterness. He asked angrily, ¡°Do you just want me to go back to Tiffany that

    badly?¡±

    Lysander asked softly, ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me you were serious about Tiffany this time? The wedding date

    is

    even set

    ¡°When did I ever¡­¡± Josiah swallowed the rest of his words.

    He didn¡¯t agree outright, but he also didn¡¯t object. He even brought up the topic of the wedding himself.

    It was as if he had shot himself in the foot.

    Lysander remained calm. ¡°You saved me today, and I owe you a huge favor. If you invite me to your

    wedding. I¡¯ll definitelye. My ie isn¡¯t that high, so my gift won¡¯t be as grand as those from your

    wealthy friends or business partners trying to curry favor with you.¡±

    Josiah was about to explode again, this time out of sheer frustration, He abruptly stood up, seething

    with resentment as he bitterly said, ¡°Fine, fine!¡±

    Before she could say anything else, he stomped out, stepping on the thief without a pause. He

    mmed the door so hard it shook the entire room.

    After Josiah Jeft, Lysander tightly held themp base, ready to strike again if the thief woke up.

    Fortunately, Josiah¡¯s blows were indeed heavy. The thief remained unconscious.

    In the early hours, the sound of the ambnce echoed through the residential area.

    Lysander opened the door for the paramedics, guiding them, ¡°This person has broken ribs, and

    probably a concussion. You might want to contact the ER for a CT scan.

    Seeing her disheveled home and injured wrist, the doctor guessed what had happened and quickly

    said, ¡°You shoulde to the hospital with us. If you n to report this to the police, your injuries will

    serve as evidence. It¡¯s best to get an injury assessment.¡±

    2/3

    Chapter 445 Shot Himself In The Foot

    Lysander thought it over and agreed.

    They were in a hurry. In order not to dy the medical staff¡¯s time, Lysander wrapped herself in the

    coat Josiah left behind and took the ambnce to the hospital.

    The emergency room was always the busiest at night. As soon as the thief arrived, he was whisked

    away for examination. Everyone else was also swamped with work.

    Lysander told the apanying nurse, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me. I used to be a doctor and

    am familiar with the procedures and my condition. I can handle the rest myself.¡±

    Recalling her behavior throughout, the nurse expressed in surprise, ¡°Well, we¡¯ll be going then.¡±

    Lysander nodded.

    The hospital corridors were crowded and noisy, but it gave her a sense of security. She found a ce

    to sit and called the police.

    After exining the situation to the authorities, she saw a young woman in a white coat stop and stare

    at her for a moment before running over excitedly, ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Recognizing the familiar voice, Lysander looked up and smiled. ¡°Lynn!¡±

    Seeing the bruises and injuries, Lynn frowned and asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, what happened to you? Did you

    run into trouble? I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a long story¡­.

    Soon, the police arrived at the hospital.

    After getting a brief understanding of the situation from Lysander, they asked, ¡°Ms. Thorne, have your

    injuries been treated? If they have, we need you toe to the station with us.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

    O

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446

    Chapter 446 Somewhat Inconvenient

    Lynn trusted Lysander¡¯s words and hurriedly said. ¡°Dr. Thorne is the victim. You can¡¯t arrest her!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re just taking Ms. Thorne back to take a statement and file a case,¡± the police

    reassured

    her.

    Lysander signaled Lynn to stay calm and added. ¡°Okay, thank you for your hard work.¡±

    Seeing Lysander¡¯s exhausted and lightly dressed state, Lynn couldn¡¯t help but worry. She quickly

    offered, ¡°Wait a moment. I¡¯ll go to the duty room and get a thick coat for Dr. Thorne. It¡¯s too cold

    outside.¡±

    Lynn quickly ran back to the duty room and brought her own coat,

    As she draped the coat over Lysander, she whispered, ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you need me to exaggerate

    your injuries a bit? I have a few colleagues in the forensic department.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°You should get back to your duties. The obstetrics and gynecology

    department can¡¯t be without staff.¡±

    In the police interrogation room, Lysander detailed everything from hearing the strange noises in the

    living room. When she got to the part where the thief tried to assault her, she became more concise.

    ¡°The scene was chaotic. I couldn¡¯t breathe as he covered my mouth, and I was scared. I just grabbed

    whatever I could and hit him. By the time I came to, he was unconscious on the floor, and the ss

    beside him was shattered. I was afraid he¡¯d die, so I called an ambnce.¡±

    As she spoke, Lysander subconsciously clutched the front of her coat.

    The female officer sympathetically handed her a cup of hot water. ¡°Ms. Thorne, there¡¯s no need to be

    afraid. You¡¯re safe here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lysander took a sip from the cup, feeling the warmth spread through her. As she held the

    paper cup, herplexion improved significantly.

    The officer taking her statement reviewed the details from start to finish, then called his colleagues at

    the hospital to check the situation. Finally, he said seriously, ¡°Ms. Thorne, the suspect has been

    identified. He has a criminal record, though it¡¯s mostly shoplifting in malls. This is his first home

    invasion, likely due to inexperience. He probably didn¡¯t expect you to fight back so fiercely and end up

    knocking him out.¡±

    A criminal record? Good. It will make proving my case simpler.

    The female officer noticed her distraught state and offeredforting words, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll be

    heavily sentenced this time. As a young woman living alone, it¡¯s not umon to attract unwanted

    attention. When you get home, make sure to change your locks and upgrade your security windows.¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lysander murmured. ¡°I thought I was already very careful, and I heard the neighborhood was

    rtively safe. I didn¡¯t expect this.¡±

    The officer added, ¡°In the future, you might want to consider leaving a pair of old men¡¯s shoes at your

    door. Thieves tend to avoid ces where they think a man might be living¡±

    Lysander smiled wryly inside but didn¡¯t show it. She simply said, ¡°Okay, thank you.¡±

    1/3

    Chapter 446 Somewhat Inconvenient

    hospital¡¯s report, the suspect is severely injured. He has an open skull wound, multiple rib fractures,

    and at broken jaw. Honestly, it¡¯s hard to believe you caused all this alone.¡±

    Understanding the medical terms, Lysander hesitated before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect things to turn out

    this way when I was fighting back.¡±

    ¡°Is that really so?¡±

    Lysander insisted. ¡°I remember hitting his head during the struggle.¡±

    The officer¡¯s gaze turned sharp. ¡°Even if the head injury was caused by you, what about the fractures?

    Ms. Thorne, have you had any martial arts training? Tackwondo, karate, or wrestling?¡±

    Lysander knew she couldn¡¯t lie her way out. Understanding that saying too much could be problematic,

    she maintained silence on that issue, simply saying, ¡°What I¡¯m telling you is true. You canpare the

    DNA once the forensic samples are ready.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t doubt you,¡± the officer softened his tone, though suspicion lingered. ¡°The suspect¡¯s injuries

    are severe. If you have no martial arts training, it¡¯s unlikely you alone could cause such damage.¡±

    The female officer assured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, his life is not in immediate danger. Whether your actions were

    justified self¨Cdefense will be determined by the investigation.¡±

    Lysander sighed internally. She gathered her courage and admitted, ¡°There was someone else who

    saved me. He¡¯s a friend. He fought the thief to protect me. If he hadn¡¯t shown up in time, I might have

    been¡­¡±

    The disgusting memory of the thief¡¯s stench made her take several deep breaths to steady herself.

    The police asked patiently, ¡°Your friend should still be in the area, right? Can you call him toe and

    make a statement?¡±

    Lysander hesitated. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient. He has a special status and can¡¯t easilye to the police

    station. I¡¯ll take full responsibility for the incident. I¡¯m willing to cover the thief¡¯s medical and any rted

    expenses.

    The officer shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re the victim. It¡¯s not your ce topensate the suspect. If

    anything. he should bepensating you.¡±

    Lysander insisted, ¡°I respect the police¡¯s decisions, but I don¡¯t want my friend¡¯s life disrupted because

    of this. Please understand.¡±

    The female police officer was about to persuade her further when a colleague entered, saying, ¡°The

    victim¡¯s friend is here. Should I let them in?¡±

    Everyone looked at Lysander.

    Earlier, on the way to the police station, she had called Daphne.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s my friend. I contacted her toe pick me up,¡± Lysander said.

    Soon, a figure appeared in the interrogation room, but it wasn¡¯t Daphne as expected. It was Adrian,

    looking anxious and rushed.

    A

    Seeing Lysander, he immediately asked, ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡±

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    23:02 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 446 Somewhat inconvenient

    Since arriving at the police station, Lysander had tidied herself up a bit. Though she still looked tired,

    her torn nightgown was hidden under her coat, making her appear less disheveled. She reassured him,

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Adrian breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Guerra, why are you here?¡±

    He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, exining somewhat incoherently. ¡°Daphne called me. She

    said you were in danger and at the police station. She wanted toe herself but got caught up with

    something at home, so she asked me toe first. She¡¯ll be here soon.¡±

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447

    Chapter 447 The Clothes He Left Behind

    Lysander hadn¡¯t intended to rm Adrian, but now that he was here, she couldn¡¯t exactly send him

    away. With a hint of helplessness, she said, ¡°I¡¯m really okay, you should tell Daphne not to rush over

    here.¡±

    Adrian quickly pulled out his phone to send a message. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell her.¡±

    The policewoman and the policeman shared a nce. Once Adrian had finished his phone call, they

    turned to Lysander with a smile. ¡°Ms. Thorne, the friend you just mentioned, it¡¯s him, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected to cause such a misunderstanding. She was in a bind, unsure whether to

    exin or to remain silent. She found herself torn, her brows furrowed in distress.

    Adrian instinctively protected her, turning to the police officer and saying. ¡°I am indeed her friend. Is

    there any paperwork that needs to be done? I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    The police officer couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, teasing, ¡°Ms. Thorne, your friend seems quite concerned

    about you.¡±

    The corner of Lysander¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. In order not toplicate things, she chose to remain

    silent.

    Upon seeing the situation, the police officer became increasingly certain that he was the one who

    caused the suspect to be admitted to the emergency room. Despite his refined appearance, which

    suggested he was not a man to act rashly, the officer adopted a serious expression and cautioned, ¡°Sir,

    I understand your feelings, but your retaliation was excessively harsh. The hospital just reported that

    four of his ribs are broken, and he has lost almost all his teeth.¡±

    After all, Adrian was a doctor. Upon hearing about the injury, it seemed as if he had already realized

    something.

    Josiah lived next door.

    It was clear as day who had dealt such a heavy blow.

    ¡°Excuse me, is that person¡¯s life in danger?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s already in surgery at the hospital. He should pull through,¡± the police officer said,

    suspecting the man was ying dumb. However, considering the victim¡¯s feelings, he didn¡¯t call him out

    on it. Instead, he added, ¡°Remember not to be so impulsive next time. Excessive self¨Cdefense can also

    lead to criminal charges. If someone were to die, it wouldn¡¯t be something you could simply settle with

    compensation.

    Gradually, Adrian started to understand. However, he didn¡¯t raise any objections. He simply

    acknowledged it, saying. ¡°Thank you, I understand now.¡±

    With a soft sigh, Lysander prepared herself to exin everything to him once they left this ce.

    All the involved people had already arrived, and the police had no intention of wasting any more time

    on a case that was essentially closed. They simply said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, please sign and go

    home to rest as soon as possible. If there are any new developments in the case, we¡¯ll be sure to

    contact you.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Atst, Lysander managed to leave the police station.

    mina as thaf cha maliza sorinn ha

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    23:03 Mon, 3 Jun

    3450

    0

    Chapter 447 The Clothes He Left Behind

    Lysander hadn¡¯t intended to rm Adrian, but now that he was here, she couldn¡¯t exactly send him

    away. With a hint of helplessness, she said. ¡°I¡¯m really okay, you should tell Daphne not to rush over

    here.¡±

    Adrian¡® quickly pulled out his phone to send a message. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll tell her.¡±

    The policewoman and the policeman shared a nce. Once Adrian had finished his phone call, they

    turned to Lysander with smile. ¡°Ms. Thorne, the friend you just mentioned, it¡¯s him, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected to cause such a misunderstanding. She was in a bind, unsure whether to

    exin or to remain silent. She found herself torn, her brows furrowed in distress.

    Adrian instinctively protected her, turning to the police officer and saying, ¡°I am indeed her friend. Is

    there any paperwork that needs to be done? I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    The police officer couldn¡¯t help but ¡®chuckle, teasing, ¡°Ms. Thorne, your friend seems quite concerned.

    about you.¡±

    The corner of Lysander¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. In order not toplicate things, she chose to remain

    silent.

    Upon seeing the situation, the police officer became increasingly certain that he was the one who

    caused the suspect to be admitted to the emergency room. Despite his refined appearance, which

    suggested he was not a man to act rashly, the officer adopted a serious expression and cautioned, ¡°Sir,

    I understand your feelings, but your retaliation was excessively harsh. The hospital just reported that

    four of his ribs are broken, and he has lost almost all his teeth.¡±

    After all, Adrian was a doctor. Upon hearing about the injury, it seemed as if he had already realized

    something.

    Josiah lived next door.

    It was clear as day who had dealt such a heavy blow.

    ¡°Excuse me, is that person¡¯s life in danger?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s already in surgery at the hospital. He should pull through,¡± the police officer said,

    suspecting the man was ying dumb. However, considering the victim¡¯s feelings, he didn¡¯t call him out

    on it. Instead, he added, ¡°Remember not to be so impulsive next time. Excessive self¨Cdefense can also

    lead to criminal charges. If someone were to die, it wouldn¡¯t be something you could simply settle with

    compensation.¡±

    Gradually, Adrian started to understand. However, he didn¡¯t raise any objections. He simply

    acknowledged it, saying, ¡°Thank you, I understand now.¡±

    With a soft sigh, Lysander prepared herself to exin everything to him once they left this ce.

    All the involved people had already arrived, and the police had no intention of wasting any more time

    on a case that was essentially closed. They simply said, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, please sign and go

    home to rest as soon as possible. If there are any new developments in the case, we¡¯ll be sure to

    contact you.¡±

    Atst, Lysander managed to leave the police station.

    A

    W

    Chapter 447 The Clothes He Left Behind

    still couldn¡¯t help but express his worry. ¡°Daphne gave me a strict order this time. She said if I didn¡¯t

    personally ensure you got home safely, she would infest my house with ten thousand cockroaches¡±

    It was a very ¡°Daphne¡± threat.

    The morning breeze was biting cold. Apart from her nightgown, Lysander only had Josiah¡¯s leftover

    coat on her body. It wasn¡¯t exactly a sight of elegance, but she had no choice but to make do with it.

    Worried that she might change her mind, Adrian escorted her to the car. Not stopping there, he even

    opened the car door for her. Only after she hadfortably settled in the back seat, did he get into the

    driver¡¯s seat himself, ready to take her home

    to sooner had Adrian driven off with Lysander, than a golden Panamera pulled up not too far away.

    Tiffany rolled down the car window, peering ahead with a tinge of regret in her voice. ¡°Jose, it seems

    we¡¯re Lare. Lysa has already been picked up by her boyfriend.¡±

    Josiah did not answer her.

    So, what are we Tiffany began, turning her puzzled gaze toward the driver¡¯s seat. However, she was

    taken aback by the sudden icy stare from Josiah, cutting her off mid¨Csentence.

    Josiah wore a nk expression. His gaze alone was chillingly intimidating

    Tiffany didn¡¯t dare to approach him. Instead, she cautiously asked. ¡°Jose, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s hand, resting on the steering wheel, nearly deformed the leather cover due to his grip.

    However, his voice remained calm when he spoke, hiding any trace of oddity in his eyes. ¡°Nothing¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, he promptly turned the car around and left.

    When Lysander arrived home, the police who hade to collect evidence had already left. The only

    person at the door was a property management office staff member, who was apologizing to her, ¡°Ms.

    Thorne, we¡¯re truly sorry. If there¡¯s anything you need, we¡¯ll be sure to assist.¡±

    Lysander gently shook her head, too weary to utter another word. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯ll reach out

    if I need anything

    Adrian, with a heart full of concern, spoke up for her. ¡°Thank you. She¡¯s had a long day and is a bit

    worn out. She¡¯d like to rest for now.¡±

    The staff member didn¡¯t dare to disturb Lysander further. After leaving a business card with contact

    information, they quickly took their leave.

    ¡°Be careful,¡± he warned.

    Adrian shielded Lysander as they entered the room, noticing the remnants of broken ss on the floor.

    He quickly stepped forward, kicking the shards aside as best he could. ¡°You go rest, I¡¯ll take care of

    this,¡± he said.

    ¡°Leave it be. I¡¯ll clean up after I wake up!

    Adrian asked, ¡°Do you need to return the clothes you¡¯re wearing?¡±

    The outfit was sohing losiah had left for her. Shnned to return it to him after having it cleaned at

    2/3

    23-03 Mon,

    Chapter 447 The Clothes He Left Behind

    Àî:34%ÈÕ

    the dry cleaner¡¯s. However, she wasn¡¯t sure if he would still want it back, considering his mysophobia.

    Seeing that Lysander remained silent, Adrian also didn¡¯t bring up the matter of the coat again.

    ¡°Broken ss can be quite dangerous. It¡¯s best to clean it up as soon as possible. I¡¯ll be quick.¡±

    Adrian was quick to fetch a broom from the bathroom. By the time he returned, Lysander had already

    ventured into the bedroom. With her back facing the door, she was carefully removing Josiah¡¯s

    overcoat.

    As soon as Adrian looked up, he noticed her torn nightgown. He froze for a moment, then quickly

    turned his back to her.

    The atmosphere turned somewhat awkward.

    Instinctively, Lysander raised her hand to cover her front, immediately feeling waves of pain washing

    over her. It wasn¡¯t just her wrist that was bruised from being dragged around by the man, but arge

    bruise had also formed on her chest, and she couldn¡¯t recall how she had gotten it. The injured area

    had darkened into a deep shade of purple.

    The bedroom was situated right across from the bathroom. She quickly shut the door and began

    rummaging through her wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit.

    When she emerged again after closing the door, she had changed into a turtleneck sweater and long

    pants. From her wrist to her neck, everything was covered uppletely.

    Only then did Adrian dare to look at her again. He moved the bag of trash he had gathered to the door

    and said. ¡°I¡¯ve wrapped the broken ss in tissue paper and tape, it¡¯s ready to be thrown out.¡±

    Lysander nced at the now much cleaner floor and the items returned to their original ce. ¡°Thank

    you so much. Let me handle the rest. I can do it. Really.¡±

    Gazing with a hint of bitterness, Adrian ced the broom back to where it belonged. ¡°Okay.¡±

    White Coat was terribly frightenedst night as well.

    Normally, upon seeing Adrian, he would wag its tail enthusiastically. However, today it had curled itself

    into a small ball, tucked away in the farthest corner of the cage, shivering in silence.

    Lysander approached the cage and lifted the little creature out. It was genuinely frightened, still

    trembling in her arms.

    Adrian sensed something was off and followed up with a question. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with White Coat?¡±

    ¡°It was trying to protect mest night, barking incessantly. It even got thrown out by the thief at one

    point. But it was too dark, so I couldn¡¯t really make out what exactly happened.¡±

    Lysander gently ran her fingers over a small patch of bare¨Cskin on White Coat, but something felt

    amiss when she touched its back leg.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448

    Chapter 448 Get Dressed Before You Come Out

    White Coat seemed to be in pain, whimpering and seeking sce in Lysander¡¯s embrace as it limped.

    Its hind legs seemed injured.

    Adrian also noticed something off about the dog. ¡°Its fur seemed to be torn off, and its leg seems a bit

    lame too.

    Lysander held White Cost tightly tofort it, her voice trembling with fear. ¡°The police said that the

    thief fromst night was a seasoned criminal with a past record. If it weren¡¯t for Josiah¡­¡±

    Her voice trailed off, for she dared not mention Josiah¡¯s name in Adrian¡¯s presence.

    Adrian assumed she was just frightened and didn¡¯t dwell on that. Instead, heforted her in a soft

    voice, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. It¡¯s over,

    ¡°Yeah, I know. Thank you for sending me home. Be careful on your way back.¡± Lysander changed the

    subject without skipping a beat.

    ncing at the draughty balcony and the warped floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window frame, Adrian didn¡¯t insist on

    helping her to repair them. Instead, he slowly stood up and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll be on my way. I still need to

    report back to Ms. Everhart.¡±

    Lysander, hugging White Coat, nodded. ¡°I won¡¯t be seeing you out.¡±

    Adrian, still worried, kept pausing in his tracks and looking back as he made his way to the door. He

    couldn¡¯t help but suggest, ¡°I overheard the police say that single women can deter potential criminals

    by cing men¡¯s old shoes at their doorstep. I think it makes sense. I¡¯ll bring you someter,¡±

    He surveyed theyout of Lysander¡¯s home, his worry deepening. ¡°You could also hang a few men¡¯s

    clothes on the balcony,¡± he suggested.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll just ask my dad for a few clothes and pairs of shoester,¡± he said.

    Adrian understood the underlying message and refrained from saying anything unnecessary. Instead,

    he asked as a friend, ¡°Yeah, you can use your dad¡¯s. Do you have any other ns after this?¡±

    ¡°I need to take White Coat to the veterinary clinic first to check on its injuries and leave it there to

    recuperate. There¡¯s just too much on my te after this, and I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to give it the

    attention it needs. Rather than keeping it with me and not being able to care for it properly, it would be

    better to let the professionals help.¡± Lysander stroked White Coat, carefully avoiding its injuries as she

    said worriedly. ¡°Poor little pup, treated so brutally when it¡¯s only a few months old. I¡¯m worried it¡¯ll be

    scarred for life.

    Adrian thoughtfully suggested, ¡°Maybe you should leave White Coat with me. There are many animals

    in the veterinary clinic, and the staff can¡¯t possibly attend to each one thoroughly. I happen to have

    some free timetely, and it can keep mepany. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take it to the veterinary clinic for a

    full check¨Cup first. Once it¡¯s treated, it can stay at my ce to recover. You can pick it up once you¡¯ve

    settled your

    matters.¡±

    White Coat seemed to share a close bond with him. Despite being traumatized, it still timidly leaned

    over for him to pet when he bent down.

    Compared to Lysander, White Coat was clearly closer to Adrian, who had been looking after it.

    1/3

    Chapter 448 Get Dressed Before You Come Out

    Having no other choice, Lysander could only agree. ¡°I¡¯ll be counting on you then. I¡¯ll make sure to buy

    White Coat some dog food and have it sent over to your ce¡±.

    Adrian left Lysander¡¯s house with White Coat along with its snacks and toys. Instead of dilly¨Cdallying,

    he left swiftly this time after advising her to get some rest.

    Lysander was worn out and simply responded to him with a silent nod. As soon as he left, she changed

    into a clean nightgown andy down right away, sleeping until the sky darkentedpletely.

    If it weren¡¯t for the unmistakable feeling of intense hunger, she might have slept straight till the following

    morning.

    The floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window did nothing to keep the wind out after its ss was shattered. After the

    thunderstorm, the temperature dropped significantly, making the living room feel as cold as an ice

    cer.

    Lysander hugged herself, drawing the curtains to block out the wind. Then, she made a beeline for the

    kitchen and opened the fridge to appease her grumbling stomach.

    After Adrian returned, he woulde over almost every day with bags of groceries, filling her

    refrigerator

    to the brim.

    Her gaze swept over the array of meats, eggs, and vegetables, but she went straight for an unopened

    bag of pasta. Turning around, she began to fill a pot with water.

    The sound of heavy objects being dragged echoed from the corridor just beyond the wall.

    Immediately followed was the sound of conversation. It seemed like there were quite a few people, at

    least four or five.

    The next moment, there was a knock at the door.

    Lysander was much more cautious this time, first peeping through the door¡¯s peephole.

    It¡¯s Josiah and a few other unfamiliar men.

    ¡°Lysander, open the door,¡± he said.

    Lysander hesitated for a moment, a bit frightful.

    Are these the people Josiah brought to ¡°deal with¡± the thief? But he knew I called the police and an

    ambnce. What

    else is there to deal with?

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Josiah called out her name again.

    That was when the door was pulled open from the inside.

    Josiah¡¯s hand, which was about to knock on the door, hung in mid¨Cair. Four of five young men stood

    behind him, each carryingrge packages. As their gazes met, they all froze on the spot.

    Severalrge items were indeed ced in the corridor.

    The next moment, Josiah stepped inside and mmed the door shut behind him, leaving the others

    outside. Frowning in displeasure, he said, ¡°Go back inside and get dressed properly beforeing out

    again.¡±

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    Chapter 448 Get Dressed Before You Come Out

    Lysander looked down at her turtleneck sweater, speechless. ¡°What else am I supposed to wear? If I

    put on more clothes, I¡¯ll die from a heat stroke.¡±

    Josiah gave her a quick once¨Cover before stroking his chin thoughtfully and asking, ¡°Have you put on

    some weight recently?¡±

    ¡°How is that possible? I¡¯ve been so busy. Why would I have time to gain weight?¡±

    ¡°Your figure has improved a lot.¡±

    Lysander was confused. I¡¯m wearing a turtleneck sweater. How can he even discern my figure?

    Josiah gestured toward her chest. ¡°This sweater was quite loose here when you wore it before this. It

    wasn¡¯t this tight.¡±

    Lowering her gaze, Lysander finally knew what he was talking about.

    Although this sweater had long sleeves and a high neck, it was designed to be form¨Cfitting.

    In the past, she always wore it as an undeyer, paired with an outer coat on top, be it a trench coat or

    a tracksuit which concealed her figure.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Since she was at home today, she didn¡¯t wear an outer coat, making the shape of her chest slightly

    more noticeable.

    Lysander frowned. ¡°What are those people outside here for? Did you bring them here to deal with the

    crime scene?¡±

    Josiah clicked his tongue twice. ¡°Yeah, kind of.¡±

    ¡°That guy¡¯s at the hospital. The surgery¡¯s probably over by now, so I won¡¯t be needing them for the time

    being.¡±

    ¡°What did the police say?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I wanted to help you cover this up, but the police nowadays are extremely meticulous

    in their investigations. It¡¯s impossible to deceive them.¡±

    ¡°I never intended to hide anything either. But I haven¡¯t received a call from them yet.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got the whole process down pat, huh? Did you gain experience from taking the me for

    Lysanne¡¯s cousin?¡±

    Josiah curled his lips into a smirk. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about thister. Hurry inside and put on a coat. We have

    important matters to attend to today.¡±

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449

    Chapter 449 Short Of Clothes

    Observing him, Lysander deduced he wasn¡¯t really intending to flout thew.

    She took a nce at the few people outside earlier. Their clothing seemed identical, giving off the

    impression they were workers.

    ¡°Hurry up,¡± urged Josiah.

    Lysander entered her room and found a loose¨Cfitting sports jacket, which she draped over herself like

    at cloak

    Josiah was finally satisfied.

    His gaze unintentionally fell upon his zer she had casually draped over the back of the chair.

    Lysander said, ¡°Your clothes are quite expensive, so I didn¡¯t dare to wash them with water. I¡¯ll take

    them to the dry cleaners this afternoon and return them to you once they¡¯re clean.¡±

    With a stoic expression, Josiah casually replied, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it here with you for now.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Are you not going to wear it?¡±

    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m short of clothes?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t argue with him and said, ¡°But it¡¯s taking up space in my house.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Then hang it on the balcony.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯ll take up space on my drying rack.¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander remembered what the police had told her earlier that day¨Cshe could hang men¡¯s

    clothing on the balcony.

    Is that what he meant?

    Noticing the realization in her gaze, Josiah didn¡¯t borate further and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your

    nightgown?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken it off to discard it. Why?¡±

    *Nothing. I just noticed the recent drastic change in your clothing style. I¡¯ve never seen you wear such

    a sexy nightgown before.¡±

    Sery?

    ¡°That was just an ordinary nightgown. There are only so many styles for a woman¡¯s nightgown, after

    all.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression darkened even more, and his tone became sarcastic as he jabbed again, ¡°Your

    pajamas used to be two¨Cpiece sets, with long sleeves and long pants. Did you buy it especially for

    Adrian?¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words. ¡°I bought this at the supermarket after I returned to the country. The

    other styles weren¡¯t pure cotton, only this one was, so I bought it. What does it have to do with him?

    Also, didn¡¯t you say yesterday that both you and he couldn¡¯te in?¡±

    1/4

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 449 Short Of Clothes

    Observing him, Lysander deduced he wasn¡¯t really intending to flout thew.

    She took a nce at the few people outside earlier. Their clothing seemed identical, giving off the

    impression they were workers.

    ¡°Hurry up,¡± urged Josiah..

    Lysander entered her room and found a loose¨Cfitting sports jacket, which she draped over herself like a

    cloak.

    Josiah was finally satisfied.

    His gaze unintentionally fell upon his zer she had casually draped over the back of the chair.

    Lysander said, ¡°Your clothes are quite expensive, so I didn¡¯t dare to wash them with water. I¡¯ll take

    them to the dry cleaners this afternoon and return them to you once they¡¯re clean.¡±

    With a stoic expression, Josiah casually replied, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it here with you for now.¡±

    ¡°Are you not going to wear it?¡±

    ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m short of clothes?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t argue with him and said. ¡°But it¡¯s taking up space in my house.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Then hang it on the balcony.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯ll take up space on my drying rack.¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander remembered what the police had told her earlier that day¨Cshe could hang men¡¯s

    clothing on the balcony.

    Is that what he meant?

    Noticing the realization in her gaze, Josiah didn¡¯t borate further and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your

    nightgown?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve taken it off to discard it. Why?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I just noticed the recent drastic change in your clothing style. I¡¯ve never seen you wear such a

    sexy nightgown before.¡±

    Sexy?

    ¡°That was just an ordinary nightgown. There are only so many styles for a woman¡¯s nightgown, after

    all.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression darkened even more, and his tone became sarcastic as he jabbed again, ¡°Your

    pajamas used to be two¨Cpiece sets, with long sleeves and long pants. Did you buy it especially for

    Adrian?¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words. ¡°I bought this at the supermarket after I returned to the country. The

    other styles weren¡¯t pure cotton, only this one was, so I bought it. What does it have to do with him?

    Also, didn¡¯t you say yesterday that both you and he couldn¡¯te in?¡±

    1/4

    23:04 Mon, 3 Jun

    A

    Chapter 449 Short Of Clothes

    sc*m fromst night do this? Where else are you hurt? How did it get so bad?¡±

    Lysander turned away. ¡°It¡¯s just a bruise; it¡¯ll heal on its own after a while.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze, however, kept lingering on her neck.

    Lysander noticed him staring at her neck and pulled her jacket higher uneasily.

    Josiah, vexed, pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it to her. ¡°Here, this is for you.¡±

    Instinctively, Lysander caught it and took a look. ¡°Analgesic balm?¡±

    .34%

    Josiah¡¯s frown faded as he quickly exined before she could ask, ¡°Yeah. I injured my wrist a while

    back, and this was useful. You should give it a try too.¡±

    Sbe epted his kindness, albeit reluctantly. ¡°All right then, thank you.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t mind her reluctance and nced in the direction of the door. ¡°They¡¯re all men. Why don¡¯t

    you stay in your room for a bit? I¡¯ve brought them here to fix the windows, and while they¡¯re at it, they¡¯ll

    rece your lock too.¡±

    He was naturally well¨Cprepared.

    So thoserge items are actually raw materials for the windows.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t particrly surprised by this, though she was a bit puzzled. ¡°How did you know the

    size of my floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window?¡±

    Josiah remained expressionless. ¡°Both yours and mine are of the same size. I had them measure it at

    my ce and custom¨Cmade the ss.¡±

    His exnation made perfect sense.

    Josiah noticed Lysander¡¯s hesitation and added nonchntly, ¡°I broke your windowst night, so it¡¯s

    only right that I fix it for you. Hurry up. The workers are waiting outside. I have other ns after this.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Not wanting to waste their time, Lysander nodded and retreated into her bedroom.

    The mor in the living room went on for quite some time before it ceased. They were likely

    dismantling the deformed window frames.

    Lysander took out her phone and saw several messages from Daphne, asking about her situation.

    She responded to the messages, reassuring Daphne that there was no need to worry.

    Once they finished their conversation, the noise from outside had ceased for quite some time. The

    window recement had likely beenpleted.

    The rhythmic patter of footsteps echoed from outside the bedroom door.

    Josiah knocked on the door. ¡°It¡¯s done. Come out and take a look.¡±

    Lysander had assumed that he simply brought workers to rece the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, but

    what she saw caught her off guard.

    2/4

    23:04 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 449 Short Of Clothes

    The balcony windows had essentially been overhauled. It was evident that the ss was now several

    times. thicker than before. Moreover, an additionalyer of security mesh had been added outside,

    making it seem as impregnable as a fortress.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you

    think this is too much?¡± She walked over and carefully felt the material. These anti¨Ctheft windows, from

    frame to rod, seemed to be entirely made of alloy, looking exceptionally sturdy.

    Josiah casually stated, ¡°Not at all. All high¨Cend residences are equipped whh anti¨Ctheft windows now.

    There¡¯s a remote control here that can be used to roll it up or down. It won¡¯t affect the lighting in your

    house or hinder you from drying your clothes.¡±

    Lysander was not worried about that. Hesitating to speak at first, she eventually asked after some

    contemtion. ¡°How much did you spend on all these things?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze suddenly turned frosty. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Lysander remainedposed, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to spend too much. You broke the windowst night to

    save me, so naturally, I should be the one to cover the cost of the recement.¡±

    She then nced at the group of workers, adding. ¡°And there¡¯s also thebor fee.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°If the person who came to help you repair your window today was Adrian, would you

    still insist on paying him?¡±

    Lysander remained silent and pondered over this issue. What would I have done if it was Adrian who

    came? I¡¯d decline his offer to help and rather do everything myself than trouble him again.

    Seeing her remain silent, Josiah thought she was hesitating and scoffed, amused by his own

    presumptuousness.

    Lysander grew annoyed. ¡°What are you scoffing at?¡±

    A smirk of sarcasm appeared on Josiah¡¯s face as he said, ¡°Your best friend¡¯s family is in debt, and your

    own. family is in a hurry to make the house payment. Are you sure you still have money to give me?¡±

    He was well aware of Lysander¡¯s predicament, so he deliberately said, ¡°These materials aren¡¯t cheap,

    and I hired only the best workers.¡±

    Lysander would rather be ridiculed by him than owe him another favor. Hearing that, she calmed down

    and said, ¡°I might not have enough cash on hand, but there¡¯s always another option.¡±

    With that, she pulled out her phone and opened up the payment app.

    Josiah took a step forward, staring straight into her bright eyes. He wore aplex expression, and his

    words were harsh. ¡°If you¡¯re so short of money, have you ever thought about asking Adrian for some?

    The Sutton family isn¡¯tcking in resources. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll give you if you ask. A few million means

    nothing to

    him.¡±

    Lysander looked back at him calmly, raising a logical counter¨Cquestion. ¡°I share no familial or personal

    ties with Adrian. We were former colleagues at best. Why would he lend me money?¡±

    ¡°Trust me. I understand men/better than you do. A man is willing to do anything for the woman he

    likes,¡± Josiah said with an icy tone.

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450

    Chapter 450 I Want To Hear The Truth

    Seemingly wanting to confirm something, he fixed his gaze intensely on Lysander.

    Lysander nearlyughed out of frustration. ¡°You¡¯ve been going on about Adrian all day. What on earth

    has he done to upset you this time?¡±

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face faded, and he took a step back, putting some distance between them. ¡°Two

    tigers can¡¯t share one den, yet Aiden has two big brothers. I simply can¡¯t stand him.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so all this fuss was because you were jealous over Aiden?¡± asked Lysander with a sneer.

    Josiah was at a loss for words.

    I know you¡¯re surrounded by women, but since when were you into men?¡± Lysander continued teasing.

    frowning when she recalled the television series Daphne watched online about two men dating each

    other.

    It wasn¡¯t because she was old¨Cfashioned. She just couldn¡¯t stand watching those shows for personal

    reasons.

    Josiah quickly denied, ¡°What are you talking about? That¡¯s not what it is! Seriously, what have you

    been learning from Daphne?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not interested, but I respect her preferences.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care what she likes. Don¡¯t watch those with her.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression softened, and when she spoke again, her tone sounded solemn. ¡°By the way, I

    saw you at the private restaurant with Lysander and Tiffany.¡±

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°Who do you really fancy? Once you¡¯ve made up your mind, stick to it and don¡¯t give the other one

    false hope.¡±

    The subject of her words was vague, but Josiah still grasped her meaning and nodded. ¡°Who do you

    want me to stick to?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one choosing, not me.¡±

    ¡°You can say whatever you want, but the final decision still rests with me.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°I don¡¯t want to pry into your personal affairs. It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t help but

    sympathize with Tiffany upon seeing the state she¡¯s in. After all, I experienced the exact same thing.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression became serious when he heard that. ¡°This is the reason you wanted me to treat

    Tiffany well?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°That¡¯s because I understand how she feels. You both insist that the past is the that

    you¡¯re just friends, yet the three of you end up going out for dinner together. Any girl will feel

    ufortable.¡±

    past

    and

    I¡¯ve already exined this to you. I had absolutely no idea what Lysanne was nning to do, let alone

    the fact that she wasn¡¯t even Mr. and Mrs. Thorne¡¯s daughter.¡±

    81/3

    23-04 Mon¨C3:30

    Chapter 450 I Want To Hear The Truth

    Josiah nodded. ¡°All right, you go ahead.¡±

    Wistfulness surfaced in Lysander¡¯s gaze as she stared into the distance. Although she was looking at

    Josiah, she seemed to be glimpsing into the past through him.

    ¡°After we got married, you were really good to me. I felt quite fortunate to have met you. So, when the

    truth came out, I was indeed quite upset. I still remember how I felt at that time.¡± As time passed,

    Lysander no longer felt anything when bringing this up again. Not a ripple of emotion was stirred in her

    heart, and she spoke as if she were recounting someone else¡¯s story.

    The sky outside had gradually darkened. Tonight was a rare clear night, and moonlight filtered through

    the bars on the security windows, casting a soft glow on the living room floor.

    Lysander lowered her gaze to look at her and Josiah¡¯s shadow, taking a sidestep to separate them

    completely.

    Josiah didn¡¯t notice her subtle movements. His voice trembled as he confessed, ¡°Regardless, it was

    indeed my fault back then. I mishandled things and hurt you.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand dismissively, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I no longer dwell on the past. Living in the present is

    what truly matters now.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°Then why are you still telling me all this?¡±

    Lysander calmly exined, ¡°I don¡¯t want to see the tragedy that once urred to me rey on

    someone else. If you¡¯re marrying Tiffany just to form a business alliance with the Lanister family and

    not because you truly love her, I hope you¡¯ll think this through carefully. Our marriage was like that too,

    devoid of love and based solely on convenience. You are already aware of how that ended. Tiffany is

    younger and more naive than I am, so she will inevitably fall deeper. Even someone as cold¨Chearted as

    me was upset back then. How do you think she would react?¡±

    After hearing her words, Josiah pinched the bridge of his nose, troubled. ¡°You seem quite concerned

    about Tiffany, though I don¡¯t recall you two sharing a deep connection.¡±

    Lysander spoke honestly. ¡°We¡¯ve only met a few times, so it¡¯s not like we¡¯re close friends or anything¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being way too nosy.¡± He scoffed.

    ¡°I¡¯m just afraid she¡¯ll repeat my mistakes.¡±

    Josiah suddenly put on an air of indifference. ¡°It¡¯s too early for you to draw conclusions. What makes

    you so sure she¡¯ll end up hurt?¡±

    Lysander met his gaze and asked, ¡°So, are you serious about Tiffany this time?¡±

    This very question had infuriated Him and made him storm out in the early hours of yesterday morning.

    Under normal circumstances, people referred to his reaction as a disy of anger born out of

    embarrassment.

    As expected, Josiah fell silent.

    Lysander got to the point, saying, ¡°I can tell that Tiffany has a soft spot for you. She¡¯s not like me. I can

    live well without love, but she can¡¯t. If you don¡¯t love her, don¡¯t treat her too well. It¡¯s cruel to give her

    hope and take it away.¡±

    2/3

    23:04 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 450 I Want To Hear The Truth

    34%

    She paused for a moment before adding, ¡°Of course, if you can keep up this act in front of her forever.

    then disregard what I said today and take it as me being nosy.¡±

    After a moment of silence, Josiah spoke again, her voiceced with subtle hope. ¡°Lysander, let me ask

    you. Do you not want me to marry Tiffany?¡±

    Lysander was taken aback. ¡°No.¡±

    Josiah pressed on, ¡°I want to hear the truth.¡±

    As he spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but move closer to Lysander, trapping her between the cab and his

    chest to prevent her from making a run for it..

    ¡°Was that a difficult time for you?¡± He tried toprehend Lysander¡¯s feelings, and an unfamiliar pang

    of bitterness swelled in his chest.

    Lysander met his gaze head¨Con and admitted, ¡°A little. But it was bearable. During that time, I did

    some things I wanted to do but never had the courage to. Initially, I did them to distract myself. But

    looking back now, those things were quite meaningful.¡±

    Josiah pulled away slightly, persistently seeking for an answer. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you no longer miss

    what we once had?¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected him to ask such a question. After some thought, she said, ¡°I suppose so.

    Anyway, you should treat Tiffany properly.¡±

    The conversation circled back.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Josiah stood facing the balcony, his handsome profile bathed in the soft moonlight. His voice, husky

    from emotion, questioned Lysander, ¡°But you admitted it, you did feel pain at that time. Was it because

    deep down¡­ you had a bit of love for me, too?¡±

    Send Gifts

    GH

    398

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451

    Chapter 451 Cold Blood

    Lysander blinked subtly, hershes perfectly concealing the emotions in her eyes. ¡°It seems you still

    don¡¯t understand,¡± she said. ¡°I thought this concept was straightforward enough for you to grasp.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°How should I interpret this?¡±

    ¡°I was in pain, simply because I was betrayed by someone I had always trusted,¡± Lysander exined,

    fearing he might not understand. She even gave him an example, ¡°What would you do if Ms. Collins

    betrayed Guerra Group¡¯s business secrets?¡±

    Josiah was instantly filled with rage. ¡°How can these issues be lumped together?¡±

    ¡°The feelings were actually the same.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyes were rimmed with red, his frustration making him look more like he¡¯d been hit where it

    hurt. ¡°Do you truly not understand, Lysander?¡± he asked again. ¡°If it was not me but another man, just

    as gentle and considerate, who married you back then, would you be intimate with him?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Isn¡¯t marital intimacy part of the marital obligations?¡±

    Josiahughed. ¡°Obligation?¡±

    ¡°Since I was married, and I was quite content with my marital status at the time, so naturally, I was

    willing to maintain that marriage rtionship.¡±

    Under the moonlight, her exquisite features appeared particrly aloof.

    Josiah tried to keep his emotions in check, but his gaze turned especially icy. Unable to suppress the

    resentment welling up within him any longer, he spat out, ¡°Lysander, has anyone ever told you that

    you¡¯re nothing but a cold¨Cblooded creature?¡±

    ¡°You¡±

    Unexpectedly, Josiah couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. He gazed deeply at Lysander, his eyes filled with

    complex emotions. His thin lips, previously held tight, began to quiver as if he had more to say.

    Lysander patiently waited for him to speak.

    In the end, Josiah had reached his limit with her unyielding stubbornness. He stormed off, making sure

    to m the newly locked door behind him, leaving behind a resounding echo.

    Once again, the door was mmed shut behind him.

    However, in the end, he didn¡¯t mention how much money was spent on the window and the artificial

    flowers today.

    After that day, Lysander spent quite a while without stepping out of the house, choosing instead to stay

    home and rest both body and mind.

    Daphne, tied up at the Everhart residence, couldn¡¯t temporarily make it over to visit her. Undeterred,

    she made a video call to Lysander every day without fail, fearing she might encounter danger again.

    Lysander felt a warmth mixed with a touch of helplessness. ¡°I¡¯m an adult,¡± she said, ¡°Not some

    helpless.

    1/4

    23:06 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 451 Cold Blood.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Daphne argued passionately, ¡°Does being an adult mean you¡¯re immune to danger? Look at your

    hands, and the mark on your chest. Whoever did this to you was incredibly cruel. It must have hurt so

    much back then!¡±

    Lysander seemed lost in thought. ¡°I suppose he got what he deserved in the end.¡±

    The police had called her to update her on the thief¡¯s situation. After undergoing surgery, his life was

    saved, but the injuries were severe. He would need to stay in the hospital for at least two to three

    months.

    Daphne still felt unsatisfied. ¡°He deserved it!¡± she retorted.

    After scolding the thief, she didn¡¯t forget to continue expressing her concern for Lysander, ¡°You should

    to the hospital for another check¨Cup. Have them examine everything, even your internal organs. What

    if you have internal injuries?¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s just a superficial wound that looks

    severe. I¡¯m a doctor myself, I don¡¯t need to trouble the hospital. Also, is Howard constantly at the

    hospital? I don¡¯t want him to know about this.¡±

    Daphne conceded that she was right, propping her chin on the other side of the camera and saying.

    ¡°Indeed, if you¡¯re confident, resting at home should be just as good. By the way, has Adrian visited you

    recently? He only told me he¡¯s been taking care of White Coat and surprisingly, he doesn¡¯t know about

    your current situation.¡±

    ¡°Everyone has their own issues, so stop trying to lump us together all the time, got it?¡±

    Daphne said, ¡°I really wasn¡¯t trying to y matchmaker for you two this time. You¡¯ve told me before that

    there¡¯s no chance with him, so I¡¯ve dropped the idea. This time, I was genuinely caught up in an

    unexpected matter and needed someone to go there first. You know my group of friends, they¡¯re great

    at joking around, but not one of them is reliable when ites to serious matters. After some thought, I

    decided that Adrian is the most dependable.¡±

    Lysander simply switched the topic. ¡°Enough about me. How are things going on your end?¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Daphne heaved a heavy sigh. ¡°Thanks to you, thepany didn¡¯t have to go bankrupt and we¡¯ve

    paid off the debts. However, our cash flow is still broken. We absolutely need an investment to keep

    going. But we can¡¯t and dare not rely on the bank anymore. They simply won¡¯t lend us any money.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression turned bitter. ¡°So, what¡¯s your next move?¡±

    Despite her worries, Daphne was far from hopeless. She was eager to give it a shot and said, ¡°Let¡¯s try

    to find some investors. Everhart Corporation may be down, but we¡¯re not out. I refuse to believe that no

    one will recognize its potential.¡±

    ¡°Well, you better give it your all, Ms. Everhart.¡±

    Daphne, through the screen, made a gesture of encouragement. ¡°You too. Take care and recover well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lysander reassured. ¡°I¡¯ve learned from my past mistakes. Now, I¡¯m always on high alert,

    no matter what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    ¡°Still, I¡¯m a bit worried, maybe I should¨CRing!¡± A ringtone sounded from Daphne¡¯s end of the line.

    Lysander took the opportunity to

    end the conversation. ¡°You should probably take thatcall first.¡±

    218

    Chapter 451 Cold Blood

    The video call ended at that point.

    Lysander got up and went to the bathroom. She stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing her reflection.

    Her skin was on the fairer side, and any minor bumps or bruises would stand out more on her than on

    others. These blue and purple marks were even more noticeable.

    At this rate, there was no telling when she would be able to venture out and meet people.

    Lysander lowered her gaze, her eyesnding on the analgesic balm that Josiah had left behind earlier.

    Guided by the principle of trying everything in a desperate situation, she poured out a little to test it.

    Several dayster, when Daphne called again, Lysander had already applied the analgesic balm and

    had conveniently washed off the strong scent from her hands.

    Daphne¡¯s voice was filled with anticipation as she spoke. ¡°Lysander, I have some great news to share

    with you! I¡¯ve been talking about investments, and these past few days I¡¯ve utilized every contact I

    could think of. Finally, I¡¯ve found an investment bank manager who seems interested. Now, we just

    need a bit of luck!¡±

    Lysander was genuinely happy for her, enthusiastically offering advice, ¡°When are you finalizing it?¡±

    ¡°It all depends on you now, hehehe¡­¡±

    ¡°Can I be of any help? Sure, go ahead.¡±

    Daphne responded enthusiastically, ¡°Of course, of course! You know, with so many investment banks

    to choose from, Everhart Corporation¡¯spetitiveness was suddenly overshadowed. Luckily, after

    much investigation, I discovered her little secret¨Cshe¡¯s been married to her husband for many years,

    but they¡¯ve never had children!¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why I thought of asking for your help!¡± Daphne said sweetly, ¡°You¡¯re an expert in obstetrics

    and gynecology. I subtly rmended you to her, perhaps not only could we do a good deed, but also

    leave a positive impression on her. This way, when she has to make a choice under simr

    circumstances, she would definitely choose Everhart Corporation.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lysander agreed readily, ¡°All right, I¡¯m willing to help with this. However, theck of children

    could also be due to the man. I¡¯m not very well¨Cversed in male health issues, but I can rmend you

    a few reputable specialists in that field.¡±

    ¡°Okay, your words have put my mind at ease.¡±

    ¡°Let me know when you¡¯ve made the arrangements. My schedule is quite flexible recently.¡±

    Daphne was delighted, but her voice soon carried a hint of hesitation. ¡°There¡¯s an appropriate

    opportunity this weekend! I¡¯ve heard that Tiffany is throwing a big party for her twenty¨Csixth birthday,

    and they¡¯ve sent out quite a number of invitations. The manager will also be attending.¡±

    Whenever Tiffany was mentioned, it was impossible to avoid talking about Josiah.

    For a moment, Lysander was in a daze. Tiffany¡¯s birthday was a big deal. Surely, Josiah would be there

    too, right?

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452

    Chapter 452 Being Pampered Makes All The Difference

    Sensing the silence on the other end of the line, Daphne didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for her

    friend, She cautiously said, ¡°If it¡¯s inconvenient for you to go, I can always find another opportunity.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lysander quickly regained herposure. ¡°I was just lost in thought.¡±

    Daphine was sceptical. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really,¡± Lysander revealed a bitter smile where she couldn¡¯t see, her voice didn¡¯t betray a hint of his

    true feelings. ¡°But, do you have an invitation? Can you get me in?¡±

    Only then did Daphne breathe a sigh of relief. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about anything. Just continue to

    rest at home. Once I¡¯ve prepared everything and the invitations, I¡¯lle to get you!¡±

    The birthday party was officially scheduled for Sunday evening.

    By half past four in the afternoon, Daphne had already arrived by car at the foot of Lysander¡¯s

    apartment building. She brought not only two invitations but also pre¨Ccoordinated outfits and jewellery.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback. ¡°It¡¯s just a birthday party. Is there a need to dress up so

    dramatically?¡±

    The situation seemed not as simple as she had initially thought.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Daphne let out a long sigh. ¡°You¡¯ll understand why when you get to the party. Tiffany¡¯s birthday

    celebration has be more than just a simple birthday party. I can assure you, there are definitely

    others who have ulterior motives like me, and they are even more daring than I am.¡±

    Considering Lysander¡¯s injury, Daphne had specially prepared a high¨Ccored dress for her.

    Surprisingly. it matched her temperament perfectly, making her look both elegant and dignified. As for

    the bruise on her wrist that had faded, it was easily concealed by a bracelet.

    Lysander felt a bit out of ce, and she couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Lab coat is morefortable.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± Daphne looked at her, feeling a spark of admiration. ¡°You look incredibly professional right

    now, like a textbook example of an elite doctor. There¡¯s no way investment bank managers won¡¯t

    believe

    you.

    Lysander was hurried by her into the car.

    Before long, they arrived at the location of the birthday party.

    Unsurprisingly, it was in a high¨Cend business hotel under Guerra Group.

    Daphne shared the news she had heard with Lysander. ¡°This ce has been booked out entirely

    tonight, just to celebrate Tiffany¡¯s birthday. Wow, Josiah really spoils his little girlfriend.¡±

    Lysander casually remarked, ¡°He¡¯s always been quite generous with women.¡±

    Didn¡¯t he spoil Lysanne like this before as well?

    Lysanne would get whatever she asked for.

    1/3

    23:06 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 452 Being Pampered Makes All The Difference

    Daphne whistled. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this a turn of the tides? Now that Josiah has a new love, he only has the

    heart for the new partner.¡±

    With a light chuckle, Lysander reminded her. ¡°I¡¯m also someone from his past.¡±

    Daphine gave her a wink, ¡°You¡¯re now the one Josial desperately wants but can¡¯t have.

    The car drove straight through the grand entrance of the hotel courtyard, finallying to a halt just

    before theid¨Cout red carpet. On either side of the unending swath of red were flowers, air¨Cshipped in

    for the event. Judging by the sheer volume, it seemed as though every rose and lily in Harborbrook had

    been bought out for this asion.

    As soon as the two stepped out of the car, they were immediately approached by staff members

    dressed in ck suits to check their invitations. Only after this were they allowed to proceed.

    Daphne, hand in hand with Lysander, walked down the red carpet alongside the other guests.

    Inside the hotel, there were several halls, each attended by a guide. They were all attractive and

    courteous, immediately stepping forward to greet guests as they saw them. ¡°Please follow me. You

    may rest here first.¡±

    ¡°Has the party not started yet?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re still making the final preparations.¡±

    At that time, the event hadn¡¯t officially started yet, but the hall was already set up with drinks and

    snacks in a self¨Cservice style. On either side, there were intricately designed dessert stations,

    interspersed with balloons and flowers.

    Beyond the standard arrangements, the venue was filled with elements of Pok¨¦mon everywhere one

    looked. There were stickers, figurines, and even plush toys scattered about.

    Daphne was all praises as she walked along. ¡°Ms. Lanister must be a fan of Pokemon, being

    pampered really sets one apart, such attention to detail. Oh, by the way, I once attended Tiffany¡¯s

    birthday party, it was hering¨Cof¨Cage celebration when she turned eighteen. The scale of that day¡¯s

    event was nothingpared to today¡¯s. There weren¡¯t many guests celebrating her birthday. I suspect

    they weren¡¯t here for the Lanister family at all, most likely they were here for Josiah.¡±

    Lysander reminded her, ¡°Stop looking at these things. Don¡¯t forget our main task for today.¡±

    Only then did Daphne retract her gaze, her expression turning serious as she scanned the entire hall,

    searching for someone.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s her.¡±

    Lysander followed Daphne¡¯s pointed direction and saw a delicate woman sitting not far away. She was

    dressed in a fitted white zer, her/hair neatly coiled up behind her head. Aptop rested on her

    knees, suggesting she was engrossed in work.

    Daphne took the opportunity to share more about the manager with Lysander. ¡°She¡¯s the manager of

    Enamore Investments. Her name is Whitney Spears, a few years our senior. Those who know her well

    call her by her first name, but to y it safe, we should address her as Ms. Spears until we¡¯re more

    familiar

    with her.¡±

    ¡°Okay, got it,¡± Lysander said, taking a sip of her fruit juice.

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    Chapter 452 Being Pampered Makes All The Difference.

    The two of them slowly made their way over.

    33%

    Whitney had already crossed paths with Daphns, and she was well aware of her intentions. Upon

    seeing her, she promptly acknowledged. ¡°Ms. Everhart, I didn¡¯t expect to run into you so soon again.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Spears, we meet again,¡± Daphne greeted with a radiant smile.

    ¡°Right,¡± Whitney responded, her tone rather indifferent. ¡°But today is Ms. Lanister¡¯s birthday

    celebration. Let¡¯s not discuss work. You guys carry on, I need to excuse myself for a bit.¡±

    Whitney spoke with utmost courtesy, yet her rejection was utterly unyielding. She was the kind of

    person who maintained a poker face but was incredibly decisive.

    However, who in the investmentpany wouldck their own opinions?

    Whitney¡¯s attainment of a managerial position surely indicated her exceptional abilities.

    Lysander had already sensed the difficulty of aplishing this task and couldn¡¯t help but cast a

    worried nce at Daphne.

    Daphne was prepared for this, still smiling as she said, ¡°Ms. Spears, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯re all here for the

    party, so why would I choose now to discuss work? I just came over to say hello because I happened to

    bring a friend. This is Lysander Thorne, my best friend, who was once a leading doctor in the obstetrics

    and gynaecology department at Central Hospital.¡±

    She put particr emphasis on the phrase ¡°obstetrics and gynaecology¡°.

    Lysander greeted Whitney in a soft voice, ¡°Hello, Ms. Spears¡±

    Reaching out with a friendly gesture, Whitney politely responded, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you are truly

    aplished for someone so young. However¡­ I apologize, I¡¯ve been rather swamped recently and I

    may have gotten a bit mixed up with names. Your name is?¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡± Lysander said, ¡°Lysander Thorne.¡±

    With an amused expression, Whitney quirked her lips. ¡°This name, it seems somewhat familiar to me.¡±

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 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453

    Chapter 453 Something Is Off

    Daphne stepped in and said, ¡°Dr. Thorne is a reputable doctor highly regarded by pregnant women. I

    think she was even featured in a medical journal before.¡±

    A smile yed at the corners of Whitney¡¯s lips.

    She knew what Daphne had in mind but decided to y along. ¡°I know. What she has aplished at

    this age is just a glimpse of what can be achieved in the future.¡±

    Business courtesies usually began with mutualpliments, but Lysander seemed unaware of it.

    Thankfully, Daphne was quite eloquent in showering Whitney with praises.

    Nevertheless, Whitney, knowing the purpose of her visit, remained indifferent to herpliments.

    When Daphne spoke, Whitney merely lowered her head and offered a faint smile. It was difficult to tell

    if she was paying attention to what Daphne said.

    ¡°There have been quite a few folks who were really struggling to have a baby. But once they went to Dr.

    Thorne, things started looking up for them. Some even got their wishes fulfilled in the end.¡± When

    Daphne made this remark, a slight shift in Whitney¡¯s expression was noticeable.

    Noticing the change in Whitney¡¯s expression, Daphne knew she had to seize the opportunity. ¡°Ms.

    Spears, since you¡¯re already here, why not make the most of this trip? It¡¯s an option worth exploring,

    after all. Giving it a try won¡¯t cause any harm. What do you think?¡± Lysander suggested, her tone

    encouraging.

    Whitney¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°You¡¯ve done your homework on me, haven¡¯t you, Ms. Everhart?¡±

    ¡°Oh, no, please don¡¯t take it the wrong way. Besides, I¡¯m not capable of that either. Ms. Spears, since

    the banquet hasn¡¯t begun yet, perhaps we could have a private chat?¡± Daphne asked.

    Given t

    the extremely personal nature of the topic, it was best not to discuss it in front of others.

    After sizing them up for a while and assessing the situation, Whitney nodded. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s head over

    there.¡±

    Daphne and Lysander exchanged nces before joining Whitney in a quiet corner of the hall where

    they could converse without worrying about being disturbed or overheard by others.

    Whitney continued scrutinizing Lysander with a thoroughness that suggested she doubted thetter¡¯s

    expertise due to her age or perhaps harbored some other concern.

    Throughout their conversation, Lysander maintained herposure and carried herself with

    confidence, unfazed by Whitney¡¯s scrutiny.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, your name seems familiar to me. It feels like we¡¯ve met before,¡± Whitney said.

    Lysander responded, ¡°I worked in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the Central Hospital for

    quite some time. You may have seen me if you¡¯ve had a check¨Cup there.¡±

    Whitney paused, considering for a moment. ¡°I have visited Central Hospital a few times, but I believe I

    met you elsewhere, Dr. Thorne. I wonder if you have any connection with Mr. Guerra of the Guerra

    Group?¡±

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    Chapter 453 Something Is Off

    Whitney shed a casual smile. ¡°Of course, I¡¯d understand you might not want to address it if it¡¯s too

    personal, and I don¡¯t mean to pry into your privacy. I recall ourpany once held a year¨Cend party at

    a resort under the Guerra Group. It was nestled in the mountains, surrounded by a stunning lush valley.

    I wonder if you¡¯ve had the chance to visit that location before, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    The smile on Lysander¡¯s face gradually faded away.

    She had indeed visited the resort three times.

    green

    During her initial visit, she experienced a fallout with Josiah. Subsequently, after leaving the resort, she

    underwent an abortion.

    On her second trip, she apanied the ambnce dispatched to aid Susan, who had suffered from

    high blood pressure after being harassed by Lysanne.

    As for her third journey to the resort, it urred not too long ago.

    It was Josiah who apanied her there.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but wonder which particr asion Whitney was re

    referring to.

    Instead of beating around the bush, Whitney gave her a direct answer. ¡°It waste that day when Mr.

    Guerra drove you to the resort. You walked ahead of him, and he even pressed the elevator button for

    you,

    Lysander instantly knew she was referring to her third trip there.

    Whitney narrowed her eyes and chuckled gently. ¡°Observing how tirelessly Mr. Guerra tries to please

    you made me wonder if he¡¯s gearing up for a wedding soon. It appears the wedding is on the horizon,

    yer his significant other doesn¡¯t seem to match the person I had in mind.¡±

    Sensing that Whitney had recognized her, Lysander felt there was no need to feign ignorance any

    longer. ¡°I¡¯m here today as Daphne¡¯s friend. It has nothing to do with Josiah.¡±

    Whitney, however, remarked, ¡°I would have walked away carlier instead of standing here chatting with

    you if you were merely Ms. Everhart¡¯s friend.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t enjoy prying into others¡® rtionships, and Ipletely understand Ms. Everhart¡¯s intentions.

    However, Dr. Thorne, please rify your current rtionship with Mr. Guerra. This information will

    influence my decision regarding investing in Everhart Corporation.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us,¡± Lysander replied.

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the case,¡± Whitney said, ¡°Ms. Everhart, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t help you anymore. You¡¯ll have to

    find another solution.¡±

    Just as Whitney was about to turn around and leave, Daphne, overwhelmed by anxiety, rushed forward

    to stop her. ¡°Ms. Spears, let¡¯s talk about this first, shall we? Are you sure you don¡¯t want Dr. Thorne to

    conduct a checkup for you? She truly is an exceptional obstetrician and gynecologist.¡±

    Whitney had clearly epted her fate. ¡°I¡¯ve been to major hospitals for check¨Cups and have tried

    plenty of traditional folk remedies, but nothing has worked. Besides, I¡¯ve reached this age, and my

    desire for children has significantly faded. I¡¯m not insisting on it anymore. Thank you, Ms. Everhart, but

    I don¡¯t want to trouble you further.¡±

    213N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Chapter 453 Something Is Off

    ¡°How will we know if we don¡¯t give it a shot? What if it¡¯s possible?¡± Daphne refused to give in..

    Whitney nced up, her gaze meeting Daphine¡¯s. She knitted her brows, pausing for a moment to

    ponder.

    A few secondster, she shifted her gaze to Lysander, though it was apparent she still harbored.

    reservations.

    Daphne immediately rified, ¡°Ms. Spears, please don¡¯t think of this as emotional ckmail. I¡¯m just

    taking advantage of this chance to chat with you. And don¡¯t worry, whether the treatment works out or

    not, I won¡¯t push you on the investment.¡±

    Despite Daphne¡¯s reassurance. Whitney, drawing on her extensive decade¨Clong experience in the

    business world, understood the underlying dynamics at y.

    Now, she had to carefully weigh the risks involved in both a sessful pregnancy and a substantial

    investment, assessing whether the potential benefits justified the potential drawbacks.

    After a two¨Cminute pause, Lysander started to hear Whitney speak. ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t just undergo

    examination at the Central Hospital. I¡¯ve visited all the reputable hospitals specializing in treating this

    condition. Yet, every doctor who reviewed my reports concluded there was nothing wrong with my

    health.¡±

    That was why Whitney believed it was unlikely that doctors from numerous major hospitals would all

    make the same diagnostic error.

    After all, they had collectively confirmed that there was nothing wrong with her reproductive health.

    Shifted into consultation mode, Lysander asked, ¡°If I may inquire, has your husband ever undergone a

    check¨Cup?¡±

    It seemed Whitney had anticipated that question. She gently shook her head and answered, ¡°My

    husband has undergone just as many tests as I have, and he seems to be in the pink of health too.¡±

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ponder. If both husband and wife are perfectly healthy, how could they

    possibly struggle to conceive? While it¡¯s acknowledged that pregnancy is often a matter of chance, it

    appears luck isn¡¯t favoring them.

    Daphne, too, felt utterly perplexed upon hearing this. She looked at Lysander with a mix of concern an

    and doubt, fearing that her efforts to assist might inadvertently offend Whitney.

    Lysander nced at her, offering a reassuring look, then paused before asking, ¡°Ms. Spears, would

    you mind if I review your medical report?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring my medical report with me today since I came to attend the banquet,¡± she said.

    ¡°However, given your affiliation with the Central Hospital, you should be able to ess my medical

    records.¡±

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 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454

    Chapter 454 I Knew He Has Good Taste

    Whitney still seemed to remain cautious around Lysander, even after confirming her identity as a doctor

    She couldn¡¯t quite let her guard down.

    With a polite tone, Lysander said, ¡°Please give me a moment.¡±.

    Known for her intelligence and caution, traits well¨Csuited to her profession, Whitney maintained an

    unfaltering expression she simply replied, ¡°Okay,¡±

    Lysander dialed Lynn¡¯s number on her phone in front of Whitney and Daphne.

    Lynn, who was having dinner in the lounge, immediately answered the call when she saw Lysander¡¯s

    name

    on the screen.

    Surprised, she eximed, ¡°Dr. Thome, how¡¯s your recovery? I haven¡¯t seen you at the hospital since

    then. The obstetrics and gynecology department has been incredibly busytely, so I haven¡¯t had the

    chance to call and check on your condition.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling better,¡± Lysander replied with a faint grin before getting to the point. ¡°By the way, Lynn, I

    need your help. Do you remember a patient named Whitney Spears who had a check¨Cup in the

    department?¡±

    Racking her brain, Lynn recalled, ¡°Yes, if I remember correctly, her case was rather unique.¡±

    This confirmed everything Whitney had said earlier.

    After Lysander sinctly exined the situation to Lynn, she rified the purpose of her call. ¡°Could

    you possibly take a photo of Ms. Spears¡® medical records and send them to me? Without the

    examination report, it¡¯s difficult for me to assess her condition.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Lynn lowered her voice, sounding troubled. ¡°You should know it¡¯s against the hospital.rules and

    regtions.¡±

    Understanding Lynn¡¯s concern and not wanting to cause trouble for her former assistant, Lysander

    reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ms. Spears is here with me. She¡¯s giving me permission to review her

    medical report. I¡¯ll let her speak to you directly.¡±

    As she spoke, she handed her phone to Whitney. ¡°Ms. Spears, could you please talk to my colleague

    for a moment? Just a simple verification.¡±

    Whitney retrieved the phone and cross¨Cchecked her personal information with Lynn. After the

    verification, Lynn sent over her medical records.

    Upon seeing her medical report on Lysander¡¯s phone screen, Whitney heaved a sigh of relief.

    ¡°I knew it,¡± she said, ¡°I knew Mr. Guerra had good taste.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Sorry?¡±

    Whitney chuckled. ¡°It seems there are two Lysanders with simr pronunciations but different

    characters. I¡¯ve encountered the other woman with a simr name, but she didn¡¯t leave a great

    impression on me. That¡¯s why I was puzzled at the time. Mr. Guerra is known for his decisiveness and

    efficiency in other matters, so I couldn¡¯tprehend how his taste in women could be so poor. Now I

    finally understand it was all just a misunderstanding. The Lysander standing in front of me is not the

    Lysander I encountered

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    ºÅ33%

    Chapter 454 I Knew He Has Good Taste

    ¡°It might not be a misunderstanding.¡± Lysander uttered all of a sudden.

    Whitney was somewhat taken aback. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Daphne brushed it off with augh. ¡°Oh, let¡¯s not dwell on the past anymore since it¡¯s hard to exin.

    Besides, he has moved on and is seeing someone else, hasn¡¯t he? We should just let bygones be

    bygones.¡±

    Whitney, too, decided it was best to not dwell on that further. ¡°Ms. Everhart is right. Everything is

    unpredictable these days, and change is the only constant in life.¡±

    Conversing with an intelligent individual can be both rxing and draining simultaneously.

    Whitney¡¯s words were eloquently articted, yet her underlying principle remained steadfast¨Cthe sole

    reason she was willing to sit down and allow Lysander to review her medical records was solely

    because of Josiah.

    Moreover, it appeared that Whitney didn¡¯t hold Tiffany in high regard. In fact, she seemed to be on

    Lysander¡¯s side.

    Nevertheless, Lysander refrained from making anyments as Whitney had not explicitly stated her

    sentiments.

    She meticulously examined the medical report, a usible guess forming in her mind. Carefully, she

    borated, ¡°Ms. Spears, the doctors you¡¯ve seen before weren¡¯t wrong. Based on this report, your

    physical functions are all normal. There¡¯s just a slight case of anemia,¡±

    Her remarks drew Whitney¡¯s attention back a little. ¡°What does anemia have to do with me not being

    able to conceive a child?¡±

    Lysander could empathize with the emotional roller¨Ccoaster Whitney was experiencing, yet she chose.

    honesty in her exnation. ¡°Not from a medical standpoint, since, your anemia isn¡¯t too severe.¡±

    Her reply got Whitney even more confused. ¡°Does that mean my husband and I have just been

    unlucky?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid so. Lysander cautiously spected. ¡°But there could also be another possibility.¡±

    ¡°Tell me more, Dr. Thorne.¡± Whitney was eager to hear more.

    Lysander exined, ¡°I suspect that what you¡¯re experiencing is immunological infertility.¡±

    Whitney knitted her brows slightly. ¡°Could you exin further?¡±

    ¡°In simple terms, it¡¯s a case of gamete ipatibility,¡± Lysander continued. ¡°This has nothing to do with

    your health status, but it does indeed prevent you from conceiving a child naturally¡±

    Whitney couldn¡¯t ept the diagnosis. She, in disbelief, asked, ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s the reason? Could

    there be any other possibilities?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t give you a definitive answer right now, but the possibility is certainly there.¡± Lysander carefully

    worded her response. ¡°The specifics would depend on the results of the uing tests. I assume you.

    haven¡¯t had any reproductive immunological tests done before, right?¡±

    Whitney sighed. ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hot umon

    Overlook this test,¡± Lysanderrified, ¡°after all, the probability of immunological

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    23:06 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 454 I Knew He Has Good Taste

    infertility is quite low. If a couple doesn¡¯t visit the doctor together, it¡¯s unlikely that the doctor would

    consider this possibility.¡±

    Whitney began to contemte the worst¨Ccase scenario, her voice filled with despair. ¡°I work in an

    investmentpany, and my work schedule is hectic. It¡¯s really challenging to coordinate hospital visits

    with my husband. Dr. Thorne, if it¡¯s indeed a case of immune infertility, does it mean I would need to

    find another man if I still want to have a child?¡±

    Lysander was taken aback. ¡°Ms. Spears, are children the only consideration on your mind? What about

    your marriage and your husband?¡±

    Whitney chuckled lightly. ¡°We met through a blind date. In our carly years, we were both engrossed in

    building our careers and didn¡¯t have time to truly fall in love with someone. When we reached a certain

    age, we went on a blind date. After realizing we were somewhatpatible, we decided to get married.

    There wasn¡¯t any profound emotional connection between us.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Daphne subtly nudged Lysander¡¯s arm.

    ¡±

    Lysander could empathize with such an arrangement, finding parallels to her rtionship with Josiah.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case¡­¡± Lysander hesitated for a moment. ¡°You should get a medical check¨Cup first. If it¡¯s

    confirmed that you¡¯re dealing with immunological infertility, and if both of you truly desire a child, then

    the simplest solution would be to consider divorce and find yourselves new partners.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Whitney fell silent for a while before asking. ¡°Is that the only option left? Are there

    no other alternatives?¡±

    Lysander quickly suggested, ¡°You can consider in¨Cvitro fertilization if you¡¯re open to the idea. However,

    the process is ratherplex, given some of the restrictions in the country. Moreover, the woman

    would have to endure significant emotional stress and physical difort.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m prepared for this.¡± Whitney hesitated before speaking. ¡°But I¡¯ve heard that in vitro fertilization

    involves multiple attempts, consuming a significant amount of time and money, and it¡¯s not even

    guaranteed to be sessful. Is that true?¡±

    Lysander, speaking from a doctor¡¯s perspective, advised, ¡°The process might take longer than you

    might imagine.¡±

    The gravity of the discussion seemed to have overshadowed the festive atmosphere of the banquet.

    Whitney appeared extremely conflicted as she confided in Lysander. ¡°I¡¯m at a point where my career¡¯s

    really taking off. Having a child could slow things down for me. I worry I won¡¯t have the time or energy

    tomit to medical treatment.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Lysander shared her opinion. ¡°I¡¯ve met plenty of women in your shoes during my at

    Central Hospital. It¡¯s a valid concern. Going through in vitro fertilization is a bigmitment, and it¡¯s

    bound to impact your career. It¡¯s a tough call, but ultimately, it¡¯s about what you want.¡±

    time

    Lost in her heavy thoughts, Whitney couldn¡¯t help but gaze around the hall aimlessly, unaware that

    someone had been observing them from a stone¡¯s throw away.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455

    Chapter 455 Never Fall For His Tricks.

    Lysanne guided Tiffany towards this direction purposefully.

    Tiffany was a little hesitated. ¡°Lyss, Lysa seems to be discussing something there. Will we be disturbing

    them if we go over now?¡±

    With a gentle smile on her face that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes, Lysanne said, ¡°Of course not. Don¡¯t

    you want to meet more people? It¡¯s your birthday party tonight, and everyone who¡¯s here came to wish

    you. well. Naturally, you should greet them too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Tiffany, the innocent soul, agreed and sincerely followed along.

    Lysander first swept her gaze backwards seeing how Lysanne suddenly pulled Tiffany over, but she did

    not spot Josiah.

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    She wasn¡¯t sure why these two hade, but she had no interest in engaging in a conversation with

    them. Hence, she merely nced at them indifferently, showing no additional reaction.

    Lysanne was not aware and greeted them with a nod before turning to Whitney. ¡°So it¡¯s Ms. Spears. I

    wonder if you still remember me?¡±

    Whitney¡¯s train of thought was abruptly interrupted, so she was a little annoyed. However, she didn¡¯t let

    her displeasure show, and still maintained some courtesy. She asked, ¡°May I know who you are?¡±

    ¡°I am Lysanne Thome.¡±

    Whitney immediately remembered her. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s Ms. Thorne.¡±

    Lysanne was slightly pleased. ¡°Guerra Group has had some dealings with your investmentpany

    before. I must say Ms. Spears left quite an impression on me.¡±

    Whitney snapped back from her mncholy and confusion. Then, she adhered to social etiquette, and

    complimented her, ¡°Indeed, Ms. Thorne. You¡¯ve be even more beautiful since thest time we

    met.¡±

    Now, Lysanne found herself in an awkward position. It seemed that Whitney didn¡¯t pay her much

    attention either.

    This woman did nothing more thanplimenting her looks.

    This kind of praises were rather superficial, and somewhat perfunctory.

    Lysanne suppressed her discontent, and gently guided Tiffany forward like a caring older sister. She

    said, ¡°Ms. Spears, this is Ms. Lanister, I assume no introduction is needed? Tiffany, this is Ms. Spears,

    a well- known investment banking elite in the industry.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Spears.¡± Tiffany greeted Whitney shyly, her face tinged with a hint of bashfulness. She

    looked like a young girl who had yet to experience much of the world.

    Gently, Whitney responded, ¡°Hello, Ms. Lanister, happy birthday.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lysanne added, ¡°Ms. Spears, you should be aware of the connection between Tiffany and Josiah,

    right?¡±

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    Chapter 455 Never Fall For His Tricks

    And so, Lysanne naturally assumed Tiffany¡¯s role as the host, striking up a conversation with Whitney.

    The way she spoke suggested a deep familiarity with Tiffany. It was as if she had already assumed the

    role of making decisions on her behalf.

    Daphne found Lysanne¡¯s behavior unbearable, and rolled her eyes towards the ceiling without a word.

    In the meantime. Whitney found herself unable to break away from Lysaline in a short period of time.

    ¡°Her attitude was rather decent today. Let¡¯s find another opportunity to invite her out next time.¡±

    Daphne reluctantly nodded her head.

    After resting for a bit, Tiffany managed to regain someposure. Her gaze shifted, and she noticed

    Lysander.

    After encountering someone she was rtively familiar with, her mood instantly brightened

    considerably. She politely greeted them, ¡°Lysa, Daphne, thank you foring to my birthday party.¡±

    Together, Lysander and Daphne offered their sincere yet simple blessing. ¡°Happy birthday.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Tiffany replied with a sweet smile. She remembered her role for the day, and took the

    initiative to introduce herself, ¡°Lyss has already been helping me to get to know everyone. Although I¡¯m

    not familiar with all of you yet, I will definitely make an effort to socialize and aim to assist Jose in the

    future.¡±

    These words were clearly taught to her by Lysanne.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes lowered, and she was unable to contain herself that she offered Tiffany a piece of

    advice, ¡°Ms. Lanister, perhaps you should seek Josiah¡¯s opinion on this matter.¡±

    Tiffany had clearly never given this issue much thought. After pondering for a while, she still responded.

    casually. ¡°I understand that you mean well. You want to tell me that Lyss and Jose had a past, but

    they¡¯ve already let go of it. So, I think I should be magnanimous too.¡±

    Lysander was concerned that this was another ¡°lesson¡± from Lysanne, so she gently suggested,

    ¡°Actually, this isn¡¯t something you should worry about. It¡¯s an issue a man should resolve before getting

    married.¡±

    Daphne was standing by the side nodded her head in agreement. She chimed in, ¡°Absolutely, you¡¯re

    young. You mustn¡¯t fall for an older man¡¯s tricks.¡±

    ¡°Jose is only eight years older than me,¡± Tiffany said seriously while batting herrge eyes. ¡°And I truly

    believe that he has let go of the past.¡±

    Daphne, known for her bluntness, couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°If Josiah is trustworthy, then pigs might

    fly. Don¡¯t be fooled by his presentable Appearance. In fact, he¡¯s nothing but a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing.

    He was once incredibly tender and considerate to his ex¨Cwife, but it turned out to be all an act.¡±

    ¡°Ex¨Cwife?¡± Tiffany was utterly confused, and asked ifi disarray, ¡°Was he previously married to Lyss?¡±

    The fact that Lysander had once been married to Josiah was never widely publicized. Therefore,

    Tiffany was naturally unaware of it as she had always lived in seclusion since childhood.

    Daphne realized she had misspoken, and hastily tried to steer the conversation away before Tiffany

    could discover the truth. That¡¯s not the point. The point hat men can¡¯t be relied upon. In a blink of an

    eye,

    3/4

    Chapter 455 Never Fall For His Tricks

    they might get involved with other women-¡±

    Her words abruptly ceased when she noticed another figure suddenly appearing on the side.

    Josiah had somehow managed to approach them unnoticed. His footsteps were so light that no one

    had paid any attention until he had

    ¡°Ms. Spears, I owe yourpioned himself next to Tiffany. He turned to Whitney, and greeted her.

    ¡°Ms. Spears, I owe yourpany a lot for handling the ounts for ourst project. It really saved me

    a lot of trouble.¡±

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    398

    O

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456

    Chapter 456 Resisting Your Lead And Move Backwards

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re too kind¡± Whitney immediately turned her attention away from Lysanne. Her face lit

    up with a smile as she engaged in a discussion about the project with him.

    Daphnie drew in a sharp breath as uncertainty washing over her. She wasn¡¯t sure if Josiah had heard

    the harsh words she¡¯d spoken behind his back. With a tinge of guilt, she subtly moved a few steps

    behind Lysander.

    Josiah had deliberately donned a smoky grey suit for the asion. The tailored fit entuated his

    broad shoulders and long legs, making his impressive physique even more striking. He naturally

    exuded an aura of authority the moment he stood there.

    Tiffany tilted her face up and gave him a smile. ¡°Jose!¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Josiah responded gently. His gaze naturally swept over Daphne and Lysander who were

    standing before him. Then he turned to Whitney and asked, ¡°Ms. Spears, are you also acquainted with

    Ms. Everhart?¡±

    Upon seeing how swiftly the topic had changed, Whitney was only briefly taken aback before she

    continued, ¡°I only met Ms. Everhart recently. I heard that Everhart Corporation is currently seeking

    financing, so we got together to discuss it. Oh, and her friend, Dr. Thorne, is quite the professional. She

    has just cleared up quite a few things for me.¡±

    Josiah turned his head, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Oh?¡±

    Whitney chuckled, ¡°However, having a conversation with Dr. Thorne is quite straightforward. We say

    what we mean, and everyone is rather direct. It makesmunication much more efficient.¡±

    Holding his wine ss, Josiah clinked it against hers. ¡°You all are experts in your respective fields, but

    she isn¡¯t as adept at socializing as you. She¡¯s a bit stubborn and not really good at small talk. Let me

    raise a toast to you on her behalf if she has offended you in any way.¡±

    Having said that, he tilted his head back, draining everyst drop of red wine from his ss.

    Whitney¡¯s previously wavering heart instantly settled down after hearing the tone of the conversation.

    ¡°Not at all, Dr. Thorne is a professional. She has a promisingly bright future based on her skills alone,

    so there¡¯s no need for these nebulous social courtesies. Rest assured, Mr. Guerra, my conversation

    with Dr. Thorne went very well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±

    Whitney asked a probing question, ¡°It seems like Dr. Thorne and Ms. Everhart are quite close. Is it Ms.

    Everhart who invites her over today?¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Is it about the fundraising matter?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, about the current situation of the Everhart family¡­¡± Whitney chuckled lightly, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m a bit.

    puzzled too. If they were such good friends, why did Mr. Guerra suddenly abandon Everhart

    Corporation and choose to coborate with Riveron Corporation instead?¡±

    I

    ¡°Of course, I had my own considerations.¡±

    ¡°Right, that¡¯s true,¡± she agreed.

    1/3

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Chapter 456 Resisting Your Lead And Move Backwards

    Then Josiah casually brought up, ¡°I happen to know a bit about Everhart Corporation. Just to mention,

    Mr. Everhart hasn¡¯t made an appearance domestically for quite some time.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Whitney had indeed became interested. She nced at Daphne and said, ¡°No wonder it was

    always Ms. Everhart who came to discuss financing matters with me before. I wonder when Mr.

    Everhart will return.¡±

    Hearing that, Daphne was unable to respond.

    An unsettling premonition surged within Lysander, yet it was inappropriate toment excessively on

    Everhart Corporation¡¯s affairs. All she could hope for was that Josiah wouldn¡¯t cross the line.

    Josiah was unfazed by the gazes that fell upon him. He casually gestured for a waiter, and reced the

    drink in his hand with a new one.

    ¡°I heard that Mr. Everhart had to go abroad to take care of his ailing mother, leaving him no time to deal

    with matters here. As a result, business affairs have to be handed over to Ms. Everhart. However, it

    seems Ms. Everhart doesn¡¯t have a strong grasp on these matters either. Not long ago, she was

    pursued by the bank for a loan repayment. Personally, I¡¯m not very optimistic about the future of

    Everhart Corporation.¡±

    Whitney was tasked with making profitable investments for thepany, so the term ¡°pursued¡±

    particrly struck a chord with her. Her expression changed instantly. ¡°In Mr. Guerra¡¯s perspective, how

    should Everhart Corporation move forward from now on?¡±

    Josiah was straightforward, not mincing his words as he said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that. All I know is

    that, barring a miracle, investing in this corporation would be like throwing money into a ck hole.¡±

    The more they spoke, the more serious it sounded.

    Whitney didn¡¯t voice her agreement, but her expression clearly conveyed her approval.

    After much difficulty, Daphne finally found a way to save Everhart Corporation, only to have it

    effortlessly snuffed out by Josiah. She was so frustrated that she could have rushed up and given him

    a piece of her mind right then and there. ¡°Josiah, are you doing this out of spite?¡± she asked.

    Seeing that, Lysander gently took hold of her, his voice hushed to a soothing whisper, ¡°Daphne! Calm

    down!¡±

    Even in her desperation to protect Everhart Corporation, Daphne dared not openly confront Josiah..

    Hence, she had no choice but to swallow her anger and suppress her fury. Very quickly, her face turned

    red with suppressed rage, and her hands were trembling with the effort.

    Josiah, however, didn¡¯t care in the slightest about what he had just said.

    He handed his wine ss directly to a passing waiter in front of everyone. ¡°If you can¡¯t drink, then

    don¡¯t.¡±

    Feeling a bit embarrassed. Tiffany said, ¡°I¡¯ll learn gradually.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t believe everything you hear. You¡¯re not a child anymore, so you should have

    some discernment.¡±

    Lysanne was right by her side, standing silently like a quail while Josiah was speaking with Whitney

    earlier.

    Upon hearing Josiah¡¯s words, her expression subtly shifted. Her hands, hanging by her side,

    instinctively clenthed in fear. She was afraid that Tiffany would yeal that she had been coerced into

    proposing a toast.

    2/3

    23:07 Mon, 3 Jun A

    Chapter 456 Resisting Your Lead And Move Backwards

    Whitney quietly observed the interaction between Josiah and Tiffany for a while, her face lit with

    amusement as she teased, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯ve certainly changed a lot from your younger days. You¡¯ve

    be so gentle and considerate now. It is quite the contrast from your ruthless tactics in the past.¡±

    ¡°Some people simply don¡¯t appreciate that. In fact, being gentle with her is utterly useless. She only

    responds when things get a bit tough. She¡¯s stubborn as a mule, resisting your lead and even move

    backwards.

    Whitney burst intoughter. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re getting sentimental, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve had my fair share of losses.¡±

    33%

    After saying that, he finally turned his head to nce at Tiffany. ¡°Today is your birthday, so you

    shouldn¡¯t just stay here all the time. You should go over there and hang out with your friends.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I understand, Jose.¡±

    Upon seeing his attitude, Lysanne was rather frightened, but she forced a smile nheless,

    exining, ¡°Josiah, there were so many people at Tiffany¡¯s birthday party today, and many of whom

    she hadn¡¯t met before. Of course, I have to help her identify them, which could also be considered as

    helping you out.¡±

    ¡°Do I need that?¡±

    ¡°If you really have too much time on your hands, go to the hospital and relieve Mr. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°But my parents aren¡¯t really keen on seeing me right now¡­¡±

    Then just stay at home, and don¡¯te out.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone was decidedly unfriendly, making it clear that he had no interest in saving her face.

    Naturally, Lysander and Daphne were not willing to say anything at this moment. Even Whitney chose

    to remain silent, and did not attempt to mediate the situation.

    Finally, Josiah made his concluding remark, ¡°I have some people to meet, Ms. Spears, I¡¯ll be taking my

    leave first.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    When Josiah left, he gave Lysander a deep, lingering look.

    They brushed past each other.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457

    Chapter 457 Josiah Did It On Purpose

    Tiffany also felt a bit awkward. ¡°I¡¯m going to go greet my friends from overseas. I¡¯ll be leaving first¡±

    Having said that, she too picked up her skirt and left.

    Soon, only the two of them and Lysanne, who had been left behind, remained there.

    Lysanne had made quite fool of herself, so her face had turned pale with anger. She could no longer

    maintain her facade of gentleness, so she red fiercely at Lysander, gritting her teeth as she spoke,

    ¡°So you¡¯ve shown up too? You aren¡¯t invited to Tiny¡¯s birthday party, are you? Are your regretting it

    now? It¡¯s toote for regrets for Tiffany is about to secure her position as Mrs. Guerral¡±

    Lysander remained impassive as she looked at the helpless and frustrated Lysanne. She did not even

    want to utter a single word.

    Lysanne was deeply hurt and retorted resentfully, ¡°Stop acting so high and mighty. You¡¯re no saint

    either¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Daphne couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She stomped forward in her high heels and said, ¡°I¡¯m so

    angry right now and I have nowhere to vent. If you dare to spout nonsense here again, just see if I

    won¡¯t shove my size 40 shoe into your size 39 mouth!¡±

    Lysanne was known for being passive¨Caggressive that she was especially fearful of bold individuals

    like Daphne. She didn¡¯t dare to look at her. Instead, she continued to re resentfully at Lysander who

    remained unresponsive.

    Daphne stepped in front of her, blocking her view. ¡°What are you staring at? Let me remind you that the

    one who embarrassed you was Josiah. If you want to me someone, me him. What¡¯s the point of

    ming Lysander?¡±

    Lysanne found herself unable to outargue her that her face alternated between shades of pale and

    flushed. ¡°I refuse to talk to a shrew!¡±

    Then, she turned her head and walked away.

    Daphne rolled her eyes really hard. ¡°What on earth¡­¡±

    At that moment, the lights above suddenly shifted, casting an ethereal glow that hinted the banquet

    was about to officiallymence.

    Lysander stepped forward and held Daphne¡¯s hand gently. ¡°It seems like the path with Ms. Spears has

    likely reached a dead end,¡± she said. ¡°Perhaps you should consider other options? There¡¯s no way this

    is the only investment bank in Harborbrook.¡±

    Daphne¡¯s expression visibly sank into despair, and her voice heavy with defeat. ¡°I¡¯ve tried everything I

    could. Ms. Spears is myst hope. If even she can¡¯t help, then no one else would risk losing money to

    help Everhart Corporation. Did you see what happened earlier? What on earth was Josiah thinking? He

    walked across half the hall, ignoring so many guests, just to undermine me!¡±

    It was clear that Josiah did it on purpose.

    Daphne¡¯s words grew more heated as she spoke, ¡°He¡¯s just holding a grudge because I advised you to

    get a divorce and apanied you to get an abortion! What a petty man, everything seemed fine

    before, but it turns out he was just waiting for the right time to get back at me!¡±

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    Chapter 457 Josiah Did It On Purpose

    33%B

    For a moment. Lysander couldn¡¯te up with a good solution, so she could only advise, ¡°First, you

    should calm down. Being upset won¡¯t solve anything.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    ¡°I knew I couldn¡¯t resolve it, but she was myst straw. He dismissed it with just a few words, what else

    could I do?¡± Daphne spat out bitterly. ¡°That Ms. Spears is nothing but a hypocrite. She was showing

    interest only when she saw some conflict between you and Josiah. That was why she was willing to

    listen to me. I¡¯ve sought her out a few times before, but she¡¯d walk away before I could finish a

    sentence.¡±

    ¡­After all, she was a professional investor, dealing with real money on a daily basis, which made her a

    bit more pragmatic¡±

    ¡°People are so pragmatic these days, so I can understand why she would act this way.¡± Daphne

    sighed, ¡°Lysander, what am I to do? I¡¯ve failed before the battle begins, my dreams of bing a

    female tycoon are shattered¡­¡±

    ¡°I can tell you¡¯re not in the mood for the party anymore. Why don¡¯t we step outside and talk? That way,

    we can find a quiet ce to think things through.¡±

    They did not care much about the banquet. It had nothing to do with them no matter how lively it was.

    As far as they were concerned, it was just meaningless noise.

    With that, the two quietly slipped out through the side door, and made their way to the backyard where

    they began to discuss their current predicament.

    Daphne slipped off her high heels and set them aside, sinking into a bout of worry as she sat on the

    stone bench ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m sorry,¡± she began, ¡°If there had been any better alternatives, I wouldn¡¯t

    have thought of involving you in Tiffany¡¯s birthday party, let alone subject you to ridicule alongside me.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be bothered by such things.¡± Lysander simply felt pained seeing Daphne being wronged and

    consoled her, ¡°Let¡¯s think this through together. We¡¯ll surely find a solution.¡±

    Daphne was always full of energy, so it was rare to see her this exhausted. She looked up at the night

    sky. and began to speak from her heart, ¡°Actually, I know that the troubles you¡¯re dealing with are no

    less than mine. Sorting them out is like untangling a messy knot. We have both stepped on a ho¡¯s

    nest.¡±

    Lysander knew she was truly at her wit¡¯s end. After a moment of silence, she asked again, ¡°How much.

    investment does Everhart Corporation need to pull through?

    ¡°Almost¡­¡± Daphne nearly let the exact number slip from her lips. She quickly covered her mouth with

    her hand, and her eyes went wide as she looked over.

    With a hint of amusement, Lysander asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Daphne moved her hand away, and interrupted before she could say any more. She had already

    guessed her intentions and firmly rejected her, ¡°No, I already owe you thirteen million. I can¡¯t let you go

    ask your biological parents for money anymore!¡±

    Lysander spoke in a soothing voice, ¡°Do you think Thome Constructions and Energies is a bank, where

    you can get as much as you want? I was just asking, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not going to work. Don¡¯t I know you well enough? You¡¯re the type who will take care of

    everything silently. But no matter what, ¡®can¡¯t drag you down this time.¡± Daphne¡¯s fighting spirit was

    instantly reignited. She stood up, slipped on her high heels and said, ¡°I just thought of something¡­

    Perhaps there¡¯s still one more trump card to y. Let¡¯s give it a try.¡±

    2/3

    23:07 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 457 Josiah Did It On Purpose

    9.33%

    Lysander was skeptical that Daphne was just cating her. She got up as she questioned, ¡°What

    trump card? Didn¡¯t you just say that Ms. Spears was ourst resort?¡±

    While Daphne was calling for a cab, she said. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know once I¡¯ve tried it. For now, let¡¯s head

    back. Where are you nning to stay tonight?¡®

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking of going home for a visit,¡± Lysander said, realizing it had been quite some time since she

    last saw them.

    The home that Lysander spoke of was the one belonging to Maverick and Laura.

    Daphne had the driver drop Lysander off at the ce before she left.

    By the time Lysander arrived, it was alreadyte. Despite the hour, the lights in the living room were still

    on. As soon as she opened the door and stepped inside, she came face to face with her parents. ¡°Dad,

    Mom, I¡¯m back,¡± she said.

    At first, Laura was filled with joy, but it quickly turned into worry. She rushed to her bedroom and

    returned with one of her own coats. She approached Lysander, and wrapped the coat around her. ¡°Why

    are you dressed so lightly? The temperature has dropped these past few days. What if you catch a

    cold?¡±

    A sense of warmth filled Lysander¡¯s heart as she exined, ¡°I apanied Daphne to a banquet

    earlier. You should know that I couldn¡¯t exactly dress like a dumpling in such a setting.¡±

    Laura felt sorry for her. ¡°Why do they always choose to have parties at night? Don¡¯t these wealthy

    people ever sleep?¡±

    Maverick handed her a hot drink. ¡°Have some of this, it¡¯ll warm you up.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t find it cramped at all after returning to this familiar ce. Instead, she felt the long¨Clost

    sense of warmth. After exchanging a few words, she thought of Michelle and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s

    Michelle?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s quite well. It is just that she always goes to bed early; otherwise, she could have seen you.¡±

    Laura was still unaware of the incident.

    Lysander held the warm cup of water, lowering her gaze just in time to spot the calctor on the sofa

    and the hastily hidden paper filled with numbers,

    One could vaguely see that t

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458

    Chapter 458 Josiah Gave Too Much

    ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°Nothing-

    She swiftly grabbed it before they could stop her.

    Maverick brushed it off. I¡¯ve said it before, it¡¯s nothing!

    As he spoke, he casually folded the paper over and over again, then slipped it into his own pocket.

    However, Lysander had read it in time.

    ¡°Where did you guys borrow it from?¡±

    .33%

    ¡°A friend of mine. Maverick said impatiently. ¡°I told you not to interfere with this matter, so just stay out

    of it.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tone turned harsh. ¡°Which friend of yours can casually lend you two million? What did you

    promise them?¡±

    ¡°I said we¡¯re just friends, and that¡¯s all there is to it! Don¡¯t meddle in adult affairs. Just focus on your

    work and live your life. I¡¯m the head of this household and what I say goes.¡±

    ¡°Dad, tell me the truth,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth! If you don¡¯t believe me, so be it,¡± Maverick said, frustration turning into anger. He

    then turned and headed to his bedroom. ¡°I¡¯m tired, I¡¯m going to bed.¡±

    Laura took her hand, gently persuading in a warm voice, ¡°Your dad¡¯s just like that. Try not to take it to

    heart.

    Lysander was also quite frustrated. ¡°I obviously know what kind of temper my dad has, but two million

    isn¡¯t a small amount. Mom, you have to tell me.¡±

    Laura gazed at her daughter, caught between the desire to speak and the hesitation to do so,

    In the end, Laura quietly led her into the kitchen, shutting the door before she dared to speak. ¡°The

    man should be trustworthy. He was all suited up, even wore sses, seemed like an educated person,

    and more importantly, he¡¯s a friend of Zach. Even if we don¡¯t trust him, we always trust Zach, don¡¯t

    we?¡±

    Upon hearing this, rm bells started ringing in Lysander¡¯s heart. ¡°Zachary said it was his friend?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, he¡¯s a credit officer at the bank, specializing in approving loans, and he can offer us a slightly

    lower interest rate. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve asked around. That young man¡¯s job is specifically to find people

    to lend money to, earning interest for the bank and getting amission in return. So, not only is Zach

    doing us a favor, he¡¯s also helping his friend meet his performance targets. It¡¯s quite a good

    arrangement.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the interest rate?¡±

    ¡°It seems it was ten percent,¡± Laura said, ¡°The young man was quite nice, he only charged us eight

    percent.¡±

    1/4

    33%

    Chapter 458 Josiah Gave Too Much

    ¡°No, no, it was zero point eight percent,¡± Laura exined. ¡°Your father and I even went to the bank to

    inquire. If we were to borrow this much money from the bank, the interest rate would at least be five

    percent. Borrowing from him, the interest was significantly less.¡±

    Lysander was still uneasy. ¡°I need to take a close look at that loan agreement.¡±

    Saying this, she walked over and knocked on the door. ¡°Dad, could you please open the door?¡±

    No one responded.

    Lysander¡¯s temper red. ¡°Dad, I know you¡¯re not asleep yet. Let me take a look at that contract

    agreement. If there¡¯s no issue, I won¡¯t object.¡±

    Still, there was no response.

    Afraid that a father¨Cdaughter argument might break out, Laura quickly interjected, ¡°Lysa, it seems

    there¡¯s also an electronic version of the loan agreement. They said it was sent to Mich¡¯s email.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander immediately made a trip to her sister¡¯s room.

    She knocked on the door but received no response. So, she pushed it open.

    Startled, Michelle sat in front of herputer and eximed, ¡°Lysander, when did you get back?¡±

    Laura was somewhat puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were going to sleep?¡±

    Michelle awkwardly scratched her head. ¡°¡­¡±

    Lysander nced at herputer screen. The document was entirely in Stounian.

    Michelle said, ¡°I¡¯m helping my senior trante her thesis. I can earn a little for my efforts.

    Laura said, ¡°Then why did you hide it from me and your dad¡­¡±

    The thesis was quite challenging, so I had to trante untilte into the night. I was worried that you all

    might be concerned.¡±

    At the very least, her younger sister was engaged in proper affairs, which brought Lysander a slight

    sense of relief.

    ¡°Mich, could you pull up Dad¡¯s loan agreement from the email for me to take a look?¡±

    ¡°Ah, okay.¡±

    Michelle obediently did as told.

    The loan agreement was extensive, spanning over eighty pages in total.

    Michelle gave up her seat. ¡°Lysander, you sit down.

    Laura felt a pang of concern for her daughter. ¡°Take your time, I¡¯ll go make some pasta for the two of

    you.¡±

    She turned and headed to the kitchen.

    ¡°Mich

    close the door¡± I veander

    said

    2/4

    23:07 Mon, 3 Jun

    Mon, 3

    Chapter 458 Josiah Gave Too Much

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Michelle obediently closed the bedroom door, ¡°Lysander, is there an issue with this loan

    agreement?¡±

    33%

    Lysander brought up a matter that was bothering her. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before to limit your interactions

    with Zachary? Why is he stilling to our house?¡±

    Michelle was quite innocent. ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t reach out to Zachary again. He came by himself, said the

    company had some cookies and he brought some for Mom and Dad¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander felt an urge to mock her.

    Zachary was now a man who had been dismissed, how could he possibly have cookies from the

    office?

    Moreover, from what she knew, Guerra Group had never distributed cookies, no matter the asion.

    Josiah was a straightforward man. During festivals and holidays, he would directly give money to his

    employees. He never bothered with buying things like cookies or cakes.

    In his words, younger folks might not necessarily enjoy these offerings. It would be better to give them

    cash, allowing them to buy whatever they fancied.

    Back then, when she first learned about it, she thought the policy was a bit too straightforward and

    brash. She wondered if the employees might misinterpret it as thepany using its power to bully

    people, throwing money around without regard.

    So, Josiah instructed Carol to send out an email, soliciting everyone¡¯s opinions. They were to cast their

    votes, choosing between money and cookies..

    In the end, everyone in thepany, including the cleaningdy, chose money without exception.

    Lysander could only keep silent.

    In the end, Josiahughed at her. ¡°They came to thepany to make money, not to experience.

    humanistic care.¡±

    Lysander could only attribute this to ¡°capitalist thinking.¡±

    Moreover, the most significant point was Josiah had given too much.

    Compared to a box of cookies, anyone in their right mind would choose a thousand in cash.

    ¡°Guerra Group has tens of thousands of employees. Giving each a thousand, you¡¯re suddenly out tens

    of millions. How much does a box of cookies cost? Mr. Guerra, you¡¯ve taken a major loss.¡±

    Josiah had casually adjusted his gold¨Crimmed sses. ¡°If I can afford to give out a thousand, they

    should certainly be able to earn back even more for me. Spending a thousand to secure the loyalty and

    passion of my employees is actually a pretty good deal.¡±

    Lysander pursed her lips back then. ¡°Have them work overtime for free?¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯m not a fan of overtime, and Guerra Group is never stingy when ites to

    overtime pay. However, there¡¯s a significant difference in efficiency and results between being forced to

    work¡® and ¡®working willingly.

    At that time, Lysanne hadn¡¯t returned yet.

    3/4

    23:07 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 458 Josiah Gave Too Much

    Lysander made an imperfect analogy herself. ¡°It¡¯s like when a man chooses a wife. If she¡¯s the one he

    truly loves, he willingly shares his sry, takes on household chores, and even surprises her with

    flowers and gifts on holidays. But if he¡¯s forced to marry someone he¡¯s not particrly fond of, he can

    still make do with everyday life, but all the extra gestures are gone.¡±

    The smile on Josiah¡¯s face had faded quickly, and he promptly changed the subject.

    Looking back, she was just too obtuse at the time, failing to notice the reason behind his vanishing

    smile.

    Michelle, interrupting Lysander¡¯s train of thought, asked, ¡°Lysander, what exactly is going on between

    you and Zachary? You seem to have quite the prejudice against him.¡±

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t as we initially perceived him to be.¡±

    ¡°But he never harmed us, did he?¡±

    ¡°He simply hadn¡¯t had the opportunity yet.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, I still don¡¯t understand. Even if he wanted to harm us, what would he gain from it? I really

    can¡¯t figure it out. We don¡¯t have a deep¨Cseated grudge with him. It just doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°This matter isplicated, I¡¯ll exin it to youter. For now, please be

    quiet. I¡¯m trying to review a loan agreement.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Lysander.¡±

    Michelle obediently sat next to her sister, not daring to utter a single word.

    The document was over eighty pages long, with each use meticulously detailed.

    Lysander went straight to the page detailing the amount and interest, meticulously examining it.

    Upon examining the details of the interest rate, indeed, a problem was discovered.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459

    Chapter 459 Dishonorable Since Day One

    It wasn¡¯t eight in a thousand. It was eight percent.

    Because of the full¨Cwidth input period added at the end, it looked like an extra zero was included,

    making it barely distinguishable from ama separator. It was hard to tell the difference without

    careful scrutiny, especially since Maverick had over two hundred degrees of presbyopia.

    I knew it. How could Zachary possibly be that kind¨Chearted?

    He had essentially dug a pit for her family.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysander¡¯s heart had sunk to the lowest point.

    Based on this interest rate, the annual interest alone would amount to one hundred and sixty thousand.

    However, as she continued to look further, she felt as if all the blood in her body was rushing to her

    head.

    The interest rate stated in the document was not written as ¡°per annum¡°, but rather, it was indicated as

    ¡°per month.¡±

    Every month, a whopping interest of a hundred sixty thousand had to be repaid.

    How could her family afford it?

    If they couldn¡¯t pay back the money, the interest would bepounded with the principal. In no time,

    the amount would skyrocket to astronomical figures.

    Lysander felt a chill run through her entire body as she read.

    Luckily, she had returned home that day and had chanced upon that contract.

    If her parents continued to hide this form her, it would eventually be a bottomless pit. In the end,

    Lysander¡¯s parents might be left with no other choice but to jump off a building.

    Zachary Powell¡­

    Lysander was so infuriated that she felt like skinning him alive..

    ¡°Lysander¡­¡± Michelle was worried sick. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Lysanderposed herself and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to the balcony to make a phone call.¡±

    ¡°Is it to Zachary? It¡¯s quitete. He¡¯s probably asleep by now.¡±

    ¡°He had to get up, even if he was asleep!¡±

    Lysander went to the balcony, found Zachary¡¯s number, and dialed it.

    The response on the other end came swiftly, foregoing any formalities. The first words out of his mouth

    were, ¡°Still not back together with Josiah?¡±

    Lysander struggled to keep her voice down, fearing that any loud noise might worry her family. She

    managed to choke out, ¡°Are you trying to drive us all to our graves?¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 459 Dishonorable Since Day One

    ¡°Lysander, I gave you a deadline, and you¡¯ve exceeded it

    ¡°Can you leave my family out of our disputes?¡±

    ¡°I was just trying to help you out here. Remember when you wanted to negotiate terms with Josiah but

    couldn¡¯t find a usible excuse? He wouldn¡¯t see you and you were left helpless. But look at this, the

    interest rate is so high, so you can¡¯t possibly repay it on your own. This could be a perfect opportunity

    for you to ask Josiah for a loan. Isn¡¯t that a valid reason to meet him? Then, you can take things from

    there, rekindle your old me, and everything else should naturally fall into ce, right?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re despicable.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve known about my unscrupulous nature for quite some time now. If you ever decide to remarry

    Josiah, don¡¯t forget to send me a thank¨Cyou gift, hahaha.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think I would beg Josiah for help?¡±

    ¡°Whether you choose to plead or not is up to you. I¡¯m just waiting for the oue.¡±

    Lysander found herself at a loss for words.

    ¡°Go ahead, Lysander. With an interest of a hundred sixty thousand a month, that¡¯s¡­ about five

    thousand a day. I bet your dad¡¯s pension isn¡¯t even that high, right?¡±

    ¡°Zachary!¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha!¡±

    Zachary¡¯s arrogantughter came from the other end of the phone.

    Livid, Lysander hung up the call.

    The Everhart family was also short on funds at the moment. She had just recently received over ten

    million from Howard. Asking for more now would not only be inappropriate, but it might even cause

    liquidity issues for Thorne Constructions and Energies.

    Zachary had nned it perfectly, leaving her with no choice but to seek out Josiah.

    Her fingers hovered over the name ¡°Josiah¡± in her contact list for quite some time. After taking a deep

    breath, she finally dialed Josiah¡¯s phone number.

    Beep-

    The call went through.

    Beep beep-

    However, he didn¡¯t pick up.

    After the call was automatically ended, Lysander let out a long sigh of relief before dialing again.

    Still, no one answered.

    She sent a message to Josiah on WhatsApp: Apologies for the intrusion, but there¡¯s something I need

    to ask of you.¡± Could you please give me a call when you see this?

    2/4

    Chapter 459 Dishonorable Since Day One

    But after sending the message on WhatsApp for nearly half an hour, there was still no response.

    After waiting for what seemed like forever, Lysander finally gave uppletely.

    Today was Tiffany¡¯s birthday. She was probably still at her future father¨Cinw¡¯s house, enjoying a

    meal and sipping coffee.

    She wouldn¡¯t have the time to pick up Lysander¡¯s call.

    Buzz-

    Her cell phone vibrated. A call wasing in.

    For a moment, Lysander thought she might have misjudged Josiah. But as she picked up her phone,

    Adrian¡¯s name ringly disyed on the screen made her reconsider.

    The phone kept ringing.

    She waited for a moment before finally answering, ¡°Dr. Sutton? What brings you to call thiste?¡±

    ¡°Sorry, did I interrupt your rest?¡±

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t slept yet. Is there something you need?¡±

    ¡°The vination card for White Coat seems to still be at your ce, and it¡¯s missing one shot. I thought

    I¡¯d get it done while I¡¯m at the vet. Are you home right now? Would it be okay if I swing by to pick it up?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not home.¡±

    ¡°Where are you now? It¡¯s quitete¡­¡± Adrian thought of her peculiar neighbor. ¡°Did you go to Josiah¡¯s

    ce?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve gone back to my parents¡® house.¡±

    Adrian let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lysander said, ¡°Give me an address, and I¡¯ll have an errand runner deliver it to you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got some things to handle, so I¡¯ll hang up now¡­¡±

    ¡°Wait a moment, Lysander,¡± Adrian said. ¡°Your voice doesn¡¯t sound quite right. Is something the

    matter?¡±

    Lysander opened her mouth to speak but choked up.

    Adrian¡¯s voice took on a serious tone. ¡°Did something really happen?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, could I trouble you with something?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before, anytime you need me, just let me know.¡±

    ¡°I need some money. It¡¯s kind of urgent.¡±

    uler had finally manamed in unice her thoughrair realized che hadn¡¯t men nouided a rosennah]=

    3/4

    23:08 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 459 Dishonorable Since Day One

    exnation.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Adrian agreed without a second thought¨COnly then did he remember to ask, ¡°How much do you

    need?¡±

    Lysander thoughtfully replied, ¡°Two million.¡±

    This was no small sum of money, yet Adrian did not hesitate in the slightest. He simply stated, ¡°Send

    me your ount number.¡°

    Lysander no longer harbored any romantic feelings for him, but she couldn¡¯t help but be moved by such

    unreserved assistance. She quickly sent over an electronic IOU and promised, ¡°I¡¯m already preparing

    to take over Thorne Constructions and Energies. As soon as I start making money, I¡¯ll definitely repay

    you as quickly as possible.¡±

    There was a brief silence on the other end of the line.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter when you repay.¡± Adrian didn¡¯t really care when Lysander would return the money.

    His voice trembled as he asked her, ¡°What are you going to do in the future? Stay in the country and

    manage Thorne Constructions and Energies?¡±

    Lysander responded softly, ¡°From what we can see now, it seems to be the case.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re not nning on returning to Stounia for further studies? And are you also giving up on your

    medical career?¡± Adrian¡¯s breath hitched, and after a moment, he added, ¡°I¡¯m not ming you. I just

    don¡¯t want to see all those years of your hard work go to waste.¡±

    Lysander gave a reassuring smile and said, ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. However, I¡¯ve already

    taken the Thorne family¡¯s money, and there¡¯s no one else in the family who can step up right now. I

    can¡¯t just up and leave. At the very least, I need to oversee a transition period, find a suitable person to

    take over, a

    and

    then step down.¡±

    Adrian let out a sigh. ¡°It seems you¡¯ve truly made up your mind. When do you suppose you¡¯ll officially

    take over?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure, thepany is still in the process of transition. But it shouldn¡¯t

    take too long before we hear some news. Once the transition is over, someone will notify me. I n to

    take this time to rest a bit and brush up on my management skills. Consider it as sharpening my tools

    before the battle.¡±

    ¡°In this regard, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t be of any help to you. Daph isn¡¯t exactly an expert

    Lysander had a clear understanding of herself. ¡°Let me give it my best shot first.¡±

    A minuteter, she received a text message from her bank on her phone.

    Two million had been deposited into her ount.

    either.

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    398

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460

    Chapter 460 Cash In The Rain Check

    The following morning, while having breakfast, Lysander handed over a bank card loaded with two

    million to her parents.

    ¡°Lysa, why are you giving us your bank card?¡±

    With a nonchnt expression, Lysander said, ¡°I called Daphnest night. She mentioned she had

    some personal savings set aside. She¡¯s offered to lend us some to tide over our immediate needs,

    interest¨Cfree.¡±

    Maverick looked at her disapprovingly. ¡°Really?¡±

    Lysander handed him the phone directly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you call Daphine directly and ask?¡±

    Laura mediated the situation and said, ¡°All right, all right. Daphne really came through for us. Despite

    her ownpany facing troubles, she was willing to lend us money. Lysa, you should invite Daphne

    over for a meal sometime. Two million is not a small sum. We should properly thank her.¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°Herpany has been swamped with issuestely. I reckon she doesn¡¯t have the

    time. We can talk about it once things settle down.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Okay, anytime is fine. Just don¡¯t let it interfere with Daphne¡¯s important matters.¡±

    Maverick was still somewhat skeptical. ¡°Lysa, did Josiah give you this money?¡±

    Lysander responded quickly and very honestly, ¡°No.¡±

    She spoke with conviction, for she wasn¡¯t lying.

    Upon seeing her confident demeanor, Maverick finally believed her. ¡°As long as it¡¯s not him, that¡¯s fine.

    Also, it¡¯s not right to not pay interest. Regardless of who we borrow money from, we should give

    Daphne interest at the rate same as the banks. We can¡¯t let Daphne suffer a loss.¡±

    As long as the loan could be paid off first, all future matters could be properly nned.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll mention it to herter and see if she¡¯s interested.¡±

    ¡°We must give it to her even if she doesn¡¯t ept it. During our hard times, Daphne was there to lend a

    hand, so we must show our gratitude.¡±

    ¡°Okay, okay. If you say so, I¡¯ll do it. The food is getting cold. Dad, you better start eating. After we finish,

    I¡¯ll go with you to the bank to pay off the loan.¡±

    After breakfast, Lysander apanied her father to the bank.

    She watched with her own eyes as Maverick signed the documents and swiped the card, settling the

    loan in

    full.

    To be on the safe side, Lysander also requested a loan settlement certificate.

    By the time they returned home, it was almost noon.

    Laura was at home preparing lunch, with her daughter, Michelle, who had recently be much more

    sensible, assisting her mother.

    1/3

    Chapter 460 Cash In The Rain Check

    When Lysander and Maverick arrived home, arge table full of dishes had already been set.

    Lysander still had some money on her card. During dinner, she discussed with her parents, ¡°Now that

    we¡¯ve bought the house, and there¡¯s no rush to pay back the money, I¡¯m considering enrolling Mich in a

    summer camp. It would allow her to go abroad to rx for a while, and at the same time, interact with

    students from prestigious schools to broaden her horizons.¡±

    Laura gently declined. ¡°We should probably save a bit instead of spending. Although Daphne isn¡¯t in a

    rush for it, it would be best if we repay her as soon as possible.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Mich needs to gain some experience. She can¡¯t always stay by you and Dad¡¯s side.

    This is a perfect opportunity to foster her independence. Plus, interacting with students from Ivy League

    universities will certainly improve her Stounian skills.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, this must cost a fortune¡­¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You just focus on enjoying your summer camp abroad. Don¡¯t worry about anything

    else. Also, remember, stop reaching out to Zachary. Even if he calls you, don¡¯t answer.¡±

    As long as Michelle was not in Harborbrook, Zachary no longer had the means to threaten her using

    Michelle¡¯s safety.

    After having lunch with her foster parents and younger sister, Lysander stayed at home until the

    afternoon, reluctantly leaving only when she had to

    Laura thought that Lysander was busy with work, so she didn¡¯t persuade her to stay. Instead, she and

    her husband packed some food for her to take with her, incessantly reminding her. ¡°Come home if

    you¡¯re tired: take good care of yourself when you¡¯re alone, and make sure you eat well.¡±

    Lysander quickly epted it, not daring to look back as she left, fearful that her adoptive parents might

    catch a glimpse of the fleeting vulnerability she had shown. ¡°Okay, Mom.¡±

    On the way back, Adrian sent a message to Lysander on WhatsApp: Is the matter resolved?

    He deliberately waited a full day before he came to ask her.

    Lysander replied: It¡¯s already been taken care of. Thank you. I¡¯ll definitely repay the money as soon as

    possible.

    Adrian responded with a casual emoji, jokingly adding: Sure, but you¡¯ll have to treat me to a meal.

    Lysander felt a slight unease in her heart, but she indeed owed Adrian a huge favor this time. Given

    that her benefactor had made a request, it seemed inappropriate for her to refuse. So, she replied:

    Sure, you

    choose the restaurant.

    On the other side, Adrian had been staring at the message on his phone screen for quite a while. He

    rubbed his eyes as if fearing she might change her mind. He called her and asked, ¡°Lysander, are you

    really inviting me for a meal?¡±

    ¡°This incident is a big deal for our family, so I really should treat you.¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Adrian said, ¡°You once promised me that given the chance, you¡¯d

    personally cook a meal for me, so I could taste your culinary skills. But up until now, you haven¡¯t fulfilled

    that promise. How about we cash in that rain check this time?

    This was quite some time ago, so Lysander was surp sed that he still remembered.

    2/3

    Chapter 460 Cash in The Rain Check

    Lysander genuinely didn¡¯t want to give Adrian any more false hope, but the current situation made it

    impossible for her to refuse him. ¡°Okay,¡± she said, ¡°but I¡¯m still on my way. I¡¯m afraid it might be a while

    before I get home.¡±

    The ingredients Adrian had brought over earlier were still in the refrigerator. She decided to pick up a

    fish on her way home, which would be enough to prepare her specialty dish.

    Adrian¡¯s voice was brimming with joy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take a while to get there too. I¡¯ll stop by your

    ce. to pick up White Coat¡¯s vination reconl,¡±

    ¡°Okay¡±

    The two of them arrived at the front door almost simultaneously.

    However, Lysander hadn¡¯t expected that he would also bring White Coat back.

    ¡°It seemed like White Coat had a mild case of separation anxiety. The moment I stepped out, it started

    to whimper. I simply couldn¡¯t bear it, so I ended up bringing it along.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°What did the vet say? Thanks for your help.¡±

    Before anything else. Adrian slipped into his slippers, ced White Coat on the floor, and said, ¡°The vet

    assured me that its hind leg isn¡¯t seriously injured. It¡¯s almost fully recovered now. The only issue is that

    the lost fur might take some time to grow back, so it might look a bit awkward for a while.¡±

    Upon seeing Lysander, White Coat immediately began to wag its tail and circled around her, appearing

    quite lively.

    It seemed that over the past couple of days, Adrian had taken really good care of it.

    Lysander lovingly stroked the fluffy bundle. ¡°It seems like it¡¯s time to supplement its diet with some fish

    oil. I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s good for a dog¡¯s coat.¡±

    Adrian showed her the bag he held in his hand. ¡°I picked this up while I was out fetching White Coat.¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words. Thousands of thoughts and words could only be condensed into a

    simple thank you.

    ¡°You¡¯re most wee.¡±

    Adrian had naturally formed a habit of cooking here, and without a second thought, he tied on an apron

    to lend a hand.

    Just as Lysander had immersed the vegetables in the sink, she turned her head to peel a potato, only

    to find that Adrian had already prepared theder, and with deft movements, had also managed to

    defrost the meat.

    With a hint of helplessness, Lysander said, ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree that I would do the cooking?¡±

    ¡°If I lend you a hand, the food will be served faster. I¡¯m already hungry,¡± Adrian exined matter¨Cof¨C

    factly.

    Send Gifts

    398

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461

    Chapter 461 You And Your Boyfriend Seem Really Close

    ¡°All right, then.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Lysander had no choice but to take control of the cooking, lest their agreement of her treating him to a

    meal turned into himing over to cook for her instead.

    The apartment was notrge to begin with, and the kitchen was even smaller. It felt spacious enough

    for one person, but with two it became rather crowded. One had to be careful not to bump into each

    other.

    Yet, from start to finish, Adrian managed to control his strength perfectly, ensuring that he never

    bumped into her throughout.

    Once Lysander finished peeling the ingredients, the trash can would promptly be in Adrian¡¯s hands,

    ready to collect other kitchen waste. There was never a moment of dy.

    Finally, Lysander brought out the y pot, ready to stew the pork ribs. Once she had added the water,

    realized that the bottle of cooking wine had long been empty.

    she

    Seeing her hesitate, Adrian quickly asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Then, without waiting for her response, he had a sudden realization. ¡°I used up thest bit of cooking

    winest time. I intended to replenish it for you next time, but I forgot. Wait a moment, I¡¯ll go out and

    buy some right now!¡±

    No sooner had his words faded, than he dashed out of the kitchen, quickly changed his shoes, and ran

    out.

    There was a small supermarket at the entrance of the residential area. It didn¡¯t have a wide variety of

    food ingredients, but it did carrymon seasonings.

    Even without asking. Lysander knew that Adrian would go there to buy cooking wine. She remained

    busy in the kitchen. The spare ribs weren¡¯t going to be stewed for now, so she could only start

    preparing the lemon butter fish. This dish was not any simpler than making soup.

    Through the corner of her eye, she saw that the bottle containing lemon juice was empty as well.

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, wait up!¡± Lysander hastily rushed out, just in time to catch Adrian who had already stepped

    one foot into the elevator.

    Adrian hurriedly halted his steps and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°While you¡¯re at it, could you also grab a bottle of lemon juice? We¡¯ll need itter for the lemon butter

    fish,¡± Lysander reminded him.

    Adrian shed a smile as he said, ¡°All right. Is there anything else in the kitchen that needs restocking?

    I¡¯U try to get everything in one trip.¡±

    After giving it some thought, Lysander shook her head and said, ¡°Nothing more.¡±

    Adrian had just stepped into the elevator, and right before the doors closed, he said, ¡°Wait for me; I¡¯ll be

    back soon.

    Lysander watched as Adrian entered the elevator. She had barely turned around when she

    unexpectedly ran into Josiah, who had seemingly appeared from next door.

    1/4

    Chapter 461 You And Your Boyfriend Seem Really Close

    It was as if he could walk without making a sound.

    Pretending not to notice him, Lysander was about to walk past Josiah when Tiffany stopped her.

    ¡°Lysa, you and your boyfriend seem really close! The way you two were talking earlier was so

    heartwarming that it made me quite envious!¡± she said.

    ¡°You two are pretty close too,¡± Lysander replied before turning around and heading back home.

    Before Lysander could step through the door, Josiah rushed to ask her, ¡°Did you need something when

    you called mest night? I was in a video conference at the time and had my phone on silent, so I

    couldn¡¯t answer the call,¡±

    A video conference at such ate hour?

    However, Lysander couldn¡¯t be bothered to dwell on the reasons anymore.

    She said nonchntly, ¡°It¡¯s fine; everything has been taken care of.¡±

    Upon seeing Lysander¡¯s strictly professional demeanor, Josiah was immediately irritated. He lowered

    his voice and said. ¡°If you have something to say, just say it.¡±

    ¡°As I said, it has already been taken care of. Did you guys have other matters to attend to outside? The

    elevator should be here by now,¡± Lysander responded.

    Josiah, with his thin lips pursed, said nothing more.

    Tiffany chuckled. ¡°No, we¡¯re not heading out. We¡¯re just checking if our food delivery has arrived yet.¡±

    With an adorable stick of her tongue, she added, ¡°I¡¯m not really good at cooking, so I guess we¡¯ll have

    to make do with food delivery for now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you two carry on waiting, then. I¡¯ll be heading back now.¡±

    Lysander then quickly returned home, shutting the door behind her.

    Before long. Adrian returned, panting heavily. He held a shopping bag in his hand, which undoubtedly

    contained more than just cooking wine and lemon juice.

    As he was unpacking, he said. ¡°The line at checkout held me up for a bit. I hope that didn¡¯t cause you

    any trouble.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Why did you buy so much stuff?¡± Lysander asked in confusion.

    As he spoke, Adrian had already taken out the red wine, aromatherapy candles, and a bouquet of

    flowers that he had somehow managed to stuff into the bag. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯m eating your

    cooking, so of course, there needs to be a sense of ceremony,¡± he exined.

    ¡°I made Ecronian cuisine, so I¡¯m afraid it may not live up to such grand expectations,¡± Lysander said

    gently.

    Adrianughed as he said, ¡°Then this will be a fusion of cultures! By the way, do you have a

    candlestick at home?¡±

    Having never purchased such an impractical item bepre. Lysander replied. ¡°No. I don¡¯t.¡±

    2/4

    Chapter 461 You And Your Boyfriend Seem Really Close

    Adrian scoured the kitchen, finally settling for a coaster. ¡°This should do for now.¡±

    After arranging the candles, he then began to search for a vase for the flowers.

    Lysander opened up the seasonings and stayed in the kitchen to continue cooking. By the time the

    lemon butter fish filled the air with its enticing aroma, the pork ribs were also nearly done. She quickly

    fried some vegetables and ted them, then dished up two bowls of pasta. With that, dinner was

    ready.

    Inside the restaurant, Adrian had already set up the dining table, creating an ambiance of a candlelit

    dinner.

    A rose adorned with dewdrops was ced at the center, nked by aromatherapy candles resting on

    coasters on either side. Once the light was turned off, it truly evoked the ambiance of a fancy

    restaurant.

    As Lysander ced the dishes on the table, she said, ¡°It¡¯s just a simple meal, but you sure know how to

    live a refined life.¡±

    Adrian immediately returned thepliment by saying, ¡°How could I not match up to your culinary

    skills? This lemon butter fish is truly well made. It seems you¡¯ve been modestly hiding your cooking

    talents all along.

    ¡°If you can¡¯t genuinelypliment me, then don¡¯t bother forcing it. I¡¯m well aware of my own cooking

    skills,¡± Lysander said as she pulled out a chair to sit down.

    When it came to culinary skills, she was far inferior to Laura¡¯s and might have even been outperformed

    by Michelle.

    White Coat caught the enticing aroma of the food and was eager to get on the table. However, its short

    stature posed a problem; no matter how much it struggled, it couldn¡¯t reach the table top.

    Observing its constant whimpering, Lysander had no choice but to move its food bowl next to the table.

    She also opened a can for it, hoping to give it a sense of inclusion.

    When Lysander saw White Coat engrossed in its meal, she lowered her gaze and said, ¡°Thank you for

    helping me take care of it. I¡¯ve been too busy recently and really couldn¡¯t spare the time for White

    Coat.¡±

    Adrian gave a slight smile. ¡°Didn¡¯t you already treat me to a meal? We¡¯re even now.¡±

    As he spoke, he picked a piece of fish from the bowl and savored it with delight. ¡°I¡¯m not just saying

    this, by the way. It¡¯s really good,¡± hemented.

    With a mix of doubt and trust, Lysander took a tentative bite, her expression resigned as he said, ¡°The

    taste is just mediocre. In the past few years, I¡¯ve either been studying for professional titles or busy with

    work. The fact that I could even boil water and cook pasta in the kitchen was an achievement in itself.

    Today, I suppose you could say I¡¯ve outdone myself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite good.¡±

    Adrian stood up and picked up the bottle opener. Ht swirled the red wine around and said. ¡°This brand

    of wine has a strong fruity vor. It¡¯s not too strong, and it tastes almost like juice. Give it a try.¡±

    Ding dong!

    The doorbell rang at an inopportune time.

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    Chapter 461 You And Your Boyfriend Seem Really Close

    Adrian said, ¡°Oh, it might be the errand runner I just called. I bought a few toys for White Coat.¡±

    But when the door was opened, he saw that it wasn¡¯t the delivery guy. Instead, it was Tiffany.

    As soon as Tiffany saw Lysa, she was in a state of panic, grabbing her hand as she babbled, ¡°Lysa,

    come quickly! Jose has fainted!¡±

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    Chapter 462

    Chapter 462 You Decided Not To Care

    Lysander walked over, feeling slightly puzzled. ¡°Wasn¡¯t he just fine earlier?¡±

    Tiffany¡¯s eyes were red in distress, and her voice wasced with a sob as she said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what

    happened. He was walking just fine and then suddenly, he couldn¡¯t stand anymore. I couldn¡¯t hold him

    up¡­ Lysa, you¡¯re a doctor, so pleasee and take a look!¡±

    ¡°He suddenly fainted?¡± s

    ¡°Y¨CYeah!¡±

    For some reason, Lysander felt that there was something peculiar about this.

    Why would a perfectly fine individual suddenly faint?

    However, Tiffany didn¡¯t seem to be lying. Her tears were falling incessantly as she pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m

    begging you, Lysa¡­

    Upon seeing the situation, Adrian first sought to soothe the near¨Ctearful young girl in front of him.

    ¡°Calm down: where is he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s at home¡­¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that he fainted? Did you drag him back inside?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it¡­ He fainted for a brief moment and managed to walk back on his own, but he still

    seems to be in a lot of pain. Lysa, you shoulde with me right away!¡± Tiffany exined.

    Despite being a petite girl, Tiffany had surprising strength. She didn¡¯t bother with further exnations

    as she hauled Lysander out the door.

    Adrian also followed, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look too, the more doctors we have, the more solutions we

    can find.¡±

    Lysander had never been to the unit next door.

    When Tiffany led her in, she realized that theyout of the two units was essentially the same.

    However, this unit was slightlyrger and had a better orientation than hers.

    The sunlight streamed in through the expansive floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, and Josiah could be seen

    reclining on the living room couch.

    The couch, however, was too small for him, so his legs could only dangle over the edge, touching the

    floor. He was contorted ufortably, and his suit appeared somewhat disheveled.

    He draped his arm over his eyes, uncertain whether he was shielding them from the sunlight ording

    the deep furrow in his brow.

    ¡°Josiah?¡±

    There was

    response.

    Tiffany rushed over, looking pitiful as she crouched in front of the couch. ¡°Jose! Jose! Don¡¯t be scared!

    I¡¯ve

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    Chapter 462 You Decided Not To Care

    Several seconds passed before Josiah finally reacted..

    Slowly, she lifted his forearm that had been resting on his face. As his face came into view, it was clear

    that he didn¡¯t look very well. Hisplexion was somewhat pale, and there was a hint of pain etched

    between

    his brows.

    ¡°Who told you to bring her here? Tell her to leave.¡±

    ¡°Lysa is a doctor! You should let her examine you!¡±

    Josiah scoffed weakly. ¡°No need for that.¡±

    ¡°Josc¡­¡±

    Struggling. Josiah managed to sit up, leaning his entire body against the back of the couch. He turned

    his head away with his eyes closed, yet the look of pain on his face did not lessen. In fact, it only

    seemed to intensify.

    Adrian stepped forward and asked, ¡°Do you need any assistance, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Josiah slowly opened his eyes, then let out a mockingugh. ¡°Well, if it isn¡¯t Dr. Thorne and Dr. Sutton.

    I¡¯m truly sorry for interrupting your candlelit dinner. You two should head on back. Don¡¯t worry about

    me.¡±

    Adrian carefully observed his state, momentarily uncertain whether the situation was genuine or a ruse.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯m a doctor. Even if we¡¯ve had our disagreements, in situations like this, we should set

    aside personal prejudices and prioritize your condition.¡±

    Josiah chuckled softly and continued with his eyes closed, ¡°Dr. Sutton, you truly embody the

    compassionate heart of a healer, with your broad¨Cmindedness and grand vision. I¡¯m humbled in

    comparison,¡±

    As he spoke, his voice gradually softened until it was nothing more than a whisper.

    Upon hearing this, Adrian couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows. ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to be stubborn. If you

    don¡¯t want our help, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll call an ambnce for you.¡±

    Josiah sneered. ¡°Our help? Since when did you and Lysander get so close?¡±

    Unable to hold back any further, Lysander snapped at him, ¡°Dr. Sutton and I were operating room

    partners back at Central Hospital, so why can¡¯t he refer to us that way?¡±

    A flicker of annoyance crossed Josiah¡¯s face as he said, ¡°Then hurry on back and carry on however

    you see fit.¡±

    you two

    Adrian was keeping his emotions in check as he said, ¡°Fainting unexpectedly can be a serious matter.

    If it¡¯s due to low blood sugar, a bit of rest and some sugar should suffice. But if it¡¯s rted to the heart

    of brain, then that could be life¨Cthreatening.¡±

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Get out.¡±

    ¡°You-

    Lysander interrupted Adrian¡¯s words, turning directly to Josiah as she asked. ¡°Are you sure you want us

    to leavt now?¡±

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    Chapter 462 You Decided Not To Care

    ¡°Hurry up and get lost¡±

    ¡°Fine! But if anything happens, it¡¯s on you. I¡¯ve done my part in offering medical assistance, but if the

    patient refuses, whatever happens next is not on me. Let¡¯s go, Dr. Sutton,¡± she said.

    Josiah abruptly sat up, his voice stern as he demanded, ¡°So, you decided not to care about me

    anymore?¡±

    ¡°What else do you expect us to do when you keep pushing us away?¡±

    Even Tiffany, who was usually slow on the uptake, could tell there was a problem with his attitude.

    Fearing that the people she had finally mustered the courage to ask for help would be offended and

    leave, she quickly grabbed Lysander and said. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Lysa. I apologize on behalf of Jose.

    He¡¯s not feeling well, so his attitude isn¡¯t the best. He¡¯s not usually like this¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry: I¡¯m not upset. If I let every difficult patient I encountered in the hospital bother me, I¡¯d

    have been overwhelmed long ago. Lysander reassured her with aforting smile.

    Blinking herrge eyes. Tiffany breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Lysander had no intention

    of leaving. Only then did she start to help exin things on Josiah¡¯s behalf.

    ¡°Lysa. I¡¯m actually to me for this. Yesterday, at my birthday party, Jose was kept busy entertaining

    guests for a long time. He also drank a lot of alcohol and didn¡¯t finish until the early hours of the

    morning. Then. he had to answer a work call and ended up pulling an all¨Cnighter. He¡¯s really

    exhausted¡­¡±

    Out of respect for her. Lysander gave a nod in response.

    Tiffany then hurriedly tried to reason with Josiah, who was silent the whole time. ¡°Jose, could you

    please calm¨Cdown? Lysa is a doctor, after all. If you don¡¯t want to go to the hospital, why not let her

    examine you?¡±

    Josiah subtly lifted his gaze, looking toward Lysander.

    Lysander still had her apron on. Since she was at home, her hair was loosely pulled back, held in ce

    by a w clip. Strands of hair fellzily, adding to her casual,id¨Cback beauty.

    Lysander asked. ¡°I will ask you one more time, Mr. Guerra. Are you sure you don¡¯t need our help?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze slowly swept across the room, but in the end, he turned away and said in a nonchnt

    tone, ¡°I don¡¯t think my condition requires an anesthesiologist, so I won¡¯t disturb Dr. Sutton¡¯s meal.¡±

    It was clear as day he was showing them the door.

    Adrian let out a soft chuckle and responded in a pleasant tone. ¡°We¡¯re in no rush to eat right now. Since

    we still haven¡¯t figured out what caused your illness, it would be too soon for me to leave. Besides,

    there are many reasons for fainting. What if we find out that you require anesthesia after weplete

    your diagnosis?¡±

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    Chapter 463 Do You Need A Female Health Examination

    Josiah abruptly lifted his head, staring at Adrian.

    Adrian did not back down. He stood there calmly, allowing him to look.

    As the two men locked eyes, sweat began to break out on Lysander¡¯s palmy

    Tiffany asked curiously, Dr. Sutton, isn¡¯t anesthesia only used during surgery?¡±

    ¡°I was just giving an example.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Adrian asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, can we begin the examination now?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Josiah didn¡¯t speak any further. Instead, he just scoffed coldly, shifting his position to

    lay out nonchntly on the couch.

    Due to his height, his knees met the edge of the seat cushion, allowing the lower part of his legs to still

    firmly touch the ground.

    -Take a seat, Dr. Sutton. If there really is a need for anesthesia, we¡¯ll let you know.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Adrian graciously took a seat on the adjacent sofa.

    ¡°Lysander¡­ Tiffany urged her.

    Under Tiffany¡¯s expectant gaze, Lysander crouched down in front of the couch. Looking at Josiah, she

    asked, ¡°Where does it hurt?¡±

    Josiah kept his eyes shut, maintaining his original position. ¡°My stomach.¡±

    Lysander treated him like a real patient and asked again, ¡°Can you pinpoint exactly where the pain is?

    Is it on the left or the right? There are many reasons for abdominal pain, so we need to confirm the

    exact location first.¡±

    Following a brief silence, Josiah gave her a sideways nce. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Everything hurts.¡±

    When Lysander realized her medical inquiries were futile, she was momentarily at a loss. Rolling up

    her sleeves, she instructed, ¡°Remove your tie and any unnecessary clothing.¡±

    Tiffany was fully engrossed in monitoring Josiah¡¯s condition and asked with concern, ¡°Lysander, is

    Josiah¡¯s condition very serious?¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Lysander spoke softly. ¡°We need to conduct an examination to confirm the cause of the illness.¡±

    The room was rtively warm and everyone dressed lightly. Josiah had draped his jacket over the

    chair earlier. Apart from his fitting shirt, the only additional piece of clothing he wore was a satin vest.

    He casually undid the buttons of his vest with one hand, then flung it open on both sides, exuding an air

    of nonchnce.

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    Chapter 463 Do You Need A Female Health Examination

    ¡°Do I need to unbutton the shirt?¡±

    ¡°No need, that¡¯s enough. Adjust your position; lie t with your face up.¡±

    Josiah impatiently huffed, ¡°I can¡¯t lie down.¡±

    ¡°Then this is fine.¡±

    Lysander leaned slightly forward, extending her hand. Through the thinyer of fabric, she gently

    pressed down below his rib cage and asked, ¡°Does it hurt here?¡±

    Josiah hummed, ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    Lysander moved her hand to the other side, pressing down once more as she asked, ¡°What about

    here?¡±

    ¡°It hurts too,¡± Josiah replied swiftly.

    The shirt he was wearing clung close to his body, not only carrying his unique scent but also felt

    warmer than usual. It didn¡¯t take long for this warmth to reach the tips of Lysander¡¯s fingers.

    After noticing Lysander¡¯s reaction, Adrian asked, ¡°Did you find anything?¡±

    Lysander lowered her gaze, hiding the emotional turbulence in her eyes, and said in an uncertain tone,

    ¡°He might have a fever, but I can¡¯t pinpoint the exact cause right now. And I can¡¯t determine the specific

    organ causing the abdominal pain either.¡±

    Josiah opened his eyes, frowning. ¡°Why can¡¯t anything be confirmed?¡±

    ¡°You im that it hurts everywhere. How can we confirm anything that way?¡±

    Josiah said in an annoyed tone, ¡°It does hurt everywhere. I¡¯m not lying.¡±

    Lysander stood up straight, pulling a tissue from the table to wipe her hands. ¡°If both your stomach and

    liver are hurting, your condition seems quite serious. I can¡¯t help you with that. You should call an

    ambnce.¡±

    Josiah expressed his skepticism. ¡°Could it be that you¡¯ve pressed the wrong ce? Have you spent so

    much time in the obstetrics and gynecology department that you¡¯ve forgotten everything else?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander immediately rolled up her sleeves. ¡°Fine. You should lie down. I take

    another look.¡±

    Josiah closed his eyes, letting her examine him at will.

    Lysander shifted her hand to another spot, applying slightly more pressure than before. ¡°How abour

    here?¡±

    The response she received was the same as before. Josiah, ever stingy with his words, said, ¡°Hurts

    too.¡±

    ¡°Does it hurt here too?¡±

    ¡°Easy there. It¡¯s killing me¡­¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand what¡¯s going on.¡± Lysander concluded, ¡°These two locations represent the

    fallopian tubes and the uterus. Mr. Guerra, vou may have a roured ovarian cyst. or it could potentially

    be a case of 2/4

    23:08 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 463 Do You Need A Female Health Examination

    postpartum uterine prpse,¡±

    Josiah was rendered speechless.

    ¡°I might not be able to diagnose the rest, but I can definitely locate these two. Mr. Guerra, would you

    like me to set up a female health examination for you?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face darkened considerably. ¡°Can¡¯t you be professional? I¡¯m already in such pain, and you¡¯re

    still messing with me?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to give you a thorough examination, but you¡¯re not only disregarding medical advice but also

    questioning the doctor¡¯s credibility. If this continues, Mr. Guerra, you should consider seeking help from

    a more capable doctor.¡±

    Josiah red at her, gritting his teeth in resentment. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll cooperate. Whatever you want me to do,

    I¡¯ll do it. So, what should I do?¡±

    ¡°Lie t.¡± Lysander directed him, ¡°Put your leg up, rest it on the arm of the couch, and keep your body

    facing upward.¡±

    With a hint of defiance, Josiah took a deep breath and did as instructed.

    Lysander said. ¡°This time, try to differentiate where exactly the pain is sharpest and which part is most

    sensitive.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Please hurry up.¡±

    Adrian stood up, suggesting, ¡°How about I do it?¡±

    Josiah let out a scoff. ¡°You don¡¯t have to trouble yourself.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Since he can still argue with me, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any serious

    issue. I can handle it.¡±

    ¡°Alright then.¡°.

    Adrian sat back down again.

    Lysander examined him once again. ¡°Do you feel anything here?¡±

    He drew in a sharp breath, his face tense as he said to Lysander, ¡°It hurts a lot.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°It truly hurts this time. I¡¯m not lying to you.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Are you sure this is the ce?¡±

    ¡°Could you press that spot again? I want to make aparison

    Lysander was dumbfounded.

    ¡°How would I know which side hurts more if I don¡¯tpare?¡±

    ¡°Fine

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    Chapter 463 Do You Need A Female Health Examination

    Using the same force as before, Lysander urately found the spot and pressed down.

    Yet, this time, Josiah reacted quite intensely, Wish a pale face, he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Do you

    really need to use so much force just for an examination?¡±

    With a calm expression, Lysander asked, ¡°So, is it particrly painful this time?¡±

    Judging from theposed expression on Josiah¡¯s face, it seemed he had somewhat recovered, the

    pain. not as intense as before. He affirmed in a cold voice, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s his stomach.¡± Lysander got up and began to share her diagnosis with Tiffany, ¡°He used to have

    stomach problems. I think you mentioned earlier that he had been out socializing today. Did he eat

    anything raw?¡±

    Tiffany shook her head repeatedly, attempting to recall. ¡°There were too many people at the dinner

    wanting to talk to him. He simply didn¡¯t have time to eat. He could only keep drinking: Josiah, did you

    eat anything after you returned to the office?¡±

    Josiah shook his head, massaging his temples in exhaustion. ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to eat, as there¡¯s been

    a hup in Epea. Once I had dealt with it, I headed straight home.¡±

    ¡°So, are you saying that since yesterday, for two days and one night, you haven¡¯t eaten anything and

    only filled your stomach with alcohol?¡±

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    Chapter 464 What I Seek Is Your Sincerity

    This was far more serious than consuming raw food,

    Josiah sat up, slowly buttoning his vest. His voice had softened somewhat. ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    Lysander sighed. ¡°People with stomach issues should really avoid alcohol, The pain you¡¯re feeling is

    highly likely from your stomach acting up.¡±

    Bewildered, Tiffany asked, ¡°Lysander, can you treat him?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°He¡¯ll need to see an expert for this. It¡¯s best to consult a specialist in internal medicine.¡±

    Tiffany blinked in surprise, asking curiously, ¡°Lysander, how did you know that Josiah has a chronic

    stomach condition? Did you just diagnose it? That¡¯s quite impressive.¡±

    Admiration filled her gaze.

    To prevent any misunderstanding, Lysander quickly waved her hands and rified, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking

    it. I¡­ I¡¯ve heard about it from the elders before. My father and Madam Susan are old acquaintances.¡±

    Tiffany believed it and said, ¡°I see. Lysander, you¡¯re really meticulous.¡±

    Luckily, the one they encountered was Tiffany.

    Lysander subtly let out a sigh of relief, turning to the uncooperative Josiah. She advised, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I

    suggest you go to the hospital as soon as possible for a gastroscopy. After that, we can discuss the

    appropriate treatment based on the advice of the specialist.

    Josiah¡¯splexion appeared even paler than before. Maintaining hisposure, he said, ¡°Forget it. I

    don¡¯t have time. I have another appointment this afternoon.¡±

    Lysander studied him for a moment before finally saying. ¡°This is your own body. If you don¡¯t take care

    of it, no one else can help you. The decision is yours.¡±

    Tiffany couldn¡¯t help but worry. ¡°Josiah, you almost passed out from the pain before. What if your

    stomach hurts againter?¡±

    Josiah brushed it off. ¡°I have gastric medicine at home. I¡¯ll just take some.¡±

    Tiffany was concerned about his health and continued to persuade him, ¡°It¡¯s still early. Let me you to

    the hospital. We can head to the office afterward. It won¡¯t interfere with your work.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s tone grew solemn. ¡°I told you. It¡¯s not necessary.¡±

    Tiffany was timid, too shy to muster up the courage to persuade him any further.

    apany

    Lysander turned to the flustered Tiffany and added, ¡°Ms. Lanister, if you¡¯re still feeling uneasy, keep an

    eye on him for a while longer. If his stomach pain worsens, don¡¯t hesitate to call an ambnce.¡±

    Despite her concern, Tiffany had no valid reason to keep them any longer. She nodded, saying,

    ¡°Alright, thank you.¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Lysander said, turning toward Adrian. ¡°Let¡¯s head back first¡±

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    Chapter 464 What I Seek is Your Sincerity

    Adrian had wanted to leave for a while now, and without a word, he promptly followed her.

    The two of them quickly arrived at the door, just one step away from stepping out.

    ¡°Wait a moment.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Josiah rose from the couch, steadying himself with the help of the coffee table next to

    him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me before that your rtionship with Dr. Sutton is nothing more than friendship?

    Howe you¡¯re now able to share a candlelit dinner?¡±

    Tiffany was utterly baffled, unable to fathom how Lysander¡¯s affairs with her boyfriend had anything to

    do with Josiah.

    ¡°Josiah, isn¡¯t Dr. Sutton Lysander¡¯s boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°Since when?¡±

    ¡°Ah, isn¡¯t that so? I¡¯ve always thought¡­¡±

    Upon hearing Josiah making such remarks in front of Tiffany. Lysander immediately halted, retorting

    without turning her head, ¡°This is my business. Since when has it be any of yours, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    In contrast to her, Adrian did turn his head to ask, ¡°I¡¯m rather curious. How did you know we were

    having a candlelit dinner, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    With a snigger, Josiah said, ¡°That¡¯s a question you should ask Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Adrian was filled with confusion.

    When Lysander exined it to him, her tone was considerably softer. ¡°When you were out shopping,

    Mr. Guerra and Ms. Lanister happened to leave together and bumped into me. That¡¯s probably when

    they saw the table you had set.¡±

    Adrian seemed thoughtful. ¡°I see. It seems that you and Ms. Lanister have a pretty good rtionship,

    Mr. Guerra. As soon as you finish work, Ms. Lanisteres over to keep youpany.¡±

    Josiah coldly said, ¡°Dr. Sutton, I am currently speaking with Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Adrian chuckled lightly, gesturing for him to go ahead.

    Josiah¡¯s lips were twitching, as if he had a lot left unsaid, yet he ultimately remained silent, simply

    staring at Lysander in¡® silence.

    In that moment, Adrian found himself caught in the middle, left with no choice but to halt in his tracks.

    Tiffany stood by the couch, utterly bewildered by the turn of events. She held her breath and dared not

    to speak rashly, her gaze filled with concern as she watched Josiah.

    After a long while, Josiah finally spoke, his voice tinged with resentment. ¡°Lysander, weren¡¯t you trying

    to get me to agree to let Zachary continue working at Guerra Group? What, you can¡¯t keep up the act

    just because I haven¡¯t done so yet? Is your patience really that thin?¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected him to bring this up out of the blue. With a hint of indifference in her voice,

    she said, ¡°I¡¯ve sought you out many times, pleaded with you on numerous asions. If you¡¯re unwilling

    to hel, there¡¯s nothing more I can do.¡±

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    23:09 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 464 What I Seek Is Your Sincerity

    ¡°So, you¡¯re just giving up? You wouldn¡¯t care if Zachary continues to pester your family?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re unwilling to help. I¡¯ll just have to find another way.¡±

    ¡°What way? Seek out Adrian and hand him a hotel room card, just like you always do?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression changed instantly. ¡°Josiah, what exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°I already told you that day at the billiard lounge that what I wanted isn¡¯t¡­.

    Considering that Tiffany was still present, there were certain things that couldn¡¯t be said too explicitly.

    Hence, Josiah promptly changed his tack.

    He rephrased, saying, ¡°What I want is your sincerity.¡±

    Lysander smirked in response, too weary to engage in further conversation with him.

    Josiah interpreted her silence as a tacit agreement and brought up the issue that had been troubling

    him for the past day. Today is the final day to make the payment at the sales office. You know very well

    your parents can¡¯t afford this amount. Are you still not nning to ask me for help?¡±

    Nearly two¨Cthirds of the day had already passed.

    This time, Adrian interjected in a calm manner, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you don¡¯t need to worry about this.¡±

    Josiah gave him a cold nce, ¡°This is between her and me. It¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    Unfazed, Adrian stared back at him and said, ¡°I transferred the money to Lysanderst night. The

    matter has been satisfactorily resolved, so I guess you could say it¡¯s part of my business.¡±

    Upon learning that Lysander had actually borrowed money from Adrian, Josiah incredulously asked

    her, ¡°Did you really ask him for a loan?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll repay it as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, ¡°Last night, I tried to call you. I actually wanted to ask if you could¡­ But

    you didn¡¯t answer, and there was an unexpected situation at home that couldn¡¯t be dyed. I had a

    conversation with Dr. Sutton, he was willing to help when I was in need, for which I was extremely

    grateful.¡±

    Josiah had been holding back his anger, but the fury building up within him was bing unbearable.

    He felt as if he was about to explode. His lips were pressed, and after letting out a cold snort, he said in

    a hoarse voice, ¡°No wonder you decided to cook today. It was all to thank him for the loan.¡±

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    Chapter 465 The Explosive Atmosphere

    ¡°Sort of

    Josiah was struggling to keep his temper in check. ¡°Has the payment for the house been made?¡±

    Seeing that he was unwilling to believe it, Lysander nodded and said, ¡°Yes, Ipleted all the

    procedures. this morning.¡±

    Josiahughed. ¡°How much money did he lend you?¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Two million.¡±¡±

    ¡°Two million¡­¡± Josiah licked his teeth, leisurely observing her. ¡°Two million is enough for you to cook

    for him.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t feel the need to be ashamed. She looked at Josiah with a calm demeanor and

    countered, ¡°Am I not allowed to?¡±

    ¡°Of course you are.¡± Josiah managed to squeeze out the next few words through gritted teeth. ¡°But Dr.

    Thorne, you shouldn¡¯t y favorites. Don¡¯t forget there¡¯s someone else who needs your ¡®personal¡®

    gratitude as well¡­¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Before, I was repeatedly coerced by Zachary for your sake. I even handed over the most profitable

    project of thepany to him. Shouldn¡¯t you show some sort of gratitude?¡±

    ¡°Since I¡¯ve prepared a whole table of dishes. Dr. Sutton and I can¡¯t finish it all. How about I pack some

    for you?¡± The look in Lysander¡¯s eyes was hostile, evidence that she was upset. She cautioned,

    ¡°However, I must remind you as a medical professional that you¡¯re still sick. With your stomach

    condition, you should avoid getting upset. It would be bad if your condition worsens.¡±

    With a sarcasticugh, Josiah replied, ¡°Thanks for the concern, but my lungs hurt more than my

    stomach now. I insist on calling on that debt.¡±

    Lysander thought about the lemon butter fish on the table that was getting cold and impatiently asked,

    ¡°So, what do you want me to cook for you?¡±

    ¡°Seafood.¡±

    Adrian mentioned. ¡°Perhaps seafood isn¡¯t the best choice right now. It¡¯s generally better to avoid it

    when your stomach isn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    Josiah nced at Adrian and asked, ¡°Do you have an objection, Dr. Sutton?¡±

    ¡°No, Mr. Guerra. Go ahead.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Seafood is fine. Once your stomach condition has improved, I¡¯ll find an opportunity to

    cook it for you.¡±

    ¡°I want it today. I want it now.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, why are you acting like an unreasonable child right now?¡±

    1/4

    Chapter 465 The Explosive Atmosphere

    7.32%3

    ¡°So, when he wants gratitude, it¡¯s perfectly justified, but when I do, it¡¯s considered unreasonable? Dr.

    Thome, are you being biased here?¡±

    Lysander was also getting frustrated. ¡°I didn¡¯t prepare any seafood today. There¡¯s only one fish in the

    fridge.¡±

    ¡°What kind of fish?¡±

    ¡°Carp.¡±

    ¡°Is carp considered seafood?¡± Josiah deliberately emphasized the word ¡°sea.¡±

    This man is simply outrageous!

    Lysander took a deep breath, attempting to suppress her anger but failing. She ended upughing out

    of sheer frustration. ¡°Josiah, since I¡¯ve agreed, I won¡¯t back out. Aren¡¯t you afraid that eating seafood

    now will worsen your condition, or maybe even cause a stomach ulcer on the spot?¡±

    Josiah slightly narrowed his eyes, his aura radiating danger as he said, ¡°Are you cursing me?¡±

    Lysander responded to him. ¡°I¡¯m just speaking from a medical perspective.¡±

    The tension in the atmosphere quickly returned. One could even see sparks flying between the arguing

    pair.

    Josiah was stubborn as a mule. Once he made up his mind, no one could ever change it. He dered

    on the spot, ¡°Lysander, even if it means getting a stomach ulcer, I must have the seafood meal today.¡±

    Adrian watched them for a moment, his face stern as he finally offered a piece of advice, ¡°Mr. Guerra,

    it¡¯s clear that you simply don¡¯t want me to have a candlelit dinner with Lysander with all this talk of

    gastritis and wanting seafood¡­ Why go to such lengths? You¡¯ll just end up harming yourself.¡±

    Josiah said rather bluntly, ¡°This is between Lysander and me. You should mind your own business.¡±

    The three of them were all fully grown adults, yet they were still making a fuss over a seafood meal.

    Lysander sighed helplessly.

    ¡°Alright, Mr. Guerra, since you¡¯re so eager for seafood, let¡¯s have it. What would you like? Fish, shrimp,

    or crab? I¡¯ll downstairs and buy it right now so that you¡¯ll be satisfied. However, you¡¯ll have to bear the

    consequences after eating. Ms. Lanister, you should call an ambnceter and have them wait

    downstairs on standby. If anything happens to Mr. Guerra, they cane up immediately and take him

    away

    In response, Josiah didn¡¯t react with anger as one might expect. Instead, he seemed surprisingly calm.

    He pulled out his phone, speaking as if he was afraid she might change her mind. ¡°No need to trouble

    yourself. I can order what I want myself. It should be here soon. Dr. Sutton, what would you like? This

    meal¡¯s on me.¡±

    He cast a provocative nce at Adrian; his behavior was nothing short of childish. Upon hearing this,

    Adrian didn¡¯t even care to smile back, he simply reiterated. ¡°I don¡¯t fancy seafood. A home¨Ccooked

    meal by Lysander is more than enough for me.¡±

    It was clear the meal was undoubtedly going to be an eventful one.

    Josiah was behaving like a ticking time bomb.

    218

    23:09 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 465 The Explosive Atmosphere

    As long as Adrian was there, he would continue making up fuss.

    The mere thought of the scene gave Lysander a headache. After a moment of contemtion, she

    made up her mind. Full of regret, she said to Adrian, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to have dinner

    tonight. You should have it at home. I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±

    Adrian was understanding.

    He said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Since you¡¯ve worked hard on it, I should eat it to not let your efforts go in vain.

    Your should focus on cooking for Mr. Guerra, as anything between us can be easily resolved. The

    ¡®patient¡® takes priority.¡±

    Lysander genuinely felt apologetic toward him and softly said, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not particrly upied at the moment. I¡¯ll leave after I help you clean up the dishes. You¡¯ve had a

    long day, so it would be harsh for you toe home and still have to do housework. Don¡¯t worry. Once

    you¡¯ve finished up here, you¡¯ll return to a clean and cozy home.¡±

    The words caused Josiah to furrow his brows.

    The way Adrian spoke about him, made him sound like a troublesome viin, deliberately making life

    difficult for the hardworking ¡°couple.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton, you sure have a way with words,¡± Josiah remarked coldly. ¡°Do you conduct sses on

    being a master of pretense?¡±

    ¡°You sure have a sense of humor, Mr. Guerra. You know, you should get some therapy. That way, you

    won¡¯t always get upset easily and cause trouble for those around you.¡±

    Adrian didn¡¯t take the bait. Instead, he stood up and left.

    It wasn¡¯t until he was standing in the hallway that he suddenly remembered something. He turned back

    around, bypassed Josiah to enter the living room, and addressed Tiffany who was still standing in her

    original spot. ¡°Ms. Lanister, have you had dinner yet?¡±

    Tiffany had been standing helplessly by the couch for a while, not knowing what to do. When she heard

    someone talking to her suddenly, she was taken aback. She turned around, asking hesitantly, ¡°Dr.

    Sutton, are you¡­ speaking to me?¡±

    The two of them were not familiar with each other at all.

    Adrian gave a warm smile, reassuring her, ¡°Lysander has cooked quite a lot, and I won¡¯t be able to

    finish it all by myself. If you don¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t you join me and give it a taste?¡±

    ¡°I¨CTiffany nced hesitantly at Josiah, replying with concern, ¡°I need to stay and take care of Josiah.¡±

    The timid demeanor of the youngdy would stir sympathy in anyone who saw her.

    Josiah said, ¡°Go ahead. With Dr. Thorne here, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Tiffany trusted Lysander, yet she instinctively nced toward Josiah. Since she was still worried, she

    suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go together?¡±

    In Tiffany¡¯s presence, there was too much to exin.

    3/4

    3:09 Mon, 3 Jun

    Chapter 465 The Explosive Atmosphere.

    32%B

    Josiahposed himself, his tone gentle as he said, ¡°Dr. Thorne and I have some matters to discuss.

    Your may go ahead.¡±

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466

    Chapter 466 All My Efforts Meant Nothing To You

    Tiffany felt a pang of disappointment, but she had always admired Josiah. Seeing that he was

    encouraging her to go, she believed he must have had his reasons. She promptly nodded. ¡°Josiah, in

    that case, please enjoy yourselves. I¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Tiffany and Adrian returned together to Lysander¡¯s home.

    Adrian treated her like a little sister, offering a few words offort.

    Once they left, Lysander and Josiah were the only ones remaining in the room, silently facing each

    other.

    The seafood delivery had already been ordered, but it was certain that there would be a bit of a wait

    before it arrived.

    Lysander knew that Adrian had deliberately led Tiffany away to give her and Josiah some privacy,

    intending for her to clear things up with Josiah. However, it clearly wasn¡¯t the right time.

    Right now, Josiah was just like a time bomb, and she had no intention of engaging with him.

    After waiting for a while, Josiah, for reasons unknown, suddenly walked away in a huff. He returned to

    the couch he had been sitting on earlier.

    His stomach was still aching faintly. Earlier, he had been too engrossed in the argument to pay mind.

    But now that he had stopped, it seemed as though the pain had be more severe.

    it any

    Lysander followed along, but instead of sitting on the sofa, she casually pulled a chair from the dining

    room to sit on.

    Then there was a prolonged silence.

    It wasn¡¯t until Josiah regained hisposure that he hoarsely asked, ¡°If you needed money for the

    house, why didn¡¯t youe to me earlier?¡±

    Lysander could tell that his grievance was genuine and couldn¡¯t help but respond sarcastically, ¡°You

    deliberately left the relocation project and let a newpany take over, knowing full well that my family

    couldn¡¯t afford the cost. You even had the newpany¡¯s managere to our house to discuss it.

    Isn¡¯t it clear that you¡¯re trying to distance yourself from me? Moreover, you¡¯re already engaged. What

    business is it of mine to go ask my ex¨Chusband for money? If my father hadn¡¯t been tricked by Zachary

    into borrowing money from a loan shark, I wouldn¡¯t have even bothered to call youst night.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I indeed intended to put you in a difficult position,¡± Josiah confessed. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m somewhat at

    a loss. I¡¯m willing to make every effort to make amends for my mistakes, yet it seems as if all these

    efforts mean nothing to you.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯ll repeat myself/consider me a cold¨Cblooded creature. I can¡¯t give you what you want

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you¡¯re truly heartless,¡± said Josiah. ¡°How could someone who braved a typhoon to save

    a pregnant stranger and willing to sacrifice everything for her sister and family be heartless? Or are

    you, saying, you¡¯re only heartless toward me?¡±

    Bnce 1989

    09:53 Tue, 4 Jun ?

    Chapter 466 All My Efforts Meant Nothing To You

    93%

    Josiah¡¯s words were filled with more hopelessness than resentment. ¡°Last night, after failing to reach

    me, you called Adrian instead, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Dr. Sutton had called me for White Coat¡¯s vination booklet, and that¡¯s when this matter came up.¡±

    Josiah frowned, ¡°White Coat?¡±

    ¡°When I was in the Stounia, I adopted a little white dog and named him White Coat.¡±

    ¡°Did you name it?¡±

    ¡°I named it together with Dr. Sutton.¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Josiah scoffed.

    ¡°After I returned to our country, I was caught up in a series of events. Dr. Sutton has always been the

    one taking care of White Coat. This time, he even brought White Coat back on his trip for me. Thest

    time our home was burrized, White Coat was injured in his right leg. Dr. Sutton immediately took him

    to the animal hospital. To be honest, he seems more like White Coat¡¯s owner than I ever was.¡±

    Josiah noticed a hint of sadness in her expression, his tone softened. ¡°Do you like puppies?¡±

    ¡°I guess so. I was indifferent in the past, but ever since¡­ ever since we lost our child, I¡¯ve found myself

    growing fond of small animals.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Since it has already chosen him as its owner, it seems it wasn¡¯t meant to be yours. You

    should let him have it. Another day, I¡¯ll take you to pick out a new one.¡±

    ¡°No. I n to take over Thorne Constructions and Energies in the future, and I¡¯ll be too busy to take

    care of pets. If the puppy stays with me, it will end up feeling lonely. It would be better to find an owner

    who can apany it.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°If you¡¯re too busy, I can take care of it first.¡±

    ¡°Guerra Group is muchrger than Thorne Constructions and Energies. If I barely have time, how

    would you?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I can arrange for someone to take special care of it.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of having a dog then? The whole idea of owning a dog is to keep each other

    company.¡±

    After a moment of contemtion, Josiah let out a soft sigh.

    ¡°In that case, we can go pick one when you¡¯re free.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°There are so many pet shops around. If I wanted to get a pet, I might just go and buy

    one myself after work one day.¡±

    Josiah wore an expression of dejection. His usually straight back had slumped a little, his elbow resting

    on his thigh as he admitted, ¡°When you calledst night, I was in the middle of a video conference and

    didn¡¯t hear it. By the time it ended, it was already past six in the morning. It was too early, and I didn¡¯t

    want to disturb your sleep, so I thought I¡¯de to see you after I got home.¡±

    Chapter 466 All My Efforts Meant Nothing To You

    93%

    Ever since witnessing the grandeur at Tiffany¡¯s birthday party, everyone in their social circle believed

    that Riveron Corporation and Guerra Group would intensify their coboration in the future.

    ¡°Josiah, can I ask you something?¡±

    ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°You partnered with Riveron Corporation because of Tiffany, didn¡¯t you? Or was there some other

    business consideration involved? Your previous coboration with the Everhart family was doing fine¡­¡±

    Josiah exined, ¡°The health of Old Mrs. Everhart has been unpredictable, forcing Mr. Everhart to stay

    by her side and care for her. Honestly, his attention to Everhart Corporation and its product quality has

    been somewhatx these past couple of years. The defective rate of the building materials supplied

    has exceeded fifteen percent. Even if I¡¯m willing to continuously support them financially, the situation

    isn¡¯t sustainable.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod. ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand anything,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Daphne is an only child, cherished by her parents. Yet,

    she¡¯s never been involved in their family business. What will happen when her father gets old? Will she

    roll up her sleeves and take over thepany, only to run it into the ground? Or will she find a capable

    husband to manage thepany for her? Can anyone guarantee that this man won¡¯t turn out to be the

    next Harry or Zachary?¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    Josiah said, ¡°She¡¯s helped you a lot, especially during¡­ during the time after your abortion. She took

    care of you wholeheartedly. I don¡¯t usually mention these things, but I keep them in mind. It would be

    best for Daphne to gain some experience as soon as possible by dipping her toes in. It¡¯s always better

    than not having any options in the future.¡±

    ¡°So, you prevented Ms. Spears from investing in Everhart Corporationpany as a way to train her?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not really like that. The investmentpany where Whitney works has been experiencing frequent

    changes in its upper management recently. There¡¯s talk about a new CEO being brought in from

    abroad. When a new leader takes over, thepany structure tends to shift. Even if Whitney were to

    make a promise now, it would be difficult for her to keep itter. It might be better to start looking for

    other options sooner rather thanter to avoid wasting time.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brow. ¡°A change in the upper management¡­ Daphne might not be aware of it

    yet.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°She definitely has no idea. The news has been kept under tight wraps until now. I

    myself only found out a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I will let her know.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whether you tell her or not, her hatred for me is so deep¨Cseated that nothing can

    change it.¡±

    ¡°Daphne was a person who clearly distinguished between right and wrong.¡±

    Josiah gave a slightugh, refraining frommenting on the matter.

    Bnce:

    1989 +

    Chapter 466 All My Efforts Meant Nothing To You

    He picked it up and nced at it, his lips curling up slightly.

    ¡°Is there good news?¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°You can call Daphne now. Ask her to head to the airport first thing tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Why does she need to go there?¡±

    ¡°The private jet I lent out should be back by tomorrow morning.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467

    Chapter 467 They Need To Mind Themselves

    They were seated, one on the couch, the other on a chair to the side. The chair was originally a bit

    higher than thefortable couch, but due to Josiah¡¯s considerable height advantage over Lysander,

    they appeared to be on the same level.

    The distance between them had inexplicably lessened significantly.

    Seeing her silence, Josiah gave a smirk. ¡°Would it be too much trouble to pour me a cup of warm

    water, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander paused for a moment, then stood up. However, both the coffee table and the dining table

    werepletely empty.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your cup?¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    ¡°There should be some disposable ones in the cupboard.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°You didn¡¯t even buy a cup?¡±

    Josiah scoffed, ¡°I don¡¯t have Mr. Housewife at home to prepare and provide everything for me.¡±

    He is being sarcastic again.

    Lysander said, ¡°Considering you¡¯ve helped Old Mrs. Everhart, I¡¯ll gift you a cup as a token of

    appreciation.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re not surprised at all.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not hard to guess.¡± Lysander said, ¡°Madam Susan hasn¡¯t been involved in the affairs of the Guerra

    family for many years. She probably doesn¡¯t even know where the family¡¯s private jet is parked, There¡¯s

    no way she could have arranged everything in such a short time.¡±

    ¡°When did you figure it out?¡±

    ¡°When I came over to have a meal at your ce.¡± Lysander paused for a moment, then added, ¡°At

    Madam Susan¡¯s house.¡±

    Josiah lowered his gaze. ¡°I would like to drink some water.¡±

    Lysander stood up and said, ¡°I¡¯ve boiled some over at my ce. Could you wait a moment?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lysander quickly made a trip to her own home, only to find the door locked.

    Upon ncing at her phone, she noticed a message from Adrian. He had written to inform her that

    something urgent hade up and he had to leave early. Tiffany also received a call from her father

    asking her toe home. So, Adrian had conveniently dropped Tiffany off on his way.

    Upon entering, the dining table was indeed still adorned with the same spread of dishes from earlier.

    However, they had essentially all gone cold.

    Lysander felt that it was a shame. She had put so much effort into preparing the dishes, but in the end,

    not

    1/4

    ves

    93%

    She rummaged through the storage locker and found a new ceramic cup.

    After disinfecting it with boiling water, she filled up the cup to bring over to Josiah.

    When she returned, Josiah had alreadyid down.

    He was lying on his side on the couch, curled up with one hand resting on his stomach.

    Hearing her footsteps, he slowly sat up, furrowing his brow as he asked, ¡°Why were you gone for so

    long?¡±

    ¡°I bought a cup but hadn¡¯t sterilized it with boiling water¡­ Are you still feeling unwell?¡±

    ¡°A little.¡±

    ¡°Where is your medicine?¡±

    Josiah said nothing.

    ¡°Where is it?¡±

    //

    ¡°At the office.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows.

    Josiah said, ¡°I forgot it this morning when I rushed back. So, it was left at the office.¡±

    Lysander recognized the crux of the matter. ¡°So, you¡¯ve been feeling unwell since yesterday?¡±

    Josiah gave a bitter smile. ¡°It¡¯s been a while now. I¡¯ve been attending many social eventstely,

    drinking more than usual.¡±

    Lysander spoke in a deep voice. ¡°Has Guerra Group encountered any problems recently? You didn¡¯t

    use to have so many social engagements.¡±

    ¡°Before, when there were no social obligations, I could go home. But now, I find going home to be dull.

    It¡¯s better to stay out and find something to do.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a pharmacy downstairs, I¡¯ll go buy it for you.¡±

    Josiah grabbed her wrist. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine with just some warm water. It¡¯s rare for you to sit here and talk to

    me, so please don¡¯t leave.¡±

    Lysander stared at him for a few seconds before finally deciding to sit down.

    However, she didn¡¯t forget to slip her wrist out of his palm. ¡°You¡¯re about to get married, so mind

    yourself.¡±

    Josiah chuckled, releasing his grip on her wrist, his arm naturally propping himself up on the couch. He

    leaned casually against the backrest. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to mind at all that there¡¯s another woman with

    me.¡±

    Lysander responded quite seriously, ¡°When I was still Mrs. Guerra, I did mind.¡±

    She was referring to Lysanne.

    When I vsanne suddenly entered their lives she too burl wanted to protect her own marriage

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    Chapter 467 They Need To Mind Themselves

    However, it was futile.

    Josiah sat up slightly. ¡°When I saw you at Skywatch that day, Aiden told me that you hade to catch

    me cheating. For a moment, I¡­ was quite pleased.¡±

    ¡°I was there to look for

    my sister.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I found outter,¡± Josiah said with a bitter smile. ¡°I even deliberately staged an act with Amelia in

    front of you. But in the blink of an eye, you left with your sister,pletely disregarding the woman by

    my side.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyshes fluttered as she thrust the warm water into his hands. ¡°Drink it while it¡¯s warm, or

    it¡¯ll cool down soon.¡±

    Josiah epted it, first taking a small sip, then he tilted his head back and drained it in one go.

    He nced at the pattern on the cup, then looked at her. ¡°Did Mr. Housewife buy this?¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear at first nce that this cup is part of a couple¡¯s set; the male part.¡±

    Lysander had only noticed that Adrian had purchased a pair when she found the cup.

    It had a puppy print on it, one that resembled White Coat.

    One was pink, the other blue.

    Josiah suddenly clicked his tongue twice, lifting his cup as if it were a treasured possession. ¡°I¡¯ll have to

    ce it in the most conspicuous spotter just to irk Adrian when he sees it next time.¡±

    Lysander scoffed at him, ¡°Stop being so childish! I¡¯ll take the cup back after you use it. It was bought by

    someone else, what gives you the right to im it as your own?¡±

    Lysander took the cup from his hand and ced it on the dining table next to her.

    How much longer until the seafood you ordered arrives?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but it should be soon,¡± he replied.

    ¡°Check the food delivery app, and see where it¡¯s at.¡±

    Josiah frowned in annoyance. ¡°I ordered a lot, and it needs to be cleaned and prepared. It¡¯s only

    natural that it¡¯s taking a bit longer.¡±

    ¡°So we¡¯re just going to wait around?¡±

    ¡°My chair isn¡¯t covered in thorns, it¡¯s not like sitting on it would hurt you.¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless.

    ¡°Would you like to sit on the couch instead? I¡¯ll make some room for you.¡±

    Lysander sniggered. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±

    Chapter 467 They Need To Mind Themselves

    Josiah hadn¡¯t really expected her to sit next to him. With a slight smile gracing his lips, he continued to

    feign sleep with his eyes closed.

    77

    Lysander looked toward his kitchen, which was seemingly unused, and asked, ¡°Do you seasonings or

    sauces at home?¡±

    have any

    93%1

    ¡°There should be. We were just missing some ketchup before, so Martha should have already bought

    it.¡±

    ¡°That will do.¡±

    In the midst of their conversation, Josiah¡¯s phone vibrated.

    He swiped open his phone, took a quick nce, and within a few seconds, he locked the screen and

    tossed the phone aside.

    ¡°Tiffany?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s Amelia.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Amelia¡­¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a friend.¡± Josiah had an epiphany. ¡°Why, do you care?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m just a bit surprised. I never expected you two to be friends.¡±

    Amelia appeared to be quite the socialite, and on several asions, she had heard Aiden Sutton

    referring to her as a ¡°social butterfly.¡±

    Before our marriage, Josiah had always stayed chaste for Lysanne. Even after our wedding, he was an

    incredibly devoted husband, so how could he possibly have a friend like that?

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468

    Chapter 468 The Fainting Was All An Act

    ¡°In our circles, there are some asions you just can¡¯t avoid. As long as you maintain your integrity, no

    one will force you to do anything.¡±

    Lysander nodded, not intending to probe further.

    She hadn¡¯t pried into his matters during their marriage, much less now.

    ¡°She¡¯s had a tough time,¡± Josiah continued. ¡°Your parents were quite good to you. They worked hard to

    support your education, and you certainly made them proud. But there are many girls around the world

    who don¡¯t get the chance to go to school, whock education and opportunities and have very few

    options for work. I won¡¯t lie to you. I¡¯ve known Amelia for quite a while. When Lysanne got married

    abroad, I was very distressed and had no one to talk to except her. But we were just friends, nothing

    more.¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°You should exin that to Prisci.¡±

    Josiah knew this was a rare opportunity. With genuine delight in his voice, he tentatively asked, ¡°So,

    when you saw Amelia by my side recently, were you angry?¡±

    Lysander met his gaze directly, seeing his barely concealed emotions. She said calmly, ¡°If you want the

    truth, I don¡¯t care.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile froze instantly.

    ¡°You¡¯re a single man in your prime, with status and position. Naturally, you won¡¯tck women around

    you. Whether it¡¯s one or many, that¡¯s up to you. From what I¡¯ve seen, Tiffany doesn¡¯t seem to mind. If

    you both agree on your rtionship dynamics, that¡¯s fine.¡±

    Having grown up abroad, Tiffany might have a more open¨Cminded view on rtionships and could

    ept this kind of rtionship.

    Lysander added fire to fuel. ¡°When are you and Tiffany nning to get married?¡±

    Josiah, who had just managed to calm himself, felt his breath catch in his chest again.

    Josiah snorted coldly, his expression turning frosty once more. However, considering Lysander¡¯s

    attitude

    softened today, he remained silent.

    The deliveryman¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Hello, your delivery is here.¡±

    Considering that Josiah was still a patient, Lysander went to the door herself to collect the seafood.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    She was about to take the ingredients straight to the kitchen to cook them quickly and leave when she

    noticed that the takeaway box in her hand seemed to contain¡­ cooked food?

    ¡°Did you buy pre¨Ccooked seafood?¡±

    Josiah mumbled, ¡°Maybe the restaurant made a mistake.¡±

    ¡°Well, that saves me the trouble.¡±

    Josiah grew anxious. ¡°But you promised to cook seafood for me.¡±

    1/3

    Lysander asked, ¡°Should I just reheat it for you?¡±

    ¡°The seafood became overcooked once heated.¡±

    ¡°Do you have tes? I can te it for you.¡±

    Josiah grabbed the takeaway bag from her hands and took it to the dining room. He took out the

    takeaway boxes one by one and ced them on the table. ¡°There are ready¨Cmade takeaway boxes.

    Using tes means more to washter. This will do.¡±

    Lysander thought for a moment and nodded. ¡°Okay then, take your time eating. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander gave him a puzzling look.

    ¡°I ordered too much. Join me.¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t like seafood.¡±

    ¡°Just keep mepany,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Old Mrs. Everhart might need

    Lysander was speechless.

    ¡°Have a seat.¡±

    Feeling helpless, Lysander sat back in her original spot.

    my help again.¡±

    Josiah smirked. ¡°Dr. Thorne, since you didn¡¯t get to showcase your cooking skills this time, maybe you

    can do it the next time.¡±

    Lysander retorted, ¡°With your stomach problem, you should eat less seafood.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait until my stomach is better. At that time, you can show off your culinary skills.¡±

    ¡°Eleanor¡¯s cooking is much better than mine.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯ve already promised me.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile widened. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about itter. Have you messaged Daphne?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡±

    ¡°Do it now. I¡¯ll get some alcohol.¡±

    That was truly bizarre.

    Surprisingly, he had alcohol in his house, even though he didn¡¯t own a single cup.

    Josiah came back with a spray bottle and asked, ¡°Have you finished?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I told her.¡±

    ¡°Put down your phone and spread your palms.¡±

    213

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Chapter 468 The Fainting Was All An Act

    After spraying Lysander¡¯s palms with alcohol, he also disinfected his own hands.

    ¡°Done.¡± Josiah rubbed his palms together in a professional manner. ¡°You used to make me disinfect,

    and now it¡¯s be a habit.¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    While opening the takeaway boxes, Josiah switched to a serious topic. ¡°Now that Thorne Constructions

    and Energies is in your hands, and the procedures will bepleted soon, what¡¯s your n?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m preparing to buy some management books or sit in some university management courses.¡±

    ¡°Those are just theories. Practical work is very different from what you learn in books.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lysander said. ¡°But for now, there¡¯s no better way.¡±

    Josiah straightened his posture. ¡°If you need help, I¡¯m willing to offer guidance, considering our

    families¡® long¨Cstanding rtionship. After all, I have some say in the Thorne business.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re being polite. You were practically managing it before.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°So if you have any questions, you can ask me directly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never tried managing apany before. Whether I can handle it alone is still uncertain. These

    things can¡¯t be rushed, so I¡¯ll think carefully before deciding.¡±

    Lysander spoke softly but with meticulous consideration.

    Josiah knew that it would take time to intervene in Thorne Constructions and Energies again. He said,

    ¡°You¡¯re right. You¡¯ve studied medicine and been a doctor for many years. Switching to apletely

    different field takes a lot of determination.¡±

    This was exactly what made Lysander hesitate. Medicine and business were entirely different paths.

    Josiah anticipated that Adrian would think the same and began plotting how to prevent him from

    helping Lysander. But before he could formte a n, a different issue arose.

    Lysander asked, ¡°You seem quite spirited now. Is your stomach no longer hurting?¡±

    Josiah paused. ¡°It¡¯s much better, but there¡¯s still a bit difort.¡±

    Lysander smiled meaningfully. ¡°So¡­ you were faking your fainting?¡±

    ¡°I was not exactly faking,¡± Josiah admitted. ¡°I did feel a bit dizzy earlier, but the green tea helped.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Taking the opportunity, Josiah asked, ¡°When you were examining me just now, you pressed quite hard.

    That was on purpose, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I was being gentle. If you met an experienced internal medicine doctor, it would have been more

    intense.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Okay. Thank you, Dr. Thorne, for going easy on me.¡±

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469

    Chapter 469 Cold Shoulder

    C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°You should go to the hospital for a gastroscopy as soon as possible to confirm your condition.

    Don¡¯t let it get worse over time.¡±

    Josiah continued speaking on his own. ¡°I¡¯ve heard someone say before that the stomach is also

    an emotional organ. Sometimes, stomach pain doesn¡¯t necessarily mean illness or improper

    diet as it could also be due to bad mood.¡±

    ¡°You were surrounded by admirers recently, with your morous appearance and a cute little

    sweetheart who cares about you. It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re in a bad mood at all,¡± Lysander

    remarked.

    Josiah furrowed his brows. ¡°Dr. Thorne, your words can really sting.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for thepliment. I¡¯ll be even more sharp in the future, so you better note to me

    often.¡±

    Josiah clicked his tongue. ¡°You use and discard people, turning your back on them.¡±

    Lysander immediately retorted, ¡°When have I ¡®used¡® you? Don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you use me for Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s matter?¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°What do you think I meant by ¡®use¡®?¡±

    This

    person truly never let himself be at a disadvantage.

    He was retaliate no matter what.

    Anyway, after you go to the hospital, whatever the doctor says, follow it. Don¡¯t eat what you¡¯re

    not supposed to. Remember to follow the doctor¡¯s advice.¡±

    Josiah nodded.

    Lysander stood up decisively. ¡°Since you¡¯re fine now, I¡¯ll head back. I¡¯ve enrolled in an online

    management course this afternoon¡­¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t try to stop her but inquired, ¡°Do you know about the construction summit happening in

    Apex City next week?¡±

    Lysander turned back and replied, ¡°Daphne mentioned it. Seems quite grand, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Josiah nodded in agreement, ¡°Indeed. Many risingpanies in the construction materials industry will

    attend. It¡¯s a great opportunity forworking. Also, they¡¯ve invited several industry veterans to give

    lectures. It¡¯s worth attending.¡±

    ¡°But I might not understand the professional talks at such a summit.¡±

    He always holds himself in high regard, so if he says it was worth attending, it must be substantial. He

    patiently exined, ¡°I¡¯ve attended a few before. This summit is organized by the Architectural

    Association, and it includes topics like nurturing new talents in the industry. It¡¯s suitable for neers

    towork and

    Bnce:

    1474 + 0

    Chapter 469 Cold Shoulder

    Josiah replied methodically, ¡°If you¡¯re really considering taking over Thorne Constructions and

    Energies, it¡¯s worth going to broaden your horizons. At least, there¡¯s no harm in it considering our

    families¡® rtionship.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go and look for videos of past summits to see if it¡¯s really worth attending. If it is, I¡¯ll definitely

    go.¡±

    Josiah found herself unexpectedly countered by her calm retort, but rather than being upset, he

    confidently responded, ¡°If you¡¯re really serious about learning, it¡¯s best to make up your mind quickly.

    The summit has always been by invitation only. Without an invitation, no matter who you are, don¡¯t

    even think about getting in.¡±

    ¡°An invitation is needed?¡±

    ¡°Otherwise, anyone could wander into the venue, right?¡± Josiah said, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not hard to get an

    invitation. If you really want to go, you can join me. My seat is in the front row. As part of my entourage,

    your seat would be closer to the main stage.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Lysander detected a hint of maniption and cautiously replied, ¡°I think I should first review past

    summits before deciding whether to attend or not.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eyebrows furrowed in response. ¡°Do you still have unfinished business here? You¡¯ve bought

    the house, repaid the bank loan for Daphne, and with Old Mrs. Everhart¡¯s return, her investment ns

    might be dyed. You should go to the hospital with her first.¡±

    Lysander still had concerns. ¡°What about Molly? Someone needs to stay with her to take shifts with her

    caregiver.¡±

    Josiah nodded and said, ¡°Once I¡¯m done with my current tasks, I¡¯ll visit Mrs. Thorne myself.¡±

    The next morning, Lysander brought flowers and went to the hospital.

    She raised her hand and gently knocked on the door of the special care ward.

    Howard opened the door, surprised to see Lysander. He was first stunned, then delighted. ¡°Lysa,e

    in.¡±

    Lysander nodded, hesitating as she asked, ¡°Is she doing okay these days?¡±

    On the hospital bed, Molly was lying unconscious peacefully, a testament to Howard¡¯s dedicated care.

    ¡°She¡¯s much better. She heard you asked me for money, and she happily finished a whole apple,¡±

    Howard said cheerfully.

    Lysander nodded and instructed, ¡°At this stage, it¡¯s best for her not to eat too many apples.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve got it,¡± he said.

    Lysander found a vase, put the flowers she brought inside, then ced it on the bedside table.

    Molly caught a whiff of the fragrance, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

    Feeling a pang in her heart, Lysander sat down on the chair beside the hospital bed and chatted with

    Howard for a while before bringing up her recent situation.

    Bnce:

    1474 + 0

    1 Coine

    1 Pearls

    96%

    Chapter 469 Cold Shoulder

    out, I¡¯ll think of something else. Do you

    have any instructions for me?¡±

    Sensing her uncertainty, Howard encouraged her, ¡°I didn¡¯t have any experience when I was

    young, but I made it through, didn¡¯t I? These things can¡¯t be rushed. Take it step by step.

    Besides, your mom and I are here in the hospital. If you¡¯re unsure about anything, feel free to

    come over anytime. And there¡¯s always Josiah. With our families¡® rtionship, he wouldn¡¯t do

    anything too ruthless.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Lysander felt more confident and asked, ¡°By the way, do you know about the summit

    happening in Apex City next week?¡±

    As the former head of Thorne Constructions and Energies, even though he had been in the

    hospital and stopped working for a long time, he hadn¡¯tpletely forgotten his past

    experiences. After a moment of contemtion, he said, ¡°I know about this summit. I¡¯ve

    attended a few times before. Do you want to go?¡±

    Lysander pondered. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, Is this summit helpful for me at my current stage? I feel like

    it¡¯s just an excuse from Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°What excuse?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Nothing. I just want to understand. If I go as a neer, will it be

    beneficial?¡±

    ¡°It definitely will be.¡± Howard held Josiah in high regard. ¡°Those who receive invitations are not

    ordinary people. And the organizer of this summit truly values nurturing new talents in the

    industry. If you go, you¡¯ll get to know more people.¡±

    He knew Lysander had studied medicine and hadn¡¯t dealt with business matters before. Thus,

    he patiently exined the importance of materials to the construction industry.

    While Lysander didn¡¯t fully understand, she was very attentive, preparing to digest it slowly

    later.

    Lysander realized the significance of the summit from his exnation. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go take a

    look.¡±

    Howard fully respected her decision. ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Lysander was about to ask if there was a way to get an invitation without going through Josiah

    when her phone vibrated.

    Seeing it was a call from Carol, she answered it in front of her father.

    Carol greeted Lysander as warmly as ever, ¡°Ms. Thorne, I¡¯ve arranged a same¨Ccity express

    delivery for you. It¡¯s been sent out now and should arrive within an hour. Please take note.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470

    Chapter 470 A Resounding Rebuff

    Lysander asked, ¡°What¡¯s so urgent?¡±

    Following Josiah¡¯s instructions, Carol exined, ¡°It¡¯s the invitation to next week¡¯s summit. The invitation

    for Thorne Constructions and Energies has always been sent to Mr. Guerra. This year is the same, so I

    sent it to you to avoid any dys.¡±

    ¡°Okay, thank you,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Where did you send it?¡±

    ¡°To the address where you¡¯re currently living¡±

    Lysander hesitated. ¡°But I¡¯m not at home right now, and I won¡¯t be returning soon.¡±

    Garol quickly asked, ¡°Where are you now?¡±

    ¡°Central Hospital.¡±

    Carol breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°No problem, there¡¯s still time to change it. I¡¯ll take care of it now.¡±

    About half an hourter, the summit invitation was delivered to Lysander. She opened it to find a single,

    elegantly folded card.

    The design was indeed tasteful¨Cpristine hard paper with gold¨Cembossed calligraphy in both Ecronese

    and Stounian.

    It was formal and of high quality.

    Seeing she clearly wanted to go, Howard encouraged her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the hospital. I and the

    caregivers will take good care of your mom. You have nothing to worry about.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Howard reassured her, ¡°Your mom and I both believe in you.¡±

    Lysander called home.

    Laura said that the house situation was settled, and Michelle was excitedly shopping for her uing

    overseas summer camp. Her father had gone out drinking with his old friends, and she herself was at

    Cam¡¯s house.

    Laura said, ¡°Zach is busy with work, and I have some free time, so I came to apany her. We¡¯ve

    been friends for so many years, we should take care of each other.¡±

    Laura didn¡¯t have many friends, and Cam was her best friend.

    Lysander didn¡¯t want her mother to be a full¨Ctime housewife only revolving around her husband

    and children.

    As one aged, finding close friends became increasingly difficult.

    While Cam herself was fine, she had a son with a heart of stone,

    Now, with Michelle going abroad and the house situation resolved, he probably wouldn¡¯t cause trouble

    for

    1/4

    96%

    ding Rebuff

    With everything ready, Lysander could start preparing for her business trip.

    She bought the cheapest ticket in advance, then dug out her old suitcase from her time in Stounia and

    carefully packed what she would need in Apex City.

    Daphne¡¯s call came swiftly.

    got my grandmal I really have to thank Madam Susan for this time. She¡¯s so kind, gentle, and amiable.

    I don¡¯t understand how she could have a son like Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s Grandma Elisa doing?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    ¡°She¡¯s doing well. She was just urging me to get married¡­ I¡¯m really overwhelmed. I want her to be

    healthy, but when she is, she nags me all the time.¡±

    Lysander chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s how the older generation shows love. Besides, Grandma Elisa is getting

    older. Cherish the time she nags you, so you don¡¯t regret itter.¡±

    Daphne understood the implication in Lysander¡¯s words.

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m not opposing her now. I just say ¡®yes, yes, yes¡® to everything she says to keep her happy.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve matured.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve all grown up,¡± Daphne reflected philosophically. ¡°But growing upes with a price¡­¡±

    A gust of wind blew in, and Lysander coughed into the phone.

    Daphne had the habit of calling Lysander periodically to update her. Hearing her nasal voice, Daphne

    asked with concern, ¡°The temperature dropped drastically recently. Are you catching a cold?¡±

    ¡°Maybe a little.¡±

    But it wasn¡¯t due to the drop in temperature.

    It was from that night when the thief caused trouble.

    Josiah had broken the window, and she had worried more about whether he had hurt someone rather

    than the cold draft blowing in all night.

    Since then, her throat had been sore. The following few days, she consciously drank more water, and

    the symptoms vanished.

    Who would have guessed that this morning, things suddenly took a turn for the worse?

    Not only was her throat sore at the moment, but she also had a bit of a stuffy nose, and her head was

    aching slightly.

    Daphne was worried. ¡°Can you still travel?¡±

    Lysander answered from a doctor¡¯s perspective, ¡°I just caught a chill and got a cold. I¡¯ll still be able to

    catch the flight to Apex City the data after tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget to take your medicine,¡± Daphne reminded her, knowing how important the summit was.

    2/4

    Chapter 470 A Resounding Rebuff

    Lysander assured her, ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a doctor myself. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    But soon after, she had to eat her words.

    The cold came on strong, and she started to develop a fever.

    The next day, her fever spiked, and she had to antipyretic to get some sleep.

    wrap

    take an

    On the day of the flight to Apex City, she herself up tightly, wearing a mask, and headed to the airport

    fully covered up.

    the boarding pass. ¡°Have a pleasant journey.¡±

    After checking in her luggage, the staff handed herding pass. Looking up, she saw two familiar

    With a splitting headache, Lysander numbly took the

    figures.

    Josiah and Tiffany were walking through the VIPne, already on the walkway, separated from the

    regr passengers.

    Lysander paused.

    Josiah had called her the night before to ask if they should book tickets together.

    Wanting to avoid him, she had booked her ticket carly and declined his offer.

    Josiah hadn¡¯t insisted.

    There were many flights from Harborbrook to Apex City every day. She hadn¡¯t expected to end up on

    the same flight.

    Still, it should be fine. They probably had different seats and wouldn¡¯t run into each other.

    †

    The flight was popr, and the cabin felt crowded as soon as she boarded.

    Her head pounded as she navigated the narrow aisle to her window seat. Her headache had gotten

    worse.

    Finally, seated, she leaned against the cabin wall to rest.

    Next to her sat a middle¨Caged man with a briefcase, likely a business traveler. He greeted her kindly.

    Worried about spreading her cold, Lysander didn¡¯t dare remove her mask. After nodding in

    acknowledgment, she fastened her seatbelt and leaned toward the window, hoping sleep would

    alleviate her difort. But the headache made it impossible to rest. When the ne stabilized, she

    requested hot water from the flight attendant to take her medicine.

    The cold medicine¡¯s drowsy effect was a blessing, and she soon fell into a restless sleep. However, she

    couldn¡¯t sleep well and was easily awakened by any noise.

    In a daze, she heard a familiar voice beside her, ¡°Excuse me, could I have a nket?¡±

    The voice was so close it had to be the middle¨Caged man speaking to the flight attendant.

    1. t. The cabin was chilly, and Lysander had been shivering for a while. Mustering her strength, she

    opened her eyes to ask, ¡°Excuse me, could I also have¡­¡±

    3/4

    08.40 wea,

    Chapter 470 A Resounding Rebuff

    Her words stopped abruptly as she recognized the person beside her.

    When had the person sitting next to me changed to Josiah?

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471

    Chapter 471 Struck Down By Illness

    The flight attendant had already left before Lysander opened her eyes and didn¡¯t hear her unfinished

    sentence. Now, only the two of them were left staring at each other.

    Looking calm, Josiah asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±

    Lysander realized it wasn¡¯t an illusion and immediately widened her eyes. She instinctively asked, ¡°Was

    that you speaking just now?¡±

    No wonder she found the voice of the person asking for the nket familiar.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Josiah chuckled as if puzzled by the question. ¡°Who else could it be? You didn¡¯t finish your

    sentence earlier. Did you also want a nket?¡±

    He was tall with long legs, so sitting in economy ss meant he couldn¡¯t fully stretch them out. He was

    forced to sit sideways with one leg crossed over the other, speaking to her in a pose that seemed

    casual but was actually quite ufortable.

    Lysander pulled up her mask, muffling her voice. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for the flight attendant toe back.¡±

    The flight attendant returned swiftly, handing over a nket to Josiah.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lysander quickly said, ¡°Excuse me, could I also¡­¡±

    Josiah casually draped the nket over her, saying, ¡°Here¡¯s the nket you wanted.¡±

    ¡°You should use it. I¡¯ll ask for another one.¡±

    ¡°It was meant for you,¡± Josiah said, frowning at her haggard appearance. ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days,

    and you¡¯ve gotten so sick?¡±

    ¡°It was unexpected.¡±

    The nket did help warm her up a bit.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in first ss? What are you doing here in economy?¡±

    With his hands crossed over hisp, Josiah responded with a question, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    ¡°How did you get like this?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s weariness was obvious. There was no point in pretending otherwise, especially since her

    voice was thick with congestion. She had to be honest, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a cold.¡±

    Her voice was raspy.

    Josiah scrutinized her, staring into her eyes as he asked, ¡°Did you stay upte reviewing past

    summits?¡±

    ¡°Something like that.¡±

    Josiah clearly didn¡¯t believe her and didn¡¯t bother to change his expression.

    1/3

    471 Struck Down By Illness

    Now that she was warmer, Lysander felt a bit more spirited and casually replied, ¡°I just caught a cold. It

    has its cycle, and today¡¯s the worst day. I¡¯ll be fine after this.¡±

    Seeing how much effort it took for her to speak, Josiah sighed. ¡°Is attending this summit worth it when

    you¡¯re sick?¡±

    Lysander threw the question back at him, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say this summit is a rare opportunity for

    neers?¡±

    Josiah still had a reason to argue, ¡°I said before that I could take you. Since you¡¯re sick, you could wait

    another day. It wouldn¡¯t affect your schedule, as the summit isn¡¯t just one day.¡±

    It seemed a bitte to say that now.

    Lysander was unwell, and her throat felt like it was splitting, so she didn¡¯t want to argue pointlessly.

    However, Josiah started rambling, ¡°I thought you¡¯d have made some progress. But you¡¯re still the same

    as before: you act like a lone hero at work, but in life, you¡¯re aplete rookie who can¡¯t even take

    care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Even the most capable people can¡¯t avoid getting a cold.¡±

    Lysander ended the argument with one sentence, leaned back against the window, and tried to rest.

    After a while, she opened her heavy eyelids and murmured, ¡°You should go back.¡±

    Josiah pretended not to understand. ¡°Go back where? We¡¯re on a ne. Should I jump off?¡±

    Lysander was just tired, not so confused that she couldn¡¯t understand such a simple matter. As she

    insisted he leave, her voice became faint.

    ¡°Go back to your first¨Css seat. I saw you and Tiffany at the boarding gate. You left her alone?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression wasplicated. Seeing her, so tired she couldn¡¯t keep her eyes open, he finally

    gave up arguing and changed the subject, ¡°She¡¯s an adult. She¡¯s flown alone many times. I¡¯m not her

    father. Do I have to follow her everywhere? Go to sleep. We still have an hour before wend.¡±

    Finally, it was his turn to tell her this, though it didn¡¯t bring him the satisfaction he expected.

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond, nor did she argue. She was too exhausted to muster any energy. She¡¯d been

    so tiredtely.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Josiah reached out, lowered the window shade, and adjusted the nket over her.

    Lysander¡¯s small face was half¨Chidden in the nket, and a few stray strands of hair scattered across

    her forehead. She looked uneasy even in sleep.

    Upon seeing her asleep, Josiah realized she would no longer utter words that infuriated him to no end.

    His gaze softened significantly.

    She was more docile when she was asleep.

    Otherwise, she would eventually drive him crazy.

    An hour had never passed so quickly.

    2/3

    Chapter 471 Struck Down By Illness

    ¡°Ladies and Gentlemen, the ne is about tond at Apex City Airport¡­¡±

    Lysander woke with a shiver. Though she hadn¡¯t slept long, it was a rare deep sleep that restored much

    of her drained energy.

    When the announcement yed, passengers couldn¡¯t move around freely anymore.

    Recalling the pre¨Csleep conversation, Lysander sat up straight, feeling frustrated. She told the person

    next to her, ¡°You and Tiffany can disembark first. I¡¯ll wait a bit longer.¡±

    There was no response.

    Lysander turned to check Josiah¡¯s whereabouts and found that he was no longer upying the seat

    next to her.

    The middle¨Caged man from earlier had returned, wearing headphones and seemingly oblivious to her

    words.

    Could it be that Josiah¡¯s appearance in the economy ss was just a dream I had?

    Instinctively, Lysander tightened her grip on the nket that covered her. After confirming her reality,

    she banished the thought from her mind. This was definitely not her imagination, he had simply left

    before she woke up.

    222 222 F

    Noticing the movement, the middle¨Caged man removed his headphones and chatted with her. ¡°Are you

    here on a business trip too? There are so many eventstely that we frequent travelers practically live

    on nes.¡±

    The cramped economy seat made Lysander¡¯s back ache. She agreed, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The middle¨Caged man was chatty and friendly. ¡°I got lucky this time. A young guy from first ss

    switched seats with me. First ss really is much morefortable.¡±

 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 472 A Scheme

    391%1

    Lysander asked, ¡°Did the person who switched ces with you mention why they did it?¡±

    The middle¨Caged man chuckled as he reminisced, ¡°That young man didn¡¯t really provide a reason. He

    just straight up asked if I was willing to switch seats with him for a while. I noticed his boarding pass

    was for first ss. He assured me it was fine, so I went ahead and swapped with him.¡±

    Josiah was indeed lucky, for he had encountered one who didn¡¯t pry too deeply for this change of

    seats.

    Lysander seemed lost in thought as she quietly remained seated even after the ne hadnded.

    Unlike the other passengers who were quick to stand up the moment the cabin door opened, she

    chose to wait until almost everyone had disembarked before leisurely following behind.

    As she spoke, she couldn¡¯t help but nce around, truly not wanting to run into Josiah again. Although

    it was inevitable to meet him at the summit, she preferred to dy such encounters as much as

    possible.

    Just then, a flight attendant happened to walk by.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Could you tell me, has everyone from the first ss cabin disembarked yet?¡±

    The flight attendant was puzzled, but she dutifully addressed the passenger¡¯s query. ¡°The first ss

    passengers have already left on the shuttle bus.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lysander visibly sighed in relief, for the first time ever, feeling grateful for the disparity in

    services on both sides.

    The passengers in economy ss did not receive any particr service and had to collect their

    checked luggage from the carousel themselves.

    Lysander intentionally lingered for quite a while before she finally left the terminal to hail a taxi.

    Then, at the moment she turned around with her suitcase, she saw her old adversary again.

    Josiah stood tall and elegant next to a business vehicle, with one hand casually tucked in his pocket.

    His brows were slightly furrowed, though it was unclear whether he was growing impatient from waiting

    or was simply in a bad mood.

    Tiffany was the first to spot her. She greeted Lysander with a surprised delight. ¡°Lysa, what a

    coincidence! Did you also take this flight? I didn¡¯t even notice you on the ne.¡±

    Lysander had no choice but to brace herself and walk over. ¡°I¡¯m in economy ss.¡±

    ¡°Why did you go to economy ss alone? You should have joined us. Jose, why didn¡¯t you ask? If we

    knew earlier that Lysa wasing with us, we should have booked seats together. It was so boring on

    the ne. We could have chatted.¡±

    Josiah nced at her. ¡°Hmm, you should have asked next time.

    Tiffany was still ted. ¡°But it¡¯s quite a coincidence. Out of the numerous daily flights to Apex City, we

    ended up on the same one!¡±

    Josiah casually remarked, ¡°It¡¯s only normal. We¡¯re all attending the saine summit after all

    91%

    Chapter 472 A Scheme

    I study ssical literature and arts, so I don¡¯t understand any of this. What¡¯s the point of me being

    here? But now that you¡¯re here, Lysa, I finally have somepany!¡±

    Lysander hesitated, then simply responded with a nomittal ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Tiffany had always harbored a fondness for her and said in a concerned tone, ¡°Why are you still

    wearing a mask? Your voice doesn¡¯t sound quite right either. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?¡±

    Lysander found an opportunity to distance herself and exaggeratedly said, ¡°I¡¯ve caught the flu. You all

    should stay away from me. It wouldn¡¯t be good if you caught it too.¡±

    Josiah shot her a wordless nce.

    Upon hearing Lysander¡¯s words, Tiffany surprisingly didn¡¯t flinch, but continued to hold her, saying,

    ¡°Lysa, you need to rest well. I heard the summit schedule is packed. What if it worsens your condition?

    I¡¯ve already booked a hotel with Josiah, so let¡¯s stay there together.¡±

    Lysander quickly assured, ¡°No need. Doesn¡¯t the summit host provide amodations? I¡¯ll just take a

    cab to the address listed on the invitation.¡±

    At the very least, there was no need to spend money.

    Finding a hotel was a different story altogether, and any hotel that could amodate Josiah was

    bound to be expensive.

    C

    She was quite broke at that time.

    Just as Lysander was about to bid them farewell and take her leave, she heard Tiffany speak up again.

    ¡°But the hotel arranged by the host is quite far from the venue. The one Jose booked is much closer.

    Let¡¯s stick together,¡± she suggested.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve already called a taxi.¡±

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Before she could even finish her sentence, Josiah silently picked up Lysander¡¯s luggage and ced it

    in the trunk of the car. Then, without missing a beat, he said, ¡°Get in the car. We can¡¯t afford to waste

    time.¡±

    Upon seeing that Josiah had already carried Lysander¡¯s luggage, Tiffany shed him a sweet smile.

    Clinging onto Lysander¡¯s hand, she refused to let go and yfully said, ¡°Lysa, let¡¯s get going. We can¡¯t

    park here for too long.¡±

    The traffic at Apex City¡¯s airport was heavy, with cars already stacking up impatiently behind, honking

    their horns incessantly.

    Tiffany urged, ¡°Hurry up, Lysa. We should get going. We don¡¯t want to hold up the people behind us,¡±

    ¡°All right, then.¡± Having no other choice, Lysander reluctantly joined her in the back seat.

    Josiah was seated in the passenger seat, casting a seemingly nonchnt nce at them. He then

    instructed the driver, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The car drove toward the hotel. Tiffany was the only one chattering away, as cheerful as a songbird,

    about matters rted to the summit. Lysander would asionally chime in with a few words, while

    Jonah remained silent throughout the journey.

    They arrived at the ce quite quickly.

    09:13 Thu, 6 Jun

    NOO! fund

    91%

    Chapter 472 A Scheme

    As Lysander stepped out of the car, she casually asked Tiffany, ¡°Did you used to visit Apex City often?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only been here a few times,¡± said Tiffany. She was lively by nature, but somewhat shy, and would

    never venture out alone for fun. A faint blush spread across her face as she quietly confided, ¡°Jose is

    the one who chose the hotel. He¡¯s got a lot of experience with business trips.¡±

    Well, there¡¯s no need to ask anything more.

    Unfazed, Josiah pulled his car to a stop facing west. He then got out and unloaded the luggage

    belonging to the three of them. Taking the lead, he strode into the hotel¡¯s grand entrance, leaving the

    luggage to be handled by the dedicated hotel staff.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go in, Lysa,¡± Tiffany suggested.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The hotel that Josiah had booked was superior in both standards andfortpared to what the

    summit host had provided. Naturally, it was highly sought after. The front desk staff, upon noticing an

    extra person than what was initially mentioned in their reservation, couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit

    perplexed.

    ¡°Here¡¯s the situation, Mr. Guerra, apart from the two rooms you¡¯ve booked, we don¡¯t have any extra

    rooms avable. Would you like to reconsider your arrangements?¡±

    The receptionist held the room key in her hand, somewhat unsure of how to distribute it.

    This umon trio of two women and one man was indeed a rare sight.

    Lysander, however, didn¡¯t believe that Josiah had the foresight to anticipate even this. She quickly

    began searching for other nearby hotels on her phone.

    At this point, Tiffany had already made up her mind. She took the initiative to approach Josiah. ¡°Jose,

    how about we share a room? Lysa isn¡¯t feeling well, so wouldn¡¯t it be better to let her have a room to

    herself to rest?¡±

    It was indeed embarrassing for her to initiate such a conversation, and as she continued, her voice

    gradually became softer.

    Josiah cast a nce at Lysander.

    Lysander also nced back.

    Your girlfriend invited you to move in together, so why are you looking at me?

    ¡°I should look for another hotel,¡± Lysander said.

    ¡°No need,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Let¡¯s just do as Tiffany suggested.¡±

    Lysander looked at Josiah with a hint of doubt, noticing that he had alreadypleted the paperwork

    and was heading toward the elevator

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473

    Chapter 473 An Unexinable Misunderstanding

    To ensure her well¨Cbeing for the uing days, Lysander took care of her luggage and immediately

    headed to the bathroom for a hot shower. When she emerged, not only had her exhaustion significantly

    lessened, but her stuffy nose was also noticeably relieved.

    Just as Lysander was preparing to sleep through the night, an untimely knock at the door disrupted her

    ns. She couldn¡¯t pretend not to hear it, so she had no choice but to tighten her bathrobe and answer

    the door.

    As expected, the person who arrived was Josiah.

    Lysander, who was prepared, said, ¡°If you need something from me, let¡¯s wait until tomorrow. I¡¯m really

    tired and all I want to do now is sleep.¡±

    Josiah appeared distressed. ¡°I came to borrow something.¡±

    Lysander simply didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°You guys brought more luggage than me.¡±

    Josiah had predicted her response, lowering his voice he asked, ¡°I didn¡¯te prepared for this. Do

    you have a sanitary pad?¡±

    Lysander was taken aback for a moment, then she realized what was going on. ¡°Did Tiffany have her

    period?¡±

    ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring any either. You could go buy some nearby, or call for a delivery.¡±

    ¡°Tiffany is waiting in the bathroom at that moment.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Hotels usually have what you need. Just give the front desk a call and exin your

    situation. They¡¯ll send a staff member over shortly.¡±

    ¡°But Tiffany didn¡¯t want others to know about her period.¡± Josiah appeared nonchnt as he exined

    with a straight face, ¡°She¡¯s shy.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to be shy about?¡±

    ¡°Maybe because she¡¯s still young.¡±

    ¡°Then you should go to the front desk/yourself.¡±

    ¡°As a grown man, am I really expected to ask a female employee for sanitary pads?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    ¡°Are you asking me to go out and buy things for Tiffany?¡± Lysander immediately felt a surge of irritation.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I am a patient too.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to go out and buy,¡± said Josiah. ¡°You¡¯re a woman. You can just call the front desk and

    have them deliver it.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander/knew there was no way around it, so she reluctantly stepped aside to let

    Josiah

    enter.

    1/4

    09:13 Thu, 6 Jun

    1001 luna

    Chapter 473 An Unexinable Misunderstanding

    room.

    91%

    Josiah was still in the same suit and shoes as before, while Lysander was only wearing a bathrobe

    over her underwear, her hair still damp.

    Without a sidelong nce, Lysander sat down beside the bed. She picked up thendline phone on the

    bedside table and dialed the reception desk. ¡°Hello, do you have any sanitary pads? Yes, could you

    please deliver them to the room¡­ As for the brand¡­¡±

    She nced at Josiah, her eyes posing a question to him.

    Josiah said, ¡°Anything works.¡±

    On the phone, Lysander said, ¡°Any brand is fine. Please hurry if you can.¡±

    The receptionist noted down the room number. ¡°All right, please hold on for a moment.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lysander ended the call, then looked up at Josiah and said, ¡°It¡¯s done. It¡¯s all sorted out.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Josiah settled down on the couch, ¡°I¡¯ll leave as soon as they deliver it.¡±

    However, unexpectedly, the five¨Cstar hotel operated with the efficiency of a budget inn.

    After waiting for a solid half hour, no one came to deliver.

    Throughout the period, Lysander had made several calls to the reception. The other end consistently

    assured her that someone had already been dispatched to deliver it, requesting her to wait a bit longer.

    Lysander was a bit frustrated.

    Upon looking back, her frustration only intensified.

    Surprisingly, Josiah had already fallen asleep on the nearby couch.

    Judging by hispletely rxed posture and the hand that had tried but failed to prop up his

    forehead, it didn¡¯t seem like he was pretending. He was truly asleep.

    Lysander trod lightly over, raising her hand and waving it in front of his eyes.

    Josiah¡¯s breathing was still slow and steady, and his eyshes hadn¡¯t even fluttered once. Only his

    furrowed brow, coupled with the faint dark circles under his eyes, served as evidence of his exhaustion.

    It seemed he had been incredibly busy these past few days. He hadn¡¯t even bothered to shift into a

    morefortable position before falling asleep. He just slept as he was.

    Lysander didn¡¯t probe any further. Instead, she picked up the clothes she had prepared for tomorrow

    from the bed and quietly left the room.

    Holding her own room key, Lysander knocked on the door of the room where Tiffany was staying.

    Upon seeing Lysander approach, Tiffany¡¯s cheeks flushed a subtle pink. She took the sanitary pad from

    Lysander, a touch embarrassed, and rushed into the restroom. After washing her hands, she finally

    said, ¡°Thank you, Lysa.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. girls should help each other out.¡±

    2/4

    09.13 Thu, 6 Jun

    non and

    .91%1

    Chapter 473 An Unexinable Misunderstanding

    ¡°Where¡¯s Jose?¡±

    ¡°He seemed really worn out today. While I was on the phone with the front desk, he had already fallen

    You can go to my room, and I¡¯ll sleep here.¡±

    asleep on the couch. Let¡¯s switch rooms for t

    Tiffany was already concerned about Josiah. Upon hearing how exhausted he was, she couldn¡¯t help

    but worry more. Without asking any further, she took the room card and headed his way, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m

    sorry for disturbing your rest, Lysa. I¡¯m heading over now. You should get some sleep soon.¡±

    Once again, Lysander had a room all to herself, and shefortably settled down.

    Meanwhile, Josiah didn¡¯t have the same leisure as her. His sleeping position was already

    ufortable, and his mind was burdened with many things. In his half¨Cawake state, he felt a soft,

    small hand touching his forehead, and subconsciously, he reached out to hold it.

    The hand seemed to flinch as if startled.

    He didn¡¯t let go.

    The hand¡¯s owner was clearly more concerned about Josiah, not retracting their hand. Instead, they

    tenderly touched his forehead, as if checking his temperature again.

    With his eyes closed, Josiah curved his lips slightly. He took the hand that was on his face and brought

    it to his lips, giving it a soft kiss. ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±

    C

    As his words lingered in the air, the hand initially trembled, then swiftly withdrew as if startled.

    Josiah had alsoe to her senses, btedly realizing that something was amiss. Lysander¡¯s hands,

    often used for performing surgeries, never sported long manicured nails.

    In an instant, he sat up straight and turned to his side, only to see Tiffany staring nkly at his hand,

    lips slightly pursed.

    Josiah said in a low voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Tiffany pulled her hand back, remaining silent for a good while before finally speaking up, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s

    okay.¡±

    Rubbing his tired forehead, Josiah asked, ¡°How did you end up here?¡±

    Tiffany sniffled a bit, exining in a low voice, ¡°Lysa gave me the pads and mentioned that you had

    fallen asleep here. She felt it was inappropriate to stay, so she suggested swapping rooms, leaving me

    to take care of you. i agreed.¡±

    She changed the rooms?

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but let out a cold chuckle. ¡°She is indeed very polite.¡±

    Lysander had always imed that he had deceived Tiffany. Now, she seemed to be misleading the

    young woman as well, which wasn¡¯t much of a surprise. The excuse of taking care of him was merely a

    pretext. In reality, Lysander just wanted to offload him onto someone else like he was a burden.

    As for whether the other party was Tiffany or anyone else for that matter, Lysander just didn¡¯t care.

    ??.

    Tiffany noticed a change in Josiah. She braced herself to lift her head to look directly at him her voice.

    filled with sorrow as she asked. ¡°Jose, are you still thinking about Lysats

    09:13 Thu, 6 Jun livra

    for

    Chapter 473 An Unexinable Misunderstanding.

    Josiah paused for a moment, firmly denying, ¡°No.¡±

    91%

    ¡°But you called out her name in your sleep, even mistook me for her, and then kissed my hand¡­¡±

    Tiffany couldn¡¯t help but voice the hurt she felt inside.

    Josiah was also frustrated. This was a misunderstanding that couldn¡¯t be exined.

    Send Gifts

    544

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474

    Chapter 474 The First To Give In

    Upon seeing the situation, Tiffany let out a long sigh. ¡°Jose, it¡¯s been many years, yet she remains your

    favorite person.¡±

    With a softer tone, Josiah exined, ¡°There¡¯s nothing between her and me anymore, and there won¡¯t

    be in the future. I¡¯ve told you this many times before.¡±

    ¡°But she still holds a ce in your heart.¡± Tiffany was certain of this. ¡°However¡­ it¡¯s only natural that

    you can¡¯t let go of Lyss.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows. ¡°What?¡±

    Tiffany replied earnestly, ¡°Lyss is so kind and perfect, so it¡¯s only natural for you to like her. Don¡¯t

    deceive yourself anymore. If you truly like her, go and reconcile with her. Just make sure it doesn¡¯t

    interfere with your coboration with my father.¡±

    The more Josiah listened, the deeper his frown became. He really had no experience in appeasing

    children.

    ¡°Tiffany, we agreed on this before.¡±

    bgive up

    ¡°Yes, we agreed we would announce our engagement to the world, to make Lyss and stop bothering

    you. But what I don¡¯t understand is that you say you don¡¯t care about her, yet you still dream of her. So,

    am I here to separate you two or to rekindle your love?¡±

    ¡°Tiffany, you¡¯ve really misunderstood¡­¡±

    ¡°Jose, you two are so much older than me. When you first fell for Lyss, I was just a kid trailing behind

    you, engrossed in watching The Powerpuff Girls. On the day of my birthday party, Lyss imed she

    was helping me towork. I did as you advised, mentioning our arranged marriage as much as

    possible in her presence. I could tell¡­ she was holding back, but she was genuinely upset.¡±

    There was an age difference of eight years between them.

    Moreover, Tiffany had been overly sheltered by her family since childhood. She had attended an all¨C

    girls boarding school abroad, which had limited her social circle. This contributed to her current naive

    and innocent personality, to the extent that her emotional age seemed even younger than her actual

    age.

    Faced with a young woman who still seemed like a child, Josiah, despite his urgency, could only force

    himself to be as gentle as possible. He suggested, ¡°Tiffany, how about this? Let¡¯s end our agreement.

    Once we return, I¡¯ll rify things with your father. You won¡¯t have to pretend to be my fianc¨¦e anymore,

    and I¡¯ll handle the situation with Lysanne myself.¡±

    Biting her lip, Tiffany¡¯s eyes still held a touch of confusion and bewilderment. ¡°Jose, I truly don¡¯t

    understand what you want me to do.¡±

    ¡°Starting from today, you don¡¯t have to do anything anymore; just consider this as a leisurely vacation

    since you don¡¯te back to the country often. There are many historical sites in Apex City worth

    visiting. I¡¯ll arrange for someone to apany you for a few days, and once the summit is over, we

    can head back together. Then, I¡¯ll have a chat with your father.¡±

    ¡°Jose

    591%

    Chapter 474 The First To Give In

    ¡°You have someone you like,¡± Tiffany stated. ¡°But it¡¯s not Lyss, is it?¡±

    Hearing her speak so candidly, there was a sense of exhration in Josiah¡¯s heart. He nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I get it now,¡± Tiffany said. ¡°So, you wanted me to dere myself a make the woman you¡¯re fond of

    jealous, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    your fianc¨¦e to deter Lyss and also to

    ¡°Yes to the former, but for thetter¡­¡± Josiah shook his head and chuckled before continuing, ¡°She

    doesn¡¯t. get jealous.¡±

    Jose, have I met her before?¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°You wanted her to be jealous, but for that, she needed to see us together, right? I¡¯m trying to recall all

    the people we¡¯ve met when we were together, but we met so many people at the birthday party that I

    really can¡¯t remember who she could be¡­¡±

    Josiah gave a light chuckle. ¡°Are you really that curious?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯d love to meet the woman who could make you choose her over Lyss.¡±

    Josiah was quite amused, a smile ying on his lips. ¡°Fine. When the opportunity arises, I¡¯ll

    reintroduce you.¡±

    ¡°All right, when exactly would that be? I¡¯m heading back overseas next month. Will there be enough

    time for us to meet?¡±

    Josiah ruffled her bangs. ¡°Always so curious, aren¡¯t you, kid?¡±

    Tiffany hastily protected her hairstyle. ¡°Jose, I¡¯m already an adult! Stop treating me like a child.¡±

    ¡°You know, you¡¯re still far from being all grown up. Your dad was worried sick when he spoke to me

    about you previously. He¡¯s terrified that you¡¯ll be deceived by some bad boys abroad. It¡¯s to the point

    that he wants to assign a few bodyguards to apany you when you return overseas, yet he¡¯s also

    afraid that their presence might interfere with your normal dating life and cause you to miss out on your

    best years. In short, he¡¯s caught in a dilemma.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Tiffany pouted. ¡°Jose, don¡¯t try to change the subject. When are you going to introduce me to the

    woman who has stolen your heart?¡±

    While she spoke, she yfully pointed at the location of his heart and winked at him, a teasing irnile on

    her face.

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to win her over before you leave.¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s not settled yet? Jose, when did you be so impotent?¡±

    Josiah feigned anger, admonishing her, ¡°Don¡¯t speak nonsense

    ¡°What nonsense did I say?¡±

    Tiffany wore an innocent expression.

    Tosiah couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit guilty.

    Chapter 474 The First To Give In

    Tiffany was just a young woman who had never even experienced a rtionship before. There was no

    way she would think to link that word to its other meaning.

    ¡°Anyway, if you¡¯re not feeling well, rest up early. I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Tiffany asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To find a ce to sleep.¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯ve already given my original room to Lysa, and there are no other rooms avable in the hotel.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±

    In reality, Lysander wasn¡¯t particrly fussy about where she slept.

    Eyen when working the night shift in the office, she could catch a quick nap on a random cot.

    However, possibly due to her illness, she felt generally unwell, tossing and turning without being able to

    fall asleep.

    In a state of half sleep, half wakefulness, she heard the buzzing of her phone.

    Who could be calling in the middle of the night?

    Reluctantly, Lysander stretched out her hand from under the nket and took a nce.

    The fire within her heart crackled and roared intensely.

    She immediately rejected the call with a swift motion.

    Yet, the other person was relentless, calling again.

    Lysander immediately turned off her phone and tossed it aside.

    ???????? ? ?? ? ?? ?? ?

    Finally, it was quiet.

    But now, sleep waspletely out of the question.

    Lysander, in a fit of anger, pounded her fist heavily onto the bedspread.

    Riting!

    Thendline on the bedside table began ringing.

    Without even opening her eyes, she reached out, ced the handset next to her ear, and said, ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Lysander, it¡¯s me.¡±

    Him again? He failed to reach me through my phone, so he headed straight to the front desk to make a

    landline call?

    Lysander¡¯s anger red up instantly. ¡°Wh

    girlfriend her sanitary pads!¡°/

    ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡±

    on earth are you trying to do? I¡¯ve already given your

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    Chapter 474 The First To Give In

    91%8

    For a moment, Lysander didn¡¯t respond. Eventually, she asked tly, ¡°Do you have any idea what time

    it is now, Josiah?¡±

    ¡°Open the door. I¡¯ll have a look at you,¡± he said.

    ¡°No need.¡±

    ¡°Your voice still sounds a bit hoarse. Have you taken your medicine?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on my way now, so open the door for meter,¡± he said.

    Lysander hung up the phone.

    After some thought, she picked up the handset and set it aside.

    This way, he could no longer call her.

    With that done, Lysander burrowed under the nket and forced herself to sleep.

    Roughly five or six minutes passed when the doorbell rang.

    Lysander decided to y dead.

    She didn¡¯t believe he could stay out there all night, pressing the doorbell, so it would simply be a matter

    of who would be the first to give in.

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475

    Chapter 475 Determined Not To Stop

    This strategy seemed to be quite effective. After the doorbell rang a few times, it fell silent and didn¡¯t

    ring- again.

    Lysander lifted the nket, attentively listening to the movements outside the door, trying to confirm if

    he had truly left..

    ¡°Yes, this is the room. I¡¯ve been ringing the doorbell for quite some time with no response. Could

    please open the door for me?¡±

    Immediately after, the sound of a room card being swiped could be heard from outside.

    Lysander immediately sat up.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡±

    you

    ¡°Hello, miss, I¡¯m the hotel manager. How are you faring right now? Your boyfriend mentioned that your

    were ill and there was no response even though he kept ringing the doorbell. He was worried you might

    have fainted and couldn¡¯t open the door, so he asked us toe and check on you.¡±

    Lysander felt as though a fire was consuming her from within. ¡°I didn¡¯t faint. I¡¯m fine. All I want now is to

    rest, is that okay?¡±

    The manager repeatedly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to disturb your rest.¡±

    ¡°You should go. Tell him to go as well.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, my apologies, miss!¡±

    The manager had barely turned around when he heard Josiah say, ¡°She¡¯s running a fever and being

    difficult with me. If anything were to happen to her in your hotel, no one could bear that responsibility.¡±

    The manager was in a bind. ¡°But we can¡¯t just enter without the guest¡¯s permission.

    After a moment of contemtion, Josiah decided not to ring the doorbell this time. Instead, he knocked

    on the door with his hand. ¡°Lysander, open the door. I have something to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about work. There¡¯s been a change in the ns for the summit, so open the door. I need to exin

    things to you.¡±

    There was no response from Lysander.

    ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Lysander closed her eyes for a moment.

    It seems he¡¯s determined not to stop until he achieves his goal today.

    ¡°Wait a moment.

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    Chapter 475 Determined Not To Stop

    is it that you have-?¡±

    Herint was abruptly cut short by Josiah¡¯s next action.

    Casually. Josiah tossed his phone inside the door, letting itnd on the carpet with a soft thud. Then,

    without any warning, he embraced Lysander, pushing her back inside with him.

    With a backward shove, he shut the door tightly.

    Lysander was still a bit dazed when she was spun around in a circle and, with a force that was neither

    too light nor too heavy, pressed up against the wall.

    Thump!

    She wouldn¡¯t exactly describe it as pain, but she had a cold and her head was already feeling foggy.

    Now, it

    was even more so.

    ¡°Why are you opening the door without dressing properly again? There¡¯s still an unfamiliar man

    outside.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows before smacking her own head.

    In the next moment, Josiah¡¯s hand covered hers, gently massaging the spot she had just smacked.

    ¡°Why are you hitting your own head so hard?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well,¡± she said tiredly. ¡°Josiah, that¡¯s twice already tonight! Can¡¯t I just get a good night¡¯s

    sleep?

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    From outside the door, the manager¡¯s voice came through, cautious and tentative, ¡°Mr. Guerra, is your

    girlfriend all right? Do you need any help?¡±

    Josiah bowed his head, gazing at Lysander, who was nestled in his arms. His tone was gentle as he

    said, ¡°If it¡¯s too unbearable, we should go to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander kept her head low, so when she spoke, her voice was muffled against his chest. ¡°I¡¯m not

    going.¡±

    Josiah reached out, brushing away the stray locks of hair on her forehead, and checked her

    temperature. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to have a fever anymore. Do you feel unwell anywhere else?¡±

    ¡°I have a headache.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to go to the hospital?¡±

    In truth, Lysander had a fair idea in her own heart.

    Her cold this time was sudden and serious, not quite resembling amon cold but more akin to the

    flu.

    She really had a knack for jinxing things. Her casual remark at the airport had actuallye true.

    ¡°No. I¡¯ll be fine after drinking more water. There are many patients in the hospital, and their immunity is

    already low. I don¡¯t want to risk/spreading anything to them.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Is it really the flu?¡±

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    Chapter 475 Determined Not To Stop

    is it that you have-?¡±

    Herint was abruptly cut short by Josiah¡¯s next action.

    Casually, Josiah tossed his phone inside the door, letting itnd on the carpet with a soft thud. Then,

    without any warning, he embraced Lysander, pushing her back inside with him.

    With a backward shove, he shut the door tightly.

    69

    Lysander was still a bit dazed when she was spun around in a circle and, with a force that was neither

    too light nor too heavy, pressed up against the wall.

    Thump!

    She wouldn¡¯t exactly describe it as pain, but she had a cold and her head was already feeling foggy.

    Now, it

    was even more so.

    ¡°Why are you opening the door without dressing properly again? There¡¯s still an unfamiliar man

    outside.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows before smacking her own head.

    In the next moment, Josiah¡¯s hand covered hers, gently massaging the spot she had just smacked.

    ¡°Why are you hitting your own head so hard?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well,¡± she said tiredly. ¡°Josiah, that¡¯s twice already tonight! Can¡¯t I just get a good night¡¯s

    sleep!¡±

    From outside the door, the manager¡¯s voice came through, cautious and tentative, ¡°Mr. Guerra, is your

    girlfriend all right? Do you need any help?¡±

    Josiah bowed his head, gazing at Lysander, who was nestled in his arms. His tone was gentle as he

    said, ¡°If it¡¯s too unbearable, we should go to the hospital.¡±

    Lysander kept her head low, so when she spoke, her voice was muffled against his chest. ¡°I¡¯m not

    going.¡±

    Josiah reached out, brushing away the stray locks of hair on her forehead, and checked her

    temperature. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to have a fever anymore. Do you feel unwell anywhere else?¡±

    ¡°I have a headache.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to go to the hospital?¡±

    In truth, Lysander had a fair idea in her own heart.

    Her cold this time was sudden and serious, not quite resembling amon cold but more akin to the

    flu.

    She really had a knack for jinxing things. Her casual remark at the airport had actuallye true.

    ¡°No. I¡¯ll be fine after drinking more water. There are many patients in the hospital, and their immunity is

    already low. I don¡¯t want to risk/spreading anything to them.¡±

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Is it really the flu?¡±

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    Chapter 475 Determined Not To Stop.

    ¡°We traveled here by ne. If I were going to catch anything, it would have happened already. It¡¯s too

    late to avoid it now.¡±

    Josiah raised his voice toward the outside, saying, ¡°Mr. Hans, my girlfriend doesn¡¯t need any more help

    for now. Sorry for troubling you sote at night.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll be taking my leave now. If you need anything, feel free to call the front desk at any time.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander lifted her head, shooting him a re. ¡°The poor manager! Roused from his sleep in the

    middle of the night by you. Mr. Guerra, could you perhaps refrain from making things difficult for the

    employees in the future?¡±

    Josiah merely hummed in agreement. He slightly furrowed his brows at her hoarse voice and, in a rare

    show of concern, refrained from bickering with her. ¡°Does your throat hurt?¡±

    ¡°Somewhat.¡±

    ¡°What about your body?¡±

    ¡°A little bit too.¡±

    ¡°Take a seat while I go heat up some water.¡±

    Josiah helped her sit against the headboard of the bed, then went over to the storage cab by the

    door to fetch the mineral water provided by the hotel.

    Just as he reached the doorway, he could hear the sounds of muffledughter and chattering from

    outside.

    ¡°I heard it! She said, ¡°That¡¯s twice already tonight!

    ¡°So his girlfriend didn¡¯t open the door for him because she was afraid he¡¯d ask for more?¡±

    ¡°Probably. Just a moment ago, I heard something about a sore throat.¡±

    ¡°Wow, that wild?¡±

    ¡°No, what I¡¯m trying to say is¡­ It managed to reach all the way into her throat?¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey! Get your mind out of the gutter, you!

    ¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re so curious, why don¡¯t you go ask them yourself tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare¡­¡±

    1480

    After listening for a while, Josiah felt something was off and abruptly swung the door open.

    Outside, there stood two young men.

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    Chapter 475 Determined Not To Stop

    As soon as he opened the door, the two young men were thrown into a panic. Shoving each other in

    their haste, they quickly retreated into the adjacent room and mmed the door shut with a loud bang-

    He probably caused amotion when he was calling out at the door earlier, which must have drawn

    out the two from next door to check on the situation. There was no telling how long they had been

    eavesdropping.

    Josiah closed the door and returned to the bedside carrying two bottles of mineral water. Unscrewing

    the caps, he poured all the contents into a kettle. He then plugged it in to heat the water.

    Lysander was still sitting at the head of the bed, wrapped up tightly in the thick nket, leaving only her

    head exposed. Her face was flushed with warmth while her forehead was glistening with tiny beads of

    sweat.

    Josiah gently sat down by the bed, wiping away the sweat on her face with his hand. Then, he reached

    out to pull the nket from her.

    ¡°Why are you bundled up so tightly? What if you get a fever before you even recover from your flu?¡±

    Lysander clutched the corner of the nket tightly, a wary look on her face. ¡°How much longer are you

    nning to stay in my room?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s hand paused before he reassured her, ¡°I¡¯ll leave as soon as the water is boiled.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes.

    Lysander slightly rxed,zily leaning to one side. ¡°Why did you open the door just now? Is Mr. Hans

    still outside?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Josiah. ¡°You should let go now. If you keep holding on, you¡¯re really going to start sweating.¡±

    Nheless, Lysander refused to release her grip. ¡°I¡¯ve never had such a severe cold before. It feels

    like abination of a cold and the flu. The flu virus can only be treated with medication, while a cold

    can be sweated out.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Even though I¡¯m an obstetrician, I still havemon sense.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°All right, I trust your diagnosis.¡±

    The water was boiling, and for a moment, the two of them fell silent.

    Lysander said, ¡°You should head back now. Tiffany is probably waiting for you.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476

    Chapter 476 Pure Rebelliousness

    ¡°She¡¯s asleep,¡± Josiah replied lightly. ¡°Focus on taking care of yourself first. Stop worrying about others

    all the time.¡±

    At that point. Lysander had no energy left to worry about others.

    ¡°By the way, I want to tell you I went for a gastroscopy. They found two ulcer lesions, but the doctor

    said they¡¯re not serious. I¡¯ve already started treatment.¡±

    Lysander gave a soft hum of acknowledgment, then snuggled deeper into the nket.

    Josiah asked, ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s going on. I was feeling quite warm just a moment ago, but now I suddenly feel

    cold.¡±

    Josiah stood up, meticulously tucking her in with the nket.

    His hands were braced on either side of her as he hovered just above her. ¡°And now?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡± Lysander realized that they were a bit too close forfort and gently pushed him

    away. ¡°You should get up now.¡±

    Before she could even finish her sentence, she was abruptly cut off.

    Josiah pinned her arm down through the nket. ¡°Don¡¯t move. You¡¯re cold, aren¡¯t you? The cool air is

    seeping in.¡±

    Lysander felt as though she were a mummy, tightly swaddled in the nket, unable to move.

    This sense of constraint made her feel somewhat ufortable.

    ¡°Get up,¡± she said.

    ¡°Stop moving.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t move.¡±

    After thoroughly studying her eyes for a moment, Josiah confirmed her willingness toply before he

    finally eased up on his control over her.

    The next moment, Lysander was about to roll away with the nket to escape from his control.

    However, Josiah moved even faster. With a swift reach of his long arm, he pulled her back, nket and

    all. He then half¨Ccovered her with his body, pressing down on her heavily. With a hint of annoyance, he

    asked, ¡°Why are you running away? If you keep messing around, you¡¯ll catch a chill again.¡±

    Lysander attempted to struggle, but it only resulted in her being restrained even more forcefully.

    She gritted her teeth. ¡°You¡¯re suffocating me!¡±

    Josiah was also annoyed. ¡°If I don¡¯t hold you down, you¡¯ll just keep fidgeting. Are you a worm or

    something? Stop squirming¡­ just stop!¡±

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    Chapter 476 Pure Rebelliousness

    This time, Josiah remained silent, merely increasing his strength, pinning her down so she couldn¡¯t

    move

    at all.

    ¡°Jo-¡±

    As soon as Lysander began to speak, she found his face was already incredibly close to hers.

    If she struggled any further, her lips would brush against his face.

    The distance between the two was so close that they could clearly hear each other¡¯s breaths.

    Perhaps it was due to their recent wrestling, but Josiah¡¯s shirt was somewhat disheveled. His cor

    was slightly open, revealing his robust chest. From her perspective, she could just make out the faint

    outline of

    his abs.

    He had clearly exerted some effort as well, as he was slightly panting at the moment. ¡°Still going to

    move?¡±

    As soon as he spoke, Lysander instinctively turned her head, feeling the warmth of his breath against

    the back of her ear.

    It was scorching.

    Subconsciously, she turned her head, intending to avoid it.

    However, Josiah misunderstood her, thinking she was going to resist again. He growled, ¡°I dare you to

    move again!¡±

    ¡°Why are you mad at me?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re misbehaving.¡± Josiah muttered under his breath, ¡°Stay put.¡±

    ¡°Josiah!¡± Lysander was livid. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything better to do? Your girlfriend¡¯s having a rough

    time with her period; can¡¯t you go and take care of her? Must you insist on bothering me?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s far more obedient than you. When asked to eat, she ate. When told to sleep, she slept. Unlike

    you, who is practically overflowing with pure rebelliousness.¡±

    ¡°If she¡¯s that great, you should hurry back and stay with her!¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Astonished, Lysander asked, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡±

    Perhaps it was due to the surge of emotions, or maybe it was because thebination of the nket

    and his body was just too warm, but Lysander¡¯s face was flushed. When she was slightly irritated, her

    eyes sparkled exceptionally bright, making her entire demeanor incredibly lively and animated.

    Josiah found himself in a daze as he stared at her.

    ¡°I should have never agreed toe to this hotel with you two. Being bossed around like a servant in

    the middle of the night, and now, I can¡¯t even get some sleep¡­ Mmph!¡±

    Her nink lins moved as she ranted, their numbness aptivating.

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    Chapter 476 Pure Rebelliousness

    Josiah wasn¡¯t really thinking as instinct led him to lean in for a kiss.

    Lysander was stunned for a moment before she began straining every muscle to push him away.

    However, her struggles didn¡¯t inflict the slightest harm on him. To Josiah, it was as if he was holding a

    disobedient cat in his arms.

    ¡°Jo¡­ you¡­ ah!¡±

    Struggling to avoid him, Lysander reprimanded through her gasping, ¡°There must be something wrong

    with you!¡±

    Josiah momentarily rxed his lips, but the fiery passion surging in his chest could no longer be

    suppressed.

    Long¨Cheld yearning and desire intertwined within, moring inside him, yearning to break free, to erupt

    and release!

    ¡°Not yet,¡± said Josiah. ¡°But we¡¯ll see how I am with the flu tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Josi-¡±

    Naturally, Josiah was not inclined to heed her words, persisting in silencing her.

    Lysander wanted to turn away, but each time, Josiah relentlessly caught up with her. His control over

    her body left her immobile, and all she could do was to frantically toss her head around.

    Josiah had been passionately kissing for a while before he suddenly broke intoughter. ¡°Your neck is

    quite flexible.¡±

    Lysander was panting heavily. ¡°I can¡¯t breathe through my nose! If you keep this up, I¡¯m going to die of

    suffocation!¡±

    She wasn¡¯t lying or exaggerating.

    From the moment she started speaking earlier, her voice had been somewhat nasally. Now, she was

    breathing heavily due to ack of oxygen. Even through the nket beneath him, Josiah could feel the

    forceful rise and fall of her chest.

    Josiah gently propped himself up, leaving her some space.

    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

    Yet, he had no intention of leaving.

    The person was right, the timing was right, and the feelings were right. Who could possibly remain

    calm. andposed in such a situation?

    After a brief pause, Lysander finally managed to steady her breathing.

    ¡°Josiah, have you forgotten that you¡¯re still engaged? If you¡¯re feeling amorous, go back to your

    fianc¨¦el¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten.¡± Josiah lowered his head again, pecking her on the lips. ¡°She¡¯s having her period,

    isn¡¯t she? It¡¯s not convenient.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander¡¯s anger red even more. ¡°So you¡¯re nning¡­ to continue¡­ huh?¡±

    Josiah watched as her eyes widened in surprise, his ile deepening. He remained silent, gazing at her

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    Chapter 476 Pure Rebelliousness

    slightly swollen lips.

    ¡°Josiah! You promised to leave once the water started boiling!¡±

    ¡°Oh right, I forgot the water¡¯s still boiling.

    Keeping her pinned with one hand, Josiah effortlessly reached out with the other to unplug the kettle

    and casually toss the plug aside.

    ¡°Always remember to stay safe,¡± he said.

    Lysander was so frustrated that she gritted her teeth till her jaw creaked. ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t push me to

    curse you!

    ¡°Go ahead and curse all you want.¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re such a jerk!¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ve heard that insult quite a few times already. Got anything new?¡±

    ¡°You son of a b*tch!¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s something new.¡±

    The more Lysander thought about it, the angrier she got. ¡°B*stard!¡±

    Josiah enveloped herpletely, like an intricate web. He confined her in the small space against his

    chest, their breaths intertwining.

    Fire began to dance in his eyes.

    ¡°Amelia was right,¡± he said, his eyes shining with an astonishing brightness. ¡°Being gentle with you

    useless as you don¡¯t see it or ept it. Even when you see it, you remain indifferent. Only when I get

    rough. with you do you react¡±

    15

    ¡°Are you sick or something, taking pleasure in being insulted?¡±

    Suddenly, Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What is this?¡±

    He reached out, slipping his hand under the nket.

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 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477

    Chapter 477 I Only Want You

    Lysander recoiled in fright. ¡°What are you doing!¡±

    From the gap between the nket and the pillow, Josiah pulled out an item, approximately the size of a

    matchbox.

    It seemed to be a small card.

    Josiah frowned. ¡°What is this?¡±

    Lysander had never seen this object before. ¡°How would I know?

    ¡°You¡¯re telling me you didn¡¯t know this was under your own nket?¡±

    ¡°It could be that housekeeping didn¡¯t clean this room properly. It must be something left over from the

    previous guest.¡±

    Josiah held the piece of paper in his hand, lifting it to examine it back and forth. The paper itself was

    nothing special. On it were four lines of handwritten words.

    May the heavens guide you on a smooth path.

    May fate allow you to meet kind¨Chearted people

    May the distant sunlight and the brilliant>

    lights illuminate every bit of your future.

    The words were written in cursive, but it was evident at first nce that it was penned by a man.

    Lysander furrowed her brow. ¡°What exactly is it?¡±

    ¡°Hold on a second.¡± Josiah flipped the piece of paper over, cing it before her eyes. ¡°Do you

    recognize this handwriting?¡±

    Lysander nced at it, then turned her face away without uttering word.

    ¡°Judging by your reaction, it must have been Adrian who wrote it for you, right?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I have no idea, nor do I understand how this item ended up on my bed.¡±

    Josiah held the piece of paper between two fingers, waving it nonchntly. ¡°He probably slipped it into

    your clothes when you weren¡¯t aware. It must have fallen out when you were changing or taking off

    your clothes.

    ¡°Either way, I don¡¯t know anything.¡± Lysander retorted. ¡°Even if it was, it was just Dr. Sutton being kind.

    He knew I was going on a business trip and probably wrote this as a kind gesture of well wishes.¡±

    ¡°Well wishes?¡±

    ¡°What else can it be? Which of these sentences carries any hint of romantic feelings?¡±

    Josiah expressed his doubts, ¡°I get the feeling it¡¯s not that simple.¡±

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    Chapter 477 1 Only Want You

    ¡°You¡¯re judging a noble person with a petty mind.¡±

    Josiah picked up his phone, swiped to unlock, typed in, and began his search.

    A momentter, he let out a coldugh.

    Lysander frowned, baffled at his response.

    Josiah tapped on his phone.

    A rock singer¡¯s baritone voice unexpectedly began to croon a melodious tune. It was a mix of slight

    anguish and a hint ofment, but above all, it was filled with mncholy.

    ¡°What song is this?¡±

    Before she could even finish speaking, the slightly weathered voice of Fabius Zagato began to sing

    slowly, ¡°No matter how far away you are, even if you¡¯ve changed, even if you¡¯ve forgotten me, you will

    always be the girl I love.¡±

    Lysander was lost for words.

    ¡°I knew it. There¡¯s no way that Adrian would simply be wishing you well.¡±

    Lysander stretched out her hand from under the nket. ¡°Let me see.¡±

    Josiah held the card up high, out of her reach, and promptly lit it on fire with a lighter.

    Lysander was furious. ¡°You¡­¡±

    The slip of paper wasn¡¯trge, and it was swiftly consumed by the mes.

    Lysander said, ¡°Don¡¯t just throw it away anywhere you please as there are a lot of mmable items in

    this room. Let¡¯s not create more trouble for the staff.¡±

    Josiah studied her intently for a moment, then, with a flick of his fingers, he tightly clenched the small

    card along with the mes into his palm.

    Lysander was slightly taken aback.

    By the time he opened his palm again, the mes hadpletely extinguished.

    He lightly pped his hands, revealing them to be covered in the ashes.

    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± He leaned forward, pulling a tissue from the box on the bedside table, and

    slowly wiped his hands.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it hot?¡±

    Josiah said irritably. ¡°It¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t been burned by fire before.¡±

    Lysander licked her lips and sighed. ¡°How are the burns on your back doing now?¡±

    ¡°Do you want to take a look?¡±

    Ingish hepan unbuttoning his chirt

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    Chapter 4771 Only Want Your

    Lysander quickly intervened, ¡°No need! I don¡¯t want to see it.¡±

    Josiah let out a chuckle, not continuing any further. Instead, he gently lowered himself, his forearms

    supporting him on either side of her body. He drew closer to her, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity

    as he said, ¡°Lysander, let¡¯s start over.¡±

    Lysander shook her head slowly yet firmly. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious, but you don¡¯t seem to believe me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Josiah gave a bitter smile, ¡°In that case, try to see it from a different perspective. You don¡¯t have to

    forgive me nor even like me; just consider me a tool.¡±

    Lysander frowned and said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning on taking over Thorne Constructions and Energies? If you¡¯re short on funds,

    consider me your personal ATM: if you¡¯recking connections, regard me as your headhunter; if you¡¯re

    inexperienced, treat me as your free one¨Con¨Cone consultant. If you¡¯re upset, feel free to vent at me; if

    you¡¯re unwell,mand me to take care of you. Oh, and don¡¯t forget about your dog. Whatever it

    needs, you cane to me. In any case, don¡¯t give Adrian another chance to get close to you.¡±

    ¡°Really? I can evene to you for dog¨Crted matters? Then can I reach out to you if I want to breed

    a dog?¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll head to the vetter¡­¡± Josiah only then realized something was off about her statement.

    His expression shifted subtly, and he pinched her nose in annoyance. ¡°Getting brave, are we?¡±

    Just a moment ago, in her rush to grab the piece of paper, she had extended one of her arms. Now, it

    was conveniently positioned outside, ready toe to the rescue of her nose.

    ¡°I told you, my nose is stuffed up. Stop pinching it!¡±

    Josiah released his hold, opting instead to gently pinch her cheek. ¡°People always say that a girl

    changes drastically when she turns eighteen. I didn¡¯t believe it before, but now, you¡¯re nothing like the

    little girl you

    used to be.¡±

    Lysander frowned and pushed his hand away. ¡°Can you stop being so handsy?¡±

    His gentle pinch left her petite face slightly flushed. In the dimly lit hotel room, every time she furrowed

    her brows, her eyshes cast an endearing shadow on her face.

    His

    eyes gleamed even brighter, and before she could react, he nted a kiss on her lips.

    Then I¡¯ll use my mouth.¡±

    ¡°You-¡±

    No sooner had she uttered a single word than his lips were descending upon hers again.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    This time, Lysander reacted swiftly, quickly covering her mouth.

    His kissnded on the back of her hand.

    3/5

    69%1

    Chapter 477 1 Only Want You

    However, he wasn¡¯t upset. Once he noticed, he began to gently and meticulously continue kissing the

    back of her hand.

    Every nook and cranny, every inch of skin.

    After a kiss was nted, he was reluctant to pull away. His moist lips lingered on her skin, finding a

    new spot to bestow another kiss,

    He went delicately from the back of her hand to her fingertips.

    The ces he had kissed were slightly cool, while those currently under his lips were burning hot. This

    cycle of hot and cold left her trembling subtly.

    In the end, he gently

    nipped at her ring finger¡¯s knuckle, coaxing softly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to let go?¡±

    Lysander had wanted to withdraw her hand long ago.

    However, she couldn¡¯t bear the repercussions of pulling back.

    Her hand covered her mouth, muffling her voice even more as she pleaded, ¡°Josiah, can you please

    stop messing around? I¡¯m inexperienced in this area, so I really can¡¯tpete with you.¡±

    Josiah paused, then gently kissed her ring finger. ¡°We weren¡¯t together long enough. There¡¯s not even

    a ring mark here.¡±

    Lysander was speechless.

    ¡°Lysander, move your hand.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Are you really not going to move?¡±

    She nodded.

    #

    ¡°Fine.¡± He moved downward, starting to kiss the exposed part of her pristine white arm on that side.

    Crossing over the bend of the elbow, following along the upper arm, all the way up to the shoulder.

    Lysander felt like a meticulously arranged te of food, with Josiah savoring her slowly and

    deliberately, appreciating every inch.

    Unsure if it was due to his weight coupled with that of the nket pressing down on her, she quickly

    found herself drenched in a fine sheen of sweat.

    By the time she regained her senses, he had already reached her neck.

    The scorching breath hit her most delicate spot, making her involuntarily flinch.

    Josiah, whose face was nestled in the crook of her neck, picked up on her subtle reactions and

    chuckled lightly. ¡°If you don¡¯t move your hand aside, I¡¯ll continue.¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­ Your fianc¨¦e is still waiting for you,¡± Lysander said in a trembling voice.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a romantic rtionshin with her losis aid ¡°I consider her as a younger sister.

    4/5

    09:09

    Chapter 477 I Only Want You

    69%Á¿

    ¡°First, a best friend, then a younger sister, and even the close confidante you saved from distress.

    Josiah, you have many choices. Can you spare me?¡±

    ¡°But none of them is the one I want. I¡­¡± He opened his mouth, nipping at her earlobe. ¡°Only want you.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478

    Chapter 478 Not Completely Indifferent.

    He leaned in once more, nting a fierce kiss on the side of Lysander¡¯s neck.

    She struggled as if she had been burned, attempting to kick him away with her leg. However, her

    strength was insufficient, and instead, allowed him the chance to lift half of the nket off her.

    He used his own body to rece the nket, covering her.

    ¡°Guerra Group just received the final payment for a project. It isn¡¯t much, around fifty to sixty million. I

    don¡¯t n on investing in any new projects in the near future, so this money can be allocated flexibly,¡±

    he

    ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Investmentpanies in Harborbrook probably won¡¯t be investing in Daphne¡¯s family business

    anytime soon as they nearly defaulted on their bank loans. From an investmentpany¡¯s perspective,

    that¡¯s a major red g.¡±

    Josiah looked down at Lysander, his eyes ame with an unspoken passion. Even his breath carried a

    scorching heat.

    Only a bedsidemp was lit in the entire room, casting orange light on them and subtly enhancing an

    air of ambiguity between them.

    or your

    Lysander¡¯s struggling ceased, disbeliefcing her voice as she asked, ¡°So, this is the condition for help:

    With a self¨Cdeprecatingugh, Josiah said, ¡°It¡¯s not a condition; it¡¯s my sincerity.¡±

    After a considerable pause, Lysander finally asked, ¡°Can I ept just half of your sincerity?¡±

    She wanted the money, but not the person.

    Upon understanding what she meant, Josiah raised an eyebrow at her.

    Lysander quickly said, ¡°You just mentioned earlier that I coulde to you if I¡¯m short on money.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± said Josiah. ¡°But my sincerity goes beyond this. You can refuse me as a person for now, but

    you have to ept everything else.¡±

    Lysander asked skeptically, ¡°What else is there?¡±

    ¡°My heart.¡±

    When Lysander didn¡¯t respond, Josiah added, ¡°Money and my body, or money and my heart, choose

    one.¡±

    ¡°First, send the money to Daphne. As for your heart¡­ wait until I return this time. I¡¯ll have Lynn get me

    at surgical scalpel.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb; you know exactly what I¡¯m talking about.¡±

    His gaze was as scorching and sharp as a de, so much so that she averted her eyes.

    1/4

    Chapter 478 Not Completely indifferent

    ¡°All right.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why, your heart-¡±

    ¡°I love you.¡±

    Lysander was taken aback.

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying to you either.¡±

    In that fleeting moment, the white bathrobe and the belt fell to the ground together. In the midst of the

    chaos, the bedsidemp was turned off by a slender, strong hand. The entire room instantly plunged

    into boundless darkness.

    When sight was no longer an option, the sense of touch became remarkably heightened. The heavy

    pressure on Lysander lifted, only to return in a matter of two or three seconds. What was once the feel

    of a shirt¡¯s fabric had now turned into burning¨Chot skin.

    The man¡¯s presence instantly enveloped herpletely.

    It was overwhelming, not giving her a single chance to catch her breath.

    She had no idea how Josiah managed to find her lips so urately in the darkness, let alone perceive

    her feeble resistance. Somehow, he had managed to grasp her hand in advance, pressing it against his

    own chest, all while seemingly blind to his surroundings.

    At first, it was just a gentle, fleeting taste, butter it turned into a strong, relentless pursuit.

    ¡°Josiah!¡± She managed to break free from his burning kiss, then, like a trapped animal fighting for its

    last shred of freedom in the cage he provided, she said, ¡°Are you going to force me?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s actions paused momentarily.

    Then, he let out a heavy sigh. ¡°You don¡¯t love me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t love you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not speak so definitively just yet.¡±

    With that single sentence, her punishment for the night was dered.

    Josiah did not immediately dive into the main event. Instead, he was exceedingly tender and

    affectionate.

    On several asions, Lysander was driven to the brink of madness by his hands and lips. Yet, he

    remained unhurried and calm, as if he was carrying out a serious task while observing her reactions.

    However, Lysander had to concede that Josiah was indeed the kind of man who was quite attentive in

    bed.

    Despite saying it was forced, it was actually more like him forcing her to ept his services.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Finally tears welled un in I wander¡¯s evec and anl?en did Incish finally ler her he finally herinnine to

    2/4

    Chapter 478 Not Completely Indifferent

    address the main issue.

    As he continued his advance, he gently brushed her trembling eyshes with his fingers, catching the

    teardrops that lingered at the corners of her eyes, before rubbing them away with the tips of his fingers.

    His voice was hoarse in the darkness. ¡°Actually, you¡¯re notpletely indifferent to me in certain

    situations, are you?¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    Lysander refused to admit it, turning her face away.

    In the next moment, he had seized her chin, forcibly turning her toward him before he firmly covered

    her mouth with his.

    ¡°You don¡¯t love me? Then I¡¯ll continue until you do.¡±

    It had been a long time since Lysander had done something like this. At first, she couldn¡¯t adapt at all.

    Josiah endured, breaking out in a sweat. The beads of perspiration dripped onto her chest, scattering

    in different directions.

    At the end of the day, they were a long¨Cmarried couple. Josiah quickly regained his past memories,

    skillfully breaking through her tough exterior.

    Once he had breached her defenses, he went wild and let loose.

    Lysander found it impossible to resist the onught of thoughts in her mind. Her thoughts were a

    chaotic mess, akin to a whirlpool of confusion. One moment she felt cold, the next hot, the sensations

    fluctuating unpredictably. At times, everything seemed crystal clear, only to be swallowed by boundless

    chaos the next. She felt like a drowning woman clinging to a single piece of driftwood, unable to die but

    also unable to reach the shore, left to the mercy of the ebb and flow of her own thoughts.

    Her rm was set for six in the morning.

    When the standard ringtone of her phone rm sounded, Lysander had a moment of lucidity.

    Was it dawn already?

    In an effort to have a sound sleep the night before, she had drawn the curtains tight so not a shred of

    light. could prate, making it impossible to discern the current time.

    ¡°What time did you set your rm for?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice echoed in her ears.

    It didn¡¯t sound like it wasing from beside her.

    Instead, it was directly above.

    Beneath her waist was a soft pillow cushioning her, and Lysander couldn¡¯t even recall when he had

    slipped

    it there.

    Thankfully, the pillow served as a cushion to absorb the force. Otherwise, with how long they had done

    it¡­.

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    3/4

    09:09 Fri, 7 Jun MF

    Chapter 478 Not Completely Indifferent.

    Upon not receiving her response, he shifted his lower body.

    Lysander winced and gasped in pain. ¡°Josiah, did you take some drugs yesterday?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°I had a few.¡±

    Lysander was shocked. ¡°What!¡±

    It had been meant as a joke, so she didn¡¯t expect to have actually guessed right.

    69%

    ¡°Gastric medicine.¡± he replied teasingly. ¡°I had a gastroscopyst night, and the doctor prescribed a

    week¡¯s worth of medicine for me to take on time.¡±

    Lysander, infuriated, hit him hard. ¡°You¡¯re seriously messed up.¡±

    Josiah held her clenched fists behind his neck, intertwining their hands. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that with a cold, if

    you pass it on to someone else, you¡¯ll get better. Is that true?¡± he asked.

    Lysander attempted to withdraw her hands, but he turned his head and nted another kiss on the

    softest part of her inner elbow,

    She scoffed at him. ¡°You¡¯re stuck in outdated superstitious beliefs.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s true, then go ahead and infect me with your flu,¡± he said.

    ¡°I just said it was superstition.¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly, reaching out to touch her forehead, ¡°Your fever has gone down. Can you

    breathe through your nose now?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say.

    Her nose was indeed no longer as blocked.

    Her throat was somewhat dry, but it wasn¡¯t like yesterday when the pain was so intense it felt as though

    a de was slicing through it.

    ¡°I want to drink water.¡±

    Josiah reminded her of their position through his actions once more. ¡°Now?¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479

    Chapter 479 Are You Hurt

    ¡°It hurts!¡±

    He stopped.

    Lysander eximed, ¡°I need to drink water now! I¡¯m dying of thirst!¡±

    Josialt seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if weighing his options.

    Then, he graciously decided to let her off the hook. ¡°I¡¯ll go heat up some water.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t all that knowledgeable in andrology.

    However¡­

    Is it really okay to end things so abruptly?

    She had assumed she would at least have to wait until this round was over, yet he left just like that?

    Josiah picked up the bathrobe she had worn the previous day from the floor and draped it over himself,

    then turned on the light.

    The water had already been poured into the kettle the night before, so it was ready for use. He simply

    plugged it in, then walked over to draw the curtains.

    The sunlight streamed in suddenly, causing Lysander¡¯s eyes to sting painfully. She closed her eyes and

    turned her head away.

    Josiah was not quite ustomed to the sudden brightness either. He squinted slightly as he walked

    over, reaching out to lift her nket.

    At that moment, Lysander couldn¡¯t care less about her eyes. She quickly held the nket down and

    asked, ¡°What else do you n on doing?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say it hurts? Let me check if it¡¯s injured.¡±

    ¡°No need!¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it so many times already, so what¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve grown tired of seeing mine then go find someone new!¡±

    ¡°Someone else isn¡¯t hurting, and even if they are, it wasn¡¯t my doing. What am I supposed to look at?

    Besides, I¡¯ve never seen anyone else¡¯s.¡±

    Lysander still clung tightly to the nket. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you haven¡¯t done it with Lysanne before.¡±

    ¡°She was pregnant at that time. Do you really think I¡¯m a monster?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m still sick!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I treating you? Look, your fever has already subsided.¡±

    Chapter 479 Are You Hurt

    Josiah lightly chuckled. ¡°But your fever has indeed subsided, hasn¡¯t it? And your symptoms have

    lessened. Can you honestly say I¡¯m not treating you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re merely twisting facts.¡±

    ¡°This is what I call judging by the oue,¡± he retorted.

    ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, if Lysanne wasn¡¯t pregnant, you¡¯d still sleep with her, is that right?¡±

    Josiah clicked his tongue. ¡°Don¡¯t regard me as such a desperate, lustful pervert. I¡¯m quite picky, you

    know.¡±

    ¡°The person you¡¯ve loved for so many years was right in front of you, so I simply refuse to believe it.¡±

    ¡°Back then, it was innocent love, dered Josiah. ¡°If I were truly ruled by my desires, I wouldn¡¯t have

    waited all these years, enduring the teasing and mockery from Aiden and the others.¡±

    Lysander still didn¡¯t believe it. ¡°If you¡¯re so virtuous and self¨Cdisciplined, why didn¡¯t I see you continue

    to y the part of the upright gentleman after we got married?¡±

    Josiah smacked his lips and replied. ¡°I did n to, but then¡­¡±

    ¡°But then, what?¡±

    Josiah unlocked his phone to check the time. ¡°It¡¯s already ten past six, and the summit starts at eight.

    Considering the time it¡¯ll take to shower, eat, andmute during Apex City¡¯s morning rush hour¡­

    maybe we should skip the shower? It would save some time.¡±

    Lysander knew he didn¡¯t want to continue the conversation.

    However, not taking a shower was simply out of the question.

    She had taken a shower before going to bedst night, but now, she was covered in his saliva.

    He had taken her bathrobe, and the new one was still in the wardrobe. All she could do was clutch her

    nket as she got out of bed.

    The moment her feet touched the ground, her body felt as if it had been electrocuted. The intense pain.

    was so overwhelming that she almost shed tears.

    Luckily, the bed was right next to her. She didn¡¯t end up in an embarrassing heap on the floor but

    instead plopped back onto the bed.

    Upon seeing the situation, Josiah slowly made his way over. ¡°Do you need my help?¡±

    Lysander pointed toward the wardrobe in the distance. ¡°Could you fetch me a fresh bathrobe?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered to go.

    Lysander could only stare at him in bewilderment.

    Josiah picked up his shirt from the ground and handed it to her. ¡°Put this on first.¡±

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Lysander didn¡¯t ept the article of clothing.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to wear it that¡¯s fine with me tonlon¡¯t really mind¡®

    2/4

    Chapter 479 Are You Hurt

    Lysander, vexed, snatched his shirt before draping it on herself. Then, she quickly darted off into the

    bathroom with a light jog.

    Fortunately, the room was equipped with a bathtub. After some contemtion, Lysander decided to

    skip

    breakfast.

    I can just grab some bread or something to cat on the roadter. Taking a bath will at least help soothe

    my aching body.

    Knock, knock.

    Outside the bathroom door was a familiar silhouette of a person.

    With a hint of annoyance in her slightly hoarse voice, she asked, ¡°What else do you need?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. I was just worried you might have fallen asleep in the bathtub,¡± said Josiah, a smirk ying

    on his lips. He added, seemingly just to anger her. ¡°And don¡¯t forget your responsibilities. You¡¯re a

    neer, and beingte to your first summit will leave a bad impression.¡±

    Lysander really wanted to fling the door open, turn on the shower, and drench the jerk, going down

    together in a ze of glory. However, she was so worn out, her back and waist aching so much that

    she didn¡¯t even have the strength to lift her arms. All she could do was let out a resigned sigh.

    Quickly, the sound of footsteps outside the bathroom faded away, followed by the sound of a door

    closing.

    Atst, Josiah had left.

    Only then did Lysander let her guard down, sinking into the warm water in the mostfortable

    position she could manage at the moment. After finally washing away the fatigue from her body, the

    annoying ringing of her phone sounded again just as she wanted to take a short rest on the clean sofa.

    The person calling this time was Tiffany,

    Suppressing the resentment that she initially intended to direct at Josiah, Lysander took a deep breath

    and politely picked up the call, asking, ¡°Ms. Lanister?¡±

    ¡°Lysa, did you¡­ just wake up? Tiffany¡¯s voice held a hint of hesitation.

    Lysander questioned, ¡°Is there something you need?¡±

    Tiffany said, ¡°Are youing down to the restaurant for breakfast? The chicken broth was a hit this

    morning, so it¡¯s almost all gone. If you¡¯reing. I¡¯ll set aside a bowl each for you and Jose.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but I won¡¯t being. I still have some matters to attend to. I¡¯ll just grab something to eat on

    the wayter.

    ¡°I see, all right then.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ Didn¡¯t Josiah go out to have breakfast with you?¡±

    ¡°Jose mentioned that he went to the gymst night and had quite a workout, so he¡¯s all sweaty. He¡¯s in

    the room taking a shower now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I sec.¡±

    ¡°Ah. he¡¯s here! lose, over here-

    3/4

    09:10 Fri, 7 Jun FW

    Chapter 479 Are You Hurt

    The restaurant in the hotel was somewhat noisy, and Josial¡¯s voice came faintly over the phone. ¡°Who

    are you on the phone with?¡±

    Tiffany said, ¡°I was just asking Lysa if she¡¯sing down for breakfast.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s noting anymore.¡±

    ¡°Uh¨Chuh, she told me that there are still some matters she needs to take care of.¡±

    Josiah hummed in response.

    ¡°But Jose, how did you know that Lysa wouldn¡¯te for breakfast?¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment before saying, ¡°She¡¯s fallen ill, so surely she would want to sleep a bit

    longer.¡±

    ¡°Right, that makes sense.¡± Tiffany told Lysander over the phone, ¡°Lysa, why don¡¯t you rest a bit more?

    When you¡¯re ready, you cane straight down. Jose and I will be waiting for you in the lobby.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lysander really wanted to give Josiah a piece of her mind.

    After hastily ending the call, she immediately dialed Josiah¡¯s number.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    His voice sounded somewhat cheerful.

    Lysander felt an even stronger urge to hit him.

    ¡°Speak up.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You can¡¯t treat Tiffany like this. You need to rify things with her as soon as possible.¡±

    Josiah made a sound of agreement, then called out, ¡°Tiffany-¡±

    Tiffany was by the buffet table, picking out some snacks when she heard the voice. She turned around

    and asked, ¡°What¡¯s up, Jose?¡±

    ¡°Lysa asked me to tell you-

    ¡°Josiah!¡±

    Send Gifts

    564

 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480

    Chapter 480 Pretentious Person

    Tiffany approached. ¡°What did Lysa ask you to tell me?¡±

    Lysander was on the verge of losing her patience, ¡°Can you please be mindful of the situation, Josiah?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sughter grew even louder. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who urged me to speak up?¡±

    Lysander was speechlesss

    ¡°All right, my rtionship with Tiffany isn¡¯t what you¡¯re imagining. I¡¯ll find time to exin it to you in

    detail.¡±

    Lysander hung up the phone immediately. I shouldn¡¯t have called him!

    |

    Tiffany was still puzzled. ¡°Jose, did lysa hang up the phone?¡±

    ¡°She did,¡± said Josiah

    ¡°What happened? She hung up so abruptly. Is she mad? It¡¯s all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have bothered you

    to seek help from Lysast night. She¡¯s ill, and yet we disturbed her rest.

    ¡°It¡¯s not that serious, Josiah said softly. ¡°She is quite understanding, and I¡¯m certain she¡¯s not mad at

    you.¡±

    Then who was she angry at?¡±

    Josiah put away the phone. ¡°It¡¯s probably her husband.¡±

    Tiffany¡¯s mouth hung open in surprise. ¡°Lysa is already married?¡±

    ¡°She was married, yes.¡±

    ¡°Lysa really is quite the enigmatic woman.¡±

    With a smile he couldn¡¯t suppress, Josiah said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s time to eat.¡±

    He had barely taken two steps when he sneezed.

    Despite swiftly turning his head and covering his mouth and nose, he was still in a restaurant, so many

    people turned to look.

    With a hint of concern, Tiffany asked, ¡°Jose, isn¡¯t the hotel gym quite chilly at night? Have you caught a

    cold?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps I did catch a cold.¡± Josiah thought back to what Lysander had mentioned in bed the previous

    night. A meaningful smile graced his countenance as he responded thoughtfully, ¡°Probably due to the

    recent flu season, I guess,¡±

    His excuse was sufficient to appease the na?ve Tiffany.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    As expected, Tiffany didn¡¯t press further.

    After finishing their meal, Josiah and Tiffany waited for a few minutes in the lobby. Soon, they saw

    Lysander rushing out of the elevator in a hurry.

    1/3

    Pretentious Person

    Time was of the essence, and Lysander couldn¡¯t afford to fuss over her appearance. She hastily tied up

    her long hair, grabbed her carry¨Con bag, and dashed out.

    Upon seeing her without a mask, Tiffany expressed her surprise, ¡°Lysa, has your cold gotten better?¡±

    After taking a hot bath, Lysander indeed felt much better. The symptoms of her cold had essentially

    vanished.

    ¡°More or less. Didn¡¯t you say we were running out of time? Let¡¯s get going then,¡± said Lysander.

    Tiffany pped her hands. ¡°A cold requires plenty of rest to recover. I¡¯m sure you had a good sleepst

    night, Lysa.¡±

    ¡°It was all right.¡±

    Josiah was standing right there, but Lysanderpletely ignored him as if he were nothing more than

    air.

    Tiffany and Lysander walked out together. The former whispered, ¡°The driver hasn¡¯t arrived yet,

    though.¡±

    Hearing that. Josiah took a few steps ahead. ¡°Then let¡¯s not wait. It won¡¯t make a difference if I drive.

    Let¡¯s go.¡±

    When choosing their seats, just like the day before, Tiffany led Lysander to the back.

    The passenger seat remained empty, with no one choosing to sit there.

    Lysander had be much more at ease.

    Through the rearview mirror, Josiah caught every subtle move of Lysander. A fleeting smile shed

    across his face. As he casually adjusted his sleeve, he made an offhand remark, ¡°Lysa, how was your

    restst night? I apologize for the inconvenience of having you change rooms.¡±

    Lysander was quite convinced that the waiting for the driver was merely a story he concocted to handle

    Tiffany.

    When she spoke again, her tone was barely neutral. ¡°It¡¯s fine, really. Thanks for arranging this, Mr.

    Guerra¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Josiah casually asked, maintaining hisposure, ¡°Do you have any ns for the

    uing summit, Ms. Thorne?¡±

    From the way he addressed her, to his attitude and his tone, he seemed quite distant from Lysander. At

    first nce, he seemed like a gentleman who was polite. Only Lysander knew it was all an act

    How have I not realized before that he is nothing but pretentious? If it weren¡¯t for the inappropriate

    setting, Lysander would have rolled her eyes to the ceiling. However, at that moment, all she could do

    was y along. ¡°I¡¯m a neer, attending the summit for the first time this year. Of course, I¡¯m not

    striving for merit, but rather to avoid mistakes and learn as much as I can.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you have any questions. There are quite a few rookies at the

    summit, and they are all more than willing to help each other out.¡±

    ¡°I should probably keep myments to a minimum. After all, I came here with you, Mr. Guerra. If I

    ask something foolish, it could inadvertently damage your reputation.¡±

    You could ask me directly. We could have a private conversation where no one else could hear us.

    That

    2/3

    way, my image wouldn¡¯t have been tarnished.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±

    While the two were chatting. Tiny found herself unable to join in the conversation. Thus, she decided

    to mind her own business and started doing something else.

    It seemed as though she had discovered something, moving in Josiah¡¯s direction.

    Lysander noticed Tiffany¡¯s movements. An rm bell rang in her heart as she feared thetter had

    noticed something amiss. ¡°Ms. Lanister, what are you looking for?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that.¡± Tiffanyughed shyly, ¡°Lysa, I caught a whiff of a perfume. It feels familiar, like

    I¡¯ve smelled it before.¡±

    ¡°Perfume

    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure if it¡¯s perfume. It¡¯s a bit strange, a bit musky, and somewhat cloying¡­ Tiffany

    queried. ¡°Jose, did you use any perfume today?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart was pounding. Josiah took a shower already, and I was in a bath for quite a while.

    There¡¯s no way she knows, can she? Or is it that she has an incredibly keen sense of smell?

    Josiah continued to driveposedly, simultaneously speaking in his usual tone. ¡°I didn¡¯t use it today,

    but there might be some lingering on my clothes. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Tiffany seemed perplexed as she said, ¡°I¡¯m sure I¡¯ve smelled this perfume somewhere before. It

    doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s meant for men. Even though I study art, I¡¯ve done my fair share of research on

    perfumes. This scent is definitely not like any other perfume avable in the market.¡±

    As the darling daughter of the Lanister family, she led a carefree life before meeting Josjah. Her days

    were filled with leisurely strolls and fun outings with friends, and she even dabbled in activities like

    fragrance blending. With just a whiff, she could distinguish between masculine and feminine perfumes.

    Lysander turned her face to gaze out the window. The events to follow were of no concern to her. I¡¯ll let

    him exin himself.

    Josiah drove steadily, not at all affected as he replied, ¡°I have a friend who¡¯s a perfumer. He enjoys

    concocting unique perfumes that aren¡¯t avable on the market. However, he just does it for fun or to

    give as gifts to friends. He¡¯s not a big¨Cname brand or anything.¡±

    ¡°I sec.¡± Tiffany suddenly realized something. ¡°Jose, are you talking about Amy? I recall she seems to

    fancy these things.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­¡± He nced at the rearview mirror as if to emphasize, ¡°It¡¯s a male friend.¡±

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    W

 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481

    Chapter 481 Dawn After Sex

    ¡°Oh wow, Jose, you have friends who are into perfume research?¡± asked Tiffany.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Mhm,¡± replied Josiah.

    ¡°Could you introduce me to him next time? I¡¯m quite fond of perfumes, too!¡±

    Josiah chuckled lightly. ¡°Getting curious again?¡±

    Tiffany chuckled.

    ¡°All right, when the opportunity arises, I¡¯ll ask him if he¡¯s willing to meet you.¡±

    ¡°Is he socially anxious?¡±

    ¡°You can say that.¡±

    ¡°No worries. Weren¡¯t you going to introduce me to your beloved? Invite him along. He might feel more

    at ease with more people around.¡±

    Upon hearing those words, Lysander felt a vague sense of unease. ¡°His beloved?¡±

    Tiffany said with a chuckle, ¡°Indeed, the person Jose truly cherishes isn¡¯t Lyss, you know.¡±

    Lysander was bewildered. ¡°But you two¡­ Aren¡¯t you¡­

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s all just for show,¡± Tiffany said. ¡°Jose¡¯sst crush was Lyss, a wless woman. How could he

    possibly fall for someone like me? We just say that to the public. In reality, Josiah and my dad are just

    business partners.

    After hearing it, Lysander only half¨Cunderstood, but the first part of the conversation had left her feeling

    somewhat uneasy.

    ¡°You¡¯re a very good woman,¡± Lysander said. ¡°You¡¯re not inferior to anyone.¡±

    Tiffany was clearly touched. ¡°Lysa, you really know how tofort people. However, I know I¡¯m

    definitely not as good as Lyss. You have no idea how many boys chased after her when she was in

    school! I was still very young then, and so many older boys would rush to buy me lollipops, asking me

    to deliver love letters. for them!¡±

    Josiah cleared his throat. ¡°Tiffany, there¡¯s no need to bring up the past anymore.¡±

    ¡°Oh, okay.¡±

    Lysander lifted her gaze, only to find that Josiah was also looking at her through the rearview mirror.

    Perhaps it was due to his unusually subdued demeanor from the night before that Lysander dared to

    re directly at him.

    Josiah received her disdainful look, yet heughed:

    Tiffany replied, ¡°Oh right, this is considered a personal matter between you and Lyss. I shouldn¡¯t have

    brought it up.¡±

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    Chapter 481 Dawn After Sex

    She chastised herself a bit and stuck out her tongue.

    Lysanderforted. ¡°Every woman is wonderful in her own way. As long as you don¡¯t hurt others and

    live with a clear conscience, there¡¯s no need to feel inferior. The wless woman¡® in others¡® eyes might

    just be

    She paused for a moment, refraining from using excessively harsh words in front of Tiffany. ¡°Perhaps.

    such a woman is just an ordinary person.¡±

    Tiffany was somewhat confused, blinking.

    Lysander continued, ¡°You¡¯re actually really adorable and kind¨Chearted. You worry about me when I¡¯m

    sick and in difort, and you also worry about Josiah fainting. Also, you know how to draw, and

    when you saw that I hadn¡¯te down, you took the initiative to serve me chicken broth. You¡¯re always

    considering others, and that¡¯s your strength. You¡¯re a very wonderful woman, so you should be

    confident and believe that you deserve all the beauty this world has to offer.¡±

    The corners of Tiffany¡¯s eyes had turned slightly red. ¡°Lysa¡­¡±

    Seeing Tiffany¡¯s undeniable adorableness, Lysander reached out to adjust the bow in the former¡¯s hair.

    ¡°So, stopparing yourself to others, okay?¡±

    ¡°My academic performance is really poor, though. I couldn¡¯t get into a good high school in our country,

    which was why my dad sent me abroad.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯re quite skilled at drawing. Everyone has their own strengths.¡±

    ¡°Lysa, you¡¯ve never seen me draw before. How do you know that I¡¯m good at it?¡±

    ¡°I guessed it.¡±

    ¡°Lysa, you¡¯re just trying tofort me.¡±

    ¡°Though I don¡¯t quite understand art, I¡¯ve heard that those who are into it are incredibly pure of heart.

    They remain untainted by the mundanity of the world, just

    like you¡±

    With a soft cry, Tiffany threw herself into Lysander¡¯s embrace. ¡°Lysa, you¡¯re so kind.¡±

    Lysander gently embraced Tiffany, feeling a significant warmth spreading in her heart.

    At the corner of her eye, she noticed Josiah watching them through the rearview mirror, smiling.

    ¡°Lysa, you remind me of my mother,¡± remarked Tiffany.

    Lysander was slightly taken aback. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not what I meant. I mean, you radiate a special kind of maternal warmth, like a gentle,

    comforting glow.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve been in the obstetrics and gynecology department for too long.¡±

    ¡°Lysa¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

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    Chapter 481 Dawn After Sex

    ¡°Your child must be especially happy.¡±

    Lysander was taken aback.

    The smile on Josiah also froze.

    Lysander gently pushed Tiffany away and resettled herself. ¡°I¡­ I might not be a good mother.¡±

    Tiffany insisted. ¡°Why would you say that? You definitely are.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m selfish.¡± Lysander confessed. ¡°I gave her up because I didn¡¯t want to invite trouble into myter

    years.¡±

    Tiffany was once again puzzled. ¡°Lysa, do you have a child? I¡¯ve never heard about it before.¡±

    Lysander shook her head, ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°But you said-

    Lysander took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now. Let¡¯s not bring it up again.¡±

    Tiffany nodded, half¨Cunderstanding. ¡°Oh, all right.¡±

    Beep!

    The shrill sound of a horn suddenly red.

    Josiah apologized, somewhat flustered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I identally pressed it.¡±

    Seeing that the other two seemed to be in a rather foul mood, Tiffany decided not to continue on that

    topic. She obediently settled down, keeping quiet.

    After a considerable amount of time, perhaps sensing the atmosphere was getting awkward, Tiffany

    cautiously broached a new topic. ¡°By the way, Jose, the perfume your friend gave you has a truly

    unique scent. I must tell Amy about it the next time I see her.¡±

    Amy again, Lysander asked, ¡°Who is Amy?¡±

    Tiffany said, ¡°Amy is just like you, Lysa. Both of you are friends of Jose. She works at Skywatch. We¡¯ve

    met a few times.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s working at Skywatch?¡±

    Josiah exined, ¡°It¡¯s Amelia, the one you¡¯ve met before at Skywatch.

    Lysander recalled and asked, ¡°The one who watched the stars and the moon together?¡±

    Josiah offered no reply.

    I see. It was thedy with red lips and curly hair. Lysander said, ¡°In that case, I¡¯m afraid I might not be

    quite the same as her.¡± At the very least, I¡¯m a bona fide doctor and not a social butterfly at karaoke.

    Tiffany bore no ill will toward Amelia. Instead, she held a certain degree of admiration for her, like a

    young girl looking up to someone older. ¡°Amy is only a few years older than me, but she¡¯s both

    intelligent and beautiful, and she has a particrly wonderful singing voice, too.¡±

    3/4

    Lysander was clearly not interested. ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Tiffany nodded, yet couldn¡¯t help but ask Josiah, ¡°Jose, has your friend named this perfume yet? If not,

    could I perhaps-¡±

    ¡°It has a name,¡± responded Josiah,

    ¡°Really? What¡¯s it called?¡°.

    Josiah paused for a moment, then responded, ¡°Dawn after Sex.¡±

    What is he saying? Suddenly, Lysander lifted her eyes shot Josiah a nce. ¡°What nonsense are you

    talking about?¡±

    Just as Josiah was about to exin, Tiffany said, ¡°Isn¡¯t there already a perfume with this name? Why

    use the same name? It¡¯s not ideal to have the same name as a different perfume, right?¡±

    It was Lysander¡¯s turn to be stunned. ¡°There¡¯s actually a perfume named that?¡±

    ¡°There is, and they¡¯re even differentiated into a male and female version, each with its distinct scent.

    It¡¯s said that mixing the male and female versions creates another unique scent. However, I¡¯m not too

    fond of this perfume. I prefer Super Cedar. It smells so cool!¡±

    Lysander was left speechless.

    In the end, she had underestimated the level of openness that was eptable abroad..

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 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482

    Chapter 482 Thinking Of Strategies

    The summit took ce at a conference center,

    Josiah drove the car into the parking lot, where staff members were already waiting to greet him.

    member¡¯s demeanor became

    Josiah handed the staff member the invitation. After a nce at it, the staff even more respectful. ¡°Mr.

    Guerra, your seat is in Zone A. Please follow me.¡±

    ¡°Just a moment.¡± Josiah disembarked from the car, striding over to open the back door. He held his

    hand against the top of the car. ¡°Get out.¡±

    Like a littlerk. Tiffany leaped down and then waved to Lysander. ¡°Lysa,e down quickly.¡±

    Lysander moved to the side of the car, and when she exited, she bent her body as low as possible to

    avoid any physical contact with Josiah.

    In the end, she had overestimated her ability to wear high heels.

    Already dealing with aching legs, the moment her foot touched the ground, the pain surged back

    immediately.

    Josiah reached out, gently grasping her forearm in support. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Tiffany was already looking around curiously,pletely oblivious to his actions.

    The staff members, however, stood respectfully off to the side, watching Josiah and Lysander with at

    beaming smile.

    Lysander managed to free herself from his grasp, wincing as she quickly got out of the car. ¡°Thank you,

    Mr. Guerra. I¡¯m sorry for causing you trouble.¡±

    Josiah nced at the staff members, subtly acknowledging with a soft, ¡°Mhm. Taking care of ady is

    only right. Tiffany-¡±

    Tiffany replied, ¡°Yes, Jose?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re heading in.¡±

    ¡°All right!¡±

    The staff member double¨Cchecked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you have two associates with you, correct? I¡¯ll have

    the control center arrange the seatings for your group.¡±

    ¡°Correct¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± The staff member held a walkie¨Ctalkie, brieflymunicated with the control center, and

    then led them inside the venue, saying, ¡°Please follow me.¡±

    While Josiah was engaged in a conversation with the staff, Lysander took the opportunity to survey the

    Venue.

    The entrance was not far off, already teeming with a sea of people. Quite a few security guards and

    staff members were there, dir¨¦cting the crowd in an orderly fashion.

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    Chapter 482 Thinking Of Strategies

    However, the direction pointed out by the stall member was actually the opposite side.

    When Josiah noticed Lysander wasn¡¯t moving, he turned around and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you moving?¡±

    Lysander pointed to the side. ¡°Isn¡¯t the entrance over there?¡±

    The staff member chuckled as they exined, ¡°That area over there is Zone B, where most of the

    participatingpanies and industry rookies enter from. Mr. Guerra¡¯s seat, however, is in Zone A, the

    entrance to which is on the other side.¡±

    Lysander also had an invitation of her own.

    The day Carol sent her the package via express delivery, she had carefully examined it right then and

    there.

    Her invitation stated her seat was in Zone B.

    ¡°Are you Mr. Guerra¡¯s secretary, miss? There¡¯s no need to worry. Mr. Guerra has been our esteemed

    guest annually. The host always arranges for Mr. Guerra to be seated in Zone A. In the past few years,

    Mr. Guerra was unable to attend, but his seat was always reserved for him,¡± exined the staff

    member.

    Josiah stood beside Lysander, his back toward the staff, shielding her from their view. In a voice only

    the two of them could hear, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander took a step back, creating some distance between them. ¡°Don¡¯t stand so close.¡±

    Josiah lost his patience. ¡°So, now you¡¯ve forgotten your promises after what happened?¡±

    Lysander, irritated, looked up at him. ¡°Can¡¯t you think like a normal person for once?¡±

    ¡°Halfway through, you asked me to boil water for you. In the context of a football game, this would be

    called a halftime break. Right now, all I can think about is the strategy for the second half.¡±

    Lysander scoffed, ¡°What a load of crap strategy. There¡¯s no second half.¡±

    Josiah crossed his arms, looking at her condescendingly. ¡°Are you really treating me like a gigolo? Do

    you think you can just enjoy my services and then leave without a second thought?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me to treat you like just a tool?¡±

    Josiah clicked his tongue. ¡°It¡¯s not impossible.¡±

    ¡°You should hurry inside.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going in?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m heading to Zone B.¡±

    Lysander pulled out an invitation from her bag and showed it to the staff member. ¡°I¡¯m not Mr. Guerra¡¯s

    secretary. I just hitched a ride with him. Zone B is over there, right? I can go there by myself.¡±

    She turned to Josiah and said, ¡°Thanks for giving me a lift today, Mr. Guerra. I¡¯ll be on my way now. I

    don¡¯t want to

    Intrude any further.¡±

    Then, she quickly left.

    2/4

    Chapter 482 Thinking Of Strategies

    68%

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Instinctively, Josiah wanted to reach out to her. However, it was clear that Lysander didn¡¯t want any

    overt connection with him at the moment. After hesitating for a moment, he eventually lowered his

    hand.

    Tiffany asked, ¡°Jose, why did Lysa leave alone? Isn¡¯t sheing with us?¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Let her be. Some things can¡¯t be forced too much.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lysander lined up at the entrance of Zone B to register and then was guided into the venue by the staff.

    Thome Constructions and Energies was, after all, a well¨Cestablished enterprise. Although Howard had

    not been able to put much effort into it over the years, it had been under Josiah¡¯s care. Thus, it had a

    connection to Guerra Group, and consequently, her seat was arranged quite close to the front.

    Although she was in Zone B. her seat was situated in the middle of the second row, directly facing the

    main stage.

    As she nced

    To her surpriser the first row, she initially assumed it would be filled with middle¨Caged entrepreneurs.

    To her surprise, it was entirely upied by young individuals in their twenties and thirties.

    As the summit kicked off, it was the organizers who first took the floor, discussing the purpose and

    main theme of the summit. Following that, the industry¡¯s leading figures shared theirtest

    achievements,

    When there was a discussion specifically about materials, Lysander recorded it on her phone and sent

    it to Daphne.

    Thorne Constructions and Energies primarily dealt with architecture, environment, and energy. In

    layman¡¯s terms, they specialized in industries rted to indoor venttion, air conditioning, and heating

    systems, among others. Lysander carefully recorded the speeches of several industry leaders in this

    field, nning to review them meticulously when she returned home.

    After all, it wasn¡¯t easy for her to be there, so it was important for her to soak up as much useful

    information as possible. That way, the long journey wouldn¡¯t have been in vain.

    Afterward, it was, as Howard had mentioned, the rising stars within the industry.

    They were the young people who were seated in the first row in front of Lysander.

    Among them, there was a man called Tyrell Llyod, who had a knack for humor. Although his profession

    was in drainage, his speech was so entertaining it felt like he had just performed a stand¨Cupedy

    routine. His wit had everyone in fits ofughter, significantly lightening the initially serious atmosphere

    of the summit.

    ¡°He¡¯s quite impressive,¡± the person next to Lysander remarked. ¡°In a few years, he¡¯ll definitely be the

    standout in the industry.¡±

    Lysander chimed in a bit, then asked, ¡°Did he start his own business?¡±

    ¡°In today¡¯s society, who would dare to start a business recklessly, especially in the construction

    industry? Without any prominent background or financial support, what could they possibly use to

    establish a newpany? He is from Guerra Group.¡±

 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483

    Chapter 483 His Personal Affairs

    Lysander let out a gasp.

    The person next to her continued to fill her in, ¡°I heard that Mr. Guerra offered him a sry of this

    amount! Wow, for a neer, even with great potential, this figure is almost on par with a mid¨Clevel

    executive. Only a generouspany like Guerra Group can afford it. That said, it¡¯s quite a gamble. I

    heard that Guerra Group signed a ten¨Cyear contract with him at one go. The total sry for ten years is

    over fifty million. If he doesn¡¯t produce any results in his research, Guerra Group will suffer a huge

    loss!¡±

    Lysander spoke in a nonchnt tone. ¡°Since Guerra Group is willing to invest so much, they must have

    seen great potential in him, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure, he appears to be impressive, but the cost of employing him makes it too risky. Let¡¯s be real, he¡¯s

    just a rookie after all.¡±

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Rookies need time to grow. He can be give.. the potential is there, the next seven

    years would be incredibly profitable. It¡¯s only after costs and benefits

    three years to find his footing. As long as are bnced out, that his true value emerges. Even if he fails

    to deliver the expected results for thepany in the end, the loss would merely be a decade¡¯s worth

    of sry. Given Guerra Group¡¯s scale, they can recover the loss from other projects. However, if such

    talent were to join a rivalpany and make some breakthrough, their loss could well exceed fifty

    million.¡±

    The person next to her suddenly seemed surprised. ¡°You¡¯re a fan of Mr. Guerra too, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not a celebrity. Since when does he have fans?¡±

    ¡°Haha, I wouldn¡¯t exactly call them fans. It¡¯s just that a lot of people in his circle respect him. What you

    just said was the exact same thing he said in a previous interview.¡±

    Lysander left dumbfounded.

    I swear it was purely coincidental.

    ¡°Hey, whichpany do you work for?¡±

    Lysander showed her the invitation. ¡°Thorne Constructions and Energies.¡±

    ¡°No wonder. You¡¯re practically a staff member of Guerra Group now.¡±

    ¡°Thorne Constructions and Energies has already separated itself from Guerra Group.¡±

    ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t see any news about it.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    As they were speaking, a round of enthusiastic apuse erupted within the venue.

    It turned out that Tyrell had just finished speaking. Judging from the intensity of the apuse, he was

    indeed quite impressive.

    The host took the microphone made a few remarks in between, then said with a smile, ¡°It seems that

    Mr. Llyod¡¯s speech has won the acknowledgment of everyone here. With such talent under Mr.

    Guerra¡¯s employ, it¡¯s expected that Guerra Group will enter a new phase of development in theing

    years. Now, let¡¯s hear a few words from Mr. Guerra himself.¡±

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    Chapter 483 His Personal Affairs

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback.

    He¡¯s speaking today? Instead of properly preparing his speechst night, he insisted on messing

    around¡­.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Despite the prolonged cheers and apuse, no one came up on stage.

    Lysander nced toward Zone A where Josiah¡¯s seat was right in the middle of the first row. His

    namete was still ced on the table, but the seat was empty. Only Tiffany was still there.

    A staff member quickly rushed over to Tiffany. After exchanging a few words with him, he i nod before

    hurrying back to the stage to whisper the news to the host.

    a slight

    The host¡¯s frown was visibly evident. Even though the microphone was turned off, his voice could still

    be heard. ¡°Didn¡¯t he just arrive? Why did he leave again?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra¡¯s staff said that he hasn¡¯t entered the venue yet. Apparently, he has some matters to attend

    to and asked her to go in first. Mr. Guerra will be arriving shortly.¡±

    The host nced at his watch. ¡°It¡¯s been over an hour. Is Mr. Guerra really going to show up?¡±

    The staff member was just as clueless.

    Meanwhile, an awkward atmosphere descended upon the venue.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Suddenly, a gasp echoed from the entrance of Zone B.

    Everyone turned to look. It seemed that Josiah had just returned, still panting heavily. His gaze swept

    over the audience in Zone B, quickly locating Lysander.

    Many people followed his gaze, turning their attention her way. Lysander quickly lowered her head to

    avoid his stare.

    Meanwhile, the host had also noticed what was going on and switched on the microphone. ¡°Mr. Guerra,

    you¡¯ve finally returned. Everyone has been waiting for your speech.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod. ¡°Just a moment.¡±

    With a long stride, he ascended the stairs leading to the Zone B aisle.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, what is this about¡­¡±

    Josiah handed the item he was holding to a person in the second row, closest to the aisle. ¡°Could you

    please pass this along to thedy in the middle wearing the white coat? Thank you.¡±

    It was a brown paper bag.

    After passing through the hands of inore than a dozen people, it finally ended up in Lysander¡¯s hands.

    She hesitated before touching it, finding the paper bag surprisingly warm.

    What is he un to nom?

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    Chapter 483 His Personal Affairs

    Seeing Lysander look at him. Josiah broke into a slight smile. Without saying much else, he turned

    around and descended the steps, heading toward the main stage.

    The spotlight knowingly trailed him all the way, highlighting his figure until he reached the stage. His

    first words were an apology. ¡°I¡¯m sorry everyone. I had some personal matters to attend to and was

    late. I hope all of you can forgive me.¡±

    The host interjected. ¡°You¡¯re not reallyte. In fact, you¡¯ve arrived just in time.¡±

    ¡°Those who are able to attend this summit are the industry¡¯s top talents and rising stars. Everyone¡¯s

    time is precious, and I hope I didn¡¯t waste any. For the past few years, I didn¡¯t have the opportunity to

    participate in this summit. So, this year, I want to make use of this opportunity to share some insights

    from the past few years with everyone.¡±

    From the moment Josiah entered the room, the surrounding whispers ceased.

    never

    ¡°It¡¯s been several years since Mr. Guerra attended, hasn¡¯t it? He must havee this time for Tyrell,

    right? After all, he¡¯s the rookie on whom a significant investment was ced.¡±

    ¡°I agree, and it¡¯s clear that Tyrell didn¡¯t let Mr. Guerra down. His speech earlier was indeed brilliant,

    showing great potential.¡±

    ¡°Am I the only one curious about what¡¯s inside that parchment bag?¡±

    ¡°Me too. I feel the same way! What could be so important that it would make Mr. Guerra personally go

    and fetch it?¡±

    ¡°Also, why did he hand it over to that girl? Who is she, anyway?¡±

    At that moment, the woman who had just been chatting with Lysander cleared up everyone¡¯s confusion.

    ¡°Oh, she¡¯s with Thorne Constructions and Energies, so you could say she¡¯s an employee of Guerra

    Group

    100. 100.

    Only then did the groupe to a sudden realization.

    ¡°In that case, why isn¡¯t she sitting with Mr. Guerra in Zone A?¡±

    Upon hearing this, the neighbor who had just helped her out of a predicament became somewhat

    curious. ¡°That¡¯s right, why aren¡¯t you seated in Zone A?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Thorne Constructions and Energies¡¯s seat is in Zone B. Since the organizers have

    already arranged everything, I don¡¯t want to cause them any trouble.¡±

    That¡¯s really strange of Mr. Guerra. For someone of his stature, it¡¯s not a big deal to have a couple

    more apanying staff. Zone A is quite spacious; adding one more seat won¡¯t be an issue.¡±

    Lysander smiled without uttering a word.

    ¡°What did Mr. Guerra just give you?¡±

    Holding the parchment bag in her arms, Lysander hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°It is¡­¡±

    The person next to them quickly cautioned the one who asked the question, ¡°Such important matters

    are surely rted to the business secrets of Guerra Group. How could they possibly share it with us?

    You should stop asking.¡±

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    ¡°Oh right, right, Ipletely forgot.¡± The individual apologized to Lysander, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was rude of

    me. Please don¡¯t take offense.¡±

    Lysander kept reassuring her that it was fine.

    The contents of this parchment paper bag were far from any sort of business secrets.

    When she felt the shape of the object inside, it didn¡¯t feel like anything important.

    In fact, it was probably just a few croissants, along with a box of soy milk.

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    Chapter 484

    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    I¡¯m in the middle of the summit. How am I supposed to eat?

    Lysander was worried that the food inside might give off a smell, so she tightly clutched the top of the

    brown paper bag.

    Whatever Josiah was saying, she barely paid any attention.

    However, it wasn¡¯t long before Josiah finished his speech. By the time Lysander had gathered her

    thoughts, all she heard was him thanking the audience, followed by the thunderous apuse from the

    crowd.

    The host took the microphone from his hand and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Guerra, for your concise and

    insightful sharing. We also appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to participate in

    this summit. I¡¯m sure everyone present has gained a lot from it. Now, moving on¡­¡±

    The host nced at the cue card in his hand, ready to proceed to the next segment.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± said Josiah.

    The host was stunned for a moment. ¡°What?¡±

    Josiah borated, ¡°The meeting has been going on for over an hour now, so let¡¯s all take a break.¡±

    The host immediately understood, nodded, and said, ¡°Having just heard so many unique insights from

    industry elites, everyone must be tired. The summit will be adjourned for half an hour. Everyone, please

    take a break, and we¡¯ll continue half an hourter.¡±

    As soon as the word ¡®break¡® was mentioned, the venue became noisy immediately.

    Indeed, there were quite a few bigwigs who attended the meeting that day. Many took the opportunity

    towork, and others seized the chance to connect with peers in the industry. Everyone had their own

    agenda, and a lot could be aplished in half an hour.

    The girl next to Lysander asked, ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom, care to join me? I reckon the next chance

    won¡¯t be until lunch break, so we better seize the opportunity.¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t eaten anything in the morning, hence she didn¡¯t feel the need to go.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine staying here.¡±

    ¡°Ah, alright then.¡±

    ¡°Could you tell me where in the summit venue is less crowded and a bit quieter?¡±

    The girl pouted. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it yourself. There are hundreds of people here today. The venue is only

    sorge, so it¡¯s impossible to find a quiet corner. I bet there¡¯s even a line for thedies.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Thank you.¡±

    Buzz¡­

    Right then, her cellphone vibrated.

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    Tm in the middle of the summit. How am I supposed to eat?

    Lysander was worried that the food inside might give off a smell, so she tightly clutched the top of the

    brown paper bag.

    Whatever Josiah was saying, she barely paid any attention.

    However, it wasn¡¯t long before Josiah finished his speech. By the time Lysander had gathered her

    thoughts, all she heard was him thanking the audience, followed by the thunderous apuse from the

    crowd.

    The host took the microphone from his hand and said, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Guerra, for your concise and

    insightful sharing. We also appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to participate in

    this summit. I¡¯m sure everyone present has gained a lot from it. Now, moving on¡­¡±

    The host nced at the cue card in his hand, ready to proceed to the next segment.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± said Josiah.

    The host was stunned for a moment. ¡°What?¡±

    Josiah borated, ¡°The meeting has been going on for over an hour now, so let¡¯s all take a break.¡±

    The host immediately understood, nodded, and said, ¡°Having just heard so many unique insights from

    industry elites, everyone must be tired. The summit will be adjourned for half an hour. Everyone, please

    Take a break, and we¡¯ll continue half an hourter.¡±

    As soon as the word ¡®break¡® was mentioned, the venue became noisy immediately.

    Indeed, there were quite a few bigwigs who attended the meeting that day. Many took the opportunity

    towork, and others seized the chance to connect with peers in the industry. Everyone had their own

    agenda, and a lot could be aplished in half an hour.

    The girl next to Lysander asked, ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom, care to join me? I reckon the next chance

    won¡¯t be until lunch break, so we better seize the opportunity.¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t eaten anything in the morning, hence she didn¡¯t feel the need to go.

    I¡¯m fine staying here.¡±

    ¡°Ah, alright then.¡±

    ¡°Could you tell me where in the summit venue is less crowded and a bit quieter?¡±

    The girl pouted. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it yourself. There are hundreds of people here today. The venue is only

    sorge, so it¡¯s impossible to find a quiet corner. I bet there¡¯s even a line for thedies.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Thank you.¡±

    Buzz¡­

    Right then, her cellphone vibrated.

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    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    She responded with a question mark.

    Josiah: Grab your stuff ande over

    Lysander immediately turned off the screen.

    Bree¡­

    The phone vibrated again.

    Josiah: Do I have toe over in person to invite you?

    Lysander took a deep breath.

    She then walked out, holding her cellphone and the brown paper bag.

    Following Josiah¡¯s instructions, I found the third door on the right.

    Just as she was about to knock on the door, she was suddenly tapped on the shoulder.

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s you!¡±

    ??? ?? ???????

    Lysander was startled. She turned her head, and to her surprise, it was the same girl who had just

    been sitting next to her.

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re back from the restroom?¡±

    ¡°Um, what are you doing here?¡±

    Just at that moment, the door was pulled open.

    Josiah emerged from inside, his brows slightly furrowed. ¡°What took you so long?¡±

    In response, the girl respectfully greeted, ¡°Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah courteously nodded, then turned to Lysander and said, ¡°Come in first¡±

    Lysander casually swung the brown paper bag in her hand and said to the girl, ¡°I¡¯ve brought something

    for Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Oh, in that case, you should carry on.¡±

    As soon as Lysander stepped in, Josiah quickly shut the door and locked it.

    The room was a lounge prepared for him by the summit. It contained a spacious couch, and a massive

    LCD disy screen adorned the wall.

    Josiah pulled her down to sit on the couch. ¡°Quick, start eating. I went a long way to bring this back. It¡¯ll

    get cold soon.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Tiffany?¡±

    ¡°Having fun somewhere. She finds these kinds of summits incredibly dull.¡±

    Supiner that che remained will locish reached out a fook the naner har from her hande. He anened in

    2/5

    60%

    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    and handed her the items inside one by one.

    ¡°This ce is quite secluded. There aren¡¯t many ces to grab breakfast around, and after some

    searching, I could only find a bakery stall. But, it was quite crowded, so the food should be decent. Give

    it a try.¡±

    Lysander took a bite and indeed, the taste was quite good.

    The croissant had a delicate, crispy pastry. When biting into it, one could taste the melted chocte

    inside.

    ¡°There¡¯s also soy milk,¡± he said.

    Josiah opened the lid for her, cing it in front of her. ¡°Go on and eat, but there¡¯s no need to rush, as

    half an hour is more than enough.¡±

    Due to her profession as a doctor, her meals were hardly ever regr.

    However, since she was ustomed to waking up carly, she always made sure to have breakfast.

    Therefore, going hungry this morning was purely idental.

    She asked, ¡°Did you eat at the hotel this morning?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm, I grabbed something to eat at the hotel,¡± Josiah said, settling down next to her. He pulled

    a small, clear stic container from a brown paper bag and opened it. ¡°Here¡¯s some butter.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°Fine, have it your way.¡±

    Lysander nibbled on her croissant, taking small bites. As she gulped down a bag of soy milk, a warm

    sensation filled her stomach.

    ¡°Where did you buy this? Was it far?¡±

    Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have taken over an hour to return..

    Josiah asked, ¡°It¡¯s alright. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°Did you drive there?¡±

    Josiah said irritably, ¡°Given the traffic conditions in the capital, who would dare to drive during the

    morning rush hour? It¡¯s a nightmare.¡±

    Lysander quickly understood what happened.

    No wonder he was gasping for breath when he returned. Since a return trip took over an hour, one way

    would take more than half an hour. It seems that ce is quite far away.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°So how are you going to thank me?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows.

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    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    60%

    Josiah could read her mind, but he couldn¡¯t help but tease her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t set you up during

    the second half.¡±

    After finishing her meal and drink, Lysander felt significantly better.

    ncing at her phone, she saw that there were still fifteen minutes left.

    Josiah said, ¡°We still have some time, why don¡¯t you take off your heels and lie down for a bit?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No more lying down for me. I just jotted down some notes and took a

    picture to send to Daphne.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not in a hurry to receive them.¡±

    Without hesitation, Josiah bent down, his hand gently sping her ankle. With his other hand, he

    helped her slip out of her high heels, cing them casually to one side. Then, he rested her slender

    legs on his

    own.

    Lysander asked warily, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°What could I possibly do in just a few minutes?¡±

    As he spoke, he took hold of her calf, gently kneading it with his knuckles.

    The strength in his hands was quite considerable. Lysander, whose legs were already aching, felt tears

    welling up in her eyes almost immediately.

    She brushed his hand aside. ¡°No need, no need. It¡¯ll be all right in a few days.¡±

    ¡°Once I give you a massage, you¡¯ll feel better. Bear with it for a bit. It¡¯ll be over soon.¡±

    ¡°No, I really can¡¯t. It hurts too much.¡±

    Yet, Josiah didn¡¯t let go. He simply started massaging on his own ord.

    Lysander was in unbearable pain, her eyes welling up with tears in no time. With peopleing and

    going outside, she didn¡¯t dare to speak too loudly. ¡°Is it over? Can we stop now?¡±

    Seeing her dramatic reaction, Josiah finally decided to let her be, asking. ¡°Can you walk back?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that bad,¡± Lysander said. ¡°I used to stand for hours in the operating room before. I¡¯m sure I can

    handle it.¡±

    She reached out to take her high heels back and struggled to slip them onto her feet.

    When she stood up, she was still somewhat shaky, but she felt much better than before. The soreness

    she had earlier had lessened a bit.

    It seems that Josiah had put in a lot of effort into learning how to massage, and it isn¡¯t just for show. All

    for the sake of Lysanne.

    ¡°It¡¯s about time. I¡¯ll head back first. You should wait a bit after I leave before doing the same.

    After uttering those words, Lysander swiftly stepped out of the lounge. She quickly made her way into

    the venue and returned to her own seat.

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    Chapter 484 You Expect Me To Invite You Personally

    Her spot was in the middle. Thus, she inevitably caused some inconvenience, as she had to ask others

    to make way for her.

    Finally, when she sat down, she nced over at Zone A.

    The seat reserved for Josiah was still vacant.

    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± The girl next to her asked, noticing her reddened eyes. ¡°Did Mr. Guerra scold

    you?¡±

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    564

 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485

    Chapter 485 The Typical Behavior Of A Boss.

    The girl felt a pang of sympathy for Lysander and tried tofort her, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Mr.

    Guerra- is quite strict, but that¡¯s just how bosses are, you know? Don¡¯t take it to heart. If you¡¯re really

    upset, make a voodoo doll of him! Trust me, it¡¯s a great stress reliever.¡±

    A warmth filled Lysander¡¯s heart. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said.

    ¡°No worries, we¡¯re all just employees trying to make a living, no need for any formalities. I came here

    alone this time as well. It just so happens we get along pretty well. By the way, which room are you

    staying in? Maybe I¡¯ll swing by tonight, and we can vent about those bloodsucking bosses who work us

    to the

    bone!¡±

    The people who attended the summit generally stayed in hotels arranged by the summit organizers.

    Only Josiah and her were the exceptions.

    Lysander said, ¡°I have something to do tonight.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? You¡¯re already out on a business trip, and they¡¯re still making you work overtime? Sure, the

    pay at Guerra Group is high, but it¡¯s no different from modern¨Cday very.¡±

    Lysander nodded with a smile.

    A few minutes had passed before Josiah entered.

    As he was the most influential figure at the venue, he captured everyone¡¯s attention the moment he

    walked in.

    Tiffany was no longer by his side. He sat alone in the huge area of Zone A as if it was his own domain.

    With that, the summit continued.

    After having breakfast, Lysander felt much more energetic. She was focused on the speeches given by

    the various titans of the industry, learning what she could and taking notes on what she didn¡¯t

    understand to look upter.

    The day was filled with meetings, giving her a sense of fulfillment.

    When the afternoon came to a close, Tiffany returned.

    Lysander intentionally dyed her exit from the venue, and as soon as she stepped out, she saw

    Tiffany engaged in a lively conversation with Josiah.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Lysander hummed in acknowledgment.

    Josiah said, ¡°Alright, everyone¡¯s here. Let¡¯s get in the car.¡±

    Tiffany asked, ¡°Jose, are we staying at the same hotel asst night?¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    1/4

    Josiah used his car keys to unlock the vehicle, pulling the door open before sliding into the driver¡¯s

    seat. ¡°Get in. We¡¯ll talk about it once we¡¯re back.¡±

    Lysander found his smile a little unsettling.

    However, with Tiffany present, she didn¡¯t want to engage in much conversation with Josiah. As soon as

    she got in the car, she closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

    Along the way, Tiffany started sharing her observations from the day. ¡°Apex City is really crowded, even

    visiting a park requires lining up.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°Which park did you go to?¡±

    ¡°The Summer Garden, but my oh my, it was truly a sight to behold! I walked around so much that my

    feet began to ache. However, it was indeed worth the visit. Today, I even encountered a tour group

    there and listened to quite a few interesting exnations¡­¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Tiffany.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Lower your voice.¡±

    Tiffany quickly realized what was happening and asked in a hushed tone, ¡°Is Lysander asleep?¡±

    ¡°Let her rest for a while.¡±

    Tiffany sealed her lips shut, making an ¡°OK¡± gesture with her hand.

    Throughout the remainder of the journey, the car was enveloped in a profound silence. Josiah, aside

    from stealing a few nces at Lysander, showed no further reaction. This allowed Lysander to rx,

    leaning back in her seat to rest her eyes.

    The traffic increased as they drove deeper into the city, causing their car to slow down gradually.

    As Lysander was on the verge of sleep, fretting over the possibility of messing up her hair, Tiffany

    suddenly tugged at the corner of her dress and asked, ¡°Lysander, are you awake?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm, Lysander responded.

    She had barely slept the previous night. Now, she was past the point of exhaustion, feeling as if she

    was half¨Cdead, but sleep still eluded her. At most, she could only rest with her eyes closed.

    However, since Josiah had already said so, she was more than happy to rest and rejuvenate.

    Anyone could tell from Tiffany¡¯s timid tone that she was been feeling rather embarrassed at that

    moment. She whispered her gratitude to Lysander, ¡°Lysander,st night was such a rush. I didn¡¯t even

    get a chance to thank you.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat dazed,/¡°What?¡±

    Seeing that she seemed to have forgotten, Tiffany reminded her in a sheepish voice, ¡°You helped me

    by calling the front desk for sanitary pads. I was too shy to ask for them myself, and Jose couldn¡¯t get

    any either. If it weren¡¯t for your willingness to help, I would have had to wait in the restroom for God

    knows how long.¡±

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    Chapter 485 The Typical Behavior Of A Boss

    Upon hearing this, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but open her eyes. She saw Tiffany¡¯s blushing face, the

    latter¡¯s fingers nervously twisted together. A wave of allection for Tiffany welled up in her. With a

    serious tone, she said, ¡°Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon for women. There¡¯s

    nothing to be embarrassed about.¡±

    The presence of Josiah, a man, in the car, didn¡¯t affect her ability to speak her mind. She said what she

    wanted to say, irrespective of his presence,

    Upon hearing these words, Tiffany¡¯s immediate reaction was embarrassment. She lowered her head

    and murmured, ¡°But if others find out about this, they will ridicule me.¡±

    Lysander yfully asked with a smile, ¡°Has anyone ever teased you about it before?¡±

    Tiffany nodded, her voice soft. ¡°Back in school, whenever the boys in ss saw a girl with a sanitary

    pad, they would make a fuss.¡±

    ¡°Is it the same abroad?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡±

    No wonder a wealthy youngdy like her has developed such a gentle nature.

    Lysander encouraged her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about what others think. This is a normal physiological process

    that every girl goes through. There¡¯s no need to feel ashamed.¡±

    Timidly, Tiffany gave a slight nod.

    ¡°In the future, if you encounter such a situation, you can call the hotel front desk or seek assistance

    from a female staff member. Everyone will be willing to help you.¡±

    ¡°Ah, if only I had a boyfriend. I could have asked him to help with the shopping.¡±

    Tiffany was at an age where the topic of love was most intriguing to her. She turned to Lysander and

    asked, ¡°Lysander, has your boyfriend ever bought you sanitary pads?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a boyfriend.¡±

    She had gotten married right off the bat, skipping the dating phase altogether.

    Moreover, her menstrual cycles were always regr, and she was generally well¨Cprepared, so she

    rarely encountered such awkward moments.

    ¡°In that case, where¡¯s your husband?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows, turning her gaze toward Josiah.

    Casting a nce at her through the rearview mirror, Josiah cleared his throat and said, ¡°When Tiffany

    asked about itst time, I roughly exined it to her.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Josiah reassured her, ¡°I didn¡¯t say much; just mentioned that you were previously married. Nothing

    more than that.¡±

    Tiffany reassured her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Lysander. You¡® such a wonderful person. There¡¯s bound to be

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    Chapter 485 The Typical Behavior Of A Boss

    someone out there who will love and cherish you even more.¡±

    Lysander was at a loss for words,

    ¡°By the way, Lysander, you mentioned not having a boyfriend But what about the guy we saw at your

    ce thest time we met? Is he pursuing you?¡±

    Lysander kept silent.

    ¡°He must be after you! He¡¯s so handsome, and both of you look great together, Lysander. I saw him the

    other day bringing loads of stuff to your ce. Was it all food?¡±

    ¡°Basically, yes, along with some daily necessities.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s really attentive. Tiny said, a hint of envy in his eyes. ¡°If you two end up together, he¡¯s definitely

    the type of boyfriend who wouldn¡¯t mind buying you sanitary pads.¡±

    Lysander casually tucked a strand of hair behind her car, a sudden memory surfacing. ¡°He actually did

    buy it for me once.¡±

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    564

 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486

    Chapter 486 You Seem Quite Disappointed In Men

    As soon as the words fell, a sharp gaze swept over from the rearview mirror.

    The car that had been driving smoothly came to a sudden halt. Both Lysander and Tiffany, unprepared

    for the abrupt stop, lurched forward, taken aback by the surprise.

    Lysander, in particr, was just raising her hand and almost got flung from the back seat to the front.

    Tiffany¡¯s face was as pale as a sheet. She barely managed to steady herself by holding onto the back

    of the chair in front of her. She sat down, still in shock and unable to utter a single word.

    Josiah clenched his hands on the steering wheel, nearly deforming the leather cover in his grip. His

    complexion was so dark that it looked terrifying. His voice was even gloomier as he apologized, ¡°Sorry,

    a stray dog just ran past.¡±

    The car had already passed the most congested section of the road, currently cruising along a one¨C

    way street with a speed limit.

    Lysander nced around the tree¨Clined path on both sides of the road, then said thoughtfully, ¡°I didn¡¯t

    expect you to be sopassionate.¡±

    Tiffany followed suit and peered out the car window. Of course, she didn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of a

    stray dog. However, she hadplete trust in Josiah and didn¡¯t overthink it. Believing him

    wholeheartedly, she said, ¡°Lysander, Jose mighte across as aloof, but he¡¯s actually very kind.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyelid twitched, resisting the urge to retort. Instead, she subtly suggested, ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s

    not just about what a person says, but also what they do.¡±

    Tiffany dutifully took note, then asked, ¡°Lysander, is this wisdom gleaned from your own experiences in

    love?¡±

    Lysander snorted coldly. ¡°It¡¯s an insight I¡¯ve gained from marriage.¡±

    Tiffany asked innocently, ¡°Is it because of your ex¨Chusband?¡±

    ¡°Sort of.¡±

    While they were talking, Josiah started the car, remaining silent as he continued to drive toward the

    hotel. The aura he exuded was startlingly tense.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Tiffany was engrossed in conversation with Lysander, oblivious to his peculiar behavior. With a look of

    admiration, she said, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve heard that the quickest way to get over a past rtionship is to

    start a new one. If your ex¨Chusband hurt you, you might consider epting a new boyfriend. That j

    time seemed quite nice to you.¡±

    ¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Those are two separate matters.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression reflected in the rear¨Cview mirror grew increasingly unpleasant.

    fromst

    Lost in her own thoughts, Tiffanymented, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be wonderful if all the stories in the world

    ended with like a fairytale¨Cwhere the prince and princess would live happily ever after? If those who

    loved each other could marry and have children in the end, how beautiful that would be.¡±

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    Chapter 486 You Seem Quite Disappointed In Men

    married, and those who are married might not necessarily be in love.¡±

    At first, Lysander¡¯s words seemed like a tongue twister to Tiffany, but she still understood. ¡°Lysander,

    you and your ex¨Chusband together because of love?¡±

    weren¡¯t

    Lysander responded sinctly, ¡°We met no a blind date.¡±

    Tiffany was filled with confusion, ¡°If you can marry someone you met through a blind date, surely

    feelings must have developedter on, right?¡±

    At that moment, the silence within the car was eerily unsettling.

    Clearly, Tiffany wasn¡¯t the only one awaiting her answer.

    After a moment of hesitation, Lysander carefully stated, ¡°When people spend time together, they

    inevitably develop feelings for each other. However, these feelings are not the same as romantic love.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m having trouble understanding. If there were feelings between you two, why did you break up?¡±

    ¡°Marriage, you see, doesn¡¯t always benefit fromplete rity. Sometimes, a bit of confusion and

    going with the flow is better for its longevity. But ultimately, it¡¯s about your choice. Would you rather

    choose a painful separation while fully aware, or would you rather blind yourself and y the fool, all

    for the sake of what appears to be evesting to the outside world?¡±

    ¡°But without love, how can itst forever?¡±

    The term ¡®love¡® was indeed too profound.

    Lysander was exhausted, yet at that moment, shepletely lost the desire to rest. There was a

    fleeting realization in her eyes. ¡°Love doesn¡¯t have a physical form and is extremely elusive. You never

    know when it wille, or when it will suddenly disappear. I can¡¯t stand a life where my emotions rely

    on someone else¡¯s conscience. In the end, taking care of myself is the most practical thing to do.¡±

    Josiah spoke leisurely, his tone devoid of any discernible emotion. ¡°Ms. Thorne, you seem rather

    disappointed in men.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m disappointed. After all, disappointment implies there was hope to

    begin with. I¡¯d rather say I¡¯ve learned a valuable lesson from this mistake.¡±

    Josiah remained silent.

    As he passed by a convenience store, Josiah pulled over and parked his car.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to buy a pack of cigarettes.¡±

    When he returned, he already carried the scent of smoke on him.

    Throughout the journey, he never again lifted his gaze to the rearview mirror, and he was unwilling to

    utter a single word more than necessary.

    The car quickly came to a halt/in front of the hotel.

    Josiah said, ¡°You guys go back and rest first. I¡¯ll go to the front desk and get another room.¡±

    Tiffany asked. ¡°Is there a vacant room in the hotel andy?¡±

    2/4

    Chapter 486 You Seem Quite Disappointed In Ment

    Josiah didn¡¯t utter a word; he simply walked toward the front desk.

    Lysander and Tiffany entered the elevator together. Her room was on the ninth floor, while Tiffany¡¯s on

    the tenth. She bid Tiffany farewell before exiting the elevator first.

    was

    Due to the hectic day, she was overwhelmed with sleepiness as soon as shey down on the bed. It

    was as if an unknown power was drawing her onto the mattress.

    She decided to sleep first, nning to take a bath when she woke up in the morning.

    For reasons unknown, that alternating sensation of cold and heat returned once again.

    It seemed even more intense than the day before.

    At first, she thought the window had been left ajar, and she got up intending to check it. But the

    moment she stood up, she was overwhelmed by a wave of dizziness, so intense that she couldn¡¯t stay

    on her feet.

    The sound of the door being unlocked echoed from outside.

    Josiah pushed the door open and walked in.

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Didn¡¯t you get another room? Why are you here?¡±

    The faint scent of smoke still clung to Josiah¡¯s body.

    Even then, the predominant aura was one of piercing cold.

    She was familiar with this scent. After finishing his cigarette, he would stand in the chilly wind for a

    while, waiting for the smell of smoke to dissipate before reentering the house.

    It was exactly like the moment when Lysanne first appeared.

    However, she couldn¡¯t think about anything else at the moment. She simply turned back to her bed and

    wrapped herself tightly with the nket.

    ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    Josiah nced at the air conditioner¡¯s disy panel, which indicated that the room temperature was

    twenty¨Csix degrees Celsius.

    Moreover, Lysander was still covered with a thick quilt, her entire body curled up underneath it.

    At this point, even a fool would realize something was amiss. Josiah walked over and sat on the edge

    of the bed. With a concerned voice, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    He reached out, touching her forehead. The skin beneath his fingertips was unusually hot, suggesting

    that she was having a fever.

    Lysander was suffering from a splitting headache, feeling dizzy and disoriented. When she sensed

    someone pushing her, her first Instinct was to push back, But she was so exhausted she could barely

    keep her eyes open. With a hoarse voice, she grumbled, ¡°Leave me alone.¡±

    Josiah was leaning too close, prompting her to push him away gently. ¡°You were fine during the day,

    howe you suddenly have a fever now?¡±

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    14:30 Fri, 7 Jun Mu

    Chapter 486 You Seem Quite Disappointed In Men

    Lysander¡¯s mind was buzzing. Forced to sit upright, she was seeing double in her vision.

    It seemed as though, for some strange reason, the world was spinning.

    Josiah, in a firm gesture, once again seized Lysander¡¯s hand, his demeanor turning stern. ¡°What have

    you been up to since you returned?¡±

    Lysander struggled briefly, but she couldn¡¯t pull her hand away. Reluctantly, she lifted her face. The

    previously radiant glow of herplexion was now reced by an abnormal red hue.

    Josiah met her gaze, noticing theyer of mistiness in her eyes.

    With a resolute tone, Josiah dered, ¡°Come with me.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t have the strength to break free from his hold. She leaned on the coffee table with her

    free hand and demanded. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±

    Josiah suspected she hadn¡¯t fully awakened yet and reiterated in a cold voice, ¡°To the hospital¡±

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    564

    1

 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487

    Chapter 487 Do I Need To Exin Myself

    Lysander was feeling extremely dizzy as Josial helped her to sit up by supporting her shoulders.

    However, in just a blink of an eye, she found herself weakly slumping back into the couch.

    Josiah cradled her head in his hand, dropping to one knee to check on her. ¡°Lysander?¡±

    Lysander responded with a hum.

    ¡°Can you still walk?¡±

    Lysander gently shook her head, her cheek brushing against his broad palm.

    It seems I really have a fever. She had always thought his body temperature was slightly higher than

    hers, but now his palms felt cool to her.

    Without any further hesitation, Josiah removed his own clothes and wrapped her in them. Then,

    bending down, he scooped her up in his arms and quickly made his way out.

    Upon leaving the hotel, Lysander regained some rity from Apex City¡¯s chilly night breeze.

    She groggily opened her eyes, just about to figure out where she was when a gentle touch on the back

    of her head made her lean onto his shoulder.

    ¡°Mr. Lanister.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod to the middle¨Caged man in front of him.

    Upon seeing him cradling a woman, Dillon was taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Tiff? Is she ill? I can

    let her trouble you like this, Mr. Guerra. Please, let me take care of her¡­¡±

    Josiah subtly stepped aside, deftly avoiding Dillon¡¯s reach.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t Tiffany.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Dillon took a careful look at the woman in his arms.

    Indeed, she appeared somewhat more slender and taller than Tiffany. Tiffany always liked wearing her

    hair up in a bun, while this woman, despite also having long hair, simply held it loosely up with a clip.

    She was draped in what was clearly a man¡¯s zer, the clothing underneath hidden from view.

    Anyone might make a mistake, but a father surely wouldn¡¯t.

    ¡°Tiffany has the mind of a child, so, she found the summit boring. Since we¡¯re in Apex City, I told her to

    go out and have some fun. You can wait for her here if you¡¯d like. I have some matters to attend to right

    now,

    excuse me.¡±

    Josiah held Lysander as they bypassed Dillon, descending the steps toward the street.

    After a moment of thought, Dillon hurriedly followed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Guerra. It must have been

    troublesome for you to have Tiff apany you on your business trip.¡±

    Josiah was feeling anxious, but he replied nonchntly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    1/4

    59%

    Chapter 487 Do I Need To Exin Myself

    ¡°Is this¡­ Ms. Collins?¡±

    Dillon tried to recall from his memory a woman who would most likely attend the summit with Josiah

    and also be close enough to be receiving such care.

    ¡°Ms. Collins seems to have lost some weight. Is she feeling unwell? My driver is here. Why don¡¯t we

    take my car, and I¡¯ll drop you off at the hospital.¡±

    Dillon expressed his intention to apany them as he followed them out.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t Ms. Collins either,¡± said Josiah curtly without bothering to borate.

    Dillon was suddenly stunned, at a loss for words.

    ¡°Mr. Lanister, I appreciate the help.¡±

    Dillon immediately caught on. ¡°I¡¯ming. I¡¯ming.¡±

    Josiah was carrying Lysander, his hands were upied. ¡°Could you please help me open the car door,

    Mr. Lanister?¡±

    Without thinking. Dillon instinctively moved to open the backseat door.

    ¡°Passenger seat,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Please hurry.¡±

    ¡°Oh, alright then.¡±

    Dillon swiftly opened the passenger side door. He watched as Josiah carefully ced her in the seat,

    meticulously securing the seatbelt around her.

    It was only then that Dillon managed to get a clear look at the woman¡¯s face.

    This isn¡¯t the Thorne girl who had caused quite a stir recently, but¡­ she does look somewhat familiar.

    For a moment. Dillon couldn¡¯t recall where he had seen her before.

    to her st

    As Lysander sat down, her consciousness returned tightened her grip on Josiah¡¯s clothing. asking,

    ¡°What are you doing now?¡±

    Annoyed, Josiah took her hand off himself and firmly tucked it into his jacket. ¡°I¡¯m just helping you

    fasten your seatbelt.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brow, shifting in pain. However, her body felt weak and utterly devoid of

    strength.

    ¡°Stop fidgeting. You¡¯ll catch a cold.¡± Josiah tightened his jacket around her once more and then

    stepped back, smoothly closing the passenger door behind him.

    Lysander clearly heard everything he said, yet her fever¨Cclouded mind couldn¡¯t immediately grasp his

    intention. She strained to make sense of the scene before her, but despite her efforts, it proved futile.

    In the corner of his eye, she noticed Dillon not far away.

    Dressed in a suit and leather shoes, his appearance was a blur to her, yet he unmistakably resembled

    a businessman.

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    .59%Á¿

    Chapter 487 Do I Need To Exin Myself

    Startled, Lysander slightly furrowed her brows and responded in a polite yet distant manner. ¡°I¡¯m really

    sorry, Mr. Guerra. Thank you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s voice was severely hoarse.

    Sick as she was, she still pretended not to know him in front of others.

    Cognizant of the fact, Josiah drew in a deep breath and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You¡¯ve never thanked

    me anyway. While other men get to enjoy the lemon juice fish you¡¯ve lovingly prepared, all I cold, harsh

    words.¡±

    get from

    you is

    Lysander¡¯s mind was aplete mess. She tried to signal him with her eyes, hinting that there were

    others nearby and that he should not spout such nonsense.

    Josiah watched her sickly yet determined struggle and was at a loss for words. He quickly dismissed

    Dillon. ¡°Mr. Lanister, let¡¯s discuss our coboration after I¡¯m done with my business. She¡¯s seriously ill

    and has to get to the hospital at once.¡±

    Left with no other option, Dillon could only nod in agreement: ¡°Alright, alright, do you need a driver, Mr.

    Guerra?¡±

    ¡°No thanks. She doesn¡¯t feelfortable with strangers around.¡±

    Josiah slid into the driver¡¯s seat after opening the car door, then drove off.

    As he ran a red light, Josiah stole a nce at her. She wasn¡¯t asleep this time, but she still seemed

    listless. She was leaning against the car, eyes half¨Cclosed. Seemingly in deep thought, she wore a

    vacant expression.

    In his memory, there were hardly any instances when Lysander was this obedient and adorable.

    ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±

    Lysander raised her hand to rub her eyes, and after leaving a red patch at its corners, she finally

    regained some of her vision. She muttered to herself, ¡°There were people around earlier. You should

    have in the back seat.¡±

    put me

    Upon hearing her say this, Josiah couldn¡¯t contain his irritation. ¡°Why can¡¯t you sit in the passenger

    seat?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Whether your rtionship with Tiffany is real or not, you two are still a couple in the public eye. You

    understand the significance of the passenger seat, right? How will you exin this to others?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t seem to care much. ¡°Since when do I need to exin myself just because I have a

    woman?¡±

    ¡°Fine, as long as you don¡¯t mind being called a cheater, go ahead.¡±

    Lysander closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

    Josiah let out a slight sigh of relief. ¡°The fact that you can still argue with me means you¡¯re getting

    better. When we were in the room earlier, the way you looked really scared me.¡±

    Lysander still had a headache. She pressed her temples hard with her hand, frowning as she said, ¡°I

    think this might be more than just a cold.¡±

    She was a doctor after all.

    3/4

    Chapter 487 Do I Need To Exin Myself

    Josiah simply asked her, ¡°Which department should I register you for when we get to the hospital?¡±

    Lysander rolled her eyes at him, clearly irritated. ¡°At this hour, we can only go to the emergency

    department.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lysander thought back to the middle¨Caged man from earlier, assuming he was someone from the

    summit. ¡°Who was that guy just now? He even sought you out at the hotel? Does he need something

    from you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s Mr. Lanister, CEO of Riveron Corporation.¡±

    Lysander was in a daze, and it took her quite a while toprehend what was happening. She

    assumed it was a CEO she didn¡¯t know, so she chose not toment any further.

    It wasn¡¯t until Josiah added that he was Tiffany¡¯s father that her mind was blown.

    ¡°Your future father¨Cinw?¡±

    Josiah frowned as he rebutted her, ¡°What are you babbling about?¡±

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    564

 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488

    Chapter 488 Yielding When Necessary

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond. It was unclear whether she was unable to speak or if her consciousness was

    blurring. She closed her eyes and slowly rested her head against the leather chair behind her,

    maintaining her silence in a position far morefortable than leaning over the coffee table.

    This position brought her even closer to Josiah than before.

    Just like the previous night, Josiah could smell the faint fragrance of Lysander¡¯s hair. His furrowed

    brows rxed, and he said with a hint of urgency, ¡°You¡¯re already suffering from such high fever, yet

    you¡¯re still focused on others¡® matters. You should focus more on yourself and less on others.¡±

    Lysander heard those words in a state of semi¨Cconsciousness. Instinctively, she wanted to retort, but

    her body reacted before her mind could, leading her back into a hazy slumber.

    She slept much more deeply than she had before.

    When Lysander regained consciousness, she found herself lying in a hospital bed.

    Everywhere she looked was a stark white, even her own hand resting on the nket was simrly pale.

    Seeing the situation, the nurse who was using an alcohol swab to clean Lysander¡¯s hand quickly

    whispered, ¡°The patient has woken up.¡±

    In the next moment, Josiah, who had been standing behind the IV pole, took a step forward to the

    bedside. He looked at Lysander, whose face was as pale as a sheet. Complicated emotions swirled

    within his eyes.

    There was worry and me, but above all, he was observing, wanting to see how she was doing.

    Lysander was bewildered when she woke up. Just as she was about to speak, a sharp pain shot

    through the back of her hand.

    She was familiar with that sensation, figuring it was likely the nurse administering an injection to her.

    Josiah noticed the subtle changes in her expression. He slowly said, ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±

    Once Lysander realized that she was getting an injection, she naturally cooperated obediently.

    In the next moment, a hint of displeasure could be heard in Josiah¡¯s voice as he questioned, ¡°What¡¯s

    going on? This is already the second attempt.¡±

    The nurse was also frantic, her forehead covered in sweat. ¡°Her veins are too thin. It¡¯s hard to locate

    them.¡±

    With a menacing figure like Josiah looming nearby, the nurse was under immense pressure. Coupled

    with the continued difficulty in locating a vein, the young nurse became somewhat flustered.

    ¡°What medication are you injecting?¡± Lysander asked.

    The nurse said, ¡°Clindamycin. It¡¯s for inmmation.¡±

    ¡°Do I have pneumonia?¡±

    Upon hearing Lysander¡¯s response, the nurse knew Lysander was familiar with the medication and

    immediately responded, ¡°It¡¯s a mild case of pneumonia. The most severe issues are actually in the

    upper

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    09:13 Sat, 8 Jun

    Chapter 488 Yielding When Necessary

    The condition was almost as Lysander had predicted.

    6.98%8

    She was certain that her fever indicated an inmmation, Considering the severity of her sore throat

    from the past couple of days, she suspected it was likely an upper respiratory infection.

    She felt much better during the day, thinking she was out of the woods. Little did she know, the disease

    had already spread from her bronchial tubes to her lungs.

    Josiah asked. ¡°Is it serious?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s amon illness. A few days of intravenous treatment should do the trick. If you

    combine it with atomization, the recovery will be even quicker.¡±

    The young nurse had calmed down by then. ¡°So, you¡¯re also in the medical field?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.¡±

    ¡°No wonder,¡± the young nurse said. ¡°I initially wanted to give you Cephalexin, but you were asleep, and

    I couldn¡¯t ask if you were allergic. Your husband didn¡¯t allow us to conduct a skin test, so we had to

    resort to using Clindamycin instead.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not allergic to Cephalexin, so you can administer the medication.

    ¡°Should I seek the doctor to change your medication?¡±

    ¡°No need. You can administer this at the moment.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Lysander then realized something and quickly added, ¡°He¡¯s not my husband.¡±

    The young nurse paused for a moment. ¡°But he just carried you into the hospital-

    ¡°He was just helping out.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    ¡°Keep making things up,¡± Josiah said grumpily. ¡°Did the needle go in or not?¡±

    The young nurse was somewhat troubled. ¡°Perhaps we should try the other hand. The veins in this one

    are

    too thin to see,¡±

    Lysander was reluctant to change.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    At the moment, the young nurse was tending to her left hand, leaving her free to use her right hand to

    eat and check her phone.

    Therefore, she withdrew her left hand, opening and closing it several times. She then used some force

    to give the back of her left hand a few hefty ps.

    Afterward, she gently pressed her fingertips against the back of her hand to locate the vein. She

    showed it to the young nurse and said, ¡°Here, feel this.¡±

    Finally, the young nurse managed to locate the vein and inserted the needle in one swift motion. She

    secured it with tane and said. ¡°Atst, it¡¯s done.¡±

    Chapter 488 Yielding When Necessary

    ¡°Okay. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee. It¡¯s my job.¡±

    Listening to how hard Lysander pped her own hand, Josiah furrowed his brows. ¡°You really don¡¯t

    hold back on yourself, do you?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°As long as the needle is in, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    The nurse swiftly secured the IV drip, tidying up and preparing to leave. As she did, she advised

    Josiah, ¡°The patient¡¯s fever hasn¡¯t subsided yet. You need to record her temperature every hour. Oh,

    and she¡¯s somewhat dehydrated, so remember to keep her hydrated. Moreover, her veins are so thin.

    She definitely hasn¡¯t been eating well recently. You should get her some food, preferably something

    easy to digest.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Josiah took the precautions to heart, making a serious mental note of them. He then nodded

    in gratitude toward the nurse, ¡°I apologize for my earlier behavior.¡±

    The nurse offered a kind smile. ¡°It¡¯s all right. I could understand how you were feeling.¡±

    Lysandery on the hospital bed, gazing at the ceiling.

    She wasn¡¯t sure what had transpired after Josiah had brought her to the hospital. Her fever had been

    so high at the time that she¡¯d lost all consciousness, and she couldn¡¯t recall a thing.

    The hospital room was the best private suite avable. Once the nurse left, it was just the two of them,

    locked in a silent standoff.

    Lysander lifted her hand, which was resting on the nket, and touched her forehead. Indeed, she was

    still running a fever.

    Moreover, the fever was quite high.

    Josiah turned around and headed to the water dispenser. He filled a paper cup with hot water and

    ced it on the bedside table. With a hint of impatience in his voice, he said, ¡°It¡¯s not too hot now. Drink

    some and go to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah nced at her. ¡°There¡¯s nobody else in the ward right now. Do we really need to keep up with

    this whole ¡®maintaining distance¡® routine?¡±

    ¡°This is called manners.¡±

    Josiah sat down on the chair by the sickbed, his brow furrowed as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have any sense

    of your own physical condition? If Lhadn¡¯t visited your room today, were you really nning on just

    sleeping through it?¡±

    In truth, Lysander was somewhat taken aback as well.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to be this serious this time.¡±

    Even though her symptoms had vanished during the day, she thought it was due to the ¡°assistance¡± he

    provided the previous night, which made her sweat profusely and seemingly cured her cold.

    Unexpectedly, this virus made a surprisingeback, catching her off guard.

    98%

    Chapter 488 Yielding When Necessary

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve figured it out,¡± said Josiah. ¡°This virus probably only acts up when it senses weakness.

    When I¡¯m around, it doesn¡¯t dare to show up. But the moment I leave, it retaliates against you

    relentlessly.¡±

    Lysander was defiant. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying I¡¯m weak, and you¡¯re tough?¡±

    Josiah nodded firmly. ¡°I¡¯m tough.¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless.

    Josiah chuckled lightly, leaning closer to her. ¡°You should yield when necessary and be tough when

    you¡¯re required to.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, can¡¯t you speak properly?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying you¡¯re stubborn. What¡¯s the matter? Am I wrong?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered with you.¡±

    Josiah shed a soft smile, handing her a ss of water. ¡°The doctor said your condition was more

    than just the flu. You¡¯ve been working too hard these past years, exhausting yourself, which has

    lowered your immunity. Therefore, when you caught a cold, it hit you particrly hard. It¡¯s clear that

    your health has been neglected. I¡¯ve asked Ms. Collins to find a caretaker in Apex City to prepare

    nutritious meals for you daily. You must eat well and rest more.¡±

    Lysander slightly lowered her eyes, her eyshes casting a small shadow on her face. ¡°How could I

    have time to rest? There¡¯s still so much to do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with matters at Thorne Constructions and Energies first. I¡¯ve taken care of the affairs on your

    behalf for many years, so I¡¯m quite familiar with it. It doesn¡¯t require much effort. Once you¡¯re better, we

    can gradually transition the responsibilities back to you.¡±

    ¡°What about the summit? I only attended for one day. There are still two days of meetings left.¡±

    Upon seeing Lysander still showing concern for the summit, Josiah couldn¡¯t help but express his

    frustration, saying, ¡°Honestly, this summit is quite dull. Even if you don¡¯t attend, you won¡¯t miss out on

    anything.¡±

    Puzzled, Lysander questioned, ¡°That¡¯s not what

 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 489 The Right Attitude

    Josiah wasn¡¯t upset about having his intentions exposed. ¡°I had no idea this meeting would be so dull

    before I came. I attended the first few years it was held, and it was quite interesting back then. But

    having not attended for several years, it¡¯s now filled with more and more bureaucratic jargon. If you

    really want to know what was discussed in thest two days, I can ask the organizers for the

    presentation slides. However, I must warn you. Their slides are even more boring than the meeting

    itself¡±

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t be more boring than a medical textbook.¡± Having been a medical student for many years,

    Lysander didn¡¯t mind plowing through research papers, let alone just a few slides.

    However, there was something else that truly left her speechless.

    She asked. ¡°Do you have any symptoms?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°Nope.¡±

    Lysander thought. We were on the same flight and shared the same room, so howe he¡¯s not

    experiencing any symptoms? So, the virus really bullies the weak and fears the strong?

    Josiah said, ¡°It could be because you¡¯re a doctor. Maybe you¡¯ve offended this virus¡¯s close kin before.

    Every debt has its debtor. Maybe it¡¯s just seeking revenge on you.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°Well, this virus seems to have quite a sense of honor.¡±

    Josiah leaned in closer, reaching out to touch her forehead. ¡°Why is it still so hot?¡±

    Lysander tilted her head to avoid his hand. ¡°Stay away from me.¡±

    Josiah frowned in discontent. ¡°What now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just tired.¡±

    Josiah patiently helped her adjust the nket. You should sleep, then.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here to keep youpany.¡±

    Lysander turned away from him, closing her eyes. ¡°Go on with your tasks. I¡¯ll be fine after I get some

    sleep.

    Josiah spoke gently. ¡°You can¡¯t see me even with your eyes closed, so there¡¯s no need to turn your

    back on me purposely. Just turn around and lie t.¡±

    Lysander remained still.

    Josiah took immediate action, gently turning her back around by cing his hands on her shoulders.

    Lysander was furious. ¡°Are you even going to control how I sleep?¡±

    ¡°You have a needle in your left hand, so lying on your side would press on it.¡± Josiah gently patted the

    nket on her. ¡°Go to sleep.¡±

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    Chapter 489 The Right Attitude

    Within a few minutes, Lysander had drifted off into a hazy slumber.

    She could faintly hear Josiah. It seemed like he was speaking in hushed tones over the phone.

    ¡°For now, just send the matters concerning Thorne Constructions and Energies to my email. I¡¯ll take a

    look when I have some free time. That¡¯s right. Could you help me find a caregiver in Apex City who¡¯s

    good at making soup¡­ Yes, she¡¯ll do, Make sure to find some time this weekend to visit Mr. and Mrs.

    Thorne personally. I won¡¯t be able to make it back. Also, about that Zachary¡­¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t quite catch what was said next.

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    She tried hard to listen, but it seemed the harder she tried, the more futile it became. Eventually, she

    sumbed to the drowsiness.

    When she woke up again, the sky had already turned bright.

    The sunlight in Apex City was far more brilliant than in Harborbrook, bathing the entire hospital room in

    a golden glow that made Lysander feel warm and cozy.

    Josiah was still there, engaging in a conversation with the nurse.

    At the same time, both his hands were holding her IV drip.

    ¡°Cough..¡±

    After a night¡¯s sleep. Lysander¡¯s throat was terribly dry.

    Josiah turned his head and asked, ¡°Are you awake?¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Why are you fiddling with the IV drip?¡±

    The nurse chuckled lightly at the side. ¡°It¡¯s not that. Your husband was concerned that the liquid was

    too cold, so he specifically asked me to slow down the drip rate. He¡¯s warming it with his hand.¡±

    Josiah said, annoyed, ¡°There¡¯s no point in exining anything to her. No matter what I do, she thinks

    it¡¯s

    wrong.¡±

    The nurse¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°All right. Your fever has subsided now. I¡¯ll head out. Ring the bell if you

    need anything.¡±

    Josiah expressed his gratitude, and once the nurse had left the room, he walked over to close the door

    securely.

    Lysander sat up, leaning against the head of the bed. She touched the tubing near the injection site,

    and indeed, it was no longer as cold.

    Medical supplies were stored under very stringent conditions. Most liquids were kept in a constant-

    temperature cold storage. After Josiah¡¯s actions, the liquid wasn¡¯t exactly warm, but at least it wasn¡¯t so

    cold that it was irritating.

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯ve wronged you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve already braced myself for this. Making amends requires the right attitude, after all. Being

    Chapter 489 The Right Attitude

    wronged once or twice is just part of the course.

    Lysander remained silent.

    Josiah took a seat beside her. ¡°You must be hungry, right?¡±

    ¡°A liule.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t really eaten much since yesterday. You must be hungry Breakfast will be delivered soon.

    Let me peel an apple for you first¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°You know how to peel apples?¡±

    Not far off, several fruit baskets adorned the coffee table, Josiah casually opened one, plucked an

    apple from within, and began to peel it as he sat on the eilge of the bed.

    His fingers were slender yet seemed potent. The way he peeled the apple showed his proficiency, far

    from being a novice. In no time, he had drawn out along, uniform strip of apple skin without a single

    break.

    ¡°Here¡± He handed her the peeled apple.

    Lysander took it, somewhat surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be skilled in this. Did you learn it for

    Lysanne?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s lips moved slightly, but in the end, he chose to remain silent.

    That was a form of tacit understanding between adults. If one didn¡¯t deny it, that would imply

    agreement.

    Josiah didn¡¯t want to deceive Lysander, nor did he want to upset her, so his only choice was to remain

    silent.

    Lysander, on the other hand, didn¡¯t mind at all and started eating the apple.

    Josiah said, ¡°Lysander, no one can change what¡¯s happened in the past. You can¡¯t keep ming me for

    things that can no longer be changed.¡±

    Lysander asked nonchntly, ¡°Who¡¯s ming you?¡±

    Josiah let out a sigh. ¡°Everything I did for her in the past was merely because I thought she was the

    same person from my childhood. You¡¯re right. I learned how to massage and peel apples for her, but I

    couldn¡¯t just unlearn these skills.¡±

    Lysander remained rather indifferent. ¡°You learned those skills for her, yet I¡¯m now the one benefiting

    from them. In a way, I should probably be thanking her.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still upset.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.

    ¡°Yes, you are.¡±

    Lysander licked her lips. ¡°Yes, I am quite mad. What if I told you now that the reason I agreed to marry

    you was because there was someone else I truly liked? His real name is Josian. I studied medicine for

    him and worked hard to buy a house, all for him. How would you feel?¡±

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    Chapter 489 The Right Attitude

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°There are too many issues between us. This is not something that can be resolved simply by peeling

    an apple. Do you understand what I mean?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Josiah slowly nodded. ¡°I never expected you to change your mind in a short period of time, nor

    do I intend to force you.¡±

    ¡°Forcing me will be futile.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I understand. With your stubborn nature, if I were to force you, I suspect we¡¯d both end up

    unhappy.¡±

    Lysander took another bite of the apple.

    The apple was crisp, making a crunching sound when bitten that seemed to affirm his spection.

    Silence filled the air inside the ward for a long while.

    It was

    s not until Lysander had finished her apple that Josiah reached out to take the core from her. He tossed

    it into the trash bin by the wall, then pulled out a few tissues to wipe her hands. ¡°Your hand is not very

    convenient with the IV in. Let me do it.¡±

    Send Gifts

    1.1K

 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490

    Chapter 490 A Profound Sense Of Unease

    ¡°Since you were ill when you boarded the ne, why didn¡¯t you tell me before you left?¡±

    A glint shed in Lysander¡¯s eyes as she retorted, ¡°How did you end up in economy ss?¡±

    She was asking about the incident on the airne..

    ¡°I went straight there. No one in economy ss would refuse to switch seats with me.¡±

    ¡°What about Tiffany? Didn¡¯t she question why?¡± Lysander inquired.

    ¡°No.¡± Josiah responded.

    Lysander found it a bit peculiar. ¡°Isn¡¯t she curious about where you¡¯re going?¡±

    ¡°I told her I had something to take care of and had to leave for a bit. She wouldn¡¯t have pressed for

    details.¡±

    Lysander felt that Tiffany was just too naive, almost excessively so.

    Tiffany is already twenty¨Cthree years old! Even if she was well¨Cprotected, she couldn¡¯t possibly be this

    naive, could she? I hope that there are no more people like Harry or Zachary in this world. Otherwise,

    given Tiffany¡¯s current state, she would be a perfect target for men like them!

    Lysander¡¯s phone seemed to have a knack for timing, ringing at just the right moment.

    However, her phone just happened to be on her left side, making it a bit inconvenient for her to reach it.

    Upon seeing the situation, Josiah promptly picked it up.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± she asked, feeling a bit scared that it could be Adrian.

    Things were already chaotic enough. If another person got involved, it would be aplete mess.

    Josiah nced at the caller ID, then promptly hit the answer button. He held the phone to his ear, his

    expression unchanging as he said, ¡°Hello, Mr. Thorne.¡±

    Upon realizing that it was Howard, Lysander let out a slight sigh of relief.

    However, Josiah¡¯s reaction was rather indifferent. Other than quietly listening to Howard¡¯s words, he

    would only asionally interject with a nomittal response, making it impossible to discern the

    content of their conversation from such brief responses.

    Thankfully, the phone call didn¡¯tst long. He concluded it with a vague statement, saying. ¡°Don¡¯t worry:

    I¡¯m here, and everything¡¯s fine,¡±

    After saying that, Josiah ced the phone back beside Lysander¡¯s pillow, seemingly having no

    intention to bring up the content of the conversation.

    Left with no other choice, Lysander had to ask him, ¡°Did you tell him about my illness?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me who brought it up. He calledst night while you were asleep. The elders would have

    been worried if the calls keep going unanswered,¡± said Josiah.

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    Chapter 490 A Profound Sense Of Unease

    Josiah wore aplex expression and fell silent for a moment before replying. ¡°The person who called

    was a different Mr. Thorne.¡±

    The expression on Lysander¡¯s face changed instantly.

    A different Mr. Thorne? That means¡­.

    Unlike Howard, Maverick held a particrly deep prejudice against Josiah due to past events. Even if

    Lysander mentioned him to Maverick, he would explode with anger, a departure from his usual

    demeanor.

    Lysander massaged her forehead and asked, ¡°Did he scold you over the phonest night?¡±

    This was to be expected.

    If it weren¡¯t for the constraints of thew, Maverick would have certainly given Josiah a good heating

    right at the time of their divorce.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah immediately flipped out her call history to show her.

    One hour and forty¨Ctwo minutes? It seems the scolding went on for quite a while¡­

    Josiah, however, didn¡¯t seem too bothered by it. ¡°He couldn¡¯t help it. His daughter fell ill while away,

    and I was the only one around. So, things weren¡¯t too bad. It was clear that he was holding back.¡±

    ¡°His temperament is just like that.¡±

    ¡°I know. Do you want to continue sleeping? If you don¡¯t feel like it, I can help you adjust your hospital

    bed,¡± said Josiah as he looked at her.

    Lysander slowly reclined back onto her pillow, her face etched with worry as she asked. ¡°No need. My

    dad. wouldn¡¯t call thiste without a reason, though. Has something happened at home?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s silence was all she needed to confirm it

    Lysander took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself as she pressed on, ¡°Is it about the house? Or is

    it about Zachary?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s neither of those. It¡¯s your sister, Michelle, She¡¯s back from an overseas summer camp, and she

    was in a car ident on the way home from the airport. Your father thought you might still have

    connections at the hospital and wanted to ask if you could possibly pull some strings,¡± Josiah said, his

    tone softening unexpectedly.

    ¡°A car ident? How serious was it? How is Michelle doing now?¡± Lysander eximed in shock.

    Before Josiah even began to speak, he was mentally prepared to intercept Lysander. His broad, warm

    hands gently held her down on the hospital bed. What followed was a voice, seldom as gentle as it was

    now, as he said, ¡°Could you let me finish speaking first?¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Lysander¡¯s heart was filled with anxiety. ¡°Why are you only telling me this now? And you¡¯re still eating

    an apple¡­¡±

    Her condition after the high fever was so terrible that she could only manage to utter a few short

    sentences before a splitting headach¨¦ set in, and her throat began to ache as well. She tried to push

    Josiah away without any regard for her own state, but she was simply too weak to resist him. She

    couldn¡¯t even pull her 2/3

    09:13 Sat, 8 Jun

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    Chapter 490 A Profound Sense Of Unease

    hand, which was hooked up to an IV drip, free from his grip..

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Lysander eximed frantically.

    Having been unjustly misunderstood, Josial¡¯s mood was greatly affected, and he immediately pursed

    his thin lips. Even so, he didn¡¯tsh out at her. Instead, for the sake of Lysander¡¯s distressed concern,

    he repeated himself. ¡°Calm down and listen to me.¡±

    ¡°All right, then. Carry on,¡± she said.

    Josiah then patiently ryed the conversation from the previous night. ¡°Michelle is fine. She was said

    to be in a car ident, but it was really just an electric scooter. The other party, afraid of taking

    responsibility, fled the scene immediately. It was a kind passerby who promptly took her to the

    hospital.¡±

    ¡°An electric scooter?¡± Lysander silently murmured the phrase, her strength that had just been gathered

    nearly dissipatedpletely. With a worried gaze, she looked into the deep eyes before her and

    asked, ¡°If it was just a minor injury, why would they call me in the middle of the night?¡±

    Josiah helped her lie back down, then took a seat himself and said, ¡°She haspleted her medical

    examination. Her bones are fine, but she did hit the ground when she fell, so she has some bruises and

    will need a few days of rest. Mr. Thorne called you simply because he wanted to find a good doctor.

    After all, Michelle is a girl and he didn¡¯t want her to be left with scars.¡±

    ¡°Hand me your phone. I need to get in touch with my colleagues from the stic surgery department at

    the central hospital.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already made the arrangements.¡±

    A sense of relief washed over Lysander.

    Fortunately, it was just an electric scooter.

    However, for reasons unknown, she was still consumed by an intense feeling of unease.

    ¡°Did they manage to catch the person who ran away?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, but the kind¨Chearted person who had taken Michelle to the hospital had already called the

    police. There are surveince cameras at the intersection where the ident urred, so it is only at

    matter of time before they track down the person.¡±

    ¡°What did the police say about this?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a high chance it will be ssified as an ident,¡± said Josiah, his tone indifferent.

    Lysander let out a cold chuckle. ¡°Do you believe it?¡±

    Josiah felt her hand be even colder than before. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe it either.¡±

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491

    The Charming Ex¨CWife

    Chapter 491 Better To Offend A Gentleman Than Someone Despicable

    Michelle runs into trouble immediately after returning to the country? What are the odds?

    With her other hand, Lysander clenched the nket draped over her, subconsciously thinking of

    someone she now found utterly repulsive. ¡°It must¡¯ve been Zachary,

    Josiah¡¯s expression was far from pleasant. ¡°When you came looking for me before, wasn¡¯t it because

    he threatened you with your sister?¡±

    Lysander was particrly concerned about this matter and didn¡¯t want any misunderstandings. She

    expressed her worry by saying, ¡°Zachary is the type of person who only cares about the end result, so

    he willpletely disregard any boundaries. I only have one sister, so I really can¡¯t afford to take any

    risks. Can you hand me your phone-¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned slightly serious. ¡°And what will you do next? Call Zachary to confront him, or

    provide clues to the police? If Zachary dared to do it, he must¡¯ve had everything nned out. Even if

    the person responsible was caught, they surely wouldn¡¯t be able to trace it back to him.¡±

    Exasperated, Lysander pounded on the bed. ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything we can do about him?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better to offend a gentleman than to provoke someone despicable.¡±

    Recalling the phone call she had heard him make while she was in a dazest night, Lysander looked

    up at him and asked, ¡°So, you told him to go back to work?¡±

    Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Zachary is a sharp individual who always knows just how far he can push the boundaries. He can

    threaten you without causing any serious repercussions. Even if this car ident was traced back to

    him, he would receive a verbal reprimand from the police at most. He will then pay some medical

    expenses and be able to avoid jail time. However, as long as he is around, your family will never have

    peace, and you would all have to constantly be on your guard. To bepletely free from him, three

    options exist. Either he dies, spends a lifetime in jail, or you simply cater to his demands.¡±

    ¡°But I can¡¯t ept this! Why do the bad guys always get what they want?¡± Lysander eximed bitterly.

    ¡°Harry¡¯s fate is already sealed, and Zachary¡¯s is fast approaching. It¡¯s all just a matter of timing,¡± said

    Josiah.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When Lysander thought back on her two consecutive failed attempts to find Josiah, her emotions

    suddenly becameplex. She hadn¡¯t expected that he had already arranged everything by that time.

    With an air of annoyance, Josiah retorted, ¡°Should I say ¡®you¡¯re wee, then?¡±

    Lysander gave it some thought and replied, ¡°That¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Josiah was immediately amused by her. ¡°Seafood. I still remember that, so don¡¯t you forget either.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly forget that.¡±

    Josiah leisurely turned his gaze back, a spark of intrigue perfectly kindled in his eyes. With a hint of

    amusement, he said, ¡°I happen to be quite fond of seafood, so feel free to seek my help in the future. I

    1/3

    N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Chapter 491 Better To Offend A Gentleman Than Someone Despicable

    Just at that moment, there was a knock on the hospital room door from the outside.

    Feeling displeased, Josiah said. ¡°You stay here. I¡¯ll go and send that person off.¡±

    ¡°Do we even know who it is yet?¡±

    Josiah pointed at the overflowing fruit basket on the coffee table. ¡°Are all these people dogs or

    something? They sure have a keen sense of smell, drawn here by the scent.¡±

    Lysander probably could have guessed some of it.

    Josiah hadn¡¯t attended the summit for several years, so the rare asion of his attendance was bound

    to attract a crowd, eager to establish connections with the renowned Guerra Group.

    Finding the hotel probably wasn¡¯t hard for them, but managing to locate the hospital ward was indeed

    somewhat impressive.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit inadequate. She had always been academically inclined since

    childhood, but the intricacies of the business world were beyond her grasp.

    Not wanting to continue discussing seafood. Lysander simply raised her voice and said, ¡°Pleasee

    in.¡±

    The door was gently pushed open from the outside, revealing Tiffany, who had been missing for over a

    day. She stood alone, carrying a thermos, and greeted them with a smile, ¡°Hello, Jose! Hello, Lysa!¡±

    Upon seeing that the visitor was Tiffany and not some other sycophant, Josiah subtly let the coldness

    fade from his expression.

    Completely oblivious to it, Tiffany casually took a seat next to him. Turning toward Lysander, whoy in

    the hospital bed, she said, ¡°Lysa, my dad mentioned you were unwell, so I came to visit. How feeling

    now?¡±

    are

    Lysander returned a gentle smile. ¡°I just had a bit of a fever, nothing serious. The high fever has

    already subsided after I received an IV transfusion. Thank you foring to see me.¡±

    As if to deliberately undermine her, Josiah added, ¡°You were asleep when the doctor was giving his

    advice. You probably don¡¯t know that your prescription states you need to be on an IV drip for at least a

    week.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s forehead creased in surprise. ¡°A week?¡±

    In an effort to save money, she had purchased her return flight ticket in advance. Now, with the sudden

    onught of illness, if she was unable to make the flight on time, her only option would be to change

    her booking. However, the cost of rescheduling was also quite substantial.

    Lysander felt a surge of pain spreading through her head.

    Worry filled Tiffany¡¯s innocent face as she asked, ¡°Lysa, why does your IV drip need to go on for so

    long? You must be feeling really ufortable, right?¡±

    A warmth surged within Lysander as she heard this. ¡°It¡¯s all right; it¡¯s not that bad.¡±

    Josiah watched them silently for a while. He didn¡¯t wait for her to ask him anything, nor did he n to

    interrupt awkwardly. Instead, he took the initiative

 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492

    Chapter 492 The Bite Mark On Josiah

    Having somewhat understood Lysander¡¯s encouragement, Tiffany took the initiative to speak to Josiah,

    who had been silent for a while. ¡°Jose, you should go back and handle your work first. I¡¯ll take good

    care of Lysa here.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t take it seriously as he assumed it was just a polite remark taught by Dillon. ¡°Do you know

    how to take care of a patient?¡± Josiah asked.

    ¡°I know! I also know how to get food, fetch water¡­¡±

    Tiffany froze after listing just two tasks. She instinctively nced at Lysander for help.

    Josiah calmly continued, ¡°You¡¯ll also have to take the patient¡¯s temperature, monitor the IV drip, and

    when the doctors and nurses arrive, it¡¯s your job to press the call button. It¡¯s pretty tedious. I appreciate

    your father¡¯s good intentions, but I¡¯d feel more at case staying here myself.¡±

    Tiffany listened earnestly. Her initial confidence vanished, but she asked, ¡°But Jose, you¡¯re a man. Isn¡¯t

    it inconvenient for you to take care of Lysa?¡±

    Josiah was speechless.

    Lysander quickly chimed in. ¡°Absolutely, Mr. Guerra. Ms. Lanister is right. I¡¯m very grateful you brought

    me to the hospital despite your busy schedule. I won¡¯t take up any more of your time. I can manage on

    my

    own.¡±

    Josiah looked at her with an amused expression.

    Lysander met his gaze calmly.

    Tiffany was probably the only one who didn¡¯t grasp the current situation. She was still trying to smooth

    things over, saying, ¡°Lysa, there¡¯s no need for formalities. Jose is a kind person. Even if it were a

    stranger, he would take them to the hospital.¡±

    Josiah merely replied, ¡°I¡¯m not exactly that free.¡±

    Tiffany, not expecting him to contradict her so bluntly, paused before adding, ¡°Well, when he¡¯s busy, he

    doesn¡¯t have time. But since we came together, Jose will definitely take care of you.¡±

    At that moment, Josiah¡¯s cell phone buzzed.

    After ncing at it briefly, he hung up and casually slipped his phone into his pocket, seemingly

    unbothered as he watched the liquid drip from the IV bag.

    Tiffany asked, ¡°Jose, is that my dad?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± He looked up at the IV drip stand and said to Lysander, ¡°This one¡¯s almost empty. There¡¯s another

    bag of glucose after this, but you¡¯ll need to flush the line in between. I reckon it¡¯ll take over an hour

    more.¡±

    As he was speaking, his phone buzzed again.

    With a sigh, Lysander suggested, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you should probably take that call first.¡±

    When Josiah nced at the caller ID, his expression became serious. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back after taking this

    1/4

    09:14 Sat, 8 Jun

    Chapter 492 The Bite Mark On Josiah

    Lysander nodded.

    ¡°Tiffany, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to look after Lysander,¡± Josial said.

    Tiffany nodded obediently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Jose. I¡¯ll take good care of Lysa.

    Josiah¡¯s attempt to use this as an opportunity to get rid of Tiffany failed. Responding with a slight nod,

    he then turned to Lysander and asked, ¡°Is there anything else you need me to bring over?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No, thank you, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Once Josiah left, only Tiffany remained in the room to apany Lysander.

    The difference in the life experiences of the two women was much greater than the difference in their

    ages. Being in the same room made Lysander feel as if she had gone back to two years ago when she

    first started mentoring Lynn

    Back then, when Lynn had just graduated from university, she was nothing more than a naive and

    clueless graduate.

    When she first arrived, she was a bit intimidated by Lysander. However, it got better as they got to

    know each other better. Lysander eventually discovered that Lynn was actually quite the entric

    character.

    Reflecting on the grand promises she had made in front of Josiah, Tiffany strived to do well in taking

    care of Lysander. ¡°Lysa, would you like some more porridge?¡±

    ¡°No need. I¡¯m not hungry right now. Thanks though.¡±

    Tiffany nced at the cup and asked again, ¡°Shall I pour you some water then?¡±

    Somewhat amused and exasperated, Lysander replied, ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty. Please, take a seat. I don¡¯t

    need anything else. You can just sit down.¡±

    ¡°How about I tell you a joke?¡± Tiffany offered again.

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Tiffany was about to tell a joke when the door to the ward was pushed open again. It was the medical

    worker making rounds.

    The doctor picked up the record book hanging at the foot of the bed and asked, ¡°Did you have your

    temperature taken yesterday?¡±

    The timing of Josiah¡¯s departure was truly unfortunate.

    Lysander had slept from the day before, so she had no idea if her temperature had been taken.

    Fortunately, it should have been noted in the record book. The doctor flipped through it and nodded.

    ¡°Yes, your temperature has stabilized, but the inmmation is still present. We¡¯ll have to administer

    fluids to you for a few more days.¡±

    Josiah did tell her that she had to be hospitalized for seven more days.

    The doctor nced at the IV drip once more before asking, ¡°Is this your sister or your sister¨Cinw?

    Where¡¯s your husband? Did he step out?¡±

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    Lysander quickly waved her hand. ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that¡­¡±

    ¡°Doctor, you¡¯re mistaken. The man who was here carlier isn¡¯t Lysa¡¯s husband. They are just

    acquaintances who aren¡¯t very close.¡±

    A hint of surprise shed across the doctor¡¯s eyes. ¡°If he¡¯s not your husband, why was he wiping you

    down to reduce your feverst night?¡±

    Oh no.

    Lysander had no idea about that at all.

    She was still wearing her own clothes and hadn¡¯t changed into a hospital gown. Who would have

    thought¡­

    Tiffany was also puzzled. ¡°Wipe her down?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Maybe he just wiped my hands. Using alcohol to wipe the palms can count as a form of

    physical cooling.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it.¡± the doctor continued, ¡°He must have wiped you down. He went to the pantry several

    times to get hot water. The pantry is right next to the nurse¡¯s station, I¡¯ve seen him making quite a few

    trips there. Just wiping your hands wouldn¡¯t use that much water, would it?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say,

    Tiffany stood there, mouth agape.

    The doctor, realizing the potential misunderstanding, quickly added, ¡°Look, I didn¡¯t actually see him

    wiping your body. He might have just thought the air in the room was too dry. Hospitals don¡¯t have

    humidifiers, so he could have been using hot water to humidify the air¡­ Anyway, take care and call if

    you need anything. I have other patients to check on, so I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    After the doctor left, Tiffany turned to look at Lysander, looking somewhat bewildered.

    Lysander said, ¡°The air at Apex City is quite dry, and Mr. Guerra is a meticulous

    Tiffany opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but she hesitated.

    She seemed to be holding onto a big secret.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Ms. Lanister, is there something you want to say?¡±

    person.

    Suddenly, Tiffany¡¯s face turned bright red. ¡°Lysa, please don¡¯t be upset about what I¡¯m about to tell

    you.¡±

    This piqued Lysander¡¯s curiosity. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps Jose didn¡¯t bring you to the hospital specifically. I suspect¡­ he brought you here because it

    was convenient for him.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Tiffany leaned in and whispered, ¡°Do you remember I told you that Jose has someone truly special in

    his heart?¡±

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    Chapter 492 The Bite Mark On Josiah

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen that woman, Tiffany whispered, discreetly pointing toward the adjacent room, ¡°When I

    first arrived, I saw a girl in the room next door. She seemed vaguely familiar at first, but after hearing

    what the doctor said, I remembered who she was. She spoke at the summit yesterday!¡±

    This time, it was Lysander¡¯s turn to be confused.

    Tiffany continued excitedly. ¡°It must be her! I always wondered why Jose decided toe all the way

    here suddenly when he hadn¡¯t attended the summit for years. He must have had a reason! I noticed

    her when she spoke yesterday. She¡¯s both beautiful and formidable. That¡¯s just the type that Jose

    likes!¡±

    ¡°How do you know?¡±

    ¡°Because she¡¯s just like Lyss!¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ This is merely a spection. Let¡¯s not discuss this matter further. If we¡¯re wrong, we may cause

    innecessary distress to thedy.¡±

    Let me share another secret with you.¡± Tiffany leaned in closer and whispered, ¡°When Jose left just

    now, I noticed a bite mark on his neck. It was definitely left by a woman.¡±

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    1.IK

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    Chapter 493

    Chapter 493 Excited

    The expression on Lysander¡¯s face changed in an instant.

    The events of the previous night were a bit of a blur to her.

    She vaguely remembered how Josiah had driven her to the brink of insanity, causing her to push him

    away while crying out. When she found herself unable to push him any further, she resorted to biting

    him in desperation.

    As for where she bit him, it was hard to tell. The room was pitch ck at the time, and her mind was in

    such a haze that she couldn¡¯t be sure.

    However, she regretted it up until now.

    She had assumed that after feeling pain, Josiah would let her go. To her surprise, he became even

    excited and unrestrained.

    When Lysander heard the turmoil caused by this bite mark, she truly didn¡¯t know what to say.

    Before long, Josiah, who had stepped out to fetch some items from the hospital entrance, returned

    laden with several bags. The first thing he noticed upon entering the ward was the IV pole with an IV

    drip hanging from it. Only then did he turn his attention to Tiffany, who was seated by the bed.

    Tiffany¡¯s checks had a rosy blush as she said, ¡°Jose, you¡¯re back.¡±

    Josiah nced at her and asked, ¡°Why is your face so red? You don¡¯t have a fever, do you?¡±

    ¡°No, no. It¡¯s just too hot in here.¡±

    After asking that question, Josiah didn¡¯t immediately expect an answer from her. Instead, he simply

    went about his business and set down the items he had been carrying.

    Suddenly, his expression changed.

    Lysander followed the sound and noticed that the IV tube had somehow backflowed with blood, its

    bright red color ring.

    Remembering the promise she made to Josiah when he left. Tiffany¡¯s face turned pale with fear. ¡°Oh

    my God, there¡¯s so much blood¡­¡± she eximed.

    As a surgeon who had operated before, Lysander had seen scenarios far more terrifying than this.

    Composing herself, she said, ¡°It¡¯s just a back flow, it¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t be scared.¡±

    Josiah had already pressed the call bell. Raising his eyebrows in displeasure, he asked, ¡°What do you

    mean by just a back flow?¡±

    As they were talking, the nurse had already rushed over. Upon seeing the blood in the IV tube, she

    calmly flicked the tube to let the blood flow back before proceeding to remove the needle and rece it

    with a

    new one.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone turn it off after the IV drip was finished?¡±

    Feeling a pang of guilt, Tiffany replied, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. Ipletely lost track of time while chatting with

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    Chapter 493 Excited.

    Josiah¡¯s expression was somewhat bitter when he said, ¡°You should go back. I¡¯ll stay here by myself.¡±

    Lysander gave him a pat. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, Mr. Guerra. It¡¯s just a back flow. Don¡¯t scare Ms. Lanister.¡±

    ¡°And you.¡± Josiah turned to Lysander, clearly irritated. ¡°What were you chatting so happily about? As a

    medical professional, how could you not notice the back flow?¡±

    Lysander choked. ¡°We¡­ were talking about you.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡±

    Lynn quickly stood up, interrupting, ¡°Lysa, take good care of yourself. If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be on

    my way.¡±

    Lysander gave her a nod. ¡°Thanks for the oatmeal today.¡±

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    Tiffany smiled, then quickly ran off.

    Josiah showed absolutely no intention of chasing after her. He didn¡¯t even move an inch.

    Lysander asked Josiah. ¡°Are you just going to let Tiffany go back alone?¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t quite catch what she was implying. ¡°I¡¯m not her personal chauffeur.¡±

    After saying that, he realized that he had been a bit too irritable just now.

    He softened his voice and asked, ¡°Does the back flow hurt?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    After hearing her reply, Josiah felt a pang in his heart. He seemed like a different personpared to

    earlier, saying, ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to be harsh with you earlier. I guess I was just upset because I care

    about

    you.

    Lysander could tell that he was tired judging from the way his brows were scrunched together, and she

    could probably guess why.

    Two nights ago, he had spent the entire night fussing over her without sleeping. He probably also

    stayed up the whole nightst night monitoring her temperature.

    Even strongest person would eventually run out of energy.

    Seeing that Lysander remained silent, Josiah helped her back onto the bed. He was particrly careful

    with her hand which had the needle in it. Then, he took out a hand warmer from his bag and ced it in

    her palm. ¡°That day.. I was also provoked by the note Adrian wrote. I really didn¡¯t n to do anything¡±

    At the thought of that note, Lysander frowned too.

    If Adrian asks me about it after I return, what should I say? What a headache.

    Lysander was too sick to argue with him. She leaned back on her hospital bed and sighed. ¡°I never

    thought I¡¯d fly all the way from Harborbrook to Apex City just to visit the hospital.¡±

    Josiah responded, ¡°How does itpare to the Central Hospital?¡±

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    Lysander nced around the room and replied. ¡°This ward is a bit outdated. It doesn¡¯t have the modern

    amenities of Central Hospital, but this isn¡¯t a main issue here. As long as it can treat patients, it¡¯s a

    good hospital.¡±

    Josiah said. ¡°The weather here can¡¯tpare to Harborbrook too. The air in Apex City is too dry.¡±

    Instantly, a jolt sur

    through Lysander¡¯s heart.

    ¡°There should be a humidifier in the ward. Otherwise, it¡¯s only a matter of time before one gets a fever.¡±

    Lysander rubbed her nose, remaining silent.

    Noticing her unnatural expression, Josiah asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lysander caught a glimpse of the bite mark on his neck.

    She turned her back and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I want to sleep now.¡±

    Josiah helped her adjust the nket gently as he said, ¡°You should. I¡¯m here watching over you. I won¡¯t

    let anything bad happen again.¡±

    Before long, the sound of her steady and prolonged breathing could be heard.

    Josiah studied her for a moment, then lowered his gaze to observe the hand with the needle.

    Perhaps it was due to the continuous IV drips, the veins on the back of her hand were already clearly

    visible. He gently ced his hand over hers while using his other hand to pull out his phone and check

    something.

    On the first day of the summit, he had indeed made an appearance. However, if he didn¡¯t show up

    afterward, despite many people somehow getting wind of the news and sending fruit baskets to the

    ward, it would be even harder to keep the news under wraps.

    Still, there had to be an official statement.

    Although Thorne Constructions and Energies had been transferred, Lysander was unable to fully take

    over immediately. Carol had already sent over the most recent documents from Thorne Constructions

    and Energies, and Josiah had no choice but toplete these additional tasks.

    By the time he had meticulously attended to all these matters, it was alreadyte at night.

    In the profound silence, any sound would be more noticeable than ever before.

    The phone that Lysander had ced by her pillow had barely made a buzz when it was swiftly picked

    up by Josiah, who was passing by. He nced at the screen and saw that the iing call was from

    Zachary.

    He went straight to the stairwell with the phone.

    Josiah was in a foul mood. After answering the call, he didn¡¯t utter a word and merely held the phone

    silently against his ear. He was curious to see if Zachary would dare to speak nonsense to Lysander.

    His response was met with a coff. Tsk.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s tone was as annoying as ever. He began with an air of confidence, saying, ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Guerra,

    isn¡¯t

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    Chapter 493 Excited

    There was no need for Josiah to keep him hanging any longer. He asked in an icy tone, ¡°It¡¯s quitete

    now. Do you need something from Lysander?¡±

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    Th

 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494

    Chapter 494 Tutoring With A Professional

    Zachary confidently stated on the other end of the line. ¡°She¡¯s not the one I¡¯m looking for. Mr. Guerra,

    from the start. it is you that I want to talk to. I just don¡¯t have your phone number and have no idea who

    to ask, so I have no choice but to call Lysander.

    Then he enthusiastically added, ¡°See, I knew I was right. Lysander must have already gone to sleep at

    this hour. When I called her, you answered, didn¡¯t you? Allow me to be the first to congratte you on

    finally getting what you wanted¡±

    Josiah made no attempt to hide his annoyance and disdain toward Zachary. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten what you

    wanted. Why are you still bothering me?¡±

    Zachary responded with a yful grin, ¡°Of course I still need your help, Mr. Guerra. The budget has

    been exceeded slightly, and the project funding is a bit tight. After much thought, I realized I have to

    ask you to approve some additional funds.¡±

    ¡°You think you can just get it done as you please?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s objective was money. He couldn¡¯t care less about Josiah¡¯s contempt. Brushing him off

    nonchntly. Zachary said. ¡°Mr. Guerra, let¡¯s not make the conversation unpleasant. We¡¯re simply

    helping each other out. Since Lysander means so much to you, one can say that I¡¯ve indirectly assisted

    you. Isn¡¯t it only natural that I ask you for a small favor in return?¡±

    ¡°Hal¡± Josiah couldn¡¯t help but scoff at his audacity. His voiceced with a dangerous edge as he

    replied, ¡°No problem. You need funding, right? I¡¯ll approve it for you tomorrow.¡±

    Zachary instantly lit up with joy. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re so generous!¡±

    ¡°If you live to see tomorrow¡¯s sun,¡± Josiah added.

    As soon as these words were spoken, Zachary felt the temperature around him drop significantly. He

    swiftly stood up and cautiously inspected the doors and windows before finally asking apprehensively,

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Josiah calmly said, ¡°I just think it¡¯s easier to solve things once and for all. Mr. Powell, how about I just

    go the extra mile and send you to your good friend Harry to keep himpany?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Zachary initially thought he had Lysander under his control and could constantly reap benefits

    from Josiah. However, he was intimidated just after he had confirmed her importance. Zachary felt

    Extremely unwilling.

    Although Zachary¡¯s forehead was slick with cold sweat, he retorted, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯re living in a

    society governed byw now, so stop trying to intimidate me. Besides, if something happens to me,

    Lysander will definitely suspect you, won¡¯t she?¡±

    In a tone devoid of any emotion, Josiah stated, ¡°I think you¡¯re overestimating yourself. Just like how

    Harry vanished, you can disappear in the same way. It won¡¯t take much effort as it¡¯s a path well¨C

    trodden.¡±

    After delivering his final ultimatum, Josiah paid no heed to Zachary¡¯s rebuttals. Without any hesitation,

    he hung up the phone and deleted the call history before returning to the ward with Lysander¡¯s phone

    in hand.

    -ysander was still in the same sleeping position as when he had left her. Even the neatly tucked

    corners of he quilt hadn¡¯t been diemurbed The only differenz, use the firesumed hverve an her

    normallur cesena.

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    Chapter 494 Tutoring With A Professional

    sleeping face. She seemed to be deeply troubled.

    Josiah returned the phone to its original ce. Then, he gently reached out, intending to soothe her

    worries. However, just before touching her, he chose to withdraw instead.

    It wouldn¡¯t be good to wake her up in case his attempts to soothe her failed.

    Josiah withdrew his hand and returned to his sent by the bedside. Before the nurse in charge of the

    night. shift arrived, he already opened the door for the nurse.

    It was the same nurse from earlier in the day. She couldn¡¯t help but tease, ¡°Staying up all night again,

    are

    ww

    Josiah replied, ¡°Indeed. I didn¡¯t have the chance before, but now I¡¯ll put in more effort.¡±

    The nurse signed off on the form and went out into the hallway to discuss Lysander¡¯s condition with

    him. specifically.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Ms. Thome¡¯s illness isn¡¯t severe. It¡¯s just amon cold and fever. Normally, it wouldn¡¯t be much of a

    concern. However, her body is extremely weak, likely due to years of overworking. Her health is

    already deteriorating, which is why the illness hit her so hard. She must rest more in the future,¡± the

    nurse exined.

    The worry in Josiah¡¯s voice was unmistakable as he looked in the direction of Lysander. His eyes

    different expression now. ¡°Can she still handle high¨Cintensity work?¡±

    held a

    Given Lysander¡¯s personality, she would certainly work overtime to make up for missing the

    conference.

    The nurse repeatedly waved her hand. ¡°Of course not. What job can be more important than health?¡±

    Josiah nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I will do my best to persuade her.¡±

    On the day of returning to Harborbrook, the weather in Apex City was quite pleasant.

    After several days of rest, Lysander had significantly recovered both in terms of her mental state and

    complexion.

    Josiah seemed to have a knack for ordering takeout from unknown ces. Every day, he brought a

    different type of soup, each not only containing medicinal herbs beneficial for one¡¯s vitality, but also

    boasting a rather vorful taste.

    Previously, due to work, Lysander always ate quickly and rarely indulged in soups.

    After her illness, she developed a sudden fondness for soup¨Cmaking.

    The moment they stepped into the terminal, Josiah extended his hand and said, ¡°I¡¯ll need your ID card

    to get the boarding passes. You should

    sit down.¡±

    The airport in Apex City was always teeming with people. Lysander shook her head, saying, ¡°Forget it.

    There are no seats left.¡±

    ¡°There are no seats left in the main hall, but there¡¯s a lounge for first ss ticket owners.¡± Josiah

    pointed to the side.

    ¡°I purchased an economy ss ticket.¡±

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    Chapter 494 Tutoring With A Professional

    Helplessly, Josiah said, ¡°If I apany you in economy ss again, I¡¯ll probably get arthritis at least

    thirty

    years earlier.¡±

    He swiftly took the ID card from her hand and hurried off to the check¨Cin counter.

    When he returned, as expected, her ticket had been upgraded.

    Lysander knew that this amount of money meant little to him. Deciding that further discussion would be

    pointless, she said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The couch in the first¨Css lounge was indeed far morefortable than the row of seats outside.

    Josiah poured himself a ss of water. When he returned to his seat, he casually ced another ss

    of water in front of Lysander. Noticing that she was engrossed in her phone, he took the opportunity to

    sneak a peek at her screen as he passed her the water.

    Just moments ago, she was chatting with Michelle on WhatsApp, but now, she was reading the

    financial

    news.

    ¡°Is Michelle feeling better now?¡± Josiah asked.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I had Lynn check on her in the ward. Her condition is not severe. It¡¯s just that she

    has been afraid of pain since she was little. She must have had a tough time this time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that she¡¯s okay. Stop looking at your phone, you¡¯ve just been discharged from the hospital.

    Take

    some rest now.¡±

    ¡°I had been sleeping in the hospital for several days. Any more rest and I will bepletely useless.¡±

    Moreover, she had traveled a long way to the capital, yet she only attended the summit for one day.

    The rest of her days were spent in the hospital. The more Lysander thought about it, the more she felt

    she was at a loss.

    Josiah was seated to one side. He only had to lower his head slightly to see the contents disyed on

    her

    Screen

    ¡°It¡¯s pointless to look at these. These are just theories. They don¡¯t any real value for reference.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other way to improve quickly?¡±

    ¡°Follow my lead.¡±

    Lysander scoffed, turning her head back to continue looking at her phone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±

    ¡°I do. I didn¡¯t quite gauge your abilities before, but after attending this summit, I¡¯ve gained some insight

    into your position.¡±

    Josiah expressed a hint of satisfaction at her approval. ¡°Isn¡¯t a one¨Con¨Cone tutoring with a professional

    who focuses on your weak areas more beneficial than browsing through those boring slides? I¡¯m not

    charging you, and I¡¯m avable all day! How does that sound?¡±

    Lysander frowned and said nothing-

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    Chapter 494 Tutoring With A Professional

    ¡°What does that look on your face mean? Are you agreeing to it or not?¡± Josiah demanded.

    Lysander turned her phone screen toward him and pointed at the small blue square icon at the bottom

    right corner of her phone. It was a speed dial for the police¡¯s number.

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    Chapter 495

    Chapter 495 Not A Problem

    By the time they returned to Harborbrook, it was already afternoon.

    One by one, the passengers disembarked the ne and waited for their luggage.

    Lysander¡¯s suitcase wasn¡¯t particrlyrge. Just as she was about to lift it down, Josiah had already

    beaten her to it. He effortlessly picked up her suitcase and ced it on the luggage cart.

    Seeing her standing still, he knowingly asked, ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡±

    This ce was nothing like Apex City.

    There were significantly more people in Harborbrook who knew Josiah than in Apex City.

    ¡°Hand it over to me. I can push the luggage cart myself.¡±

    Josiah shifted her hand away and pushed the luggage cart, leading the way ahead. ¡°A single luggage

    cart can hold two suitcases. Let¡¯s not hog public resources,¡± he said.

    Lysander gritted her teeth and chased after him with a quick jog.

    She had assumed that Josiah would walk away faster, but he had stopped not too far ahead, appearing

    somewhat lost in thought as he stared into the distance.

    ¡°Is Lysanne here?¡±

    Regaining hisposure, Josiah furrowed his brow and said, ¡°Can we not bring her up again in the

    future?¡±

    ¡°What were you looking at then?¡±

    Josiah pointed at somewhere not too far from them.

    A petite girl was perched atop a suitcase. Dressed in a white gauzy dress, she was gently pushed

    forward by

    her father.

    ¡°How old is that girl?¡±

    ¡°Probably a little over one year old, but not quite two yet.¡±

    Josiah found himself somewhat entranced as he remarked, ¡°She¡¯s quite adorable.¡±

    A pang struck Lysander¡¯s heart, and she averted her gaze. ¡°All children are adorable. Give me the

    stroller,¡± she said.

    Josiah took a step forward, pushing the cart ahead of her and skillfully avoiding her hand. However, his

    mood had clearly dipped. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve got this,¡± he said.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going this way. I¡¯m heading over there to hail a taxi,¡± Lysander interjected.

    Josiah, however, headed straight for the parking lot. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride home. It¡¯s on the way.¡±

    ¡®I¡¯m not going home.¡±

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    Chapter 495 Not A Problem

    Josiah asked, ¡°Where do you want to go?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the hospital to check on Michelle.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ratherte today. Besides, haven¡¯t you been video calling Michelle every day these past few days?¡±

    Lysander confessed. ¡°I¡¯m worried about her. As long as Zachary is still here. I can¡¯t let my guard down

    completely.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think he dares to make any moves for now.¡±

    ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°I only reminded him to stop pushing his luck.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression suddenly turned serious. ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you ever think about it? His presence is like a ticking time bomb. He is bound to explode sooner

    orter. If he disappears from this world, your family can finally live in peace.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to reply.

    She was unable to answer that question.

    Deep down, she couldn¡¯t deny that the crazy thought had shed across her mind.

    Upon noticing her slightly paleplexion, Josiah chuckled and gently said, ¡°If he had threatened me

    with you in the past, he would have vanished from this world already. But now¡­ I want to build up

    some good karma for our child. I hope she can be reborn into a loving family.

    A dull ache swept over Lysander¡¯s heart. ¡°Can we not talk about this?¡±

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s not talk about it anymore.¡±

    Carol, along with the driver, was already waiting at the arrival gate ahead of time.

    Carol was initially surprised to see Josiah carrying so much stuff with both hands, but then she noticed

    Lysander just a few steps behind him. Her expression turned understanding as she smiled and greeted

    them, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Ms. Thorne.¡±

    Josiah took the opportunity to hand his luggage to the driver, gesturing for him to put it directly into the

    trunk.

    ¡°Carol, it¡¯s been a while. I¡¯m sorry for the trouble Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® affairs have been

    causing you recently. I appreciate you sorting out all the documents. And I owe you one for delivering

    the invitation to the summit to me.¡±

    Carol smiled. ¡°All of this is part of my job. I heard that you¡¯ve been unwell, Ms. Thorne. Are you feeling

    better now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling better now, thank you.¡±

    Lysander was acquainted with Carol. At that moment, she was preupied with greeting her, unaware

    of the driver¡¯s actions. By the time she wanted to grab her luggage, she realized the driver had already

    returned to the car.

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    Chapter 495 Not A Problem

    Josiah casually bent down and seated himself in the back row of the car.

    Seeing Lysander approach, Josiah promptly pushed open the car door and said, ¡°Get in.¡±

    Carol quickly smoothed things over, saying, ¡°Ms. Thorne, please get in the car. After all, you¡¯re now

    living next door to Mr. Guerra. It¡¯s on the way, so you should go back together. It¡¯s quite hard to get a

    taxi at this hour.¡±

    Before Lysander could say anything further, Carol had already swiftly sat on the passenger seat.

    Josiah said, ¡°Come on up. Don¡¯t keep everyone waiting.¡±

    Carol had already settled into the front passenger seat and struck up a conversation with the driver.

    Lysander looked around, left with no other choice but to sit beside Josiah in the back seat.

    Josiah, being considerate, had deliberately moved over to give her ample space, also creating some

    distance between them.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander sat close to the door.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯m not the one driving. You should thank the driver, not me.¡±

    Carol, having witnessed this scene through the rear¨Cview mirror, suspected that they were having a tiff.

    She took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Lysander. ¡°Ms. Thorne, I heard that you n to

    take over Thorne Constructions and Energies upon your return. I¡¯d like to congratte you in advance.

    When we were processing the paperwork, I didn¡¯t expect it would happen so quickly.¡±

    ¡°I never thought this day would actuallye,¡± Lysander confessed. Viewing Carol as a mentor in the

    corporate world, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but admit, ¡°My understanding of the industry and Thorne

    Constructions and Energies is still far from sufficient.¡±

    When Josiah was managing Thorne Constructions and Energies, Carol was his most capable

    assistant. Carol said reassuringly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry too much. The personnel structure of

    Thorne Constructions and Energies isn¡¯tplicated, and the financial situation is pretty decent. It

    might be a bit tough to handle thepany at the start, but if there¡¯s anything you need help with, you

    cane to me.¡±

    Lysander casually asked, ¡°Actually, there is something. Carol, do you have anyone to rmend? If I

    can have an assistant as capable as you, I¡¯m sure we can achieve twice the results with half the effort.¡±

    ¡®Sure, I¡¯ll keep an eye on the current employees at Thorne Constructions and Energies. I¡¯ll provide your

    with a list in a few days for you to take your time and choose from, Ms. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I really appreciate your help.

    Carol replied, ¡°It¡¯s my duty. But after all, I¡¯m just a secretary. It¡¯s difficult for me to assist with business.

    matters. Ms. Thorne, you can ask Mr. Guerra directly about this.¡±

    The smile on Lysander¡¯s face faded slightly.

    t was clear that Carol was speaking up for her own boss.

    Mr. Guerra has other important tasks to attend to. I should start learning on my own first. It won¡¯t be

    right o disturb Mr. Guerra.¡±

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    ¡°It¡¯s not a problem,¡± Josiah said as he leaned on the car window frame with one hand and rubbed his

    temple. Then, he added. ¡°Carol, please inform the reception desk and security. From now on,

    whenever Ms. Thorne arrives, escort her directly to the CEO¡¯s office.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra¡±

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    Chapter 496

    Chapter 496 A Bad Deal

    Lysander said, ¡°Thorne Constructions and Energies is quite far from Guerra Group, so I hardly ever go

    there

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah said. ¡°But you might. By the way. Mc. Collins, can you shortlist some candidates for Lysander¡¯s

    assistant? Once you have a list, run it by me first.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°I can handle that myself. It¡¯s just an assistant after all¡±

    ¡°Do you know any of the employees from Thome Constructions and Energies? And how much do you

    know about them?¡±

    Lysander stayed silent.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check them out for you first. Their abilities can becking, but their character can¡¯t.¡±

    Carol also chimed in. ¡°Ms. Thorne, Mr. Guerra¡¯s concerns aren¡¯t unfounded. After all, you¡¯re just

    starting out in a new field, and if you encounter an assistant with ulterior motives, it¡¯s easy to be taken

    advantage of, so it¡¯s better to let Mr. Guerra review them in advance.¡±

    After hearing Carol¡¯s words, Lysander didn¡¯t insist any further.

    Her phone vibrated.

    It was a message from Adrian, which read: Have you gotten off the ne yet?

    Adrian called her before she left that morning.

    He insisted on picking her up from the airport upon learning that she was flying back to Harborbrook

    that night. It took quite an effort for Lysander to convince him not to, as she nned to take a taxi to the

    hospital to visit Michelle.

    Although Adrian finally agreed, he still texted right when the nended.

    Nonchntly running his fingers through his hair, Josiah nced at the screen. ¡°Is it Michelle, or Mr.

    Thorner

    With swift agility, Lysander quickly turned off the screen.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to respond?¡±

    After some consideration, Lysander turned her body away, shielding her phone from his view as she

    swiftly replied to Adrian¡¯s message: Yep, I did, and I¡¯m already on my way.

    Adrian¡¯s response came almost instantly: All right. I¡¯ll wait for you downstairs.

    Lysander: It¡¯s fine.

    Adrian: I can bring White Couf over too.

    ¡°It¡¯s already sote. Can¡¯t he bring it tomorrow?¡±

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    Chapter 496 A Bad Deal

    Lysander was taken aback and discontentedly expressed, ¡°Do you know what privacy means, Mr.

    Guerra?¡±

    ¡°I identally glimpsed it. Perhaps you should consider getting a privacy screen protector next time.¡±

    Lysander ignored him.

    Just as the car approached the toll booth, it slowed down to enter the electronic toll collection gate.

    She turned her gaze toward the window, noticing the darkening sky. After they left the expressway, the

    scenery flying past the car window suddenly felt unfamiliar.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Ms. Collins, did we take the wrong exit? This isn¡¯t the way home.¡±

    Carol noticed her anxiety and gently assured, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you fell ill in Apex City and have only just

    recovered. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be so busy studying and reviewing once you get home that you¡¯ll neglect your

    well¨Cbeing. Instead of letting that happen, it might be better to find a ce to rest and recuperate.¡±

    Lysander immediately turned her head to look at Josiah.

    Josiah didn¡¯t object, instead, he turned to Carol and asked, ¡°Have you reserved the rooms at the

    resort?¡±

    ¡°Everything has been arranged.¡±

    ¡°Contact the hotel. Have them deliver dinner to our rooms once we arrive.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Lysander took a deep breath, calmly stating, ¡°I¡¯m not going to the resort. I have a home, and White

    Coat is still waiting for me.¡±

    ¡°Is White Coat waiting for you, or is it Adrian?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t reply.

    Josiah frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wouldn¡¯t give him hope? Then you should stop seeing him.¡±

    ¡°But he¡¯s already waiting downstairs, and my dog is with him.¡±

    ¡°Then send him a message, and tell him not to wait.¡±

    Seeing Josiah so unconcerned, Lysander told the driver, ¡°Could you please drop me off at the

    intersection ahead?¡±

    Josiah was prepared ahead of time and knocked on the car window. ¡°No stopping is allowed on this

    entire

    road.¡±

    Josiah, I can rest at home too. It doesn¡¯t have to be at a resort.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond, instead, he patted the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Speed up.¡±

    The car sped wildly down the road and half an hourter, it came to a halt in front of the resort

    entrance.

    The driver got out of the car first, proceeding to unload the luggage from the trunk. Meanwhile, Carol.

    hurried over to the reception desk, exchanging a few words with the receptionist.

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    When she returned, she reported. ¡°Mr. Guerra, everything has been arranged.¡±

    ¡°All right, you should be heading back too. You¡¯ve worked hard tonight.¡±

    ¡°As I should.¡± Carol turned to Lysanne. ¡°Ms. Thorne, please take good care of yourself over the next

    few days. I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡±

    Lysander scrutinized Josiah with a skeptical gaze.

    Josiah stood tall and elegantly at the resort entrance, urging impatiently, ¡°What are you waiting for? Go

    look at your room. Don¡¯t worry, I had Ms. Collins reserve two rooms for us.

    Does that make a difference? The entire resort is his

    Once Lysander finished venting her frustrations, she had no choice but to follow him reluctantly, feeling

    utterly hopeless. The only thing she could do was figure out his intentions before deciding her next

    move.

    They had already handed their luggage to the bellboy, and took the elevator, heading straight to the top

    floor, which offered the best view.

    Josiah took the lead, guiding Lysander. After using the keycard to unlock the door, he casually handed

    it to her, stating. ¡°You¡¯ll be staying here for now.¡±

    The room was the same one she had stayed in when she returned from Stouniast time.

    Lysander straightforwardly asked. ¡°Tell me. Why did you bring me here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, I just want you to get some proper rest,¡± Josiah said, feeling rather disgruntled as she

    looked at him with such wary eyes. ¡°What do you think I¡¯m going to do? We live in a society governed

    byw, Do you really think I could confine you against your will? Though, I wish I could.¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless.

    ¡°Did you tell Adrian? Don¡¯t keep him waiting.

    Lysander took a deep breath, frustrated at his nonchnce. ¡°I¡¯ve already told him on the way here,¡±

    she said.

    ¡°Oh, what did he say?¡±

    ¡°Why do you care about what he said?¡±

    With an impassive demeanor, Josiah casually said, ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and talk.¡±

    A rather exquisite coffee table sat in front of the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window.

    Lysander sat across from him, looking straight into his eyes, she said, ¡°If you have something to say,

    just say it

    Josiah spoke unhurriedly, his voice rich and pleasing to the ear. His expression, however, had shifted

    from the previously casual and yful demeanor to a serious one. ¡°Lysander, I admire your courage in

    taking over Thorne Constructions and Energies, but you need to understand that this isn¡¯t like

    performing

    surgery.

    You can¡¯t just follow a set procedure and expect it to work,¡± he said earnestly.

    At his advice. Lysander¡¯s expression softened slightly I¡¯m aware of that.¡±

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    Chapter 496 A Bad Deal

    ¡°Stay here for the next few days, and I¡¯ll go through thepany¡¯s structure, main business processes,

    and important clients with you. Learn as much as you can. It would take too long to start from theory, so

    if your want to get the hang of things quickly, it¡¯s better to improve in a specific area first, and then

    expand from there, broadening yourfort zone. This is the most direct and practical method to get

    you up to speed.¡±

    Lysander had never seen him discussing serious matters.

    It was the first time Josiah had formally discussed work matters with her.

    She too started taking things seriously. After pondering his advice, she nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Get some rest tonight, and we¡¯ll start from tomorrow morning¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡± she called out. ¡°Tell me the price I need to pay first.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°What are you afraid of?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t say anything.

    Josiah had never intended to hide anything from her, so since she asked, he replied calmly, ¡°Well, it¡¯s

    true that I don¡¯t entertain bad deals.

    Lysander remained silent, waiting for him to make his point.

    Josiah lifted his gaze, meeting her eyes. ¡°I want a child.¡±

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497

    Chapter 497 Unable To Pay The Equivalent Price.

    As Josiah¡¯s words fell, the room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Lysander widened her eyes, staring at Josiah¡¯s prominent features for a good while before she

    managed to suppress the anger on her face.

    She recalled the little girl she had seen at the airport earlier that day, sitting atop a suitcase under her

    father¡¯s watchful protection. Josiah had observed her for quite some time.

    ¡°You¡­ Lysander felt a lump in her throat. ¡°Why don¡¯t you find a woman then? With your charm, Mr.

    Guerra, many women are willing to have your children.¡±

    Josiah stared at her. ¡°I want you to give me a child.¡±

    He noticed that Lysander¡¯s hand, hanging by her side, had clenched into a tight fist. A trace of pain

    shed across her face.

    She had said that too many obstacles stood between them at Apex City¡¯s hospital.

    However, the fact remained that he couldpensate her a thousand times over for all his past

    experiences with Lysanne.

    Yet, he knew very well that none of those were the greatest torment in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    The one thing that could always crumble her defenses was the topic of children.

    When he saw the page filled with ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± in her cherished diary, he understood how much she was

    suffering inside.

    At first nce. Lysander appeared to be an obedient girl, her usual demeanor leaning toward the

    gentle sider Yet, deep down, she harbored a streak of stubborn tenacity.

    The child was the deepest scar in her heart. Although it seemed to have healed on the surface, peeling

    back the thin scab would reveal the wound still festering within.

    That child would forever remain a barrier between the two of them.

    Josiah sighed, his demeanor bing increasinglyposed. ¡°I truly yearn for a child, very deeply.¡±

    Lysander inhaled sharply, gripping the edge of the tea table as she retorted, ¡°But what does this have

    to do with me?¡±

    A hint of sadness was evident in Josiah¡¯s gaze. ¡°I want her toe back,¡± he said.

    They were well aware of who the ¡°her¡± referred to.

    Lysander sneered. ¡°Are you worthy?¡±

    This matter should have been a taboo between them.

    It was better left unmentioned. Once brought up, it was like a double¨Cedged mallet, sharp beyond

    belief.

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    Chapter 497 Unable To Pay The Equivalent Price

    ¡°Lysander, this wasn¡¯t your fault. The choice you made back then wasn¡¯t wrong.

    7%

    ¡°Enough.¡± Lysander stood up at the same time she caught Josialf¡¯s words, her expression changing

    dramatically. ¡°Are you mad or sick? You dragged me here in the middle of the night merely to say this?

    What do you take me for? A surrogate mother? A childbearing machine? If you want a child, it¡¯s easy.

    Just lift a finger, and a swarm of women will fight to give you one! Go ahead, have as many as you

    want. After all, you, Mr. Guerra, can certainly afford to raise them!¡±

    As Lysander¡¯s emotions gradually spiraled out of control, Josiah¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed violently, a

    complex mix of emotions simmering in his eyes.

    He truly managed to frighten Lysander.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Josiah stood up with her, intending to move closer before exining, but she forcefully pushed him

    away.

    He could only step back slightly. ¡°But we have to ovee this hurdle, right?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t do it.¡± Lysander¡¯s entire body trembled. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to, not in this lifetime.¡±

    The room was eerily quiet. Even if one strained their ears to listen, all they could hear was the sound of

    the wind rustling the leaves outside.

    Lysander closed her eyes and turned her back, choosing not to look at him anymore.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°You need not trouble yourself with the affairs of Thorne Constructions and Energies. If I

    can shoulder this responsibility, I will. If I can¡¯t, I¡¯ll stay with Molly in the hospital and let Howard

    manage thepany. From now on, you need not worry about us, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Josiah was rendered speechless.

    ¡°Leave. I don¡¯t want to see you right now,¡± she said.

    Josiah stared at her back. A long whileter, he finally realized he couldn¡¯t stay there any longer. He

    took the initiative to excuse himself, saying, ¡°I live next door. If you wish to understand something,

    come over anytime.¡±

    ¡°Show yourself out.¡±

    Josiah appeared calm andposed as he walked to the door. Turning back, he added, ¡°By the way,

    the doctor mentioned that you must take good care of your health right now. So, rest first, at least for

    the time being. I won¡¯t let you overwork yourself. I¡¯ll handle Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® affairs.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare. You don¡¯t engage in a losing deal, and I can¡¯t afford the equivalent price, so I wouldn¡¯t

    dare to trouble you, Mr. Guerra.¡±

    The phone in Josiah¡¯s pocket began to ring. Seeing that the call was from Carol, he reluctantly decided

    to put everything on hold and stepped out to answer the call.

    ¡°Today, I was in the wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have brought up the child at this time. I¡¯m leaving now. Rest

    early.¡±

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    Chapter 497 Unable To Pay The Equivalent Price

    With a soft click, Lysander found herself alone in the room. She sighed with relief, intending to organize

    the pile of luggage on the floor first. However, she wasn¡¯t in the mood and returned to her seat by the

    coffee table..

    Just then, Daphne¡¯s call came through.

    ¡°Lysander, I heard from Adrian that you didn¡¯t go home after getting off the ne. Did you go to the

    hospital to see Michelle?¡±

    At this point, Lysander waspletely flustered. ¡°Not yet.¡±

    She told Daphine what had just transpired, assuming thetter would passionatelysh out, furiously

    scolding Josiah.

    However, this time, Daphne fell silent after hearing everything.

    After waiting a while and noticing that Daphne remained silent, Lysander called, ¡°Daphne?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Daphne¡¯s voice was somewhat strained. ¡°Lysander, my dad told me some things.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°When he was apanying my grandma abroad, the best neurosurgery specialist in the world

    operated on her. After the surgery, the care was provided by the most professional medical team. And-

    Lysander waited for her to continue.

    Daphne¡¯s voice was somewhat strained. ¡°About five or six days ago, the ountant called my dad,

    saying that an extra fifty million had appeared in thepany¡¯s ount, transferred from Guerra

    Group.¡±

    Lysander was struck dumb.

    Daphne continued, ¡°My grandma¡¯s life and my family¡¯spany¡­ I¡¯ve pondered a lot these past few

    days. Essentially, Josiah reached out because of you. The despicable things he did in the past are

    indeed hateful. If it weren¡¯t for these two matters, I would¡¯ve certainly confronted him and given him a

    piece of my mind. But now. I¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯s grip tightened on her phone.

    ¡°But I didn¡¯t let my dad touch this money. If you still decide to go separate ways with Josiah, I¡¯ll return

    every penny untouched,¡± Daphne vowed.

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 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498

    Chapter 498 No One Could Stop Him

    Lysander let out a deep sigh. ¡°You may use the money first.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯re really going to have a child for him?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s gone mad, not me,¡± Lysander said. ¡°So Daphne, you need to pull yourself together, stand tall,

    make a lot of money. Then we can pay him back, with interest, in the future.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Daphne couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Forget it,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve given it a try recently and

    I¡¯ve realized that I¡¯m simply not cut out for business. Even my dad has given up on me.¡±

    ¡°So, are you really not going to continue with your family business?¡±

    ¡°Of course, why wouldn¡¯t I? It represents my parents¡® lifelong dedication after all,¡± Daphne said.

    ¡°Lysander, I think my dad might be right. If I can¡¯t do it myself, then I¡¯ll find someone who can.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t quite catch that. Are you nning to hire someone?¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, I want to get married.¡±

    Astonished, Lysander asked, ¡°Are you also nning to marry into a wealthy second¨Cgeneration

    family?¡±

    ¡°Ha, these second¨Cgeneration folks in our circle, they¡¯re either yboys like Aiden, or they¡¯re just

    average, not even as good as me. Trustworthy? None of them are. Oh right, if there¡¯s anyone reliable,

    it¡¯s Adrian. But his heart isn¡¯t in this, and he¡¯spletely smitten with you.¡±

    When it came to Adrian, it was challenging for Lysander to describe the feelings in her heart at that

    time.

    Guilt, sadness, or perhaps, regret.

    Had she initially met Adrian first, and it was he she had married, perhaps they truly would have been a

    simple yet loving couple.

    It wasn¡¯t exactly love, but at the very least, there was no betrayal.

    Love, it was the most luxurious indulgence in the world.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s your n? Going on a blind date?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m nning to find someone who may note from a good background, but has decent

    capabilities and potential.¡±

    rm bells rang in Lysander¡¯s heart immediately. ¡°You¡¯ve been at a disadvantage with Harry before,

    why would you seek out the same situation again? What if he turns out to be like Zachary, then what

    will you¡­¡±

    ¡°Ah, thest time I fell for Harry, it was due to my youth and genuine feelings. But things are different

    now. I¡¯ve already sealed my heart. As long as I don¡¯t fall in, I won¡¯t get hurt. Besides, I¡¯ve gained

    experience. Thepany is still under my father¡¯s control. I can offer him a high position, or a high

    dividend, but I won¡¯t give him a single share.

    Lysander felt a pang of uneasiness in her heart. ¡°But such a marriage¡­ are you willing to ept it?¡±

    ¡°My parents had protected me for over twenty years It¡¯s time I make my own sacrifices. Honestly, I

    never

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    Chapter 498 No One Could Stop Him.

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    mistress who¡¯s a university student, or even if he had a bunch of women on the side. When ites

    down to it, ours is a partnership. He manages thepany for me, and in return, I offer him a chance

    to change

    his fate.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t know what to say to console her best friend.

    She wasn¡¯t even sure if she should offer advice.

    After all, in the realm of marriage, she was also a failure.

    ¡°Right. I didn¡¯te up with this arrangement myself. I know of a financial firm in Hofcaster that

    operates this way. The elderly couple has stepped back, and their daughter married a very capable

    man from a humble background. On the surface, they are a married couple, but privately, they lead

    separate lives. The man runs thepany quite well, and even brought his university girlfriend into the

    company to be his secretary. They are inseparable. His wife only asked one question, ¡®Can she help

    you work better for thepany? The man said yes, and not only did his wife agree, she even gets

    along well with the female

    secretary.¡±

    After hearing everything. Lysander was astounded. ¡°Is that even possible?¡±

    Daphne, however, said, ¡°Haha, I actually find this arrangement quite appealing. As long as he c

    can effectively manage thepany, I can even take his woman out for shopping and coffee!¡±

    ¡°I still feel like something¡¯s not quite right. Don¡¯t rush, take some more time to think it over.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Daphne asked her, ¡°What about you? The matter of wanting a child, Josiah is probably not

    joking about it. He¡¯s serious. If he truly sets his mind to it, I¡¯m afraid¡­ no one can stop him.¡±

    Lysander tilted her head back to gaze at the valley outside, sighing. ¡°He surely wouldn¡¯t tie me up and

    confine me to the bed to have a child, would he?¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Lysander intended to open her suitcase to find some clothes to change

    into. However, upon approaching it, she noticed several additional paper bags next to the suitcase.

    Lysander was certain that this was something left behind by Josiah. Despite her confusion, she didn¡¯t

    exercise much caution. She immediately reached out, opened it, and took a look.

    She found several sets of clothes neatly packed inside, ranging from outerwear and shoes to

    underwear, allplete. They were all from the brands she was ustomed to wearing on a regr

    basis.

    She reckoned these items were probably prepared by Carol.

    However, the brand and size of the lingerie must have been informed to her by Josiah

    Lysander slipped into a pale yellow dress and casually gathered her loose, long hair. With her phone

    and room key in hand, she then headed downstairs.

    She was in a state of emotional turmoil. If she continued to confine herself in her room, she feared she

    might fall ill from the suffocation.

    The vacation resort was a peaceful retreat, far removed from the city¡¯s hustle and bustle. Despite its

    remote location, itcked nothing in terms of amenities. A short walk through the grand lobby

    downstairs led straight to the back gard¨¦n.

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    Chapter 498 No One Could Stop Him

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    Lysander had confirmed the direction of the garden on the sign in the lobby. However, as she turned.

    around, she found herself locking eyes with a woman standing nearby, who was looking at her with

    great interest.

    The gaze wasn¡¯t exactly malicious, but it gave Lysander an ufortable feeling of being watched.

    The woman was strikingly dressed, her attire alluring despite the chill of the mountain air. She wore a

    bold, red dress, daringly cut to reveal her arms and legs, its vibrancy impossible to ignore. Her hair,

    long and wavy, added to her unforgettable appearance. Anyone who saw her would find it difficult to

    forget such a sight.

    Lysander remembered her as Amelia, the one she had previously encountered at the karaoke lounge.

    As Lysander passed by her, she caught a distinct whiff of the woman¡¯s perfume.

    ¡°Excuse me, I need to get by.¡±

    Without a second thought, Amelia showed her the way to the garden, a subtle hint of amusement.

    twinkling in her eyes. As she was about to leave the hall, Amelia simply decided to follow her,¡±

    Lysander noticed Amelia¡¯s subtle actions, but she chose to act oblivious, continuing her walk and

    admiring the flowers.

    The garden was strewn with cobblestones all around. If one followed the path, passing by the fountain,

    it would lead one to the greenhouse tucked away in the corner. Inside, one could find a variety of

    nts, all cultivated for a greenhouse environment.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t particrly interested in flowers, but to figure out Amelia¡¯s intentions, she deliberately

    strolled toward the corner. Then, as Amelia followed her into the greenhouse, she suddenly turned

    around, effectively trapping Amelia inside.

    Slightly taken aback, Amelia touched her chest and said, ¡°Ms. Thorne, what are you doing? You gave

    me quite a fright¡­¡±

    ¡°I was about to ask you the same thing.¡± Lysander¡¯s intense gaze confronted Amelia as she questioned

    Amelia. ¡°From the moment I appeared in the hotel lobby, you¡¯ve been following me relentlessly, even to

    this point. Do you have something to say to me?¡±

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 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499

    Chapter 499 I Rejected Him

    During the evening, there were hardly any people in the garden. Such a situation couldn¡¯t simply be

    exined away as a mere coincidence.

    Amelia blinked, twirling a strand of hair, she said, ¡°You¡¯re Lysander, right? Don¡¯t get me wrong. I¡¯m not

    referring to the one who¡¯s still hung up on Mr. Guerra.¡±

    It seemed she knew quite a bit about Josiah.

    Lysander admitted. ¡°Did you need something from me?¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t anything significant. I just didn¡¯t expect to run into you here, so I couldn¡¯t help but take a few

    extra nces.¡± Amelia spoke with augh in her voice, her tone surprisingly not off¨Cputting

    ¡°What are you looking at me for?¡±

    Amelia tilted her head and let out a chuckle, abruptly changing the subject. ¡°Ms. Thorne, your outfit is

    quite stunning,¡± she praised. ¡°Would you mind telling me where you got it? I¡¯d love to try something

    simr.

    Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°So, you¡¯ve followed me all this time just to ask about my clothes?¡± Lysander naturally didn¡¯t believe it

    and stated bluntly, ¡°What I¡¯m wearing might not exactly match your style.¡±

    Amelia¡¯s attire was incredibly bold, her makeup even more so, favoring the fiery red lip look of a

    dominant woman. To her, Lysander¡¯s dress was so in it bordered on boring. Yet, Amelia sincerely

    said, ¡°No, I really like it.

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lysander asked.

    With a sly smile, Amelia said, ¡°Because this outfit was personally selected for you by Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Recently, Lysander had been dealing with oneplex situation after another. She really didn¡¯t have

    the extra energy to decipher the hidden meanings in Amelia¡¯s words. She went straight to the

    greenhouse, found a rocking chair, sat down, and asked, ¡°You have something to say, just spit it out.

    We met at the karaoke loungest time. Your name is Amelia Scott, right?¡±

    The name was something Tiffany had told her, and Lysander could only hope she hadn¡¯t

    misremembered

    1. it.

    ¡°Indeed, my name is Amelia Scott. I didn¡¯t expect that our brief encounterst time would leave

    such an impression on you, Ms. Thorne. I suppose it¡¯s probably because Mr. Guerra was there at

    the time too,¡± Amelia said, taking the opportunity to sit down across from Lysander.

    The atmosphere within the greenhouse was serene and tranquil, making it an ideal spot for

    conversations.

    With a smile, Lysander remained silent, her gaze filled with caution.

    There were more women around Josiah than she had anticipated, but she was oblivious to this

    fact. Amelia was also at the resort hotel that day. Did Josiah know about this?

    Seeing that she had no intention of speaking further, Amelia took the initiative and began, ¡°If we¡¯re

    being exact, our first meeting was actually at the karaoke lounge. However, the circumstances

    then weren¡¯t quite ideal. Perhaps, it¡¯s best if we forget about that. Let¡¯s just pretend that today is

    the first time we¡¯ve met, shall

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    Chapter 4901 Rejected Him

    Lysander preferred to skip these unnecessary pleasantries. ¡°We didn¡¯t have much to do with each

    other in the past, and I doubt we will in the future. There really is no need for us to get acquainted.¡±

    ¡°Who said there wasn¡¯t? Don¡¯t we both know Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Lysander patiently exined to her, ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you know, or if you¡¯re here today to test me

    or to directly ask me to stay away from Josiah. But I¡¯ll say this, I¡¯m the one who rejected him.

    Whoever wants

    him can have him.¡±

    Amelia studied her intently, her gaze filled withplex emotions as she said, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you

    truly are nothing like those naive and simple¨Cminded girls out there. One is foolish, the other is

    clueless, so no wonder they couldn¡¯t catch Mr. Guerra¡¯s attention.¡±

    Amelia was undoubtedly referring to Lysanne and Tiffany.

    Lysander suspected that if she wasn¡¯t in front of him at this moment, she would probably be

    making up nicknames. She then said indifferently. ¡°That¡¯s their business. You didn¡¯t need toe

    and tell me. Or is it that you have other ns?

    ¡°Of course.¡± Amelia was a straightforward person. She gave a charming smile and said, ¡°The first

    time I saw you at Skywatch. I knew you were the real deal. Men, oh, they¡¯re so childish. They think

    that by being close to me in front of you, they can provoke you. I told him then, this method varies

    from person to person, it might just end up pushing thedy further away!

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but recall that Josiah had mentioned it once before.

    Amelia had told him before that gentleness was of no use.

    ¡°Are you his¡­ close confidante?¡±

    Immediately, Amelia shook her head and waved her hands, expressing strong denial. ¡°You¡¯ve got it

    wrong. I¡¯m not like them. At most, you could say that Mr. Guerra has helped me out before, so I

    regard him with admiration and gratitude, just like any ordinary person would.¡±

    Lysander studied her. She reckoned that Amelia was telling the truth and asked, ¡°Did he help you?

    With a smile ying on her lips, Amelia coyly countered. ¡°Do you know where I work? Skywatch.

    As for what this ce is all about, I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t need to spell it out for you, M

    Thorne, do you look down on

    me?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lysander gently shook her head, her stance clear. ¡°Without experiencing someone¡¯s

    hardships, you can¡¯t persuade them to be good. You have your own way of life, and it¡¯s not my

    ce as an outsider to interfere.¡±

    Amelia gave a nonchntugh. ¡°Ms. Thorne, even if you¡¯re just saying these things to appease

    me, I don¡¯t mind. After all, they are rather contforting to hear. But I¡¯m well aware, you intellectuals,

    deep down, look down upon us women who make a living through our physical appeal.¡±

    ¡°As long as no harm is done, everyone has their own way of living.¡±

    ¡°Tsk, tsk.¡± Amelia pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from her pocket. ¡°Do you mind if I

    smoke?¡±

    ¡°This is outdoors. Feel free to do as you wish.¡±

    Amelia skillfully lit a cigarette, took a drag, and exhated a plume of white smoke.

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    Chapter 499 | Rejected Him

    ¡°When I was young and naive, I once got married. Looking back now, I must have been out of my

    mind. That man had nothing. He was just good at sweet talking and making empty promises. Yet, I

    fell for it all, even when his true nature as apulsive gambler was revealed, I still believed that

    he would change.

    Amelia spoke about her past experiences with a sense of detachment, as if they were from

    another lifetime. Shemented, ¡°If I ever met the person I was back then, I¡¯d be tempted to p

    myself.¡± She suddenly shed a faint smile, turning to look at theposed Lysander. ¡°You really

    don¡¯t care about my rtionship with Mr. Guerra? You didn¡¯t even ask anything.

    ¡°If you want to talk, you¡¯ll talk. No one can force you if you don¡¯t want to. And frankly, I¡¯m not that

    interested.¡±

    Amelia scoffed. ¡°If you¡¯re not interested, why are you still sitting here listening to my tales of the

    past?¡±

    ¡°I was just feeling stifled sitting alone in my room, so I decided to step out for a walk. It¡¯s fine

    whether I listen or not.¡±

    As Amelia reached this point in her discourse, she couldn¡¯t help but click her tongue twice. ¡°You¡¯re

    rather

    heartless.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows, looking at her.

    Amelia continued. ¡°In a rtionship, the one with a tougher heart tends to get hurt less. You¡¯re

    doing the right thing. What¡¯s the worth of a man? A woman should always love herself the most.

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    Chapter 500 Plead His Case

    Lysander remained silent, lifting her gaze to the stars above..

    Viewed within the mountains, the stars appeared vivid and bright, exuding an undeniable beauty.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not divorced yet.¡±

    Lysander frowned. ¡°That scm didn¡¯t want to?¡±

    Ameliaughed again. It was unclear whether she wasughing at Lysander¡¯s innocence or at her own

    past foolishness. ¡°Actually, that¡¯s not the case. Ever since he used the excuse of taking me on a trip to

    sell me off to South East Aploth, he¡¯spletely disappeared. Perhaps he was killed by his debtors. I

    can¡¯t find him, so naturally, I can¡¯t get a divorce. South East Aploth is filled with corners far beyond the

    reach ofws. When I first realized I had ended up in the red¨Clight district, I harbored some hope of

    escaping. Yet, each attempt ended in failure, and each beating I received was more brutal than thest.

    Eventually, after nearly being beaten to death, I resigned myself to my fate.¡±

    Lysander saw the glimmer of tears in Amelia¡¯s eyes, and she grew certain that this experience had left

    a deep and indelible scar on thetter. She lowered her gaze andforted Amelia, ¡°At least you¡¯ve

    managed to escape now, which shows you never truly gave in.¡±

    Amelia heaved a sigh. ¡°I had no choice but to run. You wouldn¡¯t understand the rules there. Even if I

    complied, there was no guarantee of a peaceful life till old age. So, of course, I had to flee. Fortunately,

    fate. was kind enough to present me with an opportunity to return home while I was apanying a

    guest on a trip.

    Despite Amelia¡¯s nonchnt manner as she uttered those words, Lysander was certain the escape

    wasn¡¯t as simple as Amelia described. Amelia plucked a leaf from a nearby flower tree, her heart still

    racing as she recalled the thrilling experience during the escape.

    ¡°I¡¯ve done all sorts of jobs under those people, yet I didn¡¯t manage to save a single penny. Since I¡¯ve

    already escaped, there¡¯s no way I¡¯d willingly go back, even if it meant death. To my surprise, they

    actually pursued me. At that time, I made up my mind that if they truly caught up to me, I¡¯d end my own

    life.¡±

    Looking at Amelia, who was hiding behind her vibrant appearance, Lysander gradually lowered her

    guard. ¡°So, it was then that Josiah helped you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Amelia¡¯s voice brimmed with gratitude as she spoke about Josiah. ¡°Those people were

    involved in shady business practices. If it weren¡¯t for Mr. Guerra, I might not have been able to escape.¡±

    In her story, Amelia described Josiah as a hero who rescued her in perilous situations. Although this

    probably had something to do with her viewing him as a benefactor, Lysander reckoned the events

    were likely not far from the truth.

    Lysander considered Josiah¡¯s usual demeanor and then said to Amelia, ¡°Josiah does have his

    moments of doing good deeds,¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Amelia said, her eyes full of longing and aspiration. Therefore, how could I possibly behave

    like those pretentious and foolish women? Mr. Guerra has been my benefactor, and I sincerely hope

    that he can be with the one he truly loves. Only then would his kindness toward me not be in vain.¡±

    For her, Josiah¡¯s mere gesture had thoroughly changed her life. When she was imprisoned, Amelia

    once thought her life would never turn for the better.

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    Chapter 500 Plead His Case

    Upon hearing that, Lysander gained rity. ¡°So, you¡¯re here to plead his case?¡±

    It seemed she understood the reason why Amelia would show up here.

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Amelia hastily rified, fearing Lysander might misunderstand Josiah. ¡°I came here to

    find someone. Now that I¡¯d finished what I needed to do, I was just about to leave. I genuinely just

    happened to run into you.¡±

    Lysander believed Amelia to be telling the truth. Her empathy as a woman prompted her to ask, ¡°Do

    you n on staying in Skywatch forever? Have you ever considered living somewhere else?¡±

    A flicker of uncertainty shed in Amelia¡¯s eyes, but she quickly shook her head and said, ¡°Ms. Thorne,

    I appreciate your kindness, but I haven¡¯t had much of an education. I had to start earning a living before

    I even finishedpulsory education. There are many jobs l¡¯im simply not qualified for, so I have no

    choice but to stick with what I know, Back then, when Mr. Guerra saved me, he even gave me some

    money. I did consider turning over a new leaf, but in the end, I came back to him, asking for his help to

    find a job. Coincidentally, Skywatch was short¨Cstaffed, and only because of his influence did Mr. Sutton

    take me in. Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m rather self¨Cdeprecating?¡±

    Lysander said. ¡°This is your own life. If you think it¡¯s good, then it¡¯s good.¡±

    Amelia herself was quite open¨Cminded. While meticulously arranging the adornments on her

    manicured nails, she casually began discussing her own life. ¡°I know you must pity me. However, as

    you just mentioned, everyone has their own way of living. True, Skywatch isn¡¯t the most reputable

    ce, but the patrons who can afford to enter are all influential figures. They wouldn¡¯t dare to treat me

    too poorly. It¡¯s better than most ces, and I can earn money quickly, too. Up until this point in my life,

    I¡¯ve learned to let go of what needed to be let go. Since Mr. Guerra has given me this opportunity, I¡¯ll

    make the most of it. Once I¡¯ve saved enough money, I should be able to live a peaceful and ordinary

    life.¡±

    Amelia¡¯s profession and background were worlds apart from Josiah¡¯s, yet her gratitude toward him was

    genuinely heartfelt.

    Upon hearing that, Lysander realized that Amelia¡¯s words were heartfelt and not influenced by Josiah to

    speak in his favor. From the bottom of her heart, Lysander said, ¡°In that case I wish you could live the

    life you desire sooner.

    N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Amelia smiled, her radiant expression tinged with a hint of mncholy. ¡°I would like to

    offer you some advice, too. You have the power to live your life openly and honestly, unlike me. You

    have the right to choose whether or not to be with Mr. Guerra in the end. It¡¯s all up to your heart¡¯s

    desire.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Amelia parted her red lips and added, ¡°By the way, Ms. Thome, I heard you¡¯re a doctor and a rather

    remarkable one at that. I¡¯m quite envious. Should I be addressing you as Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander corrected in a soft voice, paying, ¡°That¡¯s all in the past. After resigning, chances are I won¡¯t

    be returning to the hospital.¡±

    Quitting the medical profession was indeed a pity, but she had to repay her debt to the Thorne family.

    Once Lysander made a decision, she wouldn¡¯t dwell on it too much. She simply said in an undertone,

    ¡°Therefore, you can just call me Ms. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Amelia propped her chin with one hand, sighing out of sheer boredom. ¡°Sometimes, when I

    have nothing to do, I can¡¯t help but think. If I had realized how harsh the world was when I was

    younger, perhaps I would have studied harder and wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this.¡±

    2/3

    09:16 Sat, 8 Jun GL.

    Chapter 500 Plead His Case

    Lysander spoke in a leisurely manner. ¡°How about I offer you a dose of regret?¡±

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    Amelia chuckled. ¡°Ms. Thorne, you may not be much of a talker, but chatting with you is far more

    entertaining. The one who has a simr name to you, on the other hand, seems to have some issues

    here.¡±

    Amelia tapped her own head, pouting as she shook her head.

    Lysander remained silent.

    Suddenly, Amelia¡¯s smile faded, and she turned serious. ¡°Thank you for listening to me talk so much

    today. As a token of my gratitude, I have a little secret to share with you.¡±

    As Amelia spoke, she leaned closer to Lysander, whispering in a volume only the two of them could

    hear, ¡°Keep an eye on the foolish woman. Sometimes, the ones who seem the most innocent and

    harmless can be the most vicious when they bite.¡±

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    Chapter501IWantedYouToCareAboutMe

    Lysanderwasverymuchpuzzled.

    IsshetalkingaboutTiffany?

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,doesmyperfumesmellgood?¡±

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tsurewhyAmeliasuddenlybroughtthatup.¡°Idon¡¯treallyknowmuchaboutperfumes.¡±

    ¡°ThisperfumeisknownasDawnafterSex:Mr.Guerrathinksit¡¯stoo heavyanddoesn¡¯tsmellgood,butIratherlikeit.Whatdoyouthink?¡±

    Ah<b>,</b>sothisisthelegendaryDawnafterSex.

    ¡°It¡¯salright,Iguess,¡±Lysanderreplied.

    ¡°Itseemsyoubothhavesimrtastes,neitherlikingthissmell.¡±

    *Duetomyprofession,I¡¯mnotreallyustomedtoperfumes,¡±Lysanderadmitted.

    ¡°Tsk¨Ctsk,what<b>a</b>shame.Anyway,itseemsyouweren¡¯tsurprisedbythisexplicitname,Dr.Thorne?I¡¯dthoughtyou¡¯dbeufortablewithit.¡±Ameliawatchedherwithintrigue,

    Lysanderclearedherthroat.¡°IheardJosiahmentioningitoncepreviously.¡±

    Amelia¡¯seyesinstantlylitup.¡°Iunderstandnow.¡±

    Whatdoes<b>she</b>understand?

    Amelialeanedincloserto her,whispering,¡°Ireferredtotheperfume,whilehereferredtotheexplicitmeaning,right?¡±

    Lysanderwasstruckspeechless.

    ¡°Haha¡­Mr.Guerraisimpressive,proactivemuch.¡±

    SeeingtheteasingexpressiononAmelia¡¯sface,Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbutfeepelledtoexin,saying,Thatday-¡±

    Beforeshecouldfinishspeaking.Ameliahadalreadyliftedafingertoherlipsandshushedher.

    ShepointedbehindLysanderandshotherateasingwink.¡°Someone¡¯sheretolookforyou.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    WhenLysanderlookedback,shesawthehurriedfigureofJosiahapproaching.

    Thetwoofthemhappenedtolockeyesonthecobblestonepath.

    JosiahhadthecoathebroughtforLysanderdrapedoverhisarm.Seeingherstandingtherewhilewearing solittle,hedidn¡¯tthinktwicebeforerushingovertoher,anxiouslyasking,¡°Whydidyoeallthe<b>way</b>here?¡±

    Ashespoke,he drapedthecoatsecurelyoverhershoulders.

    <b>09:18</b>.Sat,8Jun

    Chapter501IWantedYouToCareAboutMe

    Josiahmovedclosertoherwithahintofworry,saying,¡°Ifyou¡¯reufortablebeingsoclosetome,Icanmovetoaroomfurtheraway.It¡¯te,soyoushouldn¡¯twanderaround.¡±

    Lysandershedhimafaintsmile.¡°Thisceisonly<b>so</b>big.EvenifIwantedtorun,there¡¯snowhereto

    <i>go</i>.¡±

    ¡°Ijustwenttoyourroomtobringyoudinner.WhenIdidn¡¯tyouthere,Ithought¡­¡±

    ¡°Whatdidyouthink?¡±

    Josiahletout<b>a</b>sigh.¡°Haveyouforgottenwhathappenedatthe Everhartresidence?Itwaspreciselybecauseofmymomentarycarelessness,thinkingthattheEverhartresidencewasabsolutelysafe,thatledtoyoubeingtaken.¡±

    ¡°Thisisyourterritory.Whowoulddaretomakeamoveonyourturf,Mr.Guerra?Butthepeopleherearequiteinteresting.¡±Lysandemented.

    Josiahimmediatelygrewanxious.¡°Didyouencounteranyonestrange?¡±

    Hismindraced,swiftlyrunningthroughallthepossiblescenarios.However,theanswerfromLysanderintheendwasstisurprisetohim.¡°No,Ididn¡¯tencounteranyonestrange.IjustranintothatlegendaryAmelia.¡±¡°¡±

    ¡°Ameliaisheretoo?¡±Josiahwasevidentlyunawareofit,somewhatsurprised.

    Lysandercasuallystrolledback,herbreathingstillsteadyandevenasshereplied,¡°Yes.We¡¯veevenchattedforquiteawhile.¡±

    Atthat,Josiahcouldn¡¯tremainimpassiveanymore.¡°Whatdidshetellyou?¡±

    Hisvoicefaltered,revealingadesiretoprobedeeperbutfearfulofbeingnoticedbyLysander.Hearingthat,shecouldn¡¯thelpbuugh.¡°Mr.Guerra,areyousoafraidofmerunningintoAmelia?Orisit<b>that</b>you<b>have</b>somethingtohide,whichiswhyyou¡¯reworried?¡±

    Josiahsighedhelplessly.¡°WhatdoIhavetoworryabout?I¡¯mjustafraidyoumightmisunderstand.Ihaven¡¯tevenclearedmynamefortheprevioususations.Ifanotheronesup,you¡¯llneverbelievemeanymore,nomatterwhatIsay.¡±

    Gentlinghisvoice,hecontinued,RegardlessofwhatyouandAmeliachattedabout,I¡¯mnotafraidbecauseIhavenothingtodowithher.ThattimeatSkywatch,Ionlywantedyoutoseemewithher.Iwantedyou<b>To</b>careaboutme.

    ¡°Thatwas<b>what</b>shesaidtoo.¡±

    Relieved,Josiahasked,¡°Whatelsedidyouguystalkabout?¡±

    ¡°Wetalkedabouthowyouheroicallysavedher,rescuingherfromadiresituationandgivingheranewlease onlife,<b>an</b>unparalleledhero.¡±

    Josiahraisedaneyebrow.¡°Wasthatallyouguystalkedabout?¡±

    ¡°Ifnot?Talkaboutyourbothmoongazing?¡±Lysanderretorted.

    Asshespoke,sherosetoherfeetandstartedheadingback.

    ??

    Chapter5011WantedYouToCareAboutMe

    Themountainswerereallyquitechillyatnight,

    Josiahbroughtuptherear,leisurelytrailingafterher.

    HeonlyhadavaguerecollectionofAmelia,anditwasonlyafterLysander¡¯swordsthatherecalledhavinghelpedherout.¡°Itwasnothingmorethanapassingactofkindness,yetsheremembersittothisday.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tknowwhattosay,soshedecidedtododgethattopicandbroughtupsomethingelseinstead.¡°DoyouoftengotoSkywatch?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sbodystiffened.¡°ThereweretimeswhenIhadtosocialize,soIinevitablywentafewtimes,butIwon¡¯tgoanymoreinthefuture.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯toverthinkit.Ihavenointentionofinterferinginyourpersonallife.¡±

    ThecoldreceptioncameasnosurprisetoJosiah.Suddenly,hisbrowsfurrowed.Heleanedinandtookawhiffofher.¡°What¡¯sthisscentonyou?¡±

    Lysanderliftedherarmandtookasniffaswell.¡°ItmightbethescentofAmelia¡¯sperfume.¡±

    Then,sheadded.¡°It¡¯ssaidtobecalledDawnafterSex.¡±

    Uponhearingthat,Josiahimmediatelyfrowned.

    ¡°Idon¡¯tlikethissmell.¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯tlikeiteither,Josiahseconded.

    Thetwoofthemstrolledleisurelybackalongthecorridor.

    Foralongwhile,theybothremainedsilent.

    Astheyapproachedtheentranceofthelobby,Josiahbrokethesilence.¡°Itwasmyfaulttoday.JustpretendIneversaidthosewords.Let¡¯ssticktoouroriginalntohelpyousortoutthecurrentsituationatThorneConstructionsandEnergies,okay?¡±

    Lysanderturnedaroundandasked,¡°What¡¯sthecondition?¡±

    ¡°Gazeatthemoonwithme.¡±

    Itwasn¡¯tuntilshesteppedintothehotellobbythatLysandersnappedbacktoreality.However,itwasn¡¯tbecauseshehaddecidedonananswer.Instead,itwasbecauseshecaught<b>sight</b>ofanotherfigurefromthecornerofhereye.

    Sheinstinctivelyputsomedistancebetweenthem.

    Tiffanystoodatthereceptiondesk,engagedinaconversation.Fromafar,shenoticedLysanderandJosiahenteringfromthebackgarden,uponwhichherexpressionchangedsubtly.

    However,itwasonlyforamoment.Shequicklyrevertedtoherusualinnocentand adorableself.¡°Jose!Lysa!¡±

    Itwasnight,andthelightingwasdim,soLysanderalmostthoughtshewasseeingthings.

    Inresponsetohergreeting.<b>Josiah</b>didn¡¯tignoreherthistimebuteruntedfaintlybeforeasking.¡°What

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    <b>09:18</b>

    Chapter5011WantedYouToCareAboutMe

    bringsyouhere?Where¡¯syourdad?Didhebackwithyou?¡±

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    Tiffanyhadanexquisitehandbaginhand.Judgingbytheluggagetagattachedtothesuitcasethebellboywheeledbehindher,sheseemedtohavestraightfromtheairport.

    ¡°Mydadsaidtherewasalottodoatthpany,andheneededtoreturnearly.Ifounditboringtobealone,soidecidedteback<b>with</b>him.¡±

    ¡°Actually,therearequiteafewfunces<b>in</b>ApexCity.Youcouldhavespentafewmoredaysthere,¡±Josiahreplied.

    ¡°Ohyes!¡±TiffanytooksomethingoutofhersuitcaseandhandedittoJosiah.¡°IwashavingsomuchfuninApexCity<b>that</b>pletelyforgotaboutthis.Lyssaskedmetofinda<b>chance</b>togivethistoyou.¡±

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    Chapter502SheTurnedOutToBeTheRealBeneficiary

    TiffanyhandedoverasmallboxtoJosial.

    However,Josiahmadenomovetotakeit.¡°No,thanks.¡±

    ¡°ButLyssinsistedthatIabsolutelyhadtogivethistoyou.Ifyoudon¡¯teptit,Iwon¡¯tbeable<b>to</b>exinthingstoher.¡±

    JosiahstudiedLysander¡¯sexpressioncarefully.

    Havingawifewhowasadoctorhadcountlessbenefits,buttherewasonedownside¨Cher emotionswere

    fartoostable.

    Afterwitnessingherfairshare ofbloodshedandtheharshrealitiesoftheworld,shehadlongsincemasteredtheartofmaintainingacalmanposedfacade.Asfarasheremembered,itseemedthatonlywhenthetopicoftheirchildwasbroughtupwouldsheshowahintofemotion.

    Atothertimes,shewaslikeabottomlessancientwell.Nomatterhowturbulentitwas<b>inside</b>,onecouldn¡¯tdiscernahintofemotionfromtheoutside.

    ¡°Jose,youcanthrowit<b>away</b>ifyoulike.Thepointis,Iwould¡¯vealreadyhandeditovertoyou.WhenLyssasks,I¡¯llhavesomethingtotellher.Otherwise,shewould

    <b>get</b>upset.

    Uponhearingthat,Josiahcouldn¡¯thelpbutwearalookofdisgustonhisface.¡°She¡¯dgetupsetatyou?¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Tiffanyshrankbackalittle.¡°Actually,Lyssisjustlookingoutforme.ShesaidI¡¯mmuchyoungerthanyouandstillquitechildish.Shewasafraidyou mightfindmeimmature,thustakingituponherselftohelpme

    OUL

    Josiahgaveacolugh.¡°Whatabusybody!¡±

    ¡°Ohwell,whenall¡¯ssaidanddone,it¡¯sbecausewe¡¯rekeepingLyssinthedark.Shedoesn¡¯tknowaboutyourcoborationwithmydadandthinksyou¡¯regoingtomarrymeforreal.Sheeventookmearoundtomeet variouspeoplepreviouslyto ensureIcouldassistyouinthefuture.Lyssreallymeanswell.Justeptit.¡±

    Whilesayingthat,TiffanyunceremoniouslystuffedthesmallboxshewasholdingintoJosiah¡¯spalm.

    <b>Josiah</b>liftedhishandtotossitintothetrashcanattheside.

    ¡°Aren¡¯tyougoingtohavea<b>look</b>atit?¡±

    Josiahstilled,turningtolookatLysanderwithahintofconfusion.¡°No.Evenlookingatitasecondlonger.feelsbothersome.¡±

    Afterhalfasecond,hesuddenlyrealizedsomething,andhishandaimingforthetrashcanfroze.Heasked,¡°Youwanttohavealookatit?¡±

    Lysandermerelysmiled,hervoicestill asmild asever.Thisisasincere giftfromher.¡±

    Josiahimmediatelyexinedhelplessly.¡°DoyouthinkI¡¯mstillinvolvedwithher?Lysander,Idon¡¯tmindifyoumisunderstandmeonother<b>matters</b>,butasI<b>said</b>,Idetestdeceptionaboveallelse.¡±

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    hereye.

    Tiffanystillhadherinnocentandnaivelookabouther<b>.</b>ShehadherhandsbehindherbackandgentlyswayedhershouldersfromsidetosideasshelookedatJosiahwithasmile.It<b>was</b><b>as</b>ifshehadn¡¯theardawordofthelengthyexnationhehadjustgiven

    ¡°Jose,sinceLysaalsowantstohavealook,justopenit.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sgazeneverleftLysander,buthehesitateduponhearingthat.¡°Youreallywanttohavealook?¡±

    Lysanderliftedherheadandlookedathim.¡°Goaheadandopenit.¡±

    Givingaslightnod, Josiahquicklyunwrappedthepackagingaroundthebox.

    Init<b>was</b>a<b>small</b>ssbottle.

    Thbelonthebottlewasofaquaintdesign,andafainthintofsweetnesslingeredonit.

    Tiffanyleanedinforacloserlookandreadthbloud,¡°Watersolubleelectrolytepowder?Ah,sothat¡¯swhatitis.ItmakessensesinceApexCityisquitedry,sothismixedwithwaterisbestformoisturizing thelungs.It¡¯sjustlikeLyss,alwayssothoughtful.¡±

    Withoutanyfurtherhesitation,Josiahtossedboththessbottleandtheboxintothetrashcanbeforedustingoffhishands.¡°All<b>right</b><b>,</b>Tiffany.You¡¯vegivenittome.Iwastheonewhothrewitaway.Ifsheasks,justtellherthetruth.¡±

    Tiffanyhesitatedbeforenodding.¡°Jose,sinceI¡¯vedeliveredityou,I¡¯llbeleavingfirst.¡±

    ¡°Okay.Gohomequickly.¡±

    Tiffanywavedherhand.¡°Bye!Youtoo,Lysa.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Lanister!¡±Lysandersuddenlycalledouttoher.

    Gatheringherwitsabouther<b>,</b>Tiffanyputonaperfectsweetsmile.¡°What¡¯sthematter,Lysa<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Didyou<be</b>allthewayhereinthemiddleofthenightjusttodeliver<b>that</b>toMr.Guerra?¡±

    Tiffanyblinked.¡°Lyssentrustedmewiththetask<b>,</b><b>so</b><b>I</b>hadtofulfillit.YouknowhowLyssis¡­IfIhadn¡¯tdeliveredit,shewouldhaveusedmeofbeingtooabsorbedinhavingfunanddisregardingJose¡¯shealth.¡±

    ¡°Whatelsedidshe<b>say</b>?¡±

    ¡°Um,she<b>also</b>said¡­

    Josiah¡¯sdistastewasalmostpalpable.¡°Whatelsedidshesaytoyou?¡±

    ¡°Shealso<b>said</b><b>she</b>woulddoherbesttohelpme,ensuringthatIbetheirreceabldyoftheGuerrafamily.¡±

    Josiah¡¯stonenoticeablycooled.¡°Trytolimityourinteractionswithherinthefuture.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

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    ¡°It¡¯tenow.Goback.¡±

    Tiffanyclimbedintoherfamily¡¯s<b>car</b>andleft.

    Lysanderstaredinthedirectionofthecar¡¯staillightsthecar,spacingoutslightly.

    Echoinginhermindwere Amelia¡¯swordsthatwereseeminglyinjest¨Cthemostharmless¨Clookingbannydeliversthemostpainfulbite.

    Thebunnyhasn¡¯tbittenmeyet,butitstimingwasimpable.ShepurposefullychoseatimewhenIwasalonewithJosiahtodeliveranitemonbehalfofLysanne,knowingfullwellthatitwouldonlyheightenJosiah¡¯sdisdainforthtter.Withjustafewwords,shemanagedtopushhishatredforLysaoitspeak.Intheprocess,shealsostabbedmeintheheartagain,furtherdrivingawedgebetweenmeandJosiah.Asforherself,shewonmeandJosiahoverduringhertimeinAperCity,deeplyingrainingherinnocentandnaiveimageinourminds.Hence,whatever shedoetercanbebrushedoffas¡°naivety.¡±IfJosiahgrewtiredofLysanneanddecidedtodealwithher,andIhadariftwithhimagainbecauseofthissuddenbottleofwatersolubleelectrolytepowder,shewouldendupbeingtherealbeneficiary<i>in</i>thislovedodecahedron.

    Josiahshiftedhisbodyslightly,shieldingherfromthecoldmountainwind.Inacoupleofdays,let¡¯sgoandvisitMr.andMrs.Thorne.Whileatthat,let¡¯salsoaskthemabouttheirstance.¡±

    Lysandersnickered.HaditnotbeenforAmelia¡¯shinttoday,shewouldhaveneverthoughtthatasmallbottleofwatersolubleelectrolytepowdercouldbeutilizedtokilltwobirdswithonestone.

    Shewithdrewhergaze.¡°Whatkindofstancecouldtheypossiblyhave?Nomatterhowdisappointedtheywere,theyraisedherwiththeirownhands.Reducingcontactisfine,buttheywouldnevercutherofpletely.Besides,Lysanneisawoman,unlikeHarry.Whatcouldyoupossiblydotoher?¡±

    Sheturnedaround,retracingthepathshehadtaken,leisurelymakingherwayback.

    Josiahtrailedbehindher.¡°Icanfindanopportunityandgetheroutofthecountry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯vementionedsendingherabroadpreviously,butshewasn¡¯twillingtogo.Couldyoutieherupanddumpherontothene?Evenifyoumanagetosendheraway,shecanstilebackonherown.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sgazedarkenedsubtly.¡°I¡¯llhaveherleavewillinglyandstayabroadforever,nevertoreturn.¡±

    ¡°Whatareyounningto<b>do</b>?¡±

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    Chapter503GazeAtTheMoonSeparately

    However,oncetheyreturnedtotheroom,Josiah didnotutterasinglewordaboutthetopic<b>anymore</b>.

    Astheypassedthroughthelobby,thereceptionisttrottedovertohimandhandedhimafolder.¡°Mr.Guerra,Ms.Collinshadsomeonedeliver<b>this</b>.¡±

    Murmuringanacknowledgment,Josiahtookitfromher.

    ¡°InformationonThorneConstructionsandEnergies?¡±Lysanderasked.

    ¡°Personnelfiles<b>.</b>¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Lysanderraisedaneyebrow.¡°Aren¡¯tyougoingtotalktomeaboutthebusinessandmajorclientsfirst?¡±

    ¡°Businessissecuredbythemarketingdepartment,andthemajorclients aremaintainedbythecustomerservicedepartment.Whatyouneedtodonowistomanagethesepeoplewhoworkforthpany.¡±<b>Josiah</b>exined.

    ¡°Oh,Isee.¡±

    Josiahadded,¡°GuerraGrouphasdozens,ifnothundreds,subsidiariesspanningdiverseindustries.DoyouthinkIunderstandeverysingleoneofthem?I¡¯mnotGod.¡±

    Theelevatordoorsslidopen.Lysandersteppedinfirst,followedbyJosiah,whothenpressedthebuttonfortheirfloor.

    ¡°We¡¯llstarttomorrow.Restfirsttonight.¡±

    Lysandergaveaslightnod.¡°Stillupformoongazing?¡±

    Aglimmerofsurpriseanddelightshed<b>across</b>Josiah¡¯seyes.

    AftertheinterruptionbyLysanne¡¯sbottleofwatersolubleelectrolytepowderearlier,hethoughtthatshewouldgivehimthecoldshoulderagainforawhile.

    Unexpectedly,shebroughtupthematterofmoongazingherself.

    Aslightwarmthsparkedtolifeinhischest.¡°Isitokay?¡±

    Theelevatordoorsslidopen.Lysanderwasthefirsttostepout.Josiahfollowedbehindherwithsmallsteps,allsmiles.¡°Shallweheadtotherooftop,then?I¡¯llgoandgrabyouathickerjacket<b>.¡±</b>

    Inthemidstoftheirconversation,Lysanderhadalreadyunlockedthedoortoherroomandsteppedin.

    Atthesametime,shestretchedoutahandandblockedthedoorway,stoppingJosiahfromentering.

    Josiahwaspuzzled.¡°Lysander?¡±

    ¡°<b>Go</b>back.¡±

    Josiah grewevenmoreconfused,asking,¡°Didn¡¯tyousayweweregoingtogo<b>moongazing</b>?¡±

    ¡°Lookhere.SinceI¡¯veagreedtoyourtermforl

    Chapter503GazeAtTheMoonSeparately

    ¡°Butmostwomenhavetowearitattheworkce,¡±Lysanderargued.

    ¡°You¡¯redifferentfromthem.You¡¯llbethetopexecutiveatThorneConstructionsandEnergiesinthefuture.Whowoulddarecriticizeyou?¡±

    ¡°Nooneinthpanywouldsayanything,butI¡¯dhavetogoouttoattendsocialeventsandinteractwithpeople,right?¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯tevenlifthiseyes.¡°Ifanyonedarestogossipaboutyou,letmeknowdirectly.¡±

    ThatleftLysanderwithout<b>a</b>retort.

    ¡°Doesthissalvehurt?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°Itdoesn¡¯thurt,butyou¡¯reusingabittoomuchforce.¡±

    ¡°Then,I¡¯llbegentler.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Youstillwanttogetbacktogetherwithme?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sfirstresponsewasafleetingnceasheliftedhis gaze.Hiseyesheldahintofasmilethatdidn¡¯tquitereachtheirdepths.Thencamehisslightlyhoarsereply.¡°Butyouwouldn¡¯tagree.¡±

    Lysanderloweredhereyesintacitagreement.

    D

    Josiahtactfullyadded,¡°I¡¯vementionedsomethingsimrnumeroustimes,butregardlessofwhetherIwasdirectorsubtle,youalwaysturnedmedown.So,Ifiguredyouprobablywouldn¡¯tagreeevenifIweretobringitupagain.Infact,itmightpushyoufurtheraway.¡±

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    oweringyourselftoleadmeintobusiness,Mr.Guerra,I¡¯ll

    cring

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    ¡°Whataboutnow,then?Let¡¯sgo.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯sgobacktoourroomsandgazeatthemoonseparately,¡±saidLysander.

    Josiali¡¯sbrowsfurrowedslightly.¡°WhatImeantwastogazeatitwithme.¡±

    ¡°Youdidn¡¯tspecifywehadtogazeatittogetherface¨Cto¨C<b>face</b>.Don¡¯tworry.Iwilldefinitelygazeatit.¡±

    WordseludedJosiali.

    Howcould<i>I</i>haveforgotten<i>?</i>She¡¯satoughonewhoonceleftWhispertoAidenasameansofcontact.

    Josiahponderedforamoment.Hecrossedhisarms,aslightsmirkonhislips.¡°Wecanputthemoongazingmatterasidefornow.ShallwetalkaboutDaphne?Aidenjustgavemeacall.HesaidDaphneaskedhimforhelp.¡±

    ¡°WhatdidDaphneaskhimtohelpwith?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>frowned.¡°It<b>seems</b>shewantedhimtohelpherinvestigatesomeone¡¯sbackground.¡±

    ¡°Whoisit?¡±

    ¡°Iheardit¡¯sacapablePhDstudentinmaterial<b>science</b>.Ohyes,Ithinkheevenspokeatthesummitthistime.Hecanbeconsideredarisingstar.Plus,he¡¯squitehandsome.However,itseemshisfamilybackgroundisnotthatgreat.Hecamefromanimpoverishedfamily,¡±Josiahanswered.

    AlookofcontemtionshowedonLysander¡¯sface,<b>and</b>shewasseeminglyanalyzingthetruthfulnessof

    hiswords.

    Withajerkofhischinattheroom,<b>Josiah</b>suggested,¡°Shallwediscussthedetailsinside?¡±

    Lysanderremainedvignt,butshecouldn¡¯thelpbutworryaboutDaphneandcouldonlyslowlylowerherarm.

    Finally,<b>Josiah</b>brokeintoasmileandstrodeinonhislonglegs.

    Uponentering,thefirstthingthatcaughthiseyewasanopened<b>bag</b>besidetheluggage.

    Amongthebags,one<b>was</b>visiblyopened.HeturnedandlookedatLysander,whowasapproachingafter<b>closing</b>thedoor.

    Sureenough,shelooksstunninginthis<b>outfit</b>.But¡­

    Josiahtookanotherlookat<b>those</b>shoppingbags.Caroldeliveredquiteanumberofclothes,buttherewereseeminglynoshoes.

    Thehotelslippersweretoosoft,thusunsuitedforoutdoorwear,soshewasstillwearinghighheels.

    However,itwasclear<b>that</b>shewasstillnotquiteusedtothem.Shewalkedstraighttothecouchandsatdown,massaginghercalvesandankleswithherhands.

    Lookoutsidethewindow.Theviewfromthisspotis thebestinthemorning.Oncetherainstopter,youcanevenseearainbow.¡±¡°Whatexactlyisthatman¡¯s background?¡±Lysanderasked.

    Josiahfollowedheroverandcroucheddowninfrontofthecouch.Hegentlyheldheranklewithahand.

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    Withtheother<b>,</b>hehelpedherremoveherhighheelsandsetthemasidejustashe<b>had</b>doneduringthosefewdaysinApexCity.

    Athissilence,Lysanderretracted her<b>foot</b>.¡°Josiah!¡±

    Josiahwasdistractedashelookedatthewoundsonherfeetfromtheskinbeingrubbedraw.¡°Doesithurt?Whydidn¡¯tyousayanything?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sbearable,¡±Lysanderreplied.¡°Whoexactlyisthatman?¡±

    <b>¡°</b>Aidenreviewedhislifehistoryfromchildhoodtoadulthood.Despitingfromanimpoverishedbackground,healwaysexcelledacademicallyandmorally.Therehaveneverbeenanynegativerumorsabouthischaracter.However,perhapsduetockofinterest,hehasneverbeeninasingleromanticrtionshipatnearlythirty,devotinghimselfentirelytohiswork.

    Allthatseemedtoalignperfectly withtheconditionsDaphnespokeofwithLysander.

    ¡°Whatabouthispersonality?¡±

    Josiahlookedupather.¡°Youcan¡¯tdiscernsomeone¡¯scharacterjustfromhisbackground.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mworriedthathemightbethenextZachary,¡±

    ¡°Thereareplentyofpeoplefromhumblebackgroundsinthisworld.NotallofthemresorttounscrupulousmeanslikeZachary.Andtobehonest,Zachary¡¯sfamilycanonlybe consideredaverage.They¡¯refarfrombeingdestitute.Hisimpatienceforsessandschemingnatureareentirelyhispersonalityandcannotbemedonhisupbringing,¡±Josiahsaid,soundingquiteconfident.

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°I¡¯mstillnotentirelyatease.Daphneistoostraightforward.Shecan¡¯toutmaneuvertheseelites.¡±

    ¡°Then,findatimeandtalkwithher.¡±Josiahbrushedhisfingerslightlyoverthespotonheranklewheretheskinhadbeenrubbedraw,urgingindistress,¡°Ifyoucan¡¯twearhighheels,don¡¯twearthemanymoreinthefuture.¡±

    ¡°IfI¡¯mgoingtotakeoverThorneConstructionsandEnergiesinthefuture,it¡¯sinevitable.I¡¯mpracticingnow.PerhapsImightgetthehangofitaftersometime.¡±

    Josiahrosetohisfeetandretrievedafirstaidkitfromthe<b>cab</b>.Afterrummagingthroughitforawhile,he<b>took</b>outatubeofsalve,thencontinuedtohalf¨Ccrouch,examiningtheextentofherinjury.

    Recently,Lysanderlostanoticeableamountofweight,soheranklesalsobecameincreasinglyslender.WhencedbeforeJosiah,thepaleblueveinswereclearlyvisiblebeneathherfairskin.

    Gesturing,Josiahfeltthathecould<b>easily</b>snapitwithoutexertingmucheffort.

    However,whenheputitintoaction,heonlybrushedlightlyagainstit.

    Theointmentwascool,causingLysandertoinstinctivelypullheranklebackasifchilled.

    Josiahheldonwithoutlooseninghisgrip.Tomakeiteasiertoapplythesalveonher,hechangedhisposturetohatwasmoreconvenient.Insteadofhalf¨Csquatting,hekneltononeknee,allowingherfoottorestonhisleg.

    ¡°It¡¯snotworthgettinghurtjustforthesakeofothersgiewingpleasure.¡±

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    ¡°Butmostwomenhavetowearitattheworkce,¡±Lysanderargued.

    ¡°You¡¯redifferentfromthem.You¡¯llbethetopexecutiveatThomeConstructionsandEnergiesinthefuture.Who<b>would</b>darecriticizeyou?¡±

    ¡°Nooneinthpanywouldsayanything,butI¡¯dhavetogoouttoattendsocialevents<b>and</b>interact.<b>with</b>people,right?¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯tevenlifthiseyes.¡°Ifanyonedarestogossipaboutyou,letmeknowdirectly.¡±

    ThatleftLysanderwithoutaretort.

    ¡°Doesthissalve hurt?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°Itdoesn¡¯thurt,butyou¡¯reusingabittoomuchforce.¡±

    ¡°Then,I¡¯llbegentler.¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°Youstillwanttogetbacktogetherwithme?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sfirstresponsewasafleetingnceasheliftedhisgaze.Hiseyesheldahintofasmilethatdidn¡¯tquitereachtheirdepths.Thencamehisslightlyhoarsereply.¡°Butyouwouldn¡¯tagree.¡±

    Lysanderloweredhereyesintacitagreement.

    Josiahtactfullyadded.¡°I¡¯vementionedsomethingsimrnumeroustimes,butregardlessofwhetherIwasdirectorsubtle,youalwaysturnedmedown.So,Ifiguredyouprobablywouldn¡¯tagreeevenifIweretobringitupagain.Infact,itmightpushyoufurtheraway.¡±

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 Chapter 504

    Chapter504AChildFromNowhere

    ¡°It¡¯sgoodthatyouknow,¡±Lysandersaid.

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    Afterapplyingthe<b>salve</b>onher,Josiahgentlystoodup.Whilestraighteningthefirstaidkit,he<b>said</b>,¡°Intruth,I¡¯vetoarealization.Ifyoudon¡¯twanttogetbacktogether,that¡¯sfine.It¡¯sgoodenoughforus

    toremainaswearenow.¡±

    ¡°Ifyouwanttohavekids,don¡¯twasteyourtimewithme,¡±Lysanderwarned.

    ¡°Naturally,Iwantedkids.¡±

    Withasnap,Josiahclosedthefirstaidkit.

    Hethencontinued,¡°Butyou¡¯reright<b>.</b>Achildshouldbebornintoalovingfamily.Iwon¡¯tfallinlovewithanyotherwoman,soIwouldn¡¯thaveachildjustforthesakeofhavingone.¡±

    ¡°Then,youmightendupalonefortherestofyourlife,¡±Lysandersaid.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Josiahchuckledlightly.¡°Sobeit,then.¡±

    Intheend,Josiahleftandreturnedtohisownroom.

    Afterhehadleft,DaphnesaidtoLysanderviaWhatsApp,¡°Doyouactuallybelievehim?Mostmenthinkofhavingchildren.EvensomeonelikeHarryinsistedonhavingason.ConsideringthevastwealthoftheGuerrafamily,doyoutrustthathe wouldneverwantachilduntilthedayhebreathshist?¡±

    Lysanderfoundhimselfunabletorefutethosewords.

    Havingspentalongtimeintheobstetricsandgynecologydepartment,shehadwitnessedallsortsofabsurdsituations.

    Forinstance,amiddle¨Cagedcouplemarriedforoverthirtyyears decidednottohavechildren,butthehusbandsuddenlyhadachangeofheart.Hefoundawomaninhertwentiesandhadthreechildrenwithherinquicksession.Thefamilyoffivethenlivedhappilytogether,leavinghismenopausalwifealone.

    Anothermanmadegrandpromisesofbeingtogetherforever,butwhenitwasdiscoveredthatthewifehadhealthissuesthatmadepregnancyunlikely,heturnedhisbackonherinaninstant.Hefiledfordivorceimmediately.Andinlessthantwomonths,hebrought anotherwomanforaprenatalcheckup<b>.</b>

    Evenordinarypeopleactedthatway,letaloneJosiah.

    +

    ¡°Bytheway,Lysander,didyouseethemessagesentbyourssrepresentativeinthegroupchat?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯vebeenbustelyandfellill,soIdidn¡¯tcheckmymessages.Whathappened?¡±Lysanderasked.

    ¡°Nextweekendisourschool¡¯shundredthyearanniversary!Iheardthatalotoffamousalumniaringback.Ourssrepresentativeurgedthosewhocanattendtodosotoshowsupportforouralmamater.Evenifwecan¡¯tdomuch,wecanatleastboosttheheadcount¡±

    ¡°Allright,then.It¡¯sbeenawhilesinceI¡¯veseenourformerssmateanyway,¡±Lysandersaid.

    ¡°Okay.Then,we¡¯llgotogetherwhenthetimes.I¡¯lsobebringingsomeonealongforyoutoassess,

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    convenience,youstillneedtobeselective.¡±

    D

    ¡°Don¡¯tworryJusttakealookathimfirst.Ifyouthinkhe¡¯sgood,I¡¯llkeephim.Butifyoufindhim.unsuitable,I¡¯llimmediatelyditchhimandlookforsomeoneelse.It¡¯saboutcastingawidtocatchmore<b>fish</b><b>.</b>Efficiency,mydear,efficiency,¡±Daphnesaid.

    Atherwords,Lysanderwasactuallyrelieved.

    ¡°Allright.We¡¯llseeeachother then

    TheroomJosiahchosewasinanexcellentlocation.Itwasattheendofthecorridoronthetopfloor,vinuallyfreefromanyonecausing<b>a</b>disruption.

    Intheearlymorning,alightrainbeganinthemountains,itsgentlepitter¨Cpattercreatingasoothingambiance,allowingLysandertoenjoyagood<b>night¡¯s</b>sleepforonce.

    Uponwakingup,sheheadedtothe<b>hotel¡¯s</b>restaurantforbreakfast.Aservicestaffwithasweetsmileproactivelyhandedthemenutoher.¡°Ms.Thorne,ourbreakfastisservedbuffet¨Cstylehere.Ifyouhaveanyspecificrequests,dolet<b>us</b>know.¡±

    Itwasclearshehadbeeninstructedaboutitbeforehand.

    ¡°Thanks,butit¡¯sokay.I¡¯lljusthavewhatever¡¯savable.¡±

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tpickywithfood.At<b>that</b>moment,allshewantedwastofindaquietcetoeat.

    Seeingthat,theservicestaffdidn¡¯tdisturbherfurther.Instead,shemerelyledhertoaspotbythewindowwiththebestview.

    Recently,Lysanderhadgrowntiredofoatmeal.Takingatray,shetookafewsandwichesandassofwarmmilkbeforereturningtothesmallsquaretablewithatablequeandsatdown.

    Theviewfromthefirstfloorwasn¡¯tasgoodasthetopfloor.Itdidn¡¯tofferasightofthecanyonsinthedistance.However,itsadvantagewasintheproximityofthe restaurant<b>and</b>backyard.Sittingthere,oneonlyneededtoliftone¡¯s<b>gaze</b>slightlytobeholdthelushgreenery.Ifonelistenedclosely,onecouldalsohearthemelodhirpingofthebirds.

    Shesippedhermilkwhile<b>reading</b>theeconomewsupdatesonherphone.

    Justthen,the<b>sudden</b>soundofwheelsscrapingagainstthegroundechoedbesideher,punctuatedbyrhythmicfootsteps.

    Inthenextmoment,afriendlyfemininevoicerangout.¡°Hello.Isthisseatupied?¡±

    Lysanderlookeduptothe<b>sight</b>ofanexquisitelydressedyoundystandingbeforeher.Sheappearedtobearoundthesameageasher,but/shewasalreadyamother.Thebabystrollershewheeledcontainedababy abouthalfayearold,smilinginnocently.

    Thebaby,Aurora,noticedsomeonewatchingher<b>and</b>promptly<b>greeted</b>Lysanderwithherdevelopingvocalsystem.¡°Oh.¡±

    Lysanderquicklyreplied,¡°Thesearacrossfrommeisfree.Pleasehave<b>a</b>seat.¡±

    Uponhearingthat,thewoman<b>sat</b>acrossfromherwiththebabystrollerwithouthesitation.Her<b>eyes</b>dancingwithafriendly<b>smile</b>,she<b>casually</b><b>said</b><b>,</b>¡°That¡¯swonderfullIthoughtIhadtochangeseats.¡±

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    ¡°Noworries.Thereareplentyofseatsintherestaurant,¡±Lysandersaidsmilingly.

    Thewomannoddedwithutmostsolemnity.Then,shesaidcheerfully,¡°Iwasnaturallyworried.Lookoutsidethewindow.Theviewfromthisspotisthebestinthemorning.Oncetherainstopter,youcanevenseearainbow.¡±

    Atthementionofarainbow,Lysander¡¯sinterestwaspiqued.Shefollowedhergaze,butunfortunately,itwastooearly,andthesunlightwasnotstrongenoughtocreatethesighttheywere hopingfor,<b>and</b>shewasonlywiththeclearbluesky.

    ¡°Justwaitalittlelonger.I¡¯llletyouknowwhentherainbow<b>appears</b>,thewomanofferedgenerously.¡°ThisisasecretIdiscoveredafterobservingforseveraldays.¡±

    Someonewhocouldaffordtoenjoybreakfastsforseveralconsecutivedaysattheresortmustbearegrcustomerthere,heraffluentbackgroundevident.Coupledwithsuchacarefreedisposition,shehadtobeaprominentyoundywhoselifehadbeensmoothsailingsincechildhood.Verily,itwasenviable.

    AsLysanderlookedatthecheerfulwoman,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutberemindedofDaphneandfoundherselffondofher.Shecasuallyremarked,¡°Thankyouforsharingthissecretwithme.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tmentionit.Someonewhocansithereiscertainlynoordinaryperson.WhatisyourrtionshipwithJosiah?¡±

    SheknotesJosiah?

    LysanderrecalledAmelia,whomshemetyesterday.

    <i>Could</i>itbeanotheroneofhiscloseconfidante?Thisoneisevenhasachildwithher!

    ¡°Isitoff¨Climits?It¡¯sokay.Ifthat¡¯sthecase,forgetIasked.Iunderstand.¡±

    Grinning,thewomanwinkedatLysander.Shefirstsecuredthebabystrollerbesidethetablebeforeadjusting theanglesoAuroracouldsitup.

    Aurorafacedthebackyardbeyondthewindow.Herround,bigeyesinstantlylitup.Shebeganbobbingherpetiteheadaroundtotakeinallthesights.Thehatadornedwithflowersonherheadalsostartedswayingwithhermovements.

    Lysander¡¯sheartmeltedatthesight<b>.</b>Shecouldn¡¯thelpbuplimentsoftly,¡°Yourdaughteristrulyadorable.Shemustbe<b>about</b><b>six</b>monthsold,<b>right</b>?¡±

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    Thewoman¡¯ssmilegrewevenbrighterwhensheheardsomeonplimentherchild¡¯scuteness,andshe-statedwithoutahintofmodesty,¡°Right?Ithinkso,too.Auroraisalmostsevenmonthsoldnow.I¡¯vetakenheroutquiteabitrecently,andthemosplimentI¡¯vereceivedisthatshe¡¯sadorable.Luckily,shetruly

    Aftertakingamoremeticulouslook<b>at</b>Aurora,Lysanderadded,¡°Actually,she¡¯snotjustcute,Yourdaughter¡¯s<b>love</b>foughtermakesitclearthatsheisblessed.¡±

    an

    Thewomanwasteduponhearingthat.Afterputtingherbelongingsdown,shesaid,¡°Sinceshe¡¯s<b>so</b>likable,mayIaskyouforafavor?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡±

    Thewomannoddedwithasmile.¡°Ineedtograbsomefood.IwassofocusedonfindingaseatthatIforgottogetbreakfast.Couldyouwatchoverherforabitforme?¡±

    Theymetforthefirsttimethatdayandhadn¡¯tevenknowneachotherfortenminutes,sosucharequestwasutterlyunexpected.

    Lysanderworeabewilderedexpressionuponhearingthat.¡°Sure,but¡­youdon¡¯tevenknowwhoIam.¡±

    Thewomanimmediatelyreplied.¡°It¡¯sokay.Meetingyouisfate.Besides,Icantellyou¡¯reagoodperson.Takingcareofherisquitesimple.Allyouneedtodoiscradlehertowatchthebirdsoutside.Evenifshecan¡¯tfindme,shewon¡¯tcry.¡±

    Asshespoke,shereached outandliftedAuroraoutofthebabystroller,carefullycingherinLysander¡¯s

    arms.

    Suddenly,Lysanderfoundherselfholdingatiny,softbundlecapableoughingandmoving.Instantly.shebecamenervous<b>.</b>

    Fortunately,Aurorawasn¡¯tshywithstrangers.Evenin thearmsofastranger,shestilughedandlookedaroundasusual,showingnosignsofanxietyfrombeingseparatedfromhermother.

    Uponseeingthat,Lysander¡¯snervousnessabated.ShecarriedAurorasteadywiththeskillsshehonedfromherexperienceintheobstetricsandgynecologydepartment.

    Thewomaneximedinadmirationand<bmented</b>,¡°Fromthewayyouholdher,you¡¯reclearlyanexpert.Doyouhavea child,too?I¡¯veneverheardJosiahmentionit.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±Lysanderknewshedidn¡¯tmeananything.Afleetingshadowcrossedhereyes,yetshecontinued.nonchntly,¡°Ijusthadalotofpracticeholdingbabies,butitusedtobenewborns.Iworkedintheobstetricsandgynecologydepartment.¡±

    Thewoman¡¯seyes<b>lit</b>up.¡°So,you¡¯re<b>a</b>doctor!Thatputsme<b>at</b>ease.I¡¯llbebackshortly.Itwon¡¯ttakelong.¡±

    Beforeherwordshadleftherlips,shehadalreadyspunaroundanddartedtotheothersideoftherestaurant,liningupforthefreshlybakedeggtarts.

    Withachildless<b>than</b>ayearoldinherarms,Lysanderdarednotmovemuch.Whenshecouldnolongerseethe woman¡¯sfigure,sheloweredherheadanxiouslyandgreetedAurora,¡°Hellothere,Aurora.¡±

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    thepairofbrightandckeyes.Framingthemwerethick, curlyeyshes,givinghertheappearanceofadoll.WhenshemetLysander¡¯sgaze,<b>she</b>immediatelybrokeintoasmile.

    ¡°Oh!¡±Sheliftedherpetitehandandpointedoutthewindow,babblingaway.Itseemedlikeshewastryingtmunicatewithhernewlyacquaintedfriend.

    InitiallyLysanderthoughtshewouldbelockedinastaringcontestwithAuroraforquitesometime.However,seeingthatshewasnotfrightenedofheratall,sheimmediatelyfeltatease.¡°Begoodanddon¡¯tcry.Yourmommywillbebacksoon.¡±

    Aurorablinkedafewtimesinfauxunderstandingbeforereachingoutwithasofthandandgraspinghers.

    Lysander¡¯sheartimmediatelymelted.Shecouldn¡¯tcarelessabouttheeconomewsshereadhalfway.Thephoneonthetableremaineduntouchedbyheruntilthescreenwentdark.

    Thespacearoundthesquaretablewaslimited.ConcernedthatAuroramightbeufortable,Lysanderinstinctivelyshiftedherchairbackabitforhertositmorfortablyinherarms.

    Alittleoverhalfayearold,Aurorawasinastageofexploringtheworld.Aftergetting<b>close</b>toLysander,whowasfullofgoodwill,shetemporarily<b>lost</b>interestintheviewoutsidethewindowandstartedyingwithherinstead.

    Shewasstilltooyoungtospeak,evenherinflectionssomewhatgarbled,buttheupwardliltinhervoicewasclearlyfilledwithexcitement.Herroundandchubbyfacebouncedslightly,renderingherjustlike<b>a</b>sugar¨Czedhoneybun.

    LysanderliftedherhandandgentlypinchedAurora¡¯scheek.¡°You¡¯rejusttooadorable.¡±

    Thesensationatherfingertipswasincrediblysmooth,evenmoresothanthetenderestbeancurd.Nowondereveryonesaysababy¡¯sskinisthebest.

    ¡°Oh.¡±FondofLysander,<b>Aurora</b>happilyyedwiththetasselsonhershirt.Suddenly,apairofmassivehandsreachedoverfromthesideandlifted heraway.

    Theywerelong,slender,andbroad,unmistakablythoseofa man.

    Lysanderwasstartled,readytostandupwithouthesitationtosnatchAuroraback.Butwhensherecognizedtheperson,sheletout<b>a</b>sighofreliefandsaid,¡°Oh,it¡¯syou.¡±

    WithahandsupportingAurora¡¯sthighsandtheotheronherwaist,Josiahheldhersecurelyandasked,¡°Wheredidthisbaby<be</b>from?¡±

    Notinthemoodtoarguewith<b>him</b>,Lysander<b>said</b>,¡°Just<b>give</b>thebabybacktome.¡±

    Shegenuinelydidn¡¯ttrusthisabilitytotakecareofchildren,especiallysuchayoungbaby,andshewouldhavenowayofexiningittoAurbra¡¯smotheterifhescaredherintocrying.

    Josiah,however,hadnointentionofdoingso.Instead,hecasuallytookaseatbesideher.¡°Justyesterday.wewerehopingforachild.Today,ourwishhaetrue.¡±

    Following<b>that</b><b>,</b>Lysanderhadnochoicebuttoexin,¡°She¡¯sthedaughterofayoundysharingthetablewithme.Hermotherwenttogetsomefood<b>and</b>willbe<b>back</b>soon.¡±

    Josiahappearedslightlytakenaback,hisbrowsfurrowed.¡°Ican¡¯tbelievesomeonewoulddareentrustsuchayoungchildtopletestrangershejustmet.Hermotheristooreckless<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

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    HiswordsstruckachordwithLysander.Nodding,sheextendedherhandsandsaid,¡°Handherovertome.Don¡¯tmakehercry.¡±

    As<b>she</b>spoke,hergazefellonAurora¡¯s petiteface.Tohersurprise,sheshowednosignsofbeingonthe

    ofcrying.Instead,shewafortablyyingwithJosiah¡¯scufflinks.Thecufflinks,studdedwithteardrop¨Cshapedsmalldiamonds,wereincrediblyeye¨Ccatchingwiththeirsparklingbrilliance.

    <b>Verge</b>

    <i>Her</i>personalityreallydoesmirrorhermother¡¯s,cheerfndoutgoing.Thiskindofbabyisthebesttotakecare<i>of</i>.

    Nheless,Lysanderwasstibitworried.Shelookedclosely,onlytofindthatnotonlywasJosiah¡¯sgripsteady,buthealsohadafamiliarcaseabouthim.

    ¡°Whendidyoulearnhowtoholdachild?¡±sheaskedinwonder.

    ThecornersofJosiah¡¯smouthcurvedup.Heheld Auroracloseragainsthischestprotectivelyandsaidinalowvoice.¡°Rightafterwepartedways,Eleanortaughtmeforawhile.¡±

    Theinitialperiodoftheirseparation<b>was</b>alsothetimewhentheirchildhadjustbeenaborted.

    Lysanderneverexpectedthatheevenwentoutofhiswaytolearnthatfrom<b>Eleanor</b>.

    ¡°I¡¯llholdherforawhile.Themilkinyoursswillgocold ifyoudon¡¯tdrinkitsoon,¡±Josiahprompted.

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    Afterobservingforawhile,LysandernoticedthatAuroradidn¡¯tseemufortableinhisarms.Infact,Aurorawascuriouslyyingwithhissleevecuffwhileshewasslowlysippinghismilk.

    However,hereyesneveronceleftthistinybundlethroughouttheentiretime.

    Shecautioned,¡°AlthoughAuroraisnotshyaroundstrangers,youshouldstillbecareful.¡±

    Asubtle hintofamusementglimmeredinJosiah¡¯seyes.hisvoicenoticeablysoftened,radiatingwarmthandaffection.¡°I<b>know</b>.¡±

    Heasked,¡°Didyousleepwelstnight?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±Lysanderasked,¡°Afterwefinisheating,whereshouldwestartlearningfrom?¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°Norush,let¡¯smeetsomeonefirst.¡±

    Ashespoke,hereachedoutforabrightlycoloredlisianthusfromthevaseonthetable.Aftercarefullywipingoffthewaterdropletsfromthestemwithatissue,hehandeditovertoAurora<b>.</b>

    Children¡¯sattentionspansareshort.Aurora,whohadgrownboredwith theshinycufflink,immediatelybeamed,herge,darkeyessparklingwithdelightasshebabblediprehensibly.

    Lysander¡¯sgazesoftened.¡°Kidsaresoeasytoplease.Justaflowercanmakeherthishappy.¡±

    Josiahchuckled,holdingthechildcloser.¡°Beingeasytopleaseisagoodtrait.¡±

    Assoonasshefinishedspeaking,shepausedbeforeemphasizingseriously,¡°Iamdthatshe¡¯ssomeoneelse¡¯schild.itisfoywithherforawhilelikethis,butifitisyourownchild,don¡¯texpecttohavethiskindofleisuretime.Takingcareofachildisverytedious.¡±

    ¡°Iamnotafraidoplications.¡±

    Lysanderpausedwhileshewasdrinkingmilk.

    However,shequicklyregainedheposure.ShethenpluckedanotherrosefromthevaseandpresentedittoAurora.

    Aurorawasimmediatelycaptivatedbythebrightredrose,promptlydiscardingthelisianthusshe hadjust

    momentsago.

    Josiahliftedhishandtoepttherose,hisfingertipslightlybrushingagainstthebackofherhand.

    Lysanderdecisivelywithdrewherhand,instantlybreakingcontactwithhim.

    Auroradidn¡¯tunderstandorknowabouttheaffairsofadults<b>.</b>Seeingaflowerwasenoughtomakeherhappy.Sheimmediatelywantedtoreachoutandtouchit,butbeforeshecould,theflowersuddenlymovedaway,sparkingherinterestandcausinghertoextendhertinyhandeagerly.

    <b>Josiah</b>wasworriedshemigheintocontactwiththepollen.Hetactfullymovedhishandbackward.creatingasafe<b>distance</b>betweenherandtheflower.Oncesheretractedherhand,heyfullyshiftedtheflowerforwardagain,makingitseemasifhe<b>was</b>engagingherinagame.

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    ¡°Mhm.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Don¡¯tworry,shelovesflowersandwon¡¯tsqueezethemtoohard.¡±

    Thewomansoonreturned with<b>a</b>trayoffruitandwholegrainbread,alongsideastackofeggtartsanddesserts.Withoutthetartsanddesserts,itwouldlooklikeahealthybreakfast.

    Thebreakfastreflectedherownelegantyeteasygoingdemeanor.

    Josiahgreetedhercalmly.¡°Ms.Lionhart,longtimenosee.¡±

    Nievasmiledwarmly.¡°Mr.Guerra,Iwasnningtocatchupwithyouafterbreakfast.Didn¡¯texpecttorunintoyousosoon.¡±

    AfterspeakingwithJosiah,sheturnedtoLysander,smilingreassuringly.¡°Iknewit,anyoneinthisspotmustbeconnectedtoMr.Guerra<b>.</b>¡±

    Sensing Lysander¡¯sdifort,Josiahsmoothlyintroducedher,¡°Letmeintroduceyou.ThisisMs.NievaLionhart,andshe¡¯smarried.¡±

    Heemphasizedtheword¡°married.¡±

    NievaLionharughed.¡°Oh,Igetit.

    Josiahsmiled.¡°Whatdoyouget?¡±

    ¡°YouemphasizedIammarriedtoavoidanymisunderstandingsonherside.¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯tdenyit.¡°ThisisLysanderThorne.She¡¯sgoingtotakeoverThorneConstructionsandEnergiessoon.¡±

    Nievanodded withasmile.¡°Hello,Ms.Thorne.¡±

    Lysanderalsogreetedher.¡°Hello,Ms.Lionhart.Itseemswe¡¯requitefated.¡±

    Nievawasoutgoingandtalkative.Shewasalreadyenthusiasticwhenshehada<b>chance</b>encounterwithLysander.NowherenthusiasmincreaseduponlearningofLysander¡¯sconnectiontoJosiah.¡°AsIsaid,meetingbychance<b>means</b>we¡¯redestinedtobefriends.¡±

    Auroraenthusiasticallyrespondedwithan¡°Oh.¡±

    InfectedbyNieva¡¯scheerfulness,Lysanderfeltmuch<b>of</b>herearlieruneasefadeaway.

    NoticingJosiah¡¯sskillfulhandlingofthechild,Nieva<b>teased</b>,¡°Mr.Guerra,what<b>have</b>youbeenupto?Youseemtohavepickedupnewskills.nningtobeadotingfather?¡±

    Shewasmerelyjestingbuthadhirclosetohome.However,Josiahdidn¡¯trevealhisrealthoughts<b>and</b>said,¡°itisjusttakingcareofachild.Ipickeditupfromwatchingothers.¡±

    Impressive,Nievaremarked,thengottobusiness.¡°Bytheway,youstillhaven¡¯ttoldmewhyyouinvited

    meforthisfreevacation<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahdodgedthequestionwitha<b>smile</b>.¡°Ithasbeenawhilesincewstmet.Let¡¯snotspoilthemoodbytalkingaboutwork.I¡¯lltakecareofAurora<b>while</b>youtwoenjoybreakfast.¡±

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    Understandinghisintent,Nievasmiledmeaningfully.¡°You¡¯vechanged,bingmoreconsideratetowardswomen.¡±

    Catchingon,Josiahsmiledback.¡°Yourdaughterisadorable.IrememberwhenIwenttoherweingpartyatHofcaster,shewastinylikeakitten<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Thatwas sixmonthsago.Kidschangequickly,¡±Nievasaid,proudlylookingatherdaughter.¡°Youremindedmehowmuchshe¡¯sgrown.We oftendon¡¯tnoticeit.¡±

    Lysander¡¯searliersuspicionswereconfirmed.Nieva¡¯sbackgroundwasindeedimpressive.

    JosiahknewofLysander¡¯ssharpwitandassumedshewouldhavepiecedtogetherthesituationregardingtheLionhartfamilybynow.Heasked,¡°<b>Have</b>youbeensobusystayinghomewithAurorahatyou¡¯veneglectedyourinvestments?¡±

    ¡°Istillhandlestuff,butnotascloselyasbefore.Ibelieveinbncingworkandrest.Noteveryoneislikeyou,willingtoliveforwork.¡±

    Nievawaidbackandenjoyedtravelingwithherdaughter.Inpassing,sheasked,¡°You¡¯renottryingtoymatchmakerforsomeone,areyou?¡±

    ¡°Yourfamilydealsinfinance.Can¡¯tIneedyourhelp?¡±Josiahrepliedlightly.

    Thoughsilent.Lysanderperkedupatmentioning¡°investment¡±and¡°finance<b>.</b>¡±

    Afterdaysofimmersingherselfinfinancialnews,LysanderhaddevelopedakeeninstinctandimmediatelyponderedwhyNievawashere.

    Josiahwouldn¡¯treconnectwithanoldfriendwithoutareason.

    Everdirect,Nievasaid,¡°Comeon,withyourresources,Imightneedyourhelpsomeday.Youwouldneverneedmyinvestment.IsitforMs.Thorne?Josiah,you¡¯vefallenhard!¡±

    Josiaughed.¡°Youjusthavetogetajabin,don¡¯tyou?¡±

    Nievapressed,¡°Okay,stopbeatingaroundthebush.IfitissomethingIcanhelpwith,Iwill.Ifnot,noamountofpersuasionwillchangethat.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sturnedserious.¡°I¡¯llgettothepoint.¡±

    Withoutanywarning,hebroughtLysanderintotheconversation.¡°Lysanderhasafriendwhosefamily<b>business</b>isfacingfinancialdifficulties.Ihopeyoucanhelp.¡±

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    NievestaredatJosiahthoughtfully.¡°Ms.Thorne¡¯sfriend?¡±

    ¡°Correct

    ¡°What¡¯syourrtionshipwithherfriendthatbroughtyouheretofind<b>me</b>personally?¡±

    Inhisarms,Aurorawasstillwide¨Ceyed,filledwithcuriosityabouttheworldaroundher.Josiahshiftedhis.positiontoholdhermorfortably.Healsopulledhertinydressdownwardtostraightenitout.

    ¡°Shehasnothingtodowithme.¡±Josiah gesturedtowardLysanderwithhischin.¡°However,shehashelpedLysanderalot.¡±

    Nievashookherhead,chucklinglightly.¡°Oh,returningafavor.¡±

    ¡°Yes,youcouldsaythat.¡±

    Nievabecameserious.¡°Howmuchisneeded?¡±

    Inafewbriefwords,JosiahexinedthesituationaboutDaphne¡¯sfamily.¡°Thepany¡¯s<b>bank</b>loanhasbeenfullyrepaid,butasyouareweware,ittakessomecapitaltomakeeback.¡±

    NievascannedJosiahfromheadtotoewithapeculiargazeandsaid,¡°That¡¯sodd.Youcouldhaveeasilyhandledthissituationyourself.Itwouldhavebeenmuchmoreconvenientthanseekingmyhelp.IstheresomethingelsegoingonherethatIshouldknowabout?¡±

    JosiahcradledAurorain hisarms,leaninggentlyagainstthebackrestashespoke.¡°I¡¯vetransferredsomemoney,butIsuspectshehasherreservations.Sheprobablywon¡¯tuseit.¡±

    Afterhearingeverything,Nievadidnotimmediatelyexpressherstance.Instead,shefellintosilencefora

    moment.

    AsJosiahwashelpingDaphne,Lysanderchimedin,¡°Myfriend¡¯s<b>family</b>businesshasalwaysbeenstable.However,anelderinthefamilygotindhadtostayabroadtemporarily,leadingto<b>this</b>urgentsituation.Iunderstandthatinvestingcertainlycarriesrisks,andIcan¡¯tguaranteethatitwilldefinitelybeprofitableandwon¡¯tincurlosses.ButwhatI<b>can</b>promiseisthatmyfriendwillcertainlydotheirbest.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,you¡¯requiteinteresting¡±Nievachuckledlightly.¡°ThisisthefirsttimeI¡¯veheardsuchanhonestexnation.¡±

    Josiahsmiledhelplessly.¡°Sheusedtostudymedicine.She¡¯susedtospeakinginly<b>and</b>doesn¡¯tunderstandtheintricaciesofthebusinessworld.Everythingshesaysissincere.¡±

    ¡°Ilikehonestpeople,¡±Nievasaid,smackingherlips.¡°Iamtiredofall thesmooth¨Ctalkingandslickwords.itisrefreshingtohearsomethingstraightforward.ButMs.Thorne,Imustremindyou,themorethemoney,themoreofabattlefielditbes.Tostandfirmin<b>such</b>ace,youcan¡¯thavetoohighamoralstandard,oritwilldriveyoucrazyjustwatching.¡±

    Josiahfrowned.¡°Don¡¯tscareher.She¡¯sjuststartingoutLetheradaptgradually.¡±

    ¡°Mr.<b>Guerra</b>,IwashavingaconversationwithMs.Thome.Why<b>are</b>youinterrupting?¡±

    Nievawasjoking.Naturally,Josiahdidn¡¯ttakeoffense.Hemade<b>a</b>gestureandsaid,¡°Apologiesdies.

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    JudgingfromNieva¡¯sdemeanor,shedidn¡¯tseemtobeparticrlyaverse.

    Lysanderquicklyadded,¡°Iamjustgettingstartedinthisfieldanddon¡¯tunderstandmanythings.IamsorryifImadeafoolofmyself.¡±

    ¡°Notatall.Iactuallyappreciatedirecmunication.Honestly,withMr.Guerra¡¯sbacking.Ihavenoconcerns.Giventhertionshipbetweenourfamilies,evenifyourfriendlosesmoney,Mr.Guerrawouldcoverit.Iamjustcurious¨Csinceyourfriendisimportant toyouandMr.Guerravaluesyou,whywouldn¡¯tsheusehismoney?¡±

    Josiahsighed,lookingabitresigned.¡°itisalongstory.¡±

    Nievaseemedevenmorecurions.¡°Issheatoddswithyou?¡±

    JosiahrecalledDaphne¡¯shostileattitudewhenhecalledherandansweredhonestly,¡°Ifsheknewtheinvestmentwasfromme,shewouldprobablybehappierlosingitall¡±

    Nievaimmediatelyburstouughingwithoutanyregard.¡°Noway,howonearthdidyoumanagetooffendher?Shewouldratherrefusethemoneythanletgoofhergrudge.¡±

    IfJosiahweren¡¯tholdingthebaby,hewouldprobablyberubbingmyforeheadbynow.Josiah saidhelplessly.¡°ImadesomemistakesinthepastthatIhaven¡¯tbeenforgivenfor.Iamtryingtoimprovemystandingwithhernow.¡±

    Nievughedagain,enjoyinghisdifort,butthengrewserious.¡°Ishouldgiveyouthisfavor,butsincemostoftheLionhartfamily¡¯sfinancesareundermyhusband¡¯scontrolnow,andgivenmycurrentsituation¡­<b>You</b>understand.¡±

    Herexpressionturnedsomber,afleetingsadnessthatwasrealbutquicklymasked.

    Josiahturnedserious,understandingherconcerns.¡°Iunderstand.Youmightnothavefuuthorityoverinvestmentsrightnow.Iwon¡¯taskformuch.Justdoyourbest.¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    ¡°Theamountisnotanissue,¡±Nievaagreedquickly,thoughwithsomeirritation.¡°Itishavingtodealwithhimthat¡¯sannoying.¡±

    ItseemedNieva¡¯smarriagewaplicated,somethingJosiahwasawareof.Heremainedsilent,andLysanderdidn¡¯tfeelitwasappropriatetment.

    Josiahasked,¡°WillyouandElioCortezcontinuelikethis?¡±

    Nievarolledhereyes.¡°Hegot<b>what</b>hewanted,andIgotwhatIwanted.We¡¯veboth achievedourgoals.Marriageisabsolutelyworthless.¡±

    Josiahfrownedslightly.¡°Itdependsontheperson.¡±

    ¡°AreyousayingIcan¡¯tjudgepeoplewell?¡±

    ¡°No,youhavegoodjudgment.Elioiscapable<b>and</b>ambitious.HewillelevatetheLionhartfamilyfurther.¡±

    ¡°Yes,butsuchamanisnot<b>suited</b>tobeahusband.¡±Sadnessshed<b>across</b>Nieva¡¯seyes.¡°Atleast,<b>not</b>myhusband.Tootherwomen,he¡¯saperfectman.¡±

    Josiah<b>said</b>,<b>¡°</b><b>But</b>youarestiLionhart.NomatterhowcapableEliois,hecan¡¯trecethefamilynameThpanyremainsunderyourfamily.¡±

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    ¡°Yes,¡±Nievasmiledfaintly.¡°Iwasluckytobebornintotherightfamily.¡±

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    D

    JosiahsignaledtoLysanderwithhiseyes.¡°WithMs.Lionhart¡¯ssupport,Dapline¡¯sinvestmentissecured.¡±

    derunderstood<b>and</b>immediatelystoodup,raisingherssofmilk.¡°Ms.Lionhart,itisagreathelpintimes<b>of</b>need.I<b>thank</b>youonbehalfofmyfriend.Ifthisgoesthrough,shewileto<b>thank</b>youpersonally.¡±

    Nieva<b>waved</b>herhand,aslysmileonherface.¡°Holdon,Iamwillingtohelp,butIhaven¡¯tmentionedmyconditionyet.¡±

    Lysandertensedup,butJosiahremained<b>calm</b>.¡°Goahead<b>.</b>¡±

    NievareachedovertotakeAurora,whowasgettingrestlessinJosiah¡¯sarms.Sheasked,¡°Doyoufindtakingcareofchildrentiring?¡±

    Josiahadmitted,¡°Ihaven¡¯ttakencareofababybefore.¡±

    Lysanderrified.¡°Tvelookedafter<b>mothers</b><b>and</b>newborns<b>but</b>notforlong.Mostly,nurseshandleit.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne you¡¯reagynecologist?¡±Nievasoundedmoreconfident<b>than</b>theydid.¡°That¡¯sevenbetter.Doyouhaveanynsrecently?Couldyoutakecareof Auroraforafewdays?¡±

    S

 Chapter 508

    Chapter508MisterAndMiss.

    Nievashedasmile,gazingoutatthesunlightinthegarden.¡°Theweatherhasbeensoloveltely.Itseemssuchawastetostaycoopedupindoorsallthetime.Sincewe¡¯rehere,weshoulddefinitelygetoutmore.There¡¯sacanyonnearbythatI¡¯vebeennningtohike.However,Aurorakeeps holdingmeback.Whatdoyouthink,Mr.Guerra?Doyouhavesomefreetime?Itwouldbegoodpracticeforwhenyou<b>have</b>childrenof<b>your</b><b>own</b><b>!</b>¡±

    JosiahncedatLysander.¡°Iamfinewithit.Whataboutyou?¡±

    Lysanderfurrowedherbrows.¡°Don¡¯tyouneedtogobacktoworkatyoupany?¡±

    ¡°Myworkcanbehandledremotely,¡±saidJosiah,¡°Yourmaintaskistofocusonyourstudies.Youdoyourpart,andI¡¯lltakecareofAurora.Iwon¡¯t

    ¡°you¡±

    Lysanderstillfeltuneasy.¡°Ms.Lionhart,neitherMr.GuerranorIhaveanyexperiencewithtakingcareofchildren.Iamafraidwemightnotdoagoodjob.¡±

    Nievablinked.¡°What¡¯ssodifficultaboutit?Auroraiseasytohandle.<b>Plus</b>,youhaveyourprofessionalskillstorelyon.Youmightevendo abetterjobthanme.Ofcourse,Iwon¡¯tforceit.itisalluptoyou.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Nieva<b>was</b>abenefactor.Shehadjustdoneafavor,soitwouldn¡¯tberighttorefusehernow.

    However,askingJosiahtotakecareofAurora¡­

    ItseemedasifJosiahhadnoticedLysander¡¯sworriedexpression.Heasked,¡°Ms.Lionhart,howlongdoyountobe<b>away</b>?¡±

    ¡°Itshouldtakeatleastadayortwo.Thismountainrangeisnotparticrlyvast,soitshouldn¡¯ttaketoolong.

    Josiahnodded.¡°Adayortwoshouldbefine.¡±

    Uponseeinghimnod,Nievaimmediatelyaffirmed,¡°Okay,itissettledthen.I¡¯llgobacktomy roomto

    themountainclimbinggear.Oh,betweenthetents andtheclimbingropes,there¡¯sjustsomuchto

    prepare

    sortout.

    Josiahteased,¡°There¡¯snoneedtorush.Youcanextendyourhikeforanotherdayor<b>two</b>.¡±

    ¡°Reallynow,you¡¯remixingbusinesswithpleasure,Mr.Guerra,¡±Nievasaid,handingherdaughterovertohim.ShethenbentdowntostrokeAurora¡¯shead,advisinggently,¡°Mommywillbeawayforafewdays,butMr.GuerraandLysanderwill<b>take</b>careofyou.Beagoodginddon¡¯tcry,okay?¡±

    Auroraopenedhereyeswide,oblivioustowhatwasabouttohappennext.

    Josiahwasimmediately displeased.¡°itisJosiahand Lysander.

    Nievaconfrontedhimdirectly,¡°You¡¯rethirtyyearsolderthanmydaughter.Doyoureallyhavetheaudacitytolethercallyoubyyourname?¡±

    ¡°Well,Mr.GuerraandLysandersoundweird.¡±

    Nievughedheartily.¡°ButMs.<b>Thome</b>issoyoung<b>and</b>pretty.Callingher¡®Miss¡®doesn¡¯tfit,right,Aurora?¡±

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    Thebabydidn¡¯tunderstandawordbutrespondedenthusiasticallytohermother¡¯svoicewithnods<b>and</b>babbling.

    Nievatappedherdaughter¡¯snose.¡°See,evenAuroraagreeswithme.¡±

    ¡°Fine,calluswhateveryouwant.¡±Josiahsighed.¡°TodayIamatthebottomofthefoodchain.¡±

    ?

    Nieva¡¯stoneshiftedassheteased,¡°Callingher¡°Lysander¡®isjustfornow.Inthefuture,youmightcallherMrs.Guerra,right.Mr.Guerra?¡±

    Josiaughed.¡°Don¡¯tstart.YoushouldspendmoretimewithElio.¡±

    Nievatossedherhair.¡°He¡¯sprobablyhangingaroundsomeaquariumagain,notwantingtolistentomeanyway.Butthat¡¯sfine.Idon¡¯twanttotalktohimeither.Byenow.¡±

    Theever¨CthoughtfulLysanderstoppedNievatoask.¡°Ms.Lionhart,whatform doesthebabydrink?¡±

    Nievapushedthebabystrollertowardthemandcedthebackpacknearby.¡°Form,bottles,snacks,andtoysareinside.Thediapersandclothesareallunderneaththestroller.¡±

    Forababyjustoversixmonthsold,thisseemedsufficient.LysandernotedeverythingNievamentionedandwatchedherleaveintheelevatorwithJosiah.

    AfterNievaleft,Lysandercheckedtheitemsinthestroller.EverythingmatchedwhatNievahadsaid,andshefeltslightlyrelieved.

    Turningaround,shesawAuroraabouttocryafterrealizinghermotherhadleft.Josiahwas usingflowersfromthetabletodistracther<b>.</b>

    SeeingLysanderlookingover,Josiahsaidsoftly,¡°Nievaseemscarefreebutisactuallyveryattentive.Don¡¯tworrytoomuch.Ifanything¡¯smissing,wecanhavesomeonebuyit.¡±

    ¡°Ms.LionharthelpedDaphnealotthistime.Ihavetotakegoodcareofher<b>child</b>outofgratitude.¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°FortheLionhartfamily,fiftyorsixtymillionis notabigdeal.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯sonlybecauseofyourinfluence.¡±

    Josiah pausedbutdidn¡¯tdenyit.¡°SoIneedtotakeextragoodcareofthechildtoliveuptoNieva¡¯strust.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯requitegoodatholdingAurora.¡±

    Lysanderasked,¡°Doyoustillwantseafood<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°What

    ¡°You¡¯vehelpedDaphnebuildconnections<b>and</b>secureinvestments.Wetrulyoweittoyou.Iamnotsomeonewhodoesn¡¯tappreciatekindness.Ican¡¯tjustepthelpwithoutexpressingmygratitude.¡±

    Aftersomethought,Josiah<b>asked</b>,¡°CanIask<b>for</b><b>a</b>differentkindofgratitude?¡±

    Immediately,Lysanderbecamealert.

    Josiahchuckled.¡°Youtreatmelike<b>a</b>thiefnow.I couldn¡¯tevenseethemoonwithyou.WhatcouldInossiblydo<b>?</b>¡±

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    ¡°Thenwhatdoyouwant?¡±

    ¡°Handmethetoysfromthestroller.Auroraiscuriousbutgetsboredquickly.Theflowersaren¡¯tholdingherattentionanymore.¡±

    LysanderfoundsomeplushtoysandhandedthemtoJosiah,whostartedentertainingthebaby,

    ButAurorawasn¡¯teasilyappeasedthistime.Shepouted,onthevergeoftears.

    Josiahpanickedabit.¡°Lysander,seewhat¡¯swrongwithher?¡±

    LysanderrecalledhownursesatCentralHospitalsoothedbabies.Calmingdown,shesuggested.¡°Trywalkingaroundwith<b>her</b>.Babiesdon¡¯tlikestayingstill.OrholdonwhileIpreparehermilk.¡±

    Josiahwasoddlyconfident.¡°Youhaven¡¯tfinishedyourbreakfastyet.Letmedoit.¡±

    Aurorawascryingharder,andercouldn¡¯tfocusoneating.Shetookthebottleandformfromthestrollerandaskedawaiterforhotwater.Aftersterilizingthebottle,she mixedtheformattherighttemperature.Shethenhandedthewarmbottleover.

    JosiahwalkedaroundwithAurora,tryingtocalmher.Shecriedlessbutwasstillupsetuntilthebottlewashandedtoher,stoppinghertears.

    ¡°Soshewashungry.¡±

    Aidenarrivedattherestaurant,noticingJosiah¡¯stallfigureimmediately.Heliftedabrowndocumentbag.cheerfullycallingout,¡°Josiah,Ibrought¡­¡±

    Halfwaythrough,henoticedLysanderandthebabytheywerebothlookingat.Hismouthdroppedopen

    surprise.

 Chapter 509

    Chapter509WhoShouldIHaveaChildWith

    Thescenefeltsosurrealitwas<b>almost</b>unbelievable.

    Aidenliftedhisfreehandandrubbedhiseyes,doubtinghisvision.Afterfocusingagain,hispupilswidenedinshock,andheforgottherestofwhatheintended<b>to</b>say.

    BothJosiahandLysanderheardhimbutweretoopreupiedtorespondimmediately.OnlywhenAurorahaddrunkhalfthebottleandsmiledcontentedlydidtheylookoverathimtogether.

    Lysander,havingnoparticropinionofAiden,gaveaslightnodasagreetingandthensatbackdown.

    Carefullyholdingthebaby,Josiahsaidinhisusualtone,¡°Sitdown,andlet¡¯stalk.¡±

    Aidensilentlytookaseatacrossfromthem,ncingbackandforthbetweenJosiahandthebaby,hiseyesfilledwithunspokenquestions.Helookedlikehe<b>was</b>abouttoblurt<b>out</b>,¡°Whendidyoutwohave<b>a</b>baby?¡±

    Seeinghisdazedexpression,Josiahdidn¡¯trushto<b>exin</b><b>.</b>Instead,heasked,¡°Didyoubringthestuff?¡±

    Histonewas noticeablysofterbecauseofthebabyinhisarms.

    ¡°Yes,Idid.¡±AidenquicklycedthebrowndocumentbagonthetableandpushedittowardJosiah<b>and</b>Lysander.¡°Timewastight,soIgatheredeverythingIcouldfindandbroughtithere.Ihopeithelps.¡±

    Whilespeaking,hecontinuedtostareat<b>Aurora</b>,tryingtodiscernwhowereherparentsfromherfeatures.

    Thanks,¡±Josiahsaid.HegentlyliftedAurora¡¯sbibandwipedhermouth.Afterthat,hencedatthepaperbagandadded,¡°GiveittoLysander.¡±

    Stillsomewhatdazed,AidenpushedthebagtowardLysander.Hisconfusion had<b>lessened</b>,butnowheseemedunsureofhowtoaddressLysander.Thebag¡¯scontentslookedlikeahotpotato,hardtoholdandevenhardertoletgo.

    ¡°Um¡­thisisforyou,¡±hesaid.

    Lysander asked,¡°MayIknowwhatthisis?¡±

    Aidensighedinreliefandquicklyexined,¡°itisforyou.<b>I</b>amjustthedeliveryguy.ThesearedocumentsMr.GuerraaskedMs.Collinstpile.They¡¯refromprojectshehandledwhileoverseeingGuerraGroup.

    Thewordswerespokencasually,butLysanderwasmomentarilytakenabackuponhearingthem.Giventhatthesedocumentslikelycontainedsensitivebusinessinformation,shedidn¡¯texpectJosiahtosharesuchimportantmaterialswithher.

    Beforinghere,Aidenthought<b>that</b>Josiahwantedtoseethesedocuments,andhedidn¡¯tknowLysanderwasthere.Seeing<b>that</b>sliewasconfused,headded,¡°Someoftheolderprojectswerehardtpile,sothesearejustrecentonesfromthepastfewmonths.Ms.<b>Collins</b><b>is</b><b>still</b>workingontherest.

    ¡°Thankyou,andpleaseextendmygratitudetoMs.Collinsaswell.¡±

    ¡°YoushouldalsothankJosiah.Besidesthedocuments,he<b>had</b>mefindvideosandmeetingrecordsfrompastsummitsinSeaview.They¡¯renotexhaustive,butthey¡¯rethemosprehensive<b>avable</b>.¡±

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    Genuinelyinterestedinthecontents,sheopenedthedocumentbagandbeganreadingthroughthedocuments.

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    Thedocumentsinthebagweremeticulouslysorted.Theyweremarkedwithdifferentcoloredclipsandstickynotesindicatingtheyears.<b>At</b><b>a</b>nce<b>,</b>everythingwascrystalclearandextremelyorganized.

    ¡°Josiah.Thiscehasagreatenvironment,¡±Aidemented.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tdenyit.¡°Yes,weputalotofthoughtintochoosingthislocation.Feelfreetovisitanytime.Thepenthousesuitewiththescenicviewisbooked,buttherearestifewfirst¨Cssguest<b>rooms</b>avable.¡±

    Aidenwavedhishand.¡°Maybenext<b>time</b>.Ihaveothemitmentstonightandcan¡¯tstay<b>long</b>.

    Aftersayingthis,hesatsilently,watchingJosiahandthebaby.Ifhedidn¡¯trestrainhimself,hewouldhavestaredatLysander<b>as</b>well.

    JosiahseemedoblivioustoAiden¡¯sawkwardnessandcontinued,¡°Okay,I<b>won¡¯t</b>keepyou

    then.¡±

    Aidenlookedabitdisappointed.¡°Josiah,<b>this</b>child¡­

    ¡°Whatabout<b>her</b>?¡±Josiah turnedwiththebaby.¡°Isn¡¯tsheadorable?¡±

    ¡°Adorable,indeed¡­Isitaboyoragirl?¡±

    ¡°Agirl.¡±Josiahreplied,hisgazefullofaffection.¡°Doyouwanttoholdher?¡±

    Aidenalmostbackedaway.¡°No,no,Iamtooclumsy.Imighthurther.¡±

    Even<i>if</i>timecanchangeaperson,isn¡¯tthispaceandprogressabittoofast<i>?</i><i>He</i>wenttoApexCityandcamebackwith

    achild?

    Hencedaroundbutsaw<b>no</b>oneelse,

    Itcouldn¡¯tpossiblybe thatthey¡¯vestolensomeoneelse¡¯schild¡­

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯swrong?

    ¡°Isthereanythingelseyouneedmetodo?¡±

    JosiahlookedatLysander.<b>¡°</b>Doyouneedanythingelse?IcanhaveMs.Collinpileit<b>and</b>senditover.¡±

    Lysanderwasstillengrossedinthedocuments inherhand.Uponhearingthequestion,sheshookherhead.¡°Notfornow.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionremainedunchanged,buthiseyesvisiblybrightened.¡°Okay,letmeknowifyouneed.<b>anything</b>.¡±

    <b>As</b>theyexchangedafewmorewords,theatmospherelightened.

    Auroraswiveledherneck.Thoughshedidn¡¯tquiteunderstandwhatwasgoingon,shestilljoinedinthughter.Hergrape¨Clikeeyescurvedintocrescents,mirroringherjoy.Intheprocess,sheclungontothrgehandof<b>Insiah</b>,whowasprotectingher.<b>indicar</b>aclosebondbetweenthem.

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    Afterobservingforalengthyperiod,Aidenfinallyfoundtheopportunitytospeakoncethetwoofthemfellsilent.¡°Josiah,thischildseemstobearastrikingresemncetoyou,¡±hmented.

    D

    Josiahgavehimalook.¡°Ifyoucan¡¯tsayanything<b>sensible</b>,don¡¯tspeak.itisaproblemifshelookslikeme.¡±

    ¡°Oh,soshe¡¯snotyours?Whatarelief¡­.

    ¡°Ofcoursenot.Who<b>would</b>Ihaveachildwith?¡±

    Aidenranhisfingersthroughhishair,stealinga<b>nce</b>atLysander.Seeingherengrossedinreviewingthedocuments,hecouldn¡¯thelpbutletoutasigh.

    Josiah,youhavealongwaytogoinyourquestforlove¡­

    ¡°ButJosiah,thischildisreallybeautiful.¡±

    Uponhearinghipliments,Auroraliftedherlittlefacetowardshimandgiftedhimwithasmile.Her<b>rosy</b>cheeksandadorabledemeanorweresimplyirresistible.

    Aidenwavedather.¡°Hello.¡±

    Aurorarespondedwithadelighted¡°Ooh!¡±

    Aidenwasastonished<b>.</b>¡°Sheunderstands!¡±

    TheamusementdancinginJosiah¡¯seyeswasimpossibleto<b>hide</b>.¡°<b>Enough</b>.Speakyourmind.Thereisnoweedtokeepbeatingaroundthebush.¡±

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 Chapter 510

    Chapter510Sparks

    ¡°Indeed,nothingescapesyourkeeneyes,Josiah,¡±Aidenttered beforeaskingsheepishly,¡°Whosechildis

    this<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    JosiahexinedtoAidenwhathappenedbeforehisarrival.TheLionharts¡®granddaughter.Nievaisgoinghiking,sosheentrustedherdaughterinourcareforacoupleofdays.¡±

    Aidenvisiblyrxed.Histenseback,whichwaspressedupagainstthebackofthe<b>chair</b>,eased.Heletoutarelievedchuckleandsaid,¡°Iremembernow.Soshe¡¯sNieva¡¯schild,huh?Iwaswonderingwhysheseemedsomewhatfamiliar.Hereyesdon¡¯tlooklikeNieva¡¯s,though.¡±

    Aiden¡¯smoodlightenedafterhefoundoutaboutthechild¡¯sidentity.Makingfacestocheerthebabyup,hesaid,¡°Josiah,I¡¯veheardthatNievaisn¡¯tmuchinvolvedinthefamilybusinestely.Isyourmeetingwithherthistimeaboutsomethingserious?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Aiden¡¯s

    phonesuddenlystartedringing,andhesaidapologetically.¡°Excuseme,Ineedtotakethis.¡±

    Withthat,hepressedtheanswerkeywithoutasecondthought,pressingthephoneagainsthisear.Then<b>,</b>avisiblechangeovertookhisexpression.

    JosiahturnedtolookatAidensolemnly.

    Aiden,whohadjustrxedafewminutesago,becametense<b>again</b>.Hetightenedhisgriponthephoneasifhewasafraidthatothersmightoverhearwhatthecallersaid.

    Afteramomentof silence,Aidenspokeup,buthiswordsweresinct.¡°Okay,Iunderstand.¡±

    Heevenstoppedrespondingwithwordsafterthat,hummingandgruntinginresponse.

    Josiahwasn¡¯ttheonlyonesurprised.HisunusualbehaviorevencaughttheattentionofLysander,whowasengrossedinperusingdocuments.Sheliftedherheadtolookinhisdirection,curious.

    Aurora,thebaby,whowasgurglingincoherently,lookedatthestrangeneercuriouslyaswell.

    Beforelong,thephoneconversationcametoanend.Aidenloweredhisvoicetoawhisper,makingithardforthecallertohearhim.¡°I¡¯mat aholidayresortrightnow.¡±

    Afterhesaidthat,hehastilyendedthecall.WhenhelookedbackatJosiah,hisgazewasfilledwithunease.

    AidenandJosiahwereclose.ThelookonAiden¡¯sfacewasenoughtotellJosiahthatsomethinplicatedwasup.Heseemedrestless,wantingtoleavebutnotdaringto..

    Josiahhadbeeninartivelygoodmootely.Seeinghimsodistressed,heexpressedhisconcern,¡°Whowasthatonthephone?Anex¨Cgirlfriendofyours?¡±

    ¡°Iwish<b>,</b>¡±Aiden<b>said</b>,observingJosiah¡¯sexpressionandsayingcautiously,¡°Thatwasa<b>call</b>frommybrother.He¡¯ingovertoo.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>seemedunbothered,yingwithAurora.¡°Sowhat?Whyareyousonervous?¡±

    ThesightofJosiahyingwithAurorawasheartwarming,butAidenstillcouldn¡¯tshaketherestlessness

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    4

    HeknewalltoowellthatJosiahandAdrianwereromanticrivals.Sparkswillfly<i>,</i>andchaosmightbreakoutifthetwoofthemmeet!Wirestill,Ican¡¯taffordtooffendeitherof them.I¡¯mpracticallysandwichedinthemiddle,caughtbetweenarockandahardce!

    AidenscrutinizedJosiah¡¯sexpressionclosely,noticingthatheseemedunfazed,stillyingwithAurora.Josiali¡¯ck ofreactiononlymadeAldenevenmoreunsettled.Aftermuchconsideration,hesuggested,¡°PerhapsIshouldgivehimanothercall.Ifthere¡¯snothingurgent,I¡¯lltalktohim.¡±

    Withthat,hecouldatleastkeepAdrianoutoftherestaurant,andperhapstheimpendingchaoswouldn¡¯thappen.Hismindracedashestoodupandsaid,¡°ThenI¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    ¡°Sitdown,¡±saidJosiahwithoutachangeinhisexpression.¡°Everyvisitorisaguest.Thehotel¡¯sabusinessestablishment.There¡¯snoreasontoturnawayacustomer.¡±

    Hedidn¡¯tseemfazed,andhistonesoundednormaltoo,whichwasallthemoreabnormalinsuchasituation.

    Avolcanoalwaysseemedparticrlycalmbeforeaneruption.

    AidenslowlyturnedhisgazetowardLysander,whowasmorposedthanJosiah.Shekeptherheadlowered,perusingthedocumentswhilechewingonthefruitsonthete,socalmthatitwasasifwhatwasabouttohappenhadnothingtodowithher.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Thementalfortitudeshedisyedwastrulyadmirable.

    Seeingthat,Aidenbrokeoutinacoldsweat.

    Beforelong,LysanderfinishedherbreakfastwhileAuroragotboredandstartedwrigglingaround,wantingtogosomewhereelse.

    JosiahseemedtohaveforgottenaboutAdrian¡¯simpendingarrivsifhetrulydidn¡¯tmind.Hesuggested,¡°Eventhetoyscan¡¯tentertainheranymore.Ibetshe¡¯sgoingtomakeafussifwedon¡¯tthinkofsomething.Thehotelhasaygroundspecificallydesignedforfamilieswithkidsinthecourtyardahead.Shouldwetakehertheretoyforawhile?¡±

    Lysanderncedattheclock,notingtherewasstillplentyoftimeandthatshecouldalwaysreadthedocumentter.¡°Allright.<b>¡±</b>

    WhenAiden sawthattheywereabouttogosomewhereelse,hehurriedlyfollowedthem,preparedtohandlethesituationwhenAdrianappeared.TrailingbehindLysander,whowaspushingthestroller,andJosiah,whowasholdingthebaby,heobservedthemandthoughtthattheyseemedlikeafamilyofthree.

    <i>I</i>betAdrianwillbeheartbrokenwhenheseesthis.It¡¯sbetter<i>if</i>theydon¡¯tseeeachother.

    Thechildren¡¯sygroundwasnotparticrlrge,resemblingthecourtyardofanordinarypreschool.Inside,apartfromasandboxandrecreationalfacilitieslikeswingsandslides,therewas alsoacharmingmaze¨Clikecastleconstructedwithahintofchildlikewhimsy.Itwasincrediblyappealingtothe<b>kids</b>.

    <b>Aurora¡¯s</b>eyeslitupwhenshesawthat,andsheextendedherchubbylittlehand,babblinginexcitement,wantingtoy.

    <b>Josial</b>smiledandquickenedhispace,cradlingherinhisarmsastheystoodbythewalldecoratedwithcartooncharacters.

    Auroraletoutashort,unintelligiblenoise,seeminglyeagertogoinandy.

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    Lysanderreachedouttoshieldthebabyfromthewallwitharadiantsmileadorningherfaceasshesoothed,¡°You¡¯restilltooyoungtoywiththeotherkids.Howaboutwejustwatch?¡±

    Auroradidn¡¯tquiteunderstandherwordsbutcoulddetectthetendernessinher<b>tone</b><b>,</b>settlingdownandbehaving.

    Thebabywasstilltooyoungtoyandcouldn¡¯tevenstand.Heronly wayofexpressingjoywastopherchubbylittlehands.

    Lysanderyfullyjoinedher,ppingalongtwice.

    Auroragiggledjoyfully,mutteringnewwordssherecentlylearnedamidstallthecooingandgurgling.

    ¡°Ma¡­Mama.¡±

    Lysanderfroze.

    SendGifts

    1.IK

 Chapter 511

    Chapter 511 The Chance To BecA Mother

    Josiah, holding the baby, froze as well. "What did she just say?" Aurora, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, thought she had done something wrong and strained to repeat what she just said, parting her tiny, almost toothless mouth. "Mama..." This time, what she said was so clear that it was impossible to ignore.

    Lysander teared up and chuckled, caressing Aurora''s face. "I''m not your mother." Yet, Aurora didn''t stop and called her "Mama" over and over again.

    Lysander turned away, closing her eyes to suppress my emotions.

    She once had the opportunity to beca mother, but that was all in the past now.

    Josiah lowered his gaze and fell silent for a moment.

    4 When the baby noticed that Lysander was ignoring her, she raised her tiny hand to touch Lysander''s face. before extending her short arms toward her, indicating that she wanted Lysander to hold her, Josiah, noticing Lysander still looking disheartened, gently reminded her, "She wants you to hold her." Only then did Lysander manage topose herself, gingerly cradling the baby in her arms. The tiny, soft creature nestled in her embrace trusted herpletely, offering a healing, warm sensation while leaning against her. Yet, inexplicably, waves of mncholy still filled her heart.

    Josiah didn''t offer any words offort and simply stood silently by her side, keeping herpany.

    The children''s yground was tucked away beneath towering ne trees, creating an atmosphere of serene tranquility.

    That was until a passionate voice echoed from afar and disrupted the serenity. "Lysander!" Lysander heard Daphne''s voice and turned around in confusion, wondering why her best friend would be there. Once confirming it was her, Lysander broke into a warm smile.

    Daphne hadn''t seen Lysander for a while and had been missing her, practically jogging all the way toward her. She gasped upon seeing the baby in her arms and Josiah standing beside her, asking, ¡°What... What''s going on here?" Lysander saw the look of surprise written all over Daphne''s face and was worried her loud voice might attract a crowd, so she quickly shushed her. "Keep your voice down! You''ll scare the kid!" Aurora tilted her head and wasn''t shy at all, gazing straight at the unfamiliar woman.

    Daphine''s eyes lit up when she saw how adorable and delicate Aurora was. For a moment, she forgot all her questions and reached out to pinch the baby''s chubby face. Beaming, she eximed, "So soft! Whose child is this? How adorable." Lysander spoke softly. "Be gentle. I don''t know how to soothe her if she starts crying." Daphne, totally enamored by such an adorable baby, pulled out her phone and snapped a few photos.

    "The mother of this child is Jo... Mr. Guerra''s friend. It''s good that you''re here. I was just about to discuss something with you." Lysander said.

    "That can wait. Guess what? I brought a surprise along. If it weren''t for him, I''d probably still be stuck on the mountain road waiting for the insurancepany to crescue me." As Daphne spoke, she turned around to look behind her.

    Right then, Aiden greeted his brother respectfully, "Adrian." Adrian hummed in response but paused in his tracks upon seeing Josiah and the child in Lysander''s arms.

    Josiah, however, wore a smile and greeted, "Dr. Sutton." "I''m here for Lysander," said Adrian.

    Josiah turned to look at Lysander. "Dr. Sutton''s here for you, Go ahead. I''ll take care of the baby." Adrian''s face fell as soon as Josiah said that.

    After cing the child in Josiah''s care, Lysander approached Adrian. "Dr. Sutton." Adrian averted his gaze from Josiah and the baby, asking softly, "I haven''t heard from you these past few days, but I know that you fell ill in Apex City. How are you feeling now?" "Thanks for asking. I''m much better now." Adrian shed a bitter smile. "We''ve only been apart for about a week, yet it seems like we''ve grown quite distant." "Have we? Perhaps it''s just because there''s been a lot going ontely.

    A hint of disappointment flickered in Adrian''s eyes, yet he maintained a smile on his face. "I see. By the way, White Coat has recently started to shed its fur. It''s grown a lot bigger than before. When will you.

    cto see it?" "Mama... Mama..." Aurora kept gazing in Lysander''s direction, but she was too far away, so all she could was wave her tiny hands in the air.

    Lysander''s heart would clench every tshe heard Aurora call her that.

    "There, there. I''ll take you to her." Josiah adjusted the baby''s posture in his arms before approaching. "Lysander, the baby wants you." She reached out to take Aurora from Josiah after a moment of hesitation. ¡°All right, give her to me." Josiah carefully ced Aurora into/Lysander''s arms, only letting go upon ensuring the baby was secure. ¡°She''s definitely more attached to you." Lysander answered, "Children of this age are usually most attached to their mothers. Her mother isn''t here, and I just held her for a while, so she''s probably more familiar withnow." A faint smile finally graced Adrian''s face when he heard that. "Is her mother really that busy that she has to leave her child in someone else''s care?" "Looking after a child is quite tiring, and asionally she might want to unwind a bit. By the way.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Dr.Sutton, the transition procedures for Thorne Constructions and Energies are almostplete. I''ll be here to familiarize myself with the documents recently. If you''re too busy, you might want to consider finding a foster hfor White Coat first." Adrian, however, said, "I can handle it, but I''m worried that since you haven''t seen White Coat for so long. it might start to forget you''re its owner."

    Lysander smiled bitterly. "Actually, it''s good that White Coat thinks you''re its owner. After all, its previous owner is your friend Plus, I don''t have the tto take care of it now and can''t give it thepanionship it needs. It might be better to find it a more suitable owner." Adrian said in a serious tone. "Rina gave you the dog, so you are its forever owner. Anyway, focus on your work first. You can do it" Lysander chuckled. "Thank you. Oh, by the way, are you here for your younger brother?" Aiden had been ignored after greeting Adrian and was now standing in the corner wordlessly.

    He nced at Josiah and then at Adrian before continuing to shrink into the corner.

    Adrian''s tone remained as calm and gentle as ever. "Oh, he is none of my business. I just happened to run into Daphne on the road when she had a t. She mentioned she wasing to see you, so I gave her a HA "Yeah, encountering Adrian was the best thing that happened totoday," Daphne agreed, showering him with praises.

    "I finally understand just how rare calm people are." Daphne''s insinuation was so obvious that she practically spelled Josiah''s nout loud. As if that wasn''t enough, she added, "Unlike speople who exact revenge any chance they get, ruining my ns."

 Chapter 512

    Chapter512OurCare

    Daphnegrewincreasinglyannoyedasshedwelledonthematter,shootingdaggersatJosiah.

    Tensionfilledthe<b>air</b>.

    J

    Josiahheardeverything,yetshowednointentionofretorting.Infact,hedidn¡¯tevenseemfazed,simplygazinginLysander¡¯sdirection.

    LysandersecretlytuggedatDaphne¡¯sarm.¡°It¡¯snotwhatyouthink.I¡¯llexinitalltoyouinabit.¡±

    ¡°Isthere<b>more</b>tothestory?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,it¡¯ssomewhatplicated¡±This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    ¡°Ididn¡¯ttouchasinglepennyofthat fiftymillion,readytoreturnittohim<b>at</b>anymoment.Iwouldnevergivehimtheopportunitytockmailyouintodoingsomethingyou¡¯reunwillingtodo.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snotaboutthemoney.¡±LysanderncedatJosiah,hertonesoftening.¡°Daphnedoesn¡¯tknowaboutMs.Lionhart¡¯ssituation.I¡¯lltalktoheter.¡±

    Henodded.¡°She¡¯sstandingupforyou.Iunderstand.¡±

    LysanderchuckleddrilyandnoddedasDaphnepulledheraside,whisperinginhercar,¡°What¡¯sgoingonbetweenyouandJosiah?DidhedoanythingtoyouwhenyouwenttoApexCity?¡±

    Lysanderavertedhergazesheepishly.¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Figures.Iheardhisfianc¨¦ewentwithhim.Hewouldn¡¯tdaredoanythingtoyouinherpresence.¡±

    Lysanderhummedinresponse,frowning.¡°Thingsarealreadyprettychaotic.Why¡¯dyoubringDr.Suttonhere,too?¡±

    Daphnewasquitetroubled.¡°Iknowwhatyouthink,butAdrianandIarefriends.It¡¯sfineifyoudon¡¯tepthim,<b>but</b>Ican¡¯tjustsevertieswithhimoverthis,canI?¡±

    LysanderthoughtDaphne¡¯swordsmadesense.AdriandidhelpDapoday,andIhavenoevidencetoprovethathecamehereforme,nordoIhavetherighttostopDaphnefrominteractingwithAdrian.

    ??????????

    DaphnepattedLysanderonthearmreassuringly,¡°Don¡¯tworry,Adrian¡¯snottherelentlesstype.You¡¯restillsingle,soofcoursehe¡¯shopeful.I¡¯msurehe¡¯llgiveuponceyoufindaboyfriend.¡±

    Lysanderreluctantlynodded.

    Daphne,droppingthematter,yedwithAurorainstead.¡°Bytheway,whosechildisthis?Whereareherparents?¡±

    Noneofthepeoplepresentlookedliketheyhadchildren.

    ProppingAuroraup,Lysandersmiledgently.¡°She¡¯sthedaughterofMr.Guerra¡¯sfriend.Hermotherwenthikingandwon¡¯tbebackforacoupleofdays,cingherinourcare.¡±

    Our.ThatwordechoedinJosiah¡¯smind,andhearchedhisbrow,hisinitiallyindifferentexpressiongivingwaytoawarmsmilemuchlikethethawingofsnowinspring.

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    DaphnegaspedinsurpriselikehowLysanderdid.¡°Ishermothernotworried?Ican¡¯tbelievesheentrustedheradorablebabytosomeoneelse.It¡¯shingtoleavethebabywithyou,<b>but</b>toJosiah¡­Doesheevenknowhowtotakecareofachild?¡±

    Lysanderchuckled,rememberingtoaskherabouttheimportantmatter.¡°Let¡¯sputthebaby¡¯smatteraside.How¡¯sitgoingwiththattrumpcardyoumentionedbefore?Anynewdevelopments?¡±

    Daphnepulledherfriendaside,sayingmysteriously.¡°ThisiswhyIcame.Besides visitingyou,I¡¯mheretolookforsomeone.WhetherIcanfindthemornot,well,that¡¯suptoluck.¡±

    Lysander¡¯sinterestwaspiqued.¡°Whoareyoulookingfor?Isshealsoattheresort?¡±

    Daphnespokewithahopefulexpression.¡°DoyouknowabouttheLionhartfamilyfromHofcaster?Ibetyoudon¡¯t.They¡¯requiteinfluentialoverthere,especiallyintheventurecapitalcircle.IheardthattheLionhartfamily¡¯syoundyhasbeenvacationinghererecently,soIthoughtI¡¯dtrytofindher.Mygrandmahadsomeconnectionswiththeir family¡¯soldergenerationbackintheday,soitmigheinhandy.¡±

    ¡°TheLionhartfamilyfromHofcaster?¡±Lysander¡¯seyeswidenedinsurprise.Whataretheodds?IjustgottoknowNieva,andDaphnecamelookingforher.

    Daphnenoddedearnestly.¡°Yeah,butitfeelslikealongshot.Theirfamily¡¯seldershavealreadypassedaway,andmygrandmaisnotthatclosetothem.Ms.Lionhartmightnotevenknowabouttheoldergeneration¡¯saffairs.IsupposeI¡¯mjustclutchingatstrawsbingherethistime.¡±

    Withalltheinformationaligningperfectly,itwasclear<b>that</b>the LionhartfamilyDaphnereferredtowasNieva¡¯sfamily.

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbutsigh.¡°You

    Daphnewasexcited.¡°You¡¯veseenher<b>?</b>

    timingcouldn¡¯tbeworse.Ifonlyyouhaeanhourearlier.¡±

    ¡°TheMs.Lionhartyou¡¯relookingforisNievaLionhart,right?She¡¯sthemotherofthebaby,¡±Lysandersaid,offeringadvice.¡°She¡¯llprobablebackfromherhikingtripafewdayter.EverhartCorporation¡¯ssituationisstablefornow,soyoudon¡¯thavetorush.Whydon¡¯tyouwaithereforawhile?¡±

    Therewasnothingmuchshecoulddo.Afterall,sinceDaphnewasreliantonNieva¡¯shelp,shehadnootherchoicebuttowaitforherreturn.

    However,Daphnewasquiteimpatient,growinganxiouswhenshelearnedthatNieva<b>had</b>gonehiking.¡°HowcanInotbeworried?Opportunitieslikethisarerare.IfImissitthistime,theremightnotbeanotherchance.¡±

    Shesuddenlypaused,asifrememberingsomething.¡°ThishotelisownedbyJosiah,isn¡¯tit?Ms.LionhartrarelyvisitsHofcaster,andit¡¯soddthatshesuddenlycamehereandchosetostayinthisresort,evenentrustingherchildtoyou¡­DidJosiahinviteherover?¡±

    Lysandernodded.

    Josiahnonchntlyadmitted,¡°Ms.Lionhartisindeedmyguest.¡±

    ¡°Whydidshesuddenlygohikingthen?¡±Daphneeximed,¡°Didyousendherawayagain?Seriously,Josiah,whatareyouupto?¡±

    Exasperatedbyheroverthinking,Josiahsaid,¡°Ihadnoideayouwering.HowcouldIpossiblyhave

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    Chapter512OurCare

    predictedyourmovementsandsentherawaybeforeyoucame<b>?</b>¡±

    Daphnewasleftwithoutaretort.

    Josiahadded.¡°Besides,ifIreallywantedtosabotageyou,Icould¡¯vestoppedherfroingaltogether.WhywouldIinviteheroverjusttosendheraway?¡±

    Daphne¡¯sfaceflushed.¡°Soyou¡¯rereallytryingtohelpme?¡±

    Insteadofofferinganyexnation,Josiahsimplyshiftedhisgazeindifferently.

    WorriedthatDaphnewouldflyintoarageandruinJosiah¡¯sefforts,Lysanderquicklyintervened,¡°Ms.Lionhartdecidedtogohikingherself.It¡¯squitebeautifulhereinthemountains,andshehappenedtoneedsometimetoclearherhead.Calm<b>down</b>,will<b>you</b><b>?</b>¡±

    Daphneclenchedherfists,takingadeepbreathbeforesaying,¡°Fine,butI¡¯monlycalmingdownonyour

    ount.

    Lysandergaveheranout.¡°Thebaby¡¯shere.Keepyourvoice¨Cdown,oryou¡¯llscareher.¡±

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 Chapter 513

    Chapter513BetweenMen

    Aurorawidenedhereyeswithoutblinkingwhiletheyargued,hergazefilled withbewilderment.She<b>was</b>soengrossedintheadults¡®conversation<b>that</b>shedidn¡¯tevenpayattentiontotheotherkidsintheyground,curiouslystaringattheadults,turningherheadfromtimetotime.Uponlockingeyeswithsomeone,she¡¯devensh<b>an</b>adorablesmile.

    DaphnehadherbackfacingJosiah,herangersubsidingwhenshewasn¡¯tlookingathisface.Herdisappointment,however,<b>was</b>apparentasshelistlesslychangedthetopic.¡°Thiskid¡¯squiteoutgoingand

    brave.¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    LysanderthoughtabouttheoutgoingandcheerfulNieva,sincerelplimenting.¡°Yeah,sheprobablytakesafterhermom.Ms.Lionharthasacheerfndstraightforwardpersonality.¡±

    DaphneheldAurora¡¯stinyhand.¡°Idon¡¯tmeantoraisemyvoice,sodon¡¯tbescared,okay?¡±

    Thebabycooedandsmiledinresponse.

    Daphnesmiled,too,takingthebabyfromLysanderandapproaching<b>Josiah</b>,suppressingherannoyanceasshehandedthechildover<b>to</b>him.¡°Ms.Lionhart¡¯syourfriend,soyoushouldlookafterherchild.Youdon¡¯tmind,doyou?¡±

    DaphnewasfilledwithirritationatthesightofJosiah.Inahuff,shehandedAuroraovertohim,hopingtoseehimflusteredandindistress.However,tohersurprise,heheldthechildconfidentlyandcalmly.

    <b>Aurora</b>,seeminglyfamiliarwithhim,evenbrokeintoawidegrin.

    Josiahloweredhisheadtogazeatthebabywithagentlesmile,wearingararetenderlookonhisface.¡°Noproblem.Youguysgoaheadandtalk.¡±

    LysanderwalkedovertograbDaphne.¡°Haveyouhadbreakfastyet?Let¡¯sgograbsomethingtoeat.¡±

    Daphnesaiddefiantly,¡°Noneed.I¡¯msoupsetIdon¡¯tevenfeellikeeating.It¡¯sstiflinghere.Let¡¯sgo.somewhereelsetogetsomefreshair!¡±

    ShetookLysander¡¯shandasshespoke,wantingtopullheraway,butshesoonpausedandturnedtoAdrian.¡°Thanksforsendingmeheretoday.Youcangoaboutyourbusiness.I¡¯lltreatyoutoamenotherday.¡±

    Adrian,<b>however</b>,said,¡°Youguysgoahead.Istillhavesomematterstodealwith.¡±

    Ashespoke,hisgazeremainedfixedonJosiah.Josiahnoticedthatandcalmlymethis gaze.

    Thetwomenwentheadtoheadagainsteachother,leavingLysanderuneasy.

    Aiden,too,wasfrightened,steppingintointerrupt,¡°Youcamehereforme,didn¡¯tyou,Adrian?Let¡¯sgo.Wecantalkontheway.¡±

    ¡°Aiden,nowthatyourjobisdone,youcanleavetoo.¡±JosiahwastheonewhospokeupinsteadofAdrian.

    BothmensharedthesamegoalofwantingAidentoleave,butthatonlymadeLysandereven<b>more</b>worried.

    <b>Aiden</b>wasshakinglikealeaf.¡°B¨CButIdon¡¯thaveanythingtodoifIheadback.It¡¯sbeautifulhere.Iguess

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    Adrian¡¯sexpressionturnedcold,too.¡°<b>You</b>don¡¯thaveto.Goaheadanddon¡¯twaitforme.¡±

    AlightbulbwentoffinAiden¡¯smind,andheimmediatelyblockedLysander¡¯spath.<b>¡°</b>Sincenoone¡¯sleaving,youguysshouldstay,too.Let¡¯sallhaveagoodchat.It¡¯llbefun!¡±

    DaphnencedatJosiah,thenatAdrian.¡°Wait,whatareyoutwoupto?Oneisanex¨Chusband,andtheotherisacolleague.You¡¯rebothoutofthegame,sothere¡¯snochanceleftforeitherofyou.¡±

    Neitherofthemspoke,yetneitheronechosetoleave.

    Aidenpanickedandpleadedwithhisbrotherquietly,¡°We¡¯reinJosiah¡¯sterritoryafterall.Canwegobackfirst?¡±

    ¡°Thisis<b>a</b>resort,nottheGuerrafamily¡¯sprison.I¡¯m<b>just</b>goingtotalktohim,sogetoutoftheway.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mnotgettinginyourway!Iwasjustworriedthat-¡±

    JosiahinterruptedAiden.¡°It¡¯sgoodthatyou¡¯rehere,Dr.<b>Sutton</b>.IhappentohavesomethingIwanttodiscusswithyou,too.

    Lysander wasfilledwithworry.¡°Perhapsweshouldallsitdownandtalk.¡±

    Josiahshedanonchntsmile.¡°Thisisbetweenmen,sostayoutofthis.Goon,don¡¯tworry.IknowwhatI¡¯mdoing.¡±

    Lysanderlookedathimskeptically,notsaying<b>a</b>word,

    Holdingthebaby¡¯s tinyhandandwavingit,Josiahreassured,¡°Don¡¯tworry.Ihavethebabyherewithme<b>.</b>Iwon¡¯tdoanythingoutofline.¡±

    Auroranestledinhisarms,<b>as</b>docileasakitten.ShecouldtellthatJosiahgenuinelyadoredthischildandwascertainhewouldn¡¯tdoanythingdrasticinfrontofher.

    a

    Daphnegaveheratug.¡°Let¡¯sgo.¡±

    Thechildren¡¯sygroundwasfilledwiththecheerfulchatteranughterofkids.Yet,thethreeadults.standingnearbydidn¡¯tsayaword,thetensionbetweenthempalpable.ItwassoquietthatAuroragotboredandyawned.

    Pullingthehoodieoverthebaby¡¯sheadandcingherinthestroller,Josiahloweredthewindscreenandaskedcalmly,¡°So,whereshouldwetalk,Dr.Sutton?¡±

    Adrianrepliednonchntly.¡°Thisceisyours,sowhydon¡¯tyoudecide?¡±

    Josiahnodded.¡°Comewithme,youtwo,¡±

    AidenquicklyncedatAdrian,noticingthathehadnointentionofpickingafightwithJosiahandinsteadfollowedhimquietly.Relieved,Aidenquickly caughtupwiththem.

    Hewould¡¯vefoundanexcusetoescapeifJosiahhadn¡¯taskedthetwoofthemte.

    <b>Josiah</b>ledthemallthewaybacktotherestaurant.

    It<b>was</b>waypastbreakfastjime.Althoughfruitsanddrinkswereavable,mostoftheguestswereonvacationandwouldn¡¯tstavinthehotllday.Onlyafewguestsbusyworkingontheiptopsweresitting

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    in<b>the</b>restaurant.

    Thiswasthebestceforadiscussion.

    Josiahscannedtheceandsummonedawaiter.¡°Thesetwoaremyguests.Ineedaquietcorner.

    Thewaiterquicklygraspedthesituationandcalledacolleagueforassistance.Together,theymovedafoldingscreenfromtheback,creatingatemporaryprivatespaceforthem.

    rmswentoffinAiden¡¯sheadwhenhesawthat.Hesuspectedtheywereabouttodiscuss<b>a</b>majorsecret,andspokeup,ignoringthefactthathisinterjectionmightdrawattentionto<b>his</b>presence.¡°Um,should<b>I</b>stepout?OrperhapsIcouldtakethechildoutside?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>knewwhathewasthinkingandncedathimexpressionlessly.¡°Youshouldsitdowntoo.¡±

    Aidendarednotgoanywhere.Bitingthebullet,hetook<b>a</b>seatbetweenthetwoofthem.

    Thewaiterquicklybroughtsomehotcoffeeover,steppingasideaftersettingthecups<b>down</b>.

    Josiahncedoveratthewaiterwhowasstandingasidewaitingfororders<b>,</b>andthtterquicklyleft,makingsuretoclosethefoldingscreenbehindhim.

    Thatcornerwassoontransformedintoasecludedspot,andthetensionwasalmostpalpable.

    Thecoffeepotonthetablewasmadeofhigh¨Cqualitymaterialsandwasquiteheavy,Josiah,fulfillinghisdutiesasthehost,pickeditupand pouredtheSuttonbrotherstwocupsofcoffee,pushingthecupsTowardthem.

    Thecoffee¡¯saromawastantalizingly strong,andonecouldtetanceitwasgoodcoffee.

    Aidentactfullyhandedhisbrotheroneofthecupsfirstbeforepicking<b>up</b><b>.</b>

    hiscup

    andsittingback.

    ¡°Thankyou.¡±Adriantookasmallsipofcoffeebeforeasking.¡°Pleasebegin,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Idohavesomethingtoinformyou,¡±Josiahsaidnonchntly,sittingcross¨Clegged,hisgazeindifferent ashespoke.

    ¡°IwanttoreconcilewithLysander.That¡¯ssomethingbetweenusandIdidn¡¯tneedtoshareitwithothers,butIthoughtIshouldinformyouasatokenofmygratitudeforhowyoucaredforherinthepast.Ifyoueverneed

    anyassistanceinthefuture,pleasefeelfreetoletme<b>know</b>.I¡¯lldomybesttohelp.¡±

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 Chapter 514

    Chapter514StrikeWhereItHurtsMost

    Aiden,seatedinthemiddle,hadjustnervouslytakenasipofcoffeewhenhenearlychokedandcoughedAdrian,however,noddedcalmly.¡°DoesLysanderknowaboutthat?¡±

    Josiahmaintainedhiposure,hiseyesnarrowedcondescendingly.¡°Fornow,I¡¯mtheonlyryingtosalvagethisrtionship.SheknowswhatIwant<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Whichmeansshehasn¡¯tagreedtogettingbacktogetherwithyou,right?¡±askedAdrian.

    Josiahtookasipofhiscoffeeandsaidquietly,¡°Yes,fornow.¡±

    Adrianscoffed.¡°That¡¯swhatyouwantedtotell<b>me</b>?YouandIbothunderstand Lysander¡¯spersonalitywell.She¡¯sanassertiveperson,notsomeoneyoucangetbacktogetherwithjustbecauseyouwantto.¡±

    ¡°<b>You</b>don¡¯thavetoworryaboutthat,Dr.Sutton.WhetherornotLysanderandIgetbacktogetherisnoneofyourbusiness.¡±

    ¡°Butaslongasyou<b>two</b>aren¡¯tbacktogether,Lysanderistechnicallysingle,Imaynotpursueher,butwe¡¯restillfriends,nottomentioncolleagueswhoworkwellwitheachother-¡±

    ¡°SheandIusedtohaveachild.¡±

    Abriefsilenceensued..

    Josiahcontinued,¡°Wesharethepainoflosingthatchild,andthat¡¯ssomethingwehaveimon.¡±

    ¡°Sowhat?Lysanderwillonlyresentyouforthat<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahsmirked.¡°Even<b>hatred</b>isbetterthanhavingnofeelingsatall,Dr.Sutton.Atleastsheharborssomeresentmenttowardme,butasforyou,nomatterhowmucheffortyouputin,you¡¯llonlyeverbeacolleaguetoher.¡±

    Aidendidn¡¯tevendaretobreathe<b>,</b>anxiouslytakinganothersipofcoffeeandobservingboththeirreactionswithoutknowingwhatthecoffeetastedlike.

    Josiah,takingcontrolofthesituation,remainedcalmanposed.

    ¡°Sheborenoresentmenttowardme,so<b>she¡¯s</b>notparticrlyaversetome.Ifsheeverneedssomeospendherlifewithinthefuture,I¡¯maviableoption.Afterall,herpreviousmarriagetoyou wasn¡¯toutoflove,sowe¡¯reallstartingfromscratchwheniestodevelopingfeelings.Who¡¯stosayIdon¡¯tstandatchance?¡±

    ¡°Youdon¡¯t.¡±Josiahchuckledandcorrectedhimconfidently.¡°BecauseI¡¯mhere.¡±

    <b>Adrian</b>,momentarilystunned,hadn¡¯texpectedhimtoshowsuchconfidence.¡°Mr.Guerra,Ineedtoremindyouonceagainthatifyou¡¯rethinkingofgettingbacktogetherwith Lysander,usingtheterm¡®reconciliation¡®mightnotbeappropriate.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snot<b>your</b>cetodefinewhat¡¯sgoingonbetween<b>us</b>.<b>¡±</b>

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    Chapter514StrikeWhereItHurtsMost

    TheexpressiononJosiah¡¯sfaceturnedicyandgrimforamoment,startlingAiden.Aiden¡¯sfaceturnedpale,andhewantedtosaysomethingbutcouldn¡¯eupwithanappropriatetopic.

    ¡°Mama¡­<b>Mama</b>¡­Rightthen<b>,</b>Aurorabeganspeaking.

    Aiden,relievedtofinallygetabreakfromallthattension,eximed,¡°Thebabyjusttalked!Isshefeelingufortable?Josiah,whydon¡¯tyoucheckonthechild?¡±

    Josiahteasedthebabywithhishand,makingherburstintughterandgriphisfingers,yingwiththemlikeatoy.

    Seeingthat,Aidenquicklyfetchedatoy.¡°Hereyougo.Whydon¡¯tweywiththislittleducky?¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°It¡¯sokay,itdoesn¡¯thurt.She¡¯stoosmarttobeinterestedinordinarytoys.¡±

    Herestedhishandontheedgeofthestroller,allowingAuroratograbatit.

    Adrianspoke.¡°The<b>pain</b>oflosingthatchildwillbewithherforever.She¡¯llneverforgiveyou.¡±

    Afteramomentofsilence,Josiahsaidslowly,¡°Ineverhopedforthat.MyonlydesirenowistomaintainthestatusquowithLysander.That¡¯swhatItoldhermyself,andshedidn¡¯tobject.¡±

    ThisisbadIdon¡¯tthinkAdrian¡¯shappytohearthat.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Adrian,appearingcalmandcollected,retorteddefiantly,¡°Ifthestatusquoyou¡¯rereferringtoinvolvesyou supportingLysanderinestablishingafirmfootholdinthebusinessworld,thenIcanunderstandwhyshe

    didn¡¯timmediatelyobject.¡±

    ¡°Thankyouforyourunderstanding,Josiahsaidpolitely,histonedrippingwithironyasheadded,¡°Iheardthatyoutriedhelping,too,butitdidn¡¯tquiteworkout,right<b>?</b>¡±

    Therearenorulesinthebattlebetweenloverivals.Onecanjuststrike whereithurtsthemost.

    AdrianhadgrownustomedtoLysanderrejectinghimandonlyspacedoutforafewseconds.¡°Isupposeit¡¯sbecauseIstillnon beingadoctorinthefuture.¡±

    ThiswasonceLysander¡¯sdream.

    Hemightnotbeherlover,buthewastheindispensableanesthesiologistintheoperatingroom,her

    partner.

    Tohim,thatwashisadvantageagainstJosiah.

    Adrian,reluctanttogiveup,said,¡°ThethoughtofLysanderneverreturningtotheoperatingroomfillsmetwithgenuineregret.Mr.Guerra,doyouknowwhatLysander¡¯swishis?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>naturallyknew,forLysanderhadtoldhimcountlesstimesthroughouttheirthreeyearsofmarriage.

    Herlifelongdreamwastobeanexceptionaldoctor,withaspecificaspirationtobeanoutstandinggynecologist.Sheaimedtokeepeveryexpectingmothersafeandensurethateachbabyarrivedinthisworldhealthyandsound.

    Lysanderhadtoldhimthatsocietyhadsignificantlyimproveparedtothe<b>past</b>,yettherewerestill

    Bnce:

    128+0

    1Coins

    1Pearls

    Chapter514StrikeWhereItHurtsMost

    Shehadalsomentionedoncethat,giventheopportunity,shewishedtovisitthesecesanddoeverythingshecouldto<b>save</b>asmanylivesaspossible.

    Lysanderwants,si

    Adrian¡¯swordscarriedahintofsmugness.¡°Actually,wealthorpowerinthebusinessworldisnotwhat

    prefersapeacefndhappylife.It¡¯sjustthatlifekeepspushingherdownadifferentdoingnowipletelycontrarytoherideals.¡±

    path.Whatshet

    Josiahpursedhislips.¡°Iknow.¡±

    ¡°Oneday,whenshetakesofftheheavyburdenonhershouldersandchoosestolivethelifeshehasalwaysyearnedfor.I¡¯mtheonlyonewhocanbebyhersideasshefulfillsherwish.¡±

    Thecoffeehadturnedcoldduringtheirconfrontation.

    Adriantookasip,tastingthefainthintofcoffeearomaamidstthebitterness ofthecooledbeverage.Frowning,hesetthecupdownand<b>said</b>.¡°Mr.<b>Guerra</b>,thecoffeehasgonecold.Ibelievewe¡¯redalking.¡±

    Josiahshowednointentionofgettingup.¡°Showyourself out.¡±

    Thesunshonebrightlyoutsidethewindow,andif<b>one</b>listenedclosely,thechirpingofbirdscouldbeheard.Itwastrulyabeautifulday,anditwouldbeapitytoruinitwitha<b>fight</b>.

    WhenAidennoticedthesuddenchangeinJosiah¡¯plexion,hequicklyheldthecoffeepot,worrieditwouldgetknockedoverifafightbrokeout.

    Josiah,puzzled,asked,¡°<b>What</b>areyoudoing?¡±

    Aidencouldn¡¯ttellthetruth,sohesuggestedindirectly,¡°Thecoffeehasgonecold.Ijustwanttohave<b>more</b>.Perhapsyoutwo<b>should</b>drinksometoo.Youknow,to calmyourselvesdown.Itwon¡¯tbegoodtocauseasceneinpublic.¡±

    Josiahscoffed.¡°<b>What¡¯s</b><b>not</b>goodaboutthis?It¡¯snotlikewe¡¯re<b>fighting</b>orarguing.¡±

    Ashespoke,hesatupstraight,<b>resting</b>hishandsonthetable,

    Adrian,ontheotherhand,seemedascalmasever.¡°Mr.Guerra,I¡¯llsayitagain.IfLysandereptsyou,I¡¯m<b>more</b>thanwillingtobejustherfriendandcolleague.Butifshedoesn¡¯t,Icanwaituntilthedayshefindsherwaybacktotherighttrack.¡±

    <b>Send</b>Gifts

    LIK

 Chapter 515

    Chapter515RepayTheMoneyLysanderOwedYou

    Onceagain,theatmospheregrewtense,

    Aidenquicklyturnedtohisbrotherinstead,winkingatthtter.¡°Adrian,youhaveothernstoday,right?

    JosiahsawthroughAiden¡¯shintandsaid,¡°Youdon¡¯thavetochasehimaway.Ifheleavestoo soon,I¡¯dseemlikeapoorhost.¡±

    Aiden<b>found</b>himselfinapredicament,forhecouldn¡¯taffordtooffendeitheroneofthem.Backingawayinfeartomakehimselflessconspicuous,heturnedtolook<b>at</b>Adrian,hopinghewouleupwithasolutiontobreakthedeadlock

    Josiah,behavinglikeagracioushost,suggested,¡°Lookslikeyou¡¯renot inagoodmood.Howaboutthetwoofyoustayhereforafewdays?It¡¯smytreat.Thesceneryhere¡¯s<b>a</b>sightforsoreeyes andwillhelpyou

    rx¡±

    ConsideringthatLysanderwashere,too,Adriannodded.¡°Iappreciateit.Mr.Guerra.¡±

    Aideninstantlybrokeoutinacoldsweat,lookingathisbrotherinbewildermentasiftoaskwhetherhehadlosthismind.

    Adrianremainedunperturbed,showinghisconcerncalmlyuponnoticinghisyoungerbrother¡¯sexpression.¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±

    ¡°Oh,nothing¡­Ijustfeeldizzy,¡±answeredAiden.

    Adrianstoodup.¡°Whydoyoufeeldizzy?¡±

    ¡°Maybetheair¡¯stoothinuphereinthemountains.I¡¯llbefineaftersomerest.¡±

    Adrian,worriedabouthisbrother,asked,¡°Areyoureallyokay?¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Yeah,I¡¯mokay.¡±Aidenrespondedindespair,wishingsomeonewouldcallhimatthatmoment<b>to</b>rescuehimfromthisawkward<b>situation</b>.

    Theheavensprobablyheardhisprayers,forhisphonevibratedwithatextmessage.Relievedandthinkingthata<b>text</b>messagewasbetter<b>than</b>nothingatall,heopeneditandwidenedhiseyesinsurprise.

    What¡¯sgoingonhere?

    AidenliftedhisheadandaskedJosiahinsurprise,¡°Josiah,whydidyou suddenlytransfer moneytome?One,ten,hundred,thousand,tenthousand,<b>hundred</b>thousand¡­Also,what¡¯swiththeextrachange?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>exinedcalmly.¡°This<b>money</b>isn¡¯tforyou.It¡¯sforDr.Sutton.Idon¡¯thavehis<b>bank</b><b>ount</b>details,<b>so</b>you¡¯llhavetotransferitto<b>him</b>.Asfortheextrachange,it¡¯sthe interestI¡¯m<b>paying</b>basedonthecurrentmarketrate.¡±

    Aidenturnedtolookathisbrother,hopingthttercouldexin.¡°DidyoulendJosiahmoney?¡±

    ¡°<b>This</b>isthemoneyIgaveLysander,answeredAdrian.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tbothertoborateandsimplysaid,¡°I¡¯mpayingitbackforher.¡±

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    Chapter515RepayTheMoneyLysanderOwedYou

    ¡°Noneed.ThisisbetweenLysanderandme.Youshouldn¡¯tgetinvolved.¡±Adrianspokecoldly.

    Josiahnodded.¡°Ioweher,andsheowesyou.Debtsshouldberepaid,sowhydon¡¯tIpayyoudirectlyandsimplifytheprocess?¡±

    Adrianrefusedtoeptthis.¡°DoesLysanderknowthatyou¡¯remakingdecisionsonherbehalf?¡±

    AuroragotboredwithyingwithJosiah¡¯shandandcooed,spreadingherarmsand wantingtobeheld.

    Josiahcradledthebabyinhis<b>arms</b>andmadesureshewafortablebeforesaying,¡°Whydon¡¯tyou<b>ask</b>heryourselfandseeifshe¡¯dratheroweyouorme?¡±

    AfterwanderingaroundwithLysanderforawhile,Daphnefinallyfoundtheperfectspottorest.

    Theviewwaspleasantasthetwoofthemsettleddownonawoodenbenchbeneathatree.ncingupward,theywouldseeleavesshimmeringinthesunlight,swayinggentlyinthebreeze.Anyonewhobeheldsuchatranquilscenewouldfeepletelyatpeace.

    Leaningbackagainstthebench,Daphneaskedwithapuzzled expression,¡°Lysander,didJosiahreallyinviteNievaheretohelpme?¡±

    Whathappenedinthemorning wasratherstraightforward.LysanderquicklyexinedtheagreementNievareachedwithJosiah,aswesthereasonforhersuddendeparturetoahiking trip.

    Lysandementedobjectively,¡°Bottomlineis,you¡¯vereallymisjudgedhimthistime.Havinghim<b>directly</b>negotiatewithMs.Lionhartwould<b>significantly</b><b>increase</b>the<b>chances</b>of<b>sess</b>.Youshouldwaitafewmore daysuntilshereturnsfromherhikingtrip.¡±

    Daphnelistenedwithafacefullofshock,herlipstwitching<b>as</b><b>she</b>said,¡°Would<b>Josiah</b>reallybethis<b>kind-</b>hearted?Hedidn¡¯tholdbackat<b>all</b>whenhewasunderminingmebefore!¡±

    Lysanderspokehelplessly,choosingherwordscarefully.¡°Whathesaidat<b>Tiffany¡¯s</b>birthdayparty<b>wa</b>indeedquiteunpleasant,buthesharedwith<b>me</b><b>some</b>informationaboutthesituationatMr.Spears¡®end.ThechancesofEverhartCorporationsessfullysecuringfinancingfromher arereallynotthathigh,andtheriskisalsosubstantial.¡±

    Daphnesighedheavily.¡°Iknewthechanceswereslim,butifhehadn¡¯tinterfered,therecouldstillbesomehope.HeextinguishedthstsparkofhopeIever<b>had</b>.¡±

    Lysanderrarelysawherfriendsodejected,sosheheldherhandandassured,¡°Ms.Lionhart¡¯sa<b>kind</b>person.I¡¯msureshe¡¯llconsiderJosiah¡¯sproposalonceshe¡¯sback.YoushouldgobackfirstandgetEverhartCorporation¡¯sdocumentsready.It¡¯salwaysrighttobefullyprepared.¡±

    ¡°Allrightthen.¡±Daphnesaidbeforesuddenlyrememberingsomething.¡°Whyishesohelpfulthistime?Hedidn¡¯taskyouforanything,didhe?Likesomesortofexchange<b>or</b>conditions?You mentionedoverthephhere<b>wasn¡¯t</b>,butIcan¡¯thelpbutfeelthatsomethingisdifferent.Ifsomethingisgoingon,youcan¡¯thideitfromme.¡±

    Thistime,Josiah¡¯sattitudeandactionswerewlessineveryway.Daphnecouldn¡¯tfindasingle<b>fault</b>withitevenwhenshenitpicked,sosheassumedLysanderhadonceagaipromisedon somethingforhersake.

    Daphnequicklysatup.¡°I¡¯mgratefultohim,butthatdoesn¡¯tmeanI¡¯mfinewithyoumarrying<b>him</b>againformysake.Youmustnotbeswayedbyhistricks!¡±

    Chapter515RepayTheMoneyLysanderOwed<b>You</b>

    Asthesungraduallyroseintothesky,itsraysbecame<b>increasingly</b>gentleandwarm.Inresponse,thechirpingofthebirdsinthetreesgrewnoticeablymorecheerful.

    Lysander<b>reassured</b>herfriend,¡°Don¡¯tworry.IknowwhatI¡¯mdoing

    Daphinewasstillworried.¡°Areyousure?¡±

    Lysandernoddedearnestly,hervoicegentleassheexined,¡°Whenwedivorced,Ididn¡¯ttakeasinglepennyofoursharedassets.¡±

    DaphnehadalwaysconsideredLysanderfoolish,anduponhearingthtterbringupthepast,shecouldn¡¯tstopsighing.¡°Yeah,but,thesituationhaschangednow.Ifyouaskforhishelpnow,you¡¯rejustgivinghimachancetogetclosertoyou.¡±

    Lysanderwas notworried.¡°I¡¯vethoughtitallthrough.OnceThorneConstructionsandEnergiesisback<b>on</b>track,I¡¯ll<b>find</b>someoneIcantrustfromwithinthpanytotakeover,thencontinuewithmycareerasadoctor.

    ¡°That¡¯smorelikeit.Beingadoctorisyourdream.You¡¯reonlysteppingupnowbecausethere¡¯snooneelseinthe<bpany</b>whocan.Butoncethisisover,<b>you</b><b>should</b>returntobeingadoctor.Afterall,peoplearehappiestwhentheydowhattheylove.¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    <b>Daphne</b>,withherhappy¨Cgo¨Cluckyattitude,quicklystoppeddwellingon hertroublesandrememberedthemattershehadbeenmeaningtoaskLysander.¡°Irecall<b>you</b>mentioning<b>that</b>youweregoingtoattendasummit.Howdiditgo?Didyougainanything?

    ThementionofthatstirredmixedfeelingswithinLysander,somuchsothatherbrighteyeswereveiledwithgloom.

    Sensingsomethingwaswrong,Daphinevoicedherconcern.¡°What¡¯swrong?Didsomethinggo<b>wrong</b>?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯t<b>leave</b>manyregretsinthepastfew<b>days</b>,butshestillsoundeddisappointed.¡°Nothingwentrightonthistrip.IwasdownwithaslightcoldwhenIsetoff,andIdidn¡¯texpectitto<b>worsen</b>uponmyarrival.Itriedtoughingitoutbutstillendedupinthehospital.¡±

    Althoughitwasundeniable<b>that</b>Josiah<b>had</b>been<b>taking</b>careofherinthehospital,itwasbestnottomentionthisinfrontof<b>Daphne</b><b>,</b>who<b>was</b>seethingwithresentmenttowardhim.

    When<b>Daphne</b>noticedherfriend¡¯s gloomyexpression,sheassumedthatthtterwas

    upsetaboutthesummit.Inacarefreemanner,<b>she</b><b>said</b>,¡°Don¡¯ttake<b>this</b>toheart.Itwasjustasummit.Iftheyholditagainnext year,youcanjustattenditthen.Who<b>knows</b>,theymighteveninviteyouagain!¡±

    ¡°Alltheydidwas<b>send</b>theinvitationtompany.Howcouldtheypossiblyvalueme<b>that</b>much?¡±Lysanderwasclear<b>about</b>herownstandardandsaidthoughtfully.¡°It¡¯shardlyrealistictogofrombeingunknowntomasteringthefieldwithinayear.But¡­I¡¯lljusttakethingsone stepatatime,hopingIcangetoutofthissoonandreturntomyfieldasquicklyaspossible.¡±

    Thetwoofthemmomentarilysetasidemattersofwork,sittingamidstthepleasantscenery,gazingatthemountainviewnotfaroff.

    Daphenwarned,¡°There¡¯sonemorething.Nowthatyou¡¯vetakenoverThorne<b>Constructions</b><b>and</b>Energies,it¡¯shardtoconceal thetruthaboutfindingyourbiologicalparents.Haveyouthoughtabouthowyou¡¯regoingtobreakth

 Chapter 516

    Chapter<b>516</b>TiffanyAndHerPloy

    Lysanderfeltconflictedatthementionof<b>that</b>.¡°Myparentsaregettingoninyears,andthere¡¯sbeenhingafteranotherrecently.Thehouse¨Cbuyingprocessalonewasfraughtwitplications.Michelle¡¯sinjuryhasn¡¯tfullyhealedeither,whichprobablygavethemquiteascare.I¡¯llwaitalittlewhilelonger,letthemsettledownabit,andthenI¡¯llfindanopportunitytotalktothem.¡±

    Daphneagreedwithher.¡°Yeah.Mr.andMrs.Thorneraisedyouasifyouweretheirown.Ibetthey¡¯dbedisappointedthatyoufoundyourbiologicalparents.ButIthinkthey¡¯llprobabletotermswithitwhentheyseehowwellyourrealparentsaretreatingyou.¡±

    Theychattedforawhilelongerbeforespottingafamiliarfigure.

    Tiffany,dressedincasuttire,warmlygreetedthem,¡°Ms.Thorne!¡±

    DaphnenarrowedhereyeswhilescrutinizingthegirlbeforeturningtoLysander.¡°Isn¡¯tthatJosiah¡¯sfianc¨¦e?Issheherelookingforhim?Waitaminute.Whyissheheretoo?¡±

    LysandernoticedthepersonbehindTiffanyandshookherhead.¡°Idon¡¯tknow.¡±

    Astheyspoke,Tiffanyhadalreadytrottedovercheerfully.

    Lysarailedbehindher.¡°Tiffany,slowdown.You¡¯repoprnow,soyouneedtobemindfulofyourimageinpublic.¡±

    ¡°Oh,okay.¡±TiffanylistenedtoLysanneandstoppedskippingabout,walkinggracefullyandgreetingtheduoelegantly,¡°Hello, Ms.Thorne,Daphne.¡±

    Daphne¡¯sexpressionsouredthemomentshesawLysanne.¡°Ms.Lanister,I¡¯mdtoseeyoumakingfriends,buttheconsequencescanbesevereifyoudon¡¯tchooseyourfriendscarefully.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯veknownLysssincewewerekids.She¡¯sreallynice,¡±saidTiffanybeforeaskingLysander,¡°IsJosestillhere,Ms.Thorne?¡±

    Lysanderasked,¡°Didn¡¯tyoucallhimbeforeyoucame?¡±

    Tiffanystuckouthertongue.¡°Iwasn¡¯tnningoing,butLysstoldmeJose¡¯sherealone,andifIdon¡¯t<b>show</b>up,peoplemightsuspect something¡¯s wrongwiththertionshipbetweenGuerraGroupandRiveronCorporation.So,Idecidedtoswingby.¡±

    Daphnechuckled.¡°Youcanjuseherealone.Whydidshetagalong?¡±

    Lysannewasnolongeraspridefssheusedtobe,butshewasn¡¯texactlypolitewhenspeakingtoDaphne.¡°Tiffanyisyoungandclueless.It¡¯sonlynaturalthatIhelpher.¡±

    ¡°Areyouhelpingher,orareyouhelpingyourself?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mafraidIdon¡¯tunderstandwhatyou¡¯resaying,Ms.Everhart.¡±

    ¡°Figures.Dogsdon¡¯tunderstandpeopleafterall.¡± Daphnespoke,pointinginthedirectionoftherestaurant.¡°Ms.Lanister,Josiah¡¯sinsidechattingwithsomeone.Gooninifyou¡¯relookingforhim.

    Tiffanysaid,¡°Aretheydiscussingbusinessmatters?I¡¯mafraidImightintrude.Whydon¡¯tyougocheckitout,Lyss?You¡¯resocapable,<b>I¡¯m</b>sureyoucouldbeofhelp.¡±

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    Chapter576TiffanyAndHerPloy

    Aftercontemtingforamoment,Lysandernodded.¡°Thatworks.Youcanstayhereandhangoutwiththem.I¡¯ll<b>go</b>checkthingsoutandletyouknow.¡±

    Allright.Thankyou,Lyss!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯rewee.¡±

    Lysanderwalkedtowardtherestaurantalone.

    Daphnewassofuriousthatherfeatures<b>contorted</b>.¡°Whatissheyingat?Doesshethinkwe¡¯retoodumbtoknowwhat¡¯sgoing<b>on</b><b>?</b>¡±

    Lysandergaveheralook,subtlyremindingherthatTiffanywasaround.

    Daphneimmediatelyshutupandscootedasideonthebench,makingroomandpattingthespotnexttoher.¡°Comehere,Ms.Lanister.Sitwithus.¡±

    TiffanycheerfullysaunteredoverandtookaseatnexttoDaphne.¡°Daphne,istheresomesortofmisunderstandingbetweenyouandLyss?Itseemslikethere¡¯ssometensionbetweenthetwoofyou.¡±

    ¡°Oh,whatmisunderstandingcouldwepossiblyhave?I¡¯mjustonjustice¡¯sside,that¡¯sall.ButMs.Lanister,youshouldbecareful.¡±

    ¡°Becarefulofwhat?¡±

    Daphnewasfrustrated.¡°Youshouldbewareofthosewhomightuseyouasapawn,exploitingyourreputationtoachievetheirowngoals!¡±

    Withaninnocentsmile,Tiffanytappedherselfontheforehead.¡°Noworries,I¡¯mquiteclever.¡±

    ¡°Goodness,yousillygirl¡­¡±

    WhenDaphnewasconversingwithTiffany,Lysanderquietlyobservedthemfromtheside.

    EversincethedayAmeliahadpointeditouttoher,shehadbemorecautiousaroundTiffany.ShefoundherselfsubconsciouslyquestioningthemotivesbehindeverysingleoneofTiffany¡¯sactions.

    Forinstance,thedayshecametodeliverthewatersolubleelectrolytepowder,sheclearlysawthedisgust.inJosiah¡¯seyes.JosiahalsoadvisedhertostayawayfromLysanne.

    <i>But</i>howwouldLysanneknowthatJosiahisattheresort<i>if</i>shehadn¡¯tmentioned<i>it</i>?ShesentLysanneinto<i>the</i>restaurantalone,andit¡¯sclearhowJosiahwouldtreatLysanne.Onthesurface,itseemsasifLysanneisusingTiffanyasanexcusetoseeJosiah,butitcanalso<i>be</i>theotherwayaround.Bydoingthat,notonlywillshehaveareasontoseeJosiah,but<i>she¡¯ll</i>alsomakeJosiahdislikeLysanderevenmore.Who¡¯sthepuppetandwho¡¯s<i>the</i>puppetmasterisnotcertainyet.

    Sureenough,beforelong,JosiahemergedfromtherestaurantwithAurorainhisarms,hisfaceetchedwithanger.

    Lysarailedbehindhim,hereyesreddened,atelltalesignthatshehadjustshedtears.

    JosiahinstantlyspottedLysanderandquicklywalkedover.¡°Whyareyouhere?¡±

    Lysanderncedbehindhim,seeingnooneelse.¡°DidDr.SuttonandAidenleave?¡±

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    Chapter516TiffanyAndHerPloy

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionwasgrim.¡°Theydidn¡¯tstayforlong.HaveyoufinishedtalkingwithDaphne?Ifyou¡¯redone,let¡¯sgoback.WeagreedtostartreviewingThomeConstructions<b>and</b>Energiespersonnelfilestoday.Thebabyishungry,andIcan¡¯tpreparethebabyformwhileholdingher.¡±

    ¡°Oh,okay.¡±

    Tiffanycalledout,¡°Jose.¡±

    <b>Josiah¡¯s</b>expressionsoftenedabitashenodded.¡°I¡¯llcontactyourfatherinabitandaskhimtosend.someopickyouup.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Josiahadded,¡°Also,beforeyoudecidetodoanything,youshouldconsultyourfatherfirstinsteadoflisteningtojustaboutanyone.¡±

    TiffanyncedatLysannecautiously.¡°Lyss,whyareyoucrying?DidyouhaveafightwithJose?HowcouldyoutreatLysslikethis,Jose?Shemeanswell,andshe¡¯sagirl.Youshouldn¡¯tbullyagirlevenit¡¯sforMs.ThorneandDaphne¡¯ssake.¡±

    LysanneredatLysanderresentfully,grittingherteethinfrustration.

    Josiahtookastepforward,positioninghimself protectivelyinfrontofLysander,histoneicy.¡°HandingThorneConstructionsandEnergiesovertoLysanderwasMr.Thorne¡¯sdecision.Iwastheonewhosignedthecontractandoverlookedthe procedures.Sheneverintendedtpetewithyouoveranything.Moreover,theThornefamily¡¯swealthrightfullybelongstoher.¡±

    TheresentmentinLysander¡¯seyesredevenmore.¡°Yes,She¡¯stheappleofyoureyerightnow,soofcourseyou¡¯dtakeherside.¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    ¡°Yes,sheis.Areyou<b>satisfied</b>now?¡±

    Lysanne¡¯svoicewasharsh.¡°<b>Josiah</b>Guerra,doyouhave tobethisruthless?I¡¯vebeenjoblesseversinceIreturned<b>to</b>thecountry.<b>Without</b>ajob,Ihavenosourceofie.We¡¯vegrownuptogether,andwegowayback,sharingartionshipthatspansovertwodecades.Areyoureallygoingto<b>stand</b>byandwatchmegetkickedoutofmyownhome

    ¡°The<b>bond</b>weshared wasbuiltondeception.Givenmytemperament,<b>anyone</b>whodeceivedme<b>wouldn¡¯t</b>stillbealive.TheonlyreasonIsparedyouisoutofrespectforMr.andMrs.Thorne.I¡¯vechosentoputthepastbehind<b>me</b>,butifyoucontinuetointrudeinmyandLysander¡¯slife¡­youknowwhatI¡¯mcapableof

    Lysander¡¯sfacewasaspale<b>as</b>asheet.¡°<b>What</b>,areyougoing tokillmeforher<b>sake</b>?¡±

    Tiffanyhurriedlytugged<b>Josiah¡¯s</b>arm.¡°Josiah,don¡¯tbelikethis.Lyssisgoingthrougharough patchrightnow.Youcan¡¯ttreatherlikethiseventhoughyoualreadyhave<b>a</b>womanyoulove¡­¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>tookadeepbreathandturnedtolookatTiffany.¡°Andyou,stopmeddlinginouraffairs<b>.</b>Goonhomeonceyourfather¡¯sdriverarrives.¡±

    TiffanyturnedtotakeLysander¡¯shand.¡°Ms.Thorne,pleasetalksomesenseintoJose.Hewilllistento

    you.¡±

    Beforeshecouldfinishhersentence,LysandersensedLysanne¡¯shatred¨Cfilledgazeboringintoher.

    Suddenly,ahorribleideapoppedintoLysander¡¯smind.

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    Chapter516TiffanyAndHerPloy

    Lysanne¡¯shatredtowardmegrotesstrongerwitheachpassingday.Wouldshedrugmedownwithherifshefailed<i>to</i>inherittheThornefamily¡¯sassets?I¡¯ho¡¯dbenefitfromthat<i>if</i>bothofusweregone?

    LysandercastasidelongnceatTiffany.Theinnocent¨ClookingyoundywasnowlookingupatJosiah,hereyessparkling

    SendGifts

    LIK

    D

 Chapter 517

    Chapter517LysanderIsUnwell

    Suddenly,someouchedherarm.

    SheturnedtomeetDaphne¡¯sgaze,whichwasfilledwithsurpriseanddisbelief.

    Smiling,shenoddedatherfriendtoindicateshehadnoticedittoo.

    Havinglearnedfromtheirexperiences,ofcoursetheygraspedthesituationuponseeingthelookinTiffany¡¯seyes.

    Daphnemutteredunderherbreath,¡°Whatatroublemaker.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,whyaren¡¯tyousayinganything?¡±Tiffanyasked.

    BeforeLysandercouldevenspeak,Josiahinterruptedherwithafrown,¡°ThismatterhasnothingtodowithLysander.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,you¡¯reright.It¡¯sessentiallyapersonalmatterbetweenyouarldLyss.Ishouldn¡¯tgetMs.Thorneinvolved.¡±

    LysanderchuckledandtookasteptowardLysanne.¡°Itactuallyhassomethingtodowithme.Ms.Lysanne,youcametodaytomeetMr.Guerratodaybecauseyouwanthimtoytheroleofafairjudgeandhave<b>him</b>distributetheThornefamily¡¯sproperty,isthatcorrect?¡±

    ThehatredinLysanne¡¯seyeswaspalpable.¡°Dadisold,andmomisbedridden.Moreover,JosiahhasalwaysbeentheonemanagingThorneConstructionsandEnergies¡®affairs.¡±

    ¡°Likeyousaid,Mr.GuerraisjustmanagingitonbehalfofHowardandMolly.Thpany¡¯sstilltheirpersonalproperty.Mr.Guerradoesn¡¯thavetheauthoritytomakedecisionsforthem,¡±Lysanderexined.

    Lysaookadeepbreath,castingaresentfullookather.¡°Evennow,you¡¯restiddressinghimformallyas¡®Mr.Guerra¡®See,Josiah?Shehasnointentionofbeingdevotedtoyou.She¡¯sonlyworkingwithyou<b>to</b>imtheThornefamily¡¯swealthanduseyourconnectionsandpower.Dr.Thorneherehasalwaysbeenaveryrationalperson.Sheknowswhatthebestchoiceforherself.Youreffortshaveonlyeverbeenone-sided!

    ¡°Whyareyouwastingyourtimetalkingtoher?¡±JosiahwalkedoverwithAuroraandtookLysander¡¯shand.¡°Let¡¯sgo back.¡±

    ¡°Holdon,I¡¯mnotfinishedspeaking.¡±

    Lysander turnedaroundandaddressedher,¡°IfIwereyou,I¡¯dtakethemillionsthatHowardgaveyouandeithercontinuelivingvishlifestyleabroadorsettledownpeacefullyhereinthecountry.Yousaidityourselfyourparentshaveraisedyouforsomanyyears,sotheywouldn¡¯tabandonyouifyouwereintrouble.Mr.Guerrawouldalsoconsiderthelong¨Cstandingrtionshipbetweenourfamiliesandwouldn¡¯tharmyou.Thiswouldbethebestoueforyou.<b>But</b>ifyouinsistonbeinginsatiableandp¨¦steringusrelentlessly¡­

    Lysandernced<b>at</b>Tiffany,her<b>voice</b>icy<b>as</b>shecontinued,¡°<b>You¡¯d</b>bethefirsttodie.¡±

    ¡°Thebestoue?Youtookeverythingfromme.Whatrightdo youhavetotellmetoeptmyfate?Icantell<b>Josiah</b><b>is</b>onyoursidenow.Fine.I¡¯llgotothehospitaltotalktoDadandMom.Theylovemedearly,andI¡¯msuretheywon¡¯t-

    ¦§

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    Chapter517LysanderisUnwell

    ¡°Lysander,areyouokay?¡±Daplineswiftlyrushedovertosupportherfriend,whowasstaggering.¡°What¡¯swrong?Whyisyourfacesopale?¡±

    Hearingthat.Josiahapproachedwithasolemnexpressiontocheckonher.¡°Whathappened?¡±

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tquitesureeither.

    Shesuddenlyfelt awaveofdizziness,hervisionblurring.

    Lysannesneered.¡°You¡¯refakingit;huh?Suchaclich¨¦dtrickseemsbeneathyou,Dr.Thorne.Whywouldyouresorttofakinganillness?¡±

    Afterobservingattentivelyforawhile,Tiffanyhesitantlyasked,¡°Ms.Thorne,areyouallright?¡±

    LysanderncedatTiffany,detectingahintofdoubtinthtter¡¯seyes.

    DoesshethinkI¡¯mfakingittogainsympathy,tool

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpcurlingherlipsintoasmirk.¡°I¡¯mfine.Must¡¯vebeenlowbloodsugar<b>.</b>¡±

    Daphneasked,¡°Haveyouhadbreakfastthismorning?¡±

    ¡°Shedidn¡¯teatmuchandjusthadsomemilk.Iguessshe¡¯sexhaustedfromlookingafterthebaby.¡±JosiahhandedAuroratoDaphne.¡°Ms.Everhart,couldyoupleaseholdher?¡±

    Daphnepanickedasifshewereholdingatickingtimebomb,herentirebodystiffening.¡°Hey,wait!Ican¡¯tdothis!Idon¡¯tknowhow!¡±

    Lysandershuthereyes,waitingforthedizzinesstopasswhensuddenly,shefoundherselfliftedofftheground.

    ¡°I¡¯lltakeyoubacktoyourroomtorestandhavesomeonebringyousomefood,¡±saidJosiah.

    StandingwasunbearableenoughforLysander<b>/</b><b>so</b>whenJosiahsuddenlyhoistedherupinhisarms,awaveofnauseasurgedwithinher.ShemanagedtoholditbackandgaveJosiahaweakpush.¡°Putmedown.IfeellikeI¡¯mgoingtothrowup¡­¡±

    Nosoonerhadherfeettouchedthegroundthansheturnedherheadandthrew.up.

    Josiahwasstartled.Pattingherbacktoeaseherdifort,heasked,¡°Youwerefhismorning.Whyareyousuddenlyunwell?¡±

    Holdingthechild,Daphnewastooscaredtomoveamusclebut<b>was</b>stillworried.¡°Lysander,areyouokay?¡±

    Lysandertookthetissuehandedoverby<b>Josiah</b>,wipedhermouth,andshookherhead.¡°Idon¡¯tknoweither.¡±

    Tiffanyblinked.¡°Butaren¡¯tyouadoctor?Can¡¯tyoudiagnoseyourconditionyourself?¡±

    Lysanneworealookof<b>disdain</b>,standingaside.¡°Ofcourseshecan¡¯tdiagnoseit.Whatisshegoingtosay,thatshe¡¯sfakingit?¡±

    *Shutup!¡±Josiahsternlyinterruptedher.

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    Lysannesaidresentfully.¡°She¡¯sadoctor.Fakinganillnessisawalkintheparkforher.Oh,forgetit.ItseemslikenomatterwhatI<b>say</b>now,youwon¡¯tbelieveme.¡±

    Rightthen,anotherunbearablewaveof<b>nausea</b>surgedwithinLysander,causinghertovomitagain.Shehadbarelyeatenanythinginthemorningandendedupthrowingupbile.

    Tiffanymurmured.¡°Ms.Thorne,areyoureallynotfeelingwell?<b>¡±</b>

    Lysandertookadeepbreath<b>and</b>forced<b>a</b>smile.¡°Yes.I¡¯msorryfordisruptingyourns,Ms.Lanister.¡±

    Tiffanywastakenabackforamoment,butshequicklyhidhersurprise,maintainingherinnocentandadorablefacade.¡°It¡¯sokay.Idon¡¯thaveanythingurgentgoingonanyway.Yourhealthiswhat¡¯smostimportant.¡±

    LysanderwithdrewhergazeandlookedatJosiah,whowassupportingher.

    Heseemedto belookingatTiffany,too,wearingapensivefrown.

    ¡°Mr.Guerra<b>,</b>¡±Lysandercalledout.

    Regaininghissenses,Josiahresponded,¡°Yes?¡±

    <b>¡°</b>Domeafavor..

    ¡°Sure.Whatisit?¡±

    ¡°Getmeafewwaitressestohelpmebacktomyroom.¡±

    Josiahfrowned,clearlyupset.¡°Really?Evenatthispoint,youstilldon¡¯twantmetotouchyou?¡±

    Ashespoke,hemovedtocarryher<b>again</b>.

    Lysanderquicklyrejected.¡°No,I¡¯mfinestanding,butbeingcarriedsidewaysmakesmeextremely

    nauseous.¡±

    Josiahgrabbedherhands<b>and</b>cedthemonhisshoulder,liftingherbythewaistandcarrying hervertically.

    Lysanderrestedherheadonhisshoulder,thesubtlescentofcitrusfromhisbodyfillinghersenses.

    ¡°Isthisbetter?¡±heasked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±Lysanderspokeafteramomentofhesitation.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    JosiahturnedtoDaphneandinstructed,¡°Ms.Everhart,couldyoupleaselookafterthechildforawhile?Ifyoudon¡¯t<b>know</b>how,just<b>go</b>tothefrontdeskandmentionmyname.Theywissistyou.<b>¡±</b>

    Daphnenodded.¡°Canyoumanage?Ifnot,youcanwatchoverthechildwhileItakecareofLysander.¡±

    ¡°Wouldyoubeabletocarryherback?¡±

    Daphnewasatalossforwords,forshecouldn¡¯t.

    Beforeleaving,JosiahcastanothernceatTiffany,hisgazeinquisitive.

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    Seeminglytryingtomendthesituation,Tinyasked,¡°Jose,doyouneedmyhelp?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±Josiah¡¯sgazeturnedcoldashe<b>said</b>,¡°Whenyourfatherarrives,askhimtowaitforme.It¡¯sabouttimeIdiscussthecancetionofourengagementwithhim.¡±

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    Chapter518NotWanting ToBreakPromise

    TheexpressiononTiffany¡¯sfacechangedinstantly.

    However,Josiah<b>had</b>alreadyleft,carryingLysanderwithoutevenlookingback.

    Uponreturningtoherroom,Lysanderwasstillguedbyasevereheadache.

    Themomenttheroomdoorswungopen,shestaggeredtoherfeet,strugglingtokeepherbnce.Shepushedthebathroomdooropenandwasimmediatelyengulfedinanotherboutofviolentretching.

    Seeingherinsuchdistress,Josiahimmediatelypulledouthisphoneandbegantomakeacall.

    Lysanderturnedonthefaucetandrinsedherselfoffbeforeaskinghim,¡°Whoareyoucalling?¡±

    <ol start="911">

    <li>911.</li>

    </ol>

    ¡°Idon¡¯tneedanambnceforsomethingsominor.Let¡¯snotwastemedicalresources.¡±

    Josiahlookedather,remainingsilentforseveralseconds.

    Hedisagreedwithwhatshesaid,buthehadnochoicebuttofollowherinstructions.

    Lysanderwalkedoutofthebathroomandheadedtothelivingroom,whereshesatdownonthecouchto

    rest.

    Josiahpulledoutafewsheetsofpaperandsatdownnexttoher.Hegentlywipedthesweatfromherforehead.¡°Whatexactlyisgoingon?Howdidyousuddenly beso unwell?¡±

    ¡°PerhapsI¡¯vebeentoowornoutely.¡±LysanderwantedtotakethetissuefromJosiah¡¯shand,buthewouldn¡¯tallowit.

    ¡°Stayput.I¡¯llhandlethis,¡±hesaid.

    Lysanderwastrulyindistress,<bcking</b>theenergytoarguewithhim

    Josiahsaidgently.¡°Thisdoesn¡¯tseemlikeacase oflowbloodsugarIt¡¯stoosevereforthat.Didyoueatsomethingthatdidn¡¯tagreewithyou?¡±

    Lysanderrepliedirritably.¡°Ihaddinnerfromyourhotestnight.Mr.Guerra,isthefoodhygieneatyourhoteluptostandard?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llhavethehotel¡¯sfoodandbeveragedepartmentconductaself¨Cinspection.¡±

    Lysanderwavedherhanddismissively.

    Basedonherexperience,sheconcludedthatherillnessprobablywasn¡¯tduetoeatingspoiledfood.

    Therewasnoneedtofurthertroubletheworkers.

    ¡°So,whatdoyou<b>think</b>isthereason?¡±

    Lysander¡¯seyesflickeredbriefly,thenshelookeddownward.¡°I¡¯mnotsure.Let¡¯swaitandobserveabitlonger.Itmightimprovesoon.¡±

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    ¡°Shouldwegotothehospital?¡±

    ¡°MyparentsandMichelleareatthehospitalrightnow.Ifmydadseesyou,he¡¯dprobablywanttobeatyouuponthespot.¡±

    ¡°Lethimhit,<b>then</b>.¡±Josiahstoodup,readytohelpLysanderup.¡°Yourhealthusedtobe<b>so</b>good.Youcouldevenpullseverll¨Cnighterswithoutanyissues.However,afterriptoApexCity,you¡¯vehadthefluandafever,andsincingback,you¡¯vestartedexperiencingunexineddizzinessandvomiting.Whatonearthisgoingon?¡±

    ¡°Whoknows<b>?</b>¡±

    Holdingherhand,hepausedslightly,afaint tremorinhisgrip.¡°Couldthisbethplicationsfromtheimproperpost¨Cabortioncarsttime<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysanderpulledawayfromhisgraspandsettledherselfonthecouchtorest.¡°No.Dapookreallygoodcareofme.¡±

    Duetoperspiration,herstraystrandsofhairweresteredonherforehead.Nottomention,theywererecentlyfurthertousledbyatissue,causinghertoappeardisheveled.

    Shefeltagentlergehandtentativelybrushingawayherstrayhairs,neatlytuckingthemin<b>ce</b>.

    ¡°Areyoufeelinganybetter?¡±

    ¡°<b>Yes</b><b>.</b>

    ¡°Youknowhowtodiagnosethroughpalpation,right?Whydon¡¯tyoutryitonyourselfandseewhat¡¯swrong?¡±

    Uponhearingthat,Lysanderslowlyopenedhereyes.

    Josiah<b>asked</b>anxiously,¡°What¡¯sthematter?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯sAurora?¡±

    ¡°IhadDaphnelookafterhimfirst.¡±Josiahunderstoodherintentions.¡°I¡¯llgobringthechildback.Canyoumanageonyourown?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Josiahpouredheracupofhotwaterandceditonthecoffeetable,thenswiftlypickeduphisphoneandleftthroughthe<b>door</b>.

    Roughlyaftertenminutesorso,JosiahreturnedcradlingAurorawithonehandandanothercarryingabag.

    ThemomentAurorasawLysander,hebrokeintughterandsquirmedrestlesslyinJosiah¡¯sarm,insistingonbeingheldbyLysander.

    Josiahpulledhercloserintohisembrace,givinghera littlerubbeforehandingthebaghewasholdingtoLysander.¡°Whetherit¡¯sacaseoflowbloodsugarornot,<b>you</b>shouldhaveonefirst.¡±

    OnlythendidLysanderclearlyseethatJosiahhadbroughtbackabagofJollyRancherlollipops,nottomentioninloosepackets.

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    ¡°Doesthisupscalehotctuallysellthis?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionwasabitodd.¡°Yes.¡±

    Lysanderfoundanoriginal¨Cvoredone,unwrappedit,andpoppeditintohermouth.

    ¡°Where¡¯sDaphne?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯sgoneback,sayingshe¡¯dreturnonceNievahaddescendedthemountain.¡±

    Lysandernodded.¡°WhataboutTiffanyandLysanne?¡±

    Atthementionofthosetwoindividuals,<b>Josiah</b>hesitatedforamomentbeforereplying,¡°I¡¯llsoonannouncea jointstatementwithRiveronCorporationtobreakoffmyengagementwithTiffany.¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    ItwasasifJosiahcouldseethroughherthoughts.Hesoftlysaid,¡°Havingbeenthroughitonce<b>,</b>Iwon¡¯tbedeceivedasecondtime.¡±

    Suddenly,Lysanderbecameabitcurious.¡°Whoareyoutalkingabout?¡±

    ¡°YouknowwhoI¡¯mtalkingabout.¡±Josiahsaid.¡°Takeagoodresttoday.Youcanstartlearningagain.tomorrow.Afterall,I¡¯lwaysbehere.There¡¯snorush.¡±

    ¡°So,youreallyaren¡¯tnningongoingbacktoworkduringthisperiod?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mstayingwhereyouare.Imadeapromisetoyoutobeatyourbeckandcalltwenty¨Cfour¨Cseven.Thistime,Idon¡¯twanttobreakmypromiseagain.¡±

    Lysanderasked,¡°WhatifIdecidetogobacktobeingadoctor inthefuture?¡±

    ¡°Inthatcase,I¡¯llpickyouupanddropyouofffromworkerainorshine,justlikebefore.¡±

    ¡°WhatifIweretogoprovidemedicalservicesinrurreas?¡±

    ¡°Howlongwillyoubethere?¡±

    ¡°Aminimumoftwoyearsusually.¡±

    Withoutamomentofhesitation,Josiahsaid.¡°I¡¯llgowithyou,then.¡±

    Lysanderchuckledsoftly.Howcouldamanlikehim,whohaslivedalifeofprivilegeallhislife,possiblyadapttosuchharshconditions?Hewon¡¯stmorethanafewdays.

    Thatnight,Lysanderhadaparticrlyrestlesssleep.

    Throughoutthenight,shewasjoltedawakeseveraltimesbyherdreams,whichfeaturedeitherabloodyshowdownbetweencopsandrobbers<b>or</b>agrandescapethroughthedesert.

    Everytimeshewokeup,shewasalwayscoveredinathiyerofsweat.

    Afteraseeminglyendlessnight,shestillfeltsomewhatdrainedasdawnbroke.

    Luiet<b>ac</b>

    che

    thoughtshoutmakingacalltoordersomebreakfasttherewasaknockatthedoor

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    ¡°Whoisit?¡±

    Averygentleandsweetfemalevoicerangout.¡°Roomservice.¡±

    Lysanderslippedintoherclothesandgotoutofbedtoopenthedoor.

    Outsidethedoorstoodayoungfemaleserver,whowaspushingasmallcart.¡°Ms.¡°Thorne,here¡¯syourbreakfast,¡±

    ¡°ButIhaven¡¯torderedbreakfastyet,¡±Lysandersaid,takenaback.

    ¡°Mr.Guerraorderedit.Ms.Thome,mayein?¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Lysandernodded,steppingasidetoclearthedoorway.

    Theservermethodicallyarrangedthetesfromthesmalltrolleyontothediningtable.Theassortmentof disheswasaneclecticmixofEcroniaurandEpeancuisine,featuringbothvegetablesandmeatdishes,offerinprehensiveandbncednutrition.

    ¡°Thisistoomuch.Ican¡¯tfinishitall.It¡¯swasteful.¡±

    Thewaitresschuckledandsaid,¡°Mr.Guerraalsomentionedthatifyoucan¡¯tfinishyourmeal,justleaveit.He¡¯lltakecareofiter.¡±

    ¡°Whereishenow?¡±

    ¡°Oh.He¡¯sjustdiscussingsomebusiness<b>matters</b>withabusinesspartnernextdoor.Wouldyouliketogo

    over?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°No,thankyou.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯rewee.Bytheway,Mr.Guerraalsoinstructedmetodeliver<b>this</b><b>to</b>you.¡±

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    Chapter519ThreeDaysLate

    Theservertookafewsmallpackagesfromthebottomtierofher trolleyandhandedthemtoher.

    Lysanderrealizedtheyweresanitarypadsfromthebrandshehadalwaysused.

    Theproductswerefreshandsoft,suitableforbothdayandnightuse.

    ¡°Mr.Guerramentionedthatyoumightneedtheseinthenextfewdays,soheaskedmetobringthemover,¡±theserversaid.

    Suddenly,Lysander recalledtheconversationshehadwithTiffanyaboutbuyingsanitarypadsinthecarthatday.He¡­

    ¡°Ms.Thome,feelfreetoletmeknowifyouneedanythingelse.I¡¯llmakesureit¡¯stakencareofpromptly.¡±

    Lysandertookthepadsoverandsaid,¡°Thankyou.Thatshouldbeit.¡±

    ¡°Allright.I¡¯lltakemyleavenow.I¡¯llreturnshortlytocollectthedishes.

    ¡°Holdon,¡±Lysandercalledouttotheserver.¡°Doesyourhotelselllollipops?

    Thewaitresswasvisiblybaffled.¡°Lollipops?Doyouneedthem?I¡¯llcontactsomeonerightawaytobuythemforyou.¡±

    ¡°Noneed.Iwasjustaskingiftheysellitinthehotel.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯msorry,Ms.Thorne,butwedon¡¯tselllollipopsinthehotel.¡±

    Lysanderthought.WheredidthatlollipopthatJosiahbroughtbackyesterdaefrom?

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,wouldyoulikesomegingertea?AlthoughMr.Guerradidn¡¯tspecify,it¡¯monknowledgethatgirlscanfinfortinsippingsomegingerteaduringtheirmenstruationperiod.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯sthedatetoday?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯stheeighteenth.What¡¯sthematter?¡±

    Lysandermused.Eighteenth?Mycyclehasalwaysbeenratherregr,typicallyurringinthemiddleofthemonth<b>.</b><b>Moreover</b>,afewdaysbeforemyperiodstartedeachtime,<i>I</i>wouldexperienceadistinctfeelingofheavinessandbloatinginmylowerabdomen.However,thistimeithasbeenpostponedforthreedays,andI¡¯msurprisinglystillfeelingnothingatall.

    AsuddenthoughtshedthroughLysander¡¯smind,causingheplexiontochangeinstantly.

    Uponseeingthe situation,theserverquicklyasked,¡°Ms.Thorne,what¡¯swrong?Areyoufeelingunwell.again?I¡¯llgoinformMr.Guerrarightaway.¡±

    ¡°Noneed.Don¡¯tgolookingforhim,¡±Lysandersaid,herfacepaleassheshookherhead.Shetookadeepbreathbeforeasking,¡°Isthereacaravabletogodownthemountain?Somethingurgentjustcameup,andIneedtogettothehospitalimmediately.¡±

    TheservernoticedLysander¡¯slookofurgency<b>and</b>,withoutbotheringtoaskwhatthtterwas<b>about</b>todo,replied,¡°Thebusdownthemountainonleseveryhour.Ifyou¡¯reinarush,Icancacabfor

    Chapter519ThreeDaysLate

    Withoutanyhesitation,Lysanderagreed,¡°Allright.Arrangeacarforme.I¡¯mheadingtotheCentralHospital.¡±

    ¡°Allright,okay,I¡¯monit.ButMs.Thorne<b>,</b><b>are</b>yousureyoudon¡¯twanttoinformMr.Guerra?He¡¯smadeitclearthatwe¡¯retoreporttohimaboutanysituationconcerningyou.¡±

    Aftersomethought,Lysandersaid,¡°Ifheasks,justtellhimIwenttothehospitaltovisitmysister.¡±

    Aftersayingthat,Lysanderreturnedtotheroomandunwrappedanotherlollipop,poppingitintohermouth.

    Fortunately,thesanitarypadsremindedherofherperiod.Otherwise,shewould¡¯veforgottenaboutit.

    AsLysanderthoughtaboutit,herhands,whichwerefoldingtheclothes,involuntarilyshuddered,<b>causing</b>thegarmentshehadjustpickeduptofalltotheground.Shequicklypickeditup,shookitclean,drapeditoverherself,andswiftlylefttheroom.

    ¡°Mr.Guerra,we¡¯restillintheinitialstagesofcoboration.Whywouldyousuddenlyannouncethecancetionoftheengagementtothepublic?¡±

    JosiahcradledAurorainhisarms,givingherwatertodrinkwhilehespoke.¡°Theearlierannouncementofourengagement<b>was</b>merelya temporarysolution.Restassured,Mr.Lanister,ourcoboration<b>will</b>continue.

    ¡°Naturally,1believeyou¡¯reamanofyourword.I¡¯mjustaskingoutofcuriosity.Whatexactlyhappenedthatmadeyoudecidetoannouncethismattertothepublicaheadofschedule?¡±

    Josiahsoftlyasked,¡°Haveyoumet<b>Tiffany</b>,Mr.Lanister?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.Iappreciatehowyou¡¯veconstantlylookedafterTiffinApexCity,Mr.Guerra.She¡¯syoungandnaive,oftenspeakingwithoutconsideringtheweightofher<b>words</b>.Ihopeyoucanbepatientwithher,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯snotyounganymore,¡±Josiahsaid.¡°Atherage,I<b>had</b>alreadybeguntakingfullcontrolofthpany.EventhoughyoudoteonMs.Lanistergreatly,there¡¯snoneedtotreatherlikeachildatalltimes.She¡¯snolongerachild,neitherinagenorinmentality.¡±

    Dillonhesitatedforamomentbeforeasking,¡°Mr.Guerra,I¡¯mnotquitesurewhatyoumean<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Ididn¡¯tmeanmuchbyit,¡±Josiahsaid.<b>¡°</b>Aren¡¯tyoualsoimpatientforTiffanytogetaboyfriend,Mr.Lanister?Announcingthedissolutionoftheengagementassoonaspossiblewillbebeneficialforhertoo.¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    ¡°Youhaveapoint,Mr.Guerra.¡±Dillonpausedbeforecautiouslyadding,¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tmindmeasking,haveyoualreadymadens,Mr.Guerra?<b>¡±</b>

    Josiahncedup,hisgazeslightlyfrosty.¡°Whatareyoutryingto<b>ask</b>,Mr.Lanister?¡±

    ¡°No,no.I¡¯mjustwondering¡­SinceyourheartbelongedtoMs.Lysannepreviously,Iwouldn¡¯tdaretoentertainsuchthoughts.ButnowthatyouandMs.Lysannehaveclearlyseparated,there¡¯snolongerawomanbyyourside.Nottobrag,althoughTiffmaynotbeanation¡¯sbeauty,she¡¯satleastadelicatebeauty.Plus,she¡¯swell¨Cbehavedandobedient,nothinglikeMs.Lysanne.Bothofyouaresingleandknoweachotherwell,somaybeyoucould-

    Withoutevenlookingup,Josiahsaid,¡°Mr.Lanister,you¡¯requiteambitious,aren¡¯tyou?Notonlydoyouaspiretobemybusinesspartnerbutalsomyfather¨Cinw?¡±

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    Inafluster,Mr.Lanisterquicklyrified,¡°No,no,Iwouldn¡¯tdare.I¡¯mmerelyspeakingfromafather¡¯sperspective.I¡¯mdeeplyworriedaboutTiff¡¯sfuture.We¡¯vespoiledhertoomuch,andatherage,she¡¯sstillfartoonaive.I¡¯vementionedthistoyoubefore,butI¡¯mgenuinelyconcernedthatshemightbedeceivedbysomedespicableboys.Insteadofthat,itwouldbebetterifshecouldbewithyou.Thatway,bothhermom<b>and</b>Icouldresteasy.¡±

    ¡°Isee.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,Mr.Guerra.Sinceyoudon¡¯thavechildren,youwouldn¡¯tunderstandthefeelingsofaparent.Havingasonishing,butbeingafathertoadaughter,it¡¯strulydistressing.¡±

    JosiahncedatAurorainhisarms,hissmilesofteningabit.¡°You¡¯reright.IfIhadadaughter,I¡¯dworryaboutherbeingdeceivedbydespicableboystoo<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯tthatthetruth?s¡±Mr.Lanistersighedheavily.¡°IknowTiffiscertainlypunchingaboveherweightbybeingwith<b>you</b>.However,whileTiffmaynothaveothermerits, she¡¯sabsolutelypure¨Chearted,unscheming,andhasagoodtemperament.She¡¯salsoeasytogetalongwith.Havingtofacecunninganddeceitinyourworkeveryday,Isupposeyoujustyearnforsomepeaceofmindwhenyoureturnhome,don¡¯tyouagree?¡±

    Pure¨Chearted?Josiahgavealightchuckle.

    TherewasatimewhenhethoughtthatLysannewaspure¨Chearted,albeitalittlehaughty.

    However,thosepastexperienceshadservedasvividlessonsforhim.

    Josiahponderedforamomentbeforesaying,¡°Tiffanyisindeedawonderfulgirl,butwe¡¯renotagoodmatch.Firstly,there¡¯sasignificant<b>age</b>gapbetweenus.I¡¯vealwaysseenherasalittlesister.There¡¯sckofanyromanticfeelingsbetweenus.Secondly,I¡¯madivorcee.ItwouldbemoresuitableforTiffanytofindayoungmanofsimragewhohasneverbeenmarriedbefore.¡±

    ¡°Divorceisn¡¯tabigdeal,¡±Mr.Lanisterquicklysaid.¡°Onceyou¡¯vebeenthroughadivorce,you¡¯llunderstand.whyyourex¨Cwifewasn¡¯ttherightfit.It¡¯salearningexperienceforthe future.¡±

    ¡°Whosaid shewasn¡¯ttherightone?¡±

    Mr.Lanisterchokedup.¡°I¡¯msorry?¡±

    have

    Josiahncedathiswatchandrosetohisfeet,holdingAurora.¡°Let¡¯sconsider<b>this</b>mattersettled.I¡¯llourPRdepartmentdraftanofficialstatementandsendittoyou.Bothoupaniescanreleaseitsimultaneously.<b>As</b>forthedetailsofourcoboration,ourlegaldepartmentisstillworkingonit.We¡¯llkeepRiveronCorporationupdatedassoonasthere¡¯sanyprogress.Ihaveothermatterstoattendto,soIwon¡¯tbeableto<b>join</b><b>you</b>forlunch.Please,makeyourselfortable.¡±

    Dillonslowlyrosetohisfeetaswell.¡°Mr.Guerra,doesTiffreallystandnochanceatall<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Myheartalreadybelongstosomeone.¡±

    ¨C

    ¡°MayI<b>ask</b><b>who</b>thatpersonis?¡±

    Tiffanyknows.Whydon¡¯tyouaskher?¡±

    3/4

    TheCharmingEx¨CWife

 Chapter 520

    Chapter520TheUnexinedVomiting

    Lysander¡¯sinternalbodyclockwasremarkablyurate,sosheshouldhavewokenuparoundthistime.

    Josiah,carryingthechild,headedovertoLysander¡¯sroom.Thedoorwaswideopen,revealingonlythecleanerbusilyatworkwithin.NotonlywasLysandernowheretobefound,evenherluggagehadmysteriouslydisappeared.

    Immediately,Josiahadoptedaseriousexpressionandasked,¡°Wheredidthepreviousguestwholivedherego?¡±

    Beforethecleanerarrived,shehadbeeninstructedbythefrontdesk.So,whenasked,shetruthfully<b>answered</b>,¡°Ms.Thornehasalreadycheckedout.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressiontensedupashepressedon.¡°Didshementionwhereshewasgoing?¡±

    Lysanderrarelyactedwithoutinformingothers.Fearingthatshemighthaveencounteredanunexpectedsituation,hisheart tensedup<b>with</b>worry.

    Whenthecleanernoticedhisexpressionturngloomyinaninstant,shequicklyadded,¡°Ms.Thornehadthefrontdeskcataxi.She<b>said</b>she¡¯sgoingtothehospitaltovisithersister.¡±

    Uponreceivingtheanswer,Josiahfeltaslightrelief.

    Eversinceshereturnedfromthecapital,shehadbeenconstantlyworriedaboutMichelle.Furthermore,ithadbeenawhilesinceshe<b>had</bstseenherparents.Therefore,itwasonlyright<b>that</b>shewenttovisitthematthehospital.

    ¡°WhendidMs.Thorneleave?¡±he askedagain.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Thecleanercouldonlyvaguelyrecallit.¡°Probably abouthalfanhourago.¡±

    Ahalf¨ChourdrivewasallittookforLysandertodistanceherselffromthehotndreachthesuburbs.Bythistime,evenifJosiahwantedtopursueher,itwouldbealreadytote.Moreover,onceoffthemountain,theroadsspreadinalldirections,sohehadnoideawhichoneshewouldchoose.

    Rightaway,Josiahgaveheracall.

    Beep!

    Followingthat<b>tone</b>,therewasonlytheroboticvoicemessageofanunansweredcall.

    AlthoughLysanderdidn¡¯tanswerthephone,Josiahunderstoodhertemperamentwell.

    Heknewthatshewaseithertoobusytocheck herphoneorintentionallyignoringhiscalls.Regardlessofthesituation,herealized<b>that</b>persistingincalling<b>her</b>wouldbepointless.

    Yetforreasonsunknown,healwaysfeltacertainunease.

    JosiahstoodinLysander¡¯sroomforawhile,hismindbingincreasinglychaotic.<b>One</b>momenthewaspicturingLysander¡¯spaleface,thenexthewasgrapplingwiththenewsofherdeparturewithoutagoodbye,nevertoreturn.Eventually,histhoughtsevenwanderedtowhathadhappenedafterhestpregnancy.

    1/4

    Chapter520TheUnexined.Vomiting

    Hehadassumedsheleftsimplybecauseshedidn¡¯twanttoseehim.However,heneverexpected thatshehadgonestraighttothehospitaltogetanabortion.

    Inaninstant,Josiahfeltachillseepingfromheadtotoe,acoldsensationpiercingstraightthroughhim.

    Shehadbeenthrowingupfornoapparentreasonyesterday¡­

    Hedared notwasteevenaminutemore.Withutmosthaste,hehandedthechildovertothehotelmanager,instructinghimtofindafewstallmembers whohad childrentolookafterthebaby.Then,hequicklydroveoff,headingstraightforCentralHospital.

    Hewasn¡¯tidleonthewaythereeither.Instead,he<b>was</b>incessantlymakingcallstoLysanderthroughhis

    didn¡¯tpickup,he¡¯dcall

    Bluetoothearpiece.Ifshedidn¡¯tanswer,he¡¯ddialLynn¡¯snumbernext.IfLynnals****

    Daphne.Inthismanner,hetirelesslypressedthedialbuttoncountlesstimes.

    Yetitseemedasifthesethreepeoplehadamutugreementofsomesort.Notoneofthemwaswilling<b>to</b>answerthephone.

    ItwasnotuntilJosiahdroveintothecitythatDaphnefinallyreturnedacall.Withoutasecondthought,hepickedupalmostthemomentthephonerang.

    Daphne¡¯svoice,filledwithdissatisfaction,immediatelyechoedinJosiah¡¯scars.¡°HasMs.Lionhartreturnedfromhermountainclimbing?¡±

    ¡°Notyet.

    ¡°Whydidyoucallme,then<b>?</b>¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯thavetimetoarguewithheraboutherattitude,sohedirectlyasked,¡°IsLysanderwithyou?¡±

    Daphne<b>was</b>takenabackwhensheheardthat.¡°No,sheisn¡¯t.¡±

    Withasenseofurgency,Josiahpressedon,¡°Didshereachouttoyoutoday?¡±

    Daphnecontinuedtodenyit,hervoicefilledwithconfusion.Itdidnotsoundlikeshewaslyingatall.¡°No,didyou

    callmesomanytimesjusttofindLysander? Whathappenedtoher?Whathappenedbetweenyou

    two?

    Beforeshecouldfinishspeaking,Josiahabruptlyendedthecall.Sinceshedidn¡¯tknowwhereLysanderwas,henaturallysawnoreasontowastehistimetalkingtoher.

    SeeingthathisattemptstogetinformationfromDaphnewerefutile,Josiahdidn¡¯ttrytocallLynnagain.Instead,withhismindinturmoil,hespeduphiscar.UponarrivingatCentralHospitalwithoutanymishaps,heheadedstraightfortheobstetricsandgynecologydepartmentwhereLysanderhadonceworked.

    UponseeingamanlikeJosiahshowuphereallbyhimself,thenurse¡¯sfirstreactionwastoassumethathehadlosthisway.Sheapproachedhimandsaid,¡°Sir,thisistheobstetricsandgynecologydepartment.Youcan¡¯tjustwalkinhere-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mlookingforDr.Thorne,¡±Josiah<b>said</b>straightforwardly.

    Thenursehadn¡¯tquiteprocessedwhathesaid.¡°Dr.Thorne?Wedon¡¯thaveaDr.Thornehere.There¡¯sonlyDr.LatourandDr.Vale-¡±

    2/4

    23:52Sun,9Jun

    Chapter520TheUnexinedVomiting

    ¡°I¡¯m lookingforLysanderThorne.Sheusedtoworkhere,¡±Josiahsaid,emphasizinghername.

    Thatwaswhenthenursehadasuddenrealization.¡°Oh,Isee!MightyoubeDr.Thorne¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Whereisshenow?¡±Josiahyelledimpatiently.

    Thenursewasstartledbyhisfierceexpression,stutteringasshereplied,¡°5¨CShe¡¯sinDr.Vale¡¯soffice.¡±

    Meanwhile,LynnwasintheofficehavingacasualconversationwithLysander.¡°Haveyoubeenunderalotofstrestely?Thiskindofsituationisquitmon.Givenyourabilities,youshouldn¡¯thavemisunderstood.¡±

    Withawrysmile,Lysandersaid,¡°Ihavebeenabitbustely.¡±

    ¡°Youreallyshouldtakecareofyourhealth,evenwhenyou¡¯rebusy,but¡­¡±Lynnsneakilyleanedincloser<b>as</b>shecontinued,¡°Didyougetanewboyfriend?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯snothinggoingon,sodon¡¯tjumptoconclusions.¡±

    Lynnpouted.¡°You¡¯restilllyingtome.Iftherewasnointimacyinvolved,youwouldn¡¯teventhinkofthis

    Witharesoundingthud,theofficedoorwasthrustopenwithimmenseforce.

    ¡°Whatthef*ck?Who¡¯sthat?You¡¯reDr.Thorne¡¯sloserex¨Chusband?Whatareyoudoinghere?¡±Lynnboltedtoherfeet.

    Josiahhurriedlyncedsideways.HesawLysandersittingthere,perfectlposed,amomentaryrxationvisibleonherface.

    Lynnsubtlyshifted herposition,cingherselfinhislineofsightasshesaid,¡°We¡¯reinahospital,Mr.Guerra.Couldyoumaybebealittlegentler?Ifyouendupbreakingthedoor,you¡¯llhavetopayforit.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llpayforit,nomatterthecost.¡±

    Josiahpaidnoattentiontowhatwassaidtoher,insteadshequicklymovedtothesideofLysander,whowassittingonthetreatmentbed.

    AssoonasLysanderliftedhergaze,shelockedeyeswith himandsawthathiseyesweretingedwithred,filledwithvisibleanxietyandworry.Itwas<b>quite</b>thefrighteningsight.

    Seeinghisstrongreaction,shesaid,¡°Haven¡¯tIalreadyaskedthereceptiondesktoinformyouIcametoseeMichelle,¡±

    Josiahhadbeeninsucharushontheroadthathewasstillpantingheavily,unabletocalmdown.HestrainedtolookatLysander¡¯stbelly,histhroatbobbingdramatically.Yet,hecouldn¡¯tutterasingle

    word.

    Lysander<b>nced</b>atJosiah,thenfollowedhisgazetowhathewaslookingat,heplexionturningsomewhatunpleasant.

    ¡°It¡¯snotwhatyou¡¯rethinking.Shelooked awaysomew

 Chapter 521

    Chapter521IDreamtOfASceneLikeThis

    Ast,Lynnmanagedtograsptheessenceoftheirdrama.ShehandedthereporttoJosiah,saying,¡°Here,takealookforyoursell.OnlywhentheHCGlevelisabovefiveisthereapossibilityofpregnancy.ordingtoDr.Thorne¡¯s<b>numbers</b>,there¡¯ssimplynochanceofherbeingpregnant.Ifyoustillrefusetobelieveit,thenthere¡¯s nothingIcando.¡±

    Josiahtooktheinspectionreport,ncedatit,andcasuallysetitaside.

    ¡°Ididthemathonmywayhere.Ithasbeeneightdayssincewsthadsex.Canonefindoutifthey¡¯repregnantwithineightdays?¡±

    Lynnnodded.¡°Itcanbedoneinjustsevendays.Whatareyouimplying?Areyoudoubtingtheauthenticityofthisreport?¡±

    ¡°Lynn,youwereonceherassistant.Youweretheonewhohelpedherwiththeabortiosttime,andtothisday,therearenohospitalrecordsofLysandereverhavinganabortion.¡±

    Lynninstantlygotfrustrated.¡°Whodoyouthinkistomeforherabortion?Howdareyouevenspeakaboutit?Also,falsifyingmedicalreportsisabreachofprofessionalethics,andIdon¡¯tnonlosingmyjob.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sattitudesoftenedconsiderablyimmediatelyafterthat.¡°I¡¯msorry.Ididn¡¯tmeantoquestionyourprofessionalintegrity.Ijust¡­Ijust¡­¡±

    Lysanderstoodup,clearlyagitated<b>as</b>she<b>said</b>,¡°That¡¯senough,Josiah.Lynnisstitwork.Let¡¯sgo,weshouldn¡¯tdisturbher.¡±

    Josiahwasspeakingwhen,outoftheblue,hetookLysander¡¯shand.

    Startled,Lysanderasked,¡°Whatareyoudoing?¡±

    Josiahspokecarnestly,¡°Lysander,knowingyourtemperament,I¡¯msureyou¡¯dfirstlullmeintoafalsesenseofsecurity,andthenseizeanopportunitytoterminatethepregnancywhenI¡¯mnotlooking.I<b>won¡¯t</b>makethe<b>same</b>mistake<b>twice</b>.¡±

    His<b>voice</b>wasn¡¯tloud,butitwasincrediblyfirm.Ifonelistenedclosely,onecouldevendetectahintof

    unease<b>.</b>

    Lysanderstoodstill,earnestlyexining.¡°ButIreallyam<b>not</b>pregnantthistime.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯msorry,Lysander,butIjustdon¡¯ttrustyourightnow.¡±

    Lynntimelyinterjectedfromtheside,¡°How<b>about</b>wedoanothercheckright<b>in</b>front<b>of</b><b>you</b>rightnow?¡±

    Josiahdecisivelyrejectedtheidea.¡°Let¡¯sswitchtoadifferenthospital.¡±

    Itwasn¡¯tthathedidn¡¯ttrustthemedical<b>skills</b><b>of</b>CentralHospital,butrather,everyoneintheobstetrics<b>.</b>andgynecologydepartmentwas wecquaintedwithLysander.Ifshewantedtodeceive<b>him</b>onherownturf,therewereplentyofpeoplewhowouldaidherinherdeception.

    Uponrealizinghiswordswerefallingondeafears,Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbutfesparkofirritation.¡°Canyoustopbeingsounreasonable?Ihadnoideayouwering,sohowcouldIhavepossibly<b>prepared</b>afakereportinadvance?

    1/4

    Chapter521I DreamtOfASceneLikeThis

    Josiahremainedsilent,loweringhisgazetoavoidhers.Hedidn¡¯tdaretoletherknowthathewasactuallyafraidofrepeatingpastmistakes.¡°Somewounds,onceinflicted,hurtenough.Ifithappensagain,Itrulywon¡¯tbeabletobearit,hemuttered.

    Hisvoice<b>was</b>notloud,butitwasclearenoughforLysandertohear.Asharppangofpainresonatedinherheart,remindingheroftheagonyshefeltwhenshehadtogiveupherchild.

    Settingasideothermatters,hewasprobablythepersoninthis<b>world</b>whocouldempathizewithherthemostonthisparticrissue.

    Seeingthetwoofthemonthevergeofastandoffintheoffice,Lynn,withatroubledlookonherface,steppedforwardtomediate.¡°Thisistheobstetricsandgynecologydepartment.Thewardsnextdoorarefilledwithexpectantmothers.Couldyoupleasekeepyourcool?¡±

    ¡°Sorryforcausingyoualltrouble,¡±Josiahapologized.

    Then,withoutanywarning,hesweptLysanderoffherfeetandcarriedheraway.

    Startled,Lysanderinstinctivelyreachedout,herhandsfindingtheirwaytohisshoulderforsupport.

    BeforeLynncouldstophim,hewasalreadyoutofreach,despitehertakingacoupleofstepstocatchup.Justthen,anursecalledouttoherfrombehind.Frustrated,Lynnstompedherfootandreluctantlyheadedbacktoheroffice.

    Withoutasidelong nce,Josiahstrodepurposefully,leadingherallthewaytotheparkinglotoutsidethehospital.

    Uponbeingsetdown,Lysander¡¯sfirstreactionwastorifythingswithhim.¡°Couldyouatleastletmefinishspeaking?IfIwerereallypregnantanddidn¡¯tnonkeepingthechild,wouldIstillbeinLynn¡¯soffice?Theprocessofmedicbortiontakesalongtime.Evenafter takingthe<b>pill</b><b>,</b>itwouldtakeatleast<b>ant</b>hourortwototakeeffect.Youcamesoquickly,sotheresimplywasn¡¯tenoughtime¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯snottalkaboutthatmatteranymore.¡±

    Josiahhadhismomentsofuncertainty,butintheend,hisdeep¨Cseatedfearsgainedtheupperhand.HeopenedthecardoorandpromptlysatLysanderdowninthepassengerseat.

    Heractionsweregentle,yetextraordinarilyresolute.

    Whenhewashelpingherfastenherseatbelt,hewasworrieditmightbetootightaroundherstomach.So,hetookoffhisownjacket,foldedittoaboutthesizeofabasketball<b>,</b>andcedit<b>as</b><b>a</b>cushiononherabdomen.

    Everythinghappenedsoswiftly,leavingLysanderwithnoroomtoreact.

    Lysanderclosedhereyesbriefly,leaningbackinherchairwithahelplesssigh.¡°Isthisreallynecessary?¡±

    Josiahreachedoverandbuckledherseatbeltforher,hisvoicecoshesaid,¡°Ifyouwantmetobelieveyou,perhapsyoushouldtryvisitingafewmorehospitalsfirst.¡±

    Oncehemadeuphismind,therewasnochangingit.EvenifLysandertriedtopersuadehim,itwouldbetonoavail.

    Lysanderwasalmostamusedbyhisstubbornness.Shegaveinandsaid,¡°Fine,ifyouwant<b>to</b>switch,thenwe¡¯llswitch.It¡¯sjustdrawingafewmorevialsofmyblood,afterall.¡±

    2/4

    Chapter5211DreamtOfASceneLikeThisThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.

    Uponhearingthementionofdrawingblood,Josiah¡¯shand,whichwasabouttoclosethecardoor,frozeince.

    ¡°Isn¡¯titjustaurest?Whydotheyneedtodrawyourblood?¡±

    ¡°Thetime<b>frame</b><b>is</b><b>too</b>short,sodrawingbloodwouldbemoreprecise.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Let¡¯sgetgoing.Startthecar.

    <b>Josiah</b>silentlystartedthecarandfollowedtheGPStoEastHarborbrookHospital,whichwasthenearest

    one.

    Theobstetrics<b>and</b>gynecologydepartmenttherewasnotasbusyastheoneinCentralHospital,sotheyreceivedthetestresultsratherquickly.

    Lysanderhadanticipatedthisoueearlyon,soshesatcalmly bythesidewhilewaiting.

    Josiahstaredatthetestresults<b>that</b><b>Lynn</b>hadgivenhim,whichwereidenticaltotheonehewascurrentlyholding.Hestudiedthemforalongwhile,stillunwillingtoeptthereality.Withafurrowedbrow,heaskedthedoctor,¡°Aretheseresultsurate?¡±

    ¡°Ofcourse!¡±thedoctorresponded,slightlyirritatedasheassumedhewasbeingquestionedabouthipetence.¡°Thisisabasicexamination.Evensmallerclinicscanconductit.¡±

    Josiahremainedsilent,hisexpressionturningevenmoreunpleasant.

    Uponseeingtheirreaction,thedoctorseemedtohavemisunderstoodsomething.Hesoftenedhistoneandadvised,¡°There¡¯sreallynoneedforyoutwotoworrysomuch.It¡¯susuallyquiteeasyforyoungpeopletohavechildren<b>.</b><b>As</b>longasbothofyouarehealthy,ifyouabstainfrom smokinganddrinkingandexercisemore,you¡¯lllikelyreceivegoodnewssoon.

    Lysanderpartedherlips,intheend,she<b>was</b>tooweary<b>to</b>provideanexnationthatwouldonlydeepenthemisunderstanding.With<b>an</b>indifferentexpression,sheaskedJosiah<b>,</b>¡°Shallwego?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯sgo.¡±Josiahslowlyrosetohisfeet.

    ¡°Areweheading<b>home</b>orgoingtothehotel?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯stryadifferenthospital

    Lysanderclosedhereyestogetsomerest.¡°As<b>you</b>wish.¡±

    Thistime,Lysanderdidn¡¯tevenbothertodissuadehim.Seeinghisstubbornness,refusingtogiveupuntiltheend,shelet<b>him</b>takehertothenext<b>hospital</b><b>.</b>However,evenaftertheyhadvisitedfourorfivehospitalsinarow,the resultswereallthesame.

    ThedoctoratthsthospitalsawthegrimexpressiononJosiah¡¯sface.Itwassoseverethatheevengentlysuggested,¡°Sir,ifthere¡¯ssomethingyou¡¯refindinghardtodiscuss,youcansimplyexit,turnright,andgototheandrologydepartmenttogetprehensivecheck¨Cupdone.¡±

    Josiahseemed onthevergeofsayingsomething.However,hethenheld<b>back</b>,andhisexpressionturnedgloomy.HepickedupthemedicalreportandleftthehospitlongsideLysander.

    Thistime,Lysanderdidn¡¯tneedhimshovingherin.Shevoluntarilygotintothecarandasked,¡°Arewegoingtotryanotherhospital?¡±

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    Chapter5211DreamtOfASceneLikeThis

    ¡°Noneed.I¡¯msorry.Lysander.I¡¯msorry,¡±Josiah<b>said</b>,asomberexpressiononhisfaceashepinchedthebridgeofhis<b>nose</b>.

    ¡°It¡¯sjustafewtubesofblood.I<b>can</b>handlethat.¡±

    Josiahremainedsilent,hiseyesclosed,leaningpainfullyagainstthebackrest.Overandover,herepeated,¡°I¡¯msorry¡­

    Lysanderlickedherlipsandcasuallyfoldedacoupleoftestreportsin herhands.¡°Josiah,I¡¯veactuallyimaginedasceneliketoday<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Lysanderliftedherhead,staringstraightaheadasshesaid,¡°OnthedayIdecidedtoterminatethepregnancy,<b>I</b><b>was</b>aloneina bathroomstall,holdingapillinmyhand.EventhoughIhadmadethemostrationaldecision,Iwasstillfantasizingthatyouwouldsuddenlyburstthroughthedoor,fiercelythrowthepillintothetoiletandflushit<b>away</b>,thenleadmeoutofthehospitalbythe<b>hand</b>,¡±

    ¡°Lynnwouldalso,justliketoday,chaseafteryoudemandinpensationforthedamageddoor.Youwouldrespondthesameway,assuringherthatyouwouldfixitsomehownomatterthecost.Youwouldthengrabmyhandandleadmeoutofthere<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Thatday,Iheldthepillinmyhand,mygazefixatedonthebathroomdoor,¡±Lysander¡¯svoicegraduallyfaded.¡°Sadly,Iwaitedforalongtime,butyounevershowedup.Sointheend,<b>I</b>swallowedthe<b>pill</b>withoutanywater.Ijustgulpeditdown.Thepillclungtotheliningofmythroat,refusingtobeswallowed,causing

    myeyestowellupwithtears.Inthatmoment,Iwonderedifitwasmybabytellingme,she didn¡¯twanttoleaveme.¡±

    Josiahcoveredhisfaceinagonywhenheheardthat.

    SendGifts

    1.IK

 Chapter 522

    Chapter522ApanyYou

    EverywordfromLysanderwaslike<b>a</b>smallbutincrediblysharpde.

    Thedes,soakedinsaltwaterancedwithpoison,directlycutintohisheart.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Josiahwouldneverdaretobringupthatmatterordinarily.Everytime herememberedher,aidedbyDaphne,standingfrandaloneinthebitingcoldattheentranceofCentralHospital,clutchingabundleofbrightredwrappedintissues,hewouldfesthoughamassivestonewaspressingagainsthisheart.

    Hecouldbarelycatchhisbreath.

    Inthepast,everytimeheawokefromanightmare,itwasLysander¡¯sresoluteandindifferentgazegreetedhim.Shewouldhandhimthatobject,deringittobehisbirthdaygift.

    that

    Nowadays,wheneverheclosedhiseyes<b>,</b>all<b>that</b>echoedinhismindwastheimageofherstandingaloneinthecrampedbathroomstall.Ontheone<b>hand</b><b>,</b>she wasdeterminedtocuttieswiththepast,whileontheother,sheheldontoasliverofhope,constantly ncingatthebathroomdoor,anticipatingittoburst

    openatanymoment.

    Shewasveryrational,butbethatasitmay,shewasultimatelyhuman,andhumanswereboundtohaveemotions<b>.</b>

    Obviously,she¡¯dwonderwhatJosiahwasdoingduringthosefourhourswhenshewastornbetweenherrationalityandemotion,questioningwhyhedidn¡¯tarrivesooner.

    LysanderwasrightinthatshehadgivenJosiahmorethanjustoneopportunity.

    Yet,timeandagain,shewasmetwithdisappointmentthatleftherheartcold.Finally,intheconfinesofthatcrampedrestroom,sheswallowedapill,andwithit,herheartseemedtodie,too.

    Lysandersuddenlychuckled.¡°Doyouknow,Josiah,seeingyouinsuchpaineasessomeoftheagonyownheart.¡±

    Josiahhadbeenhanginghisheadlow,andwhenhefinallyspoke,hisvoicewassohoarseitwasalmostinaudible.¡°Idon¡¯tknowwhattosayrightnow.Itseemslikenowordscanmakeupforthepainyou¡¯veenduredinthepast.¡±

    ¡°Thatconceptis,initself,afalseproposition.Nomatterhowmuchyoutrytomakeupforit,thepainexperiencedinthepastisundeniable.Everyminute,everysecondofitwasrendexisted.Itwon¡¯tsimplydisappearbecauseyoutrytomakeupforitafterward.¡±

    ¡°Iunderstand.¡±

    Lysanderslightlyloweredhergaze,lookingdownatherownbelly,gentlytouchingit.¡°Honestly,Idon¡¯tevenknowwhathappenedtometoday.I¡¯maprofessionalgynecologist,andIneverusedtomakesuch.basicmistakes.It¡¯sbecausethematterofthechildisanunheblewoundfor bothofus,hatwoulstalifetime.Therefore,IwashesitanttoholdMs.Lionhart¡¯schildtoomuch.Whenevershemumbled¡®Mommy,Ifelttruly<b>awful</b>.Ifeared thatifIallowedmyselftogrowattachedtoher,myheartwouldbe<b>torn</b>apartoncemorewhenthetimecameforhertobetakenawaybyherownmother.¡±

    <b>my</b>

    Josiah¡¯seyeswereseverelyred.Hetookoffhissses,foldedthem,andcasuallysetthemaside.Hehaphazardlywipedthemoisturefromhisfacewithhishand,then<b>took</b>adeepbreath.¡°Sorry,IwasonlythinkingabouthowbothfamiliescouldassistDaphne.pletelyforgotshewascarryingababy.Ididn¡¯t

    meantotieunanumainfulmemoriseforunt¡°.

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    <b>$</b><b>23</b>:52

    Chapter522ApanyYou.

    ¡°Painispain,butI¡¯velearnedtoreconcilewithit.Lifeisa constantprocessoflettinggo.Differentpeopleintoyourlife,apanyyouforawhile,andthenpartways,acyclethatrepeatsoverandover.Thosewhohaveleftwillneverreturn.Thepathahead,Imustwalkalone.¡±

    ¡°Iwanttoapanyyouonthisjourney.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treply.

    ¡°IrealizeI¡¯mnotworthy,andIknowthere¡¯snowayI<b>can</b>evermakeupforeverything,butLysander,Iwanttobewithyoufortherestofourlives.Whetherweremarryornotdoesn¡¯tmatteranymore.Ifyou¡¯reokaywithit,that¡¯sgreat.Ifnot,that¡¯sfoo.Wecanjustkeepthingsastheyare.I¡¯llbetherewheneveryouneedme,andI¡¯llstayoutofyoursightwhenyoudon¡¯t.Isthateptable?¡±

    Lysanderchuckled.¡°AndwhatifIweretomarrysomeoneelse?¡±

    ¡°Youwon¡¯t.¡±

    Lysandersaid coldly,¡°HowdoyouknowIwon¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Youareinnatelyproud.Youdon¡¯tloveme,andyouwon¡¯tfallinlovewithanyoneelse.There¡¯snodoubtyou¡¯vetriedbeforetofindsomeonesuitable¡®toshareyourlifewith,but<b>you</b>ranintothepitfallthatisZachary.Assuch,you¡¯llneverstepintomarriageagain.AsforAdrian¡­Fromthefirsttimeyousawhim,youneverconsideredhim<b>as</b>apotentialpartner,andyouneverwill.¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    Josiahsaid.¡°Youtoldmebeforetoleavethingsastheyare.Iwasn¡¯twillingtoeptitthen.Iwantedtomarryyouagainandhavechildrenwithyou.However,now,Idon¡¯taskforanythinganymore.Ifyousayit¡¯slikethis,thenit¡¯slikethis.I¡¯mfinewiththat.I¡¯mnotgreedy,andI¡¯mverycontent.¡±

    Lysanderturnedherheadtolookoutthewindow.

    Attheentranceofthehospital,therewasneverashortageofpitifulsouls.

    Anelderlymother,herhairaswhiteassnow,waspushingherhandsomeyoungson,whowasparalyzed.Anordinarydaughterwaskneelingincessantlyatthehospitalentrance,pleadingwiththedoctorstosavetheirfather,whowasalreadycoveredwithawhitesheet.

    Everyoneneededtofindrelieffrompain,andLysanderwasnodifferent.

    Suddenly,Lysandersaid,¡°NextmonthewithmetotheDawnbreakChurch.¡±

    Josiahnodded.¡°Allright.IsthereanythingIneedtoprepare<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Noneed.Justlightingacandleforherwillbeenough.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Silencefilledtheairforquiteawhileasbothindividualsneededtimetosoothetheiremotions.

    After anindeterminateamountoftime<b>had</b>passed,Josiahstartedthecar.

    Lysanderasked,¡°Wherearewegoing?¡±

    Josiahtookseveraldeepbreathsinsession.Hisvoicestillchokedwithemotion.¡°CentralHospital.¡±

    2/3

    Chapter522ApanyYou.

    Lysanderchuckled.¡°Whywouldyougoback?Tpensateforthedooryoubroke?¡±

    ¡°Yes,thatisamust.¡±Josiahstartedthecar,hiseyesfixedontheroadahead.¡°However,sinceit¡¯snotpregnancy,Iatleastneedtofigureoutwhat¡¯scausingyourvomiting.

    Afteralltheaimlessdriving,thecareventuallyreturnedtoCentralHospital..

    Lysanderstoodby,herfaceexpressionlessasshewatchedJosiahregisterandtakeanumberforher.

    Josiahwasingoodhealthandrarelyvisitedthehospital<b>.</b>Susan¡¯sroutinecheck¨CupsatthehospitalwereusuallyapaniedbyEleanor.Assuch,Lysanderwonderedhowwouldheknowaboutthehospitalprocedures.

    Afterseveralback¨Cand¨Cforth,hewasinstructedbythenursestodownloadthehospital¡¯spublicapp.Josiah,whousuallyheldsignificantswayinHarborbrook,foundhimselfbeingrunraggedbyafewnurses.

    Forreasonsunknown,hesuddenlydashedofftothesecondfloor.

    Hewastooimpatienttowaitfortheelevator,soheoptedforthestairsinstead.Lysanderwatchedasheaimlesslywanderedaroundthesecondfloorlikeaheadlessfly beforeheeventuallyranbackdown.Afterscanningthelobby,hefinallyspottedherlocation.

    WhenJosiahapproached,hisstepshadnoticeablylightened.¡°Lysander,didyoubringyourIDcard?ThereceptiondeskmentionedthatyourIDcardisrequiredforregistration.¡±

    Lysanderstaredathim,hisforeheadbeadedwithalinesheenofsweat,hischestcontinuouslyheavingwitheachbreath.Sheslowlyasked,¡°Whichdepartmentareyounningtosendmeto?¡±

    ¡°Ihadaskedthereceptionistdeskandtoldthemaboutyoursymptoms.TheysuggestedIfirstregisteryoufortheinternalmedicinedepartment.¡±

    Lysanderlookedathim,remainingsilent.

    Josiahfrownedslightly.¡°Isthatnotright?Letmegoandask<b>again</b>.Waitformeamoment-¡±

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    Hehalted.¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±

    SendGifts

    ¡£

    LIK

 Chapter 523

    Chapter523HadItFiguredOut

    Lysanderdeeplygazedathimforamoment,thenpulledoutherphoneandtookanumberherself.

    Theoneholdingtheconsultationthatday<b>was</b>someonefamiliartoher.

    Squeezingoutasmile.Lysandergreeted,¡°Dr.Arman,it¡¯sbeenawhile.¡±

    <b>Arman</b>adjustedhissses.¡°Dr.Thorne?WhenIfirstsawthepatient¡¯sname,Ithoughtitwas<b>a</b>coincidence.Ididn¡¯texpectittoreallybeyou.¡±

    Sittingacross thetable,Lysanderreplied,¡°Therecan¡¯tbethatmanypeoplesharingthesamename.¡±

    Aslight changecrossedJosiah¡¯sexpression,whowasstandingofftotheside.

    ArmanhadworkedwithLysanderinthesamehospitalbeforeandhadheardathingortwoaboutherpersonallife.Hehesitated,asking.¡°Andthisis?¡±

    Lysander¡¯sexpressionremainedunchanged.¡°Afriend.¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯targueandbegantodescribehercondition.¡°Shestartedfeelingunwellyesterday,andafterbreakfasttoday,sheunexinablythrewupseveraltimes.Couldyoupleasetakealookather?¡±

    ¡°Isee,¡±saidArmanwithoutfurtherinquiries.HedutifullybegantoprepareaprescriptionforLysanderandconductacheck¨Cup.

    Theresultscameoutquiteswiftly.

    Armanpondered,¡°Allyourreadingsarenormal,andyourdigestivesystemseemsquitehealthy.Thecauseofyourvomitingislikelynotaphysicalissue,butratherapsychologicalone.¡±

    Asfellowdoctors,Lysandernaturallyunderstoodwhat hemeant.

    Josiahasked,¡°Apsychologicalissue?¡±

    Armanwavedhishandsdismissively.¡°It¡¯snotasseriousasyouthink.It¡¯sjuststress¨Cinducedvomiting.Thestomachisanemotionalorgan,afterall.IfDr.Thornecanmanagetoworrylessandrestmore,sheshouldrecoverquickly.¡±

    Josiahexperiencedaminord¨¦j¨¤vuwhenheheardthat.

    Lysandernodded.¡°I¡¯vebeenprettybustely,butI¡¯lldomybest.¡±

    ¡°Then,I¡¯llprescribeyousomestress¨Crelievingsupplementtoboostyourenergyandimproveyoursleep.Afteraperiodofadjustment,alongwithanutritiousdietandamplerest,youshouldbefine.Asadoctoryourself,you¡¯rewewareofhowtotakecareofyourhealth,soIwon¡¯tbborthepoint,¡±saidArman.

    ¡°Allright.Thankyou,Dr.Arman¡±

    Throughouttheentireprocess,Josiahremainedmostlysilent.HepaidthefeesandthenwenttothepharmacytopickupthetraditionalmedicineprescribedbyArman.Afterward,hecarefullyescortedLysanderoutofthehospital/

    Uponreturningtothehotel,itwasalreadydusk.

    1/4

    Chapter523HadItFiguredOut

    AfterseeingLysanderoff,JosiahreturnedtohisroomtopickupAurora,whohehadpreviouslyentrustedtothecareofthehotelstaff.

    Aurorawaspeacefullysleepinginthestroller.

    Lysandercameoverforalook<b>and</b>sawthatAurora¡¯plexionwasrosy.Inthtter¡¯ssleep,shewouldasionallysmileandsmackherlips<b>,</b>clearlyindicatingshewaswell¨Cfedandcontent.Seeingthat,Lysanderreturnedtoherroom,her<b>mind</b>atease.

    AmassivepileofdocumentsthatAidenhadsentwasstillwaitingforhertoreview.

    Inthepastcoupleofdays,ithadbeenhingafteranotherwithLysanneandTiffany,andtotopitalloff,shewasn¡¯tfeelingwellherself.Thathadalreadycausedadyoftwodays.

    Lysanderthought,<i>When</i>Ms.Lionhartreturnstomorrow,I¡¯llhavetoassistDaphnewiththeinvestmentmatters.<i>If</i><i>I</i>don¡¯tbuckledown,I¡¯llreallyrunoutoftime.

    Atsomepoint,Josiahhadfollowedherover.Asshewasabouttoclosethedoor,hestoppedher,gentlysaying.¡°Stopworrying.Youshouldrestnow,¡±

    Lysanderpointedtowardthedocumentsontheliving roomcoffeetable.¡°I¡¯lltakealookatthesebeforegoingtosleep<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°You¡¯vebeenbusyalldayandhaven¡¯teatenanythingyet.¡±Josiahrepliedearnestly.¡°Armanmentionedyou<b>need</b>toeatproperly¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treply.

    ¡°Let¡¯sgo,¡±hesuggested,leadingtheway.¡°I¡¯llhavesomeonebringupthefood.Besides,Aurorawillwakeupsoon<b>,</b><b>and</b>Iwon¡¯tbeabletohandleitalone.¡±

    Lysanderremainedstill.

    Josiahhadalreadysteppedthroughthedooraheadofher,pickingupthedocumentsonthetable.Then,hecamebacktoleadherinside..

    Justashewasabouttotouchherhand,hehesitated.

    Heslowlylet downhishand,refrainingfromtouchingheranymore.¡°Let¡¯sgo.¡±

    Uponreturningtohisroom,JosiahhurriedtothebedsidetocheckonAurora.Seeingthatshehadwokenupatsomepointandwasstretchingherarmsandlegsinanattempttokickoffherlittlenket,heset<b>aside</b>thedocumentshewasholdingandbentdowntopickherup.¡°Awakealready?Feelinghungry?¡±

    Aurorawasinagoodmood,notfussingeventhoughshecouldn¡¯tfindhermother.Instead,shenestlefortablyin<b>his</b>arms,herbigeyesflickeringasshelookedtowardLysander.

    LysanderwalkedoverandgentlycaressedAurora¡¯ssoftlittleface,whispering,¡°Shemusthavejusttakenatshortnap.Suchsleepisusuallylight.¡±

    JosiahpickedupAurora¡¯sbottle,mixeditwithwarmwater,andfedher.

    AsAurorawassippingwater,hereyesremainedfixatedonLysander.Shebabbledafewwordsinherbabytalkthatnoonecouldunderstand.

    2/4

    23:53Sun,9Jun

    Chapter523HadItFiguredOut

    EverytimeLysanderfacedAurora,shefelt<b>a</b>softnessinherheart.ShegentlystrokedAurora¡¯sback.ensuringthtterwouldn¡¯tchokewhiledrinkingwater.

    ItseemedasthoughAurorawassomewhatdiscontented,persistentlyleaningtowardthedirectionofthe

    maindoor.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tquiteunderstandandaskedLysander,¡°Doesshewanttogoout?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treallyunderstandeither.

    Intheend,JosiahfoundthefemaleemployeewhohadhelpedtakecareofAuroraduringthedayandaskedherafewquestions.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Thefemaleemployeechuckledandsaid,¡°Thischildisquitelively.Shemustbefeelingboredcoopedupintheroom.Sheprobablywantstogooutandy.¡±

    Lysanderncedoutside,noticingtheskygraduallydarkening

    Josiahnoticed,too.¡°I¡¯lltakeherforastrollinthegardendownstairs,Wewon¡¯tgofar.¡±

    Thefemaleemployeechimedinyfully,¡°Mr.Guerra,whydon¡¯tyougowithyourwife?Imean,you¡¯reamanandsurelyisn¡¯tattentiveasthemother.¡±

    LysanderremainedsilentwhileJosiah<b>rified</b>,¡°She¡­<b>is</b><b>not</b>mywife.¡±

    Thefemaleemployeewastakenaback.¡°ButI¡¯veheardfromthemanagerandotherstaffthatshe¡¯syourwife.They¡¯vemetherbefore.¡±

    Lysander<b>said</b>,¡°Thatusedtobethecase.¡±

    Thefemaleemployee,inherfortiesandthemostkind¨Cheartedperiodof<b>her</b>lifeugheduponhearing<b>that</b><b>.</b>¡°Thechildisstillsoyoung.Tryto<b>avoid</b>conflictsinfrontofher.Despiteheryoungage,childrenarehighlyperceptiveofadults¡®emotions.<b>¡±</b>

    Josiahgaveaslight<b>nod</b>.¡°Thankyou.Wegetit.

    Afterthefemaleemployeeleft,<b>Josiah</b>asked,¡°Wouldyouliketewithme?Doyouprefertodineintherestaurantorshouldwehavethegooddeliveredhere?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°There¡¯snoneedto<b>trouble</b>othersconstantly.Ican¡¯treallyeatmuchanyway,andI¡¯malsonotverfortablewith<b>you</b>takingcareofAuroraalone.¡±

    ¡°Westillneedtoeat,¡±saidJosiah.¡°I¡¯lldinewithyoufirst,thenwecantakeAuroratothegardentogether.¡±

    Lysanderrubbedherstillthrobbingforeheadandsaid,¡°Allright,I¡¯ll<b>find</b>herawarm<b>coat</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    AmongtheitemsleftbehindbyNievawereseveralbabyjackets.

    Lysanderpickedoutadress<b>that</b>bestmatchedthecoloroftheoneAurorawaswearing.Assoonasshe<b>slipped</b>onesleeveontoAurora,Josiahvoluntarilyliftedthechild¡¯sotherarm.

    Auroraseemedtofinditamusingandbegantogiggle.

    Josiahmeticulouslystraightenedthehem ofAurora¡¯soutfit,intendingtoputherbackintothestroller.However,uponseeingherpout,hequicklypickedherupagain.

    3/4

    23:53Sun,9Jun0

    Chapter523HadItFiguredOut

    AfterdressingAurora,Lysanderremainedmotionless.

    Josiahopenedthedoor,looked back,andsaid,¡°Let¡¯s

 Chapter 524

    Chapter524PrideOfMan

    Lysanderdidn¡¯thavergeappetite,soshewasfuftereatingabitattherestaurant,

    Uponarrivingatthegardenandtakinginafewbreathsoftherefreshingair,shefeltsignificantlymore

    rxed.

    Theeveningisabitchilly,buttheairisrichinoxygen.Youshouldtakeawalkoutside.It¡¯llclearyourheadbeforeyoureturntoyourstudy.¡±JosiahheldAurora,leisurelysharingthe wealthofexperiencehehadumtedoveryearsofwork.

    Lysanderresponded,¡°Thisseemslikeaquestionfromamiddleschoolgeographytest.¡±

    Josiahnoddedinagreement.¡°That¡¯sright.Asadoctor,youshouldbeabletounderstandsucha<b>basic</b>principle.¡±

    Lysanderstruggledabit,attemptingtopullbackthehandhewasholding.¡°I¡¯mfeelingallrightnow,soI¡¯llheadbackfirst.YoucontinuetohavefunwithAurora.¡±

    Theforceofherstrugglewasgentle,andJosiah¡¯sarmmovedonlyslightly.However,Aurora,beingcradledinhisotherarm,sensedthemotionandbecamerestless,squirmingandreachingoutwithhertinyarm.

    Lysanderquicklylentahand.

    Auroramovedclosertoher,justlike inthemorning,babbling,¡°Mommy.

    Asthebetterpartofthedaypassed,shewasalreadyabletoartictethatwordquiteclearly.

    Josiahtightenedhisarms,securelyholdingAurorainhisembrace.

    Withwide¨Ceyedanticipation,AuroragazedatLysander.Thebaby¡¯rgeeyeswerewellingupwithtearsasifshewasonthebrinkofcryinganysecond.

    Lysander¡¯sheartsoftened,andshereachedout, pullingthebabyintoherarms.¡°Sweetheart,don¡¯tcry!¡±

    AurorabehavedevenbetterinLysander¡¯sarmsthanwhenheldbyJosiah,instantlybreakingintoasmile.Aurorabegantolookaroundwithgreatinterestatthecolorfullightsthathadlituparoundthem.

    Besidetheflowerbed,a<b>string</b>oftwinklingdecorativelightswashung,whichwasquitecaptivatingfor

    Aurora

    Lysander,cradlingAurora,begantostroroundtheflowerbedleisurely.

    Josiahalsofollowedthemclosely,matchingtheirpace.Astheysteppedontothecobblestonepath,hecautioned,¡°Watch<b>your</b>step.

    Lysanderquickenedherpace,sidesteppingthatshortflightofstairs.

    Thenight wasserene.Everythingseemedpeaceful.

    GazingatAurora¡¯ssmiling<b>face</b>,Josiahremarkedwithatouchofemotion,¡°Shereallyseemstolikeyou.¡±

    LysandergentlytouchedAurora¡¯ssoftlittlehand.¡°Shelikeshermom.JustlikeMs.Lionhart,Ihavelong<b>hair</b>.Childrenatthisagearestilldevelopingandcaneasilymistakeonepersonforanother.¡±

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    Chapter524PrideofMan

    Whenevermattersrtedtothechildwerebroughtup,bothofthemseemedtoexudeacertaindegreeofmncholy,

    s,thepastcannotbechanged.

    WhenLysanderstartedtalkingaboutAurora¡¯smother,theconversationnaturallyshiftedtowardNieva.¡°ItrulyadmireMs.Lionhart.Eventhoughshedidn¡¯tmarryagoodmanandhermarriedlifewasamess,shestillhadthecouragetohaveababyandraiseherdaughteronherown.I¡­Finnotasbraveasher?

    Thescarsthathadnevertruly<b>healed</b>inherheartbegantothrobfaintly.

    Sheenviedsuchbraverythatsheneverhad.

    ¡°Yoursituationisn¡¯tthesameasNieva¡¯s¡±Josiali¡¯svoiceinvoluntarilysoftenedashespoke,hisgazedistant,¡°TheLionhartfamilyishersafet.Evenifsheweretomakeamistake,thecostoffailurewouldbelimited.Besides,herrtionshipwithElioisdifferentfromours

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tnoticeanydifferenceandcasuallyasked,¡°Isitbecausewe¡¯realreadydivorced,butthey¡¯re

    Josiahexinedwitharathersteadydemeanor,¡°Theycan¡¯tseparateintheshortterm.TheinterestsoftheLionhartfamilyhavealreadytiedthemtogether.Eveniftheycan¡¯tstandeachother,theyhavetoendurethedisgustandcarryon.Theyhavetoythepartofalovingcoupleinfrontofthemedia,nomatterhowmuchtheyhavetofakeit.¡±

    Lysanderempatheticallysaid,¡°Ms.Lionhartdeservesabetterlifethattrulybelongstoher,ratherthanbeingstuckinthisquagmire.¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯tvoicehisopiniononNievaandElio¡¯smaritalstatus.<b>In</b>adeepvoice,hecontinuedwiththeprevioustopic.¡°<b>What</b>Imeantby¡®different¡®referstoourattitudes.Mygreatestwishnowistoliveagood.lifewithyou.However,Elio¡¯sbiggestwishistoneverhavetoseeNievaand<b>Aurora</b>again.¡±

    Lysanderwassomewhatpuzzled.¡°Hedoesn¡¯tevenwanttoseehisownchildagain?¡±

    Josiahpaused,hisvoicesomewhatsomber.¡°Perhaps,tohim,thischildrepresentedshame.¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯tquiteunderstand.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>said,¡°ElioactuallybearssomeresemncetoZachary,He¡¯sambitiousandcapable,buthe¡¯salsoquiteforthright.WhenhedecidedtomarryNieva,itwasclearthathesawherfamily¡¯sstatus<b>as</b>asteppingstofulfill<b>his</b>ambitions.Hewasverytransparentaboutthatbeforetheirmarriage,nothidinganything<b>at</b>all.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Lionhartwaswillingtomarryhimundersuchcircumstances?¡±

    Josiah<b>was</b><b>at</b>alossforwordstodescribetheinitialpredicamentofNieva.Allhecouldsaywas,¡°Everyonehastheirownpursuits,andintheend,Isupposetheygotwhattheywerelookingfor.¡±

    ¡°IfEliohavealreadygottenwhathewants,whywouldheconsiderAuroraadisgrace?¡±

    ¡°Becauseofaman¡¯spride.¡±

    Lysanderunderstood.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    WhenEliohad<b>nothing</b>,he<b>was</b>willingtotrade<b>marriage</b>forachanceatabetterfuture.

    2/4

    Chapter524PrideOf Man

    Thoughhehadwhathewanted,everyoneknewthathehadclimbedtohispositionbyrelyingontheLionhartfamily,specificallyNieva.HismaleprideledhimtoredirecthisresentmenttowardNievaandtheirchild.

    AslongasNievaandAuroraexisted,thefactthathereliedonhisinwstocarvehispathwouldforeverbeascaron<b>him</b>.

    Josiahspoke<b>with</b>subtlety,butLysanderunderstoodhiswordsclearly.

    Shejusthadn¡¯texpectedthatNieva,who<b>always</b>seemedsocarefree,couldhaveoncelovedsomeosuchanextent,willingtoenduresuchhumiliation.

    Lysandernceddownattheobliviousbabycradledinherarms.Aurora¡¯srosycheekswereadornedwithaninnocentsmilepletelyunaware<b>that</b>thertionshipbetweenherparentshadalreadyshattered.

    AuroranoticedLysanderlookingather,grippingherhandwithasoft,¡°Oh.¡±Hertenderlittlehandwas

    verywami<b>.</b>

    Lysandersmiledather,butwhensheliftedherheadagain,aflickerofheartache passedthrough hereyes.¡°It¡¯ssotragicthatissuesbetweenadultsendupaffectingtheirchildren.¡±

    ThatstatementdidnotreferonlytoNievaandElio.

    Aflickerofpainalso shedacrossJosiah¡¯sbrow.Thankfully,wehaven¡¯treachedthatpointyet.¡°Auroraisstilltooyoungtorememberanything.Anyharmshemighthaveexperiencedisthereforeminimal.Irecall.whenweattendedtheweebabypartyattheLionhart¡¯s,thosefamiliarwiththemcouldalreadysenseasubtlechangeinElio¡¯sattitude.HisencounterswithAuroraarequitelimited¡±

    ThosewordsmanagedtobringsomforttoLysander.

    Aurora¡¯seyeswerepure,hersoulevenmoreso.ShesensedLysander¡¯ssorrow,andeventhecolorfullightscouldn¡¯tholdherattentionanymore.Instead,sheliftedhersmallfaceanxiously,emittingworriedsounds.ItseemedasifshewastryingtfortLysander.

    Josiahhadledtheminadifferentdirectiontoviewthefountain.

    Aurorawascaptivatedbythesoundofthegushingwater,calmingdownimmediately.Withwideeyes,Auroracontinuedtowatchinfascination.

    Lysander,fearingthestterofwatermightreachAurora,positionedherselfat<b>a</b>safedistancefromthefountain,standingonthewalkingpath.Shetookadeepbreath,attemptingtolightenthemood,andcrackedasmalljoke.

    ¡°It¡¯squiteacoincidence.Ms.Lionhart¡¯snameisNieva,meaningsnoworice,whileherhusband¡¯sname<b>is</b>Elio,meaningwarmorsun.Perhapstheirdestinywasalreadypreordainedinsomemysterious<b>way</b>.¡±

    Josiahasked,¡°Whendidyou,adoctor,startbeingsuperstitious?¡±

    ¡°BeforeGrandmaElisapassedaway,shementionedthatshesawthechild.¡±

    Josiahwastakenaback.

    ¡°Fromthatpointon,Istartedtobelievealittle.¡±

 Chapter 525

    Chapter<b>525</b>NotUnderstandingOwnHeart

    BeforeJosiahcouldvoicehisopinion,ahurriedfigurecamewalkingoverfromtheothersideofthepath.

    Thismanwastall,possessingasharplydefinedface,andwearinga<b>cool</b>¨Ctonedsuit.Itwasn¡¯tstrangeforamanlikehimtoappearatahotelthatalsoofferedbusinessparty<b>services</b>.

    Whatwasattentiondrawingwashisdemeanor,whichwassoicyitcouldfreezesomeodeath,eveninthepeakofsummer.

    Thegardenpathwaywasfarfromspacious.Afterashortdistance,bothpartieswereboundtorunintoeachother.

    LysandercradledAurorainherarms,believingthatitwasbettertoavoidunnecessarytrouble.Shesubtlymovedbacktomakewayfortheman<b>.</b>

    Themanwasheadingstraighttowardthem,ultimatelystoppingbesidethem.Asthedistanceclosed,somberauraaroundhisbrowsbecameevenmorepronounced.

    Lysanderwastakenaback,instinctivelyshieldingAurorainherarms.

    the

    Withashakynce,Auroralookedattheman.<b>A</b>seconter,shecriedloudly,hergetearssoakingthepalmLysander¡¯spalm.

    LysanderquicklyshiftedAurora¡¯sposition,nestlingthtter¡¯ssmallfaceintoherchestanforting.¡°Don¡¯tcry.Everythingisokay.¡±

    Josiahtookastepforward,positioninghimselfbetweenthemandtheneer.¡°Mr.Cortez.¡±

    UponhearingtheloudwailsofAurora,theneerspokewithanunchangingexpression.¡°Mr.Guerra,Ididn¡¯texpecttofindyouhere.¡±

    Theyknoweachother?LysanderlookedattheneerwithahintofsurprisewhilegentlypattingAurora¡¯sback.

    AuroranestledintoLysander¡¯swarmembrace,nolongerabletoseethepersonwhohadfrightenedher.Hercriesgraduallysubsided,leavingbehindonlytheasionalhup.

    Josiahncedbackwithconcern,ensuringAurorawasn¡¯tfrightenedbeforeresponding,¡°Mr.Cortez,youscaredAurora.¡±

    Themancasually remarked,¡°IapologizeforthescaryappearanceIwasbornwith.¡±

    Themanwasactuallynotunattractive.Quitethecontrary,hisfacialfeatureswereratherpleasingtothe

    eye..

    Hisdemeanorwassimplytoostriking,incitingasubconscioussenseofintimidationthatmadeitdifficulttoobservehiseyesandbrowsclosely.

    Lysandersubtlyturnedaround,takingacarefullook.

    Thepersoninquestionhadanasheplexion,borderingontheunhealthysideofwhite,butwasfar<b>from</b>frail.Tallinstature,themanhadahabitofpursinghislipswhensilent.Hisoveralldemeanorwasakintoacold,venomous/snake,seeminglydroppingthesurroundingtemperaturebyafewdegrees.No

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    Thevisitorcarriedonnonchntly,makingsmalltalkwithJosiah.¡°It¡¯s<b>been</b>awhilesincewstmet,Mr.Guerra<b>.</b><b>It</b><b>seems</b>you¡¯vehadachild.Congrattions.¡±

    Withaslightfrown,Josiahasked,¡°Don¡¯tyouknowher?¡±

    Hedidn¡¯tevenbothertoncesideways,simplyasking,¡°Coulditbethegrandchild oftheFullerfamily?¡±

    Josiahtookadeepbreath,hisdemeanorbingsomewhatheavy.¡°Thisisyourdaughter<b>.¡±</b>

    Lysanderwasstunned.Ifhe¡¯sAurora¡¯sfather,<i>he</i>must<i>be</i><i>Elio</i><i>.</i>

    ElioCortezappearedquitposed,hisexpressionstillicycold.¡°Isthatso<b>?</b>¡±

    Josiah¡¯seyeswerefilledwithdisapproval,buthedidn¡¯tvoicehisthoughts.Instead,hewaitedforwhatEliowould<b>say</b>next.

    Elioncedaroundbeforeasking,¡°WhereisNieva?Iurgentlyneedtospeakwithher.¡±

    ¡°Shewentonamountaintrip,sowe¡¯vebeenlookingafterAuroraforthepastfewdays,¡±Josiahexinedsinctly.

    Elionodded.¡°I¡¯llbegoingthen.Seeyoter.¡±

    Aftersayingthat,hetrulyturnedaroundandleft,neveronce inquiringabouthisdaughterandNieva¡¯ssituation.Itwasasiftheyweremerestrangerswhohadmetby<b>chance</b>.

    LysanderheldAurora,watchinghimwalkawayuntilhewasoutofsight.Deepdown,shefeltachillonbehalfofNieva.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tutteraword,yethisexpressionwasnotablyserious.

    AurorahadnorecollectionofElio.Onceshesawthatfrighteningindividualleave,shefinallydaredtopeekherlittleheadoutfromLysander¡¯sembrace.However,she stillseemedsomewhatscared,poutingassheretreatedfurtherintoLysander¡¯sarms.

    Lysanderliftedherhand,tenderlywipingawaythetearstainsthatlingeredatthecornerofthechild¡¯s

    eyes.

    Josiahapproached them,hisdemeanornoticeablysofterthanbefore<b>as</b>heexpressedhisconcern,¡°IsAurorastillscared?¡±

    LysandergazedatAurora,expressingsoftly,¡°Notanymore.¡±

    Josiahliftedhisbroad,warmhand,adjustingthelittlehatthathadslippedaskewonAurora¡¯shead.

    UponseeingAurora¡¯ssmile,Lysanderfeltapangofsorrowinherheart.¡°Thankfully,thischildstillhasamotherwholovesherdearly.AsforElio,hopefullyhecandoasyousaid,andrefrainfromdisturbingtheirpeacefullifeagain.¡±

    AsimrordealhadforgedabondbetweenherandNieva,unitingthemagainstmonthreat.

    Josiah¡¯sgazegrewheavy,buthesaidnothing.

    Lysanderspoke<b>up</b>morethanbefore,expressingsorrowonbehalfofAurora.¡°ItwassurprisingtofindthatMs.Lionhartwassolivelyandcheerful.Incontrast,Elioturnedouttobesuchacoldandaloofperson<b>.</b>

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    Chapter525NotUnderstandingOwnHeart

    Theirnamesreallydon¡¯tmatchtheir personalities.IsitreallyMs.Lionhartwhochosehim?Whatcouldshepossiblyhaveseenin<b>him</b><b>?</b>TM

    Josiahrepliedinaslow,measuredvoice,¡°I¡¯manoutsider,soI¡¯veonlyheardafewsuperficialdetails.Asforthespecifircumstances,I¡¯mafraidonlythepeopleinvolvedcouldexinitclearly.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    HisexpressionappearedincrediblplexashencedsidewaysatthedirectionEliohadleft.

    Thetemperatureinthegardenwasdroppingincreasingly.

    LysandercradledAurorawithinheropencardigan,ensuringthtterwouldn¡¯tcatchachill.Ontheirwayback,shepurposelychoseroutesthatwereadornedwith eye¨Ccatchingcoloredlightsandflowerbedstoentertainthebaby.

    Aurorawascaptivatedbythosedistractions,seeminglyhavinpletelyforgottenaboutthepersonwhohadscaredherearlier.

    Afteralongwhile,Josiah¡¯ssighwasheard.¡°Eliowillregret<b>this</b>sooneroter.¡±

    Lysander,however,remarked,¡°Regretornot,it¡¯snotthatsignificant.<b>Right</b>now,Ms.Lionhartisdoingjustfineonherown,raisingherchild.¡±

    Josiahcontemtedbeforeresponding.¡°Elio¡¯sintentionsweren¡¯tasstraightforwardasheimed,thoughI¡¯mnotentirelysureofthespecifics.AsforNieva<b>,</b>herrtionshipwithElioisprettymuchlikethatofenemies.It¡¯simpossiblethatshetoldElioabouthervisittoHarborbrook.Iwonder<b>how</b>hefoundout.¡±Thertionshipbetweenthiscoupleisratheplicated.

    Lysanderhadheardenough,andshedisagreedwithJosiah¡¯sperspective.Sherespondedcoolly,¡°It¡¯seasy<b>for</b>amantoregrethisactions.When hischildgrowsup,hecanusefamilialbondsand bloodtiestomorallymaniptethem.Whenhe¡¯soldandsick,bedridden,ifhischilddoesn¡¯ttakecareofhim,everyonewillcriticizethechildforbeingunfilial.That¡¯sespeciallythecaseforwomenbecausetheyarenaturallytender¨Chearted.Bythen,Ms.Lionhart¡¯shard¨Craiseddaughterwillendupservingafatherwhohasneverfulfilledhisparentalresponsibilitiesforasingleday.¡±

    Thenightbathedherina<b>cool</b>,sereneglow.

    AwistfulexpressionhadcreptintoJosiah¡¯sgaze.¡°Iwasn¡¯treferringtoAurora,IwastalkingaboutNieva.¡±

    Lysanderretorted,¡°Isn¡¯thetreatingMs.Lionhartlikeanenemynow?Howcouldhepossiblyregret

    Josiah¡¯svoicewasbarelyawhisper.¡°It¡¯sbecauseheisn¡¯tunderstandinghisheartclearly.¡±

    ¡°Andhowwouldyouknow?¡±

    ¡°Perhapsit¡¯sbecauseI¡¯vebeentherebefore.¡±

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    Whentheyreturnedtothehotel,therestaurantwasalreadylitupwithbrilliantlights.

    Lysanderheadedstraightpasttherestaurantentrance,makingherwaytowardtheelevator.

    Josiahstoppedher.¡°Eatsomemore.Earlier,youwereinsucharushtotakeAuroraoutthatyouhardlyateanything.¡±

    Havingsaidthat,hedidn¡¯tevenwaitforLysandertorespond.HereachedouttowardAurora,gesturingtoholdher,and said,¡°LetmetakecareofAurora.Yougoaheadandcat,¡±

    Thankfully,AurorahadgrowntiredofyinginLysander¡¯sarms.Thebabughedandlungedforward.

    AsLysanderwatchedthesceneunfoldbeforeher,shethoughtitwasapitythat<b>Josiah</b>wasn¡¯tAurora¡¯sbiologicalfather.Meanwhile,thechild¡¯srealfatherwassomewhereinahotel.

    Shegentlyshookherhead,banishingthethoughtfromhermind,andsaidsoftly,¡°I¡¯mnothungry.¡±

    Josiahpulledhercloseoncemore,asking,¡°Haveyouforgottenwhatthedoctor<b>said</b>?¡±

    Lysanderconfidentlystated,¡°I¡¯mjustabouttoheadbacktorest.¡±

    Josiahwas<b>even</b>morereasonablethanher.¡°Youshouldatleasthavedinnerbeforeyougoback.Otherwise,

    whichwillifyougethungryinthemiddleofthenight, te¨Cnightsnackwillneedtobedeliveredtoyou,stillbeahasslefortheworkers.¡±

    Thus,Lysanderdidashesuggested.

    AssoonasJosiah appearedintherestaurant,thewaiterledthemtoatablethathadbeenreservedinadvance.ItwastheveryspotwhereLysanderhadpreviouslysat,boastingthebestview.

    Asnightfell,theviewfromthatwindowofferedasceneevenmoreuniquethanwhatwasseenduringtheday.

    AurorawasseatedonJosiah¡¯p,hertinyheadtiltedas sheleanedonhisarm,gazingoutward.

    Josiahmaintainedthisseeminglyufortablepose.

    AsLysanderrememberedtherestaurantarrangementsmentionedbythewaiterwhenshehadbreakfast,sherosefromherseat,saying,¡°I¡¯llgogetthefoodfirst.¡±

    Josiahhaltedandsaid,¡°Justsitdown.I¡¯vealreadyarrangedeverything.¡±

    JustasJosiahfinishedspeaking,awaitercameover,pushingafoodcartbrimmingwithdishes.¡°Mr.Guerra,thesedisheshavebeenpreparedstrictlyordingtothenutritionist¡¯srmendations.Everything,fromthetastetotheingredients,hasbeenchosenasperyourinstructions,¡±hesaid.

    Uponopeningthetoplid,thewaiterrevealedthreemaindishes,onemeatandtwovegetables,alongwithanarrayofcolorfulsidedishes.Eachdishwasfullofcolor,aroma,andvor,allofwhichwerelightyetnutritious.Beneaththose,therewereseveralsmallypots,eachaboutthesizeofabowl.

    Thatwasfarmoreimpressivethanabuffet.

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    fromhim.

    Thewaiter,understandingthesituation,handedthemenutoLysanderandaskedheropinion,¡°Ms.Thorne,whichsoupwouldyouprefer?Thesoupsaresimmeredoveralowheatinthekitchen.Ifthere¡¯sanything unsatisfactory,wecanadjustitatanytime.¡±

    Finally,Lysanderunderstoodwhythewaiterhadtodeliverhermealusing acart.Afterncingattheorder,shesaid,¡°Thepumpkinsoupwillbefine.¡±

    Thewaitercarefullycedthepumpkinsoupontheheat¨Cresistantmatinfrontofher.Afterliftingthelidtoletitcool,hebegantoarrangetheremainingdishesonthetable.Theteswerenorge,buttheircharyinthevarietyofdishes<b>,</b>noneofwhichwererepeated.Innotime,morethanhalfoftheroundtablewasfilled.

    Thecartwasswiftlypushedawayagain.

    Lysanderlookedatthe spreadofdishesbeforehim,feelingabitoverwhelmed.¡°Areyoutryingtostuffme

    todeathor<b>saving</b>mefortheNewYear?¡±

    JosiahwasamusedbyLysander¡¯squestion.¡°Thisisamealfortwo.Ihaven¡¯teatenallday,andIalsoneed

    tocal.

    Lysanderhesitated,wordscaughtinherthroat,butintheend,shesimplysaid,¡°Then,doyourbest.¡±

    Shegenuinelywasn¡¯tthathungry.Thus<b>,</b>shdledaspoonfulofpumpkinsoup,blewonituntilitcooled,andsippeditslowly.Sheonlyasionallypickedatthevegetablesandbarelytouchedthemaincourse.

    Fortunately,therewasn¡¯tmuchgoingonatthemoment,allowingthemtotaketheirtimeandenjoytheirmeal.

    Aftertastingthestir¨Cfriedvegetables<b>,</b>Lysanderasked,¡°Thechefsheremustbeearningquiteaheftysry.right?¡±

    Josiahnodded.¡°Doesitsuityourtaste!¡±

    Lysandersetdownherforkandcontinuedsippingthesoup.¡°It¡¯snotbad.¡±

    ThelookinJosiah¡¯seyessoftened.¡°That¡¯sgood.I¡¯llgivehim<b>a</b>raisenextmonth.¡±

    Thetablewascalmandquiet,andsuddenly,the<b>conversation</b>cametoahalt.

    Aurorahadgrowntiredofthescenerythere,utteringan¡°Oh.¡±

    Havingnearlyfinishedhermeal,Lysanderstoodupand<b>said</b>,¡°I¡¯llholdher.It¡¯sabouttimetofeedAurora.Atthisstage,childrenaregrowingrapidlyandneedtobefedeverytwotothreehours.<b>¡±</b>

    Josiahhadlefttheroomwithabaginhis<b>hand</b>.Heopenedit,wenttofetchsomehotwaterhimself,andusedittopreparethebabyform.

    LysandertookAurora¡¯sbottleandsatbackdown,supportingAurora¡¯sbackwithonehandwhileliftingthebottlewiththeother.

    OnceAurorahadhadherfill,twomorecustomersenteredtherestaurant.

    Beaming.DillongreetedJosiahinanalmostingratiatingmanner.¡°Mr.Guerra.Iheardthattheviewhere

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    isquitespectacr.Sinceyou¡¯vebeenstayingherefrequently,Idecidedtobringheralongandbookedaroom.Uponourarrivaltoday,Erealizedthatthehotel¡¯samenitiesareevensuperiortoafive¨Cstarestablishment.Thechiefistop¨Cnotch.Thearomaof thesouphepreparedearlierreachedmefromafar.¡±

    Josiahncedatthefatheranddaughter.¡°Didn¡¯tyougoback?What,istheresomethingelse?¡±

    Underherfather¡¯sguidance,Tiffanyalsotooktheinitiativetogreetthem.¡°Jose,Lysa,areyoutwodiscussingsomethingimportant?¡±

    Withanonchntexpression,Josialscountered,barelyahintofemotioninhisvoice,¡°It¡¯sjustameal.Whotoldyouwe¡¯rediscussingsomething?¡±

    Withaninnocentlook,Tiffany exined,¡°No,itwasjustaguessonmypart.¡±

    Having

    aidthat,shelookedtowardLysandersomewhat pleadingly,appearingratheraggrieved.

    LysandermetTiffany¡¯sgaze,butunlikebefore,shedidn¡¯tspeakupforthtter.Instead,sheactedasifshedidn¡¯tseeTiffanyandcontinuedwithherownbusiness.

    Auroradidn¡¯tshowmuchinterestinthetwonewarrivals,continuingtogiggleandywithLysander.

    Dillonnoticedaslightchillintheatmosphere,soheanimatedlysaid,¡°Mr.Guerra,itwasIwhosentTiffanytomeetyou.Iheard<b>that</b>Ms.ThoookgoodcareofTiffduringthesummitinApexCity.So,Ithoughtitwasonlyrighttothankherpersonally.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Ashespoke,heneveroncelookeddirectlyatLysander.Instead,hewassolelyfocusedonobservingJosiah¡¯sattitude.

    JosiahspokeuponbehalfofLysander.¡°There¡¯snoneedtogotosuchlengths.She¡¯salwaysbeenkindtoothersandreadytolendahand.Shewon¡¯tmindthistrivial<b>matter</b>.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sdemeanorhadnoticeablyturnedicy, leavingDilloninanawkward<b>position</b>.Hishanddroppedtohissideashespoke.¡°Well¡­¡±

    CradlingAurora,Lysanderwantedtostandup.¡°Youguyscontinueyourchat.I¡¯ll<b>take</b>Aurorahomefirst<b>.¡±</b>

    ¡°There¡¯snothingmuchtotalkabout.I¡¯lljoinyou.¡±Josiahalsostoodup,busyinghimselfwithgatheringAurora¡¯s belongings.

    Tiffanybrokethesilence,hervoiceringingoutclearandcrisp,¡°Jose,howcanthisbe?It¡¯sone<b>Lysa</b>tobekind,butImustshowmygratitudein return.¡±

    thingfor

    BeforeJosiahcouldopenhermouthtospeakupforLysander,TiffanyhadalreadytakenituponherselftositnexttoLysander.¡°<b>Lysa</b>,thisbabyissoadorable.¡±

    Uponhearingthesuddenloudvoide,Aurorafeltufortableandrubbedherears.

    Calmly,Lysandershiftedthebabytotheotherside,coveringAurora¡¯sears.ShehadnochoicebuttolookatTiffany.¡°Ms.Lanister,ifyouhaveanybusiness,pleasedealwithMr.Guerradirectly.There¡¯snoneedforsmalltalkwithme.¡±

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    Chapter527HelpComes

    TiffanyseemedtakenabackbyLysander¡¯ssuddenchangeindemeanor,castingatimidnceatJosiah.Seeingnoreactionfromhim,shehesitantlybitherlipandasked,¡°Lysa,areyoufeelingupsettoday?Imaynotbeabletohelpmuch,butIcanatleastlendanear.¡±

    Lysander¡¯swordswerepoliteyetdistant.¡°I¡¯mfeelingokay.¡±

    Eventhemostdensepersonwouldhaveunderstoodherattitudebythen.

    Tiffany,likeaninexperiencedyounggirl,noddedandsaid,¡°Allrightthen.¡±

    Sheextendedherhand,yfullyjinglingherbraceletinfrontofAurora.SessfullyelicitingagigglefromAurora,she,too,brokeintoagenuinesmile.ContinuingtheconversationwithLysander,sheasked,¡°Lysa,sheseemstolikemealot.CanIholdher<b>?</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tevenbothertofindanexcuse.¡°No.¡±

    Tiffanypausedforamoment,thenquicklyreassured.¡°It¡¯sokay,Lysd.Iunderstandthatyou¡¯rehesitantletmeholdthebabybecauseI¡¯myoung,inexperiencedwithchildren.However,IcanlearnwhatIdon¡¯tknownow.Afterall,it¡¯ssomethingI¡¯lleventuallyneedinthefuture.¡±

    LysanderncedatTiffany,hergazedevoidofanyemotion.¡°Ms.Lanister,we¡¯renotthatfamiliarwitheachother.

    TiffanywasatalossforhowtoreactunderLysander¡¯sgaze,disyingaperfectlymeasuredsenseof

    unease.

    DillonappeareddeepinthoughtashestudiedLysander,aglintofsharpnessshinginhiseyes.

    Josiahbrokethesilence.¡°Mr.Lanister,Tiffany,dinnertimeattherestaurantislimited,soifyountoeat,you¡¯dbetterhurryup.¡±

    ¡°Sure,sure.Dad,let¡¯ssitwithJoseandLysa.Thisspothasthebestview,Tiffanysuggested.

    ¡°Nowthatit¡¯sdarkout,there¡¯snotmuchtosee.Also,Lysanderisadoctorwithmysophobia.She¡¯snotusedtodiningwithstrangers.Thereareplentyofemptyseatsaround.Feelfreetochooseany.¡±Josiahgesturedtobeckonawaiterover.¡°Guidethegueststoselectsomedishes.¡±

    ¡°Understood,Mr.Guerra.¡±Thewaitergestured.¡°Esteemedguests,pleasefollowme.¡±

    Dillondidn¡¯trespondimmediately,insteadturningtolookatLysander<b>as</b>ifhehadjustrememberedsomething.¡°There¡¯snorush¡­Ms.Thorne,doyouhappentohaveagoodrtionshipwithMs.Everhart,thecurrentheadofEverhartCorporation<b>?</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tdenytheobvious.Idon¡¯tthinkyouhaveanyconnectionwiththeEverhartfamily,right,Mr.Lanister?¡±

    Dillonseemed quitethrilled.¡°Thisisfantastic.Oneofourproductionlinesbrokedownand,aftermuchthought,<b>it</b><b>seems</b>onlyEverhartCorporation¡¯sfactory hassimrequipment.¡±

    RiveronCorporationandEverhartCorporationhadoveppingbusinesses,buttheyhadneverbeenparticrlyclose.Toputiturately,theywerpetitors.

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    hewantedtocoboratewiththem.

    Asthesayingwent,somethingmustbeamissifonewasexhibitingabnormalbehavior.

    LysanderrecalledtheadviceAmeliahadgivenherinthegreenhouse,andwithaheightenedsenseofcaution,sheasked,¡°It¡¯sjustamalfunction,right?It¡¯snopletelybroken.Can¡¯titbefixedwithalittlerepair?¡±

    Dillonlookeddrasticallydifferentfromwhenhefirstappeared,appearingespeciallyanxious.¡°Icanfixit,buttheproblemisIhadpreviouslytakenon rgeorderthat¡¯sduesoon.Now,anentireproductionlineisdown,andIsimplycan¡¯tcatchup.IrememberthattheproductionlineinEverhartCorporation¡¯sfactoryisthesamemodsours.IfMs.Everhartiswillingtohelp,wecansplittheprofitsfifty¨Cfifty.¡±

    <i>Help</ieswhenoneneedsitmost,ch?thoughtLysander.Daphneisindeedindesperateneedofmoneynow,althoughDillonprobably<i>isn¡¯t</i>awareyetthatJosiahhashelpedtoarrangeaninvestmentfromMs.Lionhart.<i>Still</i>,Ican¡¯thelpbutfeeluneasefromthesuddenshowofgoodwillfromthesetwo.

    Seeingherremainsilent.Dillonaskedwithevidentconcern,¡°Istheresomething wrong?Wecandiscusseverything.There¡¯salwaysroomfornegotiation,evenintermsofprofit.Icanmakefurtherconcessions.¡±

    Lysandercasuallyasked.¡°Isn¡¯titabitstrangeforyoutodiscussthis withme,giventhatI¡¯mnotpartoftheEverhartfamily,Mr.Lanister?EverhartCorporation¡¯saddressandcontactinformationareavableontheofficialwebsite.Won¡¯titbequickerforyoutodirectlyreachouttothem?¡±

    TherewasabsolutelynoneedforDillontobeataroundsuchamassivebush,soshewasfairlycertainsomething<b>was</b>up.

    Josiahwatchedinsilencefromtheside,deepinthought.

    Dillon hesitatedabitbeforeexining,¡°Ourfamilybusinessusedtohavea bitofarivalrywithEverhartCorporation¡¯s.Itwon¡¯tbeappropriatetoaskthemtolendustheir productionlinenow.However,sinceIhappenedtorunintoyou,Ms.Thorne,IthoughtImightaskyoutogetintouchwithMs.Everhartfor

    <ol>

    <li>me.</li>

    </ol>

    Thatreasonsoundedquiteusible,andgivenhisstyle,itcouldevenbedescribedasattentive.

    Orrather,itwasclear<b>that</b>DillonwastryingtowinLysanderover.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Aftersomethought,Lysandersaid,¡°I¡¯llmentionittoMs.Everhart,butIcan¡¯tinterferewithherfinal.decision.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯sgoodenough.¡±Dillonsaidconfidently,¡°Thisbusinessisn¡¯plex.AslongasEverhartCorporationcan deliverontime,itwouldbeagreathelptome.¡±

    Tiffanyrevealedaninnocentsmile.¡°That¡¯swonderful.Lysa,thankyouforhelpingmyfather.¡±

    Lysanderimmediatelyrebutted,¡°Ms.Lanister,atmost,Icanonlyhelpryamessage.Ididn¡¯tpromiseanything.¡±

    Tiffanyfinallyrosefromherseat,timidlyapproachingherfather.Shelookedsomewhatfrightened.¡°Jose,Lysaseemstohavesuddenlychanged.Shewasn¡¯tlike thisbefore.DidIdosomethingwrongtoupsether?¡±

    LysanderpaidTiffanynomind,nordidsheofferanyunnecessaryexnations.ShesimplypickedupAuroraandsaid,¡°I¡¯mtakingAurorahomefirst.Youcansortouttherestyourself.¡±

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    <b>Josiah</b>slightlynodded.¡°Yougoahead.I¡¯llbethereshortly.¡±

    Lysanderbowedherheadandbegantidyingup Aurora¡¯sitems.

    <b>Josiah</b>gentlypattedherhand.¡°I¡¯lltakecareofitina bit.¡±

    Withoututteringmuch.LysandertookAuroraandretreatedtotheirroomforpeaceandquiet.

    Auroraobedientlyfollowedalong,notshowingany<b>signs</b>ofprotestuntilshewascedonthebedforachangeofclothes.Itwasthenthatshescruncheduphernose,onthevergeofcrying.

    Lysanderquicklyrecalledalltheimportamthingstorememberwhentakingcareofachild.AftercarefullywipingAuroracleanwithawettissue,shechangedAurora¡¯sdiaper.

    Aurorainstantlystoppedcryingandbrokeintoasmile.

    Lysanderfoundherselflostinthe child¡¯sangelicsmile.

    Auroraboreastrikingresemncetoherbiologicalfather,withher,delicatebrowsandeyes,apointedchin,andskinaswhiteassnow.

    However,Eliowaspale,whileAurorahadahealthypinkishhue.

    However,herpersonalitywapletelydifferentfromElio¡¯s.Shewascheerfndoutgoing,adelightfullyeasy¨Cgoinglittleangel.

    Ding!

    Thedoorbellhadbeenrung.

    Justmomentsago.Lysandercalledthefrontdesk,requestingtheysendsomewettissues.Thus,sheassumedItmustbethestaffmemberwhohadarrivedwiththeitems.

    Shehurriedlyopenedthedoor, onlytefacetofacewithJosiah.

    Josiahhandedherwettissues.¡°Doyouhaveenoughofeverythingelse?Needanythingmore?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯senough.¡±Lysanderswiftlysteppedasidetolethimin,casuallyasking.¡°WhereareTiffanyandherfather?¡±

    ¡°Stillintherestaurant.¡±Josiahbroughtbackabagfilledwithitemssuchasbabybottles.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯taskanyfurtherandsimplyreachedouttotakethebag,firstremovingessentialslikebabyformandcingthemonthetable.

    Theirmovementswereincrediblynatursifthey<b>had</b>neverbeenapart.

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    Chapter528SpottingSomethingAmiss

    Josiahapproachedthebedside,seeingthatAurorahadalreadychangedintoherlittleindooroutfit.Aurora-lookedasadorableasamovingplushtoy,whichinstantlyputhimat<b>ease</b>.

    Auroracouldonlyliedownat<b>that</b>time,butherarmsandlegshadalreadybequitenimble.

    Josiahpickeduptheplushieonthebedtoteaseher.Shereachedouttograbit,thenwithouthesitation,triedtoputitinhermouth.Hequicklysnatcheditawaywithsharp eyesandfasthands,thencontinuedtoteaseherwithanothertypeoftoy.

    Thetwowerehavingthe timeoftheirlives.

    AfterAurorahadherfillofy,Josiahcedtheelectricwindchime,whichwouldspinattheflickofaswitch,abovethebedforhertowatch.Hethensatdownbythebed,keepinganeyeonAuroratopreventherfromrollingover.Withaseriousexpression,hesaid,¡°YouseemedtobehavedifferentlytowardTiffanytoday.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tnonhidingitfromhim.¡°It¡¯s<b>that</b>obvious?¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Josiahresolutelyshookhishead.¡°No,andI¡¯mnotdefendingher.Ijustrememberhowyouusedtotakecareofher,evensayingshewasashelteredchildandsoyoudon¡¯tneedtoguard againstherlikeyoujustdid.

    Lysandersaidsoftly,¡°Peoplealwayschange.¡±

    Josiahlookedintohereyesandasked,¡°Didyounoticesomethingwasoff?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯trespond.Instead,sheturnedaroundandaskedhim,¡°Josiah,answermyquestionfirst.<b>¡±</b>

    Seeingherseriousexpression,Josiahrepliedinaserioustone,<b>too</b>.¡°Askaway.¡±

    ¡°IfIweretotellyouTiffanyisn¡¯tasinnocentandharmlessassheappears,willyoubelieve<b>me</b>?¡±

    Thatquestionsparkedasenseofd¨¦j¨¤vuinbothofthem.

    Thatwastheunderlyingcauseoftheirseparationandthefinalstrawthatbroketheiralreadycopsingmarriage.

    WhenLysanderasked,shedidn¡¯tholdanyhope,herexpressionparticrlyindifferent.¡°Nevermind.PretendIdidn¡¯task.¡±

    She<b>had</b>longgrownustomedtotheideathatwithouthope,therecouldbenodisappointment.

    Tohersurprise,Josiahstateddecisively,¡°Iwill.¡±

    Lysanderliftedhergaze,lookingathim.

    Josiahlookedather,hisgazestillgentleyetfilledwithdetermination.¡°Ibelieveinyou.¡±

    Lysanderwasmomentarilylostinthought,her lipsmovingfaintlyasshemurmured,¡°I<b>can¡¯t</b>tell ifyoutrulybelieveorifyou¡¯rejustpretending.¡±

    Thewindchimebythebedsidehummedaluby,convenientlymaskingherwords.

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    Josiahcouldn¡¯t quitecatchwhatshesaid,onlymanagingtodiscernafewunclearwordsfromherlipmovements.Heasked,¡°Whatdidyou<b>say</b>?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snothing.¡±Lysandertuckedaloosestrandofhairbehindher ear,speakingearnestly.¡°Thankyouforyourtrustinmerightnow,butIcan¡¯tprovideanyevidenceatthemoment,norcanIexinthereasons.Isimplymadethejudgmentbasedonmyintuition.¡±

    Immediately,Josiahresponded,¡°It¡¯sallright.Whetheryouhaveevidenceornot,Ibelieveinyou.¡±

    Lysanderwassomewhatlostinthought,thinkinghisunyieldingtrustinherhaetote.Josiahaskedher,¡°WhatareyounningtodoaboutEverhartCorporation¡¯smatter?¡±

    Lysanderpondered,¡°Idon¡¯tknow,soIdarenotgiveadvicerashly.However,nowthatEverhartCorporation<b>has</b>resolveditfinancialissue,thenextmostimportantthingisorders.Withoutorders,nothingelsematters.IwilltellDaphnemythoughtsandaboutthismatter,andlethermakethedecisionherself.¡±

    Josiahagreedwithherdecision.¡°It¡¯sabouttimeDaphnelearnshowtomakedecisionsherself.¡±

    Lysander¡¯sgazedarkenedslightlyasshewasstillsuspiciousofDillon.ShennedtoseizetheopportunitytofurtherinvestigateRiveronCorporation¡¯sdata.

    Justatthatmoment,Auroraopenedhermouth,lettingoutasoftcooingsound.Thenoiseshemadeseemedasifshewastryingtomimicthenurseryrhymethat<b>was</b>yingalongwiththewindchimes.

    Evenwhentheadorablechildwasbabbling,theywerestillincrediblyendearing.

    Inunison,both JosiahandLysanderfoundthemselveslookinginthesamedirection.

    Aurora¡¯sspeechwasgenuinelyincoherent,acontinuousstreamofgibberish.However,asJosiahlookedover,shehappenedtomumbleawordthatsoundedlike¡°Daddy¡±unclearly.

    Hervoicewasslightlymuffled,yetherwordscarriedacheerfndupliftingtone.

    Josiahstoodfrozen,hisgazefixedsolelyonAurorainadaze.

    Aurora¡¯spronunciationwasn¡¯tquiteurateyet,butsheseemedtohaveahardtimestopping,continuouslyrepeatingawordthatsoundedlike¡°Daddy¡±nonstop.

    Josiah¡¯seyeswereslightlytingedwithred.¡°Whatdidshejustsay?¡±

    Lysanderreplied,¡°Mister.¡±

    ¡°Oh,it¡¯smister<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Yep.

    ItwasrareforLysandertoseehiminsuchadazedanddistraughtstate.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±Shecalledouttohim,buttherewasnoresponse.

    Josiah¡¯seyesseemedtoforgethowtoblink.Hisgaze<b>was</b>sotenderitwasnearlymelting,hintingatsomeunspokenthoughts.

    Chapter528SpottingSomethingAmiss

    Lysanderwasatherwit¡¯send.Shehadnochoicebuttocallouttohimseveraltimes.Justasshewasabouttoraisehervoice,itwasasifheawokefromadream,slowlyloweringhiseyshes.

    Asmallshadow<b>fell</b>acrossAurora¡¯sface.

    Aurorafounditamusingandyfullywavedhertiny<b>hand</b>.

    Lysanderwavedbackwithasoftexpression..

    WhenNievaleft,shementionedthatshewouldbegonefortwodays.Thus,sheshouldbebackbytomorrow.LysandergreatlycherishedthetimeshespentwithAurora.

    Josiahgraduallyrecoveredfromhistrance¨Clikestate,hisvoicequiveringslightlyashesaid,¡°Imusthavemisheardjustnow,Ithoughtshecalledme¡®Daddy.¡±

    ¡°Aurora¡¯spronunciationisn¡¯turate,butshewasaddressingyouright.Sheshouldbecallingyou

    ¡®mister

    Josiahwasstillsomewhattakenaback,managingaslightsmile.¡°Noaughther,yetsomehowshelearnedhowtoaddresspeople.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±¡°¡±

    ¡°Lysander,atwhatagedochildrenusuallystarttocallsomeone¡®Daddy?¡±

    ¡°Ifthingsgoquickly,itcouldhappenataroundseventoeightmonths,butifit¡¯sslower,maybealittleovera<b>year</b>.Eitherway,it¡¯snormal.¡±

    Josiahfellsilentforamoment,seeminglycalctingtime.

    ¡°If¡­¡±Josiah¡¯sAdam¡¯sapplebobbedwithdifficulty.¡°Sheshouldbeaboutayearandtwomonthsoldnow,so sheshouldbeabletocallme¡®Daddy¡®bynow.¡±<i>I</i>shouldhavehadababycallingmethis muchearlier.

    Lysander¡¯schesttightenedinanxiety,makingherbreathhitch.Sheexhaled,reassuringlystating,¡°Itwon¡¯thappen.¡±

    ¡°Iknow<b>it</b>won¡¯t.¡±Josiahrevealedabitter smile.¡°Iknow.¡±

    Lysander<b>took</b>adeepbreath.¡°WhatImeanis,youmiscalcted thepregnancytimeline.WhenIterminatedmypregnancy,thebabywasonlyfourweeksalong.Ifthebabywasnotbornprematurely,itwouldhavebeenborneightmonthter.Asofnow,thebabywouldonlybesixmonthsoldandunabletospeakyet.¡±

    ¡°Isee,¡±saidJosiahinahurriedtone.¡°Wisix¨Cmonth¨Coldstartteethingyet?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    ¡°Willtheystillonlydrinkingmilk?Cantheyeatsomethingelse?¡±

    ¡°Theystillwon¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Evenwithteeth,theycan¡¯teat?¡±

    Lysanderturnedaround,hervoicedeep<b>and</b>serious.¡°Ababythatisonlyhalfayearoldwillstillbreastfeeding.Eventhoughtheymayhavegrownteeth,theirstomachcan¡¯tdigestotherfoodsvet.¡±

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    Chapter528SpottingSomethingAmiss

    Josiahnodded.

    ¡°Whyareyouaskingthis?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snothing.¡±Josiahgentlyshookhishead.¡°Nextmonth,whenwevisitDawnbreakChurch,I¡¯llbringsomebabyformwithme.¡±

    Lysanderpausedforamoment,thennodded.¡°Sure,let¡¯sbringsometoysaswell.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Suddenly,Josiahfoundhimself<b>a</b>bitenviousofElio.

    Attheveryleast,Elio¡¯sdaughterwasreal,tangible<b>,</b>andwithin<b>his</b>reach.

    Meanwhile,Josiahhadnosuchreality.

    SendGifts

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 Chapter 529

    Chapter529ActingLikeABolster

    ¡°Lysander.¡±Josiahinquired,¡°WillNievaagreeifIproposedtobethe godfatherofherbaby?¡±

    Lysanderreplied,¡°Idon¡¯tknowwhatkindofrtionshipyouhavewithMs.Lionhart.¡±

    ¡°Wedon¡¯tmeeteachotheroften,butwe¡¯vebeenawareofeachother¡¯sexistencesincechildhood.Ourrtionshipisquitedecent.

    ¡°ThenwhynotwaitforMs.Lionharttoreturnandaskher?¡±Lysandersuggested,¡°However,whilethebiologicalfather¡¯spresenceorabsencemayseeminconsequential,it¡¯sunalterableintermsofbloodrtionandlegalese.¡±

    Josiahresignedlysaid,¡°Iknow.¡±

    ¡°OrareyousayingyouwanttobeAurora¡¯sstepdad?¡±

    Josiahimmediatelyfurrowedhisbrowsinretort,¡°Whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±

    Themusicalwindchimeswerestill cheerfullyyingnurseryrhymes.

    Afterlisteningcarefullyforawhile,LysanderfinallyrealizedwhyAurorawassaying¡°Daddy,¡±oratleastanapproximationofit.

    Thewindchimehadbeensoftlysinging,¡°Daddy¡¯sdadiscalledGrandpa,Daddy¡¯smomiscalled.Grandma¡­¡±

    Josiahhadalsoheardit,thoughhiplexionstillheld¨¢hintofconfusion.

    Aurorawasstilllearninghowtopronouncetheword,andshewasgettingbetteratit.¡°Daddy¡­Daddy¡­<b>¡±</b>

    Thattime,itwasnolongerambiguous.Shewasveryclearlysaying¡°Daddy.¡±

    Josiahleanedover,gentlytappinghersoftlittlefacewithhisfinger,andlightlychuckled.¡°Perhapsyoushouldcall¡®Mommyfirst.Because<i>your</i>biologicalfathermightnot<i>be</i>toothrilled<i>if</i><i>he</i>heardyoucallinghimDaddy.¡±

    Lysanderletoutalongsigh.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    ThefutureofNieva¡¯sandElio¡¯smarriage

    suncertain.Theymightcontinueasamarriedcouple,strangersinallbutname,orperhapsElio,unabletobear thepiercingwordsanylonger,woulddecideto

    divorceNieva.

    Regardlessofthecircumstances,it<b>was</b>inevitablethatAurora¡¯schildhoodwouldbemarkedbytheabsenceofafather¡¯slove.

    ItseemedasthoughJosiahhadalsoconsideredthatpoint.Hesoftly said,¡°Yourinitialworrieswere<b>justified</b>.¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    Yet,bothofthemunderstood.

    Howcouldsuchaninnocentandadorablechild,onceshegrewupandunderstoodtheworldbetter,

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    Chapter529Acting LikeABolster

    Eliowaspowerfndinfluentilready,sotherewasnoguarantee<b>that</b>otherwomenandchildrenwouldn¡¯tappearinhislifeinthefuture.

    HowshouldAurorafacethosewomenandherhalf¨Csiblingswhenthetimes?

    JustthemerethoughtofitleftJosiahfeelingbreathless.

    HelookedtowardLysander,whowascarefullysortingoutAurora¡¯sclothes,

    Shecarefullyfoldedthetinyclothes,stillcarryingthe<b>faint</b>scentofmilk,andsetthemaside.

    Althoughsherarelyshowedit,everyoneknewthatshewastheonewhosufferedthemost.

    BythetimeJosiahmanagedtodetachhisthoughtsfromthepast,Aurorahadlostinterestinthewindchime.Shestartedtoreachoutherlittlearms,indicatingshewantedtobeheld.

    Josiahtookoutafluffylittlebirdtoyfromthebaghehadbroughtin.Hehelditinhishandandwoundit

    <ol>

    <li>up<b>.</b></li>

    </ol>

    Chirp!Chirp!

    AuroratwistedaroundinLysander¡¯sarms,startingtolookatthebirdwithcuriosity.

    Lysanderhadnotseenthattoybefore.¡°IsthisalsosomethingMs.Lionhartleftbehind?¡±

    ¡°Iboughtthis.¡±Josiahwalkedover,usinganoise¨CmakingtoytocatchAurora¡¯sattention,andthenhereachedouthishand.¡°JustleaveAuroratomeanddowhateveryouwanttodo.Justrememberwhatthedoctorsaid.Bnceworkandrest¡±

    Lysanderhesitated.¡°Whendidyoubuythis?¡±

    ¡°Lastnight.¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯tyouatthehotllostnight?Didyouleaveyesterday?¡±

    ¡°No,¡±saidJosiah.¡°Idon¡¯tfeelsafeleavingyouandAuroraherealone.¡±

    ¡°Wheredidyoupurchaseitfrom,then?¡±

    ¡°Overbythechildren¡¯syground,¡±Josiahlickedhislips,appearingsomewhatstiff.¡°Iboughtitfromakid.¡±

    Lysander<b>was</b>takenaback.

    ¡°IalsoboughtthelollipopIgaveyoufromhim.¡±

    Lysanderwasutterlyspeechless.¡°Howmuchmoneydidyougivehim?¡±

    ¡°Ididn¡¯thaveanycashonme,butitseemedlikethekidwasn¡¯ttoointerestedinmoney.So,Igavehimmycorbuttoninstead.¡±

    ThecorbuttonsonJosiah¡¯sattirewereworthtensofthousands.

    Thus,Lysanderthoughtthatperhapsitwouldn¡¯treallycountasdeceiving achild.

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    Josiahcontinued,¡°However,whilewewerediningattherestauranttoday,IthinkIsawhimdropthebuttonintotheoutdoordrainageditch.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tknowwhattosay.

    -Ihadalreadyinstructedthefrontdeskthatiftheysawthechild¡¯smother,theywouldreimburseherwith

    some<b>money</b>.

    Lysanderasked,¡°Howmuchmoneydidyouaskthereceptiontogivetothemother<b>?</b>¡±

    Tenthousand,andalltheirexpensesatthehotelthesepastfewdaysarecovered.¡±

    NowordspartedfromLysander¡¯sslips.

    SeeingLysanderremainedsilent,Josiahimmediatelygrewanxious.¡°ShouldIaskthefrontdesktogive

    more?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°It¡¯s<b>fine</b>.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    ¡°Ihaven¡¯thadthetimetolookattheinformationAidensentover.I¡¯llgodothatnow.¡±

    AmomentofdestionshedinJosiah¡¯seyes,buthestillnodded.¡°Allright.¡±

    LysandergentlypinchedAurora¡¯stinyhand, softlytellingher,¡°Beagoodgirl.Iwilebacktoywithyouinabit¡±

    Initially,therewasn¡¯tmuchhappening.However,forsomereason,itseemedasthoughAurorasuddenlyunderstoodLysander¡¯swords.Thebabystartedtopoutasifshe<b>was</b>abouttocry.

    Takingadvantageofthesituation,JosiahgentlygraspedLysander¡¯shand.¡°Auroracan¡¯tbewithoutyou.¡±

    Lysanderpulledawayfromhisgrasp.¡°I<b>have</b>worktodo,too.I¡¯vebeenbackfromApexCityforquitesometimenow,andIhaven¡¯tevenncedatthosedocumentsyet.¡±

    ¡°Bringitoverhere,then.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treply.

    ¡°PerhapsIcouldbringAuroratoyourroom?¡±suggestedJosiah.¡°Ipromise we¡¯llbequiet.Wewon¡¯tdisturbyouatall.<b>¡±</b>

    LysanderncedatJosiah,thenatAurora,whowasreachingoutfor her,wantingtobeheld.Shebitherlip,remainingstill.

    Josiahpausedforamoment,thensaid,¡°Let¡¯sstayatmyce.Aurora¡¯sform,bottles,andclothesareallhere.It¡¯sjustmoreconvenient.¡±

    SeeingLysander¡¯s hesitation,heimmediatelystoodupandheadedout,¡°I¡¯llgogetallthedocumentsfor

    <b>you</b><b>.¡±</b>

    Then,hedashedoutthedoorlikeagustof<b>wind</b>.

    Beforelong,Josiahreturned,holdingastackofdocumentsthatAidenhadsent<b>over</b>alongwithhercun.

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    Chapter529ActingLikeABolster

    Hepreparedacup ofhotwaterforheranddeliveredittothestudywithintheirsuite.¡°Youworkinhere,andI¡¯llstayoutsidewith thebaby.¡±

    Hesitantforamoment.Lysandereventuallydecidedtoenterthestudy,sittinginfrontofthedesk.

    Perhapsduetotherestshehadtakenearlier,Lysander¡¯smindwassignificantlyclearer.Shedidn¡¯tneedcoffeetokeepherselfawake,andherthoughtswerelucid.Shehadgenerallysortedouttheemployee.situationatThorneConstructionsandEnergies.

    Josiahwasamanofhisword.ApartfromtheasionallighughtertoamuseAurora,there wasnoothersoundormovementfromhim.

    Athalfpastnineintheevening,Josiahcameoverandlightlyknockedonthedoor.¡°It¡¯stimeforAuroratogotobed.¡±

    JustasLysanderwasabouttowatchtherecordingofthtestsummit,herfingerspausedintheirmotion.

    Auroraenjoyedbeingthebolsterwhensleeping.

    Sheneededsomeoneonbothofhersides.Otherwise,shewouldhavetroublesleeping.

    WhenJosiahmentionedthatAuroraneededtosleep,itwasalsoasubtlehinttoLysander,askinghertostopworkingandhitthesack.

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    Chapter530HighAlert

    Lysanderncedover,onlytoseeAuroraclutchinghertinyfists,yawning,appearingsomewhatwrongedasifonthevergeoftearsbutnotquitecrying.

    Lysanderresignedlyclosedthevideo,foundAurora¡¯ssmallquiltandpillow,andmeticulouslyarrangedtheminthemiddleofthrgebed.

    Withagentletouch,JosiahcarefullycedAuroraonthebed.Then,heclimbedontothebedhimself,lyingnexttoAurora.HegaveLysanderalook,tellinghertohurryupandgetinbed.

    Aurora rolledover,liftingbothofhertinyclenchedfists.She<b>was</b>sotiredthatshecould hardlykeephereyesopen,yetshestillfussed,resistingsleep.

    Leftwithnootherchoice,Lysandertookoffher<b>shoes</b>andclimbedupaswell,lyingdown.sideofAurora.

    nontheother

    Josiahcasthisgazedownatthechildnestledbetweenthetwoofthem.Hirgehandgentlypattedthetinyquilt,rhythmicallyandunhurriedly,eachpatdeliberateandsoft.

    Lysanderasked.¡°Youlearnedhowtosootheachildtosleep?¡±

    ¡°Eleanorshowedmehowtodoit,butI¡¯veneveractuallydoneitmyself,repliedJosiah.

    Eleanor¡¯smethodworkedprettywell.Afterall,ifitmanagedtoputJosiahwhenhewaslittle,itwouldsurelybeeffectiveonAurora,too.

    Aurora¡¯shumsquieteddown,andhereyelidsgrewheavy,eventuallyfallingshut.

    Lysanderhummedalubyshehadonceheardatthehospital.AfterAurorawassoundasleep,swhisperedtoJosiah,¡°Auroraisasleep.I¡¯mleavingnow.¡±

    JosiahwasgentlypattingAuroratosleep,havingpositionedhimselfcarefullysoasnottodisturbher.Hehadbeensittingwithoutchanginghispostureforsolongthathewasfeelingnumbnessinhishandsandachinginhisback.Thus,whenheheardthosewords,hewasunabletoreactimmediately.

    Lysanderspokeagain.¡°ThankyoufortakingcareofAurorainadvance.I¡¯leoveragaintomorrow.morning.¡±

    Inasubduedvoice,Josiahresponded,¡°Ileftthekeycardontheshoecabbytheentrance.¡±

    HewasafraidAurorawouldcryagain,sohedidn¡¯tdaremakeamove.Hewascautious,fearingthatevenaslightliftofhisarmmightcausethemattresstoshiftanddisturbthebabysleepinginthemiddle.

    Leftwithnootherchoice,Lysanderhadtotakethelongerroutebygetting offthebedfromtheotherside,intendingtobypasshimtoretrieveherkeycard.

    ItseemedasifAuroracouldsenseLysander.Thebabywokeupwithasoftcryjustasthtterslippedintoherslippers.

    Josiahpromptlyextendedhirge,warm,anfortinghandtoadjustthesmallnket.HegentlypattedAurora,reassuringher,¡°Don¡¯tbeafraid.Sheisn¡¯tleaving!¡±

    Ofcourse,Lysanderdarednotleaveherbed.Shehastilymovedbacktotheheadofthebed,barelydaring

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    Chapter530HighAlert

    Josiahwas tirelesslfortingAurorathroughout.

    Thetwoadultsworkedtogether,andfinally,theymanagedtosoothethebabyagain.

    LysanderliftedhergazetomeeteyeswithJosiah.

    Eventhesweetestangelofababycouldgetquitetemperamentalwhenitwastimetobelulledtosleep.

    Josiah¡¯svoicewassosoft<b>that</b>itcouldonlybeheardinsuchatranquilsetting.Histhinlipsbarelymovedashewhispered,¡°Let¡¯swaitabitlongeruntilshe¡¯ssoundasleep.¡±

    Lysanderwasleftwithnooptionsbuttogentlypickupapillowandliedow

    fullyclothed.

    JosiahwaiteduntilAurorahaddriftedofftosleepbeforehedaredtoslightlyshifthisposition.Hisarmwasnumbfromfatigue,andthemomentheliftedit,hefeltaprickling<b>sensation</b>thatwasbothitchyandpainful.

    Oncehehadenduredtheinitialdifort,heunfoldedthenket.Withthegentlesttouchhecouldmuster,hedrapeditoverthem.

    OnceAuroraappearedtobesoundasleep,Lysander silentlymouthedtohim,¡°Let¡¯sswitchroomstonight.I¡¯llstayherewithAurora.Youcanleavenow.¡±

    Josiahretortedinthesamelowvoice.¡°Areyouburningbridgesrightnow?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tdenyitandsimplystretchedherhandtowardthedoor,makingagesturetousherthe

    guestout.

    Inthedeadofnight,aman,awoman,andababyshared<b>a</b>room.

    Asenseofd¨¦j¨¤vustirredupmemorieslongthoughttobedeadwithinLysander¡¯smind.

    EventhoughtheirsexinApexCitywasunintended,shewasonhighalertagainsthim.

    Josiahfoundhimselfatalossforwords.WithAuroraasleep,itwasn¡¯tappropriateforhimtoarguewithLysander.Resignedtohisfate,hecouldonlygetupandleave.

    Just<b>as</b>hearrivedbythecoffeetable,asuddencryechoedfrombehindhim.

    Suddenly,Aurorawokeup,cryinginagony.Hertinyfacequicklyturnedred.

    Lysanderwasimmediatelyflustered.Shequicklyscoopedthe babyup,gentlyrockingAurorainanattempttosootheher.Fromtimetotime,shewouldpatAurora¡¯sback,finallymanagingtocalmthtterfromherhystericalcryingtomeresobs.

    Josiah¡¯sntoleavewasthwarted/sohereturnedtothebedside andsatbackdownwherehehadoriginallybeen.

    Uponseeingthattherewerepeopleonboth sidesapanyingher,Auroragavealittlesniffleandthenforted,closed hereyesagain.

    Lysandersuspectedshehad<b>found</b>apatternandaskedJosiah<b>,</b>¡°Doyouwanttotrystandingupagain?¡±

    JosiahdidasLysanderasked.

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    Chapter530HighAlert

    Unsurprisingly,Auroracriedoutevenfasterthanbefore,thewailingremarkablyloud.

    Lysandersighed.¡°Whatkindofhabitsdoesthischildhave?Ms.Lionhartraisedheralone.Howdidsheendupwithakidthatcanonlysleepwhilelying betweentwopeople?

    Josiahsaid,¡°Perhapsthere¡¯sanannyathometoo.¡±

    ¡°WhenMs.Lionhartcameover,Ididn¡¯tseeherbringingthenannyalong.¡±

    ¡°Coulditbebecausehermother isn¡¯taroundthatshckedasenseofsecurityandhavetorelymoreonadults?¡±

    Lysanderwasunsurewhattosaytothat.

    Josiahgrinned.¡°There¡¯sakidhere.What<b>can</b>Ido?Justsleep.¡±

    Lysanderwasgenuinelytired,andwhathesaiddidmakesensetoher.

    Therewasachildbetweenthem,servingasanaturalbarrier,ensuring<b>that</b>Josiahwouldn¡¯tstooptothelevelofabeast.

    Havingunderstoodthat,Lysanderfeltslightlyrelieved.Breathinginthesweet,milkyscentofAurora,shequicklyfellintoadeep,blissfulsleep.

    ListeningtoLysander¡¯sgentlebreath,Josiahncedattheblissfullyunawarebabysleepingintheirarms.Suddenly,hefeltasifhisheartwasfilledwithanunbelievablywarm,fuzzingfeeling.

    Withgreatcare,hegentlypulledthenketover,coveringthetwofiguresbesidehim.Then,withasenseofcontentment,heclosedhiseyes.

    Thefollowingmorning,theroomdoorwaspoundedonsoloudlyitcouldhaveshakentheheavens.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Thethreepeopleonthrgebedwererousedfromtheirsleepalmostatthesameinstant.

    BeforeJosiahhadevenfullyopenedhiseyes,hehadswiftlyscoopedupAuroraintohisarms.Hirgehandcoveredhercars,preventingherfrombeingstartledintotears.

    Lysander,groggyfromsleep,satup,herexpressionfilledwithconfusionassheasked,¡°Whocoulditbethisearlyinthemorning?Didyoucallfor<b>room</b>service?¡±

    Josiahregainedhiposurequickly.Amidstthenoise,hestatedseriously,¡°Itshouldn¡¯tbe.Roomservicewouldn¡¯tknockonthedoorthisforce-¡±

    Theharshvoiceechoingfromoutsideinterruptedhisdispleasedwords.¡°Lysa!Areyouinthisroom?¡±

    Lysanderwasthefirsttoreact,paling.¡°It¡¯smydad!¡±

    Josiahwasrenderedfullyawake.

    ¡°Lysa!Iknowyou¡¯reinthere,Guerra!WhathaveyoudomyLysa?Openthedoorimmediately!¡±thevoiceoutsideshouted.

    Lysanderfirstncedatthebathroomandthewardrobe,thendirectedhergazeoutthewindow,<b>striving</b>tofindacewhereapersoncouldhide.

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    Chapter530HighAlert

    Beforeshecouldsayanything.<b>Josiah</b>spokefirst.¡°We¡¯reonthetopfloor.Escapingfromhereisn¡¯tfeasible.Besides,ifItrytoconcealmyself,won¡¯titseemlikeIhavesomethingtohide?It¡¯llonlymakeyourfatherangrier.¡±

    Lysanderwasatherwitsend.¡°Whatshouldwedo?¡±

    Afterall,Josiahwasn¡¯ttheonlyonefacinganissue.TherewasalsoAurora.

    LysanderknewMaverick¡¯stemperalltoowell.Ifhewitnessedthatscene,hewouldhavesurelytriedtokillJosiahonthespot.

    Thmotionoutsidehadalreadyalertedthehotelstaff,withthenoisegrowingincreasinglychaotic.

    Someonesteppedforward,advising,¡°Sir,pleasecalmdown.¡±

    Maverickwouldn¡¯tstandforthat.Infuriated,hesaid,¡°I¡¯mhereformydaughter,andnoonecanstopme!Isn¡¯tyourbossnamedJosiah?Tellthatscoundrelte outandseeme!¡±

    SendGifts

 Chapter 531

    Chapter531JosiahInDanger

    Ifthatruckuscontinued,morethan halfofthehotel¡¯sguestswouleout toseewhatwashappening

    Lysandersteeledherselfandsaid,¡°I¡¯lltakehimnextdoorandexinthingsproperly.¡±

    Josiahstoppedher.¡°Letme<b>go</b>instead.YoutakecareofAurora.¡±

    WiththebothofthembyAurora¡¯ssideandafterapeacefulsleepthenightbefore,therewasnoimmediatesignofherimpendingwailing.Aurorawasstillopeningitsmouthinablissful,sillygrin.

    Then,sheturnedtoJosiahandartictedclearly,¡°Daddy.¡±

    Lysanderfeltachillrunthroughherscalp.<i>If</i><i>my</i><i>father</i>hearsthis¡­Josiahisindanger.

    Josiah,ontheotherhand,wasquiteallright.HegentlyteasedAurorabypokinghercheekwithalighugh.

    LysanderheldAuroratightly,continuallfortingthtter.Atthesametime,shegotupfromtheedgeofthebedandmovedtostandinfrontofthetable.

    Josiahhastilytidiedhimselfup,stridingquicklytoopenthedoor.HewasgreetedbythesightofMaverick¡¯sred,angryface.Hegreetedpolitely,¡°Mr.Thorne-

    Maverickworeasternexpression.¡°Where¡¯sLysa?¡±

    Josiahswiftlysteppedaside,allowingMavericktoseeLysander,

    LysanderbracedherselfbeforegreetingMaverick.¡°Dad,<b>what</b>bringsyouhere?¡±

    Lysanderhadsleptfullyclothestnight,soallsheneededtodowastotidyupher<b>hair</b>abit.However,thesignsthatsomeonehadsleptinthebedcouldnotbeerasedinsuchashortspanoftime.

    Also,shewasholdingababyinherarms,andtherewerebabysuppliesscatteredonthecouch andcoffeetable.Thesceneappearedquitechaotic.

    Maverick¡¯shand,poisedtoknockonthedoor,frozemid¨Cair.Inaninstant,hispupilsconstrictedsharply.Hewassoshockedthathewasrenderedspeechless..

    Thesurroundingstaffremained<b>as</b>quietasamouse,notevendaringtobreathe.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    Josiahordered,¡°Everyone,returntowork.¡±

    Allthestaffimmediatelyscattered.

    Theareainfrontoftheroomwaseerilysilent.

    Lysanderfeltastormbrewing,steppingforwardtoexin.¡°Dad,let¡¯stalkinside.Thingsaren¡¯tasyouthink-¡±

    Beforeshecouldfinishspeaking,Maverickraisedhishand,whichwaspreviouslysuspendedinmid¨C<b>air</b>,andthrewafiercepunchtowardJosiah.

    Josiahhad mentallypreparedhimselfbeforehand.Hedidn¡¯tdodgeorhide.Instead,hetookthepunch

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    Chapter531JosiahInDanger

    Hisbodywavered,<b>and</b>hebarelymanagedtosteadyhimselfbyleaningonthelowcabbeside<b>him</b><b>.</b>

    Maverickpointedathimandcursed,¡°Iwarnedyoubefore!Youcanliveyourluxuriouslifealone!TheThornefamilyisn¡¯tinterested!WhyareyoustillbotheringmyLysa?Today,I¡¯llbeatthelifeoutofyou!¡±

    Lysanderwasstartledandquicklypleaded,¡°Dad,pleasecalmdown¡­¡±

    Maverickwasalreadyblindedbyrage.ThemorehelookedatJosiah,whohethoughtwas<b>a</b>wolfinsheep¡¯sclothing,theangrierhebecame.Ignoringallreason,heonce<b>again</b>pickeduptheshoe¨Cchangingstoolthatwassetaside,andwithoutasecondthought,hehurleditdown.

    Thestoolwasmadeofwood,andifithitsomeone,itcouldgenuinelydrawblood.

    Maverickbegantomove,andLysanderwasutterlypowerlesstostophim.Allshecoulddowaswatchhelplesslyasthechaircamecrashingdown.

    Yet,Josiahremainedunmoved.

    Apaniedbyadullthud.Josiahstumbledbackseveralstepsandcollideddirectlywiththewallbehind

    him.

    Thechairsmashedintohisshoulder, instantlyfallingapartandcrashingontothegroundwithatter.

    Thesituationhadalreadyspiraledoutofcontrol.

    Terrified.Aurorareachedouthertinyhand,grippingontoLysander¡¯sclothes.Thebabywasonthevergeoftears,whimperingsoftly.

    LysanderwasdeterminedtoprotectAurora,butwhathappenedwasfrightening.BloodhadbeguntotricklefromJosiah¡¯sforehead,windingdownfromhistempleinastartlingshadeofcrimson.

    Maverickwasnotyetsatisfied.Hegrabbed whateverwaswithinhisreachandhurleditalltowardJosiahwithoutasecondthought.

    Ifthingscontinuedthatway,Josiahcouldlosehislife.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯twantMavericktogetintotroublebecauseofher.

    ShewantedtoputAurorabackonthebedandstopherfather,butthemomentAuroraleftherarms,thtterburstintotears,clearlyfrightenedbythescenebeforeit

    Lysanderwatchedwithrm,fearingadisasterwasabouttour.However,shewashindered byAurora.andcouldonlyrepeatedlyplead,¡°Dad,pleasedon¡¯tdothis<b>¡­</b>¡±

    Throughouttheordeal,Josiahneverretaliated.Heonlyraisedhisarmstoshieldhisvitreas.Nheless,hestilltookseveralsolidhits,withafresh,bleedingwoundaddedtohisbrow.Hesaid,¡°It¡¯sallright,Lysander.<b>You</b>don¡¯tneedtoworry.¡±

    Maverickwasso<b>furious</b>thathishandsweretrembling.Hiswordsweredisjointed,andhecouldhardlyformpletesentence.Holdingontoastool,heaskedLysanderindisbelief.¡°Thischild¡­Thechildis¡­¡±

    Henearlydidn¡¯tcatchhisbreath.

    Lysanderquicklyrified.¡°She¡¯sthedaughterofmyfriend,whowentmountainclimbing.Myfriend

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    Chapter531JosiahInDanger

    askedustolookafterherforacoupleofdays.Dad,pleasecalmdown.You¡¯vescared Auroraintocrying

    Aurorawascrying sohardthatshecouldhardlycatchherbreath,witrgetearsstreamingdownher

    face.

    Uponseeingsuchasmallchildcrysopitifully,Maverickfelthisheartsoftened.Heputdownthestoolhehadbeenholdingwithathud.¡°A<b>friend¡¯s</b>child?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±repliedLysander.

    ¡°Whichfriend?<b>Daphne</b>?¡±

    ¡°Youdon¡¯tknowher.She¡¯sabusinessacquaintance,surnameLionhart.ShtercoboratedwithDaphne¡¯sfamilpany.¡±

    Maverickwasstillsomewhatskeptical.¡°You¡¯venevermentionedthisfriendsurnamedLionhartbefore.haveyou?¡±

    Lysanderwashelpless.¡°DoyoureallythinkIcouldhavegoApexCity,andinlessthantendays.somehowhaveafullygrownchild?¡±

    ShegentlypushedAuroratowardMaverick,ensuringhehadagoodlook.

    Aurorawasalreadyhalfayearoldandlookedverydifferentfromanewborn.

    OnlythendidMavericktrulybelieveLysander¡¯swords.

    Theatmospherewasn¡¯t<b>as</b>tenseanymore.

    Aurorawastrulyfrightened,cryingloudlyanduncontrobly.Lysanderwasunabletosoothethebaby,nomatterwhatshetried.

    JosiahwantedtogooveranfortLysander¡¯sbaby,but<b>as</b>soonashetookastep,hemetMaverick¡¯swarninggaze.

    Maverickstooddirectlyinfrontofhimandwarned,¡°I¡¯monlylettingthisslide<b>because</b>ofAurora.Don¡¯tthink youcantakeadvantageofthesituationanduseyoursweettalktodeceiveLysander!¡±

    ¡°Mr.Thorne,IjustwantedtopasssomestufftoAurora.¡±HegesturedtowardAurora¡¯sbottleonthecoffeetable.

    Maverickcautioned,¡°Hey,stop!Letmedoit!¡±

    Auroradidn¡¯tstopcryinguntilshehadherform<b>milk</b>.

    Lysandergentlysoothedthechild,thensettledthtterbackintothestrollerbeforefinallyhavingachancetolookoverJosiah.

    HalfofJosiah¡¯sface<b>was</b>stainedredwithblood,hisbodycoveredinwoodfragments.

    MaverickhatedJosiahforhurtingLysander,soheexertedhisfullstrengthwhenheattackedJosiah.

    Lysanderfeltawaveofoverwhelmingfrustration.Shequietlyasked,¡°Dad,didsomethingurgeneupthatyouhadtofindmesoquickly?HowisMichelle¡¯sinjury?¡±

    23:55Sun,9Jun

    Chapter531JosiahInDanger.

    ¡°Michisalreadyoutofdanger.¡±Maverick¡¯sangerwasstilllingering,buthistonewasmuchsofterwhenhespoketoher.¡°Earlier,youmentionedthischildisafriend¡¯s daughter.Whosefriendarewetalkingabout,yoursor<b>his</b>?¡±

    HepointedirritablyatJosial.

    Lysanderrepliedhesitantly,¡°It¡¯shis.¡±

    ¡°Allright.Ifthat¡¯sthecase,thenyoushouldstopworryingaboutthischild.Lethimtakecareofher.Isn¡¯theall¨Cpowerful?Heshouldstoptroublingyou.GiveAuroratohim,andlet¡¯sleave!¡±HetookLysander¡¯shand,readytowalkaway.

    Unabletooutwithimandnotwantingtoprovokehim,Lysandersimplysaid,¡°Dad,Ihaven¡¯ttakenmyluggageyet!¡±

    Immediately,Maverickhaltedtohelpherpack,expressinghisconcern<b>.</b>¡°Makesure<b>you</b>don¡¯tleave anythingbehind.Takeeverythingthat¡¯syours,andonceyouleavethistime,don¡¯tmeethimagain<b>!</b>¡±

    SendGifts

 Chapter 532

    Chapter<b>532</b>CareAboutYou

    Josiahhadgottenhimselfinjured,leavingLysanderwithnootherchoicebuttocethechildintothebabystrollerfirst.

    Josiahpulledoutatissue,wipingawaythebloodfromhiswoundasheattemptedtorifythesituation.¡°Mr.Thorne,LysanderandIareactually-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯ttalktome!¡±Maverickretorted,pushinghimawaywithaswiftmovement,afraidhemightapproachLysanderagain.

    Josiahwaspushed,stumbling,hisbackmminghardagainstthewall.

    Lysandersighed,turningbacktonceatthechild.Shetenderlyheldthebaby¡¯stinyhandandsaid,¡°Beagoodkid.Yourmommywillbebacksoon.Ihavetoleavenow.¡±

    Itseemedasthoughthebabysensedsomething.HergeeyessuddenlyfixedonLysander,andshewasnolongersmiling.

    ¡°Let¡¯sgo,Lysa.¡±MaverickforcefullyledLysanderaway.

    Josiahwastoopreupiedtocareaboutanythingelse.Hequicklyfollowedtheduoout.

    Maverickwasalreadyinahuffwhenhearrived,andwhenhewasjoinedbyLysander,theybothquicklymadetheirwaytotheelevator.Theyrushedinandswiftlypressedtheclose¨Cdoorbutton.BythetimeJosiaharrived,itwastote.Theelevatordoorshadalreadyclosed,andtheelevatorwasdescending.

    Josiahmadeabeelineforthefireescape,butnosoonerhadheturnedthecornerofthecorridorthanTiffanyandDillonappearedoutofnowhere.

    Startledbyhisappearance,Tiffanymanagedtocoverhermouthjustintimetostifleascream.

    Dillonalsoworeasurprisedexpression.¡°Mr.Guerra,whathappened?¡±

    ¡°Moveaside,¡±Josiahdemanded.

    Tiffanyrushedover,grabbinghisarm.Shetiptoedtogetacloserlookatthewoundonhishead,concern.etchedonherface.¡°Jose,you¡¯rehurt.Didsomethinghappen?¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Josiahquicklydodgedherhand.¡°Stayawayfromme!¡±

    ¡°Jose,letmetakealookatyourinjury¡­¡±

    Notfaroff,MaverickwasalreadyleadingLysandertotheentrance.

    HearingthmotionbehindhimandspottingTiffany,Maverickletoutasarcasthuckle.¡°Josiah,yousureknowhowtorecepeoplequickly.¡±

    Visiblyupset,JosiahtorehimselfawayfromTiffanyandquicklydashedtowardMaverick.¡°It¡¯snotwhatyouthink,Mr.Thorne.Letmeexin-

    ¡°What¡¯stheretoexin?Theyoundyisbeing<b>so</b>intimatewithyou!It¡¯ssoobvious!¡±Maverickroared.

    Josiahonlyfeltabreathlodgedinhischest.

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    Chapter532CareAboutYou

    Sureenough<b>,</b>Tiffanyhadfollowedhim,shieldinghimlikeamotherhen.SheredatMaverick,her<b>eyes</b>filledwithanger.¡°Wasityouwhohurt Jose?I¡¯llcallthepoliceonyou!¡±

    <b>¡°</b>Goahead!<b>Josiah</b>knowswhereIlive.Lethimbringthepolicetoarrestme!¡±Maverick<b>took</b>Lysander¡¯shand,andtheyquicklyleft,swiftlyexitingthehotel¡¯sgrandentrance.

    Outside,ataxi<b>was</b>waiting,presumablytheoneMaverickhadarrivedin.Soon,MaverickhadalreadyusheredLysanderin.

    Josiahwasburningwithanxiety.

    ¡°Jose,what¡¯swiththatperson?Also,whyishewithLysa?Whatishetoher?Ican¡¯tbelieveLysawouldstaywithsomeonesoviolent.Shedidn¡¯tevensayanythingwhenhebeatyouuplikethis.Youusedtotakesuchgoodcareofher,butshedoesn¡¯tseemtocareaboutyouatall-¡±

    ¡°Shutup!Josiahangrilyshouted,causingTiffanytojoltinfear,instantlysilencingher.

    Meanwhile,Lysanderwasstuffedintothecarbyherfather,whosternlyorderedhernottomove.

    Thistime,Maverickwasgenuinelyfurious.

    Maverickhelpedherloadtheluggageintothetrunk,hisindignationpalpableas hesaid,¡°Josiahisrelentless.Hetreatedyoupoorlyinthepast,and hestillwantstodeceiveyou.Ithinkhe¡¯sacheater,andhecan¡¯tmakeuphis mind!Youshouldabsolutelyhavenothingtodowithsuchamananymore!¡±

    Lysanderhelplesslyconsoledhimbysaying,¡°Dad,pleasecalmdownfirst.¡±

    Maverick¡¯sfrustrationonlyescted.¡°Andyou,howcouldyoubeinthesameroomwithhim?IfIhadn¡¯trushedover,whoknowswhatcouldhavehappenednext?¡±

    Itseemedlikeitwouldtakeawhileforhimtocalmdown<b>.</b>

    Changingthesubject,Lysanderasked,¡°Bytheway,Dad,howdidyouknowIwashere?¡±

    Shehadalwayskeptthismatterasecretfromherfamily,fearingitmightsparkunnecessaryconflicts.

    Maverickwasvisiblyupsetwhenthetopicwasbroughtup,speakingheatedlyabouttheeventsthathadtranspired.

    ¡°Yesterday,yourmotherandItookturnslookingafterMichelleinthehospital.ItwasallgoingsmoothlyuntilJosiah¡¯smistresshadtheaudacitytoshowup.Iwassofurious,andIwantedtokickheroutrightthenandthere.Butshehadthenervetostandintheward,spoutingnonsenseinfrontofMichelle!¡±

    ¡°Lysanne?HowcouldshehaveknownaboutMichelle¡¯scarident?¡±Lysanderhadn¡¯tanticipatedthatLysannewouldbeinvolvedinthismatter,herheartpoundingwithrm.

    MaverickheldadeepprejudiceagainstJosiah.¡°Shemusthavehearditfromthatb*stard!Itinfuriatesmetoeven<b>mention</b>it.If<b>Josiah</b>alreadyhaswomen<b>around</b>him,morethanoneatthat,whywon¡¯theleave.you<b>alone</b><b>?</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tthinkJosiahwouldpayanymoreattentiontoLysanne,butinfrontofMaverick,shesimplyasked,¡°Dad,whatdidshesay?Angerisbadforyourhealth.Pleasetakecareofyourself.¡±

    Withadeepsigh,Maverickbeganto<b>speak</b>,hisfacestillwearing<b>a</b>troubledexpression.

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    Chapter532CareAboutYou

    ¡°Whatgoodwordscouldshepossiblysay?She¡¯sincapableofsayinganythingnice.Shewasonlytryingtonderyou.Intheward,she<b>was</b>makingtheseoddinsinuationsaboutyoufindingyourwealthyboologicalparentsandhowyou¡¯llnolongercareforourpoorfamily.Shealsomentionedthat you¡¯vemanagedtoclimbupthesociadderandthatyou¡¯rebackwithJosiah<b>.</b>¡±

    Lysanderwasrenderedspeechless.

    ¡°IwassoangryatthetimethatIwantedtokickher out,butinstead,shehadtheaudacitytoinsultyouYourmothercouldn¡¯tbeartolistenandstartedarguingwithher.Butyouknowhowyourmotheris,kind-heartedandnotgoodwithwords,shewasnomatchfor<b>her</b>andendedupcryingMichelle, stillrecoveringfromherleginjury,triedtogetoutofbedtoprotectyourmother.Indoingso,herbarelyhealedwoundreopened.Intheend.Icouldn¡¯tbearitanymoreandcalledthenursetokickherout.SheevendaredtosuggestthatifIdidn¡¯tbelieveher,Ishouleandseeformyselfifyouwere<b>sleeping</b>withJosiah.IwassofuriousthatIcameoverimmediately.Thisis¡­Ugh!Lysa,you¡¯vereallymessedup!¡±

    Maverickdidn¡¯tintendtomeLysander.Instead,hisangerwasdirectedtowardJosiah.

    ¡°Dad,itwasreallyjustacoincidence.That<b>child</b>hadapitifulbackgroundanckedasenseofsecurity.Igenuinely justwantedtotakecareofthe childabitmore,¡±Lysandersaid.

    ¡°That¡¯sJosiah¡¯sscheme!Asabigboss,couldn¡¯thehireafewmidwives?Whydoeshehavetopersonallytakecareofthechild?Andwhydoeshehave toinvolveyou?¡±

    Foramoment,Lysanderdidn¡¯tknowhowtoretort.

    ¡°Andthatmistress¡­Maverick¡¯svoicewasfilledwithincreasingbitterness.¡°Wouldshedaretomockyoursisterinherwardifshedidn¡¯thavesomeonebackingherup?Lysa,listentome.Nomatterhowsweetthatman¡¯swordsare,youmustneverfallforhistricksagain.Youcan¡¯tbesoft¨Chearted.Remember,ifithappensonce,itcanhappentwice.Aleopardcan¡¯tchangeitsspots!¡±

    ¡°Allright,Iunderstand.¡±

    Maverickexhaledinfrustration.¡°Josiahissoinfluential.Ifhereallywantedtopursueyou,weordinaryfolksprobablywouldn¡¯tstandachance.ButLysa,nomatterwhat,youneedtoprotectyourself.Regardlessofanychildrenornot,youcan¡¯t<b>share</b>aroomwithhimanymore.¡±

    ¡°Iunderstand,Dad.¡±

    Maverick¡¯sgazesuddenlyshifted,avoidingdirecteyecontact.¡°Also¡­Whendidyoufindoutaboutyourpast?¡±

    SendGifts

 Chapter 533

    Chapter533Lysander<b>Is</b>MyBottomLine

    <b>¡°</b><b>A</b>fewmonthsago¡­¡±Lysanderfelt<b>a</b>bitguilty.¡°Dad,Ididn¡¯tdeliberatelykeepitfromyou.Iwas<b>just</b>worried thatyouandMommightoverthinkthings.So,Iwantedtowaitforamoresuitableopportunityto<b>discuss</b>thismatter.¡±

    ¡°Howdidtheymanagetofindyou?¡±

    ¡°Becauseoftheredstringinmyhand.¡±

    Mavericknodded,hisvoicetingedwithguilt.¡°YourmotherandIdidn¡¯ttellyou<b>because</b>wedidn¡¯twantyoutooverthinkit.Overtheyears<b>,</b>we¡¯vetoconsideryouasourowndaughter.¡±

    ¡°Iknow,Dad¡­Iknow.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°I<b>was</b>aware,youknow,thatsecretscan¡¯tbekeptforeverandthatyouwouldeventuallyfindout.ButthenIthoughtyouwereallgrownupnow,andyourbiologicalparentshadn¡¯tshownup.Ithoughtperhapstheyalreadyhadothernsinmind.Thinkingthatwasthecase,wedecidednottoburdenyouwithallthismessedupinformationtoavoiddistractingyoufromyourwork.¡±

    AfeelingofheavinessinstantlyenvelopedLysander¡¯sheartwhensheheardthosewords.

    Thesecretshehadbeencautiouslyhidingwasnotonlyexposed,butithappenedamidstsuchchaotircumstances.

    Lysander¡¯stempleswerethrobbingincessantly,herstresslevelsnearlydoubled,andshefaintlyfelta waveofnauseingon.

    Maverick¡¯sexpressionchangedinstantlywhenhenoticedherpalplexion.¡°Areyoufeelingunwell?Didthatguydosomethingtoyou?¡±heaskedconcernedly.

    Lysander quicklybegantoexin,¡°Dad,I¡¯vejustbeenunder<b>a</b><b>bit</b>ofwork¨Crtedstrestely,that¡¯sall.I¡¯vealreadyseenadoctorwhoassuredmeit¡¯snothing serious.AsforwhatLysanne said-¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯snotdwellonthatfornow,¡±Maverickinterjected,wavinghishanddismissively.¡°I¡¯m<b>just</b>dyou¡¯re<b>okay</b>.Itseemslikeshewasn¡¯twell¨Clikedatyourhospital.Quiteafew peopleknewheranddidn¡¯thave<i>a</i>highopinionofher.Eventually,acrowdgathered,andshewasescortedout.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m<b>just</b>afraidyouandMomwouldbetakenadvantageof.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°By<i>that</i>mistress?She¡¯sincapableofdoingthat!¡±Mavericknoticedhisdaughter¡¯plexion hadimproved,andhebreathedasighofrelief.¡°Let¡¯sheadhomefirst.Youneedtorestproperly.¡±

    AwaveofwarmthsurgedinLysander¡¯sheart.

    Inthis world,shestillhad a<b>ce</b>shecouldreturnto.

    Meanwhile<b>,</b>theatmospheresurroundingJosiahwapletelydifferentfromthatofLysander.

    <b>Maverick</b>wasinafitofrage<b>,</b>havingalreadytakenLysanderaway.Despitehisbest<b>efforts</b><b>to</b>shakeDillonandTiffanyoff<b>,</b><b>he</b><b>still</b>couldn¡¯tcatchuptoLysanderandMaverick.

    Moreover,therewasachildinthehouse<b>,</b>sohehadnochoicebuttoreturn.

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    23:37Sun.9Jun

    Chapter533LysanderIsMyBottomLine

    <b>distress</b>.She<b>even</b>refusedtodrink<b>her</b>preparedmilkform,onlymanagingtotake<b>a</b><b>few</b>sipsifshewas<b>held</b>andwalkedbackandforthwithintheroom.

    <b>Josiah</b>was<b>consun</b>withworry.Afterreadingthemessage,hequicklywashedhis<b>face</b>anddevoted

    himselfentirelytotakingcareofher.Hewasafraidthat

    thumpinganxiously.

    en<i>the</i>slightestoversight wouldur,hisheart

    Thebabysuckledonthebottleforawhile.mouthwasstillpuckeredup<b>.</b>ShewasholdingbacktearsassheeagerlyawaitedLysander¡¯s return.

    However,IM¨®

    Ifitwerejusttheminorinconvenienceheencountered,thatwouldhavebeenmanageable.WhattrulyirkedJosiahwasTiffanyandDillon¡¯spersistentpresence,whichseemedtohaunttheroom.

    BSZ¨¦PEBadspokenthenightbeforehadmadehim

    ThewordsLysanderwaryofDillonandTiffany.

    Dillonhadthedesiretoplease,butwhenitcametomatterscoulddo<b>was</b>standby<b>,</b>wringinghishands.

    ofchild¨Crearing, hewasofnohelp.Allhe

    HavingworriedenoughaboutJosiah,Tiffanyfinallystoppedaskingabouthiswound.Instead,shesaid,¡°Jose,thebabyiscrying<b>so</b>hardthat it¡¯spitiful.Shemustbemissinghermother.Howaboutlettingmeholdher?<b>¡±</b>

    Without even battinganeye,Josiahcasuallyremarked,¡°Noneed.You¡¯retooyoungtotakecareofachildproperly.¡±

    Excited,Tiffanysuggested,¡°ButIcan learn, can¡¯tI?Afterall,girlsarenaturallymoreattentive.You,beingabigman,can¡¯tpossiblytakecareofababyproperly.Comeon,little one!Lookhere!¡±

    Thebabyshowednointerestinher feignedenthusiasm.Herlipspuckered,andhercryingintensified.

    Josiahworeadispleasedexpression,hisfacedarkening.

    Aftermucheffort,hefinallymanagedtosoothetheyoungone

    Sercryingwasn¡¯t<b>as</b>intense.

    Tiffanywithdrewherhand,which hadbeenreachingouttoholdthechild,andsaid,¡°I¡¯msorry.Iwasjusttrying to<b>distract</b>thebaby.Jose,doesshenotlikeme?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>didn¡¯tbotherwithpleasantries<b>.</b>Hesimplysidesteppedher<b>,</b>carryingthebabyovertothewindowtogazeatthenearbycanyon.

    Tiffanyanxiouslywrung<b>her</b>hands<b>,</b>continuingto

    Should<b>I</b><b>call</b>Lysateback? Whatif the<i>baby</i>engagehiminconversation.¡°Jose,areyouupset<b>?</b>

    criesherselfsick?It¡¯s tearingmyheartapartjustlisteningtoit.HowcouldLysabeartoleaveherchildlikethis?It¡¯sjusttoocruel¡­¡±

    Dillon chimedinfrom theside<b>,</b>¡°Indeed,Mr.Guerra.IwasactuallyhopingtoaskMs.Thorneabouthercoborationwith EverhartCorporation.¡±

    ListeningtothosefamiliarwordsfromTiffany,Josiahimmediatelyknewwhatwasgoingon.

    With<b>a</b><b>scoff</b>,<b>Josiah</b>nced atTiffany.¡°Lysanderhasbeengoodtoyoubefore,Tiffany.Regardlessofwhat<b>you¡¯re</b>upto,letmemakethisclear.Don¡¯yafingeron<b>her</b><b>,</b>orit won¡¯t just beyou,but<b>the</b>entire<b>Riveron</b>Corporationwill<b>cease</b><b>to</b><b>exist</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    <b>Tiffany¡¯s</b><b>face</b>turned<b>pale</b><b>,</b>andshe<b>forced</b>ugh.¡°Whatare<b>you</b>talkingabout,<b>Jose</b>?Idon¡¯tunderstand

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    ¡°Idon¡¯tknowwhethertheseactionsareinstigatedbyLysanneorifthey¡¯reyourowninitiative.Butlet memakehingclear.Lysanderismybottomline.Ifyoucan¡¯prehendthis,it¡¯sfine.However,Mr.Lanister,youshouldunderstandhowtoproceedfromhere.Youcanweighityourself.¡±

    Dillon¡¯sfaceinstantlyturnedsour.¡°Mr.Guerra,it¡¯snotthatserious¡­It¡¯snothinglikethat¡­¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiahcoldlywithdrewhisgaze.¡°I¡¯vesaidall Ineedtosay.Youmayleavenow.¡±

    ¡°Butthechildisstillcrying¡­¡±Tiffanyblinked,feigningregretashesaid,¡°Iwastoohastyearlier.Lysais<b>a</b>veryorganizedperson.Shemusthaveherreasonsforleaving.This<b>is</b>myfaultforbeingtoonaiveandspeakingwithoutthinking.Jose,howaboutIstayandhelpouttothankLysaforthehelpshegaveinthecapital?¡±

    ¡°Shedoesn¡¯tneedyourgratitude,¡±Josiahdecisivelydeclined.¡°Nordo I.¡±

    ¡°But¡­Tiffanyseemedquitetroubled.

    UponnoticingthedispleasedexpressiononJosiah¡¯sface,Dillon quicklyshookhisheadathisdaughter,signalinghertostopspeaking.

    Josiahdidn¡¯twasteanymoretimeonthissubject.Hepickeduptheroom¡¯ndlineandinstructedthefrontdesktobringtheservicestaffwhohadtakencareofthechildwhenheandLysanderhadleft.

    Theservicestaff,aparentherself,skillfullysoothedthebabywithease.Shegentlysuggested,¡°Thebabymustbemissinghermother.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionsoftenedslightlywhenhenoticedthatthebabyhadstoppedcrying.¡°Youdon¡¯tneedtoresumeyourworkforthenextfewdays.I¡¯vearrangedadifferentjobforyou.Untilthis child¡¯smotherreturns,you¡¯llbeinchargeoflookingafterher.Youroriginalsryandbonuses<b>will</b>continuetobepaidasusual,andontopofthat,you¡¯llreceiveanadditionalpaymentatthetopmarket rateforahousekeeper.¡±

    Theservicestaffwasoverjoyed.¡°Thankyou,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    Unwillingtogiveup,Tiffanyasked,¡°Jose,it¡¯sreallyhardforthidytotakecareofthebabyalone.HowaboutIstay andhelp?Ireallylikechildren.¡±

    Theservicestaff,fearingthelossofherdoubledsry,quicklyreassured,¡°Noneed!Icanhandlethetaskonmyown.Besides,youclearlylooklikeaprominentyoundy.Takingcareofchildrenisatoughjob.Youmightnotbeabletohandleit.¡±

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    Chapter534IDeservedIt

    ¡°Jose<b>¡­</b>¡±Tiffanywasabouttoarguefurther,butthenshesawthatJosiahhadalreadypackedthebabyessentials,evenpushingthebabystrolleralongwithit.

    With anemotionlessgaze,JosiahlookedatTiffanyandsaid,¡°So,youinsistonstayingatthehotel,don¡¯tyou?¡±

    Dillon,protectinghisdaughter,said,¡°Wearealsocustomers.SincethehotelisopenforbusinessandI¡¯vebroughtTiffwithme,surely,Mr.Guerra,youcan¡¯trefuseouramodation,right?¡±

    Withoutsayingmuch,Josiahturnedaroundandinstructedthe service.staff,¡°Holdthechildcarefullyandfollowme.¡±

    UponseeingJosiahpreparingtoleave,Dilloncouldn¡¯thelpbutaskwithahintofunwillingness,¡°Mr.Guerra,areyouleaving?¡±

    Josiahwasindifferent,utteringonlyasinglesentence:¡°Ifyoulikeithere,stayforafewmoredays.Justdon¡¯tbothermeanymore.¡±

    Foraperiodfollowingthat,hewasunlikelytoreturn.

    Josiahturnedandwalkedoutthedoor.

    Theservicestaffworkeddiligently,notaskingasingleunnecessaryquestion.Whenthebossaskedhertofollow,shesimplypushedthebabystrollerandobeyed.

    WhenJosiahtooktheservicestafftothehospital,hefirstvisitedtheERdepartmenttohavethewoundonhisheadtreated.

    Afterthat,hewenttoMolly¡¯sward,whereHowardwaspeelinganappleforhiswifebythebedside.

    Howardwasn¡¯tshockedtoseeJosiahunexpectedlydropby.Hesimplyasked,¡°Josiah,whatbringsyouhere?¡±

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    Uponhearingthesound,Molly,onthebed,turnedherheadtolookatJosiah.Shesmiledgentlyathim.Heplexionwasabitmorerosparedtothsttimetheymetasshesatproppedupagainstthebed¡¯sheadboard.

    Josiahlookedaround,noticingnosignsofrecentvisitors.Hepolitely.greetedthemandsaid,¡°It¡¯sbeenawhilesincestvisitedyou,Mrs.Thorne.Itseemslikeyou¡¯rerecoveringwell.Mr.Thornehastakengoodcareofyou.¡±

    Molly¡¯ssmilewidenedabit,yethereyescouldn¡¯thelpbutdartpastlikeshewassearchingforsomeone.

    him

    Howardalsoasked,¡°Josiah,didn¡¯tLysewithyou?Andthischild-¡±

    ¡°Afriendaskedmetolookafterthechildforawhile.¡±

    Howardpattedhischest.¡°Yougavemeascare.¡±

    Josiahchuckled.¡°Areyouallowed toeatapplesnow,Mrs.Thorne?¡±

    HowardansweredonMolly¡¯sbehalf,¡°Thedoctorjustleftandsaidshecouldtryeatingalittle,butnottoomuch.EversinceLysareturned,Mollyhasbeenrecoveringwell.Look,shecannowsitupforawhileand

    sometimesevenmanagetoeatsomesimplefoodsonherown.Maybeinalittlewhile,wecouldevengobackhome.¡±

    Whenhespokeofhiswifethen,henolongercarriedthesameworry<b>as</b>before.Afaintsmilegracedhisface<b>.</b>

    Withsomeeffort,Mollysaid,¡°Stayinginthehospitalfortoolongcanbequitedraining.Afterall,there¡¯snocelikehome.Howardisgettingolder,andhedoesn¡¯trestwellinthehospital.¡±

    HerrtionshipwithHowardwasprofoundly deep,andtheywerewidelyrecognizedasalovingcouple.Afterexchangingafewwords,theysharedaknowingsmile.Theywerefilledwithhopefortheirfuturelifetogether.

    <b>Josiah</b>foundhimselfreminiscingabouthispastwithLysander:amemory

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    thatwasthentingedwithabitter¨Csweetlonging.

    HowardandMolly,MaverickandLaura,andevenhisparentswerealldeeplyinlove.

    Hisfatherpassedawayearly,butinhismemory,hisparentswerealwaysdeeplyinlove.

    Ontheotherhand,hebroughttheonceharmoniousmarriagetoasorry

    state.

    OnceHowardhadfinishedslicingtheappleintosmallpiecesandcedthemnexttoMolly,hefinallyrememberedtoinviteJosiahtositdown.¡°Josiah,I¡¯msureyoucametoseemetodayforareason.Please,takeaseat,andwecantalkatyourownpace.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Despitehisbesteffortstohideit,theinjuryonJosiah¡¯sfacewasimpossible.toconceal.Noticingthis,Howardaskedwithahintofconcern,¡°Thatwoundlooksprettyserious.Didyourunintosometrouble?IsitrtedtoLysa?¡±

    ¡°No.Iwasatfault.IgotwhatIdeserved.¡±

    Howardfurrowedhisbrows.¡°Whatonearthhappened?¡±

    Josiahroughlyrecountedtheeventsthathadtranspiredinthehotelthat<i>day</i>toHoward.

    Howardsighedwithahintofmncholy.¡°Thetruthcan¡¯tbeconcealedforever.Nowthatthismatterhasbeenexposed,it¡¯sbettertoendureshort-termpainthanlong¨Ctermsuffering.NomatterwhatdecisionLysamakesinthefuture,wehavetorespecther.¡±

    Mollywassomewhattroubled,herfaceclearlypaintedwiththehueof

    worry.

    ¡°Ivsander¡¯sfatherhassomereservationsaboutmeIcouldn¡¯tstonhimso

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    Iletthemleavefirst.However,theyshouldbeinthishospitalnow,¡±Josiah

    said.

    HowardandMollylookedathim,puzzled.

    ¡°Lysanderalsohasasisterwhohasbeeninacaridentnottoolongago.She,too,isbeingtreatedhere.¡±

    Howardnodded,¡°Isee.You¡¯rehopingthatIcanstepinandhaveagoodtalkwithLysa¡¯sadoptiveparents,right?¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°Lysandergrewupwiththem.Thecoupletreatsherastheirowndaughter.Knowingaboutthis,theymusthavefelt<b>a</b>senseofloss.Lysanderisveryrespectful.Shemustbefeelingquiteupsetaswell.¡±

    ¡°Iunderstand.¡±Howardinquired,¡°HowisLysa¡¯ssister?Wasthecaridentsevere?¡±

    Josiahsharedwhatheknew.¡°She¡¯sfinenow.Ifthingsgosmoothly,shecouldbedischargedfromthehospitalinacoupleofdays.¡±

    Withasenseofrelief,Howardsaid,¡°That¡¯sgood.Thepooryounggirlmustbefindingithardtobeinthehospital.SinceMollycan¡¯ttravelfar,let¡¯smeetLysa¡¯sfosterparentstogether,andthenwecandecideonournextstepsbasedontheirattitudes.¡±N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    AsHowardspoke,hisgazefellontothebabystroller.<b>¡°</b>Isthisyourfriend¡¯schild?

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Howardquicklysuggested,¡°Let¡¯sleavethechildhere.Sinceyou¡¯vealsobroughtsomeolookafterher,that¡¯llwork<b>.¡±</b>

    Maverickhad<b>a</b>quicktemper,anditwasuncertainwhetherhecouldkeepthesituationundercontrol.Itseemed bettertohavethechildstaythere

    withMolly

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    Chapter534|DeservedIt

    Theservicestaffwheeledthebabystrollerintotheward,introducingabundleofjoywhocouldtalkanughintothepreviouslysolemnenvironment.Theatmosphereinstantlyshifted.

    Mollylookedatherwithasmileforamoment,thengentlysaid,¡°Josiahistright.What¡¯sdoneisdone,andit¡¯sbesttorifyourstanceassoonaspossibletoavoidanymisunderstandings.Besides,Lysa¡¯sadoptiveparents.havetreatedherastheirownandtakencareofherforsomanyyears.Weshouldbegratefultothem.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±Howardandhiswifewerebothunderstandingindividuals.¡°We¡¯realreadyverypleasedtoknowthatLysahasbeen doingwellovertheseyears.Whenwemeetthistime,wemusthaveagoodtalkwiththem.¡±

    Mollywasstillunabletogetup,remaininginthewardunderthecareofthecaregiver.Theservicestaffalsostayedwithher,lookingafterthebaby.

    Aftercollectinghisemotions,HowardapaniedJosiahtothefloorwheretheorthopedicswardwaslocated.

    Thatday,itseemedespeciallyquietthere.

    ThewardwhereMichellewasstayingwasaprivateone,secretlyarranged¡±byJosiah.Heeffortlesslyfoundouttheroomnumber,yethehesitated.slightlybeforethetightlyshutdoor.

    Howardwasentirelycluelessaboutthesituation,andhecertainlydidn¡¯t.daretoactrecklessly.

    ¡°Mr.Thorne,pleasewaitamoment,¡±Josiahsaid.Henoticedthatthesmallwindowonthedoorwapletelycoveredbyacurtain,makingitimpossibletoseeinside.Hewentstraighttothenursetoinquire,¡°Hasthepatientstayingherebeendischarged?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡±Thenursefollowedinconfusion,immediatelypushingthedooropenwithherhand,

    Insidetheward,everyonewhowassupposedtobetherewaspresent.

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    Michellewaslyingonthehospitalbed,withLysanderseatedrightnexttoheronachair.MaverickandLauraweresittingoppositethem.Theentirefamilyappearedexceptionallyquiet,eachlostintheirownthoughts.

    SendGifts

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    Chapter<i>535</i>IAmWithYou

    Uponseeingthatthepatientwasstillthere,thenurseimmediatelyleftagain.

    JosiahledHowardintotheroom,greetingtheelderswiththeutmost-respect,¡°Mr.Maverick,Mrs.Thorne,howareyou?¡±

    Lysander¡¯sbreathhitchedwhenshesawthatJosiahhadnotonlyfollowedhertherebutalsobroughtHowardalong.

    Thesituationthatdayseemedevenmorechaoticthanusual.

    Maverickwasstillseethingwithanger.Unabletocontainhisrage,hestoodupandpointedatJosiah,demanding,¡°Getoutofhere!¡±

    Maverickdidn¡¯tknowHoward,butseeinghimwithJosiah,hewasonlyslightlypolitewhenheasked,¡°Whoareyou?Ifyou¡¯rewithhim,youbetternotstickaroundhere!¡±

    AftertheincidentwhereLysannehaeknockingonthedoortostir.uptrouble,Maverickbecamehighlywaryofanyoutsiderswhoapproachedhim.

    Onherbed,Michellewasutterlybewildered.

    Lysandergentlypattedherhand.Then,beforeLauracouldspeak,shesteppedforwardtostopMaverick.¡°Dad,we¡¯reinahospital.Pleaseloweryourvoice.¡±

    OnlythendidMavericklowerhisvoice,givingJosiahadirectshove.

    Josiahremainedunflinching,takingonhisrage.

    UponhearingLysander¡¯saddresstowardMaverick,Howardfeltapangofdifortwashedoverhim.However,heknewhecouldn¡¯treimthelosttime.Nheless,heapproachedgentlyandsaid,¡°YoumustbeMr.Maverick,right?Allowmetointroducemyself.IamHowardThorne<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

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    RecallingthewordsoncespokenbyLysanne,Maverickwasnearlystunnedonthespot.¡°You¡¯rethatmistress¡®father?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±Howardresponded,abitterexpressioncrossinghisfaceasheheardthementionofLysanne.¡°However,IamLysander¡¯sbiologicalfather.Overtheyears,mywifeandIhaveowedheragreatdeal.Itrulyappreciateyourallfortakingcareofher.¡±

    Maverickhadn¡¯texpectedLysander¡¯sbiologicalfathertoshowupsosoon.ThinkingaboutLysanne¡¯sactionstowardhisfamily,hecouldn¡¯thelpbutscoff.¡°Well,you¡¯vecertainlyraisedafinedaughter,wreckingotherpeople¡¯shomes!Myfamilymightbepoor,butwe¡¯vealwaystaughtLysatobeupright,kind¨Chearted,andresponsible.Shewouldneverstooptosuchdespicableacts!¡±

    TherewasnowayforHowardtojustifyLysanne¡¯sactions.¡°It¡¯smyfaultfornot guidingmydaughterproperly.Itrulyapologize.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯venotwrongedme,butLysa!Youfailedtocareforherproperlywhenshewasyoung,almostlettingherdrownatsuchatenderage.Nowthatshe¡¯sgrownup,youwanttostepinandytheroleofaready¨Cmadefather?What¡¯sthematter?Areyoureapingtherewardsofanother¡¯seffort?¡±Maverickwasseeingred.

    ThecolorofHoward¡¯sfacekeptfluctuatingasMaverickberatedhim.

    Yet,everythingMavericksaidwasthetruth,soHowardcouldn¡¯tutterasinglewordof rebuttal.

    Howardsigheddeeplyforawhilebeforehemanagedtposehimself.Hethensolemnlypromised,¡°Pleaserestassured,Ididnoehere.todaytotakeLysaaway.Ijustwantedtomeetyouall.Ifpossible,Ihopeourtwofamiliescanuniteasone.Inthefuture,wewilltreatLysa¡¯ssisterasourowndaughter,cherishingandcaringforher.¡±

    WhenMichellewasborn,Lysanderwasalreadyheroldersister.ShelistenedtoHoward¡¯swords,utterlyatalossforwords.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Meanwhile,LauraandMaverickappearedtobefilledwithsorrow.

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    seeminglyunderstandingthesituationathand.

    ¡°Dad,Mom,whatishetalkingabout?Whatonearthisgoingon?Whatisthismanreallysaying?¡±MichellelookedatLysanderindisbelief,hereyesfilledwithconfusion.

    Lysandergentlyheldherhand.¡°Focusonyourrecovery.Don¡¯tworryaboutthesemattersfornow.¡±

    MichellencedbetweenJosiahandHoward,butnomatterwhat,shejustcouldn¡¯tputhermindatease.

    Intheend,itwasMaverickwho utteredwithaseriousexpression,¡°Mich,yoursisterisright.This matterhasnothingtodowithyou,sostopinvolvingyourself.¡±

    Michellenoddedsilently,notdaringtoutteranotherword.Shesimplycastaworriedncetowardherfamily.

    Lauraremainedsilent,subtlywipingawayhertearsontheside.

    Theatmospherewithinthewardhadreachedapointofoverwhelming

    tension.

    Josiah¡¯sgazeneverleftLysander,whowashangingherheadlow,hiseyes.filledwithconcern.

    Maverickwasannoyedwheneverhesawhim.Heletoutahuffandsaid,¡°Enough.Everyone,stopcrowdingaroundhere.Laura,takegoodcareofMich.Iwilltakethemoutsidetotalk.Thisisahospital,not amarketce.Lysaisadoctor.Asherparents,we mustfollowthehospital¡¯srules.¡±

    Lauranodded,butshestillexpressedherconcernbysaying,¡°Becarefulwithyourwords.Afterall,heisLysa¡¯sbiologicalfather.Thebondofbloodisunbreakable.Don¡¯tputLysainadifficultpositionbymakingherchoosesides.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tworry.Ihaveeverythingundercontrol.¡±

    3/6

    theward.

    Naturally,Howardfollowedalongwithhiseasy¨Cgoingtemperament.

    JosiahwatchedasLysanderspokeafewwordstoLauraandMichelle..Onceshefinished,hequietlyasked,¡°Areyoingalong?¡±

    Lysandernodded,butshewasn¡¯tquiteatcase.

    ¡°Don¡¯tbescared.I¡¯mwithyou.¡±

    Standinginthehallwaywaitingforhisdaughter,MavericksawJosiahconstantlyfollowingbehindLysander.Heimmediatelyredat<b>Josiah</b>fiercely,thenprotectivelymovedLysanderahead,putting<b>as</b>muchdistancebetweenherandJosiahaspossible.

    Withahelplesssigh,Josiahsuggested,¡°Sirs,it¡¯snotconvenienttotalkhereinthehospital.Iknowofarather tranquilcaf¨¦nearby.Itoffersprivacyandgoodservice.Whydon¡¯twegothereandtalkatourleisure?¡±

    Howardimmediatelynodded.¡°Sure.¡±

    JosiahsoughtMaverick¡¯sopiniononceagainbyasking,¡°Mr.Maverick,whatdoyouthink?¡±

    Maverickgaveacoldhuff,ignoringhipletely.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treallyobjecttothis,butshefoundithardtopersuadeMaverick.Shesimplysaidinagentlevoice,¡°Dad,it¡¯snotquiteappropriatetodiscussmattersinthehallway.¡±

    Maverickfrowned.¡°Areyouactuallydefendinghim?¡±

    ¡°No,notatall.Howcouldyoueventhinkthat?Sincethemomentwelefttheresort,Ihaven¡¯texchangedasinglewordwithhim,justasyouasked.¡±

    Uponhearingherwords,Maverickeasedupabit.¡°Allright,Ithinkthe

    courtuseddownstairs<b>is</b>prettyenariouston¡±

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    Chapter5351AmWithYou

    AsMaverickspoke,hetookthelead,pushingthedooropenandleavingtheward.

    Naturally,Howardfollowedalongwithhiseasy¨Cgoingtemperament.

    JosiahwatchedasLysanderspokeafewwordstoLauraandMichelle..Onceshefinished,hequietlyasked,¡°Areyoingalong?¡±

    Lysandernodded,butshewasn¡¯tquiteatcase.

    ¡°Don¡¯tbescared.I¡¯mwithyou.¡±

    Standinginthehallwaywaitingforhisdaughter,MavericksawJosiahconstantlyfollowingbehindLysander.HeimmediatelyredatJosiahfiercely,thenprotectivelymovedLysanderahead,puttingasmuchdistancebetweenherandJosiahaspossible.

    Withahelplesssigh,Josiahsuggested,¡°Sirs,it¡¯snotconvenienttotalkhereinthehospital.Iknowofarathertranquil caf¨¦nearby.Itoffersprivacyandgoodservice.Whydon¡¯twegothereandtalkatourleisure?¡±

    Howardimmediatelynodded.¡°Sure.¡±

    JosiahsoughtMaverick¡¯sopiniononceagainbyasking,¡°Mr.Maverick,whatdoyouthink?¡±

    Maverickgaveacoldhuff,ignoringhipletely.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯t reallyobjecttothis,butshefoundithardtopersuadeMaverick.Shesimplysaidinagentlevoice,¡°Dad,it¡¯snotquiteappropriatetodiscussmattersinthehallway.¡±

    Maverickfrowned.¡°Areyouactuallydefendinghim?¡±

    ¡°No,notatall.Howcouldyoueventhinkthat?Sincethemomentwelefttheresort,Ihaven¡¯texchangedasinglewordwithhim,justasyouasked.¡±

    Uponhearingherwords,Maverickeasedupabit.¡°Allright,Ithinkthe

    courtyarddownstaireisprettyenacioustoo¡±

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    Chapter535IAmWithYou

    Thegroupthenwentdownstairs.

    Atthattime,itwasstiwhilebeforenoon.Thesunwasn¡¯tparticrlystrong,andawindhadstartedtoblow.Standinginanopen,unprotectedarea,onewouldbehitbyawaveofchill.

    MaverickquicklyguidedLysanderawayfromthedraftyarea,fearinghisdaughtermightcatchachigain.¡°You¡¯vejustrecoveredfromacold.Avoidthedraft.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Uponseeingthesituation,Howardgentlyintervenedbysaying,¡°Consideringthecrowdhere,there¡¯shardlyanyroomtostandorsit,letalhebitingcold.Whydon¡¯tweheadtothecaf¨¦instead?¡±

    MaverickncedbackatLysander.Hehadbroughtherdirectlyfromtheresort,andshewasdressedratherthinly.

    Moreover,theweatherwasratherunpredictable.Thewindwasunusuallystrong.Shehadn¡¯tbeenoutsideforlong,butherhairwasalreadyamessfromthewind.

    JosiahwasabouttodrapehiscoatoverLysanderwhenMaverickstopped.himandsaid,¡°No.Don¡¯tbother.Saveitforotherwomen.¡±

    Ashespoke,Mavericktookoffhisowncoat andhandedittoLysander,saying,¡°Wearmine.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯ttakeit.¡°Dad,it¡¯scoldout.Youmightcatchachill.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯dratherfreezetodeaththanletyouwearhisclothes!Rightnow,Mr.Guerraisengaged.Whyshouldyou<b>be</b>wearinghisclothes?¡±Maverickuttered.

    Upon hearingthis,Josiahimmediatelymadeaphonecall.¡°Carol,releasetheannouncementofthecanceledengagement.¡±

 Chapter 536

    Chapter536SettlingAllMattersFromThePast

    Carolwassomewhattakenaback.¡°Rightnow?Butwehaven¡¯tevennotifiedRiveronCorporationyet.¡±

    ¡°Forgetaboutthat.Justsendit.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±

    Afterhangingupthephone,JosiahwasmetwithasuspiciousncefromMaverick.¡°Whatareyouschemingnow?¡±heasked.

    ¡°Therearenotricksinvolved.It¡¯ssimplyamatterofdealingwithallpastissues.¡±

    Maverickhummedinresponse,thenturnedbackwithafrowntolookatLysander.¡°Why aren¡¯tyoudressedyet?Hurryupandputmycoaton,¡±hesaid.

    Lysanderhadnochoice buttodrapeherfather¡¯sovercoatonherselffirst.

    OnlythendidMaverick¡¯sexpressionsoftenabit.¡°Doyoustillfeelcold?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°I¡¯mnotcoldanymore.Yourcoatisreally

    warm.¡±

    True,thatwasthecase,butafterbeingexposedtothewindforawhile,Lysander¡¯slipshadturnedsomewhatpale.

    Intheend,Maverickgavein.¡°Mr.Guerra,whereisthatcaf¨¦youwerejusttalkingabout?¡±

    Immediately,Josiahsaid,¡°Sirs,pleasefollowme.¡±

    Thecaf¨¦thatJosiahspokeofwasconvenientlylocatedjustoppositethehospital,ashortwalkaway.Hehadvisitedthisceafewtimesbeforeandcouldbeconsideredaregr.Withouthesitation,heapproachedthewaiterandrequestedaprivateroomupstairs.

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    Chapter536SettlingAllMattersFromThePast

    <b>As</b><b>soon</b>asthedoorclosed,itcreatedasecludedlittlespace<b>,</b>sereneanfortable.Itwastheperfectsettingfordiscussingsecretivematters.

    Thefourofthemtooktheirseats,yetnoonewasthefirsttobreakthesilence.

    MaverickguidedLysandertositontheinside,purposefully cingherawayfromJosiah.Hisvigncewassostrongthatitwasinlyvisibleon

    hisface.

    JosiahorderedapotofEarlGrey.Theteawascrystalclear,anditsaromawasrefreshinglycrisp.Italsohadacalmingeffect.Servedwithcdonteaware,everyaspect,frometiquettetostandard,waswlesslymet.

    Believinghimselftobetheyoungergeneration,Josiahstoodupandpickeduptheteapot.¡°Mr.Maverick,thistea<b>is</b>quitegood.Letmepouryousome.Giveitatry.¡±

    Maverickpushedthecupinfrontofhimawaywithoutasecondthought,showingnoregardforcourtesy.¡±

    Seeingthedelicatenatureoftheirrtionship,HowardsmoothlytooktheteapotfromJosiah¡¯shand,saying,¡°Allowme.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±Josiahreluctantlysatbackdown.

    HesneakedanceatLysander,butshewasfeelinguneasy.Whenshenoticedhisgaze,shecouldonlyletoutasmallsigh,thenpromptlylooked

    §ê§Ñ§Û

    away.

    HowardandMaverickwereofasimrage,yetduetoproperself¨Ccareinthepast,Howardappearedslightlyyounger.Atthismoment,hestoodup,teapotinhand,andcourteouslyrecedtheteacupMaverickhadpreviouslymovedbacktoitsoriginalposition.Pouringthetea,Howardrespectfullysaid,¡°Mr.Maverick,thiscupisforyou.¡±

    The teawasintentionallypoureduntilitwasseventypercentfull.

    Maverick<b>cast</b>anceattheteashowingnointentionofnickingitun

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    Instead,hesaidinanannoyedtone,¡°I¡¯mjustanordinarycitizen,notlikeyoubigbosses.Thisfeaiswastedonme,solet¡¯sforgetit.¡±

    TheteawasorderedbyJosiah.Hetooktheinitiativetosay,¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tliketea,Mr.Maverick,Icangetyousomethingelse.¡±

    MaverickmanagedtokeephisirritationwithHowardatbay,offeringonlyafewsarcasticremarks.However,Maverickdidn¡¯tholdbackwhenitcametoJosiah,eximing,¡°<b>I</b>justcan¡¯tstandyournonsensicalrituals!WhenI¡¯mathomedrinkingtea,asimpleteacupdoesthetrick.Whydoyouhavetomakeitsplicated?Allthisrinsingoftealeavesandpouringbackandforthisjustsoannoying.¡±

    Josiahlistenedquietly,choosingnottointerjectanyfurther,andremainedsilent.

    TherewasafeasetinMaverick¡¯shouse.LysanderhadmentioneditbeforeandsaidMaverickwasknowledgeableabouttea.Hisattitudethatdaywasoff,primarilybecauseofJosiah.

    Insituationslike<i>these</i><i>,</i><i>the</i><i>more</i><i>one</i><i>says</i>,<i>the</i><i>more</i><i>mistakes</i><i>they</i><i>make</i><i>.</i>Josiahtouchedhisnose,obedientlyeptingthescolding.

    HowardlookedattheweatheredexpressichedbetweenMaverick¡¯sbrows.RecallingwhatJosiahhadmentionedabouttheirfamilysituation,hesoftenedhistoneandsaid,¡°Mr.Maverick,Iactually-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tbotheraddressingmethatway.¡±Maverickwaveddismissively.

    Howarddidn¡¯tofferanyrebuttals.He simplysaid,¡°Allright.Sinceyoudon¡¯tlikethatformofaddress,I¡¯llchangeit.Iheardyouusedtobeatechnicianatthefactory.CanIcallyoubyyourfirstname?¡±

    Knowingthatitwouldberudetospurnafriendlyandhumbleperson,Mavericksimplymuttered,¡°Doasyouplease.¡±

    LysandernoticedMaverick¡¯sfurrowedbrows,awarethathewasfeelingdistressed.Shequicklytuggedonhissleeveandasked,¡°Dad,whatkindofteawouldyoulike?Justtellme,andI¡¯llpouracunforyou.Howabout

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    jasmea?I¡¯venoticedthattheEarlGreyathomehasbeenfullforawhile,butthejasmeaseemstobeconsumedquitequickly.¡±

    Immediately,Josiahbeckonedawaiterover.¡°Switchtojasmea,andmakeitquick.¡±

    Thewaiterhurriedofftomakeafreshpotoftea.

    WhenMaverickwastalkingtoLysander,hisdemeanorsoftened.Inagentlefortingtone,hereassuredher,¡°Icandrinkanything,ornothingatall.Youjustsittight.¡±

    Acrossfromthem,Howardwatchedthesceneunfold,awaveofheartachesurgingwithinhim.Atlonst,hehadheardhisbiologicaldaughtercalloutthatformofaddress,butthemanshewasaddressingwasn¡¯thim.

    Notlongafter,thewaiterbroughtin afreshpotofjasmea.

    Thesubtle,delicatefragranceimmediatelywaftedthroughtheair.

    Howardwavedthewaiteraway,personallypouringacupofteaandofferingittoMaverickwithbothhands.Sincerely,he¡®said,,¡°Maverick,ifyou¡¯renotustomedtotheteafromtheotherpot,pleasetrythisone.Consideritasmalltokenfromme.IoweanapologytoLysaformypast.actions,andyourdissatisfactionwithusisjustified.¡±

    Maverickstaredathimforamoment,finallypickingupthecuptotakeasipofthejasmea.HesetitdownandlookedupatHoward.Hishand,whichwaspressedagainstthecup,hadturnedredfromtheheat,yetheseemepletelyunaware.

    LysanderwasthefirsttonoticethepeculiarityonMaverick¡¯shand.Shequicklypushedthecupforward,anxiouslysaying,¡°Dad,whathappenedtoyou?Itmustbeveryufortableifyou¡¯veburnedyourself.¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Awakeningasiffromadream,Maverickmutteredinadaze,¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±

    Hishandswerecoveredincalluses,atestamenttohishigher¨Cthan¨Caveragetolerancefor<b>heat</b>Yetitwashispreupationsthattrulylefthimfeeling

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    dazed.

    Overtheyears,thelivelihoodoftheentirefamilyhadrestedsolelyonhimandLaura.Yet,whenLysander¡¯sbiologicalfamilycamelookingforthem,therewasnosenseofrelieftobefound.

    MaverickmetLysander¡¯sconcernedgaze,forcedhimselftohidehisdestion,andsaid,¡°I¡¯mfine,Lysa.Actually,it¡¯sagoodthingyoufoundyourbiologicalparents.Theirfamilyiswell¨Coff,andthey¡¯re¡­¡±

    Hespokeuptothatpointandcouldn¡¯tcontinuefurther.¡±

    Uponhearingthosewords,Howardfeltadeepsenseofdifortinhisheart.Hisgazetowardthemwasfilledwithguilt.

    LysanderquicklygrabbedMaverick¡¯shand,noticingthat asidefromaslightburn,thereseemedtobenootherissues.Onlythendidshefebitofrelief.

    ¡°Dad,regardlessofwhatotherssayorwhatyoumightthink,inmyheart,youaremyfather.Iwilwaysbeyourdaughter,Mom¡¯sdaughter,andMich¡¯ssister!¡±Lysanderwasdeterminedandunwaveringinherdecision.

    Howardwasalsofeelinguneasy,buthestillchimedin,¡°Maverick,restassured,I¡¯mnotheretostealyourdaughter.Ijustfeelthatsincethematterhasalreadysurfaced,hidingitanylongerwouldonlyhurtboth.sides.AllwewantisforLysatohaveagoodfuture.Onthispoint,wearpletelyinagreement.¡±

    Maverickdidn¡¯texpresshisopinion.Instead,hegravelyaskedHoward,¡°Iheardyourfamilyiswell¨Coff.HowdidLysagetlostinthefirstce?Howcouldsuchasmallchildfallintothewater,especiallyinthedeadofwinter?Evenifshedidn¡¯tdrown,shecouldhavefrozentodeath.Wereyoureallytakinggoodcareofher?¡±

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    Chapter 537 Dad Has Your BackThis text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    This matter <b>was </b>also a source of heartache for Howard and Molly.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Back then, Lysa and my wife were alone outside. The train station was crowded and <b>chaotic</b><b>, </b>and in the blink of an eye, Lysa was gone. After my wife returned, she fell seriously ill and almost didn¡¯t make it. It was so stressful that my hair turned white overnight¡­¡±

    Howard¡¯s hair had turned entirely white, hanging by his temples. He hung his head in a sigh, his expression filled with endless destion.

    Maverick, also a father of two daughters, naturally empathized with the pain. His attitude toward Howard softened, but he still said, ¡°Yet, you quickly adopted another daughter, even giving her a name that sounds identical!¡±

    The presence of Lysanne, the adopted daughter, was like a thorn that couldn¡¯t be removed.

    Howard then said in anguish, ¡°I me myself. I¡¯ve exhausted every possible method, but I <b>still </b>couldn¡¯t find Lysa. The police mentioned that the chances of her survival were slim. My wife attempted suicide several times, but thankfully, she was saved each time. I adopted a girl from the orphanage out of <b>fear </b>that something might happen to my wife again. Who could have thought such an incident would ur when she grew up, all <i>because </i>of a simr name.¡±

    These words stirred up a profound anguish within Lysander. <i>What</i>? <i>Did </i><i>they </i><i>just </i><i>try </i><i>to </i><i>rece </i><b><i>me</i></b><i>?</i>

    Josiah furrowed his brows in pain as he thought about the past.

    Upon hearing this, Maverick was particrly infuriated. ¡°Lysa is your daughter, but what have you done for her? You allowed someone else to rece her and even let her be bullied. You were indifferent to her in the past, and only when your family business needed someone to inherit and clean up the mess did you think of her!¡±

    Lysander noticed that Maverick didn¡¯t look well, and she was particrly worried about his health. She quickly reached out to pat his back to help him breathe easier<b>, </b>fearing that his anger might lead to something serious<b>. </b>¡°Dad, I ¡ª¡±

    <b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak!¡± Maverick warned in a low voice. ¡°I must help you seek justice in this matter. They lost you for no reason, and now they want to im you back without any exnation. Over twenty years have passed with a single word. On what grounds?<b>¡±</b>

    Howard didn¡¯t offer any exnations, but he said with a sense of guilt, ¡°Lysa, Maverick is right. We indeed owe you an exnation. Maverick, for over twenty years, it¡¯s been you and your wife who have been caring for her. I have no right to dispute with you over our daughter. I only hope that you would give us a chance to join you in taking care of her.¡±

    Maverick¡¯s anger slightly subsided when he heard those words. His voice then took on a noticeably more weathered tone.

    ¡°I¡¯m known for being straightforward, and that¡¯s just how it is, I¡¯ve raised Lysa since she <b>was </b><b>little</b>, and <b>she¡¯s </b>been mistreated once before. Last time, I was blind and <b>failed </b>to <b>see </b>people¡¯s true <b>colors</b>. This time, <b>I </b>absolutely won¡¯t <b>let </b>Lysa <b>suffer </b>any injustice<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    With that Maverick chat a harch nce at Insigh

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    Chapter 537 Dad Has Your Back

    Upon <b>seeing </b>this<b>, </b>Maverick could only say, ¡°My daughter is a gem<b>. </b><b>She¡¯s </b>always been excellent <b>and </b><b>eager </b><b>to </b>learn, <b>striving </b>to be the best. Her character <i>is </i>beyond reproach. Her only w is that she¡¯s too naive. First, <b>she </b><b>was </b>tricked into a sham marriage by that b<b>*</b>stard, and then you two, her <b>so</b>¨Ccalled <b>biological </b>parents, <b>coaxed </b>her into giving up her career. I just don¡¯t understand. You bothe from influential families. <b>Why </b>do you insist on taking advantage of Lysa¡­¡±

    As he continued speaking, Maverick¡¯s voice began to falter, gradually fading into a whisper.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as she tightly held onto her father¡¯s hand, attempting to cheer him up. ¡°Dad, you rarely praised me in the past. I remember when I was epted into medical university, you didn¡¯t have as many kind words to say.¡±

    Hearing that, Maverick sighed and shook his head. ¡°This is my fault. I thought being strict would be better for my children. I didn¡¯t anticipate it would foster such a selfless nature in you. I truly am to me for this.

    ¡°No!¡± Lysander firmly refuted. ¡°I¡¯m a doctor. Shouldn¡¯t I always prioritize the patient¡¯s needs? Your strictness toward me is justified.¡±

    Maverick said in a heartbroken tone, ¡°In fact, you¡¯ve always been the pride <b>of </b>your mother and me<b>. </b>Having a wonderful daughter like you has always been a great honor for us<b>. </b>I just didn¡¯t expect that you would be so kind¨Chearted as to take over their family business, giving up your own career. It¡¯s such a pity. Being a doctor has always been your dream since you were a child. The thought of you giving up on it just pains me¡­¡±

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°When I found out you were epted into Harborbrook Medical University, I was so thrilled I barely slept <i>that </i>night. When youter became a doctor, I bragged about it to anyone I could. I assumed that your return this time was to further your studies in medicine. I never expected you to give up halfway because of them.¡±

    His words were tinged with regret, yet he couldn¡¯t bring himself to utter even half a sentence of me toward Lysander.

    Lysander said anxiously, ¡°Dad, given the chance, I¡¯ll go back to being a doctor.¡±

    Seeing her eyes turn red, Maverick felt a wave of difort in his heart. He quickly lifted his rough hand to wipe her tears away.

    All right, Lysa. Don¡¯t cry. I didn¡¯t mean anything else by my words. I simply believe that saving lives as a doctor is far more noble than engaging in ruthless businesspetition for money. You genuinely love medicine. Switching careers after being an expatriate would be a waste of your talent and the years of effort you¡¯ve put in,¡± Maverick said.

    ¡°I never intended to change my careerpletely. I¡¯ve thought it through. Once I get through this period and stabilize Thorne Constructions and Energies or find a reliable sessor, I¡¯ll return immediately,¡± she

    said.

    Maverick was somewhat worried. ¡°Can you really return? After you leave, the hospital¡¯s obstetrics and gynecology department can¡¯t be without a doctor, right? They¡¯d have to bring in someone from <b>elsewhere</b>. By then, would there even be/a position left for <b>you-</b><b>¡®</b>

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    Chapter 537 Dad Has Your Back

    that if Lysander wishes to return, she is wee back anytime?

    ¡°Was I talking to you?¡±

    Josiah touched his nose. ¡°No¡­¡±

    Maverick couldn¡¯t stand the sight of Josiah.

    make up

    neoing all these bits and pieces

    for the harm you¡¯ve done to Lysa in the think that

    out of our family¡¯s affairs.¡±

    now can Lysa has to do with you. From now on, stay

    In the end, it was as if Maverick suddenly remembered something. He directly said to Howard, ¡°If you want Lysa to associate with this b*stard for the sake of yourpany, I absolutely refuse!¡±

    still

    ard had no choice but to follow Maverick was resolute in his stance. Knowing he was in the wrong, Maverick¡¯s lead by saying, ¡°I fully respect Lysa¡¯s opinion on this matter. If she <b>is </b>unwilling, I promise not to convince her otherwise.¡±

    Lysander yfully shook Maverick¡¯s arm, coaxing him as she said, ¡°Dad, you have to believe in me.¡±

    ently dered, ¡°I

    Upon hearing those words, Maverick felt a wave of relief wash over him. He believe in you fully. Whether it¡¯s managing thepany or returning to the hospital for further studies, as long as it¡¯s what you want, you can definitely achieve it through hard work.¡±

    Lysander felt touched and smiled. She then personally poured Maverick some tea and said, ¡°The previous cup of tea has gone cold. Please drink this one instead.¡±

 Chapter 538

    Chapter 538 Our Own Lives

    Maverick¡¯s previously furrowed brows rxed considerably after he resolved a significant worry, and his voice also became noticeably lighter. ¡°If you¡¯re feeling pressured, don¡¯t force yourself. I don¡¯t want topel you to live life the way I¡¯ve dictated. All I hope for is that you don¡¯t let anyone dictate your moralpass. What matters most is doing what you love and what you¡¯re willing to do. Since you¡¯ve made your decision, know that I¡¯m fully behind you.¡±

    As he spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but raise his hand to rub the corner of his eye. He was determined to maintain his dignity at all costs, fearing the embarrassment of shedding tears in front of his daughter as a grown man.

    Lysander didn¡¯t concern herself with all these details. She immediately gave him a hug. ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡±

    ustomed to his rough ways, Maverick was somewhat ufortable with such delicate expressions of emotion. For a moment, he stiffened, but he still managed to pat his daughter¡¯s back gently in response.

    Atst, Maverick and Lysander had managed to clear the air.

    ¡°Maverick, I understand your point. I would never force Lysa to do anything she¡¯s unwilling to. After <b>all</b>, losing her in the first ce was my fault. Now, her willingness to help when I¡¯m at my wits¡® end is already more than I could ask for. If she wants to return to her medical practice, she can do so at any time. I¡¯ll figure out another way to handle thepany¡¯s affairs. If all else fails, Josiah could help. Right, Josiah?¡±

    Josiah quickly nodded in agreement. ¡°Yes, I can take over at any time. If Lysander wants to return to the hospital, she can do so whenever she pleases. It¡¯s entirely up to her.¡±

    ¡°I was speaking to Lysa¡¯s biological father. What gives you the right to interrupt?¡± Maverick said indignantly. ¡°Besides, even if you wanted to help, you¡¯d be doing a favor for Mr. Howard, not for Lysa. Lysa doesn¡¯t owe you anything.¡±

    ¡°Yes, she owes me nothing. It¡¯s me who owes her, and I know that.¡±

    Maverick patted Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Be careful with this young man. I still see him as untrustworthy. Keep your distance from him in the future.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Dad.¡±

    With a helpless, wry smile, Josiah let out several sighs.

    Howard was caught up in his own emotions, but he was helpless. All he could do was pat Josiah on the shoulder in an attempt to soothe him./

    ¡°Also, regarding the matter of changing her name, you must respect Lysa¡¯s wishes. You can¡¯t force her to change her stance,¡± Maverick said.

    A hint of disappointment crossed Howard¡¯s face. ¡°All right. Lysa can do whatever she wants.¡±

    To that day, Lysander was unsure of how to address Howard. Afterposing herself, she said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Howard¡¯s eyes welled up with emotion. ¡°What¡¯s there to thank? As long as you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s all that matters. Also, if you ever want to return to the medical field¡­¡±

    anding <b>of </b><b>Lyman </b><b>Ano¡¯s </b>denom. and his win.

    Chapter 538 Our Own Lives

    began to waver. <i>This </i><i>child </i><i>has </i><i>never </i><i>shared </i><i>her </i><i>thoughts </i>with <i>me</i>.

    With a gentle smile, Lysander reassured, ¡°I¡¯ve got a pretty good grasp on the affairs of Thorne Constructions and Energies now. I should be officially ready to take over thepany soon. Your wife still needs your care at the moment, so let¡¯s see how things go after I get through this period.¡±

    Howard responded with emotion, ¡°All right. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, you must let me know.¡±

    Maverick was a straightforward man. Seeing Howard¡¯s sincerity, it didn¡¯t seem like he was <b>just </b>going through the motions. Maverick also put on <b>a </b>serious expression and asked, ¡°I¡¯ll ask onest time. Are you certain that Lysa is indeed your biological daughter?¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    The incident urred so abruptly that Maverick had a hard timeing to terms with it for a moment.

    Howard earnestly said, ¡°It¡¯s true. We¡¯ve already had a DNA test done.¡±

    Only then did Maverick fully believe it. He then asked, ¡°All right. By the way, there¡¯s something else. When I say I want her back, I don¡¯t mean I want another child in the house. I mean, I want her back in her original ce. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying? If Lysa continues to y the role of a sister to <b>that </b>missy, you shouldn¡¯t bother to acknowledge her as your child!¡±

    Howard solemnly promised, ¡°Of course. Lyss¡­ Well, she¡¯s always been headstrong since she was a child. My wife¡¯s health has been poor, and I¡¯ve spent these past years caring for her. We didn¡¯t really restrict her, and we never imagined she would turn out this way. It caught both my wife and Ipletely off guard.¡±

    Maverick nodded. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take your words as sincere. So, let¡¯s set some ground rules. I have three conditions.¡±

    Howard was quick to agree, ¡°All right-

    Maverick interrupted, ¡°You can express your opinion after I¡¯ve finished speaking. There¡¯s no rush. Firstly, regardless of how your adopted daughter is doing, the moment Lysa decides to return, she bes the only daughter of your family. The past debts are unavoidable, and Lysa<b>, </b>being kind¨Chearted, doesn¡¯t hold any grudges. However, I can¡¯t help but think on her behalf. Everything rightfully hers must be returned to her, not a bit less.¡±

    In the past, the Thorne family had only one daughter, Lysanne.

    Lysander had never wanted anything from the Thorne family, but upon hearing her father speak in such a manner, she felt a warmth in her heart. It was clear Maverick truly had her best interests at heart.

    Upon hearing the mention of Lysanne, Howard was filled with nothing but disappointment. He immediately responded, ¡°That¡¯s not an issue. It¡¯s what we, as parents, should do.¡±

    ¡°All right, remember you said this<b>. </b>If I ever find out that you¡¯re favoring your adopted daughter and hurting Lysa, I won¡¯t let it slide. In terms of wealth, our family may notpare to yours, but we do have our pride.¡± Maverick was terrified of Lysander experiencing even the slightest hardship.

    Howard nodded repeatedly. ¡°Maverick, about this matter, I made up my mind long ago. Even the division of property has been arranged by awyer. If you¡¯re not at <b>ease</b><b>, </b>I can show you the documents.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go through all that trouble. I wouldn¡¯t understand it, anyway.¡± Maverick then continued, ¡°Secondly, I¡¯m also Lysa¡¯s father. After she acknowledges her biological family, you can¡¯t keep me from seeing my daughter.¡±

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    Chapter 538 Our Own Lives

    and by what I said in the ward. From now on,

    Howard naturally agreed wholeheartedly, ¡°Rest assured. I our two families will be as one. Coincidentally, if we trace surnames, we were one family five hundred years ago. We will take care of Lysa¡¯s,

    same way. Whether she decides to further her studies or work in the future, I will definitely provide full support.¡±

    Sister in the Pack our

    Maverick waved his hand somewhat ufortably. ¡°Please

    I¡¯m me

    ustomed to being with my

    Or f¨¦alise in different environments. It¡¯s best ich stick

    to our own lives. There¡¯s no

    We

    need to force a blend.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Howard looked at Lysander, his eyes full of affection as he said, ¡°Lysa, from now on, live

    home. If you wish<b>, </b>you can even buy wherever you want. I won¡¯t interfere at all. Both ces are <i>you</i>

    another house<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander pondered and said, ¡°I¡¯d rather spend more time with my parents. Michelle also needs someone to take care of her.¡±

    Howard felt a twinge of bitterness, but he knew such matters couldn¡¯t be rushed. He responded, ¡°All right. Since we¡¯re all in the same hospital now, it will be easier for us to interact more in the future.¡±

    Howard knew that the lost time couldn¡¯t be reimed simply through blood ties.

    Maverick neither agreed nor disagreed, but he vehemently brought up the third condition. ¡°Thest condition is rted to him. In the past, for the sake of your family¡¯s adopted daughter, he made Lysander suffer <i>a </i>lot. I absolutely will not allow him to appear by Lysa¡¯s side again!¡±

    Maverick pointed at Josiah, his demeanor resolute.

    Josiah straightened his back, not intending to evade. His tone was humble when he said, ¡°Mr. Maverick, all the past mistakes are on me. I me myself for not recognizing the people around me clearly and not understanding my own heart. Now, I have seen everything clearly.¡±

    ¡°If you had truly seen things clearly, you wouldn¡¯t havee back to pester her. If it wasn¡¯t for you, would she have had to suffer so much? Agreeing to your marriage is the biggest mistake of my life!¡± Maverick scolded.

    After berating Josiah, Maverick abruptly turned to Howard, his expression changing. ¡°This final condition is the most crucial one. Can you agree with it or not? If not, we can forget about the whole discussion!¡±

 Chapter 539

    Chapter 539 The Role Of Parents

    Had Lysander not been sitting next to him, Maverick would surely have mmed the table in anger by

    then.

    However, Maverick restrained himself, saying, ¡°This b<b>*</b>stard is a cheater, always wanting what he can¡¯t have. He caused so much pain for Lysa in the past, and now he has the audacity toe back and bother her. As Lysa¡¯s biological father, are you just going to stand by and let him harass her?¡±

    Josiah was well aware that any further exnation at this point would only make matters worse. He remained silent, his head bowed in resignation, sighing softly.

    Caught in the middle, Howard truly found himself in a bit of a bind. ¡°Maverick, please calm down first. I¡¯m aware of some of the past events. The situation with Josiah was indeed handled poorly<b>, </b>causing Lysa to suffer. However, Josiah didn¡¯t intend for this to happen. He simply misunderstood-¡±

    Maverick raised his voice and interrupted, ¡°He didn¡¯t intend for this to happen? What do

    you mean? Everything I¡¯ve said is what I¡¯ve seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears. If you don¡¯t believe me, go back and ask your adopted daughter! Ask her what she¡¯s been up to!¡±

    Because of Lysanne, Maverick had a prejudice against the Thorne family, and inevitably, he also held resentment toward Howard.

    Howard tactfully assessed the situation and said, ¡°I¡¯ve watched Josiah grow up, and I understand his character. We can¡¯t deny him the chance to better himself, can we?¡±

    ¡°Character? His character is nothing but a cheap knock¨Coff!¡± Maverick was so infuriated he could barely breathe.

    He then proceeded to criticize Josiah by roaring, ¡°This man once deceived Lysa, forcing her to divorce and make way for another woman. Now he regrets it, but it¡¯s toote!¡±

    Howard knew the woman he was referring to was Lysanne, his expression shifting through a myriad of

    emotions.

    Maverick couldn¡¯t stand his dilly¨Cdallying on such a crucial matter and asked again, ¡°Can you just tell me if you can agree to these three conditions or not?¡±

    ¡°The first two points are fine, and I have no objections to the third. However, it¡¯s true that Lysa could use some help right now. Setting personal matters aside, in terms of business, Josiah is indeed the best choice.¡± Howard was also considering Lysander¡¯s interests<b>.</b>

    Maverick was entirely intolerant of this. ¡°As long as there¡¯s any professional interaction, this guy just won¡¯t give up!¡±

    Seeing that Howard was still somewhat hesitant, Maverick directly gave Josiah a thorough dressing¨Cdown. ¡°Even if I were to believe that the sun could rise from the west, I would never believe that this <b>b</b>*stard could truly change his ways. He is still involved with other women in a very shady way. I saw it with my own eyes today!¡±

    Howard was immediately taken aback. ¡°Josiah, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    When Josiah thought about Tiffany and Dillon¡¯s coincidental appearance that day and how they had deliberately made sure Maverick saw them, he felt a wave of unease in his heart. ¡°This time, it was truly a micunderstanding. <b>I¡¯ve </b>already instructed the PR department to iecue a statement¡±

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    Howard attempted to mediate between the two parties, humbly suggesting, ¡°Maverick, I understand that you¡¯re protective of Lysa, but could you possibly <b>give </b>Josiah a chance to speak? He genuinely regrets <b>his </b>actions now. After all, this is a matter between the two kids. Perhaps we should let them resolve <b>it</b>

    themselves.¡±

    ¡°All right. Since you¡¯ve put it that way, there¡¯s no need for further discussion. This is where I draw the line.¡± Maverick was resolute, not backing down. He immediately took Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Lysa,e with me.<b>¡±</b>

    He didn¡¯t give Howard another chance to speak. Instead, he shielded Lysander and led her downstairs. As they passed by the front desk, he casually settled the bill for the jasmine tea.

    Throughout the journey, Lysander kept stealing nces at Maverick, worried that he might be ill due to his anger. However, he merely maintained a stern expression and said, ¡°We¡¯re going back to the hospital.¡±

    She walked ahead, and her sorrow was evident with every step. ¡°Dad, getting I exin everything to you slowly?¡± she pleaded, her voice tinged with distress.

    gry

    will only bu

    you. Can

    There was no one else around. Once Lysander had started speaking, she simply decided to finish what she had to say. ¡°I have no interest in Thorne Constructions and Energies and their properties. However, you once told me that the hardest debt to repay in this world is a debt of gratitude. My involvement with Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® affairs this time is simply to clear what I owe them. In the future, I will still be your daughter, dutifully honoring you and taking care of Michelle,¡±

    Once Lysander finished speaking, she leaned in to look at him.

    It was evident that Maverick¡¯s eyes had reddened at some point, his teeth gritted as he fought to keep the tears from falling. The usually resolute face was then marred with an indescribable sense of sorrow and reluctance.

    Lysander¡¯s heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, making her breathing difficult. ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Choked up, Maverick responded, pausing in his tracks to lean against a tree <i>by </i>the sidewalk. He carelessly wiped away his tears with his hand.

    In Lysander¡¯s memory, he had always been tall and dependable. Although he was not one to joke around, his affection for her and her sister was unparalleled. Yet, this was the first time he had shown such vulnerability.

    Even his once straight back had unknowingly begun to stoop over time.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.

    Lysander felt an unbearable ache in her heart. She walked over and gently took his hand, rough and calloused from years of hard work. With teary eyes, she said, ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be upset. I remember everything you¡¯ve said. No one could everpare to you and Mom in my eyes. When I was sick as a child, it was Mom who looked after me throughout the night. Besides, you would always bring me tasty treats after work. And then there¡¯s Michelle, who was always there for me when I was feeling down.¡±

    Memories of the past filled Lysander¡¯s heart as she uttered with overwhelming emotion, ¡°Without all of you, I might have silently passed away in some unnoticed corner long ago. I wouldn¡¯t have grown up, let

    alone be a doctor.¡±

    Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Maverick let his tears fall. Just as he used to when Lysander was a child, he reached out and gently touched her head<b>, </b>saying, ¡°I¡¯m <b>fine</b>. I¡¯m just moved. You are my pride and joy. I should have told you this sooner.¡±

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    Lysander took a deep breath as if she had transformed back into that liter

    over and hugged him, breaking into tears.

    girl from the <b>past</b><b>. </b>She rushed

    Upon seeing his daughter¡¯s distress, Maverick quickly consoled her by saying, ¡°No more tears. There¡¯s no need for you to worry about anything. As long as I¡¯m here, no one will dare to bully you again!¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Lysander lifted her head, wiping her face with a smile. Her nose was red from crying, but she felt an unusual sense of relief in her heart. It was as if she had cried out all the worries that had been guing her recently.

    Maverick wanted to wipe her tears away, but as he raised his hand, he realized it was also wet with tears. He awkwardly dried his hand on his clothes first, let out a sigh, and said, ¡°You¡¯ve been crying like a little kitten.¡±

    Only then did Lysander remember that she had tissues with her. She quickly found them and handed half to her father.

    Maverick and Lysander each took half of a tissue and began to wipe away their tears.

    Maverick didn¡¯t anticipate that, despite his repeated restraint, he would still lose hisposure in front of his daughter. Embarrassed, he found himself absent¨Cmindedly touching his face.

    Lysander, understanding the situation, said, ¡°Dad, let¡¯s stand here a while before going back. Otherwise, Mom and Mich will worry when they see us. When we left, she was constantly looking out, clearly

    anxious.¡±

    Maverick thought of his wife and younger daughter left in the ward, pausing for a moment beneath the hospital wing to collect his emotions.

    Lysander refused to return first to seek shelter from the wind, choosing instead to stand there with him. ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll always be there for you and Mom, and Mich will forever be my little sister.¡±

    Maverick was worried that his recent behavior had frightened her, so he reassured her, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Didn¡¯t I say that no one can bully you, not even your biological parents? As for that b*stard, he shouldn¡¯t even think about getting close to you again. If he bothers you again, I¡¯ll confront him!¡±

    Afraid that she might burst into tears again, Lysander simply nodded in silence.

    Maverick¡¯s expression was softer than ever before. He said with a loving gaze, ¡°Actually, I know I¡¯m just an ordinary man in this life, and there¡¯s no chance of bing someone influential. If I truly want you to live well, we still have to rely on the influential Thorne family. So, it¡¯s a good thing that you¡¯ve acknowledged them.¡±

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    Chapter 540 Seeing A Bandit

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected her father, who had just been so vehement in the caf¨¦, to so <b>quickly </b><b>start </b>persuading her.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    ¡°You will always be my daughter, but instead of keeping you trapped here, I¡¯d rather see you live a better life. You¡¯ve suffered too many injustices in the past. I gave them the three conditions to prevent <b>them </b><b>from </b>looking down on you. That adopted girl who used to bully you is not <b>a </b>good person, but they¡¯ve lived with her for so many years that it¡¯s inevitable they might be soft¨Chearted toward her. You¡¯ve already been <b>at </b><b>a </b>disadvantage once because of her, and I fear their indecisiveness might cause you to suffer again.¡±

    Maverick was a rough and simple man who didn¡¯t put much thought into his own house¨Cbuying process. However, when it came to <b>his </b>daughter, <b>his </b>considerations ran deep, fearing even the slightest oversight.

    In the face of such profound paternal love, all words became feeble and insignificant.

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to dash his hopes. So, choking back tears, she agreed.

    When Maverick and Lysander returned to the ward, Michelle and Laura had already been anxiously waiting for them for quite some time.

    Laura was standing by the window, her gaze fixed on the view below. She <b>was </b><b>so </b>engrossed that she didn¡¯t even hear the door opening behind her.

    Michelle¡¯s eyes lit up as shey in her bed. ¡°Mom, Dad and Lysander are back!¡±

    As Michelle spoke, she instinctively tried to rise to greet them, nearly forgetting that she was still nursing her injuries.

    Lysander quickly rushed over and gently pushed Michelle back down. ¡°You need to lie down now!¡±

    Michelle noticed their reddened eyes, her worry evident as she asked, ¡°Lysander, why have you been crying? Did those two people bully you? Also, Dad¡­¡±

    With a puzzled look, she gazed at Maverick, unsure whether to voice her lingering question.

    Maverick had never shed a tear at home before. At that moment, stubbornly keeping his pride, he said, ¡°I¡¯m fine. Let¡¯s not bring up those two, especially that b*stard who hurt your sister. I¡¯ll hit him every time <b>I </b>see him!¡±

    Lysander knew <b>that </b>Maverick was afraid Michelle might notice he had been crying. So, she covered for him, saying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. The wind outside <b>is </b>strong. It made his eyes sting.¡±

    2 22 2 <

    Michelle <b>was </b>uncertain, but due to her trust in her sister, she didn¡¯t ask too <b>many </b>questions.

    After observing <b>the </b><b>father </b>and daughter, Laura had a rough idea of <b>what </b>was going on<b>, </b>but she chose not to expose them. <b>Instead</b>, she asked, ¡°How did the discussion go?¡±

    ¡°It went all right.¡± Maverick didn¡¯t want to worry them, but he <b>felt </b>he should <b>still </b>share something. <b>¡°</b><b>Their </b>attitude was decent. They seem genuinely fond of Lysa, and they appear to be <b>quite </b><b>generous</b>.

    Laura was aware of <b>the </b>truth. Once Lysander sat down by the <b>bed</b><b>, </b>she <b>ryed </b><b>the </b>course of <b>events </b><b>to</b>This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

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    Michelle¡¯s mouth fell open in surprise. Regaining herposure, she dered resolutely, ¡°I don¡¯t care! <b>As </b>far back as I can remember, you¡¯ve always been my sister. And no matter where you go in the future, you¡¯ll always be my sister!¡±

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°Of course<b>, </b>I¡¯m your sister. During my university days, I was always awarded schrship. If you dare to fail a subject, just see how I¡¯ll deal with you.¡±

    Michelle shrank her neck. ¡°Don¡¯t, Lysander¡­ I¡¯m still injured¡­¡±

    ¡°Did you really fail a subject?¡°.

    ¡°No! No! It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been tied up with so many thingstely. I had to beg my counselor for a long leave. I¡¯m just scared about failing¡­¡±

    With a light chuckle, Lysander broke intoughter, gently stroking Michelle¡¯s hair. ¡°Freshman and sophomore years are all about basic courses, nothing too hard. Just put in some effort, and maybe find a ssmate who¡¯s doing well to help you study,¡± she advised.

    ¡°I see¡­ Okay!¡±

    The matter that had been a source of worry for so long was finally brought to light.

    Laura dabbed at the corner of her eyes and said, ¡°You two sisters, when you get together, the chatter never ends. How could you two ever lose each other?¡±

    Lysander let out a relievedugh. ¡°Yes, Mom. The same goes for my rtionship with you and Dad. We will never part ways.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Maverick dropped his facade as the head of the family. He moved forward, gathering his wife and two daughters in his arms. With deep emotion, he dered, ¡°We are forever a family.¡±

    As they were in the midst of their conversation, the door to <i>the</i>

    outside.

    ward was opened yet again from the

    Assuming that it was either Josiah or Howard who had followed him, Maverick quickly rose to his feet and looked over. However, his expression subtly shifted.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you guys.¡± Maverick then said to Laura with a grim expression, ¡°Cam is here.¡±

    Zachary wasn¡¯t mentioned at all.

    The incident where the contract was manipted the previous time was still fresh in Maverick¡¯s memory.

    Zachary greeted them somewhat awkwardly by saying, ¡°Hello, Mr. Thorne. Hello, Mrs. Thorne. My mom was worried about Mich<b>, </b><b>so </b>we came to check on her.¡±

    Maverick responded nonchntly, his voice as low as a hum from the tip of his nose<b>.</b>

    Cam, however, didn¡¯t pay attention to these subtle details. She came directly to the bedside, carrying a fruit basket and fresh flowers for the patient. She said to Laura, ¡°I heard that Michelle <b>was </b>hospitalized. I¡¯ve wanted to visit her for a while but got held up by other matters. It¡¯s only with great difficulty that I manage to bring Zachary along.¡±

    Laura gave Cam a dryugh, but she refused to engage with Zachary. ¡°Cam<b>, </b>please have a seat.¡±

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    Cam, who was quite close to her, asked at that moment, ¡°Why is everyone here today? Even Lysander is back. I hope Michelle¡¯s condition isn¡¯t too serious.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s fine. She has recovered quite well.¡± Maverick was fairly polite to her, but his gaze toward Zachary was just short of outrightly asking him to leave.

    Zachary was unfazed. His gaze remained fixed on Lysander.

    The atmosphere in the ward subtly shifted.

    At that time, Lysander felt a certain physical aversion toward him. Even a mere nce from him made her feel utterly ufortable.

    Zachary, however, was quite unabashed. He took a step forward and asked, ¡°Michelle, are you okay? Was <b>is </b>a serious ident?¡±

    Michelle replied, ¡°I¡¯m doing well. I¡¯ll be discharged from the hospital soon.¡±

    Lysander was certain that the injury had something to do with Zachary. Without missing <i>a </i>beat, she asked him, ¡°You must be quite busy with work recently, aren¡¯t you? How did you find the time to visit?¡±

    Zachary offered a fake smile. ¡°Given the close friendship between my mom and Mrs. Thorne, it¡¯s only natural for me to apany my mom to visit Michelle when she¡¯s injured. I¡¯ve even handpicked the fruit basket myself, ensuring it¡¯s filled with seasonal fruits.¡±

    Cam exined warmly, ¡°I told him the same thing. I initially nned to bring some delicious food for Michelle to help her recover, but he said that it¡¯s not customary to bring food when visiting a patient these days. So, I bought a bouquet instead. I heard girls like it.¡±

    to hers

    After Lysander learned that these two things were rted to Zachary, her gaze instantly grew wary as she

    looked at them.

    As wary as her, Maverick quietly made his way to the fruit basket, took a look, and then said, ¡°The room is quite small. I¡¯ll take these things out for now.¡±

    Cam was somewhat puzzled. She chuckled and asked, ¡°Why is everyone so on edge today as if they¡¯ve seen a bandit or something?¡±

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 Chapter 541

    Chapter 541 Your Life Is At Stake

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Laura responded indifferently. ¡°Don¡¯t bring

    oping anything next time. Weck nothing here¡±

    Cam was still smiling cheerfully. ¡°When visiting a sick person<b>, </b>one shouldn¡¯te empty¨Chanded. This is just a small token of our affection from Zachary and <b>me</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander replied on behalf of her mother, ¡°Mdm. Cam, Zachary, thank you.¡±

    It seemed like Zachary had a hidden message in his words when he said, ¡°No worries. <b>If </b>anything, I should be the one thanking you. After all, you¡¯ve done me a huge favor.¡±

    Lysander gently ushered out the duo by saying, ¡°You must be quite busytely. If there¡¯s nothing pressing, you don¡¯t need to stay here. You should get back to work.¡±

    Zachary¡¯s eyes narrowed coldly, and his gaze toward her <i>was</i>

    chilling.

    Cam then exchanged a few words with Laura about Michelle¡¯s condition when she noticed the silence. She casually remarked, ¡°Lysander, I heard from your mother that you¡¯ve been quite busy with worktely. Is that right?¡±

    ¡°I am, but <b>I </b>still find the time to visit home,¡± Lysander replied politely, careful not to direct his dislike for Zachary toward Cam.

    Cam hadn¡¯t seen Lysander in a while and assumed everything was just like before. She warmly said, ¡°You¡¯re so young. Don¡¯t work too hard. Zachary is the same. Lately, I don¡¯t even know what he¡¯s been so busy with, always working overtime into the wee hours.¡±

    ¡°Working hard is amendable thing.¡±

    Cam was quite pleased with her son¡¯s work. She chuckled and said, ¡°Yes, it seems he¡¯s started a new project. If all goes well, he¡¯ll soon have a business of his own.¡±

    Both Maverick and Laura listened in silence, neither of them continuing the ttery.

    Michelle did manage to steal an extra nce at Zachary, but before she could get a clear look, Lysander, who had stood up to draw the curtains, obstructed her view. She gently warned Michelle, ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. Don¡¯t let the wind chill you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lysander,¡± Michelle said, instinctively tightening her <b>coat </b>around herself.

    Zachary¡¯s teeth were nearly grinding together, unable to devise a n against Lysander¡¯s guardedness. All he could do was say, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re jumping the gun here. I want to make something of myself, but it all depends on whether things go smoothly.¡±

    His words carried a hidden message, intended specifically for Lysander to hear.

    Cam was initially bewildered when she heard those words. After a moment<b>, </b>she responded, ¡°We older folks can¡¯t really understand you young people¡¯s matters. Don¡¯t just sit here brooding. Why don¡¯t you take Lysander out for a stroll? You can chat in a different setting. Mrs. Thorne and I can have our own conversation, too.¡±

    In a ce hidden from the others, Zachary shot a resentful nce at Lysander. ¡°Sure. Lysander, shall we step outside to talk?<b>¡±</b>

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    Chapter 541 Your Life Is At Stake

    He stood up, but no sooner had he approached Lysander than she subtly sidestepped him. However, there was something about Michelle that Lysander needed <b>to </b>question him about.

    Hence, she was the first to walk toward the door. ¡°I <b>also </b>happen to have something to say to you.¡±

    Cam hastily hinted at him<b>, </b>urging, ¡°You¡¯re both good kids. Don¡¯t let work create a rift between you. You should spend more time together. Even if you can¡¯t be a couple, you can <b>still </b>remain good friends.¡±

    When Maverick saw that Zachary was really about to leave, he stepped forward to stop him. ¡°Lysa, it¡¯s cold outside. Whatever you two need to discuss, do it inside.¡±

    Zachary reluctantly put on a facade. ¡°Mr. Thorne, Lysander and I <b>just </b>want to catch up on old times. Besides, this is a hospital filled with Lysander¡¯s former colleagues. Are you still worried that I¡¯ll mistreat her?¡±

    Maverick¡¯s temper almost red up. ¡°You-¡±

    ¡°Dad, it¡¯s all right,¡± Lysander quickly interjected, finding an excuse to interrupt. ¡°It¡¯s almost noon now. The wind has died down. It¡¯s not that cold anymore.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Maverick replied with a sense of relief and concern, ¡°Please<b>, </b>don¡¯t wander off too far. Stick to the crowded areas<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Lysander reassured.

    Upon seeing the situation, Cam couldn¡¯t help but tease Laura, ¡°Oh, your husband is something. Your daughter is already so grown up. What¡¯s there to worry about? If this continues in the future¡­¡±

    The words that followed were left lingering in the ward, apanying the sound of Zachary closing the door behind him.

    Once they were alone, Lysander and Zachary could no longer maintain their outwardposure, their expressions turning cold in an instant.

    As noon approached, the small garden was nearly deserted, with only a few security guards pacing back and forth in the distance.

    Lysander lowered her voice and asked, ¡°What about Michelle¡¯s car ident? What can you tell me?¡±

    Zachary chuckled. ¡°Didn¡¯t Josiah tell you?¡±

    ¡°Tell me what?¡±

    ¡°Pfft! Mr. Guerra is always the romantic. He didn¡¯t want to worry you, so he didn¡¯t tell you a thing.¡±

    Lysander said coldly, ¡°Did youe all the way to the hospital just to talk in riddles to me? If you have nothing to say, then it¡¯s better if you leave. I won¡¯t see you out.¡±

    With that, Lysander was about to turn around and head back to the ward.

    Behind her, Zachary wore a gloomy expression as he said, ¡°I need you to go to Josiah again and have him finance my project.¡±

    ¡°Just go directly to him for business matters<b>!</b>¡±

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    ¡°But if you were to speak up, this matter would surely be easily resolved, right? He¡¯s still quite attentive to y resolved, right? He¡¯s still quite attentive to you, isn¡¯t he?<b>¡±</b>

    With augh, Lysander said, ¡°You¡¯re dreaming<b>.¡±</b>

    Zachary¡¯sughter held a hint of menace. ¡°Tsk¡­ Thest time I called you, he was the one who picked up. It was <b>so </bte. What could you two possibly be doing together?¡±

    Lysander chuckled sarcastically. ¡°Josiah is no fool. Did you really think he¡¯d give me whatever I asked for?¡±

    With a cold chuckle, Zachary made it clear that he was unconvinced. ¡°You should give <b>it </b>a try.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t bother exining. She simply said, ¡°I¡¯ve done what I had to do under your threats in the past. Based on Mdm. Cam¡¯s words, you¡¯ve also been quite busy recently. Since you¡¯ve gotten what you wanted, you should stop pushing your luck. If you continue to be insatiably greedy, what I¡¯ll ask from Josiah won¡¯t be money anymore.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that, then?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Your life.¡±

    ¡°Ha!¡± Zachary burst intoughter. ¡°Isn¡¯t that why he¡¯s so fond of you? You really do understand him. How did you know that what he desires is also my

    life?¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just keep your head down and behave properly? You¡¯ve seen what Josiah is like when he¡¯s enraged. For Mdm. Cam¡¯s sake, you should really look out for yourself.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t bring myself to ept it, though, knowing that my abilities are no less than anyone else¡¯s. I¡¯m merely deprived of an opportunity, just one step away from sess. Only one step!¡±

    ¡°All right, then. You can only have one. Choose between your career and your life.¡±

    Pierced right where it hurt, Zachary was so infuriated that his hands, hanging by his sides, started to tremble uncontrobly.

    After Lysander finished speaking, she turned to go back to the ward. He then immediately blocked her path and dered angrily, ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere!¡±

    Thendscape tree on one side, along with the lush shrubbery, conveniently obscured the view from elsewhere.

    Lysander cautiously asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±

    Zachary¡¯s eyes zed with an unwilling rage, his fierce expression revealing his frustration.

    ¡°What do I want to do? Josiah wants to kill me, huh? Even if I were to die, I¡¯d make sure his precious person dies with me¡­¡±

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    Chapter 542 The Deadly Duo

    His words came out jumbled and incoherent, sounding utterly deranged.

    Lysander remained standing, unmoved.

    Zachary blew a whistle, teeming with intrigue. ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°What¡¯s there to fear? It¡¯s broad daylight with peopleing and going. Surveince cameras are everywhere. What can you possibly do?¡±

    Zachary raised an eyebrow. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that I might have a knife and could stab you without a second thought?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t.¡± Lysander was certain. ¡°Only Harry would do such a foolish thing as perish together. Not you. Even if you wanted to kill me, you¡¯d find a way to protect yourself. Most likely, you¡¯d find a scapegoat to take the me while you sit back and watch from a safe distance. Is Lysanne your scapegoat<i>?</i>¡±

    ¡°Pfft!¡± Zachary nodded heavily. ¡°I must admit that you do know me well. What a pity, though.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that Josiah has the advantage of a stronger family background and a higher starting point than me. That¡¯s all it is. A head start. If I had his family resources, I wouldn¡¯t necessarily be any worse off. If we joined forces, we would be an unstoppable force. Is there anything in this world we couldn¡¯t aplish?¡±

    As Lysander listened, the more outrageous it sounded. ¡°Firstly, aren¡¯t you overestimating yourself? Secondly, even if you had the family background of Josiah,

    I wouldn¡¯t be with an unscrupulous devil like you.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think Josiah is some kind of saint?¡± Zachary scoffed with a coldugh. ¡°He only ys the good

    y in front of you, but his hands are far dirtier than mi

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to borate on this matter. She asked, ¡°Tell me something. Did you have anything to do with Lysanne showing up at my sister¡¯s ward, spouting all sorts of things?<b>¡±</b>

    Zachary¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Don¡¯t pin all the me on me. Besides, what good would it do me if you and Josiah were to sever ties? If you two were to break up, I¡¯m afraid my situation would only get worse.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Was it really not you?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve said it yourself. I¡¯m a refined self¨Cpreservationist. I certainly don¡¯t fancy being thrown into the ocean by Josiah to feed the sharks just yet.¡±

    Zachary was always full of fibs, but considering his motives, he truly didn¡¯t have a need to act in such <b>a</b>

    manner.

    <b><i>Was </i></b><i>that Lysanne¡¯s </i>own <i>idea</i>? <i>Was </i><i>she </i><i>the </i><i>one who</i><i>, </i><i>after </i><i>being </i><i>berated </i><i>by </i><i>Josiah at </i><i>the </i><i>entrance </i><i>of </i><i>the </i>resort <i>that </i><i>day</i><i>, </i><i>was </i><i>so </i><i>indignant </i><i>that </i><i>she </i><i>deliberately stirred </i>up <i>trouble</i>? <i>However</i><i>, </i><i>Josiah </i><i>has </i>no <i>shred </i><i>of </i>pity <i>for </i><i>her </i><i>now</i>. <i>He </i><i>made </i><i>his </i><i>stance </i><i>clear </i></divst <i>time</i><i>. </i><i>If </i><b><i>she </i></b><i>crossed </i><i>his </i><i>boundaries </i><i>again</i><i>, </i><i>could </i><i>she </i><i>bear </i><i>the </i><i>consequences</i>? <i>However</i>, <i>on </i><i>second </i><i>thought</i><i>, </i><i>one </i><i>could </i><i>never </i><i>predict </i><i>Lysanne¡¯s </i><i>actions </i><i>using </i><i>conventional </i><i>logic</i><i>. </i>Lysander rubbed his temples, feeling the wave of nausea return once again.

    At the same time, the difort in <b>her </b>stomach was churning.

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    Chapter 542 The Deadly Duo

    ¡°Just leave. I won¡¯t be asking for money on your behalf. It seems you won¡¯t be able to kill me today either, so I¡¯m heading back.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t rush. Let¡¯s first take a look over there.¡± Zachary lifted his hand, gesturing toward a car parked across the shrubbery. Next to it, two men dressed in ck seemed to have been standing there for quite some time.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t tell if those men were bodyguards.

    Zachary saw her confusion, his smile turning increasingly sinister. ¡°Do you see? Those people are all arranged by Josiah. They follow me day and night, regardless of where I go. Even hiding at my mother¡¯s ce is pointless! Life has been like living in a prison!<b>¡±</b>

    Lysander sternly questioned, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t made the first move against Michelle, would you have ended up in this situation?¡±

    It seemed as though Zachary was stumped by the question, but the next moment, he started to argue his point forcefully.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying I¡¯m wrong? How could I possibly be at fault, Lysander? <b>It¡¯s </b>you who¡¯s in the wrong. If it weren¡¯t for you, how could I have caught Josiah¡¯s attention? He¡¯s now watching me around the clock, and if I dare to do anything to you or your family, he could make me vanish from this world without anyone noticing.¡±

    Lysander r¨¦torted, ¡°If you¡¯re not hurting anyone, what¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid of losing everything I have now, so Lysander, you must help me with this favor today¡­¡±

    Lysander subtly began to retreat, her face betraying no hint of her movement. She persisted in challenging his skewed logic by asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of death?¡±

    ¡°I am, but what scares me more is the thought of leading a mediocre life! I¡¯m too exceptional to just blend into the crowd. All I need is one chance from Josiah to prove my worth. Once he sees my capabilities, he¡¯ll do whatever it takes to keep me in Guerra Group. If he was willing to spend fifty million to recruit a showpiece, he could surely give me one hundred million, no, five hundred million, because I could bring him even greater profits!¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Zachary was increasingly unable to restrain himself, his eyes shimmering with desire.

    Lysander had already picked up her phone, ready at any moment to press the emergency call button.

    As expected, Zachary swiftly snatched her phone. Without any warning, he abruptly pulled her to the other side of the road. ¡°Come over here!¡±

    Lysander was yanked by him, causing her to stagger. Desperately, she used her other hand to grab onto the tree trunk beside her.

    ¡°Things have already progressed to this point. What on earth are you nning to do?¡± She protested, ¡°I¡¯m warning you. You¡¯ve already paid the price for taking shortcuts. If you continue to be stubbornly blind to your mistakes, you might end up behind bars!¡±

    Zachary hadpletely given up on his <b>facade</b>, and his onceposed face then twisted beyond recognition.

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference between my current situation and being in prison? Regardless, Josiah looks at me

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    like I¡¯m an ant he could crush at any moment. Instead of waiting for him to crush me, I might as well try to fight back. As long as he funds my project, as long as I can sessfullyplete this project, I can prove myself! All I want is one chance, Lysander. Please help me¡­¡±

    Sensing danger, Lysander decisively swung the handbag she was carrying and hurled it toward the threat.

    Despite being hit repeatedly, Zachary refused to let go. His expression was wild as he said, ¡°Josiah won¡¯t take my calls, and I can¡¯t get past the gates of Guerra Group. However, I have to make this project work! Lysander, are you scared? If you¡¯re scared, shout it out. The louder you shout, the better. Let those two people over there hear you. They¡¯ll notify Josial.¡±

    He clung to Lysander as if she were hisst strand of hope.

    Lysander winced as she was tightly gripped, growling in a low voice, ¡°I kept your secret out of respect for Mdm. Cam before. If your mother knew sh

    raised a lunatic, how could she face her close friend of

    decades? Zachary, if you back off now, everything can still be fixed.¡±

    Zachary had already been pushed to an irrational state by the current situation. ¡°What¡¯s happening now doesn¡¯t matter. Once I seed in the future, my mom will be proud of me!¡±

    Zachary exerted a considerable amount of force, causing her breathing to beborious, to the point where she couldn¡¯t utter a single word.

    ¡°Cry out, Lysander! Hurry up and cry out¡­ If you don¡¯t, I might just strangle you,¡± he warned.

 Chapter 543

    Chapter <b>543 </b>Threaten Me

    <b>From </b>the corner of his eye, he noticed two individuals d in ck not too far off. They had be <b>aware </b>of themotion <b>over </b>here. One of them began to make a call on his phone.

    ¡°<b>Hahaha</b><b>! They </b>saw it, didn¡¯t they? <b>Is </b>he calling Josiah? Why are you being so stubborn? The oue <b>will </b>be the same, yet you insist on enduring unnecessary hardship-¡±

    <i>Thud</i><i>!</i>

    A muffled thud of flesh and bone exploded beside Lysander¡¯s car.

    Just moments ago, Zachary, who had been clinging onto her tightly, was suddenly sent flying by a surge of force.

    The hand that had been pressing against her throat finally loosened.

    Lysander bent over, seized by a violent coughing fit. The urge to vomit was overwhelming, and she couldn¡¯t suppress it any longer. She crouched on the ground, dry heaving, her eyes filled with unshed

    tears.

    Someone was patting her back to help her catch her breath, his voice hoarse with worry. ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    Lysander took several quick breaths. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Zachary hadn¡¯t nned on actually choking her to death. He had held back a bit. However, she was already feeling queasy, and then, being somewhat deprived of oxygen, all her difort exploded all at once. She crouched on the ground for quite some time, unable to vomit anything, but she was so ufortable that she was drenched in cold sweat.

    Josiah dared not touch her. ¡°Hang in there. I¡¯ll get someone to call the doctor.¡±

    Lysander waved her hand dismissively. ¡°No. If my parents <b>see </b>this, they¡¯ll just worry more. They¡¯re already concerned enough about Michelle.¡±

    ¡°Are you okay, then?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Zachary didn¡¯t <b>go </b>all out on me. <b>It¡¯s </b>just my old ailment acting up again, making me want to vomit. A little rest should help me recover.¡±

    ¡°In that <b>case</b><b>, </b>I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    After being exposed to the cold wind outside for a while, Lysander began to feel much better.

    She slowly rose to her feet, her <b>gaze </b>falling on Zachary <b>as </b>he struggled to get up.

    In the throes of his fury, Josiah had no control over his strength. All <b>she </b>saw was Zachary lying motionless on the ground, a pool of blood and several teeth scattered near his <b>head</b>.

    Two individuals d in ck attire noticed themotion from not too far away<b>. </b>Swiftly, they rushed over and took firm control of Zachary.

    These two were bodyguards assigned by Josiah himself. Upon realizing they had almost caused an

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    Josiah, on the other hand, didn¡¯t say anything to them.

    Their original assignment had been merely to keep an eye on Zachary. Their responsibility was fulfilled when they alerted others upon noticing his unusual behavior. However<b>, </b>his risky attempt to kidnap Lysander waspletely unexpected.

    Lysander was worried that Josiah might fire them, so she quickly added, ¡°They¡¯ve been nearby all along. They never left.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Josiah¡¯s face was impassive, but his eyes were filled with an unmistakable rage. The way he looked at Zachary was as if he was staring at a dead man.

    The bodyguards checked over Zachary and reported, ¡°He seems to have fainted, but he¡¯s still breathing. Mr. Guerra, how should we proceed?¡±

    Josiah, supporting Lysander,manded in a cold voice, ¡°There¡¯s no need to keep this person around.¡±

    The men in ck, who were holding Zachary, gave a slight nod before attempting to drag him out directly.

    Astonished, Lysander quickly stepped forward, eximing, ¡°Wait a moment!¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice dropped as he retorted, ¡°Are you really going to go soft at this point? Or do you think his threats aren¡¯t enough? I, for one, have had enough.¡±

    ¡°I have no intention of pleading for him.¡± Lysander¡¯s expression was filled with nothing but disgust. She cautioned, ¡°But we¡¯re in a hospital, surrounded by surveince cameras. You could hand him over to the security guards or call the police.¡±

    Josiah dismissed it lightly and said, ¡°I can handle this small matter myself. There¡¯s no need to waste police

    resources.¡±

    ¡°Take him away,¡± he ordered the two d in ck who had halted.

    Just at that moment, Zachary coughed heavily, stirring awake slowly.

    The moment he saw Josiah, hepletely lost it. ¡°Mr. Guerra, give me a chance,¡± he pleaded. ¡°Give me a chance to prove my worth! I promise to make more money for Guerra Group in the future. Just give me another opportunity¡­¡±

    From his elevated position, Josiah looked down at him, his brows furrowed as he urged his bodyguards, ¡°Think there aren¡¯t enough people here already? Hurry up!¡±

    The bodyguards instantly covered Zachary¡¯s mouth<b>, </b>dragging him toward the nearby car.

    A long trail of blood stained the ground.

    Then, he was swiftly ushered into the back seat of a ck car.

    One bodyguard drove off, leaving a trail of dust behind him, while the other stayed. He quickly reassured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Guerra. I¡¯ll immediately take care of any traces left here.¡±

    Josiah gave a nonchnt hum. His attention remained fixated on Lysander. ¡°Still feeling unwell?¡± he asked.

    Lysander felt a heavy unease in her heart, an inexplicable difort. She asked, ¡°Where do you n on

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    Chapter 543 Threaten Me

    taking him?¡±

    Josiah answered in a low voice, ¡°Take care of yourself first.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s voice was still very weak. ¡°His obsession is deep, and he won¡¯t stop until he achieves his goal. I¡¯m afraid that if he ever gets a chance in the future, he might harm my family again.¡±

    Josiah gave her a reassuring gesture. ¡°He won¡¯t get a chance.¡±

    With a mix of doubt and curiosity, Lysander uttered, ¡°You have to at least let me know what you n to do with him, right? Mdm. Cam is still in the ward. She knows I left with Zachary, If I return alone, I need to have an exnation.¡±

    Out of the blue, Josiah asked, ¡°So, you just followed him downstairs without any caution? Do you realize how dangerous that was?¡±

    Lysander recalled the recent scene, and she couldn¡¯t help but express her shock. ¡°This is a hospital. He wouldn¡¯t dare to actually harm me. He merely wants to force you into meeting him. His target has always been you, not me.¡±

    ¡°But you could definitely pose a threat to me.¡±

    Lysander fell silent.

    ¡°If he were truly serious, I would have given him what he wanted.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes flickered, and she avoided his intense gaze. ¡°I¡¯m much better now. I need to return.¡±

    The small garden wasn¡¯t spacious, so they both chose to converse away from the spot where the incident had just urred.

    A family member of a patient, who happened to be passing by on their way to the cafeteria, cast a puzzled nce in this direction.

    A hushed murmur found its way into Lysander¡¯s ears.

    ¡°It must have been a marital spat, but why is there blood on the ground? How could this man be so audacious, resorting to domestic abuse in broad daylight? Should we intervene and call the police?¡±

    ¡°That guy is obviously no ordinary man. We can¡¯t afford to mess with him. Let¡¯s get out of here quickly¡­¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Lysander paused for a moment, and she immediately changed her course and walked back to the ward.

    Josiah quickened his pace to catch up with her. ¡°Don¡¯t walk so fast. You might feel unwell again.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to support me. I can manage on my own.¡±

    ¡°All right, I won¡¯t touch you. Take your time,¡± he said.

    Lysander arrived at the entrance of the inpatient department and halted, saying, ¡°I need to return to the ward. You shouldn¡¯te in. If my father sees you, he¡¯ll get angry again. He¡¯s getting on in years. I don¡¯t want him to get too upset. It¡¯s not good for his health.¡±

    Moreover, Cam was undoubtedly still in the ward, having not left yet.

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    Chapter 543 Threaten Me

    After returning, she had to figure out a way to exin Zachary¡¯s absence.

    Lysander once again felt a wave of dizziness.

    Secing the situation, Josiah said in a deep voice, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to whatever your father has to say I can¡¯t be at ease with how things are now. Also, someone needs to exin Zachary¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    After speaking, he didn¡¯t wait for Lysander¡¯s response. Instead, he headed straight into the hospital and pressed the elevator button.

    Send Gifts

 Chapter 544

    Chapter 544 A Pawn

    The two of them returned to the

    ard together.

    Lysander pushed the door open. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m back.¡±

    The conversation between Laura and Cam abruptly halted. Maverick even shot a fiery re directly at Josiah.

    Josiah didn¡¯t show any signs of difort, as if that was his first time appearing there. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, I just happened to run into Lysander downstairs, so we came up together.¡±

    Maverick scoffed coldly, turning his head away directly.

    Cam knew he was Lysander¡¯s ex¨Chusband. Seeing them together again, yet without any sign of Zachary, she couldn¡¯t help but worry. She kept ncing behind them anxiously.

    Josiah had already casually closed the door, and the atmosphere in the room was a bit awkward.

    Cam had been holding back, but in the end, she couldn¡¯t help but ask Lysander, ¡°Lysander, didn¡¯t Zachary go for a walk with you? Why hasn¡¯t he returned yet? It¡¯s gettingte. We should be leaving soon.¡±

    Lysander hesitated and said, ¡°He-¡±

    Josiah was there for a reason, and he timely intercepted the conversation by answering, ¡°Mr. Powell has an unexpected matter to attend to. He has gone on a business trip.¡±

    Zachary was employed at Guerra Group at the time. Given Josiah¡¯s position as the employer, his words naturally held a high degree of credibility.

    Cam was somewhat intimidated by Josiah, but she was driven by her concern for her son. She cautiously asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, isn¡¯t this arrangement a bit too abrupt? He didn¡¯t even have time toe upstairs and tell me.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t feel like saying much. He simply stated, ¡°It¡¯s an urgent matter.¡±

    Laura was soft¨Chearted and offered someforting words by saying, ¡°Indeed, Zach takes his work very seriously. Now that thepany needs him, he naturally has no choice but to step up.¡±

    Maverick saw Lysander standing with Josiah again, and it really rubbed him the wrong way. Clearing his throat, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t get involved in their work matters. I¡¯ve just boiled some water. Why don¡¯t you all have a drink first?<b>¡±</b>

    He poured a ss of water for each of his two daughters and wife before finally handing one to Cam. However, hepletely ignored Josiah.

    Josiah had already grown ustomed to Maverick¡¯s cold treatment. By then, he hadfortably epted his role as an invisible man.

    Lysander¡¯s previously anxious heart finally began to settle down after she took a sip of hot water.

    Cam, however, still felt uneasy. She asked again, ¡°Zachary has been busytely. I can understand if he has to go on a business trip urgently, but no matter how busy the work is, there should be a time limit, right? How long will he be gone this time? He didn¡¯t even mention where he was going.¡±

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    ¡°ite.¡±

    Cam didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°What? Where¡¯s that? Is he going there for business?¡±

    ¡°ite is an ind nation in the Pascal Ocean.¡±

    Cam was quite puzzled. ¡°Oh¡­ Where exactly is ite? Is it far from <b>us</b>?<b>¡±</b>Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite a distance away.¡±

    ¡°Oh, dear. This child is somitted to his work. He¡¯s constantly consumed by the belief that his talents are unrecognized, and he wants to prove himself by achieving something. However, he left in such a rush, and I¡¯m not even sure if he packed everything he needed. He didn¡¯t even have time to tidy up his clothes at home.¡± Cam let out a sigh.

    Laura continued to persuade, ¡°Zach can always buy new clothes once he gets there. Besides, it¡¯s an ind in the Pascal Ocean. It¡¯s supposed to be warm, right?¡±

    Josiah gave a slight nod. ¡°It¡¯s not cold. It¡¯s far from the maind and surrounded by the sea on all sides.¡±

    Surrounded by the sea <i>on </i><i>all </i><i>sides</i>? A shiver suddenly ran down Lysander¡¯s spine as she recalled the rumors she had once heard about Josiah. <i>A </i><i>yacht </i><b><i>was </i></b><i>set </i><b><i>sail </i></b>with <i>four </i><i>people </i><i>onboard</i><i>, </i><i>but </i><i>he </i><i>returned </i><i>alone</i><i>. </i><i>Could </i>Zachary be¡­

    Lysander dared not let her thoughts wander further. She nced back at Josiah, whose expression remained as serene as a cidke, unchanged in the slightest.

    Before long, Howard returned from the caf¨¦ and said, ¡°Maverick, when I was on the way back, I bought atte for Mich. Isn¡¯t <i>it </i>a popr drink among girls these days? Here you go, Michelle.¡±

    Michelle didn¡¯t dare to ept the coffee. Instead, she looked toward Maverick.

    Maverick, typically outspoken, grumbled, ¡°What on earth is happening today? Everyone seems to be crowding into this ward.¡±

    Cam hesitantly looked up.

    Seeing that, Maverick quickly waved his hand and exined, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. I wasn¡¯t talking about you.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Cam could always gauge the atmosphere. Ever since Howard arrived, the mood in the room had been off. She was worrying about her son and seized the opportunity to stand up. ¡°Laura, Maverick, Zachary is out of town on business. I need to go home and pack his things. <b>I¡¯ll </b>be leaving for today. I¡¯lle another day to visit Michelle.¡±

    Laura walked her a few steps. ¡°Let me walk you out.¡±

    Maverick waited for Cam to leave before saying with clear displeasure, ¡°The one who shouldn¡¯t have left has left.¡±

    Everyone could tell that those words were directed at Howard and Josiah.

    Josiah was indeed a man of his word. No matter what Maverick said, he listened without uttering a single word of rebuttal.

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    Chapter 544 A Pawn

    Howard looked rather distressed as he responded, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not fair to ce all the me on Josiah for what happened in the past. I must also take responsibility for myck of strict discipline. If you¡¯re upset, it would be better to direct your anger at me instead of affecting the children.¡±

    Taking into ount that his wife and daughters were present, Maverick refrained from using harsh words. However, he couldn¡¯t help but make veiled criticisms. ¡°Did I ever say I didn¡¯t me you? An apple does not fall far from the tree, though. She even showed up at the hospital yesterday! If it weren¡¯t for her, we¡¯d still be in the dark!¡±

    Howard nced at Josiah as if asking a question, to which thetter responded with a nod of agreement.

    ¡°I thought her prolonged absence meant she had finally started to reflect on her actions, but it seems¡­¡± Howard bowed his head in regret, unable to finish his sentence.

    Maverick¡¯s stance remained unchanged. ¡°All I know is that I can¡¯t stand by and let her continue to bully Lysa!¡±

    From her bed, Michelle chimed in, ¡°Exactly. That woman was truly mean!¡±

    Howard <i>felt </i>distressed and didn¡¯t know how to exin. All he could do was sigh and say, ¡°It¡¯s a family misfortune.¡±

    ¡°Sir, so this is where you¡¯ve been!¡± Molly¡¯s caregiver knocked on the ward door. ¡°Madam has been quite worried, wondering why you haven¡¯t returned yet.¡±

    Howard gave Maverick a nod. ¡°Maverick, I can¡¯t leave my wife alone for too long. I need to head back. I¡¯lle and visit Mich tomorrow.¡±

    Maverick remained silent.

    Josiah escorted Howard to the door, but with a pivot of his step, he turned back and stayed in the ward.

    Maverick was straightforward as he issued the order for the guest to leave. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the person who should be leaving the most left yet?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, I have something I¡¯d like to verify,¡± said Josiah with a humble demeanor, treating Maverick with genuine respect as an elder. ¡°Was there only one person causing trouble at the hospital yesterday?¡±

    Maverick raised his eyebrows in annoyance. ¡°What are you implying? Do you think I¡¯m trying to deceive you? There were so many people in the hospital who witnessed it!¡±

    Josiah hastily rified, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. I¡¯m just concerned that someone might be deliberately stirring up trouble.¡±

    Lately, Lysanne had indeed been making a series of blunders, proving herself to be rather shallow and foolish.

    Josiah thought someone could¡¯ve used Lysanne as a pawn to stir up trouble.

 Chapter 545

    Chapter 545 Birds Of The Same Feather

    Lysander quickly realized this and held back Maverick, who was about to chase the people away. She gently said, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m afraid this matter isn¡¯t as simple as it seems. I went to the resort purely for work purposes. You¡¯ve seen it yourself too. Now that I think about it, there are many reasons to be suspicious.¡±

    This time, Maverick didn¡¯t feel <b>as </b>if she was defending Josiah. Instead, he fell into deep thought. ¡°Are you suggesting that I¡¯ve been manipted by others? But this matter is absolutely true. Josiah has indeed deceived you, even using someone else¡¯s child to fool you!¡±

    Laura was also filled with self¨Creproach as she tried to reason. ¡°I warned you before you left to always rify things first. I told you to call Lysa first to understand the situation, but you didn¡¯t listen. You almost caused trouble for our daughter again.¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I know you all mean well,¡± Lysander assured her, not ming her parents for their actions.

    Josiah added, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, I¡¯ll handle this. No matter who is behind this, I won¡¯t let those who are trying to hurt Lysander go unpunished.¡±

    His gaze subtly darkened.

    <i>Some </i>people <i>can¡¯t </i><i>be </i><i>tolerated </i><i>any </i><i>further</i><i>.</i>

    Maverick¡¯s attitude toward Josiah was still one of disdain. ¡°It¡¯s rare to hear you say something sensible!¡±

    Upon hearing his father¡¯s softened tone, Lysander felt a bit relieved. She then inquired, ¡°Dad, can you try to recall, besides Lysanne, was there anyone else who seemed suspicious around the hospital at that time? They wouldn¡¯t necessarily have to barge into the ward, even observing from outside counts.¡±

    Maverick and Laura racked their brains as they began to recall the situation then.

    Michelle was lying in the hospital bed. Her vision had been considerably limited the day before, but she tried her best tomunicate. ¡°That horrible woman kept badmouthing you. Dad couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and started arguing with her, causing quite amotion¡­¡±

    Their family always had a knack for uniting against amon enemy.

    In the end, Maverick recalled something significant. ¡°I remember now, Lysanne dide alone to cause trouble. That is true. But after she was chased away by the hospital security, I couldn¡¯t swallow my anger. I went after her, only to find her talking with someone else.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes lit up.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°However, that girl seemed pretty well¨Cbehaved and innocent. She might just be an unrted individual, likely having nothing to do with her.¡±

    A sense of heaviness settled in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    A <i>sweet</i><i>, </i><i>innocent </i>girl¡­ <b><i>just </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><i>expected</i>.

    ¡°I remember the girl who was talking to Lysander looked particrly young. In fact, she appeared much younger than you. She was petite and frail. At first nce, she seemed about the same age as your sister. Lysanne seemed quite familiar with her, and they chatted at the door for quite a while. That girl was quite

    nice whan/cho <b>sow </b><b>I </b><b>wondawhaino </b><b>assautad </b>aut he the camcite cha wanted en <b>h </b>has an much that sha

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    Chapter 545 Birds Of The Same Feather

    <b>was </b>almost in tears.<b>¡±</b>

    An image of Tiffany immediately surfaced in Lysander¡¯s mind. By reflex, she wanted to ask Josiah about it, but just as she was about to, he happened to look her way.

    Unexpectedly, their eyes met.

    Josiah blurted, ¡°Tiffany.¡±

    Before Lysander could utter a word, Maverick stepped forward, positioning himself between them. He effectively cut off any chance of Josiah continuing the conversation with Lysander. He questioned in a low, stern voice, ¡°Josiah, from the looks of it, you seem to know the girl who was chatting with Lysanne, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression wasplicated. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Maverick suddenly pped his forehead. ¡°I remember now who that youngdy is now. Isn¡¯t she the one we ran into at the hotel today? The one surnamed Lanister, is she also one of your mistresses?¡±

    Josiah shook his head. ¡°No, she isn¡¯t.¡±

    Michelle eximed, ¡°I remember now! I was wondering why that girl looked so familiar. I saw her on the news on TV. She¡¯s your fianc¨¦e, isn¡¯t she, Josiah?¡±

    Maverick turned around and reprimanded her, ¡°Why are you being so familiar with him?¡±

    Michelle tucked her neck in. ¡°I misspoke, it¡­ it should be Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Maverick, outraged, pointed usingly at Josiah and reprimanded, ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough that you¡¯ve caused such a huge problem for Lysa? Now you¡¯ve also involved your fianc¨¦e. Are you not going to stop until you¡¯vepletely ruined her?¡±

    With utmost seriousness, Josiah swore, ¡°I no longer have a fianc¨¦e. I¡¯ve made the announcement. I have no ties with her anymore.¡±

    Maverick didn¡¯t believe it for a second. ¡°Birds of the same feather flock together. Your fianc¨¦e is hanging out with Lysanne, so she can¡¯t be any good either!¡±

    Only after he had finished cursing did his anger slightly subside.

    Josiah knew he was in the wrong. He felt so guilty that he could only bite the bullet and listen.

    Lysander remained unaffected by the chaos, even managing to calmly analyze the situation. ¡°Howard¡¯s wife is being treated in this hospital, so it¡¯s understandable that Lysanne would be here. But it doesn¡¯t seem like the Lanister family has any patients to visit. What reason does Tiffany have to be here?<b>¡±</b>

    Josiah nodded. ¡°She came with Lysander.¡±

    Perhaps, <i>she </i><i>was </i><i>the </i><i>one </i>who <i>instigated </i><i>Lysanne </i>to <b><ie</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    Maverick was still quite upset. ¡°From what you¡¯re saying, my daughter had already noticed that there was something off about your fianc¨¦e. Yet, you couldn¡¯t even see that. How sincere can you <b>really </b>be?<b>¡±</b>

    Lysanderposed herself. ¡°Dad, I only realized this in the past few days too, but I assure you it¡¯s the absolute truth.¡±

    <b>12:17 </b>Thu, <b>13 </b><b>Jun</b>.

    Chapter 545 Birds Of The Same Feather

    Maverick¡¯s attitude was quite hypocritical, his words for her were only of praise. ¡°Not bad, you¡¯ve learned et never easily trust from your mistakes. From now on, you anyone, especially when ites to anyone rted to this jerk!¡±

    Lysander was taken aback, turning to

    look

    The urban ng ¡°jerk¡± was obviously somethin

    Before Lysander could even lecture her sister,

    that Michelle had taught him.

    just urred to me. His fianc¨¦e is quite young, but

    shabruptly changed the subject. ¡°Oh right, Lysa, it ature knows how to talk. If she hadn¡¯t voluntarily

    mentioned to Lysanne that you two shared a room at the hotel, I wouldn¡¯t have been so angry.¡±

    ¡°What exactly did she say?¡± Lysander¡¯s heart, previously rity.

    Clouded with spection, slowly began to gain

    <b>¡°</b>There was a lot of talk, but it all boiled down to persuading Lysanne not to give up. She said you were a soft¨Chearted person, just like your biological parents. Seeing her in a bad state, you definitely wouldn¡¯t abandon her or back her into a corner. The words sounded nice, as if she was praising you, but isn¡¯t this just causing you more trouble?¡±Owned by N?velDrama.Org.

    Maverick wore a peculiar expression as he began to deliberate no the matter.

    Suddenly, he lifted his head to question Josiah, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left yet?¡±

    Having essentially understood the situation, Josiah knew it was time for him to deal with it.

    The prejudice his future father¨Cinw harbored toward him was so deep that he had to do something about it.

 Chapter 546

    Chapter546SheCriedProfuselyAfterYouLeft

    ¡°Mr.and Mrs.Thorne,I¡¯llbetakingmyleavenow.¡±

    <b>91</b><b>%</b>

    Josiahnced towardLysander,butLysanderwasengagedinconversationwithMaverick.Notwantingtointerrupt,Josiahhadnochoicebuttoleavethewardalone.

    OnlyafterMavericksawthethorninhissideleavedidhesitdownandletoutasighofrelief.He thenturnedtoLysanderwithanticipation,asking<b>,</b>¡°Yoursistershould beabletoleavethehospitalinacoupleofdays.Will youbestayingathomeduringthisperiod?¡±

    ¡°Imightnotbeabletoanytimesoon.TherearesomedocumentsI stillneedtoreview.Afterall,whenImakemitment,Iseeitthroughtotheend.¡± WhenLysanderthoughtabouttheworkloadshehad,sheknewshecouldn¡¯tgohome<b>despite</b>heryearningto.

    Lauravoicedherconcern.¡°Is ittootiring?Please<b>,</b>don¡¯toverworkyourself.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tworry,Iknowmylimits.Oncethisnewjobstabilizes,I¡¯lehome.¡±Lysanderwasincrediblycalm.

    Michelle was eagertohelp.¡°Lysander,ifyou¡¯reswamped,Icanlendahandtoo.¡±

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbut advise,¡°Youshouldfocusonrecoveringfirst.¡±

    Shefeltapangofreluctanceinherheart,butitwastimetosaygoodbye.¡°Mom,Dad,Ihavetogonow.Ifthere¡¯sanything,youmustletmeknow.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tworry,theyhavemeathome.¡±MaverickreluctantlysawLysander outthedoor,thenlookedaroundthehallway.¡°Hereallyleft,right?Heisn¡¯tsomewherewaitingforyou,ishe?¡±

    Lysandersteppedasidetolethimcheck.¡°Wouldyouliketotakealook?¡±

    Maverickcarefully scannedthesurroundings,confirmingthatJosiahwasindeednowheretobeseenbeforeheslowlynodded.¡°That¡¯sgood.Goodmenarerareinthisworld.Ifhe continuestobotheryou,youdon¡¯thavetoentertainhim.¡±

    Thereafter,hereluctantlybidhisdaughterfarewell.

    Lysandertooktheelevatorstraightuptothesixteenthfloor.

    <b>As</b>soon asshesteppedoutoftheelevator,shesawJosiah,whohadbeenwaitingthere.

    Josiahsoftlyasked,¡°HasMr.Thorne¡¯smoodimproved?¡±

    ¡°Ifoundmybiologicalparents andthenthere¡¯syou.Withthesetwomatters<b>events</bbined,howcouldhepossiblybehappy?¡±Lysandersighed slightly,thenasked,¡°WhataboutAurora?<b>Is</b>shestitthehotel?Canwerelyonthepersonyoufound?¡±

    Josiahshookhishead.¡°Iwasn¡¯tfortableleavingAurora<b>there</b><b>,</b><b>so</b>Iaskedaservicestaffwho<b>had</b>takencare<b>of</b>herbeforeto<b>apany</b>her.They<b>are</b>currentlyinMrs.Thorne¡¯sward.¡±

    Lysandernodded,hereyebrowsfurrowingslightlyashesaid,¡°<b>We</b>shouldstillgoback<b>.</b>Judgingfromthe

    <b>Bnce</b><b>¡±</b>708

    +

    108

    pter546SheCriedProfuselyAfterYouLeft

    JosiahnaturallyassumedthathewouldbereturningwithLysander.Atthatmoment,hesimplyasked,¡°Areweleavingnow?¡±

    Lysanderncedathim<b>,</b>ponderingbeforeshesaid,¡°Youshouldtakecareofthatwoundonyourheadfirst.I¡¯mafraidyoumightscarethechildrenifyoukeepwanderingaroundlikethis<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    WhenJosiaharrived earlier,hehadhastilycleanedthebloodoffhisface.

    Yet,thewoundremained,partiallyhiddenwithinhishair,whiletheotherhalfstarklysprawledacrosshisforehead,makingitconspicuous.

    Lysandersuggested,¡°LetmetakeyoutotheERdepartmenttohaveitbandaged.¡±

    Shewasquitefamiliarwiththearea,instinctivelywantingtoleadtheway.

    Josiah¡¯smoodgraduallybrightenedashevolunteered,¡°It¡¯salright.Icangoalone.It¡¯snothardtofindtheERdepartment.Otherwise,ifMr.Thornefindsoutthatyou¡¯rewithme,he¡¯llgetupsetagain.¡±

    *Fine,youcangoonyourown.¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    Seeingthathewasinjured,herattitudesoftenedconsiderably.

    Josiahsuggested,¡°YoushouldgocheckonAurora.Afteryouleft,shecriedalot.¡±

    Lysanderfeltasuddensqueezeinherheart.

    Molly¡¯shospitalroomwassituatedquiteadistanceaway,ontheoppositesideoftheorthopedicdepartment.

    Beforeshewentin,shepolitelyknockedonthedoor.

    AfterdiscussingthematterofacknowledgingLysanderwithhiswife,Howardthoughtitwasthenursereturningfromherrounds,sohepersonallyopenedthedoorforher.

    Assoon asthedooropened,hisworriedexpressionvanishedinaninstant,recedbyjoy.Hequicklyturnedaroundtotellhiswife,¡°It¡¯sLysa!¡±

    Lysanderstillcouldn¡¯tbringherselftocallhim¡°Dad.¡±Shenoddedreluctantlyandexined,¡°IcametoseeAurora<i>.</i>¡±

    ¡°Comeinquickly.¡±Withanirrepressiblejoy,Howardledherinside.

    TheroomwasfilledwithAurora¡¯sdelightfuughter.Shewashavingagreattimeyingwiththeservicestaffassigned<i>to</i>her.

    Molly,despitehermobilityissues<b>,</b>shiftedslightlytowardsthedooruponhearingthenews.AllshewantedwastocatchanotherglimpseofLysander.

    LysanderfeltabitunsettledasshegreetedMolly,¡°Youseemtobedoingbetterthanbefore.Isupposeyou¡¯llbeabletoleavethehospitalsoon.¡±

    Mollycarefullystudiedherdaughter¡¯sfeatures,herheartaching<b>as</b>shespoke.¡°Withyourbestwishes,I¡¯msureI¡¯llgetbetter.Lysa.I¡¯msorryforburdeningvouagain.Younotonlyhadtogiveupyourchancefor

    Bnce:708+108

    08:20Fri,<b>14</b>Jun

    Chapter546SheCriedProfuselyAfterYouLeft

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tsurehowtotreather,herpolitenesstingedwitha<b>sense</b><b>of</b>awkwardness.¡°SinceI¡¯vespentafairamountofThorneConstructionsandEnergies¡®money,Ishoulddosomethinginreturn.¡±

    Sheasked,¡°Thenursehaeonherroundstoday,hasn¡¯tshe?¡±

    ¡°Shehasandsaideverythingisfine.Ijustneedsometimetofullyrecover.¡±

    Lysandergaveaslightnod.

    Nosoonerhadthewordslefthermouth,thanAurorainthecribnexttoherbegantofuss,hastilyreachingoutwith hertinyhands.

    Theservicestaffhurriedlywheeledove

    Aurora¡¯scrib,saying,¡°Ms.Thorne,Auroraislookingforyou.¡±

    LysanderrecalledwhatJosiahhadsaidaboutAurora¡¯scrying,gentlygraspinghersoftlittlehandfofort.¡°Whyhaveyouturnedintoacrybaby?I¡¯mback,aren¡¯tI?¡±

    Atthatmoment,Aurorastoppedcrying,herlittlemouthpoutinginapitifulmanner.

    However,Aurora¡¯sclotheshadalreadybeenchanged.Theywerecleanandneat,clearlyindicatingthatthechild<i>had</i>beenwelltakencareof.

    Lysandersincerelythankedtheservicestaff.¡°Thankyou,mayIknow

    yourname?<b>¡±</b>

    AlthoughshehadonlyspentafewdayswithAurora,shehadalready developedagenuineaffectionforit.

    Hadshenotlostthatchild,herheartwouldhavebeenfilledwithevenmoretendernessnow.

    ¡°MstnameisHolmes,Ms.Thorne.YoucancallmeSaffron,¡±shesaidwithasmile.Saffronthenadded,smiling,¡°Iwas onlylooking afterAuroraforashortwhile.Mr.Guerrawasquitegenerous.Thechildisquiteeasytohandletoo¡­Ms.Thorne,Aurora wantsyoutoholdhim.¡±

    Lysanderreachedout,takingthechildfromSaffron¡¯sarms.

    ShegentlyturnedherfacetonuzzleAurora,hercheek brushingagainstit.Ahintofworrytingedhervoiceassheaskedagain,¡°Saffron,hasAurorahaditsformyet?¡±

    ¡°Shehas.Mr.Guerrapersonallytookcareofit,¡±Saffronrecountedthesituation.¡°Ms.Lanisterofferedtohelp,butherejectedheroutright.¡±

    MollygazedatLysander,whowascradlingAurorainherarms,herheartfilledwithamyriadofemotions.Shesaid,¡°Howard,doesthissceneseemfamiliartoyou?¡±

    Howardfoundhimselfrecallingasimrscenewithher,hisvoicetremblingashereminisced,¡°Irememberthehospitalroombackthenwasquitesimrtothisone,onlytheconditionsweren¡¯tasgood<b>as</b>theyarenow.¡±

    Theywerediscussingeventsthathadtranspiredalongtimeago.

    Lysanderwaspuzzledbywhat sheheard,butshedidn¡¯ment.Shesimplylookedonwithcuriosity.

    Mollytooktheinitiativeto<b>tell</b>Lysanderabout herchildhood,atimeshesimplyhadnorecollectionof.

    <b>D</b>

    700

    <b>100</b>

    <b>91</b><b>%</b>

    Chapter546SheCriedProfuselyAfterYouLeft

    Asshespoke,Mollygesturedthesizewithbothofherhands.

    ¡°Istillrememberitwell.Whenyouwereborn,youweighedjustovertwokilograms,smallerthanmostbabies.Thenurseinitiallytoldmethattheumbilicalcordwaswrappedaroundyour neck,whichwasdangerous.IwassoscaredInearlypassedout.Luckily,itturnedouttobeafalsermandyouwerebornsafely.Yourfather,thefool,wasasighttosee.AsIwasbeingwheeledoutoftheroomonthehospitalbed,hewaslookingatyou,weepinguncontroblydespitebeingagrownman.¡±

    Eversinceherbiologicaldaughterwentmissing,Mollyseldomspokeofthepast.Butnow,giventhechance,shebegantorecountit.

    ¡°Thischildbears<b>a</b>strikingresemncetoyouwhenyouwerejustborn.Theysayit¡¯sinababy¡¯snaturetocry,butyouwereexceptionallycheerful. Evenwhenthedoctorsandnursesheldyou,youshowednosignsoffear.¡±

    Send<b>Gifts</b>

 Chapter 547

    Chapter547I WillFace

    TheoldmemoriesthatwerebusemWithYou

    toshedtearsofjoy.

    ¡°ninhermindunexpectedlysurged forth,almostcausingher

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbutrecallthebabiessh

    department.Shefoundherselfsayb

    andgynecologyUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    hadpersonallydeliveredintheobstetric¡°Thereis

    isnofeelingquitelikeholdinganewborninourarms.¡±

    Howardsaidtohiswife,¡°Lysa¡¯sdreamhas

    everythingispredestined.Herbirthwas¡°waysl

    nto beagynecologist.Yousee,<b>it¡¯s</b>asif

    risky,butnow,shehashelpedmanypregnantwomenandchildrenthroughdangeroussituations.It¡¯sasiffatehaditallnnedout.¡±

    EversinceAurorideyesonLysander,sherefusedtobeheldbySaffron,asifshewasterrifiedthatLysandermightsuddenlyleaveagain.HertinyhandsclungtightlytoLysander¡¯sclothes<b>,</b>unwillingtolet

    <ol>

    <li>go.</li>

    </ol>

    WhenLysanderthoughtabouthavingtopartwayswithAuroraoncetheyreturnedtothehotel,herheartwasequallyfilledwithreluctance.

    Aurora,oblivioustowhatwaste,simplysmiledatLysanderinnocently.

    AwarmthbloomedinLysander¡¯sheart.ShereachedoutandgentlytappedAurora¡¯snose,hermindbeginningtowander.ShewasmeetingNievter,andshewonderedifsheshouldmusterthecouragetoasktobethegodmother.

    Auroragiggled,reachingouttotouchLysander¡¯snose.ShethenloweredherheadtoletAuroradoso.

    HowardandMollywatchedthisheartwarmingscene,theirheartsfilledwithawarmththeyhadn¡¯tfeltinalongtime.

    Itwasn¡¯tlongbeforetheiryfnticswereinterrupted,asJosiahhadreturnedfromtheERdepartment.

    Hehadapieceofgauzeoverhis eyebrows;thebleedinghadalreadystopped.However,thebruisecheekandotherminorwoundswerestillquitenoticeable.

    Thegauzewasonlytwofingerswide,soitwasbarelyvisibleonceJosiah¡¯sfringescoveredit.

    onhis

    Lysanderfurrowedherbrowsasshelookedathimforquiteawhile,hereyesfilledwithsurpriseanddisapproval.

    Withasoftchuckle,Josiahreassuredthetwoelders,¡°Mr.andMrs.Thorne,I¡¯vetotakeLysanderandAurorahome.¡±

    Howardmadeconversation.¡°Josiah,whatdidthedoctorsayaboutyourinjury?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snobigdeal.Somerestisallthat¡¯sneeded.Youallshouldtakeagoodrest<b>.¡±</b>

    WhenHowardandMollysawLysanderarriveonlyto<b>leave</b>shortlyafter,theynaturallyfeltreluctanttopartways.¡°Takecare,bothofyou.¡±

    Lysanderpolitelyacknowledgedthem.

    Onceshemadeittothecorridor,herinherentinstinctsasadoctorbegan totake<b>over</b>.¡°Let¡¯sgototheERdepartment,¡±

    08.21<b>Fri</b><b>,</b>14<b>Jun</b>

    Chapter547|WillFaceThemWithYou

    Josiahsaidsoftly,¡°Noneed.I¡¯mfine.¡±

    HeshedasmileatAurora,who promptlyrespondedwithcoosofdelight,showingnosignsoffeartowardhim.

    91%

    Lysanderwasquitepatientwithherpatients.¡°Yourwounddefinitelyneedsstitches.Whowasthedoctorthatbandagedyouup?Howcouldtheyjusthastilytreatyouandlet<b>you</b>go<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    Josiahasked,¡°Icango,butwillyoustickmywoundforme?¡±

    ¡°Thisisajobforasurgeon.It¡¯snotmyspecialty,¡±Lysanderrefusedmatter¨Cof¨Cfactly.

    ¡°Youdocesareansections,don¡¯tyou?Youmusthavestitchedupmanypatients.Shouldn¡¯tyoubeaproalready?¡±

    Lysanderwassomewhatannoyed.¡°Ifyoukeepthisup,I¡¯mgoingbacktoMichelle¡¯sward.Youcangobackonyourown<b>.¡±</b>

    Josiahnaturallycatedherinagentleandcalmmanner,¡°I¡¯veconsultedthesurgeon.Hementionedthatalthoughthismethodmightslowdowntherecovery,it¡¯sstiviableoption.¡±

    Lysanderfoundithardtobelieve.

    Nevertheless,Josiahcontinued,¡°You¡¯vementionedityourself,everyprofessionhasitsownfieldofexpertise.Youmusttrustintheprofessionbilitiesofthesurgeonsatyourhospital.¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯tbelieveyou,¡±Lysandersaidseriously.¡°You¡¯renotavoidingbandagesbecauseyouthinktheylookugly,areyou?¡±

    Josiahtouchedhisnoseinanattempt toavoidanswering.Hemerelyturnedaroundtoask,¡°Saffron,isAuroradoingalright?¡±

    Saffronworeapuzzledexpression.¡°Huh?What¡¯swrongwithAurora?I¡¯vefedherformandchangedherdiaper.IsthereanythingelseIneedtodo?¡±

    Lysandersaidcoldly,¡°Don¡¯tchangethesubject.Ignoring aproblemwon¡¯tmakeitdisappear.Lookinggoodshouldn¡¯t<i>be</i>yourpriority.¡±

    Josiahgaveawrysmile.¡°I¡¯mnot evenmarriedyet.WhatifIhaveascaronmyface?¡±

    Lysander<b>was</b>silentforamoment.¡°Noteveryoneissosuperficial,basinglovesolelyonappearances.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,youreallydon¡¯tjudgesomeonebyappearances,¡±saidJosiah.¡°YouevenconsideredbeingwithsomeonelikeZachary.¡±

    WhenitcametoZachary,Lysanderstillfeltalittleunsettled.¡°IfZacharydoesn¡¯ebackforalongtime,Mdm.Camwilldefinitelycallthepolice.They¡¯llcheckthesurveince camerasandthen¡­Areyoureadyforthat?Whatwillyousaywhenthetimes?<b>¡±</b>

    Whiletheywerespeaking,theyhadalreadyreachedtheentranceofthehospital.

    Josiahdeliberatelyslowedhispace,assistingSaffronincarryingAurora¡¯sbabystrollerdownthesteps.

    First<b>,</b>heletSaffrongetintothebackseatofthecarwithAurora.Then,heneatlyfoldedupthestrollerandceditinthetrunkbeforefinallygettingintothecarandstartingit.

    2<b><i>/</i></b><i>A</i>

    Chapter547IWillFaceThemWithYou.

    Lysanderstoodunmovedwhereshewas.

    Josiahpattedthepassengerseat.¡°Getinthecar.¡±

    However,shewaswaitingforhisanswer.

    ¡°Thewoundhasbeenstitchedupwithacolorlesssuturethread,¡±saidJosiah,leaningbackinhischairasifhewasgivingintoher.¡°AsforZachary,likeIjustmentioned,he¡¯sinite.¡±

    Lysanderleanedinforacloserlookandindeed,thrgestwoundhadbeenstitchedupwithacolorlesssuturethread.

    Shewassomewhatupset,¡°Sinceit¡¯salreadystitchedup,whydidyoulietomejustnow?¡±

    ¡°Youtellme?¡±

    JosiahncedbackatSaffron,softeninghisvoicetocoaxLysander,¡°Allright,let¡¯sget inthecarfirst.IjustreceivedamessagefromNieva.She¡¯salreadybackandwaitingforus.Weshouldn¡¯tkeepherwaitingtoolong.

    Leftwithnootherchoice,Lysandergotinthecar.

    ¡°DoesGuerraGrouphaveasubsidiaryinite?¡±

    Whiledriving,Josiahchuckledlightly.¡°It¡¯ssuchatinynation,whywouldIestablishasubsidiarythere?¡±

    ¡°ThenZachary¡­¡±

    ¡°Hewasnningtomake somethingoutofhimself,wasn¡¯the?Therearefewerpeopleoverthere,makingiteasier forhimtoachievehisdreams.Hissessrestsonhisowncapabilitiesnow.¡±

    Lysanderstudiedhimforamoment.Josiahseemedrxed,notlikehewaslying.

    Zacharycertainlydeservedpunishment,butshecouldn¡¯thelpbutfeelthatendingsomeone¡¯slifelikethiswasjusttoogruesome.

    ¡°AreyouscaredImightkillhim?¡±

    ¡°Haveyoueverkilledsomeone?¡±

    Takingadeepbreath,Josiahresponded,¡°I¡¯veneverpersonallid ahand onanyone.¡±

    Lysanderloweredhergaze,studyingherownfingers.¡°Isitbecauseofbusiness?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Itwas,atthebeginning.¡±

    ¡°Canonereallytakealifeforthesakeofmoney?¡±Lysanderasked.¡°PerhapsbecauseI¡¯madoctor,everylifeisprecioustome.Ican¡¯prehendtheruthlessnessofthebusinessworld.¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°Themorepowerisconcentrated,themorebrutalthpetitionbes.Sometimes,it¡¯snotthatIwanttoharmsomeone,but theywanttoharmme.I¡¯mjusttryingtoprotect myself.¡±

    ¡°Icaprehend,butstillstruggletofullyunderstand.¡±

    ¡°Youdon¡¯tneedtounderstand¡±saidIosiah.¡°Aslong<b>as</b>I¡¯maround.Iwon¡¯tletvoufacesuchissues¡±

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    Chapter547IWillFaceThemWithYou

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    ¡°WasHarry¡­alsosenttoite?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯sreallydead.¡±

    Lysanderswiftlyturnedherheadtolookathim.

    Saffron,whowasinthebackseat,<b>was</b>alsostartled,gaspinginshock.

 Chapter 548

    Chapter548IDidNotWantYouToBeDistracted

    Withafleetingncetowardthebackseat,Josiahquicklyavertedhiseyes,exining,¡°Hisdeathhasnothingtodowith me.Hegotdrunkonhisown,fell intotheriver<b>,</b>anddrowned.¡±

    ¡°Whendidthishappen?¡±

    ¡°BeforewewenttoApexCity.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­¡±Lysandersuddenlyrealized.¡°YoudeliberatelysentmetoApexCityforthesummit,justtosidestepthisissue?¡±

    ¡°Thatwasoneofthereasons,¡±repliedJosiah.¡°Attendingthesummitwillmoreorlesshelpyou<b>progress</b>.Plus,it¡¯sbeenawhilesinceHarrydrowned.Hisbodywasjustdiscoverete,leadingtoseveredposition.Iknowhowmuchyourespectlife,soIdidn¡¯twantyoutobedistracted.¡±

    Lysanderfellsilent.

    Josiahreachedoutandgentlycoveredherhand,pattingitlightly.¡°Hisasheshavealreadybeensentbacktohis hometownforburial.Asimplefuneralwasheld,givinghimsomesenseofclosure.¡±

    ¡°Youevenarrangedhisfuneral?¡±

    ¡°Ihiredalocalweddingandfuneralteamto dealwithit?Josiahsaid,¡°I¡¯mstartingtobesuperstitiousnow.Nomatterwhat,Ithink itwillbringgoodfortoourchild.¡±

    Whentheyreturnedtothehotel,Nievahadalreadyreturnedfromhertrek,justasexpected.Shewascasuallydressed,sittinginthediningroomandenjoyingtheviewwhilesippingonher coffeeandnibblingonpastries.

    Nowthatherjobwasdone,SaffronhandedthestrollerovertoJosiahbeforeshereturnedtoherpost.

    Fromadistance,NievaspottedJosiahpushingababystroller,walkingalongsideLysander.Shecouldn¡¯thelpbuttease,¡°Well,lookatthat.Auroraseemssowell¨Cbehavedinyourcare,almostasif she¡¯syours.¡±

    Josiahtookaseatacrossfromher,eyeingLysander¡¯shelplessexpression.Hewarned,¡°Youbetterwatchwhatyousay,orI¡¯llendupgettingpunished.¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Nievacouldn¡¯thelpherself,sheppedthetableandburstintughter.¡°Honestly,I¡¯dlovetoseeyouinsuchasituation,Mr.Guerra!¡±

    ¡°Sheesh.Ican¡¯tbelievethatIstill have toputupwithyourinsultsafterlookingafteryourkidforfree.¡±

    ¡°Becausesuchopportunitiesarehardteby!Inthepast,Iwouldn¡¯tdaretooffendyou,butMs.Thorneisheretoday.There¡¯snowayyouwouldloseyourtemperinfrontofher.¡±

    Josiahcouldn¡¯thelpbutchuckle.¡°Alright,alright,Iadmit,you¡¯vedonemeahugefavorthistime.Goahead,saywhatyouwish.¡±

    NievabrushedherhandagainstLysander¡¯s.¡°Buthonestly,thewayyoubothwalkedoverherejustnowmadeyoulooklikeamatchmadeinheaven<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    LysanderknewhowcandidNievawasandthatthetter would speakhermindwithouthesitation.Thus,shedidn¡¯tmindatall.¡°It¡¯snobigdeal.Amanand awoman walkingtogetherwithachildareboundto

    <b>¡°</b><b>9</b>

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    Nievawavedherhanddismissively.¡°That¡¯snot necessarilythecase.IfitweremeandElio¡­Hmph,passersbywouldprobablyjustthinkweareenemies<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysanderagreedbutdidn¡¯tvoiceanyofherthoughts.Reluctantly,shehandedAurorabacktoNievaandsaid,¡°Ms. Lionhart,Aurorahasbeenmissingyou.¡±

    ¡°Iappreciatewhatyou¡¯vedoneforthepastfewdays.DidAuroracauseanytroubleordisturbyoursleep?¡±Nievareachedoutandtookher daughterinherarms.

    3

    Uponseeingher mother,Aurora¡¯seyessparkledvibrantly.Atthatmoment<b>,</b>shedesirednothingelsebuttonestlewithinhermother¡¯sarms,alongingthatstemmedfromthedepths<b>of</b>herheart.

    Lysanderfeltanemptinesswithinher.Shecasther eyesdownandsaid,¡°No,shewaswell¨Cbehavedallthetime.¡±

    Thismomentwasevenmoreunbearablethanshehadanticipated.

    Allthemental preparationbeforehandhadbeeninvain.

    Nievatenderlykissedherdaughter¡¯sfaceandsaid,¡°Oh,I¡¯vemissedyoutoo.¡±

    JosiahobservedLysanderfromtheside,noticingherreluctancetopartwithAurora.HeturnedtoNievaandasked,¡°IfIremembercorrectly,you¡¯renningtostayhereforawhile,aren¡¯tyou?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,ifyouguysarefree,rememberteandhelpmewithAurorafora fewdays.¡±Nievawasdelightedtohavesomeassistance.

    Withoutanyhesitation,Lysanderagreed,¡°I¡¯mtrulygratefulforyourwillingnesstolendahelpinghandthistime,Ms.Lionhart.Ifyoueverneedanythinginthefuture,feelfreetoletusknow.¡±

    Nievasaidhalf¨Cjokingly,¡°It¡¯snotjustnowthatIneedhelp,I¡¯llstillbeneedingitinthefuture,Whoknows,one dayImightjustleaveherwithyouguysandgoenjoymyself.¡±

    Despiteherwords,NievacradledAurora,hereyesfilledwiththejoyofreunioneventhoughtheyhadonlybeenapartfortwodays.

    Lysanderwatchedthem,awaveofenvy risinginherheart.

    NievahadbeenbondingwithAurorafora whilewhenshesuddenlyrememberedsomething.¡°Oh<b>,</b>right,I¡¯vearrangedfor youtomeetsomeonefamiliarhere.¡±

    TheacquaintanceNievawasreferringtowasnoneotherthanDaphne.

    Uponlearningabouttherapidprogressofthematter,Lysanderwasnolonger<b>as</b>worriedasshepreviously

    <b>was</b><b>.</b>

    Daphnearrivedmuchearlierthanexpected.Thatday,shewasnoticeablymorereservedinbothherattireanddemeanor.Evenhergreetingswererestrained.However,shedeliberatelygaveJosiahthecoldshoulder.

    ¡°Goodmorning,Ms.Lionhart/she greeted.Shetookouttheprepareddocumentsfromthefolder,cingthemneatlyonthetable.Then,sheextended herhandtoNieva.

    Thiswastheirfirstface¨Cto¨Cfacemeeting,buttheyhadpreviouslmunicatedoverthephone,sotherewasnounfamiliaritybetweenthem.

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    Josiahncedatthedocumentsbutdidn¡¯t<b>say</b>aword.

    Fromthelookonhisface,LysanderknewthatthedocumentpreparedbyDaphnemusthavebeenquitethoroughand werewithout<b>issues</b><b>.</b>

    Observingfromtheside,Lysanderfeltadeepsenseofsatisfaction.Ithadonlybeenafewdayssincethestmet,butDaphne¡¯sprogresswastrulyremarkable.

    ¡°Ms.Lionhart,you¡¯realreadyawareofEverhartCorporation¡¯srecentcircumstances,so<b>I</b>won¡¯trepeatmyself.Icanonlyassureyouthat yourinvestmentwon¡¯tbeinvain.Iwillstrivetoprotectyourprincipndgenerateprofitsforyou.¡±

    Daphnewasknownforherauthenticity,alwaysspeakinghermind.

    Nievahappenedtogetalongwellwithpeopleofasimrtemperament.Shealsopresentedaninvestmentcontractwith asmile,saying,¡°Alright,I¡¯mlookingforwardtothereturns.¡±

    Sheced<b>a</b>penonthecontractandsaid,¡°I¡¯vealreadysignedit. Ms.Everhart,ifyouhavenoobjections,youcan<b>go</b>aheadandsignit.¡±

    Dapookseveraldeepbreathsinherexcitement,managingtosteadyherhandbeforeshebegantopenhersignaturedown.

    Theopportunityshehadbeenwaitingsolongforwasabouttobeareality.

    Thecontractcameintwocopies. Itwasn¡¯tuntilDaphneheldhercopyinherhandsthatshedaredtobelieveshehadtrulyseeded.

    WhenLysanderthefoolishgrinonherface,shecouldn¡¯thelpbut giveDaphneaslightpoke.

    DaphnewasjoltedbacktohersensesasshegrabbedNieva¡¯shandandshookitvigorously,saying,¡°Ms.Lionhart,Iappreciateyourgestureinmytimeofneed.Iwillforeverrememberyourkindness!¡±

    Nievaletoutaheartugh,hergazethenfallingontotheothertwoindividuals,

    ¡°It¡¯snotasdramaticasyou¡¯remakingitouttobe.Ifyouneedtothankanyone,thankMr. GuerraandMs.Thorne.Imadeapromisetothemafterall.Aslongastheytakegoodcareofmydaughter,Iwill domybesttomakethishappen.I¡¯msimplyfulfillingmypromisenow.¡±

    Thebabyinherarmsbegantughalong,andinDaphne¡¯seyes,Aurorabroughtnothingbutgoodlucktoher.

    Meanwhile,Nieva¡¯scuriositywaspiqued.¡°Bytheway,what didMr.Guerradotoupsetyou?<b>It</b>seemslikeyouandMs.Thorneareonprettygoodterms.¡±

    Daphne¡¯sfeelingswerecrystalclear.<b>¡°</b>Ms. Lionhart,youseemtonotunderstand.One¡¯s<b>best</b>friendandboyfriendareinherently adversaries,letalonewhenit¡¯sanex¨Chusband.¡±

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    Chapter 549 The Story Sounds Familiar

    Josiah had recently suffered Maverick¡¯s verbal abuse and took Daphne¡¯s hostility in his stride, not letting it bother him.

    ¡°I sec.¡± Nieva said with a hint of interest while nodding her head. ¡°So, does his securing my investment for you lessen your dislike for him a little?¡±

    Daphine pouted. ¡°Business is business, but I still strongly disagree with him pursuing Lysander.¡±

    ¡°Hmm. Mr. Guerra, did you hear that? You¡¯ve got a long and difficult task ahead of you!¡±

    Josiah rubbed his temples. ¡°I¡¯m working on it. I know I¡¯ve made mistakes, so I have to correct them. Only by showing others that I¡¯ve changed can I gain their eptance.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t have the time to pay him any attention. Instead, she noticed a hint of reluctance in Nieva¡¯s smile.

    Hiking would usually allow one to rx and unwind, butpared to before she left, she seemed <i>to </i>have acquired a subtle hint of mncholy.

    ¡°Ms. Lionhart,¡± Lysander carefully began, ¡°Actually, I saw someone at the hotelst night.¡±

    ¡°Who is it?¡±

    This time, it was Josiah who responded, ¡°Elio.¡±

    The smile on Nieva¡¯s face vanished instantly. She lifted her coffee and took a sip, a bitter taste lingering. ¡°What did he tell you?¡± she asked.

    Lysander¡¯s voice showed a hint of concern. ¡°He said he needed to see you urgently. When he couldn¡¯t find you, he left in a hurry. Did he manage to reach you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Nieva put down her cup, then yfully covered Aurora¡¯s ears. Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she said, ¡°He¡¯s the sort who won¡¯t stop until he gets what he wants. If he traveled all this way to find me, he has to see me no matter what.¡±

    Josiah felt that Elio was like a puzzle he couldn¡¯t solve, probing further, ¡°What exactly did he want from you?¡±

    Daphne became increasingly anxious, fearing that the trouble was indeed caused by her contract.

    ¡°It¡¯s a cause for celebration.¡± After taking a bite of her dessert, Nieva managed to regain some semnce of a smile. ¡°I reckon <b>I¡¯ll </b>be able to divorce him soon. I won¡¯t have to keep up this facade in front of others anymore.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    The surroundings echoed with noticeable gasps, for the news hade to suddenly.

    Lysander looked at Nieva with a heavy heart, suspecting that she was merely putting on a brave face.

    After all, she had truly lived through the same experience in the past.

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    Chapter 549 The Story Sounds Familiar

    Lysander looked at Aurora, who was still happilyughing, and was struck by a troubled feeling. ¡°Did he suggest it? Why so sudden?¡±

    Nieva shrugged indifferently. ¡°Yeah, the woman he¡¯s seeing outside is pregnant. He probably wants to make it official with her, so who knows?¡±

    This story sounded eerily familiar.

    No wonder Elio didn¡¯t acknowledge his own <i>daughter</i>. Perhaps, in his <i>eyes</i>, she is <i>merely </i><i>a </i><i>byproduct </i>of his climb to <i>the </i>pinnacle of power. As for <i>his </i>real child, it is peacefully growing in the <i>womb </i><i>of </i><i>another </i><i>woman</i>.

    Josiah¡¯s brows were tightly knitted, as he was utterly disgusted by Elio¡¯s adulterous behavior. Yet, ironically, he was the least qualified person there to judge thetter.

    Lysander was being more practical. ¡°What are your ns for the future? It¡¯s quite tough to raise a baby on your own.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just take it one step at a time,¡± Nieva said with a resigned smile. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough anyway. I consider this as my escape. Plus, I have Aurora. It doesn¡¯t matter if her father doesn¡¯t care for her, I will give her double the love. I¡¯ll be there for her as she grows up, giving her the very best the world has to offer.¡±

    Nevia looked incredibly at ease, as if she had truly let go of a heavy burden. Yet her hand remained protectively over Aurora¡¯s ear, even if thetter was still too young toprehend their conversation.

    Daphne was filled with righteous indignation. ¡°I despise unfaithful men the most. Elio has treated you and your daughter unjustly. I hope he finds no peace at home with his new love, and may the child not be his!¡±

    Her words wereced with venom, and as she spoke, she kept ncing in Josiah¡¯s direction.

    Knowing he was in the wrong, Josiah kept his head bowed down.

    Nevertheless, Nieva waved her hand dismissively. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore, as long as he doesn¡¯t show up in front of me ever again.¡±

    She was utterly indifferent to Elio¡¯s future life. Instead, she picked up her phone and hailed a cab.

    ¡°But you¡¯ve reminded me of something. Since he already knows about this ce, I can¡¯t stay here for long. I¡¯ll have to entrust Aurora to you next time.¡±

    Nieva began to rise and tidy up. Cradling Aurora in her arms, she looked to be having some difficulty.

    Lysander quickly offered, ¡°Let me help you.¡±

    She efficiently tidied up Aurora¡¯s toys and clothes with Daphne, even remembering to refill the thermos with hot water.

    Josiah wasn¡¯t idle either. He handed over the toys and wet wipes he had purchased over the past two days, saying, ¡°Take these as well. Aurora might need them during the journey.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Nieva didn¡¯t stand on ceremony with them, holding her baby as she spoke. ¡°Mr. Guerra, Ms. Thorne, if there everes a day when I¡¯m homeless, I¡¯ll have toe to your ce for a meal.¡±

    Josiah readily agreed, ¡°No problem. You¡¯re always wee.¡±

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    Daphne immediately made her stand clear, pulling Lysander along with her. ¡°Mr. Guerra is a busy man, and it¡¯s the housekeepers who cook at his home. Ms. Lionhart, why don¡¯t youe to my ce instead? Lysander and I will personally prepare a meal for you.¡±

    Upon seeing Daphne tantly trying to undermine Josiah, Nieva chose to leave in silence, smiling while doing so.

    Lysander watched as the car carrying Nieva and Aurora drove off into the distance, feeling an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

    All the previous worries rted to Aurora had indeed be a reality.

    Daphne was still seething with indignation on Nieva¡¯s behalf. ¡°Ms. Lionhart is such a wonderful person, yet Elio could actually abandon her and their daughter. He¡¯s truly blind! Tell me, what¡¯s wrong with these wealthy people, are they all blind?¡°.

    ¡°Every family has its own problems, Ms. Lionhart has already made her choice.¡± Suddenly, Lysander seemed to see a reflection of her past self.

    Daphne was still upset but soon received a call from thepany urging her to return.

    Lysander advised her, ¡°You should head back now. Don¡¯t let this get in the way of work.¡±

    Daphne carefully put away the contract, bidding them farewell. She said, ¡°Lysander, take good care of yourself, and I¡¯ll have good news to share soon!¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm.¡± Lysander believed in her abilities, encouraging her, ¡°Let¡¯s work hard together!¡±

    Daphne was quite encouraged. However, as she passed by Josiah, her smile faltered for a moment.

    Josiah appeared calm, his attention solely focused on Lysander.

    Daphne¡¯s feelings of gratitude and resentment were evident. Although reluctant, she still muttered something under her breath. Once she finished, she walked without hesitation.

    award

    Josiah¡¯s attention was entirely focused on Lysander, barely hearing her mumbled words. By the time he wanted to ask her what she had muttered, she was nowhere to be seen.

    Fortunately, Lysander was able to hear clearly. Ignoring the reluctant tone in Daphne¡¯s voice, she repeate ¡°She said thank you.¡±

    This was the same thing Lysander had wanted to say to him.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for Josiah¡¯s intervention, it wouldn¡¯t have been impossible to get into Nieva¡¯swork.

    Josiah replied nonchntly, ¡°That¡¯s the least I can do.¡±

 Chapter 550

    Chapter 550 He Was Teaching Her

    Once they were alone, they both couldn¡¯t stay still any longer. Lysander was the first to turn around and. return to her room.

    Josiah closely followed behind.

    The room had already been tidied up by the cleaningdy. The clutter and debris from the broken chair that morning had vanished without a trace. Even the slightest hint of Aurora¡¯s presence had disappeared.

    Lysander walked over and ran her fingers over the now smooth bedsheet, feeling a wave of dejection wash over her.

    The events of the past few days were indeed nothing more than a surreal dream from which she had now awakened.

    Lysander mumbled to herself, ¡°If I had known we would part ways so quickly, I should¡¯ve at least asked Ms. Lionhart for her contact information.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I have her phone number. If you¡¯re thinking about Aurora, you can reach out to her.¡±

    ¡°Never mind.¡± Lysander seemed quite understanding. ¡°Babies always prefer their mother¡¯spany, and besides, Ms. Lionhart will be really busy.¡±

    Josiah agreed, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Elio to go to such lengths. However, the Lionhart family is powerful and not one to be trifled with. It¡¯s not necessarily a given that Nieva will be at a disadvantage.¡±

    What he discussed pertained to matters of inheritance. After all, Elio wasn¡¯t a real member of the Lionhart family.

    What Lysander was pondering, however, was something else entirely. ¡°Once a man¡¯s feelings change, he can be utterly heartless toward the woman he no longer loves, let alone now when his heart is probably filled with thoughts of his new family.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression was somber, no longer bringing up the topic of Nieva¡¯s marriage. Instead, he asked, ¡°Do you want me to help her?¡±

    ¡°Your rtionship with Elio seems pretty good, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°In the world of business, there are no friends. Simply, the fewer people you offend, the less trouble you¡¯ll encounter.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    So, Josiah asked again, ¡°Do you want me to help Nieva?¡±

    ¡°How can you help?¡± Lysander asked. ¡°Elio might not be so easy to deal with.¡±

    ¡°He only has to deal with the Lionhart family for now, but if I were to get involved, he might need to think

    twice.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°What would happen then? Chaos and disaster?¡±

    ¡°What kind of ending are you hoping for him?¡±

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    ¡°Will whatever I wish for happen?¡±

    ¡°I could give it a try.¡±

    Despite saying that he would try, the certainty in his tone was telling.

    <b>50</b><b>%</b>

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s not. After all, their love before was true. What if Ms. Lionhart can¡¯t bear it¡­¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°True, not every woman is like you, able to make a clean break without a hint of hesitation.¡±

    ¡°Are you ming me?¡±

    ¡°I wasplimenting you.¡± Josiah contemted for a moment before saying, ¡°Your ability to easily move on is impressive. Had you not pursued medicine, you might have been quite suited for the business world.¡±

    Lysander sat in the empty room, a sense of inexplicable loss¨Cwashing over her. ¡°I need to work now. You can do as you wish.¡±

    When one had too much time on their hands, they tended to overthink. Thus, she hoped to keep herself upied with work.

    Josiah remained silent, simply retrieving hisptop and settling down on the couch behind the desk.

    The two of them dealt with their respectivepany business, which were independent of each other.

    Once Lysander dedicated herself wholeheartedly to a task, she wouldpletely shut out the outside world. She remained seated from morning till afternoon, barely lifting her head a few times. Even her lunch was ordered by Josiah through room service.

    The meal was simr to what she had previously eaten in the dining room, consisting of a bowl of soup and several dishes elected by a nutritionist. Surprisingly<i>, </i>it suited her taste, and she found herself eating more than she had before.

    Josiah ate the same as Lysander, quietly noting the few dishes she barely touched so that he could remove them from the menu.

    Thorne Constructions and Energies had been operating for many years and was considered argepany in Harborbrook. The internal operations and structure of thepany were far moreplex than initially anticipated.

    After what felt like an eternity, Lysander¡¯s mind began to grow foggy. She lifted her head and took a sip of water from the cup she was holding.

    In the next moment, she froze.

    The water in the cup was the same as she had poured before she sat down. <i>How </i><i>could </i>it <i>still </i><i>be </i><i>warm </i><i>at </i><b><i>this </i></b><i>point</i>? <i>Even </i><i>the </i><i>taste </i><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>sweet</i></b>.

    From behind, Josiah casually remarked, ¡°I <b>saw </b>your cup when I was getting water<b>, </b>so I filled <i>it </i>for you. There happened to be some honey by the side cab.¡±

    Lysander was so engrossed in her work that she didn¡¯t even realize when he had gotten up to do all of that.¡±

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    Chapter 550 He Was Teaching Her

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, maintaining a measured tone.

    Josiah had given up hope of persuading Lysander to abandon her formal demeanor. He simply said, ¡°When I put down my cup carlier, I caught a glimpse of the documents you were reading.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond immediately, waiting for him to continue. This field was his strength, and he wouldn¡¯t have made ament without good reason.

    Josiah tapped on the documents on her desk. ¡°There¡¯s an issue with this Lennox Escobar.¡±

    ¡°Are you referring to the head of the marketing department? This person seemed to have brought in quite a bit of business for thepany and has consistently performed well in the annual evaluations. I just felt that the growth of the marketing department didn¡¯t quite align with his style.¡±

    Lysander was indeed suspicious, which was why she kept going over the document again and again. However, she couldn¡¯t pinpoint any issues.

    Most of the time, first impressions tend to be urate. However, she hadn¡¯t studied business in the past so she couldn¡¯t really tell.

    Upon seeing her quick discovery, Josiah sharply questioned, ¡°What do you think is off about him?¡±

    Lysander mused, ¡°His individual performance is too outstanding, as if the entire marketing department exists to serve him. Moreover, the establishment of this department should not merely be to maintain the existing market share, right? Thepany¡¯s operations are too reliant on one person. If anything were to happen to him, thepany would be in a terrible situation. Also, if he were to use this leverage to make unreasonable demands on thepany, or exploit this client information for other purposes, he could easily ce the me on thepany.¡±

    A situation like this would have been much easier to handle if it had urred in a hospital.

    After meticulously reviewing the medical records, surgical reports, and various documents, each one was cross¨Cchecked ording to the procedure. Whoever was found to be responsible would indeed be held ountable. There was no escaping it.

    However, the situation with a privatepany was different.

    There was so much room for maneuvering, and given that Lysander was still not very knowledgeable about the business, the loopholes that Lennox could exploit were simply innumerable.

    ÔÂ

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said. ¡°The role of the marketing department is to expand market share and secure orders. However, having all orders depend on one person is too risky. It¡¯s like a double¨Cedged sword¨Cit could bring sess or failure.¡±

    Josiah confirmed her suspicions, while also revealing a hint of admiration.

    She had only spent two days pouring over these documents, yet the fact that she coulde up with such an idea truly demonstrated her talent.

    He sifted through the documents, pulling out a few to show her. ¡°Perhaps you might want to review thetest financial reports from various departments,¡± he suggested. ¡°These are all new information since I¡¯ve stepped back.¡±

    When he was around, the senior executives of Thorne Constructions and Energies would greet him with beaming smiles. But now that Lysander, a neer with no renown, had taken his ce, it was hard to

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    Chapter 550 He Was Teaching Her

    guarantee they wouldn¡¯t see her as a pushover.

    Before their official meeting, these documents served as the best method to test her capabilities and boundaries.

    Lysander meticulously reviewed the reports again, her vision nearly going blur from the sheer volume. Despite her thoroughness, she was unable to pinpoint the specific problem.

    This was far more challenging than reviewing medical records. She simply couldn¡¯t pinpoint the root of the problem, and there wasn¡¯t a patient avable to provide a verbal ount of their condition.

    When Josiah saw her continuously massage her temples with concern, he pointedly highlighted a string of numbers and said, ¡°There seems to be something off with the marketing department¡¯s budget.¡±

 Chapter 551

    Chapter 551 Someone For Life

    +5 Pearls

    Just like finance, medicine also required a solid foundation in the sciences. Lysander applied meticulous attention to detail from her work, wishing she could see right through the paper.

    Yet, the oue was still barely satisfactory. She had no idea what the data should look like <b>under </b>normal circumstances.

    ¡°How can we tell if there¡¯s anything unusual?¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°The marketing department has always been a major expense for thepany, and high <b>travel </b>costs are to be expected. However, considering the size and scale of Thorne Constructions and Energies, these travel expenses have exceeded the normal range by more than tenfold.¡±

    Lysander, filled with puzzlement, asked, ¡°You even know about such trivial matters as travel expenses?¡±

    ¡°Was I born already seated in the CEO¡¯s <b>chair</b>?¡±

    Of course, he also started from scratch.

    He was an experienced individual, and teaching her was far more challenging than simply guiding her along the path, but he didn¡¯t seem the least bit impatient.

    Lysander inquired, ¡°So, the issue with the finances might not be as concealed as I originally thought?¡±

    Josiah gave a nod.

    ¡°The marketing manager was a clever individual, probably fearing you¡¯d catch on. Hence, he carried out all his activities in a very secretive manner. If he had only focused on one thing, he might not have been discovered.¡±

    Driven by insatiable greed, Lennox acted in such a manner primarily to conceal his secret. However, unexpectedly, his clever scheme backfired spectacrly.

    Lysander pondered over the words spoken by Josiah, while pulling up the recent price fluctuation charts of a few products to make a freshparison. As she studied the charts, her expression turned somber.

    Several lines were circled on the paper version of the report, all indicating problematic sections.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only been able to find this much. I just hope no innocent person gets wronged,¡± Lysander said, after thoroughly checking everything. Seeing no omissions, she handed out the paper.

    Josiah epted it, his expression filled with contentment. ¡°You truly are a promising seedling worth nurturing. Although you werete to catch on, everything turned out right. Moreover, look at this,¡± he pointed out, ¡°The number of orders that Lennox brought in is this much, but the revenue it generated for thepany is only this much. Something¡¯s not right here.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°What could possibly be the reason?¡±

    ¡°There are two possibilities,¡± Josiah stated. ¡°Firstly, some of the orders may have been delivered, but the final payments were not received, resulting in bad debts. Alternatively, he could have coborated with the second party, skimming off a profit of about thirty to forty percent. Given the volume of these orders, it¡¯s estimated that he could have pocketed around two million in unrecorded funds.¡±

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    gradually amassing it, causing substantial damage to thepany¡¯s profits. It was as though he was draining the public coffers to line his own pockets.

    When he was around, these people could only gain limited benefits. Now, they couldn¡¯t even wait for Lysander to officially take office. They already started to exploit thepany¡¯s resources.

    Lysander finally understood and let out a cold chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve always known one thing¨Cwhen dealing with a disease, it¡¯s crucial to eradicate itpletely.¡±

    As she spoke, she intended to flip through the list of names, ready to start drafting dismissal letters.

    ¡°Are you nning to make a strong start in your new position? Using him as an example to teach others <b>a </b>lesson?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I do that?¡±

    ¡°Sure, it¡¯s possible,¡± Josiah interjected promptly, ¡°but I would advise against doing it for now. Of course, it¡¯s just a suggestion.¡±

    If Lysander insisted on making an example of him, Josiah wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything about it.

    ¡°Two million is no small amount. It could <b>even </b>serve as start¨Cup capital for some minor projects,¡± Lysander said in a quiet voice. ¡°Isn¡¯t that enough reason to terminate his employment?¡±

    Josiah exined, ¡°Mr. Escobar has been with thepany for about as long as Mr. Thorne. The resources and connections he holds could sustain more than half of the department. If you fire him now, thepany¡¯s operations woulde to an immediate halt. This is why he dares to act so brazenly. As for the allegations of corruption, they¡¯re merely conjectures at this point. No one can produce evidence to prove his dereliction of duty. Without evidence, we won¡¯t have a leg to stand on anywhere.¡±

    ¡°So what should I do? Just let him be?¡±

    No wonder Josiah, despite knowing there were issues with Lennox, turned a blind eye for so long.

    Lysander felt a bit helpless. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t even care about you, he would only look down on me even

    more.¡±

    Moreover, the most recent transaction had just urred in the past few days. It was clear that Lennox was doing it on purpose.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t even made her official debut at thepany yet, but Lennox was already showing who was the boss.

    Lysander took a sip of the honey lemon tea, yet her heart remained heavy.

    Josiah gave her a suggestion that seemed feasible.

    ¡°If <b>I </b>were in your shoes, I wouldn¡¯t hastily remove the veterans from thesepanies, especially given the current instability of our foundation. It¡¯s better to keep them around for now and gradually promote new blood to <b>maintain </b><b>a </b>bnce.

    Though he was young, he skillfully maintained a bnce in thepany, almost never encountering any mishaps.

    Lysander admitted <b>that </b>it was a good idea, but new problems quickly followed.

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    ¡°Good point,¡± she conceded, ¡°but who could I possibly promote? The people at Thorne Constructions and Energies barely know me. As for neers, I¡¯m probably the newest of them all. It¡¯s toote to hire anyone now.¡±

    Lysander was absolutely certain that nobody in thepany recognized her, even though she had already spoken with some of them over the phone.

    Josiah extended <b>his </b>hand toward her. ¡°Show me the list of names you¡¯ve obtained from the HR department. After I left, some people who used to follow me at Guerra Group also left.¡±

    He wouldn¡¯t know the specific situation within thepany until he had a look for himself.

    Josiah had a thorough understanding of Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® situation, so there was no need for Lysander to be on guard against him. She handed over the list directly to him.

    With an emotionless gaze, Josiah scanned the list. Suddenly, his finger paused on a young face, and he said, ¡°You might want to consider this person.¡±

    ¡°That person doesn¡¯t seem much older than me,¡± Lysander said, a hint of surprise in her voice <b>as </b>she began to peruse the detailed profile.

    Josiah was just about to say a few more words when suddenly, his phone rang. He nced at the screen, stood up, and said, ¡°I need to take this call. Please <b>wait </b>for me.¡±

    Without a doubt, Lysander believed in him. Without lifting her head, she simply said, ¡°Okay.¡±

    The door to the room was gently closed. For the first time in these past few days, Josiah voluntarily returned to the room next door and then pressed the answer button.

    The call came from Carol. Her voice was as steady as ever. ¡°Mr. Guerra, the matter <b>has </b>been resolved.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Josiah replied.

    Carol added a few more details, ¡°Zachary was still not convinced, but he has agreed to go to ite.¡±

    ¡°I trust your judgment. There¡¯s no need to report every detail about him to me in the future. However, make sure someone keeps an eye on him. I don¡¯t want him showing up in front of Lysander or those close. to her again.¡±

    The tone of Josiah¡¯s words took a subtle dive, masking the faint hint of murderous intent that had previously lingered.

    Carol responded, ¡°It¡¯s all been arranged.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±

    Carol asked with a smile, ¡°Mr. Guerra, if this were in the past, Zachary wouldn¡¯t have met such a peaceful end. Has your state of mind truly changed now?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice softened considerably. ¡°It might be because I¡¯ve found someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.¡±

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    Chapter 552 The Final Gamble

    <b>Carol </b>spoke rather sentimentally. ¡°Actually, you found her a long time ago.¡±

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    ¡°Indeed,¡± Josiah admitted <b>with </b>a hint of mncholy. ¡°I <b>was </b>too obsessed. I had noticed early on that Lysanne¡¯s temperament had changed since childhood, yet I never doubted it.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, even though I¡¯m your secretary, as a womarl, I can¡¯t help but feel more sympathy for Mrs.. Guerra<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    The two had been working together for many years. Without saying much, they both understood each other.

    Josiah asked, ¡°Please answer a question from a woman¡¯s perspective <b>for </b>me.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± she said.

    ¡°Would you

    still ept me if you were Lysander?¡±

    Carol hesitated for a moment, forcing augh. ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯m not your wife. My choices don¡¯t. necessarily align with hers.¡±

    A chill ran through Josiah¡¯s heart. ¡°Okay, I understand<b>.</b>¡±

    Carol heard his dejected tone and wanted to offerfort. However, while she excelled at handling tasks, providingfort was something she found quite challenging.

    After a brief silence, she heard Josiah ask, ¡°How are things at the hospital?¡±

    Carol had initially nned to share the details with him, and upon hearing his request, truthfully ryed<b>, </b>¡°After you left with Mrs. Guerra, everything at Thorne Constructions and Energies was fine, except¡­ Ms. Thorne had returned to the hospital.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>was instantly infuriated. ¡°Is she bothering Mr. Thorne and his family again?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s here right now at Mr. Howard and Mdm. Molly¡¯s.¡±

    A brief silence echoed from the other end of the line, a testament to Josiah¡¯s effort to suppress his rising anger. When he finally spoke, his voice had turned considerably colder. ¡°What is she nning to do this

    time?¡±

    His voice was t, devoid of any trace of emotion, and the undertone of his words hinted at a deep¨Cseated disdain.

    Carol was making a phone call not far from Molly¡¯s hospital room. After a nce, she replied, ¡°It¡¯s the same old story. You¡¯ve blocked her path. Her only hope lies in Mr. Howard and Mdm. Molly¡¯s continued pity for her, hoping they might grant her a bit more of their wealth. She¡¯s causing quite a fuss.¡±

    A crowd had already gathered in the corridor behind her, drawn in by the spectacle. The door to the patient¡¯s room was wide open, and anyone with decent hearing could pick up on themotioning from inside.

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    decided to bring me home and raise me. I didn¡¯t even have my own name, and I had to use your biological daughter¡¯s. You never loved me. You only saw me as a recement for your real daughter. Wasn¡¯t I innocent in all this-¡±

    Listening to this, Josiah felt a surge of anger welling up inside him.

    Carol asked again, ¡°Do you think we should have someone persuade her to leave? Mdm. Molly¡¯s condition has just slightly improved. If she continues to create such a fuss, I¡¯m afraid it might worsen Mdm. Molly¡¯s health

    No sooner had the words been spoken than Howard¡¯s furious roar was heard. ¡°What are you trying to do<b>? </b>Leave her alone!¡±

    ¡°I needed to ask my mother personally: could she truly abandon me without a care? I wanted <b>to </b>see just how cold her heart really is!¡±

    ¡°Stop! Let go of me now-

    Carol¡¯s voice became urgent. ¡°Mr. Guerra, something seems to be amiss.¡±

    ¡°Get her out of there,¡± ordered Josiah in a chilling tone. ¡°Now!<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Okay!¡±

    Carol didn¡¯t hang up the phone. Instead, she immediately gathered a few bodyguards and instructed them to escort Lysanne out.

    While they were on the phone, chaos <b>had </b><b>already </b>erupted in Molly¡¯s hospital room. Themotion was so loud that even the security guards <b>had </b>been drawn over by the <b>noise</b>. However, none of them dared to approach Lysanne who <b>was </b>by the window.

    After her loud cries went unanswered, Lysanne resorted to her usual tactics. She dashed to the balcony. flung open the window, and then sat down at the edge, with more than half of her body leaning out.

    Molly was already on the verge of passing out from anger, and seeing Lysanne make such a scene caused a wave of pain to grip her heart.

    The nurse arrived just in time to administer oxygen to her, preventing any severe consequences.

    Howard was anxiously tending to his wife by the sickbed, while also trying to persuade Lysanne to calm down. His temples were throbbing, and he spoke with a tone of utter disappointment. ¡°If you have even the slightest regard for all we¡¯ve done to raise you, then stop this nonsense. Isn¡¯t it embarrassing enough as it is?¡±

    Molly was propped up in her sickbed, one hand clutching her chest, the other trembling incessantly. Despite being on oxygen, herplexion remained particrly ghastly. She managed to utter, ¡°How did we end up raising you like this?¡±

    The couple deeply regretted their past actions<b>, </b>so much so that they couldn¡¯t even shed a tear.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysanne became increasingly unwilling to back down. Her hands tightly grasped the window ledge, fearing she might actually fall. Her voice, however, became even more shrill.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve got the guts, then watch me die! Watch my body get torn to pieces, my brains sttered all over the ground!¡±

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    She rattled on and on<b>, </b>saying so much, yet not a <b>single </b>tear fell from her eyes. She seemed full of life and energy as if she could keep going for half a day more.

    The caregiver, who had been <b>assisting </b>Howard in taking care of Molly for a while, <b>had </b>a fair understanding of their household situation. Feeling indignant, she interrupted, ¡°Ms. Thorne, please stop talking. Mdm. Molly¡¯s condition <b>isn¡¯t </b>good¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s perfect, Mom,¡± she said, her voiceced with regret. ¡°We¡¯ve been through so much together, and I¡¯ve failed as a daughter, unable to fulfill my duties to you in life. So, let¡¯s go <b>together </b>to <b>what </b>lies beyond. You won¡¯t be alone on this journey to the underworld. I will be by your side!¡±

    Lysanne raised her voice as though she was afraid others might not hear her, her eyes reddening to the point of almost bleeding due to intense jealousy.

    The position of the daughter of the Thorne family anddy of the Guerra family <b>had </b>always been hers, but now it was all for naught. She had to at least secure a sum of money substantial enough to guarantee a lifetime of wealth and prosperity aspensation.

    The crowd gathered around the hospital room door was initially lost in confusion. However, as they gradually understood the family drama unfolding inside, they couldn¡¯t help but start pointing and whispering about the room¡¯s upants.

    ¡°That couple seemed like decent folks, so why the favoritism? All is dear, and even if there¡¯s a preference, it shouldn¡¯t be this tant! No wonder they don¡¯t get many visitors!¡±

    ¡°This whole business about the biological daughter and adopted daughter sounds so confusing. Could there be some hidden story behind it all? We really shouldn¡¯t specte further.¡±

    ¡°What could possibly be the hidden story here? Didn¡¯t you see that the girl was about to take her own life?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, who would joke around with their own life!¡±

    In the midst of chaos, Lysanne turned her <b>face</b>, revealing a triumphant smirk.

    This strategy of utilizing public opinion indeed proved effective.

    Howard¡¯s chest heaved violently, hisplexion not faring much better than his wife¡¯s. Known for his gentle nature <b>and </b>deep regard for his reputation, the humiliation of beingughed at by strangers alongside his wife was bing unbearable.

    It was baffling, looking back over two decades, how he had once thought Lysanne resembled the daughter

    he had lost.

    Looking <b>back</b>, it was clear there was a world of difference between the two girls.

    ¡°Dad, would you rather see Mom and I die than part with our family wealth? Is Mom¡¯s worth to you important than money? Fine, if that¡¯s the case, then I will¡ª¡±

    less

    Howard was shaking with rage. ¡°Who on earth taught you to speak like that? Are you trying to push us to our <b>graves</b><b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°No one taught me. These are my own words. <b>Dad</b>, give me half of the family wealth, and I promise I¡¯ll <b>never </b>bother you again. Otherwise, you might as well prepare to collect my remains!¡±

    Neither Howard nor Molly said another word. They simply shook their heads, their expressions as deste

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    as if their hearts had turned to ashes. They¡¯d had enough of her relentless and extravagant demands.

    ¡°If you refuse, I¡¯m going to jump right now!¡± Lysanne didn¡¯t dare to let go as she leaned her head out.

    The crowd watching thought she was genuinely intending tomit suicide, and they hurriedly began to plead with her toe down.

    Suddenly, an incredibly calm female voice echoed, ¡°Ms. Thorne, if you¡¯re nning to jump, please do <b>so </b>promptly. Don¡¯t waste everyone¡¯s time.¡±

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    Chapter 553 Dealing With Lysanne

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    Lysanne didn¡¯t even dare to nce down at the cement ground below the building, let alone consider jumping. She immediately shot an angry <b>look </b>at the crowd of onlookers.

    Carol, apanied by a few bodyguards dressed in <b>ck</b>, walked over with a steady stride.

    Lysanne recognized her, her expression immediately shifting into <b>an </b>awkward one. ¡°W¨CWhat did you just say? How could you incite someone to their death like that?¡±

    This statement sessfully sparked a discussion among the others.

    A mysterious glint shed in Carol¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, you¡¯re not even a biological daughter of the Thorne family. They¡¯ve taken care of you for twenty years, provided for your every need, and even sent you abroad for your studies. They¡¯ve given you everything you¡¯ve asked for. Isn¡¯t that enough to show their kindness? Not only did you almost kill their biological daughter, but you also demanded half of their fortune. They¡¯ve shown <b>enough </b>mercy by not sending you to prison, and yet you¡¯re nning to harm your foster mother?¡±

    Gossip was a part of human nature. As soon as these words fell, the gaze of the onlookers toward Lysanne changed. They were surprised that she had made so much noise, yet she conveniently left out her own misdeeds.

    Lysanne¡¯s face flushed and paled intermittently, feeling somewhat embarrassed. Yet, thinking of the thing Lysander was about to receive, she swallowed her pride and continued to make a scene.

    The ward had not been quiet for long before it once again erupted into chaos.

    Carol let her cry and make a fuss, only saying to Howard and Molly, whose faces were ashen with anger, ¡°Mr. Howard, Mdm. Molly, Mr. Guerra <b>has </b>asked me to handle Ms. Thorne.¡±

    Howard gave a nod. ¡°It¡¯s fortunate <b>that </b>Josiah sent you here. Listen to Josiah¡¯s advice and handle things the way he instructed you to.¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>All </b>right, I understand. Mr. Howard, Mdm. Molly, do you have anything else to say to her?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s onest thing. Howard said, his heartache numbing him to the core. He spoke on behalf of Molly, who was on the verge of <b>passing </b>out from rage. Looking toward the window, he continued, ¡°It¡¯s because we¡¯ve been too indulgent with you that you¡¯ve be like this. From now on, we will have nothing more to do with you.¡±

    Lysanne hadn¡¯t expected him to say such a thing, finally showing her vulnerability. ¡°Dad, Mom, you¡¯re being too harsh. Are you really going to stand by and watch me suffer?¡±

    Howard withdrew his gaze, <b>shaking </b>his head incessantly. ¡°When you pushed Lysa into the fire, didn¡¯t you also just stand there and watch her die?¡±

    irrevocable.

    As he spoke those words, he tightened his grip on his wife¡¯s hand, signifying his decision was

    Carol discerned their attitudes <b>and </b>subtly signaled the bodyguards behind her.

    Quickly, <b>a </b>shrill scream echoed out. ¡°Who are you? By what right do youy hands on me? Let go of me! Do you know who I am? I am the woman most loved by Josiah, the CEO of Guerra Group! If you dare

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    Silence fell.

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    Josiah held his phone, listening to the report from Carol. ¡°Mr. Guerra, she kept pulling at Mdm. Molly¡¯s hair and wouldn¡¯t let go. The bodyguards didn¡¯t dare to pull too hard. They had no choice but to knock her

    OUL

    ¡°Did she actually pull Mdm. Molly¡¯s hair?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Carol said. ¡°I¡¯m not sure who taught her, but if she had been grabbing arms or legs, the bodyguards would have dragged her away immediately. However, she was pulling Mdm. Molly¡¯s hair. Out of concern for Mdm. Molly¡¯s wellbeing, the bodyguards truly didn¡¯t dare to intervene.¡±

    Gradually, a name had begun to appear in Josiah¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯ve already brought Ms. Thorne out. What¡¯s our next move?¡±

    Josiah tugged at the corner of his mouth, a chilling glint shing in his eyes. ¡°Just proceed as I¡¯ve instructed you previously. It¡¯s about time some matters are brought to an end.¡±

    On the other end of the phone, Carol also felt <b>a </b>sense of relief, as if finally something was set in motion. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll <b>take </b>care of it right away,¡± she responded.

    The excitement had faded, and without anyone needing to utter a single word of persuasion, everyone else had dispersed, leaving the ce empty.N?velDrama.Org content.

    The ward had finally be peaceful.

    The caregiver began tidying up the mess that Lysanne had created during her tantrum.

    Carol approached with concern to inquire about Molly¡¯s condition. ¡°Mrs. Thorne, how are you feeling? Should we summon the doctor?¡±

    ¡°No need. I¡¯m fine.¡± Molly managed to wave her hand. A thick clump fell out when she ran her fingers through her <b>hair</b>.

    Howard¡¯s face aged several years in an instant when he <b>saw </b>that.

    After themotion caused by Lysanne, it seemed Molly would have to start the slow process of recovery all over again. Prior to that, she had barely managed to regain some of her health.

    Seeing his wife in such a state, Howard felt utterly disheartened. Despite this, he managed to muster the strength to express his gratitude to Carol. ¡°Thank you¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra was worried, so he instructed me to bring some people over to check things out,¡± Carol exined. Seeing that there wasn¡¯t any serious issue, she rose to her feet and prepared to leave. ¡°You all take a good rest. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    Howard hesitated before standing up and taking several steps toward the door.

    <b>Carol </b>paused in the hallway and asked, ¡°Do you have any more questions?¡±

    Howard heaved a long sigh<b>. </b>¡°What does Josiah n to do with her?¡±

    Carol appeared with a pleasant demeanor. ¡°Mr. Howard, you can rest assured. Mr. Guerra is someone who

    knows his limits.¡±

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    Given the circumstances, Howard decided not to interfere any longer. He turned around and returned to the ward to apany his wife.

    When Carol left the inpatient department, Lysanne had already been confined in the car. She was seated between two bodyguards, who were on high alert in case she woke up and started causing a tommotion again.

    ¡°Is she still unconscious?¡± Carol asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± the bodyguard reported. ¡°Considering she¡¯s a woman, I didn¡¯t hit her too hard. I reckon she¡¯ll wake

    up soon.¡±

    Carol let <b>out </b>a cold chuckle and ordered the driver in a straightforward manner, ¡°Drive.¡±

    After the vehicle left the hospital, the chosen route became increasingly secluded. Not only was there scarce traffic, but there were also hardly any surveince cameras to be found along the way.

    This ce was perfect for things to happen without anyone knowing.

    Lysanne slowly came to her senses and abruptly sat up. ¡°Where am I? Where are you taking me?¡±

    Carol¡¯s face fell. She said coldly, ¡°Jaws of death.¡±

    Lysanne immediately recoiled in fear, but it was toote, She knew that Carol was a close associate of Josiah. Changing her tactics, she continued to make a fuss, putting on a brave front while threatening the other party.

    ¡°If I were to go missing, someone would definitelye looking for me. I¡¯m quite close with Tiffany from the Lanister family. She knew I was at the hospital. She usually refers to me as her best friend all the time. This little girl is quite naive. If she couldn¡¯t <b>find </b>me, she might go straight to the police, which could cause trouble for Josiah!¡±

    <b>Lysanne </b>couldn¡¯t help but feel a secret surge of joy. Luckily, I was smart enough to secure Tiffany as my lifesaver in advance. Being Josiah¡¯s fianc¨¦e does have its advantages, after all.

    Upon hearing this, Carol finally managed to shift her gaze from the phone where she was updating work progress. She then simply <b>said</b>, ¡°It¡¯s too noisy in the car. Get her to quiet down.¡±

    No sooner had the words been spoken than the bodyguard swiftly ced a handkerchief, soaked in ether, over Lysanne¡¯s mouth and nose.

    ¡°Help¡± Lysanne wanted to mention Tiffany again, but her consciousness had already begun to blur, and her eyelids became too heavy to keep open.

    Lysanne was unwilling to simply fall asleep like this. She was afraid that she might not get another chance to open her eyes.

    However, the effects of the ether kicked in rapidly.

    In a state of half¨Csleep, Lysanne only heard Carol¡¯s voice giving instructions to the driver.

    ¡°Drive a bit faster, will you? Once we¡¯ve dealt with her, we can finally head back,¡± Carol said.

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    Chapter 554 The Ending For Lysanne

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    In a state of confusion, Lysanne <b>was </bpletely engulfed by darkness. By the time she woke up, she found herself lying in an unfamiliar <b>ce</b>..

    Surrounded byplete darkness, she was lying on a bed that was both hard and worn out. ustomed to a life of luxury, she couldn¡¯t tolerate such conditions. She immediately sat up andined, ¡°What kind of godforsaken ce is this? Where on earth have you brought <b>me</b>?¡±

    Apanied by <b>a </b>soft click<b>, </b>someone flipped on the light switch.

    Lysanne soon realized that the room she was in actually had a window. However, the outside was so dark that she couldn¡¯t see her hand in front of her face. Thus, no light had been able to prate through earlier.

    Carol walked in alone, her voice nonchntly breaking the silence. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡±

    Subconsciously shrinking back, Lysanne asked, ¡°When do you n on letting me go? If I¡¯m missing for too long, it won¡¯t go unnoticed!¡±

    As Lysanne spoke, she began to look around, attempting to find an opportunity <b>to </b>escape. However, the view outside the window was utterly unfamiliar, and the same was true for the room itself.

    The room appeared to be a typical living space, yet the furniture was pitifully sparse. Apart from a wooden bed, there <b>was </b>only a table and a chair. Even the small window on the door was patched up with

    newspaper.

    Carol responded with a poker face, ¡°From now on, this will be your room. Feel free to make yourself at home.¡±

    In disbelief, Lysanne questioned, ¡°What are you babbling about? How could I possibly live <b>in </b>a ce like this? Holding someone in captivity is illegal, you know!¡±

    Carol nodded. ¡°I know, but for that to work, someone would need to know you¡¯re here. As for calling the police, thew here <b>doesn¡¯t </b>seem to work for you.¡±

    Upon detecting the hidden meaning in her words, Lysanne quickly made her way toward the door.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    The bodyguards in ck who had escorted her earlier were stationed outside. Upon seeing Lysanne emerge, they didn¡¯t immediately stop her. Instead, <b>they </b>allowed her to take a few <b>steps </b>down the corridor before she halted on her own.

    Lysanne clearly observed the corridor, which was even more rundown than the room, and a few individuals with foreign features not far off.

    Right then, she knew she a foreignnd.

    was in

    Lysanne rushed back into the room, intending to confront Carol, but she was calmly sidestepped by the

    The bodyguards outside the door immediately stepped in, positioning themselves between her and Carol.

    <b>Carol</b>, with case<b>, </b>asked, ¡°Is there anything else you don¡¯t understand?¡±

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    Take me back with you. I promise I won¡¯t cause any more trouble!¡±

    +5 Pearls

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, <b>I </b>must remind you that I am no one to you and won¡¯t believe a word you <b>say</b>. Also, this <b>is </b><b>not </b>some godforsaken ce. It¡¯s an overseas orphanage that Mr. Guerra donates to every year. You grew up in a ce just like this, so you should be quite familiar with it.¡±

    Lysanne recalled the past. Before she <b>was </b>adopted by Howard and Molly, she was just one of the many children in the orphanage, waiting eagerly and hopelessly for a potential adoptive parent.

    ¡°No! You¡¯ve got it all wrong!¡± Lysanne vehemently denied it, her emotions running high. ¡°I¡¯m the prominent youngdy of the Thorne family, the woman Josiah has held dear in his heart for countless years. How could I possibly be <b>familiar </b>with a ce like this? Move aside! I <b>need </b>to go <b>back</b>!¡±

    <b>Carol </b>didn¡¯t pay her any mind. Instead, she issued a final warning by saying, ¡°You squandered your <b>own </b>opportunity. Since you imed not to have begged Mr. Howard and his wife to adopt you, then don¡¯t yearn for the good old days. Return to your original life. You were taken care of by the orphanage so that you could live a life as a prominent youngdyter. Now, it¡¯s time to give back to themunity. Take care of the children here.¡±

    After she said that, she left with her bodyguards. She didn¡¯t even bother to close the door behind her<b>, </b>seemingly unconcerned about the possibility of Lysanne escaping.

    Lysanne had a brief breakdown in her room. Seeing that they had no intention of returning, she hastily

    ran out.

    As Carol had pointed out, this was indeed an orphanage. However, the conditions were far from ideal. The ce was in a state of disrepair everywhere she looked, and that wasn¡¯t even the worst part. The few

    seemed to have cognitive issues.

    children she encountered were not only thin and small, but they?

    Such a dreadful environment reminded Lysanne of experiences she had long since forgotten.

    ¡°No way! I absolutely can¡¯t be stuck here, and I certainly can¡¯t hand over the Thorne family¡¯s assets to Lysander. If only she had perished out there! Why on earth did she have toe back andpete with me?¡±

    Lysanne was talking to herself as she ran out of the orphanage¡¯s main gate under the watchful eyes of a group of children. However, she was taken aback by what she saw.

    In the depths of the night, the world outside was so dark that not even a single streetlight could be seen. Wherever the eye reached, there was nothing but tall, dense trees. Looking around, it was impossible to find a road. The only visible thing was the tree branches stretching out like ghostly hands.

    The small amount of courage Lysanne had managed to muster up vanished without a <b>trace</b>. She tightened. her clothing around her and, steeling herself, ventured further into the forest while calling out, ¡°Help!¡±

    However, no one understood what she was saying

    She switched to speaking Stounian, but still, no one paid her any attention.

    When the passersby spoke, they all spoke in anguage she couldn¡¯t understand at all.

    It seemed she had found herself in some obscure little country where she couldn¡¯t understand theirnguage.

    All her money andmunication devices had been taken away. The situation she was in was absolutely.

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    Gradually, the path around her became increasingly difficult to traverse. The light emanating from the orphanage grew incredibly dim, almost blurred. If one were to listen closely, one could hear the hooting of an owl.

    Lysanne was scared out of her wits in an instant. By the time Alisha, the director of the orphanage, and her team found her, her legs had turned so weak that she could hardly walk.

    Alisha was an older nun who didn¡¯t sympathize with Lysanne at all. She had Lysanne half¨Cdragged back <b>to </b>the office. Lysanne then found herself plopped down on the cold, hard tile floor, looking up at the nun.

    ¡°I¡¯m Alisha, the director here. You¡¯ll be working here from now on,¡± Alisha said.

    That¡¯s Stounian! The director is speaking in Stounian<i>! </i>Lysanne seemed to have grasped at ast strand of hope. ¡°As long as you let me go, I will pay any amount!¡±

    ¡°No one¡¯s keeping you here against your will. You¡¯re free to leave whenever you want,¡± Alisha said. Seeing a glimmer of joy on Lysanne¡¯s face, as if she had misunderstood something, Alisha quickly added, ¡°But remember, you¡¯re on your own.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯s expression changed instantly. She swallowed her pride and pleaded, ¡°Could you buy me a ne ticket? I promise I¡¯ll pay you back double.¡±

    Alisha said sternly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ve been warned about you. They say you¡¯re quite the deceiver, so 1 won¡¯t take your words at face value.¡±

    Lysanne was so infuriated that she was on the verge of grinding her mrs to dust. However, in front of thisst strand of hope, she could only say, ¡°It¡¯s all a misunderstanding, and I can exin. If you insist on keeping me here, I¡¯ll turn this ce upside down!¡±

    Alisha looked at her with a face full of sorrow. ¡°It seems their decision to have you stay here for atonement is indeed right.¡±

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    Before she could react, Alisha added, ¡°If you can peacefully take care of the children here for thirty years, you¡¯ll regain your freedom when the time limit is up. However, our funds are limited, so during this period, we can only provide you with food and shelter, and sry is out of the question.¡±

    ¡°Thirty years?¡± The moment Lysanne heard this, she lost her cool, revealing her true feelings. ¡°This decrepit ce of yours is like a haunted house! I couldn¡¯t even stand it for thirty days!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve lived off someone else¡¯s life for nearly three decades. Now, it¡¯s time to repay the debt.¡±

    ¡°No! No! Thirty years? After thirty years, I¡¯ll be an old woman. I don¡¯t want that!¡±

    Alisha made a casual gesture. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on the children. Feel free to do as you wish.¡±

    Seeing that Alisha was about to leave, Lysanne chased after her fiercely. ¡°Hold on! Don¡¯t think that acting like an old matron will intimidate me. I won¡¯t be toiling away for you all here. Hurry up and-¡±

    Thud!

    A stone struck Lysanne on the head, making a distinct sound.

    Lysanne had never experienced such humiliation before. Tears of pain welled up in her eyes on the spot. She didn¡¯t even bother to chase after Alisha. Instead, she turned her head directly in the direction from where the stone had been thrown.

    In the corridor stood a group of children around ten years old. At this age, adoption from the orphanage <b>was </b>already an improbable event<b>.</b>

    Lysanne walked over, resentment seeping through her every step, and cursed, ¡°What a bunch of unwanted b¡°stards!¡±

    She picked up a stone from the ground, intending to throw it back, but she was unprepared for the children¡¯s onught. They pelted her with stones mixed in with clumps of damp <b>mud</b>.

    Lysanne hastily jumped up, intending to shake it off, but instead, she ended up getting even dirtier.

    Upon witnessing the scene, the children began tough and apud enthusiastically.

    Subsequently, the objects thrown at Lysanne became overwhelmingly diverse, akin to a dense hail of bullets, preventing her from stepping forward to discipline the children.

    Memories of her childhood spent in the orphanage came flooding back, overwhelming her to the point of hysterical weeping and outbursts.

    ¡°I want to go home! Dad! Mom! I need to go home!¡±

    By the time Lysanne reached this point, she finally remembered the kindness Howard and Molly had shown her. Unfortunately, it was already toote.

    When the children saw her, a grown woman, crying, they were not afraid of being scolded by the other adults in the orphanage. Instead, they circled around her as if she was a spectacle to behold, much like an <b>animal </b>in a 200.

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    still no match for their ambush. Quickly, <b>she </b>found <b>herself </b>bruised all over her head. She could only muster the strength to raise her hands in a feeble attempt to shield her face before turning to make an

    escape.

    The eldest child leading the group saw her run off <b>and</b>, cheering, led hispanions in pursuit.

    This bunch of kids were very good at bullying. They never truly saw her as a teacher with the orphanage. It was only when they couldn¡¯t find anyone else to bully that they sought other forms of amusement.

    When they turned around, Lysanne, who was hiding in a corner of the room, saw the violent tendencies in their eyes.

    These kids were not just orphans. It was evident that they also had mental <b>issues </b>and violent tendencies. If she were to stay there for thirty years, they would torment her to death.

    ¡°Are you new here?¡±

    A voice from behind halted the unsettled Lysanne.

    After much difficulty, Lysanne finally encountered the second adult in this ce, other than Alisha. She <b>quickly </b>resumed her plea for help by pleading. ¡°Could you possibly lend me some money? I¡¯ll repay <b>you </b>double! No! I¡¯ll repay you triple the amount as soon as I get back!¡±

    A nun, appearing to be about the same age as Alisha, promptly shook off Lysanne¡¯s hand. ¡°Caring for these <b>children </b>here is also a form of devotion. You can¡¯t leave<b>, </b>so stay here at peace. The higher power will show you mercy,¡± she said.

    Upon hearing these words, Lysanne finally sumbed to utter despair.

    It turned out that this ce was not just an orphanage <b>but </b>a ce of rigorous discipline. Everyone there had chosen this path willingly, and there was no room for regrets. Even if she pleaded for help, <b>she </b>would just be treated as if she had lost her mind.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    The nun gently reminded, ¡°Dinner¡¯s almost ready. Come in and lend a hand.¡±

    ¡°Where is this ce?¡± Lysanne asked.

    ¡°The kitchen.¡±

    Astonished, Lysanne took in the poor conditions of the ce. Potatoes and cabbages were piled directly on the ground and a pot was simmering with something that looked like a thick <b>paste</b>. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted something that resembled a rat scurrying away.

    The thought of having such a dinner almost made Lysanne throw up right there and then.

    The nun paid her no mind, acting as if Lysanne didn¡¯t exist while she busied herself with her own tasks. When mealtime came around, Lysanne was somewhat repulsed by the vegetarian dish and a curry <b>dish </b><b>that </b>bore no resemnce to curry. However, due to her unbearable hunger, she still found herself in the <b>dining </b>hall, <b>intending </b>to scoop herself a bowl of food.

    The nun in charge of serving food, whom Lysanne had met in the kitchen<b>, </b><b>saw </b>Lysanne and promptly took her bowl. After filling it with <b>food</b>, she handed <b>it </b>over to the child waiting in line behind Lysanne.

    Lysanne was cold <b>and </b>hungry, her heart filled with frustration. Her temper red, and she roared, ¡°Why are you treating me differently? I was here first!¡±

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    The nun didn¡¯t even lift her eyelids as she coldly said, ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything today. You don¡¯t deserve to

    <b>eat</b><b>.</b>

    Lysanne contemted flipping over the wooden bucket filled with pasta, yet she knew no one there would tolerate her antics. Swallowing her frustration, she silently sought Alisha out on the other side of the courtyard to lodge aint.

    person didn¡¯t ¡°You mentioned that although there¡¯s no sry here, room and board are provided. But that feed me, and the children bullied me. They pelted me with stones and ganged up to insult me. Surely, the children don¡¯t have violent tendencies, right?¡± Lysanne asked.

    Lysanne merely wanted to y the victim to garner some sympathy. However, to her surprise, Alisha responded, ¡°That¡¯s right. The children sent here are the ones that regr orphanages won¡¯t take in. They are either born with defects or have mental issues, and they stay here until they reach adulthood.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lysanne thought about those children, barely ten years old, who had dared to throw stones at her. She was terrified just thinking about it, so she pleaded, ¡°Alisha, did they say anything about ensuring my safety or something simr? You have to do something. What if something bad happens to <b>me</b>?¡±

    ¡°If that were to happen, that would be your fate,¡± Alisha said, her expression unchanging as she rose from her finished dinner. ¡°They didn¡¯t instruct anything extra, but here, if you <b>want </b>to eat, you must learn to work.¡±

    When Lysanne realized Alisha had no intention of entertaining her, she felt a sense of impending doom. <i>If </i><i>I </i>continue to sit <i>back </i>and do nothing, I might very well starve <i>to </i>death one <i>day</i><i>.</i>

    In this ce, no one offered her any sympathy. She couldn¡¯t even take advantage of the kindness of others.

    Left with no other choice, Lysanne reluctantly made her way to the pitch¨Cdark kitchen. There wasn¡¯t even a bit of leftover cold pasta to be found. She had to make do with lighting a fire to boil a few potatoes.

    If this had been in the past, she would have scoffed at such food, dering even a dog wouldn¡¯t eat it. At that moment, however, she didn¡¯t even wait for it to cool, shoving it directly into her mouth.

    Suddenly, the kitchen door was thrust open. The children, the ones who had previously mocked her, dashed in, snatched the potatoes, and bolted.

    Anxious, Lysanne chased after them, only to be tripped by a child guarding the entrance. A few particrly mischievous ones stepped over her and rushed into the kitchen, even carrying away contents of the pots.

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    Lysannehadn¡¯tevenhadtimeforameal,letaloneasipofhotwater.Whenshefinallymanagedtogetup,shesawajarofcoldwaterinthekitchen.Withoutanyhesitationordisgust,shedrankitall,notleaving<b>a</b>singledropbehind.

    Perhapsduetothefearthathadshatteredhercourage,shedidn¡¯tdaretoshowherselfafterdrinkingthewater.Sheenduredthepainandhidforalongtimebeforeshedaredtoventureout.

    Thosekidsweretypicalbullies,preyingontheweakandfearingthestrong.SeeingLysannemerelyputtingonashowofstrength,thepletelydismissedher,nottakingherseriously.Aftersnatchingthedinnershehadprepared,theysimplywentbackto sleep.

    InfrontofHowardandMolly,Lysannehadoncedaredtothrowaroundthreatsoflifeanddeath.Butthen,aftertrulybeingbullied,shedidn¡¯t daretoletoutapeep.Evenwhenshecautiouslymadeherwaybacktothatdpidatedroominthedark,shewascarefulnottowakethechildrenorthenunsinthecourtyard.

    Asshepassedbythestairwell,<b>an</b>ideasuddenlypoppedintohermind.SherememberedtherewasndlinephoneinAlisha¡¯soffice,whichmighthaveinternationalroamingcapabilities.

    With thatinmind,Lysanneclungtoafaintglimmerofhopeandcautiouslyclimbedupward.

    ThelightsinAlisha¡¯sofficewerenoton.

    Uponrealizingthatnoonewasthere,Lysannequicklyclosedthedoorbehindher.Inthesporadicmoonlight,shepickedupthephonereceiver.However,shehesitatedjustasshewasabouttodial.

    Shehadfallensolowthateventhechildrenintheorphanagecouldsteponher.Shetrulywonderedwhowouletorescueherthen.

    Thosefair¨Cweatherfriendswhoceasedtheirassociationwithherafterherstatuschangedwereutterlyunreliable.

    Lysannesadlyrealizedthat,aftermuchthought,allthepeopleshecouldthinkofwhomighthavebeen.abletohelpherhadbeenthoseshehadmaniptedandhurtinthepast.<i>If</i>onlythesepeoplehadtreatedme<b>a</b><i>little</i>better,howcouldIhaveendedupinsuchadiresituation?

    Withresentment,shedialedHoward¡¯snumber,andonlywhenthecallconnecteddidsheadoptavoicechokedwithsobs.¡°Dad,youneedto<b>send</b>someosaveme.Josiah<b>has</b>losthismind.Heactuallywantsmetotakecareofabunchofcrazykidsinanorphanage¡­

    Alongsighechoedfromtheotherendoftheline.

    Thenextmoment,thecallwasended.

    ¦°

    UponlearningthatJosiahwastruetohisword,onlyprovidingLysanneaceforself¨Creflection,Howard.losteverstshredofsympathyforher.

    Lysannehadn¡¯texpectedHowardtobesoheartless.Despiteherdisappointment,shedialedhisnumberagain.Thistime,hedidn¡¯tbotherpickingup.

    Howardhadtrulyseveredalltieswiththisadopteddaughterofhis.

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    herdespair,shehadnochoicebuttodinothernumberthatshecouldstillremember.ItwasTiffany¡¯s

    number.

    Thephonewaspromptlyanswered.

    Tiffany,inherusualcheerfndinnocenttone,answeredthecallfromanunknownnumber.¡°MayIask

    ShehadbarelystartedspeakingwhenLysanneeagerlyinterrupted,¡°It¡¯sme!I¡¯mLyss!Tiffany,listentome.I¡¯mintrouble.Youhavetesavemel¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±Tiffanysoundedutterlybewildered.¡°Lyss,what¡¯swrong?Didsomethinghappen<b>?</b>¡±

    LysannehadtrulyhadenoughofTiffany¡¯snaiveandslow¨Cwitteddemeanor.However,inordertoescape,shehadnochoicebuttoendureit.UsingthecondescendingtoneshepreviouslythoughtwaseffectiveinmaniptingTiffany,shechokedbackheremotionsandbegantorecounttheday¡¯sevents.

    ¨C

    ¡°Isee,¡±Tiffanyresponded,hervoicesoundingsomewhatpeculiarafterunderstandingthesituation.

    Lysannedidn¡¯thave thetimetoconsiderallthesefactors.Chokingbacktears,shesaid,¡°Thisceissimplyunlivable.Thosekidsareterriblyvicious.Iwouldn¡¯tevensurvivehereuntilI¡¯mthirty,letalhefactthatIhavetoendurecoldwater,leftoverfood,andbeatingseveryday.Ican¡¯tstandanotherdayof

    this!¡±

    Tiffany¡¯stonesuddenlyturnedindifferent.Infact,shesoundedlikeanaivelittlegirlthathadlostinterest.Sheasked,¡°So?Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Idon¡¯tevenknowwhereyouare.¡±

    ¡°Tiffany,listentome.YouneedtogoandfindJosiahrightnowandpleadwithhim!Ifhedoesn¡¯tbudge,thengofindCarol.Showerherwithmoney.She¡¯sJosiah¡¯ssecretary.She¡¯sseentheworld,soafewhundredthousandwon¡¯tmoveher.Youshouldbepreparedtoofferthreetofivemillion.Everyonelovesmoney.Youjustkeepthrowingmoneyatheruntilshegivesin!OnceshetellsyouwhereIam,immediatelysendsomeorescueme!¡±Lysannesaid.

    Withapuzzledexpression.Tiffanyaskedagain¡°However,Lyss,wouldn¡¯tthispotentiallyupsetJose?Ireallydon¡¯tdareto.¡±

    This statementsessfullyleftLysannespeechless.

    Lysannewassolelyfocusedonwhethershecouldescapepletelyindifferenttothe<b>fate</b>ofothers.However,inordertoreassureTiffany,shepatientlysaidtoher,¡°Don¡¯tworry.Josiahtreatsyoulikealittlesister.Evenifhe scoldsyou,it¡¯sjustafewwords.Hewon¡¯tharmyou.Comeon,Tiffany.Haven¡¯tyoualwayslistenedtomyadvice?Don¡¯twastetimenow.GodirectlytoCarol.Remembertobringmoremoney¡­¡±

    ¡°Haha!<b>¡±</b>

    Acrisughterechoedfromtheotherendoftheline.

    LysannestoodinAlisha¡¯spitch¨Cckoffice,herbodypricklingwithfearassheclutchedthereceiver,hervoicetremblingassheasked,¡°Tiffany,whyareyoughing!

    ¡°I¡¯ughingatyou.¡±

    Ast,Tiffanyrevealedhertruecolors,hiddenbeneaththefacadeofaninnocentandnaivegirl.

    Lysannewastakenaback.¡°Wh

    Chapter556TheWickedGettingPickedOn

    ¡°Tome,younowholdnovaluewhatsoever.Lyss,you¡¯resofoolishit¡¯ughable.¡±

    Finished

    AsenseofforebodingwelledupinLysanne¡¯sheart.Sheattemptedtofeignignoranceanduttered,¡°Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Idon¡¯tunderstand-

    mytime.¡±

    Withugh.Tiffanyinterrupted,¡°Listeningtoafoollikeyouonlywastesmy

    Inastateofdespair,Lysannepleaded,¡°Allright.Ifyoudon¡¯twanttohearit,Iwon¡¯tspeak.ButI¡¯mbeggingyou,consideringthetimesI¡¯vehelpedyou inthepast,pleasesaveme.Nomatterwhatyouaskofme,IpromiseI¡¯lldoit!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯snoneed.¡±Tiffany¡¯strueselfwasbothcoldandharsh.Shesneered,¡°YouthoughtIcouldn¡¯tseethroughyou?Youweren¡¯thelpingmeinthepast,butyouwereusingmetogetclosetoJose.Togoalongwithyouract,Ihadtoydumbandactnaive.It¡¯sreallyexhausting.¡±

    Lysanne¡¯stshredofhopewapletelyshattered.Shenearlyfelltotheground,hereyeswideindespair.¡°SoyouwerenevertheinnocentandharmlesslittlegirlIthoughtyouwere.Youweretheonehidingintheshadowsalong,usingme!¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯tyoualsousingme?¡±Tiffanyretorted,unfazed.¡°Imerelyturnedthetablesandusedyouforachange.It¡¯safairgame.Well,nowyou¡¯reofnousetome.Enjoyyourfutureintheorphanage.Youhaveagoodthirtyyearsaheadofyou,Lyss.Takeyourtimeandenjoyit.¡±

    Thecallthenended,leavingonlythebusytoneinthereceiver.

    Lysanneclungtothephone;unwillingtoletgo.However,shewasunsureofwhoelseshecouldcallforhelp.Justwhenshewasabouttotaketheriskanddialthepolice,asliveroflightseepedoutfromunderthesidedooroftheoffice.

    Alishawasresiding intheroombehindheroffice,andshewasaboutteoutsoon.

    Terrifiedoutofherwits,Lysannefledbacktoherold,dpidatedroomasifherlifedependedonit.Shedidn¡¯tdaretoturnonthelights,fearfulthatAlishamighetocheckonher.Withouthesitation,shedoveunderthemustyquilt.

    Inthedarkness,shefirstfeltsomethingsqueakingandscurryingacrossherarm.Shepaused,wantingtopuway,butendeduptouchingafurrygraycreatureinstead.

    Immediatelyfollowing,asharppaincoursedthroughherfingers.

    Shetookacloserlookandsawthatitwasackspiderasbigasherpalm.

    Startled,Lysannefelloutofthebed.Shethenscreamedatthetopofherlungs,¡°Ah!Help!There¡¯sa¡­¡±

    Theonlyresponseshereceivedwasfromthechildrenwhohadhiddenoutsidethewindowinanticipationofhermisfortune.Uponhearingh¨¦rscream,theughedevenlouder.

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    Meanwhile,thefollowingmorning,Lysanderwasawakenedbythesunlightseepingthroughacorner<b>of</b>thecurtains.

    Themorningsunwasatitsmostgentleatdawn,andthebed<b>was</b>softanfortable.

    Sherememberedbeingengrossedinreadingsomedocumentsinthestudy,butshecouldn¡¯trememberwhenshehadgottenintobed.

    Lysander,groggywithsleep,rubbedhertousledhair.Hermindwasfilledwiththehazyscenesfrombeforeshefesleep.

    Rightthen,asuddendampsensationcamefromherleftpalmthatwasrestingontheotherside.Itwasakintobeinglickedbyasmall<b>animal</b>.

    Startledawake,Lysanderquicklysatupandncedtotheleftofherbed.There,right besideherpillow,was<b>a</b>small,fluffybundle.ItwasunmistakablyaRagdollkitten,sotinythatitresembledaplushie.

    Uponawakening,Lysanderwasgreetedbythesightofthelittlekitten.Ithadtakentheinitiativetonuzzleitstinyheadintothepalmofherhand,lettingoutasweetmeow.

    Lysanderwassomewhatdazed,butthekittenwassimplytooadorable.Itwasnestlednexttoherface,atinyfurball,

    Itseemedasifthekittensensedherawakening.Itslowlyrosetoitsfeet,albeitunsteadily,asifstrugglingto

    tomaintainitsbnce.

    Therewas limitedspace<b>on</b>thepillow,andLysanderwasworriedthatthekittenmightloseitsfootingandfalloff.Thus,shereachedoutandcradledthelittlefelineintoherarms.

    Itseyeswereabrilliant,deepblue,andwhenitlookeddown,shecouldalmostseeherreflectionmirroredback.

    Oncehermindcleared,Lysandertookanotherlookaround.Therewasnodoubtthatshewas<b>in</b>theresorthotelroom.Iwasreviewingmaterialsherejustthenight<i>before</i>.Howonearthdidacatappearoutofnowhere?

    Justthen,arustlingnoiseechoedfromtheentranceofthelivingroom,indicatingsomeonehadentered.

    Overthepastfewdays,LysanderhadgrownustomedtoJosiah¡¯sasionppearancesbehindherandwasnolongersurprisedbyhim.

    Theentirehotelwashis.Evenifshetookbackthekeycard,hehadwaystogetholdofamasterkeycardfromthestaff.Moreover,she<b>was</b>recentlyengrossedintheworldofknowledgeandcouldn¡¯tbebotheredwithhimanymore.

    Ratherthanstirringupmoretrouble,itwasbettertoavoidit.Afterall,therewasnoescapingorchasinghimaway.So,shethoughtshemightaswellfaceithead¨Conandkeepbusywithherownaffairs.

    However,thistime,itwasn¡¯tjustJosiahwhoentered.Therewasanotherpersonaswell.

    <b>Josiah</b>saidinahushedtonefotheservicestafftrailingbehindhim,¡°Justleavethefoodcarthere.Youcangonow.¡±

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    toclosetheroomdoorbehindhimashedeparted.

    Finished

    Josiahrolleduphissleevesandmeticulouslyarrangedthebreakfastitemsonthediningtable.Onlythendidhepushopenthebedroomdoor,intendingtowakeLysanderfromherslumber.

    Unexpectedly,Lysanderfoundherselffacetofacewithhim,cradlingtheRagdollkitteninherarms.

    TheRagdollkittenwasnotshyaroundpeople,actingadorablyaffectionatetoanyoneitmet.ItstretchenguidlyinLysander¡¯sarms,evenlettingouta¡°meow¡±towardJosiah<b>.</b>

    Josiahhadnevercaredforapetbefore,<b>and</b>hecertainlywouldn¡¯tsayhewas<b>fond</b>ofcats.ButseeingLysandercradlingthekitten,hefoundanunexpectedsoftnessstirringwithinhim.

    WhenLysandersawJosiahintentlylookingatthecat,sheaskedinconfusion,¡°Wheredidthiscat<be</b>from?¡±

    Josiahraisedaneyebrow.¡°Istoleit.¡±

    Lysanderfurrowedherbrows.¡°What?¡±

    Josiahchuckledlightly.¡°ThisisaRagdollkitten,notsomestraycaughtoff thestreets.It¡¯sobviouslypurchased.¡±

    ¡°Wheredidyoubuyit?¡±

    Josiahraisedaneyebrow.¡°What¡¯sthematter?AreyoureallyworriedImight¡¯vestolenit?¡±

    ¡°Iwasworriedyoumightusethoseshinythingsonyourcuffsandcortodeceivechildren.¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Josiahsettleddownonthecouch,simultaneouslytidyingupthedinnertesashesaidleisurely,¡°Whatdoyoumeanbydeceivingchildren?Whenit¡¯samutugreement,it¡¯scalledadeal.¡±

    ¡°So,didyoutrickanotherkidatthechildren¡¯sygroundintogivingyoutheircat?¡±

    Josiahsmiledhelplessly.¡°I¡¯vetoldyou.Ididn¡¯tstealit.Youknowhowmuchmytiepinisworth,don¡¯tyou?¡±

    ¡°Didyougettheparents¡®approval?¡±

    Josiahwasrenderedspeechless.

    Lysandersaid,¡°Ifitwerejustthingslikelollipops,itwouldn¡¯tmatter.But<b>a</b>kittenisalivingcreature.It¡¯salife.Andthistypeofcatprobablyisn¡¯tcheap,right?Achildcan¡¯tmakesuchabigdecisionontheirown.Itwouldbebettertocheckwiththeirparents

    parentsfirst.¡±

    Josiahskillfullysidesteppedherquestion,swiftlychangingthesubject.¡°Icametowakeyouup.Nowthatyou¡¯reawake,whynotfreshenup?Breakfastisall ready.¡±

    Lysander<b>then</b>asked.¡°Youhaven¡¯tmentionedwherethekittencamefromyet.It¡¯snoteasytotakecareofsuchasmallone.¡±

    TherewasasubtlehintofbitternessinJosiah¡¯swordswhenhereplied,¡°Haven¡¯tyouhadadogbefore?Youalreadyhaveexperiencewithpets,sotakingona<b>cat</b>nowshouldn¡¯tbeanissue.Besides,catsaremucheasiertocareforthandogs.They¡¯reindependent,notclingy,andyoudon¡¯t needtowalktheerainorshine.It¡¯saperfectfitforyourcurrentsituation.¡±

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    LysanderlookedsomewhatspeechlessattheoverlyfamiliarRagdollkittenandasked,¡°Areyousurethiscatisn¡¯tclingy?ThefirsttimeImetWhiteCoat,Ispentsometimegettingacquaintedwithit.¡±

    Josiahmaintainedhiposure.¡°Givenyourworksituation,wouldn¡¯titbeeasiertokeepaclingycarratherthanadog?I¡¯vealreadypreparedeverything¡±

    Afterhefinishedspeaking,heturnedandwalkedback<b>into</b>thelivingroom,returningwithrgebagademedwithCattery¡¯slogo.Itwasfilledtothebrimwithkittensupplies,everythingfromacatcarriertocannedfood.

    Uponseeingthepackage,everythinginstantlyclickedforLysander.Hehasnnedthisalong.

    Althoughitwasstikitten,ithadaperfectappearance.Itsfurwasfluffy,anditwasevidentthatithadbeenchosenwithgreatcareandattention.

    TheRagdollkittenwafortablykneadingthenketinfrontofher,seeminglyoblivioustoherinquiriesasiftheywereunrtedtoit.

    ¡°Ineverthoughtthatinyoureyes,everythingIdohas anulteriormotive.Josiahscoffed.

    Wellwhydoyouthinkso?Lysanderflickedhereyshes,tozytoevenrespondwithwords.Instead,sheretortedwithherattitudealone.

    Josiahhadnochoicebuttoexinhimself.¡°Ireservedthecatinadvance,butwhenIcouldbringithomewasupCattery.Ionlyreceivedacalstnight tohavemydriverpickitup.Therewasnoone<b>at</b>home.WasIsupposedtojustleaveittofendforitself?¡±

    Hisresponsewasrationndlogical,leavingnoroomforcriticism.Unableto findanyfault,Lysanderhadnochoicebuttogetoutofbed,holdinghercat.Shewaswearingherhomeclothesbeforebed.Hence,shecouldwalkaroundthehouseassoonasshethrewoffthecovers.

    ¡°It¡¯sbestifthosewithoutasenseofresponsibilityrefrain fromowningpets,¡±Lysanderearnestlysaid.

    Inatimelymanner,Josiahsteppedforward<b>and</b>extendedhishandtowardher.¡°Iunderstand. That¡¯swhyit¡¯syoursnow.¡±

    Lysander eyedthehandsuspendedbeforeher,hergazecautious<b>as</b>shelookedup.Herlonghair,tousled,fromsleep,wasmostlydrapedbehindher,withonlyafewstrandsfallingontohershouldersduetoherrisingmovement.Coupledwiththeexpressionofsomeonewhohadjustawokenfromadream,sheappearedsomewhanguid.

    ForJosiah<b>,</b>suchamorningwassupposedtobeutterlyordinary,yethehadmanagedtoturnitintosomethingprecious,

    Josiahaskedinalowvoice,¡°Areyougoingtoholdthecatevenwhenyou¡¯refresheningup?¡±

    Lysanderfellsilent.Shetrulckedthisability.

    ¡°Allright,leavethecattomefornow.Ifyoudon¡¯teatyourbreakfastsoon,theoatmealwillgelcold.¡±Josiahreachedout<b>and</b>tooktheRagdollkittenthatwasnestledinherarms.Thelittlecat,knownforitsdocilenature,didn¡¯tseemtomindthe changeofhands<b>.</b>Itsimplyappearedasifitwasswishingitsfluffy<b>tail</b>in<b>a</b><b>new</b><b>resting</b>spot.

    Thisscenefelteerilyfamiliar.Itwasjustlikehowhehadtakencareofthingsbeforethebabywastaken.

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    Josiahcradledthecatinhisarmsandconsciouslyretreatedfromthebedroom.Notforgettingtoclosethedoorbehindhim,heleftLysanderalochangeherclothes<b>and</b>freshenup.

    Lately,Lysanderhadbeenholedupinherstudy,diligentlycatchinguponThorneConstructions<b>and</b>Energiesdocuments.Therewasnoneedforherto leavethehouseunlessabsolutelynecessary.Afteraquickfresheningup,shetied upherhairandsatdownatthediningtable.

    After<b>a</b>fewdaysofrest,shehadfinallyregainedsomeofhervitality.Herbarefacehadgainedatouchof

    rosycolor.

    JosiahheldtheRagdollkitten<b>in</b>onehand<b>and</b>liftedtheinstioncoverspeciallycedovertheoatmeal<b>with</b>theother.¡°Breakfastisrtivelylight.Haveatastefirst,¡±hesaid.

    Thevarietyofdishesbroughtoveronthecartwasn¡¯tasextravagantasitwasduringdinner,buttherewerestillquiteafewteidoutinalltheirglory.

    Lysanderstirredthechickenbroth<b>,</b>whichwasthemaindish,with aspoon.Immediately,herappetitewassignificantlyaroused.Thesesidedishesmighthaveseemed<b>light</b>,buttheysurprisinglysuitedherpte.Evenfromherperspectiveasadoctor,thenutritionalbncewasveryreasonable.

    Itwasonlyfitting<b>that</b>thechefsintheresortwerepaid<b>well</b>.

    Aftereatingnearlyhalfabowlofoatmeal,Lysandersuddenlypausedinherspoonmovements,btedlynoticingthegazethathadfallenonher<b>.</b>

    Josiahstatedthatwhentakingcareofakitten,oneshouldonlyfocusonthekitten.Hesatbyitssidewithouteventouchinghisutensils.

    Lysandersuddenlyfeltbad.Seeingthatthere<b>was</b>onlyonebowlofoatmeal,shefounditawkwardtoshareitwithhim.Instead,shepushedanunusedcutleryinhisdirectionandasked,¡°Whyaren¡¯tyouhavingbreakfast?¡±

    Josiah<b>shook</b>hishead.¡°I¡¯vealreadyeaten<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Surprisingly,Lysanderdidn¡¯tfinditodd.Heappearedtobe<b>so</b>busythathecouldbarelymanagehisdaily.affairs,letalonepersonallytakecareof acat.Therefore,itseemednormalforhimtoriseearlyforbreakfast.

    JosiahgentlystrokedtheRagdollkitten¡¯ssmallheadashewaitedforamoment.SeeingthatLysanderreallywasn¡¯tgoing<b>to</b>ask<b>any</b>further,hereluctantlyproceededtosay,¡°WhenIwokeup,it<b>was</b>stillearly.Isawyouwerestisleep,soIwentforamorningrun.WhenIgotback,youwerestilloutlikealight,soItookthelibertytofreshenupagain.Iwentdownstairsandhadbreakfastafterward.ThatwaswhenIpreparedyourbreakfast.¡±

    Lysanderrepliednonchntly,You¡¯vecertainlybeenbusy thismorning.¡±

    Rightaftershefinishedspeaking,shesuddenlyfeltsomethingwasoff.Sheimmediatelylitupherphonescreentotakealook.Asshetookaslightbreath,herfirstreactionwastodoubtherowneyes,thinkingshe<b>had</b>seenitwrongorperhapsherphonewasmalfunctioning.

    andarihanmenadinkastheumllck.Thehaurhandhadalrandunaerad

    marchinaouaprlu

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    withthetimedisyedonherphone.

    Finished

    Josiahnoticedherearsturningred.Withanuncannykriackforbringingupatopicatthewrongtime,he<b>nced</b>athiswristwatch andsaid.¡°Thetimeiscorrect.It¡¯sjustpasttenonmyendaswell.¡±

    TheRagdoll<b>kitten</b>stretchedoutitspawandswipedatthewristwatchafewtimes,thoroughlyenjoyingitself.

    Lysander¡¯sinternalclockwasalwaysonpoint.Unlessshe<b>was</b>unwell,shealmostneversleptin.This<b>time</b>,however,shesleptuntilpastteninthemorning,onlytobewokenupbyJoh.

    Hence,shecouldn¡¯thelpfeelingslightlyawkward.

    Meanwhile,JosiahnonchntlyscratchedthechinofaRagdollkittenasifhehadnoworriesintheworld.Hedidn¡¯thaveanyexperienceraisingcats,butheseemedtohaveanaturalknackforit.Withhisnimbleandslenderfingers,hequicklymanagedtoelicitapurringsoundfromthelittlefeline.

    ¡°Didn¡¯tthedoctormentionedbefore?You¡¯vebeenunderimmensestressrecentlyandneedproperresttorecuperate.Youspentalmostallofyesterdaygoingthroughdocuments,soit¡¯snormalthatyou<b>slept</b>longer.Oh!Iforgotto<b>ask</b>yousomethingearlier.Howdidyousleestnight?¡±

    ¡°Wasityouwhocarriedmetobed?¡±

    ¡°No.It<b>was</b>Josian.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯trespond.

    ¡°Don¡¯tyoubelieveme?¡±

    ¡°Ido.ThisJosiantrulyisawonderfulpersonwholovestohelpothers.¡±

    Josiahsaid,¡°Isn¡¯tthatright?Hetoldyounottoworryaboutit.Healsosaidhewouldn¡¯tminddoingit<b>again</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Goon.Keepmakingupyourstory.

    Withalightchuckle,Josiahrepliedwithserenecontentment,¡°Lysander,I¡¯vesuddenlyrealizedthathavingthesesimple,mundaneconversationswithyoumakeslifequiteinteresting.¡±Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.

    ¡°Aperson¡¯slifespansseveraldecades.Ifitwerefilledwithconstantupsanddownseverysingleday,noone¡¯sheartcouldbearit.Inreality,lifeitselfisessentiallymundane.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,you¡¯reright.¡±Josiahgaveaslownod.¡°So,didyousleepwelstnight?Inoticedyouwerefurrowing yourbrowseveninyoursleep.¡±

    Josiah<b>was</b>givinghertheopportunitytomoveonfromthattopic.

    Lysanderhadnoreasontorejecthim.Shecontinuedeatingherwarmoatmealwhileslightlyfurrowing

    herbrows<b>as</b>sheanswered,¡°Isleptquitewell.Ihadagoodnight¡¯s

    mostofthemorningisabitindulgent.¡±

    sleep,butwakinguteandwasting

    Itwasalreadypastten,anditwastotetorescheduleherstudy<b>n</b><b>.</b>Sheexpressedherhelplessness,saying,¡°GuessI<b>won¡¯t</b>needlunch,then<b>.</b>¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>fedtheRagdollkittenatreatfromthebag,hisdemeanorcalmanposedashforted.

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    ¡°You¡¯vedonewellwiththetheoreticalpart.It¡¯stimetoshiftyourfocusnow.Considerthismorningasarxationbeforethepracticpplicationbegins.¡±

    Lysanderutteredthoughtfully.¡°ThereareonlyafewdaysleftbeforeIofficiallystartatThorneConstructionsandEnergies.It¡¯snottherighttimetorx.¡±

    Timewaspressing,anditwasnosmalltasktotransformalltheinformationshehadlearnedrecentlyintosomethingshecouldcallher<b>own</b>.

    ¡°Youjustneedtoskimthroughthesematerialsandgetageneralidea.There¡¯snoneedto scrutinizeeveryword<b>like</b>you¡¯rereadingamedicaltextbook,¡±headvised.

    Sherespondedin<b>a</b>half¨Cjokingmanner.¡°Istillprefermedicine.Atleastthereadingsonmedicalequipmentwon¡¯tfluctuateduetosomeakingkickbacks.¡±

    Theissuewiththeheadofthemarketingdepartmenthadalwaysbeenathorninherside.Shereachedthetable,strokingtheRagdollkitten¡¯spawafewtimes,findinga<b>small</b>measureofortinitssoft,plushtexture.

    TheRagdollkittenwasnotmuchbigger<b>than</b>atoy.<b>Josiah</b>gentlynudgeditforwardwhilecradlingitinhisbroadpalm.

    AhintofasmileyedatthecornersofLysander¡¯slips.¡°Ididn¡¯texpectittobesoaffectionate.¡±

    TheRagdollkitten¡¯seyes,asblueassapphires,weredartingaroundcuriously.Inthenextmoment,itletouta¡°meow¡±andpromptlyleapedontoLysander¡¯p.Fearingthekittenmightfall,shequicklyheldit.

    Consequently,thetipsofLysander¡¯sfingersbrushedagainstJosiah¡¯spalm.Shequicklywithdrewherhandasifscorched,wipingitonthefuroftheRagdollkitten.

    ashe

    Josiahpausedbeforeretractinghishand,clenchingitslightly.Hisexpressionremainedunchangedreassuredher,¡°Don¡¯tworry.I¡¯vealreadypromisedbothMr.MaverickandMr.HowardI¡¯llhelpyoufitintoThorneConstructionsandEnergies<b>as</b>soonaspossible.IfIfail,theycertainlywon¡¯tletmeoffthehook.¡±

    Thankyou,¡±Lysanderpolitelysaidtohim.¡°You¡¯vebeenofgreathelptomtely.I¡¯msureGuerraGrouphasworkwaiting foryou.Goaheadandattendtoyourtasks.Don¡¯tworryaboutme.¡±

    Shehadfaceddisappointmenttoomanytimesinthepast,soshenolongerpinnedherhopesonhim.Shepreferredtorelyonherself.

    JosiahcouldnevergetusedtoLysander¡¯saloofness.Hestatedseriously,¡°Ofcourse,Istandbymywords.Asformywork,youdon¡¯tneedtoworry.Ifthere¡¯sanemergency,Carolwillcontactme.¡±

    Lysanderhesitatedbeforesaying,¡°WhatI¡¯mworriedaboutismyjob.I¡¯mreallyrunningoutoftime.¡±

    Sherose<b>from</b>thediningtable,carefullycingtheRagdollkittenonthecouchtoamuseitself,thenreturnedtoherdeskwherehernotesfromthe previousnightwerestillspreadout.

    JosiahgavetheRagdollkitten¡¯sheadagentlepatbeforehesatnexttoitand<b>said</b>,¡°Ifproperlynned,there¡¯salwaysenoughtime.Thistime,I¡¯mhelpingyouwithoutexpectinganythinginreturn.Wouldyou

    considerit?¡±

    ¡°No.Doyourememberwhathappenesttime<b>in</b>ApexCity?Yousaidyoudidn¡¯twantanpensationthen<b>,</b><b>too</b>,butwhathappenedafterthat?¡±

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    Shewasreferringto<b>the</b>infamousnightwhenJosiahboiledwater.

    Finished

    Withoutevenliftingherhead,Lysanderflippedopenthedocuments.¡°Nothingisfreeintheworld.I¡¯llhandleitmyself.¡±

    SendGifts

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    Josiah<b>was</b>fullyawarethathewasatfault.Indeed,heborethefullresponsibilityforthat<b>incident</b>.

    Heawkwardlytouchedhis<b>nose</b><b>and</b>said,¡°Thereward¡­¡±

    Hethengentlystrokedthekitten¡¯shead,hisvoicesofteningconsiderably.¡°CouldIhavetheopportunity<b>to</b>careforthelittlefeline?Forexample,helpitcleanitslitterbox.Thatwouldn¡¯tbetoomuchtoask,wouldit?

    Indeed,itwasn¡¯tunreasonable,butLysanderstillcouldn¡¯tagree,rejectingitoutrightandwithouthesitation.

    ¡°Iwon¡¯tconsiderit.You¡¯vejusttaughtmethatthemostimportantthinginmanagingpanyistoseparatepublicandprivatematters.Weshouldneverletpersonalfeelingsinterferewithourwork.Now,you¡¯rehelpingmenmyworkandfitintoThorneConstructionsandEnergies,whichisaprofessionalmatter.However,myhomeismy personalspace.After work<b>,</b>Istillwanttobeonmyown.¡±

    TheimageofAdrianhelpingLysanderwalkthedogsurfacedinJosiah¡¯smind,causing<b>a</b>slighttwitchatthecornerofhismouth.Someonedidthat beforeandfailed.Idon¡¯tthinkIshoulddothesame.

    Itwasn¡¯tthatkittensandpuppiesweren¡¯tadorableenough,buthervigncewassimplytoohigh,leavingnoroomforanyslip¨Cups.

    Lysandernoticedhehadfallensilent,andshecouldn¡¯tresistaddinganothementtpletelyquashanyremainingobjections.¡°Besides,itonlytakesafewminutestocleanupthecat litter.IcouldeasilydoitwhileI¡¯mpouringassofwater.Ididsomeresearch.Takealookatthis.¡±

    Lysanderhandedover herphoneforhimtosee.

    Onacertainorange¨Ccoloredapp,theproductlistedwasanautomatic,no¨Cscoopcatlitterbox.

    ¡°Technologychangeslife,¡±Lysandersaid.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tsayanythinginresponse.

    ThepetiteRagdollkittenhadbeenyingonhimforjustashortwhilebeforeitgrewtired.UponhearingLysandermentionthatshewasgoingtobuysomethingforit,thecatimmediatelyhoppeddownfromthecouchcoverontothefloorandswiftlymadeitswaytoLysander¡¯sfeet.N?velDrama.Org content.

    Meow<b>!</b>

    Thekitten¡¯smewwas<b>soft</b>andendearing,tuggingatLysander¡¯sheartstrings.Withouthesitation,shebentdownandscoopeditontohep.Onehandcontinuedtostrokeitssmoothfurwhiletheotherkeptflippingthroughthedocuments,jottingdownnotesandsketching.Shemanagedtodobothwithoutany

    hindrance.

    <b>Josiah</b><b>,</b>ontheotherhand,satempty¨Chandedonthecouchbehindher.Withnothingelsetodo,heresortedtoopeninghiptopandbegandealingwiththeemailsinhisworkinbox.

    Carolhadalreadyreturnedfromhertripabroadpilingthesituationintoareportforhim.Hereaditwithanimpassiveface,hisgazenotwavering<b>even</b>slightly.Thismatteris<i>finally</ipletelyresolved.

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    Chapter559TechnologyTransformsLife

    ShenoticedtheiingcallwasfromLynnandcasuallyansweredit.

    Finished

    Uponhearingthesoundofaphonecall,Josiah immediatelyshiftedhisgazefromthescreen,hisearsperkingupatattention.

    Lysanderwasoblivioustothesubtlechangeshappeningbehindher,cheerfullychattingwithLynn.¡°Whatmadeyouthinkofcallingme?Hasitbeenlessbusyinyourdepartmentrecently?¡±

    Lynnheavedasighontheotherendoftheline.¡°HowcouldInotbebusy?I¡¯mswamped,Dr.Thorne.Duetomyhectic schedule,Ihadtosqueezeoutsometimetocallyou.¡±

    ¡°Whydoyoumakeitsoundlikeyou¡¯reinjail?¡±Lysanderlightenedupconsiderablyastheystarted.discussingtheeventsatthehospital.<b>¡°</b>Goahead.What¡¯sup?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionrxedwhenhesawthatthecallshewastakingwasfromLynn.Hesimplystaredather,lostinthought,hisgazefilledwithahintoflonging.It¡¯sbeenawhilesinceI¡¯veseenhersohappy.

    Watching herlipscurveintoaslightsmile,Josiahfelthisheartflutteringalongwithit.

    Asitturnsout,caringfortherightpersoncan<i>be</i>sowonderful.Caringforthewrongperson,ontheotherhand¡­.Josiahrestrainedhisemotions.Fortherestof<i>her</i>life,she¡¯llreturntolivethelifethatwasoriginallyhers.LysanderandLysannearebacktowherethey¡¯resupposedto<i>be</i>.

    Meanwhile,Lynnwasincessantlysighing.¡°I¡¯vereallyrunintosometrouble.Iencounteredapatienttodaywhoimedto havespecificallyforourhospital¡¯srenownedobstetricsandgynecologydepartment.ThemomentIheardthis,Iwasimmediatelyfilledwithagreatdealofenthusiasm.Butnow<b>that</b>theexaminationresultsareout,I¡¯pletelydumbfounded.¡±

    BackwhenLysanderwasstit CentralHospital,thereputationofherdepartmenthadalwaysbeenontherise.Thisstandingonlygrewstrongerasseveralhealedpatientsspreadtheword,turningthedepartment<b>into</b>thefinalbeaconofhopeformany.Hence,evenaftersheresignedandleft,herinfluencelingeredintheindustry.

    ItwassaidthatsomepatientsfromoutlyingregionswouldevenmakeaspecialtriptoHarborbrook.Theybelievedthatiftheirconditioncouldn¡¯tbetreatedthere,theywoulpletelygiveuphope.

    SeeingLynn,whowasusuallysooptimistic,insuchastateofdistress,Lysanderknewshewasfacingamajorproblem.Hence,Lysanderquicklyofferedwordsofortbysaying,¡°Whatexactlyistroublingyousomuch?¡±

    Lynnhadfoundsomeoneshecouldtrustimplicitly.Withhernoticeablymorerxedvoice,sheasked,¡°Dr.Thorne,areyoufreeatthemoment?Couldyousparesometimetodiscussthepatient¡¯scondition?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mfree.Goahead,¡±shesaid.

    ¡°Thepatientcameinthemorning/imingshewasengagedandwantedtoundergoathoroughmedical.examinationbeforeherwedding.However,shewasevasiveaboutwhyherfianc¨¦wasn¡¯twithher.Isensedsomethingwasoffbutdidn¡¯tthinkmuchofit.Isimplyinstructedhertocollectherreportintheafternoon<b>,</b>asperourusualprocedure.¡±

    Itseemedthattheissuemostlikelystemmedfromtheresultsoftheexamination.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tdwellonitmuch,simplyasking,<b>¡°</b><b>Is</b>thereanissuewiththereport?¡±

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    Chapter550TechnologyTransformsLife

    ¡°Senditoverformetotakealook.

    Finished

    ¡°Don¡¯thangupjustyet.I¡¯mgoingtosendyouascreenshotfrommputerrightnow.¡±UponhearingLysander¡¯swillingnesstohelp,LynnperkedupandimmediatelysentherthecolorDopplerultrasound

    filmandhormestresults.

    Lynnheldherphone,barelydaringtobreathe,waitingforLysandertosaveherfromthecrisis.¡°Dr.Thome,takealook.Canthisbetreated?¡±sheasked.

    Lysanderponderedforamoment,havingalreadydiscernedthecruxofthematter.¡°Thepatient¡¯shormonelevelsseemtobefine,butthere¡¯s somethingpeculiaraboutthisfilm.Isthiswhatyouwereunsureaboutjust:

    ¡°That¡¯sright!¡±Lynneximedemotionally.¡°Dr.Thorne,youneedtotakealookquickly.I¡¯mtrulyafraidImighttarnishourdepartment¡¯sreputation!¡±

    Evenafterallthistime,whenevershediscussedhospitalmatterswithLysander,shesubconsciouslytreatedherasoneof herown.

    Lysanderwasdeeplymoved.

    Aftercloselyexaminingthefilm,Lysanderunderstoodwhatwasgoingon.

    ¡°There¡¯snopointinyoushowingmethispatient.Shehascongenitaluterinehyposia.It¡¯shighlyunlikelythatatreatmentcouldimprovehercondition.¡±Lysanderheavedasighandadded,¡°Givenyourexpertise,you<b>should</b>understandthisaswell.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯strue,butthegirlisstillsoyoung,andsheholdssuchhighhopesformarriage.Whenevershespokeofherfianc¨¦,hereyeswouldlightup.Ijustcouldn¡¯tbearit.IreallythoughtIcouldhelpher.¡±

    Lysanderadvisedher,¡°Iunderstandhowyoufeel,butthere¡¯snothingwecandoaboutit.Trytforther,okay?¡±

    Uponhearingthis,Lynnletoutasighonbehalfofthepatient.¡°It¡¯struethatnothinggooeswhen.facedwitplexillnesses.Whenthatyounggirestocollectthereportthisafternoon,Ireallydon¡¯tknowhowtobreakthisbadnewstoher.¡±

    Insuchasituation,therewasnoneedforanytreatment.

    Lysanderwasalmostamotherherself,soitwasinevitablethatshewouldfestrongsenseofempathyinsuchmatters.Withahintofregret,sheasked,¡°Youjustmentionedthatthepatientcameforapre¨Cmaritalcheck¨Cup.Doesthatmeanshe¡¯snningtohaveachildsoon?¡±

    Lynnthoughtaboutitandanswered,¡°Ibelieveso.Basedonherwords,herfianc¨¦ismucholderthanher,nolongerinhisprime,hencetheurgencyforchildren.¡±

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    ¡°Whenyouexinthesituationtoher,remembertobeasgentleaspossibleandprovideplentyofreassurances,¡±Lysanderinstructedher.¡°However,thechancesofherbingpregnantarealmostnon-existent.It¡¯sbestnottogiveherfalsehope,sheemphasized.

    Lynnfeltsomewhatdisheartened.¡°Ifitwereamatterofovariesorfallopiantubes,wecouldconsiderinvitro fertilization.However,heruterusissounderdevelopedthateveninvitrofertilizationisn¡¯tanoption.Ifiestoit,shemayhavetoresorttosurrogacy<b>abroad</b>¡­¡±

    ¡°Lynn¡­¡±Lysanderimmediatelybecameserious.¡°Wearedoctors.Wemustrememberourrole.¡±

    Disheartened,Lynnsaid.¡°Iunderstand,Dr.Thorne.Ijustwantedtoshareitwithyou.Restassured,Iwon¡¯tutterawordtothepatientthatIshouldn¡¯t<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Okay.I<b>have</b>faithinyou,butyoumustalsostrivetoadjustyourmindsetpromptly.Lifeisoftenfilledwithdisappointments.Wearedoctors,notdeities<b>.</b>Ourabilitiesarelimited.Wedoourbesttohelpthosewecan.Ifwecan¡¯t,it¡¯snot ourdutytoshoulderalltheme.Therearemanypeopleintheworldwhoneedourprofessiondviceandtreatmentns.Ifyouletonepatient¡¯spredicamenthauntyou,howwillyousavemorelivesinthefuture?¡±

    Lysanderalwaysshonebrightlyinherownfieldofexpertise.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tunderstandthemedicaljargonshewasusing,butjustwatchingherwasapleasingsighttohis

    eyes.

    ¡°But¡­Well,I¡¯mreallyhavingahardtimetryingtofindtherightwords.¡±Lynntriedtopreparewhatshewantedtosayinadvance,butshefailed.¡°It¡¯sjusttoohard.¡±

    LysandersawherpastselfinLynnanfortedherbysaying,¡°You don¡¯thavetoworry.Mostpatientsarereasonableandabletoeptreality.WhenIfirststartedworking.Ialsooftenfeltreluctant.However,realityisreality.Draggingthingsoutcanactuallycausemoreproblems.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenyfullyrolledaroundinLysander¡¯sarms,itscarefreedemeanorcausinghertolowerhergaze.Shegentlybegantbthroughitssoftfur.

    ¡°Forthosewholovechildren,nothavingoneisindeedapity.However,therearemanyformsofintimatertionshipsinhumanlife.Adoptingachildoreventryingtoraiseapetcouldbeagreatalternative.¡±

    TherewasanunavoidablehintofmncholyinLysander¡¯swords.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Josiah¡¯sexpressiontook<b>a</b>turnfortheworsewhenheheardherbringupmattersrtedtochildren.Quickly,hiseyeswerefilledwithconcern.

    LynnusedtobeLysander¡¯sassistant,andhertenureasthechiefdoctorwasbrief.Inevitably,shefoundherselfemotionallyinvestedin<b>each</b>patientwhosufferedmisfortune,earnestlyconsideringtheir

    circumstances.

    ¡°Dr.Thorne,Iunderstandyourreasoning.However,thispatientisreallyyoung,andshe¡¯shereforapre-maritalcheckup.Ifherfianc¨¦findsoutaboutthis,wouldhecalloffthewedding?Ifeelquitesorryforher.¡±

    Peopleworkinginthehospitalwitnessed<b>simr</b>storiesthemost.

    Ifthemanwasincapableofhavingchildren,thewomanwouldoftenstandbyhimunwaveringly,even

    Ifthe<b>MM?E</b>

    H

    Chapter560CongenitalUterineHyposia

    themanwouldmorethanlikelychoosetodivorce.

    Finished

    Afteralongandseriouscontemtion,Lysanderfinallyloweredhergazeandsaid,¡°Thereisindeedsuchapossibility.However,thepatientisstillyoung<b>,</b><b>and</b>sheisn¡¯treallymarriedyet.Ifthe<b>groom</b>¨Cto¨Cbewouldtrulyabandonherbecauseofthesituation,thenitwouldbebettertocutlossesintime.There¡¯snoneedtogethunguponsuchaman.¡±

    ¡°Youmake<b>a</b>goodpoint.¡±LynnthoughtLysanderwasright,butshestiskedwithhope,¡°Still,Dr.Thorne,couldyouguidemeonwhattosaytoher?EverytimeImeetherearnest,hopefulgaze<b>,</b>I¡¯matalossforwords.¡±

    Unableto out¨Cargueher,Lysanderfinallyrelented,saying,¡°Allright,then.Letmecheck<b>the</b>patient¡¯sexactagefirst.Perhaps-

    <i>As</i>Lysander gentlymovedthemouse,bothhergazeandvoicefrozeince.

    Lynnsentthetestresultsinscreenshotformat,revealingonlythebasicinformationaboutthepatient.Thepatientwasindeedveryyoung<b>,</b>soitwasnowonderitmadeLynnfeelmorethanjustregretHowever,whattrulyshockedLysanderwasthenameofthepatient.

    <i>Is</i>Tiffany<i>the</i>patient?<i>The</i>ageandnamematchup,andanengagementisnned.There¡¯shardlyasecondpossibility.Lysanderturnedherheadtolookat<b>Josiah</b>,momentarilytakenaback.

    <i>Does</i>Tiffanyhavecongenitaluterinehyposia?<b><i>Does</i></b>thishaveanythingtodowithherconstant act<i>of</i>yingtheinnocent<b>and</b>naive?Foramoment, Lysanderfoundherselfsomewhatconfused.

    Ontheotherendofthephone,LynnthoughtLysanderwasdeepinthought.EventhoughLysanderhadstoppedspeaking<b>mid</b>¨Csentence,Lynndidn¡¯thastilyinterrupttoaskfurther.

    Josiahnoticedhergaze,rosefromthecouch,andwalkedovertoask,¡°What¡¯swrong?Isthereaproblem?¡±

    Ashespoke,hesubconsciouslydriftedhisgazetowardtheputerscreen.

    Withoutanyhesitation,Lysanderimmediatelyexitedthescreenshotdisy.Witharatherstrongreaction,shestoodupandsaid,¡°Thisisconfidentialpatientinformation.Youcan¡¯tlookatit.¡±

    TheRagdollkittengotstartledand,inaswiftmotion,scrambledontothetable.

    Inhaste,Lysanderreachedouttfortit.Assheloweredherhead,herlonghairnaturallyfellfrombehindherears,convenientlyconcealingthesurpriseandlossofposureinher eyes.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tsayanything.Hesimplyhelpedherbypushingthescatteredfilesbacktotheiroriginalce<b>.</b>

    Thespacebetweenthemwasminimal,andtheroomwassilent.Everywordandmovementfromjustmomentsagohadbeentransmittedtotheotherendofthereceiver.

    Lynnhadnodoubtsaboutherhearing,andsheaskedinsurprise,¡°Dr.Thorne,istheresomeoneelsewithyou?Thatvoice¡­Isyourex¨Chusband,thatsc*m,therewithyou?DidIhearwrong?¡±

    OnceLysanderhadcalmedheremotions,sheresponded,¡°I¡¯mdealingwithsomeworkoutside,andthereareothercustomersaround.¡±

    Lynn<b>was</b>filledwithdoubtanduncertainty,buthermindwaspreupiedwiththepatientshewasscheduledto<b>see</b>intheafternoon,soshedidn¡¯t askanyfurtherquestions.

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    #Finished

    Josiahcooperatedbystandingquietlyattheside,notutteringaworduntilLysandertoldLynntherewasnothingshecoulddo.After thecallwasended,Josiahasked,¡°Doesthehospitalneedyouforsomething?¡±

    ¡°Yes,butthematterhasalreadybeenresolved.¡±Lysandernoddedabsentmindedly.Shethenhesitatedbeforeasking.¡°Whatdidyouseejustnow?¡±

    Seeingherunwillingnesstoborate,Josiahdidn¡¯tpressherforreasons.Hesimplystated,¡°Ididn¡¯tgetachancetoseeanythingbeforeyoublockedmyview.¡±

    ItwasvisiblyclearthatLysanderhadbreathedasighofrelief.

    Josiahfeltatouchofuneaseinhisheart,buthebrusheditasideanforted,¡°You¡¯vealwaysheldprinciplesinhighregard.Iknowyouwouldn¡¯tdoanythingthatgoesagainstmedicalethics.¡±

    Withaprofoundlook,Lysandersaid,¡°No.Youdon¡¯tunderstand.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenwasquiteperceptive,noticingthathermoodwasoff.Itmeowedsoftly,rubbingagainstthepalmofherhand.Thisbroughtherbacktoreality,and shemanagedasmile.Regardlessofwhetherthecatcouldunderstandherornot,shecooed,¡°You¡¯resogoodatbeingcute.Youmustbeagirl,right?¡±

    Thekittenwastoolittle,anditwasstilltooearlytodetermineitsgender.

    Rightthen,Josiahrecalledthepast.Hisgazesoftenedashesaid,¡°Girlsarelovely.Ihaveafondnessforgirls.¡±

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    Chapter561ProvideSupportAndProtection

    Finished:

    Lysanderwaspreupied,notreallyhearinghiswords.She absentmindedlycradledthekitteninherarmsandreturnedtothetable,continuingtogothroughthedocuments.

    <b>Just</b>likethedaybefore,Josiahbrewedacupofhoneylemonteaforherandthenquietlywentabouthis<b>own</b>business.

    Insuchatranquilenvironment,itstilltookLysanderagoodwhiletoforgetthenameonthecolorDopplerultrasoundfilmandfullyimmerseherselfinherwork.

    Shehadmadeuphermindtoforgetabouttheincident,acting<b>as</b>ifshehad<b>seen</b>nothing.Atthatmoment,asidefromtakingoverThorneConstructionsandEnergies,everythingelsewasirrelevanttoher.

    IfTiffanyweretopunymorestuntsinthefuture,shewouldjustrollwiththepunches.

    Byafternoon,Josiahncedathiswristwatchandsaid,¡°It¡¯sabouttime.I¡¯llintroduceyoutoafewpeople.Wecanalsograbdinnerwhilewe¡¯reout.Nomatterhowgoodthechefhereis,itcangettiresomeeatingthesamefoodallthetime.¡±

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tinthe mood.Withoutevenliftingherhead,shesaid,¡°Yougoahead.I¡¯lljustheadtotheprivaterestaurantfordier.¡±

    WantingtokeepLysanderinsuspense,Josiahasked,¡°Don¡¯tyouwanttoknowwhoI¡¯mtakingyoutomeet?¡±

    Withoutanyhesitation,Lysandersaid,¡°No.¡±

    Ifitweretrulyapersonofsuchimportancethattheymustmeet,Josiahwouldhavesaidsohimself.Therewasnoneedforhertoaskfurtherunnecessarily.

    LysanderhadnointerestwhatsoeverinyingalongwithJosiah¡¯sschemes.

    TheRagdollkittenhafortablynestledinherarms,evengracingherwithafewmeowsinacknowledgment.

    JosiahnoticedthatthepethegiftedLysandertocheerheruphadsurpassedhisownstatus.However,hewasatalossforwhattodoandcouldonlyyitbyear.Hecontinuedwiththemaintopicbysaying,¡°It¡¯sseveralkeymembersofThorneConstructionsandEnergies.Noamountofpersonnelfilescanrecemeetingtheminperson.¡±

    Lysandercalmlyfinishedjottingdownthstfewnotesbeforeshestoodupandsaid,¡°I¡¯llgochangemyclothesfirst.¡±

    JosiahthenpickeduptheRagdollkittenandwatchedLysanderreturntoherbedroom.Afterthat,hefetchedthecatcarrierandpackeditwithafewessentialpetsupplies.Bythetimehehadfinishedthesepreparations,shehadalsochangedherclothesandemergedfromtheroom.

    Josiahinitiallythoughtshewouldweartheclotheshe<b>had</b>giftedher.Seeingherdressedinthesimpleoutfitshehadbroughtherself,hecouldn¡¯thelpbutfetouchofdisappointment.

    Lysanderliftedhercarry¨Con,bagandasked,¡°Whyareyoulookingatme?¡±Sheapproachedthemirrorandtookalook,notnoticinganythingwasamiss.

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    LysanderwasabouttoassumethepositionofCEOatThorneConstructionsandEnergies.ApartfromHowardandJosiah,whohadonceheldthisposition,everyoneelsewashersubordinate.Therewasnoneedforhertodressupdeliberatelyto meethersubordinates.Shethoughtbeingappropriatelfortablewassufficient.Otherwise,theseopportunisticpeoplemighttakemeasaleaderwhohasnothing.

    ¡°Nothing.¡±Josiahwasholdingacatcarrier,tryingtogettheRagdollkittentostayinside.However,thecatclearlymisunderstoodhisintentions.Itclungtohishand,floppeddown,andimmediatelystartedtoactspoiled.

    Uponseeingthesituation,LysanderpickeduptheRagdollkittentolendahand,asking,¡°Do younonbringingthecatalong?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>didn¡¯tseeanyissuewithit.¡°It¡¯sstilltoolittle.Wecan¡¯tjustleaveithereonitsown.¡±

    Raisingsuchrgekittenwasnosimplerthanraisingachild.

    Lysander<b>saw</b>thattheRagdollkittenwasevensmaller<b>than</b>atoy.Naturally,shewasworried.But

    consideringthesituatioter,shesuggested,¡°Iknow<b>a</b>petshopthatalsoactsasapethotel.Wecanpickitupafterwe¡¯redonemeetingpeople.¡±

    Previously,hervisitstothepetshopweresolely forthesakeofWhiteCoat.

    Josiah¡¯sthoughts driftedtoWhiteCoat,andhedecisivelyrejectedthesuggestionbysaying,¡°There¡¯snoneedforallthatfuss.We¡¯rejusthavingacasualdinnertonight.I¡¯mmerelyintroducingyouguys.Catsaren¡¯tlikedogs.They don¡¯twhineatthesightoffood.Bringingitalong<b>won¡¯t</b>causeanytrouble.¡±

    Lysanderfelt<b>that</b>hiswordsconveyedanunderlyingmessageasifhewereindirectlyinsultingthedog¡¯sownerthroughthedog.

    ThemeetingturnedouttobequitedifferentfromwhatLysanderhadenvisioned.

    Thesettingwasarestaurantatthefootofthemountain.Uponentering,theywereimmediatelyledtothebestprivateroom.Itwasatreatmentreservedforregrpatrons.

    Assoonasthewaiteropenedtheprivateroom¡¯sdoor,thefourindividualsseatedatthediningtablestooduptogreetJosiah.

    Thesefourindividualswereofsim

    age,yettheyalltreatedhimwiththeutmostrespectandcourtesy.

    Lysandernced overandrecognizedamongthem wasapersonJosiahhadspecificallysingledoutfromthedocuments.Thispersonwastoutedasapromisingrookie,capableofkeepingtheheadofthemarketingdepartmentincheck.Thisrealizationinevitablygaveherasenseoftheirimportance.

    Itseemedthatthistime,Josiahwasgenuinelydeterminedtoprovidesupportandprotection.

    OneofthemwithsseswarmlyengagedwithJosiah,saying,¡°It¡¯sbeenawhile,Mr.Guerra.Everything¡¯sbeengoingwellforyou,Ihope?Afteryousteppeddown,onlyafewofuswereleftinthpany,staringateach other.Timeshavebeentough.¡±

    Withacasualsmile,Josiahresponded,¡°I¡¯vebroughtthepersonwho¡¯sgoingtotakeover.It¡¯sagoodchance.foreveryogetacquainted.¡±

    HetooktheinitiativetolookatLysander.After<b>that</b>,withanincrediblynaturaldemeanor,hepulledoutachairforher.Onlyaftershehadtakenherseatdidhesitdownbesideherandsay,¡°Allright,we¡¯reallfriendshere.Let¡¯ssitdownandtalk.¡±

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    Theremainingfourpeoplethenreturnedtotheirseats,seeminglyunfazedbyherarrival.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Finished

    Lysandercedhercatbagontheemptychairbehindher,noddedtoeachofthem,andintroducedherselfinacalmvoice,¡°Nicetomeetyou.I¡¯mLysanderThorne.¡±

    Theguestswerequitepolitetowardher,takingturnstointroducetheir<b>names</b>andpositionswithinthpany.

    Lysandercalmlyetcheditintoherheart.

    Josiahwaiteduntiltheyhadfinishedtheirexchangebeforesteppingintoyhisroleasthemiddleman.AlthoughhisconversationwasprimarilywithLysander,everyoneelsewasalsolisteningattentively.

    ¡°ThepeopleI¡¯vecedinthefourmostcrucialdepartmentsofThorneConstructionsandEnergiesareallhere.BackwhenIwasmanagingthertedbusinesses,theywereinchargeofthegroundwork.Iftherewaseveraslightestripplewithinthpany,theywouldpromptlyreporttome.Youcantrustthemwithoutadoubt.ThorneConstructionsandEnergiesisnotasmall¨Ctimeoperation.Itsstaffstructureismorplexthanitappearsonthesurface.Onceyoubegintoofficiallytakeovermanagement,youessentiallybeageneralonthechessboard.Youcan¡¯tgetbywithouthavingyourownsoldiers.underneathyou.¡±Josiahsaid.

    Thebusinessworldwasabattlefield.EventhoughhewasryingthesituationtoLysanderinthemosposedtone,hestillmanagedtoconveyasenseofsolemnseverity.

    Luckily,Lysanderwassomeonewhohadexperiencedthegrandevents,soshewasn¡¯tintimidatedbythisatall.WhenJosiahwasspeaking,shewasalsoabletoquietlyobservethereactionsofthesefour.individuals.

    TheyheldhighregardforJosiah,andfrom<b>what</b>shecouldseeatthatmoment,theysharemon.interestswithher.Inotherwords,thesefourindividualsseemedreliable.

    Lysandercourteouslysaid,¡°I¡¯marookieinthisindustry,andtherearethingsIinevitablyhavetostartfromscratch<b>.</b>I¡¯mafraidImightneedtorelyoneveryone¡¯shelpforawhile.¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯trespond,butasshespoke,hewatchedherintentlywithalookofconcernfromstarttofinish.

    Thiswasthefirsttimehehadsoopenlyshownhispreferenceforawomaninpublic.Eventheonerumoredtobehisfirstcrush<b>had</b>neverreceivedsuchtreatment

    Atthatmoment,thosefourcouldtellthatthewomanbeforethemwas thepersonJosiahtrulycared

    about.

    ThefourindividualswhohadbeensoughtoutbyJosiahtopavethewayforLysanderwereallextremelyshrewd.TheyhaduratelydiscernedhisattitudetowardLysander.Withoutanyneedforhimtodrophintsorbeataroundthebush,they<b>had</b>immediatelybeguntodemonstratetheirloyaltytoher.

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,don¡¯tworry.We¡¯reallworkingforthpany.We¡¯llsurelyhelpyou.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.Feelfreetoinstructuswheneveryouneedourassistance.¡±

    ¡°Everyonestartsoffasarookiewhentheyfirstenteraprofession.You¡¯rebeingtoomodest.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re<b>paid</b>generously,soifourworkwastooeasy,we¡¯dfeelbadabouttakingthemoney.¡±

    TheyshoweredLysanderwitpliments,eachwearingat

    smilethatexudedsucha

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    festiveatmosphere<b>that</b>itwasimpossibletofindfault.

    Lysanderwasn¡¯tquiteustome

    Finished

    tothetypicalbusinessjargon,respondingonlywithafaintsmile.

    JosiahnoticedtheyalreadyunderstoodhisintentionofbringingLysanderwithhimthatday.Feelingslightlysatisfied,hesaidtoher,¡°Ican¡¯talwayskeepacloseeyeonThorneConstructionsandEnergies.<b>If</b>you¡¯reunsureaboutsomethingorneedhelp,feelfreetolookforthem.¡±

    Lysanderknewhewasseizingtheopportunitytoestablishherauthoritysothatnoonewouldunderestimateher.Shenoddedwithoutshowinganyemotion.¡°Allright.¡±

    Thebespectacledindividualthensmoothlychimedin,¡°Restassured,Mr.Guerra,wewillcertainlysupportMrs.Guerraandensureshedoesn¡¯tgettakenadvantageof.¡±

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    Chapter562SelectiveHearing

    Finished

    AthoughtflickeredinJosiah¡¯smindbeforehisgazesubtlyshiftedbacktoLysander.Shewasleisurelyperusingthemenuinfront ofher,seeminglyoblivioustohiswords.

    Clearly,she<b>had</b>nointentionofcontinuingtheconversation.

    Immediately,Josiahstraightenedupandcorrected,¡°Inthefutureatthpany,youshouldaddressher<b>as</b>Ms.Thorne.¡±

    OnlythendidLysanderstopflippingthroughthemenu,takingovertheconversation.¡°<b>You</b>areolderthanmeandaremyseniors.Inthpany,youmayaddressmeas¡®Ms.Thorne¡®duetomyposition,butoutsideofwork,youcansimplycallmebymy name,Lysander.¡±

    Uponhearingthat,allfourguestssharedanunspokenamusementanughed.

    So,

    <b>you</b>

    didn¡¯tcatchwhatwassaidjustnow,butyouheardthisoneclearly?

    ButseeingJosiah¡¯sbehaviortoday,noone daredtoaddressLysanderbyhernamedirectly.

    ¡°Understood,Ms.Thorne,pleaseforgiveus.Wewereabittooquicktospeakoutofturn.However,addressingyoubyyourfirstname<b>seems</b>rather disrespectful.WeshouldsticktocallingyouMs.Thorne.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯sright.We¡¯llchangehowweaddressyouwhenthetimes,ifnecessary.¡±

    Lysander¡¯sexpressionremainedunchanged,shestippearedcalmanposed.However,hertoneabruptlyturnedcold<b>as</b>shesoftlyinterrupted,¡°Noneedtocorrectyourself.Let¡¯sleaveitatthat.¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    Assoonasthesewordswerespoken, theroomfellintoasilencesodeepitwasunnerving.

    Allfour<b>pairs</b>ofeyesweresimultaneouslydrawnto<b>Josiah</b>,worriedthattheirattemptstotterhimhadbackfireddisastrously.

    Coulditbethatthewomanwhomanagedtohavesuchswayover<b>Josiah</b>wasn¡¯tevengoingtobethefuture<b>.</b>Mrs.Guerra?TheircuriosityaboutLysander¡¯sbackgroundwasinsatiable,yettheydidn¡¯tdaretoaskoutright.

    Withanespeciallyexasperatedexpression,Josiahreluctantlysaid,¡°Fine,justdoasMs.Thornesuggests.¡±

    Uponhearingthis,thefourofthempromptlyadjustedtheirmannerofaddressing Lysander.

    ¡°Ms. Thorne,perhapsIdidn¡¯tmakemyselfclear.Weallprettymuch<b>know</b>thatyou¡¯retheonlydaughter<b>of</b>Mr.Thorne,sothpanywillsurelybeyoursinthefuture.We¡¯recallingyouMs.Thornenow,butwhoknowswhat<b>changes</b>mighturinthefuture.Wouldn¡¯tyouagree?¡±

    <b>¡°</b>Exactly,that¡¯swhatwemeant¡­<b>¡±</b>

    Theyappearedgenuinelyapprehensive,apologizingprofuselywhilesimultaneouslystudyingLysander¡¯sreactions,terrifiedthat<b>she</b>mightbeupset.

    Yet,inherheart,Lysanderknewthetruth.Theyweren¡¯treallytryingtopleaseher.Clearly,theywereafraidofoffending<b>Josiah</b>.

    ¡°Thenwe¡¯lltalkaboutitwhenthetimes.¡±

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    Shegaveaslightsmile,subtlymovingpastthematterathand.

    Finished:

    Seeing<b>that</b>,theremainingfourpeoplesurmisedthattheremightbemoretothestorybetween<b>Josiah</b>andher.Quickly,theychangedthesubject,saying,¡°Mr.Guerra,nowthateveryoneishere,perhapsyoushouldorderthe<b>dishes</b>first.¡±

    *Allright.¡±JosiahrotatedthzySusansothemenuwasinfrontofLysander.¡°Seeifthere¡¯sanythingyou¡¯dliketoeat.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯ttakeit,saying.¡°Lettheguestschoose.¡±

    Therewasnowaythequartetdaredtodoso.Theycollectivelywavedtheirhandsand said,¡°Wewillfollowthehost¡¯slead.Ms.Thome,feelfreetoorderwhateveryoulike.¡±

    Lysanderpursedherlipsbeforenodding.¡°I¡¯mtheyoungestandleastexperienced<b>here</b>,soletmetaketheleadinordering.Doanyofyouhaveanydietaryrestrictions?¡±

    ¡°No!Weeateverything!¡±

    Lysanderheldthemenu,remainingsilentforquitesometime.

    JusthowintimidatinghadJosiahbeeninthepastfortheseindividuals,whowereatleastexecutive¨Clevelmanagement,tobeterrifiedtosuchanextent?

    ¡°Letmedoit,¡±saidJosiah,takingthemenufromher.Heggeddownawaiterandpointedoutafew<b>dishes</b>forthemtonotedown.Then,headdedaspecialrequest,¡°Lessondlesssalt.¡±

    Thewaiternodded.¡°Understood,sir.However,withsixof youhere,orderingonlyfourdishes¡­.maynotbeenough.¡±

    Josiahpassedthemenutotheothers.¡°Recently,Lysanderhasbeenfollowingadietnpreparedbyanutritionist<b>,</b><b>so</b>Iorderedforherseparately.Asfortherestofyou,feelfreetoorderwhateveryoulike.I¡¯mtreatingtoday.¡±

    Oneoftheslightlyolderonestookthemenuoverandsaid,¡°Thankyouverymuch,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯rewee.ImaynothavethetimetovisitThorneConstructionsandEnergieseverydayinthefuture,soI¡¯ll<b>have</b>totroubleyoualltotakegoodcareofLysander.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!Restassured,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    ¡°However,there¡¯snoneed tobeoverlyconcernedaboutstatusandpositions.Afterall,Lysanderisstineerinthisindustry,andmistakesareinevitable.Pleasehelpguideher.She¡¯snotthetypetolosehertempereasilyandprefersstraightforwarmunication.Feelfreetovoiceoutanyconcernsorthoughts.There¡¯snoneedtobeataroundthebush.¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>All</b>right.¡±

    ¡°Also,trytokeeppersonalmatterstoaminimumattheofficeinthefuture.LysanderisthemostauthoritativefigureatThorneConstructionsandEnergies.Do<b>you</b>understandwhatI¡¯msaying?¡±

    Thequartetnodded.¡°Understood.Weareallmeninourfortiesandfiftiesandarenotfondofgossipingaboutrtionshipsordisputes.Restassured,wewon¡¯tspreadrumorsabouttoday¡¯s<b>events</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Josiahnoddedinsatisfaction,hisexpressionsofteningconsiderably.¡°Go<b>ahead</b>andorder.¡±

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    Apartfromthefewlight<b>and</b>nutritiousdishesJosiahhadordered,therestofthegroupalsoordered someoftherestaurant¡¯ssignaturedishes,asafeanderror¨Cfreechoice.

    <b>After</b>all,whoknewwhatpreferencesordislikesthispreviouslyunmetMs.Thornemighthave?

    Atleastorderingthesignaturedishesgavethemalegitimateexcuseifanythingwentwrong,soJosiahwouldlikelynottakehisangeroutonthem.

    Thedisheswereservedquickly.

    Afterspendingtheentireafternoontaxingher brain,Lysanderwasgenuinelyabithungry,soshedoveintohermeal.

    However,theotherindividualswereratherreserved.

    ThefourmenJosiahGuerrahadcedwithinThorneConstructionsandEnergieswerecapableexecutiveswhounderstoodthe<b>art</b>oftimingandassessingthesituation.Theydidn¡¯tbring<b>up</b>anythingthatshouldn¡¯tbementioned;instead,theyonlydiscussedtopicsrtedtothecurrentstate ofaffairswithinthpany.

    Whileeating.Lysanderlistenedintently,whichsignificantlyimprovedher<b>appetite</b>.

    Josiahsawherengrossedinthought,andotherthanasionallyusingtheservingspoontoaddfoodtoherte,hedidn¡¯tbringupanyunnecessarytopics.

    Bythetimetheyfinishedtheirmeal,theeveningglowthathadgracedthehorizonupontheirarrivalhapletelyvanished,recedbythe<b>vast</b>expanseofthenightsky.

    Thefourguests,perceptive astheywere,tooktheinitiativetoexcusethemselves.Noneofthemlingered.tointerruptJosiahandLysander¡¯sprivatetime.Otherthanthetwoofthem,theonlyremainingpresenceintheprivateroomwasaboredRagdollkitten,tuckedinitscatcarrier.

    Meow!

    Thekittenletoutapitifulmeow.

    Lysander¡¯sheartsoftened.Sheopenedthecatcarrierandgentlycradledthesmallbundle intoherarms.Inawarm<b>voice</b>,shenegotiatedwithit.¡°I¡¯msorryfortheinconvenience.Icanletyouout,butyoucan¡¯trunaround,okay?¡±

    Thekittenflickeditssmallcars,asifitunderstood.

    Fromthesidelines,Josiahobservedthesceneunfoldingbeforehim,barelysuppressingachuckleasheasked,¡°Areyouhavingnotroublmunicatingwithit?¡±

    Cradlingthekitteninherarms,Lysanderanswered,¡°I¡¯mjustspeakingmymind.Itdoesn¡¯tmatterifit<b>doesn¡¯t</b>understandmenow;we¡¯llgraduallybuildanunderstandingbetweenus.¡±

    TheRagdollkittefortablyfolledaroundinherarms.

    Josiahhadnochoicebuttoask<b>again</b>,¡°Wouldyouliketostayabitlongerorperhapstakeastrollinthecourtyard?Irecallyoudidn¡¯thavethechancetotrulyappreciatethepondduringyousttwovisitshere.¡±

    Thefirsttime,hehadnearlydrownedtheoldlecherbypinninghimdowninthepond.

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    Thesecondtime,hewasapaniedbyTiffanyandLysanne,whohadbeenbusytakingpicturesbythepond.

    However,eventhemostbeautifulscenerybecameperilous onceitwasassociatedwiththesetwoindividuals.

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    Lysanderdecisivelyshookherhead.¡°Thesceneryinthemountainsisfarmoreappealing¡±

    Naturally,Josiahagreedwithhersuggestion.¡°Allright,let¡¯sgoback.¡±

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    Heinstinctivelypickedupthecatcarrierandotherpersonalitems.Lysander,carryingthecat,ledtheway.Hefollowedheratasteadypace,keepingastepbehindandmatchingherstrideastheyleisurelymadetheirwayout.

    Fromtheprivatediningroomtotheentranceoftherestaurant,onehadtocrossacorridoradjacenttothepond.Insuchaserenesetting.Josiahdeliberatelyslowedhispaceandasked,¡°TheywerediscussingalotofmattersrtedtoThorneConstructionsandEnergiesjustnow.Ifthere¡¯sanythingyoudon¡¯t<b>understand</b>,feelfreetoaskme.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡±Lysanderresponded,showingnointentionofaskinganyquestions.However,shequicklychangedthesubject.¡°Butnexttime<b>we</b>needtomeet,justarrangeitforme,please.I¡¯llhandletherest.Idon¡¯treallyenjoyrelyingonsomeoneelse¡¯sauthority.¡±

    Thosefourindividualsmightindeedbesomewhatcapable,buttheywerpletelyunderthecontrolofJosiah,anditseemedthattherewasnochanceofchange<b>.</b>

    IfLysanderwantedtostabilizeThorneConstructionsandEnergies,shecouldn¡¯tsolelyrelyonJosiah¡¯sauthority,

    Josiahunderstoodherintentions,hiseyesdimmingashencedattheshadowonthegroundandsaid,¡°Allright,Iunderstand.¡±

    Theylefttheprivaterestaurantinsilence,notexchangingasinglewordalongthe way.

    <b>Josiah</b>stoodunderthebrightstreetlightbeforehespokeagain.¡°Waithereforamoment.I¡¯llbringthecararound.¡±

    Theundergroundparkinglotwassituatedinthenearbybusinessdistrictandrequiredabitofa<b>walk</b>from

    here.

    Catstendedtogetstressedincrowdedenvironments.LysandergentlystrokedthefuroftheRagdollkitteninherarmsandresponded,¡°Okay<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahleftswiftly.

    Undertheglowofthestreemp,Lysanderstoodholdingthekittenwhileobservingtheirshadowsontheground<b>.</b>

    LysanderwasunsureifallRagdollcatswerenaturallygood¨Ctempered,but<b>this</b>kittencalmlyallowedhertoholdit.Raisingitsheadtolookather,itslightblueeyes<b>shone</b>withagentleglow.Itwastrulyendearing.

    Shewasn¡¯tcertainifitwasjustherimagination,butshealwaysfeltthat<b>this</b>kittenboreastrikingresemncetoNieva¡¯slittledaughter.

    Foramoment,shewasn¡¯tsurewhethertosaythatthekitten<b>was</b>human¨Clikeorthe girlwaskitten¨Clike.Regardless,bothhadendearinglyround,chubbyfacesandwereextremelyaffectionate.

    Afterspendingafewdayswiththatchild,Lysandersurprisinglybegantodevelopwhatonemightcall

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    She<b>had</b>heardbefore<b>that</b>amotherwhohadlostachildseemedtounconsciouslydevelopamaternal¨Clikeaffectiontowardotherchildren.

    Forinstance,Mollywas<b>a</b>primeexample.Her adorationforLysannehadlongsincesurpassedthetypicalboundariesofamother¡¯sloveforherdaughter.

    ItwaspreciselyherboundlessaffectionforLysahathadshapedthtter¡¯spersonalityinsucha

    manner.

    HadLysannegrownupintheorphanagefromthestart,shemighthavebekindanpassionate,livingoutherlifeinpeaceandtranquility.

    Fatecouldbeatrickything,andthewaytheheavenshadorchestratedherlife,Lysander<b>wasn¡¯t</b>surewhethertoconsideritablessing oracurse.

    Notfar<b>away</b>,afewyoungwomenwerechattinganughingwhenoneofthemsuddenlystoppedinherUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    tracks.

    Thewoman,whoappearedpetiteanddelicate,focusedhergazedirectlyonLysander.Hepanions.besideheralsostoppedbecauseofthis.

    Someonenoticedhersuddenchangeinmoodandcautiouslyasked,¡°Tiff,what¡¯swrong?

    Tiffanysnappedbacktoreality,asheepishgrinonherface.¡°Sorryaboutthat.IjustspottedsomeoneIknowandgotabitdistracted.Couldyouguysholdonforamoment?Ineedtogosayhello.¡±

    Hepanionsfoundherbehaviorabitodd,butitwasn¡¯tappropriatetoquestionheraboutit.Hence,theydecidedtostayputandwaitforherreturn.

    TiffanyapproachedLysanderwithalightandcheerfulstride.Stoppinginfrontofthtter,shegreetedher,¡°Lysa,Ididn¡¯texpecttoruninto

    youhere.You¡¯vebeenbusyeversinceyoureturnedfromApexCity.

    It¡¯snicetofinallyseeyoutoday.¡±

    LysandercastanindifferentnceatTiffany,noticingherinnocentsmile.Itwas<b>as</b>ifshehapletelyforgottenabouttheincidentthat<b>took</b>ceattheresort.ThissetoffrmbellsinLysander¡¯sheart.

    ThisyoungwomanwasfarmorecunningthanLysanne.

    TiffanygazedaffectionatelyatLysander,seeminglyoblivioustothtter¡¯spriorindifferencetowardher,orperhapsshesimplydidn¡¯tcare.SeeingLysander remainsilent,shetookituponherselftocontinuethe

    conversation.

    ¡°Hey,Lysa,isthisyourcat?It¡¯ssoadorable.¡±

    Asshe<b>spoke</b>,shereachedout,seeminglyintendingtostroketheheadoftheRagdollkitten.

    Previously,thekittenwouldallowanyocasuallypetit,butitsuddenlychangeditsattitudethen.ItlifteditssmallpawandswattedTiffany¡¯shand.Itsback<b>arched</b>,<b>and</b>itsfurbristledalloveritsbodyinadisyofbothfearandanger.

    Thekitten¡¯swswerenotyetfullygrown,soitdidn¡¯tmanagetoinflictanyharm<b>on</b>Tiffany,However,itdidmakethesituationeventhoreawkwardinaninstant.

    Withahintoffrustration,Tiffanywithdrewherhand,feigningtimidityassheasked,¡°Lysa,doesyourcatnotlikemeverymuch?Itscaredme todeath<b>just</b>now.¡±

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    Lysandersawthattherewerenosignsofscratchesonherhandandsaidcalmly,¡°It¡¯sgoodthatyouweren¡¯tscratched.It¡¯sprobablynotusedtostrangerstouchingitimmediatelyafterfirstmeeting.¡±

    Thedetachmentinherwordscouldn¡¯thavebeenmoreevident.

    Tiffanywithdrewherhand, andafterabriefmoment,sheadjustedherexpression,wearingadeceptivelybrightsmileasshesaid.¡°You¡¯reright.Ishouldn¡¯thavetoucheditcarelessly.¡±

    Shebentdown,yfullystickinghertongueout<b>at</b>thekitten.¡°I¡¯mreallysorry,littledarling.Let¡¯sgettoknoweachotherbetter,okay?Canwebegoodfriendsinthefuture?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tcontinuealongTiffany¡¯slineofconversation,sayingitdidn¡¯tmatter.Instead,shesimplytuckedtheragdollcatintoherarmandsaid,¡°Ms.Lanister,Ihavesomeonewaitingforme,soIwon¡¯tkeepyouwithidlechit¨Cchat.Yourfriendsarewaitingforyoutoo.¡±

    Asshespoke,shetookasteptowardtheareaclosertothebusinessdistrict,creatingsomedistancebetweenthem.

    Tiffanyfollowedalong,herfaceexudinganairofinnocence¨Candcheerfulness.¡°Wedecidedtogoshoppingtogether.Lysa,didyoualsewithafriend?¡±

    Lysanderrespondedwithahum.

    Tiffanygesturedtowardhepanions,whowerewaitingforher,enthusiasticallysaying.¡°Ihappenedtohaveassreuniontoday.Afterdinner,wehadnothingtodo,soIinvitedafewclosegirlfriendstogoshopping.Wouldyouliketojoinus?¡±

    ¡°No,Ihaveothermatterstoattendto.¡±

    LysanderrecalledtheinformationLynnhadsentherintheafternoon,herdoubtsonlydeepening.

    TiffanynoticedthechangeinLysander¡¯sgazeandseizedtheopportunitytoask,¡°Lysa,what¡¯swrong?It¡¯sonlybeenafewdays,butwhyareyouactingsodistanttoward<b>me</b>?¡±

    ¡°Sinceit¡¯sass<b>reunion</b>,everyoneattendingwouldnaturallybeyourclosefriends.Withmebeingseveralyearsolderthanyouall,Iwouldn¡¯tfitinevenifIwent.<b>You</b>guyshavefun.¡±

    Tiffanyblinkedinnocently.¡°Lysa,doyouhaveamisunderstandingaboutme?DidIdosomethingwrongto<b>upset</b>you?¡±

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    LysanderscrutinizedTiffanywithutmostseriousness,respondinginachillinglycalmmanner,¡°No.¡±

    Tiffanytiltedherhead,hergazeappearingincrediblyclear.HaditnotbeenforLysander¡¯spreviousexperience,shemighthaveactuallybeendeceived.

    ¡°Lysa,Imustadmit,I¡¯mhavingtroubleunderstandingwhatyou¡¯resayingtoday.Butifyoudon¡¯tfeellikegoingshopping,<b>that¡¯s</b>totallyfine.Afterall,you¡¯realwayssobusy.¡±Shethenasked,¡°Haveyouscen

    Joserecently?Itriedcallinghimtoday,buthedidn¡¯tpickup.¡±

    Lynnhadmentionedthatthepatientreceivedthereportintheafternoon.

    Lysanderfoundherselfunavoidablylinkingthetwoevents.Sheaskedmeaningfully,¡°Didyouattendthessreunionthisafternoon<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±Tiffanyrepliedwithanimmactesmile.¡°Amalessmate¡¯sbirthdayiingup.I¡¯mnotsurewhatboystypicallylike,soIthoughtofaskingJosetoapanymetobuyagiftformyssmate.I¡¯mnotsureifhereturnedtotheresortafterheleftyesterday.By theway,Lysa,whydidyousuddenlyleavethatday?¡±

    Lysanderrepliedndly,¡°Ihadsomematters totakecareof

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°AsforMr.Guerra,¡±shepausedbeforecontinuing.¡°Ihaven¡¯tseen<b>him</b>.If<b>you¡¯re</b>lookingforhim,itwouldbebesttoreachouttohimonyourown.There¡¯snoneedto<b>ask</b>me.¡±

    Tiffanyblinkedhergeeyes,clearlyshowingdisbelief.Butbeforeshecouldquestionfurther,acarwithitsindicatorlightson<b>drove</b>by.Aftermakingaturn,itcametoastoprightinfrontofthem.

    Thiscarlookedincrediblyfamiliar.

    Lysanderfellsilent.

    Thismanreallyhasimpabletiming

    Afterparkingthecar,Josiahwalked overfromthedriver¡¯ssideandheadedstraighttowardLysander.Heextendedhishandtowardherandsaid,¡°Letmeholdthecatwhileyougetinthecarfirst.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenwasratheraffectionatewithhim,obedientlynestlingintothecrookofhisarm.

    Duetothis,Josiahhadonehandfree.HesmoothlydrapeditoverLysander¡¯s shoulder,guidinghertowardthecar.

    Withoutthinking,Lysanderrecoiledfromhistouch.However,hisbroad,warmpalmdidn¡¯tactuallymake

    soshe

    contactwithher;itwasjusthoveringprotectively.Shedidn¡¯tfeelitwashercetosayamake

    steeledherself<b>and</b>openedthecardoorinfrontofher,settlingintotheseatonherown.

    Uponseeinghersettledinthepassengerseat,Josiahimmediately,withutmostcare,cedthecatbackintoherarmsbeforefinallyclosingthecardoor.

    Hisseriesofactionswereexecutedwithsuchfluidityandgrace,asifhehadperformedthemcountlesstimesinhislife.

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    Tiffanywatchedthetwowithacoolgaze.Afterholdingbackforsome<b>time</b>,shefinallystartedtofollow.them.¡°Jose,IwasjustaskingLysaifshehadseenyou.Ididn¡¯texpectyouteoversoquickly.Whenshejokinglysaid shehadn¡¯tseenyou,Ialmostbelieveditwastrue.Jose,isLysaupset<b>about</b><b>you</b>beingincontactwithme?¡±

    Lysander<b>was</b>justsittinginthecar,bucklingherseatbelt,whensheheardthehypocriticalwords.

    Withoutturningbackorhaltinghissteps,Josiahonlyspokeinadeepvoicewhenheopenedthecardoor,¡°Whatdoyou<b>want</b>fromme?¡±

    ¡°Nothingmuch.It¡¯sjustthatthebirthdayofamalessmateof<b>mine</b>iingsoon,andIdon¡¯tknowwhatgifttochoose.¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯tquiteunderstandthethingsyouragegrouplikes.You¡¯dbetterasksomeoneelse.Ican¡¯thelpyou.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­¡±Tiffanycouldfeelhisindifferenceandsaid withahintofregret,¡°ButI¡¯vejustreturnedtothecountryanddon¡¯tknowanyoneelsehere.Besidesyou,there¡¯sonlymydad.Your<b>dad</b>ismucholderthanyou,soIreallydon¡¯thaveanyoneelsetoturnto¡­.

    Josiahgaveheracoolnce,takinginthecrowdbehindher.¡°Ithoughtyouhadquiteafewfriends.¡±

    Tiffanyhesitatedforamoment,thenquicklyadded,¡°They¡­they¡¯reallgirls.Theydon¡¯tunderstandwhatboyslike.¡±

    Josiahpressedhislipstogethertightly,Tiffany,thenoticetocancelourengagementhasalreadybeensentout.Don¡¯tlookformeinthefuture.¡±

    ThesmileonTiffany¡¯sfacefalteredforamoment.¡°Jose,doyouthinkI¡¯mimmature?¡±

    ¡°Areyou?¡±

    WhenTiffanydidn¡¯trespond,Josiahwenton,¡°Trulyimmaturepeoplewouldn¡¯tconstantlysaytheyareso.Thisisn¡¯tgenuineimmaturitybutratherashieldusedtohideone¡¯struethoughts.¡±

    Tiffany¡¯sexpressionfesshesaid,¡°Jose,weweredoingjustfinebefore,weren¡¯twe?ButafterspendingafewdayswithLysa,yourattitudetowardme<b>has</b><b>be</b><b>so</b>cold.Weagreed,didn¡¯twe?Onpaper,wewouldbeengaged,butinprivate,we¡¯restillsiblings.<b>As</b>siblings,youdon¡¯tneedtotalktomelikethis,right?Or didLysasaysomethingtoyou¡­¡±

    ¡°Ithas<b>nothing</b>todowithher.WhenIwasdiscussingthecoborationwithyourfather,shewapletelyinthedark.¡±

    Tiffanyclenchedherhandstightly,lookingbothufortableandpitiful.¡°Isee.Imusthavemisunderstood,then.WhenIcalledyouearlier,you¡­.

    Shegraduallytrailedoff,waitingforJosiahtonoticesomethingwasamissandinquirefurther.

    Heryoungappearance,akintoalittlesister,couldalsoserveasherweapon.

    However,Josiahdidn¡¯tpayanyattentiontowhatTiffanyhadsaid.Asifhehadn¡¯tevennoticedher,hesimplygotintohiscaranddroveoffwithLysander.

    Themealtonightwastrulyspectacr.

    Asenseof<b>unease</b>inexplicablywelledupwithinLysander.Shewas<b>just</b>abouttosoothehernervesby

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    strokingthekitteninherarmswhen<b>the</b>furballbegantotremble,lettingout<b>a</b><b>shrill</b>meow.

    Thesoundwasstartlinglyabrupt,hardlysomethingonewouldexpectakittentomake.

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    Lysandernoticedthatthe kittenwasfrightenedandimmediatelyheldittightertosootheit.Shesawitsblueeyesgazingoutthecarwindowandinstinctivelyfolloweditsgaze.

    Thenextmoment,shefoundherselflockingeyeswithTiffany,whowasstillstandinginthesamespot.

    einthecarwouldturnaround,letalhatthispersonwouldbe

    Tiffanyhadn¡¯tanticipated<b>that</b>Lysander.

    Nheless,sinceitwasLysander,shenolongerfelttheneedtohidehertruefeelings.Thejealousyandresentmentinhereyesburstforthunabashedly.

    Thisscenewaseerilyreminiscentofahorrormoviewhereapossesseddollstepsintoreality,sendingchillsdownone¡¯sspine.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    Instantly.Lysanderfeltashiverrundownherspine.

    Sheturnedaround,continuingtogazeattheroadahead.

    Thekitteninherarmscontinuedtomewrestlessly.

    Lysanderhelditasifcradlingachild,patientlystrokingitsfur.Onlythendiditcalmdown.Evenso,longershoweditspreviousliveliness,itscriesbing<b>fainter</b>.

    Josiahnoticedthekitten¡¯sfear<b>and</b>askedwithconcern,¡°What¡¯swrongwithit?¡±

    itno

    Lysanderabsentmindedlyreplied,¡°Noworries.It¡¯sprobablyjustscaredbecauseyouweredrivingtoofast.¡±

    Wordsaloneweren¡¯tproof.Shehadnoevidenceatthemoment,soshecertainlycouldn¡¯tjudgeTiffany¡¯scharacterbasedonthekitten¡¯sbehavior.

    AsforthewordsJosiah<b>had</b>previouslyspokenabouttrustingher¡­.

    Lysandercaressedthebackofthekitten,erasingthismemoryfromhermind.

    Suchwordswereworthlessandonlymeantanythingiftheonebeingspokentorememberedthem.

    She hadbeenburnedonce,soshewouldn¡¯tmakethesamemistakeagain.

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    Chapter565LetMeTakeYouHome

    Nowadays,Josiahdidn¡¯twanttospendevenasecondwithTiffany.Hence,hehadsubconsciouslysteppedonthegasassoonastheystartedoff.However,afterhearingLysander¡¯swords,hesawthelogicandimmediately<b>slowed</b>downthecar.

    Hewassharp,noteasilyfooled.Nottakinghiseyesofftheroad,he

    Them

    ked,¡°Whatdidyoujustsee?¡±

    momentLysanderturnedaround,theatmosphereinthecarhadshifted.

    Josiah¡¯sattentionwasalmostentirelyfocusedonheratthatmoment,sonaturally,hewouldn¡¯t<b>miss</b><b>a</b>thing.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treallycarewhethershehadbeenfoundoutornot.Shesimplyasserted,¡°IsawthatTiffanystillhasn¡¯tleft.Isthereaproblem?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snothing.¡±Josiahaddednonchntly.¡°There¡¯s<b>nothing</b>betweenherandme,noromanticentanglementwhatsoever.Backthen,Lysannewasquitetroublesome,andIfearedhermadnessmight<b>harm</b>you.ButTiffanyis,afterall,theheiressofRiveron Corporation,soLysannewouldn¡¯tdaretoharmher.IjustwantedtodeterLysanne¡­¡±

    Lysander¡¯sreactionwasevenmorenonchntthanhis.¡°That¡¯syourpersonalbusiness;there¡¯snoneedtospecificallyinformme.¡±

    Josiahwasatalossforwords,sohedecidedtochangethesubject.¡°Sinceyou¡¯renotinterestedindiscussingpersonalmatters,let¡¯stalkbusinessinstead.You¡¯vealreadymetthepeoplefromThorneConstructionsandEnergieswhocanlendyouahand.Whendoyou ntomakeyourappearanceatthpany?¡±

    Eversincehehandedoverthereinsofmanagementto Lysander,ThorneConstructionsandEnergieshadbeenleaderlessforawhile.

    Ifthingscontinuedthisway,itwasinevitablethatpeople wouldberestless.

    Lysanderrecalledtherestlessmarketingdepartmentmanagerandmadeadecision.¡°Soon.Althoughthose.fourtodaypromisednottospreadrumors,it¡¯simpossibletokeepsuchmattershidden.TheemployeesofThorneConstructionsandEnergiesprobablyalreadyknow<b>that</b>anewCEOisabouttobeparachutedin.

    Josiahwasveryawareofthis<b>and</b>expressedhisagreement,¡°Yes,it¡¯sbettertohandlesuchmatterssoonerratherthater.It¡¯simportantthatalltheemployeesinthpanyknowthat ThorneConstructionsandEnergiesisunderyourmanagementfromnowon.¡±

    Ashespoke,heabruptlypulledthecaroverwithoutanywarning.

    Holdinghercat,Lysanderaskedwithahintofconfusion,¡°Doyouhaveanythingelseyouneedtotake

    careof?¡±

    This<b>ce</b>wasseeminglyinthemiddleofnowhere,withnovigeinsight<b>or</b>shopsaround.ShewascurioustoseewhatJosiahnnedtodo.

    Josiahgaveanodofacknowledgment.InfrontofLysander,hecasuallymadeaphonecalltoCarol.Itwasunclear<b>what</b>theotherpartyreportedtohim.Initially,heonlyrespondedwithafewnonchnthums.Itwasonlterthathegaveinstructionsforaspecific<b>task</b>.

    aneonatn

    annaiinramantminnauihacantnurSchedisformaurMandas?

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    Aftersayingthat,hepromptlyhungupthephone,notuttering evenasinglesuperfluousword.

    Lysander¡¯scuriosityaboutmattersrtedtoJosialtwasnotparticrlystrong.However,uponhearingabouttheurgenttimelineofnextMonday,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutask,¡°Whatdoyouhavennedforthedayaftertomorrow?¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Thecar<b>was</b>parkedunderalushtreeatthesideoftheroad.The glowfromthe streetlightfilteredthroughtheleaves,castingadappledpatternonthewindshieldandsofteningJosiah¡¯ssternfeatures.

    ¡°Didn¡¯tyouagreetomakeyourappearanceatThorneConstructionsandEnergiesassoonaspossible?Thpanyholdsamanagementmeeting<b>every</b>Monday.Atthattime,boardmembersandmajorshareholdersfromthpanywillbepresent.It¡¯sthebestopportunityfor youtomakeyourdebut.¡±

    Sothiswaswhathesaidheneededtodo.Hisefficiencyistrulyimpressive.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯t regretthewordsshehadspokenearlier.Shesimplynodded,herexpressionunchanged,andsaid,¡°Allright.Iunderstand.Thankyouforarrangingthis.¡±

    Josiahhadgrownustomedtoherindifferentattitudetowardhim.Heremindedher,¡°Hospitalsalsohavethehabitofholdingmeetings,soyoushouldn¡¯tfinditunfamiliar.However,thismeeting<b>is</b>abitdifferent.You¡¯renotjustaparticipantbuttheleaderofthemeeting.¡±

    ¡°Iknow,I¡¯malreadytheCEO.¡±Lysanderhadmentallypreparedherselfwellinadvanceandeptedhernewrolewithoutanyissues.Sheevencalmlyadded,¡°Besides,thisdaywasboundtesooneroter.Wrappingupthingsheresoonerwillowmetoreturntomymedical practice.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenwasquitfortablenestledinherarms.Eventhoughitdidn¡¯tunderstandwhatshewassaying,itstillgaveasupportivemeowinresponse.

    Thesoundwassweetandutterlyadorable.

    Josiah¡¯sgazesoftenedashecasuallysuggested,¡°Ifyou¡¯refeelingnervous,youcanstartpreparingnow.¡±

    Lysandernonchntlyscratchedthechinofthekitten,asifnothingwasamiss.

    ¡°I¡¯llpreparediligently,butI¡¯mnotsoworriedaboutthisminorissue.Afterall,it¡¯snotlikeIhaven¡¯tconductedmajorlecturesforinternsbefore.¡±

    Itwasmerely<b>a</b>routinemeeting.Ifshecouldn¡¯tevenhandlesuchatrivialmatter,thenhersevenyearsinmedicalschondsubsequentspecializedtrainingwouldhavebeenpletewaste.

    Everyfieldhaditsexperts,andJosiahtrulyknewlittleaboutthis.Henoddedandsaid,¡°Allright,you¡¯vealwaysbeenveryreliable.¡±

    HeshouldhaveheardaboutthesemattersconcerningLysandermuchearlier,butinthepast,hewouldn¡¯tevenpauseforamomenttoengageintrivialsmalltalkwithher<b>..</b>

    Thecarwasenvelopedinsilence,soprofoundthateventhesoundofeachother¡¯sbreathwasdistinctlyaudible.

    Lysanderhadn¡¯tgivenmuchthoughttoallthesetrivialthings.Shencedatherphonescreenandcasuallyasked,¡°Isn¡¯tthiscequiteclosetohome?Howaboutyoudropmeoffatthenextintersection?Iwon¡¯tbegoingbacktotheresort.¡±

    Itwasgettinte.Evenwithacar,thejourneytotheresortwouldtakeat<b>least</b>anotherfortyminutes.

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    Finished

    Lysander<b>was</b>exhaustedtothecore,feelingthatinsteadofwastingmoretimewithhim,itwouldbebettertotakethekittenandgobackhome.

    Josiah,however,sawrightthroughherthoughtsandtooktheinitiativetosuggest,¡°Letmetakeyouhome.¡±

    HavingbeenfiguredoutbyJosiah<b>,</b>Lysandersimplyresponded,¡°Allright.¡±

    Theirresidenceswereseparatedbyawall,andunlikeahotel,hecouldn¡¯tjustwalkintoherhomeasifit<b>was</b>unupied.Afterall,itwasaresidentireaandhedidn¡¯thaveakeytoherce.

    Withthatsaid,goinghomewasfarbetterthanstayingattheresort.

    Afterparkingthecar,Josiahtooktheinitiativeandpickedupthecatcarrier.Hedidn¡¯tgiveLysanderachancetowalkahead,soshehadnochoicebuttojoinhimintheelevator.Astheysteppedoutatthesametime,shespokeup.¡°Thesethingsaren¡¯theavy.Icancarrythemmyself¡±

    Thekittenwastiny,soshecouldeasilyfreeupahandtocarrythestufftothefrontdoorwithoutanyissues.

    Josiahremainedunfazed,stating,¡°I¡¯llhandleit.¡±

    Afterhavingbeenbusyallday,alittlemoretimedidn¡¯treally matter.

    Josiahswiftlywalkedahead,carryingtheitems,andstoppedinfrontofhisownunit.Hesaid,¡°Youprobablyhaven¡¯tbeenhomeinabouttwoweeks,right?You¡¯llhavetocleanupagain.Whydon¡¯tyourestatmycefirst?Marthesovertocleaneveryday.¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°There¡¯snotmuchfurniture<b>at</b>myce,socleaningupwillbequick.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>suddenlyfeltabithelpless.¡°You¡¯restillonyourperiod,aren¡¯tyou?Igenuinelyjustwantyoutorest.properly.There¡¯snoneedforyou tobesowaryofme.¡±

    Lysanderansweredataleisurelypace,¡°Ididn¡¯tgettorestproperlywhenIhadafever<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahhadno<b>response</b>tothat.

 Chapter 566

    Chapter566OppositesAttract

    #Finished

    ShereachedouttotaketheitemsthatJosiahhadbeencarryingforher.Itwasonlyafterhehadreturnedtohisownunitthatshetookoutherkeystoopenthedoor.

    Afterbeingawayforawhile,thearrangementoftheroomhadbesomewhatunfamiliar.Theairwasalsostale.Fortunately,beforeLysanderwentonherbusinesstrip,shehadclosedthewindowsandcoveredeverythingtopreventdust.Otherwise,therewouldhavebeenagreatdealofcleaningtodothatevening.

    TheRagdollkittenwaslivelyandclever,unafraideveninunfamiliarsurroundings.OnceLysanderhadturnedonthelights,itbegantomeow,assertingitspresence.

    Lysanderbentover,gentlycingthekittenontotheground.

    ThoughWhiteCoathadn¡¯treturnedhomeyet,itstoysandbedwerestillthere.Thehomeclearly showedsignsofhavinghousedapet.TheRagdollkittenextendeditslittle paws,scratchingthesoftdogbedafewtimesbeforestartingtoy<b>with</b>thetoysinside.

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelpbutsmile,feelingreassuredasshewentaboutherownbusiness.Aftershefinished<b>.</b>herbathandcameout,intending<b>to</b>findahairdryertodryherhair,theRagdollkittenhapletelyadjustedtoitsnewenvironment.Itwasenthusiasticallyusingthecabintheentrancewayasacattree,continuallyclimbingup,

    Unfortunately,thekittenwassimplytoosmallrightnow.Evenwithallitsmight,therewerecesitcouldn¡¯tjumpupto.Seeingitsowneeout,itfinallygaveup trying<b>,</b>choosinginsteadtoruntoherfeetandstartyfullywindingaroundherlegs.

    Lysanderwascarefulnottosteponthefluffytailofthekitten,carefullysidesteppingitasshemoved.

    Dingdong-

    Someonewasringingthedoorbell.

    Givenhoteitwas,Lysandercouldeasilyguesswhothevisitorwas,evenwithouthavingtothinkaboutiL

    Shecroucheddownandrecedthewaterinthekitten¡¯sbowl.

    Josiahwas persistent,standingrightoutsidethedoorandsaying,¡°Lysander,Icametoborrowsomething.Doyouhaveiodineathome?¡±

    Stillonherguard,Lysanderreminded<b>him</b>,¡°Youshouldhaveafirstaidkitathome,right?Irememberseeingitwhenyouhadgastristtime.¡±

    Withouta<b>moment¡¯s</b>hesitation,Josiahrespondednaturally,¡°There¡¯sonlygastricmedicineinside.¡±

    Afterdeliberatingafewseconds,Lysanderslightlycrackedopenthedoor.

    Inthehallway.Josiahwasseenwearingaloose,casualoutfit.Afaintmistclungtohim,suggestinghewasfreshfromabath.Hishair,stillwet,wasslickedbackatophishead,revealingabandageonhissmoothforehead.

    Withoutthefringefallingoverhisforeheadtoconcealit,thewoundonhisbrowbecameevenmorenoticeable.

    1/4

    Chapter566OppositesAttract

    ¡°Diditgetwet?¡±

    ¡°No,it¡¯sjust¡­Iidentallybumpedintotheshowerhead.¡±

    ¡°Didyouactuallymanagetobumpyourheadontheshowerheadthat¡¯scedsohighup?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mtall.¡±

    Speechless,Lysanderrolledhereyesathim,clearlydisbelieving.

    ¡°Really.¡±

    Whilespeaking,Josiahgestured towardhiswound.

    Finished

    Thebandage,whichwasoriginally purewhite,wasnowtingedwithafaintpinkhue,anditseemedabitdampaswell.

    Attheendoftheday,theinjurywasinflictedby<b>Maverick</b>,andLysandertrulycouldn¡¯tignoreit.

    Shesighedsoftly.¡°Comein.I¡¯llhelpyouwiththat.Ifyoureallydidgetwateronthewound,justdabbingiodinewon¡¯tdo.¡±

    Wearingtheslippershehadtakenfromhisownhome,Josiahconfidentlystrodethroughthedoor.

    TheRagdollkittenwasveryweing,seeminglyeptinghimasitssecondowner.Itbegan tomeowandactcutelyonceagain.

    AfteropeningthedoorforJosiah,Lysanderwenttofetchherownfirstaidkit.Uponturningaroundandwitnessingthescene,shecouldn¡¯thelpbutberenderedspeechless.

    Thiswasherfirsttimeseeingsuch<b>a</b>clingycat.CouldithavebeendeliberatelychosenbyJosiah?

    Josiahseemedtofeelquiteathome.Hesettleddownonthecouchandstartedpettingthecat.

    ¡°Itseemslikethecatlikesyoumore.

    <b>Josiah</b>said,¡°Thisisafemalekitten,socoulditbe¡­opposites<b>attract</b>?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sstilljustachild.¡±

    Lysandercedthefirstaidkitonthecoffeetable,creatingasoftclick.Thensheasked,¡°Areyousureyoujustgothitbytheshowerhead?¡±

    Thehallwaywasdimlylit,obscuringsomedetailsfromview.Itwasn¡¯t<b>until</b>Josiahsatin thebrightlylitlivingroomthatshecouldseeeverythingclearly.

    Thiswasfarfromamerewoundgettingwet;itwasclearthattheentirebandagehadbeen thoroughlysoaked.

    Josiahtouchedhisnose,subtlyclearinghisthroattomaskhisdifort.Thenhemurmured,¡°ImighthavegottenitabitwetwhenIwashandlingtheshower<b>head</b>.¡±

    Whathesaidwasthetruth;hejustomittedsomedetails.

    Forinstancehehadturnedonthewaterbeforegrabbingtheshowerheadwhichresultedintheietof

    2/4

    07:46 Wed,<b>19</b>Jun

    Chapter566OppositesAttract

    waterhittinghisfacedirectly.

    3.81%Á¿

    Finished

    ¡°Isthiswhatyoucall¡®abit¡®?Doyouknowhowtroublesomeitiswhenawounesintocontactwith

    water?¡±

    Lysandermeticulouslydisinfectedherhandsfirst,thencarefullytookoutapairofmedicaltweezers.Withgreatcaution,shebegantoremovethebandagethathadbetightlyadheredtoJosiah¡¯swoundduetobeingsoakedinwater.

    Hermedicalkitathomewasalwayswell¨Cstocked,buteventhe<b>most</b>meticuloustoolscouldn¡¯tspareJosiahthepain.

    WhenJosiahwashavinghiswoundcleanedinthehospital¡¯sERdepartment,hisexpressiondidn¡¯tchange,<b>and</b>hedidn¡¯tevenhiss<b>in</b>pain.However,whenLysanderwastheendingtohiswounds,heseemedtotransformintopletelydifferentperson.Notonlywashevisiblywincinginpain,buthealsodrewin<b>several</b>sharpbreaths.

    Uponseeinghispain,Lysanderdecidedtomakeitquick.Withafirmanddecisivegrip,sheruthlesslytoreoffthebandageandadhesivetape.

    Thistime,Josiahletoutagroanfromthesheerpain.

    Lysanderaskedin<b>confusion</b>,¡°Doesithurtalot?¡±

    Josiahwantedtokeepapokerface,buthefounditmomentarilyimpossible.Takingadeepbreathtoregainhiposure,hesaid,¡°Ididn¡¯tsayithurts;Iwasjustabitunpreparedmentally.Itwas<b>too</b>sudden.

    ¡°Thisneedstobeswift,decisive,andurate.Doingitslowlywouldonlycausemorepain¡®

    ¡°Okay,¡± saidJosiah.¡°I¡¯mallright.Just goatyourownpace.¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tpressfurther.Shesimplypickedupacottonballsoakediniododisinfect hiswound.

    ¡°Lysander,isthereachanceofinfectionifies intocontactwithwater?¡±

    ¡°Rightnow,it¡¯shardtotell.Butwithanopenwoundlike<b>this</b>,ifitgets

    infected,itcouldbeproblematic.Wemighthavetoreopen thewoundtocleanitandthenstitchitupagain¡­¡±

    Shespokecalmlyofthecasesshehadpersonallywitnessedbefore.

    Forsomereason,Josiahmisheardherwordsandthoughtshewastalkingabouttheanesthesiafailing.Hecouldnotbearitanylongerandasked,¡°Didyoualsoscareyourpatientslikethisbackinthehospital?¡±

    Lysanderswappedafreshcottonball,speakingleisurely,¡°Beinghospitalizedisalreadytoughfor<b>pregnant</b>women.Asadoctor,it¡¯smydutytotakecareoftheiremotions,soIalwaystrytoupliftthemwithpositive.

    words.¡±

    Josiahexpressedhisdissatisfaction,¡°So,areyou tryingtointimidatemenow?¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯t thinkthatatall.Instead,sheasked,¡°Areyouscared?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mnotafraidatall.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>wasn¡¯texactlyafraidofpain,buttheprocessoftendingtohiswoundwasfarmoreintense<b>than</b>he

    3/4C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    07:46<b>Wed</b>,19Jun

    Chapter566OppositesAttract

    hadanticipated.

    Finished

    Lysamlerstood infrontofthecouchasshehelpedhimwithhiswound.

    Stedtheedgesofthe

    ¡°Getit.<b>¡±</b>

    WheneverJosiahncedup,hecouldseeherhanginghairstrandsanddelicatechin,stirringaslight

    emotionwithinhim.

    LysanderwassoengrossedintendingtoJosiah¡¯swoundthatshefailedto noticethesubtlechangeinhisexpression.

    Engrossedinthetranquilityofthemoment,Josiahcasuallyexinedtoher.¡°I¡¯llbemorecareful.Earlier,Ijustforgotaboutmyinjuryandstartedwashingmyhairdirectly.Ifitwasn¡¯tforthepainfromthewound,Iwouldhavpletelyforgottenabouttheinjuryonmyhead<b>.</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯taskanymorequestions.Aftershefinishedcleaning,sherecedthedressingwithanappropriatebandageoverthewound.¡°Don¡¯tforgetthisisn¡¯twaterproofwhenyouwashyour facter.¡±

    Josiahansweredseriously,¡°Allright.¡±

    Lysanderaftemptedtoputtheitemsinherhandbackintothefirstaidkit,turningtothesideasshedidso.However,shestumbledandended upfallingback.

    Withoutthinking,Josiahreachedouttoprotectherbutendedupgettingknockedoverontothecouchbehindhimbyhersuddenmovement.

    Throughouttheentireordeal,Josiahhadhishandsraisedinsurrender.¡°Ithasnothingtodowithme,really.

    Lysanderwasentirelysprawledonhischest.ncingback,shenoticedthatatsomepoint,thekittenhadscatteredtheballofyarnthatwaskeptinthedoghouse.Itwasachaoticmessonthe<b>floor</b>,oneendtangled

    inthedoghouse,theotherendsquashedunderthecouch.

    up

    Meow!

    Itseemedliketheculpritwasbraveenoughtobearitsmistake.

    Lysanderwasseethinginsidebutwasunabletoventherfrustrations.Shequicklystoodup.¡°Iknowithasnothingtodowithyou.¡±

    Asthedelicatewarmththathadbeeninhisarmsleft,Josiahslowlysatbackup,gentlyrubbinghischestwithhishand.

    Lysander¡¯seyshesfluttered.¡°Didthathurtyou?¡±

    SendGifts

 Chapter 567

    Chapter567DryPunJoke

    ¡°I¡¯mfine.Josiahsaid,stealinganceatherguiltily.¡°Whataboutyou?Areyouokay?¡±

    Finished

    Lysanderquicklyscoopedthecatintoherarms,pickingupthetangledballofyarnintheprocess.Shethentosseditallintothetrashbin.

    harm.¡±

    ¡°Inthefuture,youshouldn¡¯tbuysuchtoysforpetsthatcaneasilycauseIt

    Josiahnoddedemphatically.¡°Hedidn¡¯tthinkthingsthrough.¡±

    Lysanderncedat<b>him</b>.Itwasquiteclearwhothe¡°he¡±thatJosiahwasreferringto.

    However,Josiahsuddenlyfeltthatsomethingwasamiss.

    ¡°It¡¯shardtosay.Hemighthavedoneitonpurpose.Theballsthatpuppiesusuallyywitharetypicallymadeofrubber.Whowouldbuyayarnballforadog?¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    UncertainaboutLysander¡¯sstance,Josiahtimidlyasked,¡°Areyoureallyokay?¡±

    ThefallLysanderhadjusttakenwasindeedquite,sudden.Her<b>face</b><b>had</bndeddirectlyontohischest,andhecouldstillfefaintachethere.Lysanderwaslikelyinmorepainthanhewasfromthefall.

    Withthesethoughts,herosetohisfeetandtooktwostridestowardhertogripherarm.¡°Letmeseeyour<b>face</b>.¡±

    Lysanderturnedherfacesideways.¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±

    Josiahgentlygraspedherchin,turningherfacebacktowardhim.Hestudiedherfeaturescloselyforatmoment,hisfurrowedbroweasingslightly.¡°Youlookfine.There¡¯snoswelling.¡±

    Lysanderfellsilentforamoment.

    ¡°I¡¯mnotswolleneither.¡±

    Lysander lookedup.¡°Ijusttook<b>a</b>fall.Ofcourse,I¡¯mnotswell.¡±

    Josiahwasstillstudyingherprofile,oblivioustowhatshewasimplying:¡°What?¡±Swell¡­.

    Suddenly,herealizedwhatshemeant.Hehadtheslighturgetoretortbutwasmostlytakenaback.Hetgentlychided,¡°Yourpunjokeisdry.¡±

    Lysandergentlypushedhishandaway,softlyinquiring,¡°Tellmehonestly.Howdidyougetthiswound?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>knewhe<b>couldn¡¯t</b>hidethetruthfrom her.Hetookadeepbreathandconfessedinalowvoice,¡°Actually,Iwasn¡¯tentirelylyingtoyou.IforgotaboutthewoundonmyheadwhenIwastakingashowerandendedupgettingitwet.Ionlyrealizedwhenitstartedhurting.¡±

    Lysanderncedatthe areashehadjustbandaged.¡°You¡¯retellingmeitstartedbleedingaftergetting

    wet?¡±

    Iwasafraidmywoundsweren¡¯tsevereenoughforyoutoopenthedoor.¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    1/3

    Chapter567DryPunJoke

    Lysanderwasrenderedspeechless.

    Finished

    ¡°Iwasn¡¯tnningondoinganythinginparticr.Ijustwantedteandseeyou.We¡¯vebeeninseparabltely,fromthetimewespentinApexCity toourstayattheresort.We¡¯vebeentogethermorenowthanwewerewhenwefirstgotmarried.It

    SeemslikeI¡¯vegottenusedtohavingyoubymyside.WhenI¡¯maloneinourroom,itfeelsemptyanddistressing.Ijustwantedtobewithyou,evenifwedon¡¯ttalk.Youcandoyourthing,andIdomine.<b>That¡¯s</b>perfectlyfinebyme.¡±

    Afterhearingthat,Lysanderfellsilentforabriefmoment.

    Josiahexinedfurther,¡°Iknowitwaswrongtodeceiveyou.Iapologize.¡±

    Lysanderwasataloss.

    Regardlessofeverything,<b>Josiah</b>hadhelpedheralot,bothovertlyandcovertly.Ifsheweretolosehertemperatthatmoment,herreactionwouldresemblesomeoneburningthebridges.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Yes,I¡¯mlistening.¡±

    <b>¡°</b>EversinceInnedtotakeoverThorneConstructionsandEnergies,you¡¯vebeenbymyside,assistingme.I¡¯mdeeplyawareofthisfavor.¡±

    Josiahgaveahumofaffirmation.¡°Ihavenointentionofexploitinggratitudeforpersonalgain.JustlikeIsaidbefore,Iwon¡¯tpressureyouanymore.Ourrtionshipcanremainasis.Youcanstilluseme<b>as</b>youplease.AllIwantisforyounottobesoresistanttowardme.¡±

    Having<b>dealt</b>withhimforquitesometime,Lysander washonestlygettingabitweary.Shecalmlyliftedthecorofhernightgown,butherarmwasstillheldfirmlyinhisgrasp.¡°Letgoofmefirst.Ineedtogetsomething.¡±

    Cautiously,<b>Josiah</b>askedher,¡°Whatisit?Letmehelpyou.¡±

    Lysanderncedtowardthecoffeetable.¡°Myphone.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s<b>hand</b>wasstillwrappedaroundherwaist.Leaningforward,bestretchedhisotherarmtoretrieveherphoneforherandsaid,¡°Hereyougo.¡±

    Lysandertookthephoneand saidhelplessly,¡°Ihaven¡¯tfinishedgoingthroughthedocuments.You-

    ¡°Iwon¡¯tbotheryou.YoucanjustpretendI¡¯mnothere.¡±

    ¡°So,you¡¯rejustgoingtositthere?Aren¡¯tyougoing<b>to</b>feelbored?¡±

    OutofLysander¡¯ssight,Josiahcurvedhislipsinto<b>a</b>smileandasked,¡°Youmakeagoodpoint.CanIwatch.thetelevision,then?I¡¯llputitonmute.¡±

    Lysanderwas engrossedinherphone,searchingforinformation.Hearingthat,shesimplyreplied,¡°Doasyouplease.¡±

    Theremotecontrolwascedononesideofthecouch.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tconsiderhimselfanoutsideratall.Heturnedonthetelevision,deftlyswitchingittothesportschannel.MindfulnottodisturbLysander,hethoughtfullyloweredthevolumetoanon¨Cintrusive

    2/3

    07:46We

    Chapter567DryPunJoke

    level.

    HewassoconsideratethatLysandercouldn¡¯tevennitpickathim.

    Finished

    Lysanderopenedthefile,hereyesscanningthedenseseaofnumbersinthereport.Shefeltaheadachingon,andforthemoment,shebecameoblivioustoJosiah¡¯spresencebesideher.

    After<b>an</b>indeterminateamountoftime,Lysandernceduptofindthatthefirsthalfofthegamehadended,anmercialswerenowyingonthetelevision.

    Shelookedupattherightmomentandasked,¡°When<b>are</b>yougoingback?It¡¯sgettinte.I¡¯mnningonrestingsoon.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenonthecouchhadalreadyhad<b>a</b><b>nap</b>.

    Josiahponderedbeforereplying.¡°There¡¯sstillthesecondhalftogo.Watchingonlyhalfofthematchfeels

    weird.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tyouhaveatelevisionathome?¡±

    ¡°Ido,butIhaven¡¯twatcheditsinceIboughtit.Ithasn¡¯tevenbeensetupyet.BythetimeIgetitupandrunning,thematchwillbeover.¡±

    Lysanderasked,¡°Whenwillthematchfinish?¡±

    ¡°Assumingnothingunexpectedhappens,itshouldendaroundteno¡¯clock,¡±saidJosiah,ncingathis

    <ol start="2">

    <li>Seeingthatitwasn¡¯tevenhalfpastnine,heassuredinarathergenteelmanner,¡°Don¡¯tworry.</li>

    </ol>

    I¡¯llbeleavingshortly.¡±

    SinceJosiahhadmadeitclearwhattimehewouldleave,urginghimfurtherwouldappearexcessivelyharshonLysander¡¯sside.

    Shegottoherfeetandsaid,¡°I¡¯mgoingtotherestroom.¡±

    H

    ThespacenexttoJosiahwassuddenlyvacated,andtherateharmoniousmomenttheysharedabruptly

    ended.

    Once<b>Josiah</b>confirmedthatLysanderhadenteredtherestroom,heliftedhisgazeandsetitonthewallclock.

    SendGifts

    1.3K

 Chapter 568

    ¡°I¡¯mfine.Josiahsaid,stealinganceatherguiltily.¡°Whataboutyou?Areyouokay?¡±

    Finished

    Lysanderquicklyscoopedthecatintoherarms,pickingupthetangledballofyarnintheprocess.Shethentosseditallintothetrashbin.

    harm.¡±

    ¡°Inthefuture,youshouldn¡¯tbuysuchtoysforpetsthatcaneasilycauseIt

    Josiahnoddedemphatically.¡°Hedidn¡¯tthinkthingsthrough.¡±

    Lysanderncedat<b>him</b>.Itwasquiteclearwhothe¡°he¡±thatJosiahwasreferringto.

    However,Josiahsuddenlyfeltthatsomethingwasamiss.

    ¡°It¡¯shardtosay.Hemighthavedoneitonpurpose.Theballsthatpuppiesusuallyywitharetypicallymadeofrubber.Whowouldbuyayarnballforadog?¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    UncertainaboutLysander¡¯sstance,Josiahtimidlyasked,¡°Areyoureallyokay?¡±

    ThefallLysanderhadjusttakenwasindeedquite,sudden.Her<b>face</b><b>had</bndeddirectlyontohischest,andhecouldstillfefaintachethere.Lysanderwaslikelyinmorepainthanhewasfromthefall.

    Withthesethoughts,herosetohisfeetandtooktwostridestowardhertogripherarm.¡°Letmeseeyour<b>face</b>.¡±

    Lysanderturnedherfacesideways.¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±

    Josiahgentlygraspedherchin,turningherfacebacktowardhim.Hestudiedherfeaturescloselyforatmoment,hisfurrowedbroweasingslightly.¡°Youlookfine.There¡¯snoswelling.¡±

    Lysanderfellsilentforamoment.

    ¡°I¡¯mnotswolleneither.¡±

    Lysander lookedup.¡°Ijusttook<b>a</b>fall.Ofcourse,I¡¯mnotswell.¡±

    Josiahwasstillstudyingherprofile,oblivioustowhatshewasimplying:¡°What?¡±Swell¡­.

    Suddenly,herealizedwhatshemeant.Hehadtheslighturgetoretortbutwasmostlytakenaback.Hetgentlychided,¡°Yourpunjokeisdry.¡±

    Lysandergentlypushedhishandaway,softlyinquiring,¡°Tellmehonestly.Howdidyougetthiswound?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>knewhe<b>couldn¡¯t</b>hidethetruthfrom her.Hetookadeepbreathandconfessedinalowvoice,¡°Actually,Iwasn¡¯tentirelylyingtoyou.IforgotaboutthewoundonmyheadwhenIwastakingashowerandendedupgettingitwet.Ionlyrealizedwhenitstartedhurting.¡±

    Lysanderncedatthe areashehadjustbandaged.¡°You¡¯retellingmeitstartedbleedingaftergetting

    wet?¡±

    Iwasafraidmywoundsweren¡¯tsevereenoughforyoutoopenthedoor.¡±

    1/3

    ke

    Lysanderwasrenderedspeechless.

    Finished

    ¡°Iwasn¡¯tnningondoinganythinginparticr.Ijustwantedteandseeyou.We¡¯vebeeninseparabltely,fromthetimewespentinApexCity toourstayattheresort.We¡¯vebeentogethermorenowthanwewerewhenwefirstgotmarried.It

    SeemslikeI¡¯vegottenusedtohavingyoubymyside.WhenI¡¯maloneinourroom,itfeelsemptyanddistressing.Ijustwantedtobewithyou,evenifwedon¡¯ttalk.Youcandoyourthing,andIdomine.<b>That¡¯s</b>perfectlyfinebyme.¡±

    Afterhearingthat,Lysanderfellsilentforabriefmoment.

    Josiahexinedfurther,¡°Iknowitwaswrongtodeceiveyou.Iapologize.¡±

    Lysanderwasataloss.

    Regardlessofeverything,<b>Josiah</b>hadhelpedheralot,bothovertlyandcovertly.Ifsheweretolosehertemperatthatmoment,herreactionwouldresemblesomeoneburningthebridges.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Yes,I¡¯mlistening.¡±

    <b>¡°</b>EversinceInnedtotakeoverThorneConstructionsandEnergies,you¡¯vebeenbymyside,assistingme.I¡¯mdeeplyawareofthisfavor.¡±

    Josiahgaveahumofaffirmation.¡°Ihavenointentionofexploitinggratitudeforpersonalgain.JustlikeIsaidbefore,Iwon¡¯tpressureyouanymore.Ourrtionshipcanremainasis.Youcanstilluseme<b>as</b>youplease.AllIwantisforyounottobesoresistanttowardme.¡±

    Having<b>dealt</b>withhimforquitesometime,Lysander washonestlygettingabitweary.Shecalmlyliftedthecorofhernightgown,butherarmwasstillheldfirmlyinhisgrasp.¡°Letgoofmefirst.Ineedtogetsomething.¡±

    Cautiously,<b>Josiah</b>askedher,¡°Whatisit?Letmehelpyou.¡±

    Lysanderncedtowardthecoffeetable.¡°Myphone.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s<b>hand</b>wasstillwrappedaroundherwaist.Leaningforward,bestretchedhisotherarmtoretrieveherphoneforherandsaid,¡°Hereyougo.¡±

    Lysandertookthephoneand saidhelplessly,¡°Ihaven¡¯tfinishedgoingthroughthedocuments.You-Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡°Iwon¡¯tbotheryou.YoucanjustpretendI¡¯mnothere.¡±

    ¡°So,you¡¯rejustgoingtositthere?Aren¡¯tyougoing<b>to</b>feelbored?¡±

    OutofLysander¡¯ssight,Josiahcurvedhislipsinto<b>a</b>smileandasked,¡°Youmakeagoodpoint.CanIwatch.thetelevision,then?I¡¯llputitonmute.¡±

    Lysanderwas engrossedinherphone,searchingforinformation.Hearingthat,shesimplyreplied,¡°Doasyouplease.¡±

    Theremotecontrolwascedononesideofthecouch.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tconsiderhimselfanoutsideratall.Heturnedonthetelevision,deftlyswitchingittothesportschannel.MindfulnottodisturbLysander,hethoughtfullyloweredthevolumetoanon¨Cintrusive

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    level.

    HewassoconsideratethatLysandercouldn¡¯tevennitpickathim.

    Finished

    Lysanderopenedthefile,hereyesscanningthedenseseaofnumbersinthereport.Shefeltaheadachingon,andforthemoment,shebecameoblivioustoJosiah¡¯spresencebesideher.

    After<b>an</b>indeterminateamountoftime,Lysandernceduptofindthatthefirsthalfofthegamehadended,anmercialswerenowyingonthetelevision.

    Shelookedupattherightmomentandasked,¡°When<b>are</b>yougoingback?It¡¯sgettinte.I¡¯mnningonrestingsoon.¡±

    TheRagdollkittenonthecouchhadalreadyhad<b>a</b><b>nap</b>.

    Josiahponderedbeforereplying.¡°There¡¯sstillthesecondhalftogo.Watchingonlyhalfofthematchfeels

    weird.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tyouhaveatelevisionathome?¡±

    ¡°Ido,butIhaven¡¯twatcheditsinceIboughtit.Ithasn¡¯tevenbeensetupyet.BythetimeIgetitupandrunning,thematchwillbeover.¡±

    Lysanderasked,¡°Whenwillthematchfinish?¡±

    ¡°Assumingnothingunexpectedhappens,itshouldendaroundteno¡¯clock,¡±saidJosiah,ncingathis

    <ol start="2">

    <li>Seeingthatitwasn¡¯tevenhalfpastnine,heassuredinarathergenteelmanner,¡°Don¡¯tworry.</li>

    </ol>

    I¡¯llbeleavingshortly.¡±

    SinceJosiahhadmadeitclearwhattimehewouldleave,urginghimfurtherwouldappearexcessivelyharshonLysander¡¯sside.

    Shegottoherfeetandsaid,¡°I¡¯mgoingtotherestroom.¡±

    H

    ThespacenexttoJosiahwassuddenlyvacated,andtherateharmoniousmomenttheysharedabruptly

    ended.

    Once<b>Josiah</b>confirmedthatLysanderhadenteredtherestroom,heliftedhisgazeandsetitonthewallclock.

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    Thehallwayhadfourwallsand<b>a</b>ceiling.Theywerecertainlynotthestreets,but<b>it</b><b>was</b>genuinelycoldinthemiddleofthenight,withnowheretosit.

    HencedatthesecurelylockeddoorofhisownhouseandthenatLysander¡¯sdoor,whichwasatleaststillopen,hopeflickeringin<b>his</b>eyes.

    Afterheroutburst,Lysanderwasnolongersleepy.Shesaidrationally,¡°There¡¯snopointinlookingatme.Idon¡¯thavethekeytoyourhouse.Findsomeohelp.Doesn¡¯tyourcookhaveakey?¡±

    Inshort,shewasimplyingthathehadbetternotthinkaboutclingingtoheragain.

    JosiahhesitantlywithdrewhishandfromblockingthedoorandnoticedthatLysanderdidnotimmediatelyshutit.Hepushedhisluckandsaid,¡°Marthadoeshaveakey,butmyphoneislockedinside

    thehouse.¡±

    Lysanderreachedforherphone.¡°Noproblem,you<b>can</b>usemine.¡±

    Josiah<b>had</b>areadyexcuse.¡°HowcouldIrememberMartha¡¯snumber?Besides,itisalreadypastmidnight.EvenifIdidremember,itisinappropriatetowakeherupnow.¡±

    Lysanderknewthebestsolutionbutdidnotwanttosuggestitherself.SeeingthatJosiahdidnotbringitup,shequestioned,¡°Don¡¯tyouhaveasparekeyat home?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>sighedandreplied,¡°No.¡±

    Lysanderrespondedfirmly,¡°Youshouldhaveone.¡±

    Josiahshookhishead.¡°Ireallydon¡¯t.¡±

    Ashespoke,hisfaceturnedslightlypalefromthecolddraft.

    Notosparehisfeelings,Lysandersaidbluntly,¡°Josiah,haveyouheardthestoryof¡°TheBoyWhoCriedWolf¡°?YouknowwhathappenedthsttimeIletyouinwhenwewereinApexCity.Areyoutryingthe<b>same</b>trickagain?¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>knewhiscredibilitywasshot.Moreexnationswereuseless.Rubbinghisthrobbingtemples,heasked,¡°Ireallydon¡¯tmeananyharm.I<b>am</b>stillrecovering,andIknowyou¡¯vebeenbusy.Canyouletmein¨Ctotalk?1amfreezingouthere.¡±

    Lysandereyedhisthinloungewearandrespondedcalmly.¡°Waithere,¡±

    Josiahdidnotunderstandbutthistimedidnottrytoforce hiswayin.Hesimplystoodthereandwaited.

    Amomenter,Lysanderreturned,meetinghis<b>gaze</b>.

    ¡°Moneyora<b>chair</b>.Whichonedoyou<b>want</b>?There¡¯sahotelnearbywithdecentconditionswhereyoucanstayforthenight.Orifyoureallydon¡¯twanttogofar,youcansitonthechairandwaituntilmorning.Once<b>the</b>propertymanagementofficeopens,thoseondutywillhelpyougetin.¡±

    ¡°IdidnotbringmyID,soI<b>can¡¯t</b>checkin.¡±

    ¡°Fine!thenitisthechair.I¡¯lllendyouanket.¡±

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    Josiahdidnotexpectthisoueandfelta<b>pang</b>of disappointment.Bracingagainstthecold,hesaidthroughgrittedteeth<b>,</b>¡°<b>Can¡¯t</b>youjustletmeinforthenight?¡±

    Lysanderpreparedtoclosethedoor.¡°No.¡±

    Josiahtookadeepbreath,changingtactics.¡°Itisreallycoldoutside.Myclothesarethin,andIhaven¡¯tdriedmyhairproperlyafterwashingit.¡±

    HisthickshorthairwasnolongerdrippingbutstilldampwhenLysanderwastreatinghiswoundearlier.

    ¡°Iknow,¡±Lysandersaidthoughtfully.¡°Howaboutaquiltinsteadofanket?That¡¯sasgenerousasIcan

    <ol>

    <li>be.</li>

    </ol>

    Josiahcouldn¡¯tmaintainhiposureinthefreezingcold.He<b>was</b>almostgivingup.¡°Areyoureallygoingtomakemesleepinthehallway?¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.

    The quiethallwaymadehisshiveringvoicemorenoticeable,likelyduetothecold.

    Seeinghisstate,Lysanderfeltherangersubsideabit.Asadoctor,shecouldn¡¯tignoresomeoneabouttocatchacold.Sherelentedslightly.¡°So,whatdoyoupropose?¡±

    ¡°Ihavenowheretogo.Atleastletmestayforthenight.¡±Josiah¡¯seyesshowednootheroption,havingruledoutallothers.

    Lysandereyedhimsuspiciously.¡°First,IneedtomakesureIamnotlettingawolfin.¡±

    Josiahwasalreadyshiveringfromthecold,hiplexionpaleashesaid,¡°IpromiseI won¡¯tdoanythingtomakeyouufortable.¡±

    Lysanderfrownedandscrutinizedhim.

    Aftersomedeliberation,shefinallyopenedthedoorandwarned,¡°Comein,butyoucanonlysleeponthecouch.Ifyoudisagree,youcanstayoutside.<b>ying</b>thesympathycardwon¡¯tworkon<b>me</b><b>.</b>¡±

    Ifhetriedanything,shewouldn¡¯thesitatetokick<b>him</b>outintothecoldnight.

    <b>Josiah</b>slipped inside,gratefulforthewarmthofthe livingroom.

    TheRagdollkitten,whohadbeenwatchingthmotionwithLysander,brushedaffectionatelyagainstJosiah¡¯sleg.

    LysanderdidnotintendtotreatJosiahasaguest.Shepointed tothelongcouchhehadsatonearlier.¡°Youcansleeptheretonight.Figureouthowtogetintomorrow.¡±

    Tonight seemedparticrlycold.Standinginthefoyerwith Josiahforawhilehadchilledher.Leavinghimoutsidewasn¡¯treallyanoption.

    Josiahexaminedthecouch,noining.Hecedathrowpillowatoneendasamakeshiftpillow.JustashewasabouttoaskLysanderforaquilt,henoticedshehadalreadyretreatedtoherbedroom.

    Clearly,shedidnotwanttospendevenaminutelongerwithhim.

    Josiahknewhecouldn¡¯taffordtoupsetLysanderagain.Ifhedid,hewoulddefinitelybekickedout.Butevenwiththebalconydoorclosedandthecouchnketpulledoverhim,hewasstillfreezing.

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    TheRagdollkittencurledufortablyinWhiteCoat¡¯sbed,givingasoft¡°meow,¡±seeminglymorecontentthanhewas.

    Josiahwasatallman<b>,</b>soevenwhenhepushedthethrowpillowtothefarendofthesofa,hislegsstilldangledofftheedgeoncehydown.Asforthenketthatwasdrapedoverhim,itwashardlyworthmentioning.It<b>was</b>sothinthatitcouldn¡¯tevenbeconsideredbetterthannothing.In termsoflength,ifitcoveredhisshoulders,hiskneeswouldbeexposed.

    Thenightchillseepedinthroughthebalconywindowgaps,causinghimtojoltawakejustashewasfinallyonthevergeoffallingasleep.

    Afterwhatseemedlikeernity,Josiahcouldn¡¯tbearitanylonger.HedraggedhissorelegstoLysander¡¯sbedroomdoor.Knockingonthedoor,heremindedher,¡°Lysander,yousaidyou¡¯dgetmeaquilt.¡±

    Hetriedthedoorknob,butitwaslockedfromtheinsideasexpected.

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    JustasLysanderwasabouttodriftintoacozyslumber,Josiah¡¯svoicesnappedherawake.Sheimmediately.pulledthenketoverherhead,tryingtoblockhimout..

    Certainthatshewasstiwake,Josiahpressedon,¡°Thetemperature¡¯sdroppedtonight.Checktheweatherifyoudon¡¯tbelieveme.¡±

    Thiswasnoexaggeration.Hewassocoldthathisheadwasspinning-

    Thedoor wasn¡¯tsoundproofenoughtomullehisdiscontentedvoice.Realizingshecouldn¡¯tsleepthroughit.Lysandergotupandtrudgedtothedoor,grumbling.¡°Mr.Guerra,thisisn¡¯tafive¨Cstarhotel with<b>room</b>

    service.¡±

    ¡°Thetemperature¡¯sinthesingledigits.Anketwon¡¯tcutit.¡±

    Tootiredtorespondwith¡°servesyouright,¡±Lysandermumbled,¡°Ionlyhaveonequilt.Noextras.¡±

    Thinkinghewasn¡¯taskingformuch,Josiahpleaded,¡°Anythingwarmwilldo.givemewhateveryouhave.

    Realizingshewouldn¡¯tgetanypeaceotherwise,Lysandergavein.

    <i>Just</i>

    ¡°Okay,rememberwhatyousaid.¡±Shethrewherquiltoutthedoorandquicklylockeditagain.

    Apaniedbyasoft¡°click¡°,thebedroomdoorwaslockedonceagain.

    ShedidnotbothercheckingifJosiahcaughtthequilt.Instead,shepulledoutathickwinternketfromher closet,wrappedherselfinit,andfesleep.

    Thenextmorning.Lysanderwasrousedbypersistentknocking,seeminglyfromnextdoor.

    Presumably,Josiahhadgonebacktofigureoutawaytoopenthedoor.

    Shehadnointentionofgettinginvolved,buttheheavywinternketsoonbecametoohot,forcingher

    outofbed.

    Resignedly,LysanderrubbedherfacetowakeherselfupandwenttotellJosiahtoquietdown.Enteringthelivingroom,shemethisgaze.

    Justlikeher.Josiahhadjustwokenuponthecouch.

    Theireyesmet,andshenoticedhowhehadmovedthesinglearmchairtotheendofthelongcouch,coveringhimselfwiththequilt.Hedidnotlookasmiserableashehadimestnight.¡°Youlookquitfortable,¡±sheremarked.

    Theknockingfromnextdoorwasstillechoing.

    Smoothinghistousledhair,Josiahsaid,¡°Yourcouchisabitsmall.I¡¯llreceitforyousomeday.¡±

    Knock,knock,knock¡­

    Thmotionfromnextdoorgrewlouder.Josiahheardittooandfrowned.

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    ¡°No,Igavehertheweekendoff,¡±hereplied.

    Lysanderfurrowedherbrows.¡°I¡¯llcheckitout.¡±

    Finished

    Seeingher inathinnightgown,stillgroggy,Josiahstoodup.¡°I¡¯llgo.They¡¯reknockingonmydoorafter.all.

    BeforeLysandercouldrespond,heopenedthedoortofindtwopeoplestandinginthehallway.

    AidenandZane?

    Aidenwasknockingsoharditwasalmostlikehewaspoundingonthedoor.¡°Itdoesnotmakesense.Icalledtheresort.TheysaidJosiahdidnotreturstnight,¡±hemutteredinconfusion.

    ¡°Maybehewenthome,¡±Zanesuggested.

    ¡°Evenifhedidgohome,whydidhenottakehisphone?I¡¯mcallinghim.Listen.It¡¯s<b>ringing</b>inside.¡±

    Zanepaled.¡°Josiahnevergoesanywhere withouthisphone.Didn¡¯thehavegastritisrecently?Couldhehavepassedout?¡±

    ¡°Impossible!¡±Aidensaidinshock,hisknockingintensifying.¡°Josiah!Josiah,areyouokay?Answermeifyoucanhear-

    Hewasabruptlycutoffmid¨Csentence..

    Stridingovericily,Josiahinterruptedthem,¡°Canyoubemoreconsiderate?It¡¯stheweekend.Somepeoplearetryingtosleep.

    ¡°Sorry,Josiah,weforgot.It¡¯snot¡­¡±Aidenbegan,thentrailedoff,looking<b>Josiah</b>upanddown,stunnedintosilence.

    <b>Zane</b>,equallysurprised,wasspeechless.

    Josiahfrowned.¡°What¡¯swithyoutwo?¡±

    Decidingtherewasnopointindying,Aidenasked,¡°Josiah,didyou<b>spend</b>thenightatLysander¡¯s?¡±

    Josiahnodded.¡°So?¡±

    Aiden¡¯seyeswidened<b>in</b>shock.¡°Youtwoareprogressingfast.Lasttimeattheresort,shewasstill¡­

    Unabletofindtherightwords,hetrailedoff,andZanecoveredhis<b>mouth</b>justintime.

    ZanewasawareofsomeofthepasteventsbetweenJosiahandLysander.Shelivedjustnextdoor.

    <b>Josiah</b>hademergedfromLysander¡¯shomeinhishouseclothes andclearly<b>had</b>justwokenup.Itwasobvioushehadn¡¯tspentthenightalone.

    Nofurther questionswere needed.

    ZanecheerfullygreetedJosiah,¡°Morning.Josiah.PleasepassourregardstoLysander.¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    StoppedbyZane,Aidenquicklygatheredhisthoughts.RemovingZane¡¯shand,heexinedhispresence.Edidnotmeanto<b>entice</b>suchmotion.IthinkIdonnedmyphoneinyour<b>house</b><bst</b>timeIvisited¡±

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    HewastheonewhohelpedJosiahfindthisce.Heoftencameoverfordrinksandchats,sometimes<b>miscing</b>things.

    Josiah¡¯smoodsoured,hispeacefulmorningruined.

    Rubbinghistemples,Josiahtookadeepbreathandtampeddownhisirritationatbeingrudelywokenupbeforeasking.¡°Whatis<b>that</b>inyourhand?¡±

    RealizinghemighthavedisruptedmorethanJosiah¡¯ssleep,Aidensaidawkwardly,¡°Itis<b>a</b><b>spare</b>phone.<b>I</b>thoughtIwouldcandexininsteadoingover,butyoudidnot<b>answer</b>.¡±

    Raisinganeyebrow,Josiahasked,¡°Can¡¯tyouaffordanewphone?¡±

    Aidensheepishlyexined,¡°Youknow<b>I</b>keepmypersonal<b>and</b>worklivesseparate.This phonehasimportantnumbers.Iwouldn¡¯thavesoearlyotherwise.¡±

    Exasperated,<b>Josiah</b>asked,¡°Whatis soimportantthatyouhadte?¡±

    Feelingcornered,Aidenconfessed,¡°Well,itisthecontactsfromthewomenImet.IfIdon¡¯tgetitback,theymighthavetroublereachingme.¡±

    Thiswasthereasonwhyheabsolutelyhadte.

    Zanerolledhiseyes.¡°Women,Aiden?Ithoughtitwassomethingimportant.<b>¡±</b>

    Aidennudgedhim.¡°Adrianisdedicatedtoonewoman.Thefamilycountsonmetokeepthelinegoing.Ihavetomakeaneffort.¡±

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    Aiden finally noticed that

    iah had been standing in the hallway for a while, but had no intention of opening the door. He asked in confusion. ¡°Josiah, did you lose your house keys?¡±

    Josiah replied calmly, ¡°I forgot to take them when I went outst night. They¡¯re locked inside.¡±

    He did not exin why he had gone out, but given his attire and the direction he hade from, the answer was obvious.

    Seeing Lysander¡¯s figure sh by in the background, Aiden and Zane exchanged knowing looks and nodded in unison. They deliberately raised their voices. ¡°It is normal to lock your keys inside! Totally normal! Everyone makes mistakes! We get it.¡±

    Mindful of Lysander, Josiah did not n to chat for long. Wrapping up, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t get back into my ce for now, so I won¡¯t keep you. As for the phone issue¡­¡±

    He turned to Aiden. ¡°You¡¯ll just have to be patient for a few days. <b>With </b>your spare phone<b>, </b>anyone important will still be able to reach you. Take care of yourself.

    Fully agreeing. Zane was ready to leave. But Aiden asked, ¡°What about you, Josiah?¡±

    Josiah seemed unbothered by his own situation <b>and </b>answered calmly, ¡°What else can I do? I¡¯ll go to thepany to get my spare phone.¡±

    Aiden shook his head repeatedly. ¡°I meant your door. How are you going to handle <b>that</b>? You can¡¯t change clothes if you can¡¯t get inside.¡±

    That was indeed an issue. He couldn¡¯t wander around in his loungewear.

    Despite the inconvenience, Josiah seemed in good spirits. ¡°I¡¯ll stay on Lysander¡¯s couch for a few days. We¡¯ll figure it outter.¡±

    Couch?

    Aiden and Zane eyed him skeptically, clearly not buying his exnation.

    ying along, Zane nodded withoutmenting further, knowing they couldn¡¯t just barge into Lysander¡¯s ce to check.

    Still concerned about his phone, Aiden suggested, ¡°Josiah, why suffer<b>? </b>Just call a locksmith to open the

    door.¡±

    Such a simple solution <b>shouldn¡¯t </b>have been overlooked.

    Aiden was genuinely baffled by this.

    Josiah¡¯s expression changed visibly. His eyes narrowed coldly. ¡°What did you say? I did not catch that.¡±

    ¡°I said¡­¡±

    Zane quickly <b>covered </b><b>Aiden¡¯s </b><b>mouth </b><b>again</b>, <b>interrupting </b><b>him</b><b>. </b>¡°Josiah<b>, </b>he¡¯s been a bit out of sortstely. I¡¯ll take <b>him </b>to the hospital to get his head checked.¡±

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    If Aiden did not catch on now, their years of friendship would be in vain. He did not struggle to free himself from Zane¡¯s grip this time and waved goodbye to Josiah.

    Zane dragged <b>him </b>into the elevator before letting go.

    ¡°Whew!¡± Aiden took a deep breath. Zane had almost suffocated him with his strength.

    ¡°Was that really necessary?¡± he asked irritably.

    They had known Josiah for so long. Even if they slipped up, it wouldn¡¯t be that serious.

    Zane really wanted to pry open Aiden¡¯s head to see what was inside. He retorted, ¡°Can you think about something other <b>than </b>girls for once? Josiah did not close the door when he came out!¡±

    The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.

    Realizing the thin walls and potential repercussions, Aiden let out a sigh that sounded like he had narrowly escaped death. ¡°Are you saying Lysander might feel embarrassed?¡±

    Zane spread his hands. ¡°Whether embarrassed or not, I don¡¯t know. But I did see Lysander in a nightgown when she passed by. If Josiah found out we saw her like that, he¡¯d gouge our eyes out.¡±

    It was a good thing that the two of them left early!

    Aiden patted his chest, silently giving Zane <b>a </b>thumbs¨Cup, ¡°Good friends for life!¡±

    Meanwhile, Josiah had gathered his thoughts and returned to Lysander¡¯s ce. A short whileter, Lysander had not only finished freshening up but also changed clothes, looking ready to go out.

    Seeing Josiah return, Lysander did not react much, instead focusing on <b>giving </b>water to the Ragdoll kitten.

    The supplies for the cat were limited, and <b>aside </b>from food, most of its needs were being met with White Coat¡¯s belongings. Luckily, the requirements for kittens and puppies were simr, allowing her to make do.

    Once <b>she </b>got White Coat, back, it became apparent that there were quite a few things that needed to be added to the household.

    Josiah added some cat food to an empty bowl, pushing it toward the kitten. ¡°I¡¯ll buy a few more bowls next time. By the way, is the litter cleaned? I suppose you haven¡¯t had time to buy an automatic litter box¡±

    Last night, Lysander had temporarily used a cardboard box as a litter box.

    He was still fixated on discussing his ¡°reward¡± with Lysander.

    Lysander pointed to the packed trash. ¡°It¡¯s already cleaned. The cat was well¨Ctrained at the Cattery. It <b>uses </b>the litter box on its own.¡±

    Though still a kitten, it had developed good habits, saving Lysander the trouble of training it.

    Josiah took the opportunity to say, ¡°That¡¯s good. Once you get busy, it won¡¯t need too much of your time. But I heard that keeping cats and dogs together can require some effort.¡±

    He <b>almost </b>asked if Lysander nned to bring White Coat back.

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    However,pared to dogs, what he really wanted to eliminate was the person currently caring for the dog.

    Lysander stood up and said calmly. ¡°We¡¯ll see. If Dr. Sutton returns White Coat, we¡¯ll figure it out. Since I got them, I¡¯ll be responsible for them. With proper guidance and fair treatment, they should <b>get </b>along

    fine.

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°That sounds like raising children.¡±

    He picked up the Ragdoll kitten after it had finished drinking water. The kitten was softly licking its <b>paw </b>where the fur had been dampened by water. Probably because it wasn¡¯t hungry, it did not eat the cat food he¡¯d provided.

    Lysander packed his things and nced at the food bowl. ¡°Don¡¯t feed it too many treats. If it eats too many, it won¡¯t want to eat its regr food.¡±

    This principle applied <b>universally</b>.

    Josiah nodded obediently. ¡°Got it.¡±

    After those words were <b>spoken</b>, both of them were momentarily taken aback.

    The conversation they just had sounded <b>almost </b><b>like </b>a married couple discussing their parenting styles.

    Lysander was the first to calm down and quickly changed the subject. ¡°Did Aiden need something this morning?¡±

    She was eager to send Josiah back to his own home.

    Josiah calmly replied, ¡°Nothing much, just that he left his phone at my ce.¡±

    Lysander <b>was </b>exasperated. ¡°Didn¡¯t Aiden help you rent this ce? He does <b>not </b>have your keys?¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>nodded seriously. ¡°Of course not. I don¡¯t like others having ess to my home. By the way, I have a <b>favor </b>to ask. Since I can¡¯t get inside to get my phone and clothes, could you buy me something to wear for today?¡±

    He watched her reaction closely.

    Lysander grabbed her bag, prepared for this moment.

    ¡°No need. I already called Ms. <b>Collins </b>and exined <b>your </b>situation. She¡¯ll be here soon with a locksmith. Once the door is <b>open</b>, you <b>can </b>go <b>home </b><b>and </b><b>change</b>.¡±

    Josiah was speechless.

    ¡°I <b>have </b>ns today, so I need to go now. Please lock up when you leave. Thanks.¡±

    ¡°You <b>have </b>ns? With <b>whom</b>?¡±

    Before he could finish, Lysander was already out the door.

 Chapter 572

    Chapter 572 Sleeping On The Couch

    Lysander left the house <b>and </b>took a cab <b>straight </b>to the library.

    +5 Pe

    The library was quite crowded on the weekend. She found a quiet spot and had just settled down to read some materials when her phone rang.

    It was an unknown number.

    The library was eerily quiet, with only the sound of flipping pages filling the room. She abruptly ended t

    call.

    Around noon, she went to a caf¨¦ on the ground floor of the library. Josiah called.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she picked up. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Where are you?¡± Josiah¡¯s voice sounded a bit anxious. ¡°Who are you with?<b>¡±</b>

    Lysander responded coolly, ¡°I am at the library. What¡¯s <b>up</b>?

    ¡°What are you doing at the library?¡±

    ¡°Reading materials. I can¡¯t concentrate at home.¡±

    Josiah had been <b>causing </b>various distractions all day yesterday. She had an important management meeting at Thorne Constructions and Energies on Monday. While she wasn¡¯t nervous, she wanted to be well¨Cprepared to <b>avoid </b>making any stupid mistakes that could undermine her credibility.

    ¡°Are <b>you </b>alone?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lysander <b>asked</b>, ¡°Did you get your phone back?¡±

    Josiah paused. ¡°Yeah, Ms. Collins brought someone to unlock the door.¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s <b>good </b>then.¡±

    Josiah <b>asked</b>, ¡°Are you free at noon?¡±

    ¡°No, I still have a lot to <b>read</b>.¡±

    ¡°You still need to eat lunch, right?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s <b>a </b><b>restaurant </b>downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Outside food isn¡¯t nutritious,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Send me your location, and I¡¯ll bring you something.¡±

    ¡°No need¡­¡±

    <b>Before </b>she could <b>finish</b>, <b>Josiah </b>exined, ¡°I won¡¯t interrupt your work. I¡¯ll <b>just </b>drop off the food.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°The public library,

    ? Give me lilteen <b>minutes</b>.¡±

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    He parked on the roadside, holding an insted lunch box, and looked up at the building.

    The phone rang again.

    She picked up the call.

    ¡°I¡¯m here. Which floor are you on?¡±

    Lysander stood up and headed out. ¡°Don¡¯te up. We can¡¯t cat in the library.¡±

    Pushing open the cafe door, she called out, ¡°Josiah, over here.¡±

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    Josiah withdrew his gaze. He ended the call and quickly walked over with a smile. ¡°Having coffee?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I was just going to buy some bread.¡±

    Josiah set the insted lunch box on the table and opened it, presenting it to her. ¡°These are all made by Martha following the nutritionist¡¯s menu. The taste might not match as those in a resort, but it <b>is </b>homemade. <b>Give </b>it a <b>try</b>.¡±

    Lysander looked at him intently.

    Josiah smiled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    ¡°Do you have a cold?¡±

    Josiah rubbed his throat and coughed lightly. ¡°No, just a bit of a sore throat. Maybe the air was too dry in Apex City.¡±

    Lysander was skeptical. Josiah pushed the food toward her. ¡°Eat before it gets cold.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you eating?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already <b>eaten</b>. I have ns this afternoon!

    Lysander nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve dyed a lot of your work because of me recently. You shouldn¡¯t worry too much about <b>me </b><b>and </b>focus on your own tasks.¡±

    ¡°Guerra Group¡¯s projects are progressing smoothly, and <b>today </b>is the weekend. I am not that much of a workaholic.¡±

    ¡°What are you busy with?¡±

    ¡°I am going to the furniture store to buy a couch.¡±

    Lysander immediately understood<b>. </b>¡°You enjoy sleeping on the couch?¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t even let me on your bed.¡±

    Lysander put down her cutlery/her expression turning a bit serious. ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°Okay, I was <b>just </b>kidding. I¡¯m going to the furniture store because my mom wants to move back to the old house. The firest time burned all the furniture, so we need to buy new ones.¡±

    Tuscander¡¯s moved <b>esvel </b>a hit. ¡°Why did Madam <b>Suran </b>suddenly want to move back to <b>the </b>old house?¡±

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    ¡°She¡¯s lived there most of her life and can¡¯t let go.¡± Josiah said. ¡°She moved near our marital <b>home </b>because the old house needed repairs and to make sure I ate Eleanor¡¯s cooking. Now that I rarely go back to the marital home and Martha is here, she wants to <b>move </b><b>back</b>.¡±

    Lysander nodded without saying anything

    Josiah watched her eat slowly, his gaze soft. ¡°I have something to tell you.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If you get a <b>call </b>from abroad, don¡¯t answer it. Just hang up immediately.¡±

    Lysander looked puzzled. ¡°Why? If I am dealing with Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® business and a foreign client calls, shouldn¡¯t answer?¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>said. ¡°Thome Constructions and Energies has an international business department. If there are clients, they¡¯ll directly contact that department and not call you.¡±

    Lysander guessed, ¡°You mean Zachary?¡±

    ¡°He does not matter. I doubt he¡¯d dare to contact you now.

    ¡°Who are you referring to, <b>then</b><b>?</b>¡±

    Josiah picked up another clean fork. Putting some food onto her te, he said casually, ¡°No one in particr. I was just reminding you that since you¡¯re now <b>managing </b>Thorne Constructions and Energies. many tel scams <b>will </b>target you. These scammers are often overseas, so you should be cautious.¡±

    Lysander did not think much of it <b>and </b>nodded. ¡°<b>Got </b>it.¡±

    After Lysander finished the meal, Josiah packed the lunchbox, <b>then </b>held it in his <b>hand</b>. ¡°I¡¯ll leave now. Do your best.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°About Monday¡­

    Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯ll prepare well. I won¡¯t embarrass our elders or you.¡±

    Josiah smiled faintly. ¡°Good.¡±

    On Monday morning at nine o¡¯clock, Lysander arrived at Thorne Constructions and Energies on time.

    As she pushed open the door, she saw that the meeting room was already full.

    Company directors, <b>major </b>shareholders, and department representatives were all present, each with a red name card with ck letters in front of them.

    Lysander scanned the <b>room</b>, found her seat at the head of the conference table, and sat down. It was reserved for the newly appointed CEO.

    All eyes turned to her.

    Remainingposed, Lysander looked <b>back </b>at them and spoke calmly. ¡°Although it is our first meeting, I believe you all know <b>my </b>name and position, let us continue the <b>meeting </b>as usual. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

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    To her left was a middle¨Caged man who looked about the same age as Adrian. He nced at the clock and. said, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you might not be familiar with our routine. Before each meeting, we usually have a discussion. Everyone is waiting for you to start.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lysander casually nced at him. ¡°Thanks for the reminder, but since I wasn¡¯t involved in the previous projects and am not well¨Cacquainted with the specifics, why don¡¯t you start, Mr. Cobb?¡±

    The name cards only listed attendees¡® names, not their positions, yet she recognized him instantly.

    Rowan Cobb, vice president of the business department, was second inmand at thepany, just below her.

    Josiah had mentioned him. Rowan waspetent but old¨Cfashioned and liked to assert his seniority over younger employees.

    As a senior member of thepany and Howard¡¯s former subordinate, Josiah couldn¡¯t do much about him, so he remained in his position.

    Rowan shifted his gaze from the clock to Lysander, chuckling dryly. ¡°Okay. Ms. Thorne, you¡¯re still young and a woman. I¡¯ve heard you studied medicine and don¡¯t understandpany operations. So, listen carefully. I¡¯ll start.¡±

    Lysander remained unperturbed. ¡°Please proceed.¡±

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    Rowan held considerable seniority <b>within </b>thepany. Even Howard respected him when he was in charge.

    that Lysander suddenly became his superior, it was no surprise that Rowan felt dissatisfied.

    Lysander listened quietly as the discussion progressed, asionally jotting down notes rted to the project.

    Rowan, feeling no need to be courteous, spoke confidently as if he were the highest authority in thepany. At moments, his passion caused him to strike the table for emphasis.

    ¡°The financial report this month was truly abysmal. We couldn¡¯t collect the payments for the goods, and sales have drastically decreased. I really don¡¯t know what the sales department has been doing! <b>And </b>what about the legal department? Aren¡¯t they supposed to handle uncollected final payments? Even though Mr. Guerra isn¡¯t in charge of Thorne Constructions and Energies anymore, I am still around!¡±

    Lysander nced at the head of the marketing department seated in the middle of the conference table, who also held shares. He was quick to shift the me defiantly, saying, ¡°Who¡¯s to me for this? When Mr. Howard was around, this was the rule, and Mr. Guerra did not change it either.¡±

    Tensions were running high among the top brass in thepany, the air thick with conflict.

    Lysander quickly recalled the materials she had reviewed and carefully considered her response. ¡°The financial report you mentioned is fromst month. Let¡¯s focus on finding solutions for this month. onward.

    ¡°I wonder what your n is, Ms. Thorne? It¡¯s not easy to recover those final payments.¡±

    ¡°Let me thoroughly review the contract first, then I¡¯ll discuss it with the legal department before making a decision.

    Relying on his seniority, Rowan showed no respect to Lysander, and immediately shouted, ¡°Wait? Until when? If thepany¡¯s cash flow is limited, are you prepared to cover these holes yourself?¡±

    Lysander replied, ¡°First, let us think about increasing revenue and cutting costs. This client has arge order, and we might continue to do business with them in the future. It is not wise to offend them too much. If they switch to our rivalpany, the loss will outweigh the gain.¡±

    <b>Another </b>man with gold¨Crimmed sses joined the conversation. ¡°Ms. Thorne, increasing revenue and cutting costs may <b>sound </b>easy, but in the end, it is just empty talk. Do you have any brilliant ideas?¡±

    Lysander matched him with the finance director¡¯s name on the files and nodded. ¡°I <b>am </b>new here,cking experience and expertise. Mr. Barrera, if you have better ideas, please share them, and let us discu together.¡±

    Clyde Barrera <b>adjusted </b>his <b>sses and </b>chuckled. ¡°<b>Looks </b>like you¡¯ve done your homework beforeing here. You already know <b>us </b>all.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°I¡¯ve seen everyone¡¯s resumes and profiles, but honestly, I am still getting <b>to </b>know everyone¡¯s faces. So, Mr. Barrera, any ideas? I¡¯m all ears.¡±

    Clyde sneered and turned away. ¡°I am only in charge of finance, not business or legal affairs. I don¡¯t haveUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

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    Lysander nodded and then asked, ¡°Who is Mr. Castillo from the legal department?¡±

    A person at the end of the table raised his hand. ¡°Ms. Thorne, I am Herbert Castillo.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Castillo, you¡¯re a seasoned legal professional, having previously served inrge overseaspanies. I am interested to hear your perspective.¡±

    Herbert pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°I think it is best to go directly to Mr. Guerra and let <b>him </b>decide.¡±

    His statement made it clear that he was avoiding responsibility.

    Once these words were spoken, the majority of people began to chime in.

    ¡°Right, let us consult Mr. Guerra before making a decision.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! Mr. Guerra is much more reliable. This young Ms. Thorne just does not cut it, no matter <b>how </b>you look at it. I really can¡¯t fathom what Mr. Thorne was thinking. Even if he wanted to promote his own daughter, he shouldn¡¯t be so nepotistic!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s like she¡¯s treating the wholepany as her ything! She¡¯s the heiress of the Thorne family. so it does not matter to her if thepany dissolves. But what about the thousands of employees? They¡¯d be out of jobs!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know yet? Mr. Guerra has already teamed up with Dillon. He won¡¯t be looking after us

    anymore.¡±

    ¡°Oh my, what are we going to do? Is ourpany really going to go under because of a little girl?¡±

    As Herbert listened, he slowly nced at his wristwatch. It was clear that he found the meeting rather uninteresting, showing signs of waning patience.

    Lysander raised her voice and remarked, ¡°That¡¯s a <b>nice </b>watch, Mr. Castillo.¡±

    Herbert chuckled. ¡°Not too bad. Last year, under the guidance of Mr. Guerra, Thorne Constructions and Energies performed exceptionally well. The year¨Cend bonus was in the seven figures, so I treated myself to a watch.¡±

    ¡°It seems you hold a high regard for Mr. Guerra.¡±

    Herbert corrected, ¡°Ms. Thorne, your words are not quite right. Given Mr. Guerra¡¯s status and audacity, he does not need approval from a nobody like me. I simply admire him and am considering switching to Guerra Group to <b>continue </b>following him.¡±

    A junior <b>staff </b>member from the administrative department quietly chimed in, ¡°Me too.¡±

    It seemed this was the sentiment shared by the majority of thepany.

    In all honesty, when it came to running apany, Lysander truly admired Josiah.

    While allowing Lysanne¡¯s cousin to create chaos in his ownpany, he did not miss out <b>on </b>gaining personal admirers.

    When hest attended the summit in Apex City, it seemed as though he had quite a significant fan <b>base</b>.

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    With Herbert leading the way, several others who <b>had </b>previously been at odds suddenly turned their guns on Lysander.

    ¡°Ms.

    <b>With </b><b>a </b>hint of anger, Rowan said, Thorne, it is one thing to bete for the meeting, but your words sound like they¡¯re from a script. We all know these clich¨¦s, but now thepany¡¯s orders are dwindling. and we¡¯re almost entirely reliant on old customers,¡±

    The head of the marketing department chimed in, ¡°Yes, Ms. Thome. You¡¯re so young, and you probably haven¡¯t encountered such situations before. A new leader taking over can¡¯t be this rash with drastic changes.¡±

    With these people confronting her, the questions thrown at Lysander became more and more challenging.

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, you aren¡¯t from the construction industry, right? No wonder you look so unfamiliar. You should know that thepany¡¯s agenda was personally set by Mr. Guerra. Thepany is where it is today because of him.¡±

    345

    Lysander remained calm and replied, ¡°I know that Mr. Guerra has made significant contributions to Thorne Constructions and Energies over the years. But now that he¡¯s no longer in charge, we need to work together to solve specific issues. We can¡¯t always rely on <b>him</b>.¡±

    Rowan quickly added, ¡°Makes sense. So, here¡¯s the deal. We have an invitation to tendering up, and if we can secure it, we won¡¯t have to worry about this year¡¯s projects. Everyone is trying to figure out how to seize this opportunity. Ms. Thorne, how do you suggest we handle <b>this</b>?¡±

    ¡°I need to see the details first,¡± Lysander replied. While she had reviewed the materials in detail, she was not entirely sure about thepany¡¯s uing projects.

    Nheless, she remainedposed and said, ¡°Thepetitive tendering is no small matter. Since this. opportunity is so crucial, I am sure each department has made preparations. After the meeting, please send the materials and documents you¡¯ve prepared to my office. I¡¯ll review them as soon as possible and provide a response to everyone.¡±

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    The people who had previously crowded and pressured her finally quieted down for a moment.

    At that moment, a voice chimed in, ¡°Ms. Thorne <b>does </b>have a point. The profits we can secure are the most tangible. Let¡¯s focus on preparing for thepetitive tendering first.¡±

    Lysander nced at the speaker and recognized him immediately.

    They were one of the four individuals Josiah had previously invited for a private meeting.

    <b>Another </b>person chimed in, ¡°Indeed; thepetive tendering process is the main priority right now. Let¡¯s focus on the proposal first. Ms. Thorne, I¡¯ll send the information for thepetitive tendering <b>to </b>your email shortly. Please take a look at it first.¡±

    ¡°All right; thank you. Let¡¯s call it a day then. I¡¯ve taken into ount all the suggestions everyone made today. I¡¯ll strive to keep up with you all in the future. Meeting adjourned,¡± Lysander said.

    Rowan quickly called out to her and said, ¡°Wait! You haven¡¯t specified when you will give <b>us </b>an answer, Ms. Thorne. Telling us you will give us one as soon as possible simply won¡¯t cut it. You need to provide us with a specific deadline.¡±

    After giving it some thought, Lysander said, ¡°The day after tomorrow, then.¡±

    ¡°Do you realize how manypanies are vying for this contract, Ms. Thorne? If the response you provide the day after tomorrow turns out to be a useless suggestion, we¡¯ll all have to start from scratch again.¡±

    ¡°When do you think would be a suitable time, then, Mr. Cobb?¡±

    ¡°First thing tomorrow morning. We¡¯ll meet here in this conference room. I hope that you will provide us with an exnation, Ms. Thorne. Otherwise, it won¡¯t just be Mr. Castillo, but most of the executives might have to consider finding another <b>job</b>!¡± Rowan said.

    That evening, she hurried home, quickly ate her dinner, and then immediately retreated into the study.

    The sudden ring of the doorbell shattered the silence within the house.

    Lysander opened the door and upon lifting her head, she saw <b>Josiah </b>standing there, his face devoid of any expression.

    The corridor was eerily quiet, devoid of any noise whatsoever.

    Lysander rubbed her forehead and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±

    It seemed that Josiah had cooled down, he retorted, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asleep yet, given howte it is?¡±

    Only then did Lysander realize that time had unknowingly slipped to eleven o¡¯clock.

    ¡°We have <b>a </b>meeting <b>tomorrow </b><b>morning</b>, <b>and </b>I still <b>have </b>some work to handle,¡± she said, exhaustion seeping <b>into </b>her words. Too weary to engage in a drawn¨Cout conversation with him, she asked again, ¡°Did you need something from me?¡±

    Josiah lifted the thermal jar he <b>was </b>holding, ¡°After I returned, I noticed your lights were still on, so I thought I¡¯d get you <b>some </bte¨Cnight snacks.¡±

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    Lysander¡¯s darkshes fluttered as she said, ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯m not hungry. <b>Please </b>stop bothering me.¡±

    As she spoke, she was about to close the door.

    Josiah¡¯s <b>voice </b>was <b>somewhat </b>muffled as he asked, ¡°What could be so important?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about work. I¡¯mgging behind significantly and I need to catch up with everyone else¡¯s progress as soon as possible. If there¡¯s nothing else. I¡¯ll get back to it now,¡± <b>Lysander </b>responded as patiently as possible.

    The door was held open by Josiah¡¯s unupied hand.

    ¡°How did you find your day at Thorne Constructions and Energies? I heard the meeting didn¡¯t go too well,¡± he said casually.

    Lysander¡¯s action of shutting the door came to a halt. ¡°You really do <b>have </b>quite the knack for gathering information.¡±

    Josiah moved forward into the foyer, ncing briefly at the lit study room before heading straight for theptop that disyed intricate spreadsheets. Beside it, a pile of files and Lysander¡¯s half¨Cfinished notes were scattered.

    Lysander trailed half a step behind, entering quietly. Seeing him intently focused on the numbers on the report with a serious expression, she didn¡¯t interrupt.

    A momentter, Josiah lowered his gaze and asked, ¡°Who made this table?¡±

    Lysander gave it some thought and <b>said</b>, ¡°I requested it from the marketing department.¡±

    Josiah asked again, ¡°Didn¡¯t any of them offer it to you on their own?¡±

    Feeling no need to withhold this minor detail from him, Lysander replied with a sigh, ¡°Yeah¡­ Without your around, they don¡¯t really acknowledge me. The marketing department¡¯s focus isn¡¯t on their work. When I called them at four in the afternoon, they were already contemting to clock out. I couldn¡¯t get the hard copy of the documents, <b>so </b>I had to make do with the digital version.¡±

    The look in Josiah¡¯s eyes turned gloomy when he heard that. ¡°I suspect they never printed a hard copy at

    all.¡±

    Lysander looked at the report with confusion written all over her face. ¡°Why?¡± she asked.

    Josiah nced at the side index and said, ¡°<b>There¡¯s </b>no page dedicated to qualification certifications in the appendix. I remember the auditor required thatpetitive tenderingpanies must meet certain qualification standards. Any report printed like this would only be screened out once submitted.¡±

    He set down the thermal jar, lightly moved the mouse to add a note, then said, ¡°If this isn¡¯t the work of a neer, then the person in charge of this must certainly have an issue with you.¡±

    This <b>was </b>no longer a secret, and lysander had already experienced it today.

    She lowered her gaze to the report and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already cross¨Cchecked the specific figures within, and there are no major issues. Are there any other problems apart from the omission?¡±

    Josiah pulled up a chair and sat down, taking a pen and jotting down a series of numbers on a piece of paper. He circled them and said, ¡°This is the job of the finance department. Even the boldest <b>ountant wouldn¡¯t </b>dare to tamper with the books. However, any oversight in data verification would have nothing to

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    do with them.¡±

    During the day, Lysander had already repeatedly verified and confirmed the information in her office. Now, as she looked at the key issue that had been pointed out, she could only admit, ¡°Every profession. has its specialists, I truly didn¡¯t notice this.¡±

    the

    ¡°Reviewing data isn¡¯t exactly the job of most authoritative figure in apany. What do you think the audit department is there for?¡± Josiah reminded her.

    Lysander sighed more heavily than before. ¡°From top to bottom, everyone in thepany is now your fan, Mr. Guerra. They are very hostile to a new leader like me. However, I said I would personally handle. thepetitive tendering matters, so it¡¯s only right that I personally check the reports now. There¡¯s no better way to get started with work than this.¡±

    Josiah scoffed lightly. ¡°So your solution is to burn the midnight oil and work overtime?¡±

    Lysander settled back into her chair, continuing her search through the report for sections she could incorporate into her n.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any other options.¡±

    ¡°Of course you do.¡±

    Lysander furrowed her brow in confusion.

    Josiah tapped his chest lightly with his finger and said, ¡°Ask me for help.¡±

    Lysander fell speechless when she heard that.

    A momentter, she plucked up the courage and said, ¡°You¡¯re no longer with Thorne Constructions and Energies, yet you seem to be quite informed about the happenings within thepany.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Since you just left, I had to keep a closer eye. Inviting those few people for a meal wasn¡¯t for nothing.

    Lysander gave him a sidelong nce, not believing a word of what he said. ¡°There were only so many people in the conference room, and you even understood the situation <b>at </b>that time. You must have been particrly sharp¨Ceyed and keen¨Ceared when you were in charge of thepany before.¡±

    ww

    Josiah refrained from making any judgments, simply stating, ¡°What you need isn¡¯t sharp eyes and keen ears, <b>but </b>informers that truly belong <b>to </b>you.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s eyes were clear <b>as </b>day as <b>she </b>asked, ¡°How should I make arrangements for the informers<b>?</b>¡±

    With a rxed pace, Josiah asked, ¡°Do you want to learn how?¡±

    ¡°Sure. State your conditions; we can even negotiate a new couch,¡± Lysander said, agreeing readily.

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    Josiah didn¡¯t mince words with her either. ¡°All right; as an exchange for teaching you, let¡¯s have ourte- <b>night </b><b>snack </b>first.¡±

    This condition was rather unique.

    Lysander took the <b>thermal </b>jar and opened it. Immediately, she was greeted by the enticing <b>aroma </b><b>of </b><b>chicken </b>soup. To her surprise, it contained a bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup.

    ¡°You go ahead and speak. I¡¯ll eat after I¡¯ve heard you out.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>slightly lifted his chin and said, ¡°You can eat while you listen.¡±

    Lysander delicately ced the bowl, which was wrapped in a heat¨Cprotectiveyer, onto the writing desk. Then, she took out the cutlery and tasted a mouthful.

    After consuming the creamy chicken noodle soup, her previously tense stomach had significantly rxed.

    The desk. cluttered with aputer and <b>numerous </b>files, was far from spacious. Arge pile of documents were stacked on the side. Seeing that Lysander <b>had </b>already sorted them out, Josiah reached out to tidy them up, saying. ¡°We need to tackle <b>things </b>one step at a time. I believe your immediate priority should be resolving the issue with thepetitive tendering¡±

    Lysander stared at the noodles in her bowl as she expressed her worries. ¡°Right now, Thorne Constructions and Energies is barely maintaining a bnce. The projects we¡¯re undertaking hardlye from new clients. If this continues, once <b>Howard¡¯s </b>reputation is exhausted and the old clients back out, things will undoubtedly be very difficult. Today, Mr. Cobb and the marketing department were certainly trying to <b>intimidate </b>me with their coordinated performance. The harsh truths they stated were hard to swallow. They are the only ones that know the problems at hand, yet none of them were willing to make <b>changes</b>. As such, I don¡¯t hold much hope for thepetitive tendering.¡±

    Josiah only highlighted the most crucial part, saying. ¡°They were also saying one thing and doing another when I took over Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® affairs.¡±

    Initially, Lysander thought he hadn¡¯t noticed, so she asked, ¡°So, it¡¯s not <b>that </b>you¡¯re too busy juggling both sides, but you¡¯re deliberately letting them be. Why is that?¡±

    ¡°The corporate environment is unlike what you¡¯ve experienced in the hospital before. Their interests are not <b>as </b>aligned as they appear to be. The best strategy is to let them keep each other in check,¡± Josiah said in a casual tone.

    In a sh, Lysander realized something. ¡°It was you who created the cutthroatpetition within the board of directors?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re content with the status quo, you could let them be. Competition breeds motivation, so they¡¯ll <b>find </b>a way to prepare their proposals. When the timees, all you need to do is review the proposals <b>submitted </b>by both parties, take the best of each<b>, </b>and reassemble them,¡± Josiah admitted.

    ¡°If I¡¯m going to do something. I¡¯ll do it to the best of my ability,¡± Lysander stated.

    Her pride remained <b>as </b><b>high </b>as <b>ever</b>.N?velDrama.Org content.

    A glint of admiration shed in Josiah¡¯s eyes. After discussing with her the intricate rtionships within

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    need for the following day.

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    The frontline staff of Thorne Constructions and Energies were the backbone of thepany¡¯s operations. However, the treatment they receive varies greatly. The senior employees, who had once made significant contributions to thepany, are all full¨Ctime staff. They <b>have </b>grown ustomed to a rxed work pace, so it is difficult for them to regain their previous motivation. The imbnce between cost and benefit is evident.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I noticed it in today¡¯s meeting too. The executives of the entirepany tends to be on the older side.

    ¡°Indeed. Mr. Thorne is <b>known </b>for his integrity and hismitment to his promises. As such, he had no choice but to continue providing high sries to them until their retirement. However, the majority of the work still relied on promoting new hires whose sries and benefits are in line <b>with </b>the market rates. Your allocation in the proposal exposed your unfamiliarity with this issue.¡±

    The majority of the executives of Thorne Constructions and Energies were senior employees.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°No wonder they tread carefully around you for fear of getting on your bad side, yet they have no issues taking shots at me.¡±

    +

    ¡°The fact that you understand this shows that the previous files were <b>not </b>read in vain,¡± Josiah said, expressing his satisfaction.

    Lysander put down her bowl and once again picked up the mouse.

    Josiah nced at the half¨Cfinished bowl of creamy chicken noodle soup and asked, ¡°Have you decided what to do yet?¡±

    Lysander waspletely engrossed in theputer screen, her eyes shining with an astonishing brightness. ¡°First, I¡¯ll recheck all the data rted to thepetitive tendering process. Then, I can adjust the project team members. As for the other details, I can address them once these two issues are resolved.¡±

    The study echoed with the rhythmic tapping of keys on a keyboard, punctuated now and then by the rustling sound of pages being flipped through

    Lysander <b>was </b>so efficient that she took less than half the expected time to rectify the wed <b>n </b>provided by the nning department. Along with this, she also organized andbeled the materials prepared for the proposal.

    Her gaze never left the screen for a moment as she said, ¡°<b>First</b>, let¡¯s reorganize the team, then have them. prepare the proposal. Making full preparation will not dy one¡¯s job but quicken the process.¡±

    Ever since Lysander began revising the n, the previously silent Josiah nced at the page she was reviewing <b>and </bmented, ¡°You¡¯re a fast learner.¡±

    ¡°You taught me that the most important aspect of leadership isn¡¯t mastering every aspect of the business, but managing <b>those </b><b>who </b>are experts in different <b>areas</b><b>. </b>Today, I¡¯ve learned another strategy, which is to let them <b>bnce </b>each other out,pete fairly, and create a virtuous cycle. Their <b>focus </b>should be on surpassing each other instead of targeting me.¡±

    A <b>hint </b>of tender satisfaction crossed Josiah¡¯s eyes. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re absolutely right.¡±

    Lysander turned her head<b>, </b><b>intending </b><b>to </b><b>ask </b>him if he had any experience inpetitive tendering. But before she could voice her question, she noticed the bowl he was holding in his hand.

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    She had no idea when Josiah had taken her leftover supper.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes widened when she saw him leisurely sipping the soup that she had left unfinished.

    Josiah looked over and asked, ¡°Do you have any other questions<b>?</b>¡±

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    ¡°No. Since you¡¯re also hungry, why didn¡¯t you bring <b>back </b>two portions ofte¨Cnight snacks when you returned?¡± Lysander replied with aplex expression.

    Josiah maintained his usualposure, holding the bowl in one hand and a spoon in the other. Hedled the soup with an ease that was pleasing to the eye, a gesture so ordinary yet performed with such grace. It <b>was </b>only after he set down the bowl that he said in a light and indifferent voice, ¡°I wasn¡¯t really hungry initially, but seeing you enjoy your meal so much made me think that the soup must be quite good. It would be a shame to let it go cold and wasted, so I might as well finish it. Are you still hungry? Do more?¡±

    Josiah then looked up and met Lysander¡¯s gaze.

    Lysander shook her head and said, ¡°No, I¡¯m full.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll finish this, then.¡±

    As he spoke, Josiah tilted his head back, finishing off the remaining half bowl of soup she had left.

    ¡°Josiah.¡±

    ¡°Hmm<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡±

    you want

    Josiah understood what was on her mind, and

    Josiah understood what was on her mind, andfortingly patted the back of her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry; it¡¯s just leftover soup from my own woman. There¡¯s nothing wrong with having some.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still leftovers, though. There was an exchange of saliva. If I have something like Helicobacter pylori,

    could get infected too,¡± Lysander reminded him.

    <b>you</b>

    Josiah sneered. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for three years. If I were to be infected, it would have happened long ago. Why would it wait until now?¡±

    Lysander did not answer.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we also share a kiss when we were in Apex City? There was an exchange then too-

    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Lysander gave him a push.

    Josiah no her ears turning!

    humiliation.

    and he knew instantly that she was flying into a rage due to

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    Fearing she would get impatient and drive him away, Josiah swiftly changed the topic, focusing on business matters instead. ¡°The project has also been advertised on the tendering website, but since it¡¯s rted to construction, thepany that will ultimately win thepetitive tendering is likely to be one we¡¯ve worked with before. Thorne Constructions <b>and </b>Energies still has a chance. Give it a try <b>and </b>don¡¯t lose heart.¡±

    ¡°All right, sure.¡±

    Lysander was fully engrossed in her work, while Josiah stood behind her, arms crossed, keeping herpany.

    Whenever he noticed an issue with the n she was drafting on her screen, he would offer a suggestion. Other than that, he mostly kept silent to avoid disturbing her.

    Unbeknownst to them, it had already gottente at night.

    Josiah voluntarily returned next door. Before leaving, he said, ¡°<b>I¡¯m </b>going to sleep next door tonight. You should rest well.¡±

    Lysander neither agreed nor disagreed with it. She simply said. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    The following morning. Lysander woke up bright and early. Herplexion was decent enough, so she didn¡¯t waste any more time primping. After changing her clothes, she showed up in the conference room half an hour ahead of schedule.

    Today¡¯s <b>regr </b>meeting <b>was </b>somewhat <b>different </b><b>from </b>the one on Monday. It wasn¡¯t necessary for the entire executive team to be present. Mostly, it was the upper and middle management from various departments who made an appearance.

    Among those who had helped Lysander smooth things over, the shareholders only received dividends and did not participate in the daily management of thepany. They were just among those non- participating members. Therefore, the battle today would only be more challenging than yesterday¡¯s.

    Even so, Lysander remainedposed, seizing every <b>precious </b>moment as she sat at her desk, continuing to familiarize herself with the proposal on herputer.

    The conference <b>room </b><b>gradually </b>filled with people.

    <b>Most </b>people, upon seeing Lysander arrive so early, paused to give her a nce before taking their seats. They didn¡¯t even offer her a greeting.

    Even though Lysander noticed that, she chose to act as if she hadn¡¯t.

    This was not the time to nitpick over such matters.

    The meeting was scheduled for nine in the morning. At ten minutes to eight, Rowan arrived. There was <b>a </b><b>hint </b>of hostility in his approach <b>as </b>he greeted Lysander, ¡°You¡¯re quite early today, Ms. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Lysander replied, deliberately ignoring his sarcastic tone.

    Feeling embarrassed, Rowan abruptly sat down in his chair.

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    turned to Lysander beforemencing the report and asked, ¡°Ms. Thorne, how is your proposaling along? We¡¯re concerned that it might be too much for you, <b>so </b>our department has another one prepared.¡±

    Everyone else was eagerly waiting to watch the scenario unfold so they could gloat at her misfortune.

    They didn¡¯t believe that a neer like Lysander could produce anything worthwhile in just one night.

    To their surprise, Lysander handed over the <b>sh </b>drive and instructed, ¡°I¡¯m all set. Could you y it for me, please<b>?</b>¡±

    They hesitated for a moment, but still subconsciously followed through.

    Rowan, upon seeing how quickly Lysander had adapted to the role of a CEO, said bluntly, ¡°Ms. Thorne, you¡¯re but a youngdy. There¡¯s no need for you to act tough. With your status, you could simply find a husband of equal social standing, get married, and stay home to raise children.¡±

    Lysander replied jokingly, ¡°You¡¯ve probably never taken care of a child, Mr. Cobb, Trust me, it¡¯s not necessarily easier than drafting a <b>proposal </b><b>for </b>a project.¡±

    Rowan was taken aback for a moment. His expression turned somewhat somber as he said, ¡°I was saying that for your own good.¡±

    ¡°Much appreciated, Mr. Cobb. Now, let¡¯s start the <b>meeting</b>.

    The group fell silent. They smirked coldly as they anticipated the blunder she would make with the n.

    Without a change in expression, Lysander calmly stepped onto the podium.

    She was thoroughly familiar with the proposal she <b>had </b>worked on until the wee hours, to the point where she could articte every detail even without looking at it. She also mentioned a few errors she had spotted.

    ¡°The construction qualifications of apany are crucial. Since there¡¯s a certificate, why wasn¡¯t it included?¡±

    She showed considerable tact by not specifying which department was at fault.

    Unable to contain himself any longer, the senior employee in charge of this eximed defensively, ¡°All of this was confirmed with the management department. Thepany conducts qualifications certification every year. This ismon knowledge to everyone.¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you attach the relevant pages?¡± Lysander asked calmly.

    The senior employee, who was used to working at a leisurely pace in thepany, couldn¡¯t stand being interrogated by Lysander, who had showed up all of a sudden. Irritably, he responded, ¡°Right now, providing you with the reports is merely for nning the proposal. We can photocopy them when it¡¯s time to officially create the proposal¡±

    Lysander gave him a casual nce, choosing <b>not </b>to waste <b>any </b>more <b>words </b>on the matter.

    The focus of the following <b>discussion </b><b>was </b>on staff allocation.

    Whispers had already begun to circte among the people below.

    The more Rowan perused Lysander¡¯s proposal, the deeper his frown became. He looked like someone

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    who wanted to find faults but couldn¡¯t.

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    The <b>finance </b>director beside him asked quietly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think the style of this proposal seems somewhat familiar?¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>It¡¯s </b>not just the proposal that seems familiar, even her style reminds me of Mr. Guerra¡¯s approach. We¡¯ve been under his thumb for so long, and we finally got some breathing room when he stepped back. How is it that we now have another obstacle in our way?¡± Rowan said thoughtfully.

    ¡°Could she possibly be associated with Mr. Guerra<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t <b>make </b><b>sense</b>. Mr. Guerra wouldn¡¯t need to go through all this trouble if he wanted to take over Thorne Constructions and Energies.¡±

    ¡°Next, I have a few personnel <b>changes </b>to announce.¡±

    Only when Lysander announced the members of the project team, did themotion below finally cease.

    The expressions of the senior employees collectively changed.

    The head of the marketing department was the first to <b>lose </b>hisposure. ¡°What are you implying? This project is local, so it falls under the jurisdiction of the local market. How do you justify bringing in people from other regions to <b>assist</b>?¡±

    Lysander <b>had </b>anticipated some objections and was fully prepared with herUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    responses.

    ¡°The business market of Thorne Constructions and Energies is primarily divided into three major regions based on geographical characteristics. The local market in Harborbrook has been developing steadily due to a loyal customer base. Pulling people out would not only be troublesome but also affect their work. Given these circumstances, it would be better to choose a few less busy individuals.¡±

    Everyone in thepany knew that the senior employees of Harborbrook market were the most free. In contrast, market specialists from other areas had to brainstorm ways to expand their markets, which kept them incredibly busy.

    Lysander was clearly speaking in sarcasm to show that she didn¡¯t want to be influenced by the senior employees.

    Unable to admit they had been relying on past achievements, the head of the marketing department <b>found </b>themselves momentarily lost for words.

    Rowan then began to stir the pot from the sidelines. ¡°Ms. Thorne, it¡¯s natural for young people to want to achieve something, but don¡¯t you <b>think </b>you¡¯re being a bit hasty pulling in rookies? The project we¡¯re tendering on is a <b>big </b>deal. What if <b>you </b>guys mess it up<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all part of Thorne Constructions and Energies. When the project seeds, everyone will get a <b>share </b>of the year¨Cend bonus. If we need to be divided, then I wonder if the various departments here exist to serve thepany, or to profit certain individuals?¡± Lysander retorted with a calm demeanor.

    She then cast a meaningful nce around the room, taking in everyone present. Instantly, those with guilty consciences were provoked, and they flew into a rage due to humiliation. One of them stood up to challenge her, demanding, ¡°Make yourself <b>clear</b>! What do you mean by ¡®seeking profit? We are all trying to secure the project here! What do you know about that?¡±

    ¡°At the very least, I <b>would </b>never overlook something as crucial as a qualification certificate. I¡¯m not

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    The senior employee, who had previously made a mistake, was already feeling embarrassed because she had pointed out his error. When he saw her mentioning it again, he mmed the table and eximed, ¡°How dare you talk nonsense here after <b>only </b>working on a few projects? You¡¯re just a chit of a girl! What skills could you possibly have?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! I suspect,

    didn¡¯t even revise this proposal herself! I mean, how could anyone be so efficient in just one night? She probably hired a ghostwriter or something-

    Before he could finish speaking, a soft clicking sound intermingled with the voices of disagreement.

    Without any warning, the conference room door was pushed open from the outside.

    A few of thepany¡¯s senior members, filled with righteous indignation, instinctively looked over, only to meet Josiah¡¯s calm and unwavering gaze.

    Rowan gasped and eximed, ¡°Mr. Guerra!¡±

    Josiah gave no response, nor did he bother to look at him directly. His focus was clear as he moved toward the spare chair next to the conference table. With a slight lift of his chin, he looked toward Lysander who was on the podium and said, ¡°It¡¯s all right; carry on.¡±

    The conference room f

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    Lysander¡¯s expression shifted slightly, but with so many people around, she didn¡¯t feel it was appropriate to say anything.

    She then asked in a purely professional manner, ¡°Are you so concerned that you decided to sit in on the meeting as well, Mr. Guerra?¡°

    As if he had found his savior, Rowan quickly said, ¡°We feel at ease now that you¡¯re finally here, Mr. Guerra!¡±

    Herbert had been sitting in an awkward position just moments ago, but now he seemed somewhat eager and excited. ¡°Indeed! Now that you¡¯re here, we finally have someone who can make decisions.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s gaze had been constantly resting on Lysander.

    Perhaps in order to suit the formal asion that day, Lysander had changed into a cinched waist zer paired with a skirt. She was wearing a pair of pure ck <b>heels</b>, and her hair was neatly pinned up at the back of her head, with only a few loose strands left hanging on her forehead.

    Having worked as a doctor for a long time, she naturally exuded a sense of stern coldness. Today, dressed as <b>she </b>was, she even gave off the vibe of a sessful <b>businesswoman</b>. If the neckline of her blouse wasn¡¯t so low, the look would have been perfect.

    Lysander noticed his gaze lingering on her <b>neck</b>, <b>and </b>quickly reached up to touch it.

    The touch was smooth, devoid of any sensation of pain.

    She furrowed her brows slightly and questioned him with her eyes, ¡°What¡¯s <b>wrong</b>?¡±

    Josiah withdrew his gaze, giving a lightugh as he said, ¡°Ladies <b>and </b>gentlemen, Thorne Constructions and Energies now has a true leader. I will no longer be involved in thepany¡¯s affairs. My presence today is purely personal.¡±

    Rowan immediately said, ¡°You¡¯re here on behalf of Mr. Thorne, aren¡¯t you<b>? </b>s, it seems Mr. Thorne can¡¯t stop worrying. After all, it¡¯s the foundation he¡¯s built over half his life. The Guerra <b>family </b>and the Thorne family have known each other for <b>many </b><b>years</b>. <b>Please</b>, <b>take </b>good care of hispany.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like that. Mr. Thorne <b>always </b>hadplete trust in his daughter.<b>¡±</b>

    Rowan was taken <b>aback </b>for a moment. He then quickly retorted, ¡°Yes, we all <b>know </b><b>that </b>Mr. Thorne adores his daughter, and Ms. Thorne is indeed the sole future heir to thepany. However, this doesn¡¯t necessarily mean she should be involved in the management. It¡¯s not that I look down on women, but they¡¯re not really cut out for this line of work. It would be better if she found a capable husband instead. Men should be the ones conducting <b>business </b>outside, while women should stay at home, doingundry, cooking meals, and taking care of the children.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Lysander¡¯s expression turned gloomy.

    Josiah had a keen sense of what was happening, so he noticed her change in expression. Feeling ufortable with Rowan¡¯s statement, he <b>said</b>, ¡°Sexism is not eptable, Mr. Cobb.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t sexism, though. It¡¯s a <b>simple </b>fact. Look around; aren¡¯t all the <b>top </b>achievers in every field men? Women are too indecisive <b>and </bck depth, let alone young women. All they do is <b>obsess </b><b>over </b>soap operas

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    that they neglect everything else. What else could they possibly do?¡±

    Josiah pursed his lips in displeasure, his gaze slightly downcast.

    It was clear that he didn¡¯t like what he heard..

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    Rowan wanted to say more, but Herbert gently tugged at his arm and reminded him, ¡°Mr. Cobb, Ms.. Thome is, after all, the <b>daughter </b>of Mr. Thome, and she does have a good rtionship with the Guerra family.

    Rowan tensed up and argued, ¡°I don¡¯t <b>have </b>any issues with Ms. Thorne. As long as she doesn¡¯t interfere withpany <b>matters </b>and behaves like the prominent youngdy she is, I¡¯m more than happy to treat her as my niece. After all, I have a strong bond with her father. How could I not look after his only daughter?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Ms. Thorne is technically your junior, so she should address you as Mr. Cobb at work, and privately, as Uncle Rowan. She¡¯s new here, so we shouldn¡¯t be too harsh on her. Now that Mr. Guerra is here, everything will be resolved. Please, calm down,¡± Herbert said.

    Thanks to Herbert¡¯s pacification, Rowan¡¯s attitude had finally improved somewhat.

    ¡°All right; I understand why Mr. Guerra came here today. The Guerra and Thorne families are very close, so Ms. Thorne could be considered as Mr. Guerra¡¯s sister. It¡¯s only <b>natural </b>for an older brother to visit his younger sister at work.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression changed instantly. ¡°Who said she¡¯s my sister?¡±

    Rowan was taken <b>aback</b>, yet he couldn¡¯t quite grasp the meaning behind Josiah¡¯s words. Assuming that Josiah was simply trying to keep his distance, Rowan quickly corrected himself by saying. ¡°Of course you two are <b>not </b>siblings! You both have differentst names, after all! What does the rtionship between the elders <b>have </b>to do with the younger generation? There¡¯s no connection at all! Isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Cobb is right. I have no connection with Mr. Guerra whatsoever,¡± Lysander <b>said</b>.

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned increasingly gloomy

    ¡°Since you two are not rted in any way, then I¡¯ll speak my mind. Mr. Guerra, I can¡¯t ept the idea of a young girl daring

    to interfere with thepany¡¯s decisions-¡±

    Bam!

    A thermal jar was ced on the long conference table, its weight neither light nor heavy, interrupting Rowan¡¯s speech.

    Rowan hesitated for a moment, peering closely with increased <b>confusion </b><b>as </b>he asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, what is this?¡±

    ¡°The lunch I brought her.¡± Josiah then looked at Lysander as he continued, ¡°Let¡¯s pause the meeting for

    <b>now </b>and eat.¡±

    Lysander frowned, clearly in disagreement. ¡°The matter isn¡¯t settled yet.¡±

    ¡°Meetings can be held anytime, but meals must be eaten on time. Given your current health condition, if you don¡¯t take care of yourself properly, it could lead to problems down the road.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Josiah casually greeted everyone. ¡°I¡¯m going to take Lysander back to the office

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    for lunch first. We¡¯ll continue the meeting in half an hour.¡±

    Lysander stopped <b>him</b><b>. </b>¡°<b>Josiah</b>, can you please not cause trouble?¡±

    She then tried to signal at him with her eyes.N?velDrama.Org content.

    There are so many people here! What is he trying to do?

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    Josiah rose to his feet with the thermal jar in <b>hand</b>. He then reached out to take her <b>hand</b>, openly and without any hint of avoidance. His words were simple and direct as he said, ¡°Behave yourself.¡±

    ¡°Josiah<b>!</b>¡±

    Lysander strained to pull her hand away, but Josiah¡¯s grip was unyieldingly tight. Each time she exerted force, he would effortlessly draw her closer.

    The distance between the two closed in an instant. Subconsciously, Lysander wanted to raise her hand <b>to </b>keep him at bay. But as she lifted her hand, she <b>found </b>it intertwined with his.

    The hands they held together were conspicuously disyed.

    Lysander was on edge, frustration radiating off her. She growled <b>in </b><b>a </b>voice only the two of them could hear. ¡°What are you <b>doing</b>?

    Josiah leaned <b>in </b>slightly, whispering into her ear, ¡°Haven¡¯t you realized it yet? No matter how well you perform, these old fogeys will always be biased against you. This will only make your work more difficult in the future. It might be better to assert your authority directly. Some people don¡¯t ept the idea of appointing good and able men to office. They only understand thenguage of power.¡±

    ¡°Even so, it should have been Howard who came, <b>as </b>he is the chairman of Thorne Constructions <b>and</b>

    Energies, not you-

    ¡°Who do you think would be more effective in this current situation? Mr. Thorne, or me?¡±

    Lysander fell silent.

    Howard hadn¡¯t been involved in thepany¡¯s affairs for many years. In fact, he was merely a chairman <b>in </b>name only.

    For all these years, it was Josiah who called the shots.

    These people had long been ustomed to obeying Josiah. After all, his orders were more effective.

    ¡°I understand you¡¯re ufortable with relying on my authority to make them obey <b>you</b>, but you can¡¯t deny that this is the quickest way.¡±

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    Lysander turned away. ¡°Yes, but I feel like I¡¯m dispensable.¡±

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    ¡°Lysander, this world is results¨Coriented. As long as the <b>final </b>oue is good, all previous proposals are visionary, and all reforms are forward¨Cthinking. As long as you are sure it¡¯s the right thing to do, just wait for time to provide the answers. When thepany¡¯s financial report for next quarteres out, these people will naturally be silenced.¡±

    Lysander bit her lip, remaining silent.

    Josiah looked at her stubborn little face and felt his heart soften. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go. We¡¯ll have our meal first.¡±

    Lysander took the opportunity to push him away slightly. ¡°It¡¯s a public ce, keep your distance.¡±

    ¡°But after we go home, it¡¯s a private setting. Can I be closer then<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    The two whispered to each other. Everyone in the conference room witnessed it, especially Rowan and Herbert sitting closest to them.

    Rowan <b>was </b><b>a </b>bit confused and asked Herbert in a low voice, ¡°Mr. Castillo, Mr. Guerra just said they¡¯re not siblings, but now they seem quite close. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Herbert, being younger, had already figured it out.

    He pushed his sses up and snorted. ¡°Who knows.¡±

    Rowan¡¯s anger red up <b>again</b>, and he raised his voice to question, ¡°Ms. Thorne, there are dozens of u here. If everyone <b>waits </b>for you for half an hour, that¡¯s dozens of hours wasted. Are we all supposed to wait for you to <b>finish </b>eating? We¡¯re all hungry here!¡±

    His words made sense to Lysander, <b>so </b>she nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s continue the meeting<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat while we continue the meeting.¡± Josiah intervened. ¡°Everyone, feel free to speak up. Since I¡¯m here today, I can also listen in<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    As he spoke, he opened the lunchbox,ying out the dishes one by one.

    Then he took out Lysander¡¯s cutlery and handed them to her. ¡°Eat, it won¡¯t dy the meeting.¡±

    Lysander was caught in a predicament.

    Eating in the conference room?

    She wasn¡¯t foolish.

    The <bpany¡¯s </b>regtions clearly stated that even when no meetings were in session, food was not allowed in the conference room. Let alone now, when the most crucial management meeting was taking ce!

    ¡°Eat. Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Seeing her not taking the fork, Josiah held it in his own hand and picked up a piece of sauteed spinach, offering it to her lips. ¡°Do you want me to feed you?¡±

    Lysander red at him fiercely.

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    <b>Josiah </b><b>said</b>. ¡°Open up.¡±

    She said nothing.

    ¡°Hurry up.¡±

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    The spinach <b>had </b><b>already </b>touched her lips, <b>and </b>Lysander had no choice but to quickly open her mouth and bite <b>down </b>on the vegetable<b>, </b>using her <b>hand </b>to cover her <b>mouth </b>and nose as she chewed.

    Before she could swallow, Josiah picked up a shrimp and offered it to her. ¡°This is high in protein. The nutritionist specifically instructed you to cat more now to supplement protein.¡±

    Lysander quickly swallowed and then took the shrimp into her mouth. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s continue the meeting.

    ¡°You can¡¯t eat so little.¡±

    Lysander was already extremely embarrassed. She pinched him under the table. ¡°I said, I¡¯ve had enough.¡±

    ¡°Ouch! Why did you pinch me?¡± Josiah eximed in pain.

    Lysander was exasperated. She <b>hadn¡¯t </b>used much force at all. How could he be in so much pain?

    ¡°Are you really full?¡± Josiah asked.

    ¡°Yes¡± Lysander said seriously, ¡°Sorry, let¡¯s continue the meeting.¡±

    ¡°Sure, you guys go ahead,¡± Josiah said.

    Lysander took a deep breath, finally ending the ordeal.

    At this point, her tensed heart rxed slightly. Lysander continued to focus on introducing the most important parts of the proposal without distraction.

    ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed the data in the quotation form, and the parts that need correction have been marked. If anyone still wants to contribute to the <b>project</b>, please take a close look.¡±

    With that, she handed the printed materials to the employee presiding <b>over </b>the <b>meeting</b>, indicating for them to distribute the materials.

    The employee was stunned by <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>appearance and didn¡¯t even recall the supervisor¡¯s instructions. They just obediently followed Lysander¡¯s orders.

    When they received the materials, everyone¡¯s faces looked grim.

    Lysander was already being nice. Otherwise, she could have publicly exposed the <b>loopholes </b>in the n. She continued, ¡°Apart from the marketing assistant that was reassigned just now, we also need professionals in the project team, Before winning the bid, I need some time for the inspection.¡±

    She <b>added</b>, ¡°Also, it¡¯s a crucial time for Thorne Constructions and <b>Energies</b>. Some formalities need to change. The position of vice president seems to have been vacant for a while. During the time between Mr. Guerra stepping down <b>and </b>me Taking over, Mr. Cobb handled all matters, no matter big or small.¡±

    Rowan¡¯s rm bells were ringing loudly.

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    Lysander looked at him calmly and said, ¡°You¡¯ve really had it toughtely, handling so much all by yourself

    Rowan forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. <b>I¡¯m </b><b>just </b>doing my job.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t buying it. <b>She </b>insisted, ¡°Now the most important thing for thepany is to secure the project. Let¡¯s have the head of the marketing department help you with some of the tasks for now. We¡¯ll confirm the position of the <b>vice </b>president after things settle down.¡±

    The camp of united enemies was divided by her <b>casual </b>remarks.

    Seeing Rowan at a disadvantage, the rest dared not speak up. They could only reluctantly <b>ept </b>arrangement.

    her

    Josiah took the lead in apuding Lysander¡¯s decision. ¡°Ms. Thorne¡¯s words makes sense. Mr. Cobb has worked tirelessly for Thorne Constructions and Energies for years. It¡¯s time for him to take a break.¡±

    Rowan¡¯s face turned pale, full of confusion.

    The others had no choice but to follow suit and express their approval of Lysander¡¯s arrangements.

    pping his hands while observing Josiah and Lysander, Herbert curled his lips knowingly.

    Oh, I see.

    He wasn¡¯t as foolish as Rowan. Clearly, Josiah had romantic feelings for Lysander. There was no sibling rtionship involved.

    When the presentation of the proposal was over, it was time for representatives from various departments to report.

    Everyone had just been dealt a blow and was absent¨Cminded. However, due to the sudden appearance of Josiah, they dared not to appear too perfunctory.

    One by one, they spoke.

    Lysander just did what she needed to do, unaffected.

    She recorded what she found reasonable and asked questions to rify what she didn¡¯t understand.

    When it was Herbert¡¯s turn to speak, Rowan pulled his sleeve secretly. ¡°Don¡¯t give this girl any face. I <b>wasn¡¯t </b>prepared just now and fell for her trap. You need to <b>avenge </b>us senior employees!¡±

    Herbert chuckled.

    Given Josiah¡¯s current <b>reaction</b>, he wouldn¡¯t dare to offend Lysander.

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    Rowan¡¯s face turned green. ¡°Herbert, what do you mean by that? Are you a fence¨Csitter, switching sides so quickly?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Cobb, Josiah called out.

    Rowan turned around, speaking in a respectful <b>tone</b>. ¡°Mr. Guerra, did you need me for something?¡±

    ¡°Not really. It¡¯s your turn to speak next, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    ¡°Do you mind if I grab something to eat?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of the leftovers from Lysander. You can proceed with your speech without interruption.¡±

    Rowan was stunned.

    With only one pair of cutlery avable, Josiah quickly cleared away the remaining dishes using the ones Lysander had used just moments before.

    ¡°Mr. Cobb, why haven¡¯t you start yet?¡± Josiah asked, ¡°There are dozens of people here. If one person dys for ten minutes, then <b>for </b>dozens of people, it¡¯s hours wasted. Everyone¡¯s time is precious.¡±

    Rowan was utterly bewildered.

    He watched as Josiah ate the leftovers <b>that </b>Lysander had left <b>behind</b>.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re indeed quite considerate.¡± <b>Rowan¡¯s </b>smile seemed forced. ¡°She¡¯s just a family friend, not a real sibling. You should still be mindful of hygiene.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Josiah asked.

    ¡°I said personal hygiene should be observed. We <b>use </b>serving spoons outside¡­¡±

    ¡°My hearing isn¡¯t the best. What did <b>you </b>say?¡±

    Rowan began shouting, ¡°Mr. Guerra, <b>I </b>said these cutlery were used by Ms. Thorne¡­¡±

    ¡°Who used them?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne!¡±

    ¡°Who<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Ms. Thorne¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

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    There was only Lysander between them, and <b>Josiah </b>was too young to be hard of hearing.

    It was <b>obviously </b>intentional

    Herbert intervened with a smile, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Mr. Cobb misspoke. He meant Ms. Thorne.¡±

    Herbert¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but <b>Josiah </b>nodded. ¡°Oh<b>, </b>Ms. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Yes<b>,</b>¡±

    Rowan was still looking bewildered. ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same person? What¡¯s the problem?¡±

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    Herbert reminded him, ¡°Ms. Thomne now holds the highest authority in thepany Remember to address her by her title in the future. Despite her young age, her positionmands respect<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    <b>Josiah </b>chuckled in satisfaction. ¡°Mr. Castillo is indeed a pir of thepany. No wonder Mr. Thorne, always said, you have outstanding abilities and a promising future.¡±

    Herbert smiled. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you tter me.¡±

    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s proceed. Mr. Cobb, please continue with your speech.¡±

    After a small episode, Josiah continued eating the leftovers, while Lysander continued to note down the key points of the speeches. Most of the people in thepany, including Herbert, understood the current situation and remained silent.

    Only Rowan, still relying on his seniority, continued to belittle Lysander, thinking she was unworthy.

    However, this time, Josiah remained silent. He simply smirked when Rowan mentioned Lysander was ¡°disrespectful to her elders¡± and ¡°women are long hair creatures with short sight.¡±

    His voice was neither loud nor soft, just enough for everyone in the meeting room to hear

    Finally, when the meeting ended, Josiah was about to approach Lysander, but Rowan intercepted him.

    Josiah stopped, his expression indifferent. He coldly said, ¡°Mr. Cobb, it seems you have something to say?¡±

    Rowan hurriedly nodded, abandoning his previous <b>authoritative </b>demeanor in front of Lysander.

    Josiah nced at his watch. ¡°I <b>have </b>other <b>arrangements</b>. <b>I </b><b>can </b>spare twenty minutes at most.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s already <b>a </b>great honor that you¡¯re willing to spare some time for me,¡± Rowan <b>said</b>, ingratiatingly,

    Josiah¡¯s expression remained unchanged, merely indicating that Rowan should speak quickly.

    Rowan began toment, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we didn¡¯t mean to disturb you, but as you saw today, this new Ms. Thorne is indeed the apple of Mr. Thorne¡¯s eye. However, she¡¯s just a little girl. She¡¯s too young, and yet she¡¯s so audacious. Thepetitive tendering hasn¡¯t even begun, and she¡¯s already talking about winning

    He <b>continued</b>, ¡°Logically, <b>this </b>is an arrangement made by Mr. Thorne, and we shouldn¡¯t question his decisions <b>as </b>employees of thepany. But we really can¡¯t help but feel sorry <b>for </b>him!¡±

    Casually losiah nosed <b>a </b><b>question </b>¡°Mr. Cobb do <b>you </bck <b>confidence </b>in thepetitive tendering?¡±

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    Rowan was stumped.

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    A senior employee immediately chimed in. ¡°If you were handling the business now, we¡¯d definitely be confident. But the person in charge now clearly <b>isn¡¯t </b>professional. How can we trust her? She¡¯s just making empty promises!¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face suddenly darkened.

    The senior employees were peeping around in the back, but when they saw the ttery had backfired, they recoiled and fell silent.

    Rowan gathered his <b>courage </b>and began to y the victim. ¡°Mr. Guerra, she¡¯s been targeting us senior employees since she arrived. It¡¯s really disheartening. Back when we were fighting alongside Mr. Thorne, otherpanies tried to poach me with high sries, but I stayed loyal.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t respond, <b>nor </b>did he interrupt.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Rowan continued, sounding more genuine, ¡°We all know you¡¯re doing this for Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® sake. So we must say this: please persuade Mr. Thorne. If thepany keeps letting this girl mess around, it won¡¯t be long before it copses!¡±

    Josiah cut him off, ¡°As long as I¡¯m here, Thorne Constructions and Energies won¡¯t <b>copse</b>.¡±

    With Lysander now the CEO of Thorne Constructions and Energies, <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>words hinted that he might intend to take back control of thepany.

    Rowan began to ponder the underlying meaning of Josiah¡¯s statement.

    No one dared to directly question <b>Josiah¡¯s </b><b>stance</b>.

    Twenty minutes flew by quickly.

    Lysander finished <b>packing </b>her documents, carrying herptop <b>bag </b>and folders, <b>and </b>walked out of the conference room without a nce at anyone.

    The two sides met in the corridor.

    Still seething with anger, Rowan and his group red at her with

    Lysander ignored them and walked away as if they didn¡¯t exist.

    a mix of anger and fear.

    Suddenly, <b>Josiah </b>quickened his pace to follow. Being tall with long legs, he swiftly caught up and walked in stride beside Lysander.

    The senior employees assumed he had something to say to Lysander and watched eagerly.

    In <b>the </b>next moment, a scene <b>that </bpletely took everyone by surprise unfolded.

    Josiah reached out naturally, making a gesture to take herptop bag.

    ¡°I can carry it myself,¡± Lysander murmured softly.

    <b>Josiah </b>slowed his pace to match her steps in high heels. ¡°It¡¯s heavy, give it to me.¡±

    As he spoke. he gently to

    took thenton bag and all the documents from her hands, carrying

    ip them himself.

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    go

    He then followed her, heading in the direction of the office.

    Rowan was dumbfounded, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

    Isn¡¯t this sibling being overindulgent? <i>Why </i>is <i>he </i><i>acting </i>like her assistant<i>? </i>Even an assistant wouldn¡¯t eat someone <i>else¡¯s </i>leftovers! That¡¯s too rude. Besides, we¡¯re talking about Mr. Guerra here. He managed Thorne <i>Constructions </i>and Energies for years<i>! </i><i>Isn¡¯t </i><i>it </i>safe to <i>say </i>that he¡¯s <i>her </i>benefactor? Even Mr. Thorne didn¡¯t dare to summon and dismiss Mr. Guerra so casually. <i>Why </i><i>should </i>this girl get away with it?

    Turning back, he angrily asked the other senior employees, ¡°Isn¡¯t she going too far? Mr. Thorne spoiled her rotten! An overindulgent father raises a spoiled daughter! She dares to act so high and mighty in front of Mr. Guerra. If she makes him angry, she¡¯ll face the consequences!¡±

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    Chapter 580 I Never Understood You

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    The office that Lysander was currently using was previously upied by Howard. It was still arranged the way it had been during his time, and it was equipped with everything that one might need.

    Josiah nced around and felt somewhat satisfied.

    The first thing Lysander did after entering the office was to take her belongings from Josiah and draw a line between them. She said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah let of her stuff. He watched her sit down at her desk, switch on herptop, and continue working on unfinished tasks. He then sat down on the single couch opposite her.

    The materials needed for the tender proposal were intricate andplex, with piles of documents stacked like small mountains on the table.

    Lysander¡¯s gaze fell on the stack of documents and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have your own tasks to attend to? Guerra Group¡¯s business is busier than Thorne Constructions and Energies. Lunch has been delivered, and you¡¯ve already supported me. They shouldn¡¯t oppose me like they did today. You should go back to your ownpany.¡±

    Josiah replied calmly, ¡°I¡¯m not in a hurry to go back.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve made it pretty clear just now. Anyone with a brain should understand,¡± she remarked.

    There was no emotion discernible on Lysander¡¯s face.

    Josiah felt a bit uneasy. ¡°Are you still ming me<b>?</b>¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°No, <b>thanks </b>to you today, I was able to control them. You¡¯re right, they don¡¯t respect me. No matter how good my suggestions are, they won¡¯t implement them if they don¡¯t ept me.¡±

    Josiah understood. Heforted her softly, ¡°I know you feel ufortable. You¡¯ve always relied on your own efforts, both in exams and work. Suddenly having to rely on connections feels ufortable for you. You know rationally that this is the quickest way, but it still feels ufortable.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°Lysander, do you remember what <b>Zachary </b>said?¡± Josiah asked.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°He <b>said </b>I was lucky to be born into the Guerra family. Everything <b>was </b>convenient for me from the start. But it¡¯s different for him. He came from an ordinary family, so he <b>had </b>to strive and fight for everything. Even after striving all his life, he might not reach my starting point.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°I remember<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°What he said wasn¡¯t entirely unreasonable. If I weren¡¯t the sole heir of the Guerra family, those old fossils who built the foundation with Grandma might not ever notice me. They listen to me because of my

    surname.¡±

    Lysander <b>sighed </b>softly. ¡°You don¡¯t need tofort me. I¡¯m not ming you, and I appreciate what you did. But this incident has taught <b>me </b><b>some </b>things. I thought I could achieve anything I wanted through my

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    ¡°That¡¯s because you want simple things. You just want your parents and sister to be safe, and you want to help as many people as you can. These are achievable through your efforts. Ultimately, it¡¯s because your desires are simple. You just want to live a peaceful and ordinary life,¡± <b>Josiah </b><b>said</b>.

    Lysander lowered her gaze. ¡°Im not as ambitious as Zachary,¡±

    ¡°The more one seeks, the less happy they actually <b>are</b>,¡± <b>Josiah </b>sighed lightly, seeming to have some insights. ¡°I <b>didn¡¯t </b>understand this before. I always wanted to force everything and wanted everything. As a result, I didn¡¯t get anything, so I wasn¡¯t happy, and neither were you. Lysander, I misunderstood you.¡±

    Lysander continued sorting through the documents in her <b>hands </b>without meeting his gaze. ¡°Why are you also being philosophical?¡±

    ¡°Also? Who else has be philosophical?¡±

    ¡°<b>Daphne</b>,¡± Lysander said. ¡°Back when I had my abortion, she suddenly became very philosophical. She was posting motivational quotes on social media every day. like some enlightened monk. I thought she¡¯d be a nun.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned slightly somber. ¡°Perhaps¡­ witnessing pain firsthand deepens one¡¯s understanding

    Speaking of pain, Lysander didn¡¯t want to continue the topic.

    She asked, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about serious matters. I know you heard my personnel transfer proposals in the conference room. Do you think they¡¯re feasible?¡±

    Josiah affirmed some of her measures, ¡°Your idea of dangling the vice president position is like a generous promise, but it should temporarily stabilize them. However, you should still watch out for them <b>sabotaging </b>you during thepetitive tendering process.¡±

    He added, ¡°Last night, I focused on the proposal when I introduced you <b>to </b>things. I didn¡¯t mention much about personnel changes. If you need, I can rmend a few reliable helpers from factions different from the senior staff.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander lifted her head and briefly shared her thoughts

    ¡°I think it¡¯s best to observe more in such matters. Last night, 1 harily picked some assistants from other regions¡® market specialists because of necessity. These were people with shallow roots and decent performance. But next, we¡¯re dealing with the management. The management issues are significant, but fortunately, they¡¯re not monolithic. I still believe in meritocracy. <b>As </b>for those who¡¯ve contributed before, if they¡¯re willing, I¡¯ll ensure, as Howard promised, that they can stay in their positions until retirement.¡±

    ¡°A natural transition is also <b>an </b>option, given <b>that </b>senior employees are about the same age as Mr. Thome.¡± Josiah nodded in agreement. ¡°Whatever decision you make, I¡¯ll support you.¡±

    Lysander lowered her head <b>again</b>, <b>avoiding </b>eye contact with <b>him</b>.

    Having said his <b>piece</b><b>, </b><b>Josiah </b>stood up to leave. He asked, ¡°Is there <b>anything </b>specific you¡¯d like for dinner <b>tonight</b>? I¡¯ll have Martha prepare it in advance.¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>Anything </b>is fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have <b>Martha </b>follow the nutritionist¡¯s rmendations, then.¡±

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    After some thought, <b>Josiah </b>asked. ¡°Are you free this weekend!¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Mom <b>called </b>me this morning. She¡¯s moving back to the old house this weekend. It¡¯s <b>a </b>kind of housewarming. She hopes you cane for a meal¡±

    Lysander said nothing.

    Josiah added, ¡°If you feel ufortable. I <b>can </b>invite Aiden and Zane too. You can bring <b>Daphne </b>along. More people make it merrier. <b>And </b>don¡¯t forget the kitten. Mom <b>loves </b>small animals and asked me to bring

    Lysander <b>said</b>, ¡°You take <b>the </b>cat. I have ns this weekend.¡±

    Josiah immediately tensed up. ¡°With whom?¡±

    ¡°A lot of people.¡±

    ¡°Men or women?¡±

    ¡°Men.

    Josiah eximed, ¡°A lot of men?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s first reaction was, ¡°Did Daphne arrange this again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not Daphne this time. She¡¯s been very busytely, but she¡¯ll join me.¡±

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face grew increasingly grim.

    Two <b>young </b>women and a multitude of <b>men</b><b>.</b>

    He couldn¡¯t help but think of <b>inappropriate </b>ces and scenarios, but he didn¡¯t dare say it.

    ¡°Is it something like Skywatch?¡±

    Lysander looked up <b>and </b>asked, ¡°Are you going to stop me?¡±

    ¡°<b>No</b>, I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    He¡¯d been to Skywatch himself, so he had <b>no </b>right to stop her.

    He rubbed his nose <b>and </b>weakly said, ¡°Lysander, men and women do face different risks in such matters. Women can get the short end of the stick. You need to stay safe.¡±

    ¡°That ce is very safe.¡±

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    Chapter 581 She Is Single Now

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    Harborbrook Fifth High School <b>had </b>a long history. If traced back, it started as a girls¡® school during the mid¨Ctwentieth century.

    Over time, it underwent many changes and was eventually managed by the government and renamed Harborbrook Fifth High School.

    It had a history spanning over a hundred years.

    Daphne had already called her about this matterst month, emphasizing that the one¨Chundred¨Cand- thirtieth anniversary of the school¡¯s founding was a significant event.

    Their ex¨Css representative called everyone early on to <b>notify </b>them, urging all who coulde back to make an effort.

    After all, most of the teachers who had taught them were nearing retirement, and this might be thest major <b>event </b>they could participate in together.

    Lysander attended the school for six years, three in middle school and three in high school, and <b>had </b>fond memories of every part of it.

    When she arrived, Daphne had already been waiting at the school gate for a while.

    Upon meeting. Daphneined, ¡°Not having a car is so inconvenient. It takes me just ten minutes to drive here from home, but today, it took nearly an hour by bus!¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you take a taxi?¡±

    Daphne chuckled, ¡°I¡¯m trying to <b>save </b>money. The money Ms. Lionhart gave me has to be spent wisely. I can¡¯t betray her trust! By the way, did the ss representative tell you that you¡¯re supposed to give a speech <b>as </b>an <b>outstanding </b>alumna<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Not only did the ss representative tell me, <b>but </b>Mr. Calderon also sent me a message.¡±

    Feeling proud, Daphne put her arm around Lysander¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Who could me them? Back then, Mr. Owen liked you the most. He always said you were a good candidate for Harfush University or Apex University. Who knew that incident would happen? It¡¯s my fault. I dragged you down. Otherwise<b>, </b>you would <b>have </b>gone to Apex University.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t really put it that way. Sometimes, it¡¯s just like they say, life¡¯s full of unexpected turns. Remember <b>when </b>you <b>were </b>so distraught, one moment wanting to jump off a building, the next off into the sea? I had to keep a close eye on you. I couldn¡¯t just stand by and let you harm yourself, could I?*

    Daphne whimpered, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve always felt guilty about it over the years. In some way, it was because of me <b>that </b><b>you</b>¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s been over ten years. Talking about it now is pointless. Besides, I like studying medicine. Even if I had gotten into Apex University, I would have probably gone to medical school, and I¡¯d still end up as a doctor. Different <b>paths </b>lead to the sam¨¦ destination.¡±

    Hearing this, Daphne felt a bit better<b>.</b>

    They strolled leisurely along the campus paths.

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    However, Lysander was reminded of something.

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    H¡¯asn¡®? Josiah an undergraduate at Apex University? He wanted to go to university <i>in </i>Apez City with Lysanne, so he didn¡¯t choose to study abroad. Yet, he <b>stayed</b>, and Lysanne left. She not only left but also got married and had children abroad. How did he feel when he heard the news<b>?</b>

    Daphne walked toward the academic building, feeling nostalgic. ¡°We never had such luck during our school days. Having a day off for the school celebration! Look at these windows and doors; they¡¯re all new.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, students now have it much better than we did.¡±

    Just then, a middle¨Caged man with a slight bald <b>patch </b>called out to them, ¡°Lysander, Harper!¡±

    Lysander instinctively responded<b>, </b>¡°Mr. Calderon.¡±

    Daphne nudged her. ¡°He¡¯s the principal now.¡±

    Lysander was a bit surprised but thought it made sense.

    Throughout his life, <b>Noah </b>Calderon had dedicated himself to educating others. With ample experience and a strong reputation, he was unquestionably qualified to <b>take </b>on the role of a principal.

    ¡°Mr. Calderon,¡±

    Noahughed heartily. ¡°It¡¯s been many years. You became a doctor, so why can¡¯t I get promoted?¡±

    ¡°Of course, you were already a state¨Clevel outstanding teacher back then. Bing a principal was just a matter of time<b>,¡±</b>

    ¡°Tsk 1sk, Lysander, you used to be such a quiet kid. I haven¡¯t seen you in years, and you¡¯ve learned to tter like a pro

    Lysander spread her hands and <b>said</b>, ¡°Mr. Calderon, you may not be aware, but the rtionship between doctors and patients is currently strained. Being a doctor requires emotional intelligence these days.¡±

    Noahughed even more heartily. ¡°Oh, you, Lysander. It¡¯s perfect timing that you¡¯re back. I need you to help me out here and guide your junior ssmates. The college entrance exams are fast approaching, <b>and </b>all they seem to care about is having fun. It¡¯s stressing me out to the point where my hair¡¯s turning white.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Calderon, you said the same thing when we were in our senior year. Your hair is still quite ck after all these years.¡±

    Noah whispered, ¡°It¡¯s dyed. My wife insisted I do it to look younger.¡±

    Lysander nodded earnestly. ¡°Mr

    Calderon is right.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡°Okay, stop ttering my wife. Get ready to show these kids what our outstanding alumni can do!¡±

    The celebration ceremony was for the whole school. Since the auditorium couldn¡¯t hold everyone, it was held on the school¡¯srgest synthetic field. All the hosts and speakers on stage were outstanding alumni.

    On stage, from the host to the guest speakers, all roles were filled by distinguished alumni.

    When it was Lysander¡¯s turn to take the stage, it elicited a wave of gasps from the audience below.

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    The previous alumni speakers were either worn¨Cout programmers or middle¨Caged businessmen, all sessful in their fields but not very engaging to the students.

    Finally, a young, beautiful alumma appeared, instantly captivating everyone, especially the male alumni in the front row, who started to stir<b>.</b>

    ¡°Which batch is this beauty from?¡±

    ¡°One year below us. I know her. She was a famous genius in high school.¡±

    ¡°Is she married? Is she married?¡±

    ¡°If she¡¯s one year below us, she isn¡¯t that young anymore. And she¡¯s so pretty, so I guess she¡¯s probably already <b>taken</b>.¡±

    Daphne happened to be seated in the row closest to the students. When Lysander <b>got </b>onto the stage, she pped even more enthusiastically.

    She even stoked their curiosity. ¡°She¡¯s single now.¡±

    Themotion grew louder.

    Feeling delighted, Daphne gave Lysander a thumbs¨Cup,

    Lysander was dressed simply, her face bare of any makeup. Her long hair was casually draped over her back. When she stood on the stage, she didn¡¯t seem much older <b>than </b><b>the </b>high school student passing the microphone.

    After thanking them with a slight smile, she began her speech in a manner entirely different from the previous few <b>alumni</b>.

    ¡°Let me introduce myself. My name is Lysander Thorne, I graduated from Harborbrook Fifth High School ten years ago and went on to study at Harborbrook Medical University. I am now working in the obstetrics and gynecology department at Central Hospital¡±

    Harborbrook Medical University was one of the best in the city, and its medical program was notoriouslypetitive. Combined with the prestigious Central Hospital, her credentials were immediately impressive.

    Earlier, the high school students who were discussing her appearance simultaneously let out a collective ¡°wow¡°,

    Noah led the apuse from below the stage.

    Lysander had memorized her speech by heart and began to improvise a bit.

    ¡°Today, upon my return here, apart from noticing the changes in the school, my greatest reward has been meeting <b>so </b>many charming juniors. I¡¯m sure everyone here is working hard <b>for </b>a better future. Of course, <b>at </b>your stage, effort is the most important way <b>to </b>get closer to your <b>dreams</b><b>.</b>¡±

    The students sighed in disappointment at the clich¨¦d advice.

    ¡°I <b>thought </b>this senior would say something different, but it¡¯s the same old stuff.¡±

    ¡°All the alumni who spoke today <b>were </b>invited by Mr. Calderon. What else could you possibly expect from

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    the people he invites?¡±

    ¡°Tch, boring¡­

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    Just as the students were about to politely apud, Lysander changed the course of the conversation.

    ¡°However. I don¡¯t believe there¡¯s only one path to a better future. While studying is important, there are many other things in life. It¡¯s crucial to pursue a life you aspire to <b>and </b>work in a field you love. That¡¯s also pretty cool.¡±

    This time, without Noah leading, the students spontaneously apuded Lysander. A bold male student in the crowd eximed, ¡°You¡¯re right! I want to be an excellent esports yer and <b>lead </b>Ecron to the top of the world!¡±

    Lysander nced in his direction and smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean you can ck off and do whatever you want now. I just want everyone to know that the time you spend striving for your dreams during your student days is the most wonderful memory of life.¡±

    ¡°Results are the most honest. <b>You </b>reap what you sow. But humans are emotional creatures. If you lose happiness, then even a life of hard <b>work </b>will be painful. Learning is like the digits zero and one, meaningful only when following other numbers¡±

    The senior students in their final year were tired of hearing their various teachers nagging every day. They immediately apuded when they heard such vivid metaphors from Lysander.

    Daphne quickly captured her shining moment on stage in a video and recorded some cheers from her ssmates, then promptly posted it on her Instagram.

    Her caption read: Who knows which lucky guy will have this honor in the future? I¡¯ll fight him to the death!

    As soon as she refreshed, Zane, who was active online,mented.

    Zane: Can I sign up on behalf of Josiah first?

    Daphne replied immediately: Where¡¯s my knife?

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    Chapter5821WasMarriedOnce

    Noahsawthepositiveresponsetothespeechanddidn¡¯tstopit.AfterLysanderfinished,headdedaQ&A-

    session.

    Thestudentswereexceptionallyenthusiastic,

    Lysanderfirstpointedtoanearbygirlwholookedshy<b>and</b>quiet.

    ¡°Hello,Ms.Thome.¡±Seeingherencouraginggaze,thegirlpluckeduphercouragetoask,¡°Howdoyoumanagetospeakinfrontof<b>so</b>manypeoplewithoutfeelingnervous?¡±

    Lysanderblinkedandchuckled.¡°Well,Idogetnervoussometimes.IfIdidn¡¯t,Iwouldn¡¯t havepreparedmyspeechinadvance.¡±

    Anearbystudenteximed,¡°Ms.Thorne,evensomeone<b>as</b>capableasyouneedtoprepareinadvance?¡±

    Thegirlcontinued,¡°Ms.Thorne,canyoutellushowtobeanexcellentdoctor?Orrmendsomeprofessionalbooks?¡±

    Lysanderconsideredherquestion.¡°It¡¯sabitearlyforthat<b>now</b><b>.</b>Wecantalkaboutthatafterthecollegeentrance examwhenyou¡¯vedecidedonyourfuturepath.¡±

    Thefollowingquestionsfromstudentsbecamebolder.

    SomeoneaskedaboutthebrandofLysander¡¯scoat,promptinghertocasuallytakeitoffanddisyit.¡°Isuggestbuyingduringoff¨Cseasonsales.Igot mineatathirtypercentdiscount,<b>so</b>itshouldbecheaper

    now,

    Asteenagegirlswereinterestedinfashion,theynotedheroutfit,preparingtostudyitafterthecollege.

    entrance exam.

    Amidstthelivelyatmosphere,amalestudent,encouragedbyhispeers,blushedandasked,¡°Ms.Thorne,you¡¯resobeautifndtalented.Doyou<b>have</b>aboyfriendnow?¡±

    Laughtereruptedaroundhim, apaniedbysometeasing.

    Clearlyparedtothosemundaneanddullquestions,everyonepreferredhearingthe<b>juicy</b>gossip.

    Themalestudent¡¯shomeroomteacherinterjectedangrily,¡°Stopaskingyourseniortheseinappropriatequestions!¡±

    ¡°Justasking¡­

    ¡°What¡¯sthepoint?Willshebeinterestedinyou?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯shardto<b>say</b>.¡±

    ¡°Youwish¡­¡±

    Thehomeroomteacherwassofuriousthatheraisedhishandtostrike,yethishandgentlydescended<b>without</b>makingcontact.

    The studentmadeexaggeratedsounds,provokinughterfromeveryone.

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    Finished!

    Theyoungmanwasseatedtowardthefront,asightthatdidn¡¯tescapeLysander.Shecouldn¡¯thelpbutbreakintoaslightsmile.

    ¡°I<b>got</b>married.¡±

    Herwordsweredrownedoutbymurmurs<b>of</b>surprisefromtheaudience.

    ¡°See,Itoldyou.Beautiesarerareresourcesthatdon¡¯tcircteinsociety.¡±

    ¡°Ah,suchapity¡­¡±

    Lysanderpausedforamoment,thencontinuedintothereceiver,finishingthesentencethathadbeendrownedoutearlier.¡°ButI¡¯mdivorcednow.¡±

    Thistime,thmotionfromtheaudiencewasevengreaterthanbefore.Seeingthattheycouldn¡¯tcontrolthesituation,thehomeroomteachersfromeachgradesimplyletthemmakenoise.

    Lysandertookchargeofmaintainingorder.¡°Anyotherquestions?¡±

    ThestudentswereparticrlyobedienteventhoughitwastheirfirsttimeseeingLysander.

    Immediately,someonestoodupandasked,¡°Yes!Didyouhaveaboyfriendbackinhighschool,Ms.Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Actually,no.¡±

    ¡°Wasitbecauseyoudidn¡¯tlikeanyone,orweretheteachersstrict?¡±

    ¡°Both,Iguess

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,thenyourhusband¡­sorry,ex¨Chusband,washe<b>your</b>firstlove?¡±

    Meanwhile,Josiah<b>was</b>walkingwiththedeanunder thepergonthesideoftheygroundwhenhesuddenlystoppedinhistracks.Heturnedhis<b>head</b>towardthenoisymainstage,

    Afterabriefscan,lockedeyesonLysander,whowaspatientlywaitingforthestudents¡®astonishmenttosubside.

    AfewschoolleaderssurroundingJosiahrecognizedLysander.

    Withaproudexpression,oneofthemintroducedher,¡°Mr.Guerra,thepersonspeakingonstageisoneofouroutstandinggraduatesnamedLysanderThorne.Don¡¯tbefooledbyheryoungage<b>as</b>she¡¯sverysessful.Sheenteredmedicalschoolwithtopscores.IcouldalreadyseeherfuturesesswhenIwasherteacher.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sbrowstwitchedslightly,his¡¯expressionseeminglyunchangedasheresponded,¡°Isee.¡±

    Thedeadthoughttheintroductiockedweightandadded,¡°Heracademicperformancehasalwaysbeenexcellent.Afterthecollegeentranceexam,shebroughthonortoourschoolbywinningthetopschrshipinthecity.Theschrshipfundyou¡¯ve<b>set</b>upthistimeistohelpstudentslikeherfromlessprivilegedbackgrounds.It¡¯scontributingtothewholesociety!¡±

    ¡°Ijustdon¡¯twanttoseetalentedstudents gounnoticed.¡±

    Josiahturnedslightly.facingthedirectionoftheygroundwithadistantgaze.

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    Theschoolleadersaroundhimnoticedhisinterestintheceremonyandquicklyledhimtowardthefield.

    AsthecurrentmajordonorofFifthHighSchool,itwasonlynaturalforJosiahtositinthefrontrowbesideNoah.ThiscedhimdirectlyinfrontofDaphine.

    Daphnedidn¡¯tneedtothinktwicetoguesshisintentions.Temptedtokickhimunderthecircumstances,sherefrained,onlygivingacoldsnort.¡°Whyareyouhere?¡±

    Thedeanrecognizedher.¡°Daphne?DoyouknowMr.Guerra?¡±

    Daphnerolledhereyes.¡°No,Idon¡¯t.¡±

    Josiahintervened,¡°Theschoolhasbeen<b>wanting</b>toestablishaschrshipfundsimrtoafinanciidprogram,aimedathelpingoutstandingstudentsfromlessprivilegedfamilies.Iwasinvitedtoattendtheschonniversarycelebrationandalsotoassesstheschool¡¯ssituation.¡±

    Daphnefrowned.¡°Charitywork?¡±

    ¡°Somethinglikethat?¡±

    ¡°Oh,thenIwon¡¯targuewithyoutoday.Justdonatemoremoneytoourschool.¡±

    Josiahchuckledlightly,turningbacktofacethestage.

    Lysanderstoodtallwithadignifiedposture,hertonegentleanddemeanorwarm.Whenthesunlightfellonher,itcreatedacharmingauraaroundher.

    Then,JosiahheardLysandersay,¡°Iwonderhow<b>you</b>definefirstlove.Isitmutuffection,ordoes.unrequitedlovecount?¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,youwerebothmarried,sowasn¡¯titmutuffection<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Mysituationwithhimwasratheplicated,It¡¯shardtoexininjustafewwords.¡±Lysanderdivertedthetopic.¡°Anyway,timeisalmostup.Wehaveotheractivitiesnned.I¡¯mdtoshareourfeelingswitheveryoday.Ihopeyouallhaveabrightandhappyfuture.¡±

    Lysandergesturedthatherspeechwasover,handingthemicrophonebacktothehost.

    ¡°Great,thankyoufortoday¡¯sspeech,Ms.Thorne.Let¡¯sgiveherawarmroundofapuse¡­¡±

    Amalestudent,wearingabasketballvestunderneathhisopenschooljacket,stoodupfromthebackrow.¡°Wait,Ms.Thorne!¡±

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    Lysanderhaltedinhertracks.

    Thehostasked,¡°DoyouhaveanyotherquestionsforMs.Thorne?¡±

    Finished

    Theboywastandthin,yethisvoicerangoutclearly,¡°Ms.Thorne,whattypeofguydoyoulike?¡±

    ¡°Wow!Aliveconfession!¡±

    ¡°Whichssdoesthisbravesoulbelongto?¡±

    ¡°Ithinkit¡¯sJosephSanfordfromtheschoolbasketballteam¡­

    ¡°Ah,Isee!¡±

    Lysanderfurrowedherbrowslightly.Shetookthemicrophonebackfromthehostandreplied,¡°Honestly,

    I¡¯mnotsure.¡±

    Thisanswerdidn¡¯tsatisfyJoseph.Hegrinned,showingasetofwhiteteeth.¡°Whatdoyouthinkaboutme?¡±

    Noahdidn¡¯texpectJosiahtowitnesssuchascenerightaftersittingdown.Tuggingat hisremaininghair,heexined,¡°Mr.Guerra,ourschool¡¯satmosphereisusuallyverydisciplined,andtheacademicfocus<b>is</b>strong.Today,it¡¯sjustbecauseoftheschool anniversarythateveryoneisabitmorerxed¡­¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯tturnhishead,stilllookingexpressionlesslyatthestage.¡°What¡¯sthatstudent¡¯sname?¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡±Noahquicklyanswered,¡°HisnameisJosephSanford.He¡¯sasenioratourschondanoutstandingathlete,particrlyinbasketball.He¡¯sevenastaterepresentative.¡±

    Josiahnoddedslightly.¡°Isee.¡±

    his

    ¡°Thisboyisveryoutgoingandgetsalongwellwitheveryone.Actually,ifitweren¡¯tfortheagegap,1personalitywoulplementLysander¡¯squitewell.Oneisintroverted,theotherisextroverted.Buts.theagedifferenceistoogreat.¡±

    AssoonasNoahfinishedspeaking,Josephcuppedhishandsaroundhismouthandshoutedtowardthestage,¡°Ms.Thorne,Imaybeyoung,butI¡¯mingreatshape!¡±

    -Assoonasthesewordswerespoken,thewholeceimmediatelyeruptedintochaos.

    Eventhehostblushedslightly,tryingtosmooththingsover,¡°Thisstudent reallyknowshowtojoke.WellMs.Thorne,thankyouforyourspeech.Youcanrestnow.¡±

    Lysanderpolitelynodded.¡°Okay.¡±

    Assoonasshesteppedoffthestage,shesighedinrelief.

    Today¡¯skidswerebolderthanh¨¦rgeneration.

    <b>Daphne</b>waved.¡°Lysander,overhere!<b>¡±</b>

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    Chapter583IAmDivorcedToo

    Shewalked overtositnexttoDaphne,rightbehindJosiah.

    Daphnughed.¡°Goodjob,bestie!Youmademeproud!¡±

    ¡°<b>Just</b>forgivingaspeech?¡±

    Finished

    ¡°Notjustanyspeech¨Cgettingapublonfessionfromacutejunior!That¡¯sthehighlight!Youhaven¡¯treallydatedseriously,andnowthatyou¡¯redivorced,it¡¯stimetoenjoybeingpursuedand makeupforlost

    time.¡±

    ¡°Please,he¡¯sinhissenioryear.I¡¯mnearlytenyearsolderthanhim,anddivorced.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    ¡°Sowhatifyou¡¯redivorced?Kidsthesedaysdon¡¯tcareaboutthat.Iftheyfallinlove,they¡¯llgoforithead-

    on¡­

    Noahcalledout.¡°Lysander.¡±

    Lysanderturnedaround.¡°Mr.Calderon.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°AllowmetointroduceyoutoMr.GuerrafromGuerraGroup,whonstoestablishaschrshipfundforourschooltohelpmoreunderprivilegedstudentsachievetheircollegedreams.¡±

    Lysanderlookedup,meetingJosiah¡¯sgaze.

    Hewaslookingrightather.

    Bracingherself,Lysandergreeted,¡°Hello,Mr.Guerra.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Hello,Ms.Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Mr.Calderon,Idon¡¯trecallyoumentioningbeforeabouttheschoolsettingupanykindofschrship?¡±

    ¡°Actually,we¡¯vebeenpreparingitforalongtimebutcouldn¡¯tfindaninvestor.WhenIapproachedGuerraGroup,Ididn¡¯thavemuchhope,butMr.Guerrashowedgreatinterestintheprojectandeventooktimetoattendouranniversarycelebration!¡±

    NoahthenbegantointroduceLysandertoJosiah.

    ¡°Mr.Guerra,thisisLysander,mymostaplishedstudent.Amongthealumniwhoattendedtoday¡¯sevent,sheiscertainlyoneofthemostoutstanding.Notonlyisshehardworking,butshealsohasanexceptionalcharacter.Theonlyshoringisthatherpersonallifehasn¡¯tbeenquitesmooth.Ican¡¯tunderstandwhocouldbesoblindastoletherdown.¡±

    Josiahresponded,¡°Shewon¡¯tbeletdownanymore.¡±

    TheformteacherapanyingNoahtookJosiah¡¯sseeminglyout¨Cof¨Ccontextstatement<b>as</b>ablessingandagreed,¡°Absolutely,Lysanderissooutstanding;shedeserveshappiness.Mynephewusedtobeher

    sqssmate,andhe¡¯snowteachingatourschool.MaybeIcouldintroducethem.¡±

    Daphneperkedup.¡°Mr.Owen,/isyournephewSimonWilcox?¡±

    ¡°Yes,fromthesameyearasyou.¡±

    Chapter583IAmDivorcedToo

    Owenwavedhishanddismissively.¡°He¡¯snotchubbyanymore.Nowhe¡¯sleanandtall<b>,</b>incrediblyhandsome.¡±

    ¡°Really?ThenwemustintroducehimtoLysander!¡±

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    ¡°Ofcourse,wewill.Let¡¯shandletheimportantstufffirst.Don¡¯tleaveafterthecelebration,andI¡¯llhavehim<be</b>over¡­¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressiondarkened,¡°HewasassmateofMs.Thorne?Whatsubjectdoesheteach?¡±

    ¡°Physics,¡±repliedOwen.

    ¡°Whatarehiscareeradvancementprospects?¡±

    Owenwastakenaback.¡°Careeradvancement?Ifhecontinuesteaching,itwouldbethroughrecognition,bingamunicipallevelexcellentteacher,thenastatelevelexcellentteacher.¡±

    ¡°Whatabouthisie?¡±

    ¡°Onceyou¡¯rerecognizedforexcellence,there¡¯sanannualsubsidy,¡±Owensaid.¡°Beingateacherisactuallyquitegood.Yougetwinterandsummerbreaks,andjobstability.Besides,ourschoolisatop¨Cratedinstitution.Thefutureispromising.¡±

    Josiahloweredhisgazeandchuckled.¡°Shehasmoreoutstandingsuitorsaroundher.Shemightnotbeinterestedinyournephew.¡±

    Owenfeltabitawkward,¡°Lysander,doyouhaveaboyfriend?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°ThenwhydidMr.Guerrasay¡­Wait,doyoutwoknoweachother?¡±

    NoahlookedbetweenLysanderand Josiah,strugglingtounderstand.

    Lysanderremainedsilent.Notwantingtogotoofarinfrontofherteachers,Josiahreluctantlysettledforalessdirectexnation,¡°Wehavesomework¨Crtedinteractions.¡±

    ¡°Oh,Isee.¡±Owencontinued,¡°Whatacoincidence.Mynephewrecentlydivorcedandhasnochildren.Ijustthoughttheyhadsharedexperiences,whichwouldleadtoastablertionship.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressiondarkenedfurther.¡°Interesting.I¡¯malsodivorced.¡±

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 Chapter 584

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    Noahcouldn¡¯tthinkofanythingelsetosay.Hechuckledandfellsilent.

    #Finished

    Astheyweretalking,assmatecamerunningoverfromthesidewhilehunchedover,callingoutinahushedtone.¡°Ms.Thome!¡±

    Lysanderlookeduptoseearatheradorableyounggindasked,¡°What¡¯sthematter?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­Josephtoldmetoaskyouonhisbehalfwhetheryoucouldconsiderhim.Heis seriousaboutyou.¡±

    Withaslightsmile,Lysanderreplied,¡°I¡¯msorry,butIwon¡¯tconsiderminors.It¡¯sagainstthw.¡±

    Josiahwasstruckspeechless.

    NoahandOwenwerelikewisedumbfounded.

    ¡°Then,oncehesofage,couldyouconsiderhim?¡±

    ¡°Thesekidstrulyaren¡¯tfocusedontheirstudies.Whatkindofquestionsaretheyasking?¡±Noahshookhisheaduponhearingthat.Justashewasabouttoexinthingstothefinancialbackerbesidehim,hewasintimidatedbytheman¡¯sdispleasedexpression.

    Hisface<b>was</b>asckasthunder<b>.</b>

    Noahchastisedlowly,¡°Can¡¯tJosephnotmaketroubleforonce?You¡¯reanotherone.Whyareyouindulginghim?Tellhimtogethisgradesupquickly.Heshouldn¡¯tckoff justbecausehe¡¯sasportspecializationstudent,andtheacademicrequirementsarelowerforhim.¡±

    Thegirlnodded.¡°Okay.I¡¯llgobackandtellhimthat.¡±

    ¡°Goon¡­Whyareyoustillhere?¡±

    Thegirl¡¯s<b>face</b>suddenlyturned beetred.ShelookedatJosiah,stammering.¡°Handsome,doyouhaveagirlfriend?¡±

    Noahwasinstantlyenraged.¡°Areallofyoutryingtorebel?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡±Josiahanswered.

    Thegirlfeltsomewhatembarrassedandcouldonlynod.¡°Oh,allright.Sorryforintruding

    Then,shewalked<b>away</b>dejectedly.

    Josiahlookedup,meetingLysander¡¯sgaze.Heteased,¡°Ms.Thorne,youseemquitepoprwiththeoppositesex.¡±

    ¡°Thesamegoesforyou,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mdifferent.Ihavesomeone,Ilike,soIrejectothersdefinitivelywithoutleavinganyroomforspection.¡±

    ¡°Doyoumean thatmyrejectionwasn¡¯tdefinitiveenough,Mr.Guerra?¡±

    1/3

    NotConsiderMinors

    Finished

    Theschonniversarycelebrationtookuptheentiremorning.Theafternoonwasreservedfor freeactivities.

    Formerssmatesreconnectedandalsometupwiththeirteachersinthepast,catchinguponeachother¡¯srecentlives.

    JustasLysanderwasnningtoleave,Joseph,whohadpreviouslyconfessedhisfeelingstoherloudly,came runningoveragain.

    Amonghispeers,Josephstoodoutduetohisheight.Hebreezed<b>past</b>hisssmatesandextendedaninvitationtoLysanderenthusiastically.¡°Ms.Thorne,there¡¯sanintramuralbasketbalpetitionthisafternoon.I¡¯mthepowerforward.Wouldyouliketeandwatch?¡±

    Thinkingofherschedulethenextday,Lysanderinstinctivelywantedtodecline.¡°Ihaveworkintheafternoon,soImightnotbeableto-¡±

    However,Daphnefirmlytuggedather.¡°Sure!We¡¯llbethere!¡±

    Josephwasoverjoyed.¡°Then,it¡¯ssettled. Seeyouatthebasketballcourt ontheeastsideofthecampusinhalfanhour!¡±

    Nosooner hadhefinishedspeakingthanhecalledouttohisfriends,turnedaround,andranoffwithoutgivingLysanderachancetoexin.

    Lysandercouldonly askDaphneusingly,¡°Whydidyougivehimhope?It¡¯snotlikeI¡¯deveragreetodatehim.Besides,there¡¯snothinginterestingaboutwatchingbasketball.¡±

    Daphne¡¯seyessparkledwithexcitement.¡°Howcould<b>you</b>saythat?Thebasketballteamisfullofyoungmen!Iwanttowatchthem!Haveyouforgottenthatmypartnerselectioncriteriahavebeenupdatedtoversion3.0?Ineedtoscopeouttheprospectsinadvance.¡±

    Lysanderwasbewildered.¡°Whendiditevenreach<b>3.0</b>?Ididn¡¯tevenknowabout2.0.¡±

    the

    uldbeleft

    ¡°Version2.0iswhatImentionedtoyosttimeabout<b>finding</b>acapablepersontomanagewhileIwouldtakecareofhiswomanandchild.Butthen,Ithoughtaboutitanddecideditforthefuture.I¡¯dbebetterofffindingafewyoungmenfirst,likethosetan¨Cskinnedsports<b>science</b>students.Itwouldbeagreat experience!Comee,let¡¯sgo!¡±

    AsDaphnespoke,shedraggedLysandertowardthebasketballcourt.

    NeitherofthemrememberedthatJosiahwasstillsittingbeneaththemainstage.

    JosiahwatchedasLysander¡¯sfigurerecededintothedistance,hislipspressedintoathinline.

    Noahlookedatthestudentughingandfoolingaround attheothersideandcouldn¡¯thelpbument,¡°Thecollegeentranceexamiingupthisterm,yetthey¡¯restillyingbasketball.HadIknown,Iwouldn¡¯thavegiventhemahalf¨Cdayoff.¡±

    Outoftheblue,Josiahasked,¡°ThatJosephmustbequitepopr<b>with</b>girls,right?¡±

    ¡°Yes.He¡¯sthemostfamoussportspecializationstudentandisreallygoodatbasketball.Everytimethere¡¯sagame,heattractsahordeofgirlstocheerhimon.Ofthelovelettersweconfiscated,hehasthemostloveletters,somuchsothatitevenaffectedhisaveragescoreinthemockexam.¡±

    Noahcouldn¡¯thelpbutsighrepeatedly.

    2/3

    Chapter 584IWillNotConsiderMinors

    Josiahstoodupandsaidindifferently,¡°Sincehe¡¯ssoimpressive,I¡¯ll goandseeformyself.¡±

    Finished

    Noahhurriedlyfollowedandevenintendedtobringotherleadersalong.AfterbeingrejectedbyJosiah,hecouldonlywatch<b>as</b>themanwentofftotheeastsideofthe campusalone.

    Thebasketballcourtontheeastsideofthecampuswassituatedindoors,surroundedbyspectatorseats<b>on</b>

    allsides.

    Assoon<b>as</b>LysanderandDaphneappeared,girlswhohadstakedoutseatsinadvanceimmediatelygreetedthem.¡°Ms.Thorneeoverhere!Theviewisgreatfromhere!¡±

    Afterthankingthem,DaphnepulledLysanderalongtositamongthem.

    Thpetitionhadalreadykickedoffonthecourt.Theboyswereallsweatingbuckets,theonughtofyouthfulhormones overwhelming.

    Daphnewasutterlypleasedwiththeshow.SheturnedtoLysander<b>and</b>said,¡°Look,isn¡¯ttheboywhojustinvitedyoutheonewhoperformsthebest?Unexpectedly,he¡¯strulyquitetalented.<b>¡±</b>

    Josephwasnotexaggeratingatall.Hewasindeedthepowerforwardonthecourt.Dressedinapurewhitejerseywithamatchingheadbandholdinghishairuphigh,hegentlyshookoffthesweatfromhishead.Thatsimpleactionelicitedachorusofsoftsquealsfromthegirls.

    Followingthat,hetookadvantageofhisheightandskillstosinkseveralthree¨Cpointers<b>in</b>arow.Thegirlsoutsidethecourtbegantocheerforhimloudly,unabletocontaintheirexcitementanylonger.

    Thpetitionthatdaywasafriendlymatchspeciallyarrangedfortheschonniversary.Bythetimethefirsthalfofitwasnearingitsend,thescoregaphadalreadybeguntowiden.

    Josephskillfullydribbledtheballonthecourt.SpottingLysanderintheaudience,heshoutedouttoherinfrontofeveryoneonthebasketballcourt,¡°Ms.Thorne,ifIwinthipetition,wouldyougotothemovieswithme?¡±

    Onthecourt,allthebasketballyerswerehisfriends.Atthatmoment,theytookontheroleofhelpingtheatmospherealong,chorusinginunison,¡°Sayyes!Sayyes!¡±

    Evensomegirlswhohadfeelingsfor Josephwereinfluencedbytheatmosphere.TheyturnedtheirheadstolookatLysander.

    Everyonebuzzedwithexcitement.OnlyLysanderremainednomittal.

    Addingfueltothefire,Daphneholleredback,¡°Thatdependsonyourperformance,Handsome!¡±

    Hearingthat,Josephsaluted.¡°Watch,myperformance,then,Ms.Thorne!¡±

    DaphnewassocaptivatedthatshepattedLysanderonthearm.¡°HowhadIneverrealizedhowappealingyoungmenwere?LookatJoseph.He¡¯ssoyoungandpassionate.Josiah,anoldmaninhisthirties,isn¡¯thisN?velDrama.Org content.

    matchatall!¡±

    SendGifts

 Chapter 585

    Chapter585TheShowdown

    LysanderremindedDaphne,saying,¡°<b>Wake</b>up.That¡¯saminor.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mnotgoingtodoanything.I¡¯mjustlooking-

    Finished

    BeforeDaphnehadevenfinishedspeaking,therefereewhistled,signalingtheendofthefirst<b>half</b>ofthpetition.Asexpected<b>,</b>Joseph¡¯steamhadthelead.

    Whenitwasthesecond<b>half</b>,thingssuddenlycametoahalt.Alongtimepassed,butthewhistlesignaling

    Daphnewassomewhatanxious.¡°What¡¯sgoingon?Whathappened?¡±

    Agirlbesideherexined.¡°Itseemsayeronteamfivehastoleave,sothey¡¯reshorta<b>yer</b><b>.¡±</b>

    ¡°Is<b>that</b>Joseph¡¯steam?¡±

    ¡°No.It¡¯stheirrival<b>team</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Daphnebecameevenmoreanxious.¡°Doesthismeanthebasketbalpetitioncan¡¯t<b>go</b>on?¡±

    *Itdependsonwhethertheycangetsomeoneelse.Butmanyofthoseinthesenioryearhavebeencalledbackbytheteachers,sowecanonlyseeifanyfreshmenorsophomoreswould<be</b><b>to</b>standin.¡±

    Rightafterthegirlhadsaid<b>that</b>,afamiliarfigureappearedatthebasketballcourt¡¯sentrance.

    Thegirlspresentletoutanotherroundofcheer.

    Daphne¡¯sbrowsfurrowed.¡°Doeshereallyhavethatmuchfreetime?Attendingtheschonniversaryishing,butheevencametowatchthebasketbalpetition?¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent.

    AsJosiahwalked,hecasuallyunbuttonedhissuitjacket.

    Then,heundidhistieinafewswiftmovementsandcasuallytossedhisjacketontoachairatthesideofthecourt.LookingatJoseph,hesaidmildly,¡°Iheardyou¡¯reonthestate¡¯sbasketballteam.¡±¡°

    Josephpuffedouthischestandliftedhischin.¡°Indeed.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s<b>voice</b>droppedlow.¡°Itseemslikethey¡¯reshort ofayerontheotherteam,anditlooksliketheywon¡¯tbeabletogetanyoneelseforawhile.Howabout¡­Igiveitatry?¡±

    Josephhadnorecollectionofthe<b>man</b>.<b>But</b>whenheheardthat,hipetitivespiritzed,¡°Sure.Butdoyouhaveajerseyandsneakers<b>?</b>Competingindressshoesdefinitelywon¡¯tbe<b>as</b>convenientassneakers,andevenifIwin,itwouldn¡¯tbeafairvictory.¡±

    Josiahsmiled.¡°That¡¯sifyouwin

    Uponseeingthat,everyoneelsehadnoobjectionseither.Theymerelywaitedforthebreaktoendbeforethmencementofthe<b>second</b><b>half</b>ofthpetition.

    Allthestudentsinthe<b>audience</b>knewwasthatJosiahpreviouslysatwiththeprincipal.Atthatpoint,they

    1/4

    Finished

    waslikelyanesteemedalumnus,whileothersthoughthemightbeapartnerbroughtinbytheprincipal.

    Amidstthesurroundingchatter,Daphine tuggedatLysander¡¯ssleeve,whispering,¡°DoesJosiahknowhowtoybasketball?¡±

    Lysandertrulydidn¡¯tknowtheanswertothat.

    Shehadneverseenhimyorevenheardofit.

    Therefore,sheshookherheadhonestly.

    ¡°No?¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯tknow.¡±

    ¡°Wow,youtwoasacouplereallyare¡­

    Meanwhile,Josiahsensedsomethingandlookedupattheaudience.Hisgazewasdarkandunfathomable,andheexudedanauraofcalmnessbeforethestorm.

    Withanonchntexpression,LysanderncedathimbrieflybeforeshiftinghergazetowardJosephfromhim.

    Beep!

    Therefereeblewthewhistle.

    Josiahretractedhisgaze,castingacold,sidelong nceatJoseph,whowasuntingaway.

    Noteventenminutesintothpetition,theaudienceinthestandsallheldtheirbreaths,notdaringtomakeasound.

    WithJosiah¡¯sparticipation,theatmosphere duringthefriendlymatchinthefirsthalfwasallbutgone.Mostyersonthecourtbecamemerebackdrops,leavinghimandJosephtpete.

    Josiahwasaggressiveonthebasketballcourt.Fromthebeginning,heexpertlydribbledtheballpasttheothers<b>and</b>scoredathree¨Cpointerinonego.

    Thedefenseontheothersidewasineffectiveandasgoodasnon¨Cexistent.

    Joseph,whowasalreadygivingithisall,becameevenmoredesperateuponseeingthesituation.Duringthefirsthalf,hewasfocusedonhistechnique,maintainingastylishandbriskshootingposture.ButfacingoffaformidableopponentlikeJosiah,hehadnochoicebuttobulldozehiswaythrough.

    TherestofhisteammateswereattheirwitsendwithJosiah.

    Withgrittedteeth,Josephchargedforward,swiftlpletingaseriesofmovesfrominterceptiontoscoringabasket.Finally,hemanagedtoscoreapointforhisteamthathadbeenlosing.

    Daphnecheered,¡°Holysh*t,thejerk<b>has</b>someskills!¡±

    Withhertakingthelead,thefemalestudentspreviouslystunnedbyJosiah¡¯sperformance,snappedoutoftheirtrance<b>and</b>begancheeringhimonenthusiastically.

    <b>Joseph</b>liftedhisjerseyandwined offhis<b>sweat</b>,revealinghisleanvermuscrwaistand<b>abs</b>.Danhne

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    Chapter585TheShowdown

    Finished

    couldn¡¯thelpbuttugatLysanderagain.¡°ButIstillrootforJoseph.Hisyouthishisgreatestadvantage.HecanweardownJosiahjustbyoustinghim<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander¡¯sexpressionremainedindifferent,andher<b>brows</b>creased.

    Oust?Mustshemakeitsound<b>so</b>suggestive?

    Anyway,hergreatestconcernatthatmomentwastheissueofsafety.

    Josephwasyoung,andwhenhechargedahead,herecklesslysenttheyersontheopposingteamflyingseveralmetersawayonmultipleasions.

    Josiahhadanadvantagewithhisvastexperienceandcalmdemeanor.Seizingtheopportunities,hecouldinstantlyrenderJoseph¡¯sstrengthsuseless.Then,withoutmissingabeat,hecouldorganizeacounterattack.Hisleadershipskillswereunparalleled.

    However,the<b>conflict</b>betweenthetwomenwasclearlyescting.AfterJosephwasdodgedbyJosiah forthethirdtime,henoticeablylosthisbnceandstumbled.Hiskneehitthegroundhard,<b>causing</b>himtogrimaceinpain.Ittookhimawhilebeforehemanagedtostandupandcontinue.

    ¡°I¡¯mafraidsomeonemightgethurt,¡±Lysandersaidworriedly.

    Daphnepattedherandcoaxed,¡°Don¡¯tworry.They¡¯reallgrownmen.Alittlebumphereandthereisnothingtofussabout.It¡¯sasportsgame,soconflictisinevitable.¡±

    Thpetitiononthecourthadreachedfeverpitch.

    Josephtriedtoreplicatehisgloryinthefirsthalfofthpetition,butJosiahwasnoeasyprey.Heonlymanagedtoscoreabeautifulthree¨Cpointerfromafarbeforehewasblockedmultipletimesinsession.thoroughlyhemmedin.

    Josiahwasdressedinafittedshirtthatwasnotexactlysuitedforvigorousactivity.However,onceherolleduphissleevestohiselbows,themusclesonhisarmscameintoview.Itgavehimanascetharmbelongingtoamature<b>man</b>.

    Thegirlsatthpetitionwere<b>all</b>thereforJoseph.Quiteafewofthemevencraftedanimatedscreensaverscheeringforhimontheirphones,holdingthemuphighinsupport.

    Butatthatmoment,countlesscheerleadershadswitchedsides,turningtheircamerasontotakephotos.andvideosofJosiah.

    <b>Josiah</b>hadareserved<b>and</b>icydemeanor.Atthatmoment,hesteppedontothecourtwithanairofbroodingintensity,andhisyingstylecouldonlybedescribedasaggressive.Afterinterceptingtheballonceagain, heunexpectedlymadeareversethree¨Cpointer.Hemovedwithsuchgracethatitwasasightto

    behold.

    Theaudienceeruptedincheers.

    However,Lysandercouldn¡¯tmusteranyexcitement.Shemerelyfixedhereyesonthecourtwithaheavy

    heart.

    Forthefirsttime,Josephfoundhimselfbeingupstaged.Hecouldn¡¯thelpbutfeel<b>a</b>senseofurgency,SeeingJosiahabouttomakeanotherthree¨Cpointjumpshot,hewasdeterminedtostophim.Throwingcautiontothewind,heleapedfromtheside,intendingtoknockintothemanandsnatchthebaway.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Chapter585TheShowdown

    Josiahhadbeenpreparedforthatandstoodhisgroundfirmly.

    Finished

    Inthenextmoment,Josephmadeamistakeandhit theground.Adullthudechoedthroughoutthecourt.

    Therefereeimmediatelyblewthewhistletohaltthegame.

    WhenLysander<b>saw</b>thatanidenthadurredforreal,herfaceturnedpale.Shehurriedlyrusheddownfromtheaudienceseat.

    Alltheyersfrom bothteamscrowdedovertocheckonJoseph¡¯scondition,except<b>Josiah</b>,whoremainedrootedtothespot.

    Joseph¡¯sconditiondidn¡¯tlookgood.Hehadtakenasolidhittohisrightkneeandelbowandwasbleedingprofusely.Hiswoundslookedghastly.

    BythetimeLysanderarrived,bloodfromhiscalvesandarmshadalreadypooledonthegroundandwasflowingtotheside.

    Thestudentsaroundhimwerealsosomewhatfearful.¡°ShouldwetakeJosephtotheinfirmary?He¡¯sinjured.

    ¡°No.Hedoesn¡¯tseemcapableofwalkinganymore.¡±

    ¡°Couldsomeonegoto theinfirmaryandgetthedoctoroverforalook?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llgo!I¡¯llgo!¡±

    LysanderwentovertoJoseph,reachingoutandsupportinghisarm.Uponsensingthatthebonewasn¡¯tdislocated,shefinallybreathedasighofreliefandasked,¡°Howareyoufeeling?Canyoustillmove?¡±

    Josephdrewin<b>a</b>sharpbreath,hisbrowsfurrowingashelookedatherandreplied,¡°Myleghurts,Ms.Thorne.¡±

    <b>Send</b>Gifts

 Chapter 586

    Chapter586 NothingYouMustDo

    Finished

    Seeinghimdrenchedinsweat,Lysandercouldn¡¯ttellforamomentifitwasfromthe pain.Shequicklycheckedhisknee.

    Josiahcouldn¡¯tbearwatchinganylonger.HestrodethroughthecrowdofonlookerstostandbeforeJoseph.Lookingdownattheextensivescrapesonhiskneesandarms,hesaidinacoldvoice,¡°It¡¯sjustaminorinjury.Foraman,it¡¯s<b>nothing</b>atall.StandupandTarr

    <b>on</b>!¡±

    Thebasketball<b>hit</b>the<b>ground</b>withasoftthud.

    Lysandercouldn¡¯tstandlisteninganymore.¡°He¡¯sin<b>his</b>senioryear,preparingforthecollegeentranceexam.Ifthisaffectsit,whocanbeartheresponsibility?¡±

    JosiahthrewJosephacoldnce.¡°He¡¯sasportssciencestudent.Doyouthinkhehassufferedlittlebumpsandbruisesonthecourt?¡±

    Thepeoplenearbyexchangednces,feelingthattherewasmeritinhiswords.

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,¡±Josephsuddenlyinterjected,hisfacepale.¡°He¡¯sright.I¡¯mokay.Iwasjustanxioustodefendandlostmybnce.¡±

    Josiahpantedslightly,hisbrowsfurroweddeeply.Inacurttone,hesaid,¡°Ifyou¡¯refine,getup.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sbettertogotothehospitalforanX¨Cray.It¡¯sbestnottplicatethingsatsuchacrucialtimeasyoursenioryear,¡±Lysandersuggested.

    AlongwithJoseph¡¯steammates,shehelpedhim<b>to</b>hisfeetandinstructed<b>a</b>studentattheside.¡°Helphimoverthereforaseatfirst.¡±

    Then,sheturnedhisgazetoJosiahseriously.

    Aftertakingadeepbreath<b>,</b>shedemandedwithsuppressedrage,¡°Itwasjustafriendlymatchbetweenhighschoolstudents.Didyouneedtotakeitsoseriously?¡±

    Josiahloweredhisvoiceandretorted,¡°Thiswas<b>a</bpetition?Shouldn¡¯titbetakenseriously?¡±

    Lysandercontinuedindissatisfaction,¡°Butyou¡¯reanadultandshouldhavemorerestraintthanhim.He¡¯sinhissenioryear,andaninjurycouldjeopardize<b>his</b>collegeentranceexam.You,ontheotherhand,aretheCEOofGuerraGroup.Aninjurycouldalsoaffectyourwork.Theconsequenceswouldbesevereforbothofyou,<b>so</b>whyinsistonpettyrivalry?¡±

    Josiah¡¯stemplesthrobbedrelentlessly,anguishwashingoverhim.Yet,hisfacebetrayednosignofhisinnerturmoil.Hemerelysaid,¡°You¡¯vejustmethim.Yet,you¡¯realreadysoconcernedabouthim.¡±

    Lysanderheaved asigh.¡°I¡¯veneveryedbasketball,andIdon¡¯tunderstandtherules,butI<b>could</b>tellyou<b>two</b><b>were</b>obviouslytryingtooutdoeachother.¡±

    Aftersayingthat,sheturnedandcheckedonJosephagain.¡°Canyouwalk?¡±

    Leaningheavilyonhisteammate¡¯sshoulder,Josephrepliedwithapaleface,¡°Thebleedingseemstohavestopped,butmyrightleghurtswitheverystepItake.¡±

    Ashespoke,heattemptedtodemonstrateittoLysander.However,nosoonerhadhetakenastepforward

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    Chapter586NothingYouMustDo

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    #Finished

    Lysanderstudiedhiskneeintentlyandsuggested,¡°I¡¯m notanorthopedicdoctor,soI<b>can¡¯t</b>determheexactcondition,nordoIdarefiddlewithitrecklessly.ItwouldbebesttogotothehospitssoonaspossibleforanX¨C<b>ray</b>.Youhitthekneecap.Itwouldbetroublesomeifit¡¯sdislocated.¡±

    Seeminglyfrightened,Joseph<b>asked</b>,¡°Howtroublesome?¡±

    ¡°Youradvantageasasportssciencestudentwillbegone,andjustlikeeveryoneelse,you¡¯llhavetorelysolelyonyourperformanceinyourculturalcoursetogetinto university,¡±Lysanderansweredsolemnly.

    Josephplunged intoapanic.¡°Imaboardingstudent,andmyfamilyisn¡¯there.Ms.Thorne,couldyoupleasetakemetothehospital?Relyingsolelyonmyacademicperformanceinmyculturalcoursereallywouldn¡¯twork.I¡¯mdonefor¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llca<b>taxi</b>foryou.¡±

    AsLysanderspoke,shepulledoutherphoputherwordsintoaction.

    Suddenly,thephonewassnatchedaway.

    Inacoldvoice,Josiahsaid,¡°Doesn¡¯ttheschoolhaveaschooldoctor?Youshouldn¡¯tmeddleinthings<b>that</b>don¡¯tconcernyou.

    ¡°Theschool¡¯s infirmaryisn¡¯tequippedtoperformX¨Crayscans,soit¡¯sbesttogoto thehospital.¡±

    ¡°Then,<i>let</i>hishomeroomteachertakehimthere.¡±

    ¡°Thehomeroomteacherhasother students.Ifheleaves,whowillteachtherestofthestudents?Returnmyphone.I¡¯llcontactmycolleaguesatCentralHospital<b>to</b>gethiminline.Theradiologydepartmentiscrowdedrecently,¡±Lysandersaid.

    ¡°Ohno,IhopeIdidn¡¯tbreakmyleg!Ouch!¡±

    Josephwasinsuchintensepain<b>that</b>sweat trickleddownhischeeks.

    ThesightmadeDaphneanxious.¡°I¡¯vesoldmycar.Otherwise,Icoulddrivehimtothehospital.It¡¯shardtogetataxihereatHarborbrookFifthHighSchool,nothankstothe heavytraffic.¡±

    Bythen,Lysanderhadalreadysnatchedherphoneback

    Upontappingopenthee¨Chailingapp,shefoundthatDaphnewasright.Therewerethirty¨Cfivepeopleinthequeue.

    Daphneletoutamournfulcry.¡°Howlongwouldwehavetowait?¡±

    Aftersomethought,Lysanderturned hergazetoJosiah.

    Josiahwas<b>so</b>infuriatedthathealhostblewup.Hegrittedhisteethandhissed,¡°You¡¯renotgoingtosuggestIdrivehimtothehospital,areyou?¡±

    ¡°Thepatienesfirst.I¡¯mcountingonyou,Mr.Guerra<b>.¡±</b>

    <b>Josiah</b>wasleftwithouta<b>retort</b>.

    Lysanderenlistedthehelpof Joseph¡¯scloseteammate.Together,theyrodeinJosiah¡¯scartothenearesthospitalfromHarborbrookFifthHighSchool.

    2/4

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    Chapter586NothingYouMustDo

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    Throughoutthedrive.<b>Joseph</b>constantlyworriedthathemightendupcrippledinthefuture.HefrequentlycalledouttoLysanderandengagedherinconversation.Lysandertreatedthatjuniorofhers<b>as</b>apatient,soshealsfortedhimwithgreatpatience.

    Whengettingoutofthecar,LysandermovedtosupportJoseph,butJosiahbeathertoit.

    Withadarkexpression,heblockedheroffandhelpedJosephinto thehospitalwiththtter¡¯steammate.

    Innotime,theresultsoftheexaminationwereout.

    Thedoctor,lookingattheX¨Cray,reassured,¡°Don¡¯tworry.Hisbonesarefine.Atmost,hehas<b>a</b>minorsofttissuebruise.Justbecarefulnottogetitwetinthenextfewdays.Hewillmakeafullrecoveryinnotime.¡±

    Standingoutsidetheconsultationroom,Josiahletoutacolughbeforeheturnedaroundandleft.

    AfterascertainingthatJosephwasfine,histeammateheadedbacktoschool fornightss.

    Lysanderstayedtoapanyhimashegothiswoundsdoctored.

    ThenurseledJosephintothetreatmentroom.Seeingthatthebrokenandbleedingskinhadalreadybeenrinsedwithcleanwater,sheimmediatelyusedapairoftweezerstodabaniodine¨Csoakedcottonballonhisinjuryfordisinfection.

    ¡°Ouch!¡±Josephgaspedinpain.

    Thenurseeasedhertouch,butassoonasshemadecontact,hewincedinpainandleanedback.HelookedatLysanderpitifully<b>and</b>said,¡°Ms.Thorne,you¡¯realsoadoctor,soyoumustknowhowtodisinfectwounds.Couldyouperhapsdoctormywoundabitmoregently?Thenurseseems<b>quite</b>busy.Ijustheardsomeonecallingher.<b>¡±</b>

    Lysanderncedattheyoungnurse.Thtterseemedabitconflicted.¡°Itappearstherewasacaridentonthehighwaytoday,andwe¡¯vereceivedquiteafewpatients.TheERdepartmentisabitshort-

    staffed.¡±

    ¡°Allright,then.Goaheadandgetbusy.I¡¯llhandlethingshere.¡±

    ¡°<b>Sure</b>,sure.Thankyou,Dr.Thorne.¡±

    Thenurseleftafterleavingthenecessarysuppliesfordisinfection,leavingthemtomanageontheirown.

    Josephwasperchedontheexaminationbed,donlyinhisthinjersey,withhisschooljacketdrapedoveritHisinjuredarmandlegwere bared.

    Lysanderpickedupthetweezersandgentlycontinuedcleaninghiswounds.Afterwipingawaythedustandblood,sheaskedtenderly,¡°Doesitstillhurt?¡±

    Josephlookedatherintentlyandshookhishead.¡°Itdoesn¡¯thurtanymore.Ms.Thorne,areyoualwaysthisgentlewitheverypatient?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯magynecologist,soItypicallyworkattheoperatingtable,Lysanderexinedpatiently.

    Josephrepeatedhispreviousderation,saying,¡°I¡¯vemadeupmymind.Iwillstudyhardfromnow<b>on</b>.I¡¯llstrivetoattendHarborbrookMedical<b>University</b>andbeyourjunior.¡±

    Lysandermerelysmiledwithoutresponding,carefullyapplyingthesalvefor<b>him</b>.

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    Josephlookedaroundandrealizedtheyweretheonlytwoleftintheroom, soheaskedsolemnly,¡°Ms.Thorne,youstillhaven¡¯tansweredme.Whatkindofmandoyoulike?¡±

    Lysanderstilledinapplyingthesalve.

    ¡°I¡¯vetoldyouI¡¯mnotquitesuremyself.¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    ¡°Then,haveyoueverthoughtaboutremarrying?¡±

    Lysanderaskedleisurelyyetwithutmostseriousness,¡°WhymustIremarry?¡±

    Josephwasleftspeechlessbyherquestion.

    ¡°Isn¡¯teveryonesupposedtogetmarried?¡±heasked,utterlyperplexed.

    ¡°Iusedtothinkthesame,leadingtoadetourattheendoftheday.You¡¯restistudent,andyourlifehasn¡¯ttrulybegun.Soon,you¡¯llrealizethatthere¡¯snothinginlifethatyoumustdo,¡±Lysanderreplieddismissively.

    Josephwasthoroughlyconfused.Nheless,heaskedearnestly,¡°Ms.Thorne,thpetitionwasunfinished,butjudgingfromthescore,myteamdidn¡¯tlose.Wouldyougotothemovieswithme?¡±

    ¡°No,¡±Lysanderdeclinedwithouthesitation,hervoicecarryingtheweight ofherage.¡°Youneedtofocusonrecuperatingandyouruingexamsrightnow.Don¡¯tletyourmindwandertosuchnonsense.¡±

    Send Gif

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    Finished

    Lysanderstoodupandsaid.¡°I¡¯llgoandhandlethehospitalizationprocedures.Bytheway,yourssmatewillinformyourhomeroomteacherofthesituationhere.Yourfamilywiletokeepyopanyoncethey¡¯renotified.¡±

    Josephabruptlysatup,hislegsinstinctivelytouchingtheground.¡°Then,willyoubingagain,Ms.

    Thome?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°Probablynot.¡±

    Withoutabackwardnce,shewalkedaway.Aftepletingthenecessaryprocedures,sheexitedthroughthedoorsoftheregistrationhallonthefirstfloor.

    Assoonasshesteppedout,shesaw<b>Josiah</b>waitingthereinafit

    LysandercontinuedwalkingstraightaheadwhileJosiahstraightenedupandasked,¡°Isthatbratanybetter?¡±

    Lysanderhaltedinhertracks.¡°There¡¯snowayhewouldheal<b>that</b>quicklywhenhiswoundshavejustbeenbandaged.¡±

    Atherdetacheddemeanorandsilenceonthesubject,Josiahsaid,¡°Itrulydidn¡¯tdoitonpurpose.¡±

    Lysandernodded.¡°Iunderstand.It¡¯snormaltohavesomebumpsandbruisesonthecourt.WhatIdon¡¯tquitegetisthis.You¡¯reoveradecadeolderthanhim,sowhywereyou<b>so</b>seriouswithakid?He¡¯sat<b>an</b>agewherehe¡¯sfullofenergy,butyou¡¯re-

    Josiah¡¯sgazeshotup.¡°YouthinkI¡¯mold?¡±

    ¡°No.WhatImeantisthatyou¡¯realreadyamatureman.Besides,you¡¯vealwaysbeenverycautiousandprudentinyouractions.Whydidyousuddenlyjointhebasketbalpetitiontodayandeven¡­¡±

    Lysandertrailedoffasapossibilitysuddenlyurredtoher.

    Itcouldn¡¯thavebeenintentionalonhispart,right?

    Followingthatthought,shefoundheremotionsratheplex.

    EventhoughJosiahimedhewassatisfiedwithmaintainingthestatus<b>quo</b>,everythingthattranspiredinthepastfewdaysmadeitclearthathewasfarfromcontentwiththingsremainingastheywere.

    Admittedly,Lysanderwassomewhatslowinthatregard.However,shewasn¡¯tsoobliviousastobeentirely.cluelessabouteverything.

    Butpreciselybecauseofthat,shefeltincrediblyagitated.

    ¡°Lysander,doyouthinkIwaspurposelytargetinghim<b>?</b>¡±

    Lysanderturnedherfaceaway/¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Iwasindeedtargetinghim.7

    Lysanderwasatalossforwords.¡°You¡¯realreadyinyourthirties.Don¡¯tyouthinkthis<b>is</b>childish?¡±

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    Josiahsaid.¡°Iheardeverythingyousaidduringyourspeech.Don¡¯t<b>assume</b>he¡¯sinnocentjustbecausehe¡¯syoung.Highschoolstudentsthesedaysarenotlikeusbackthen.Theyunderstandeverything.Hemight<b>have</b>evenhadseveralgirlfriendsbynow.Anddoyouhaveanyideaaboutthekindofsexualfantasiesboyshisagehave?¡±

    Beingamanhimself,heunderstoodalltoowellwhatJosephwasthinking.

    Lysandercouldn¡¯thelprecallingherhighschooldays,wherethemostheinousindividualsweremerelyHarry<b>and</b><b>Zachary</b>.

    Shedidn¡¯tquiteunderstand.¡°Hewantstouseme?ButIwouldn¡¯tbeofanyhelptohim.¡±

    Witha<b>look</b>offrustration,Josiahsaid,¡°I¡¯mstartingtosympathizewithAdrian.You¡¯redownrightdense!¡±

    Lysandersaidnothing.

    Josiah¡¯sAdam¡¯sapplebobbed,amixoffrustrationandhesitationevidentinhisvoice.¡°Waitamoment.I¡¯lIshowyousomething.¡±

    ¡°Whatisit?¡±

    ¡°Justwaitamoment.¡±

    AsJosiahspoke,heseeminglywenttohisWhatsAppandsentamessagetosomeone.

    Soon,hereceivedapicturesentfromtheotherperson.

    Josiahtappedopentheimageandsnickered,thenhandedhisphoher.¡°Seeforyourself.¡±

    Lysandertookthephonedubiously.Onthescreen,Josiah<b>had</b>alreadymaximizedthepicture<b>.</b>Itfeatured<b>a</b>youngwomaninawhiteblouse,acksuit<b>,</b>andckhighheels.

    Hmm,shehasagreatfigure.Hershirtisalmostburstingattheseams.

    ¡°Lookather,thenlookatyourself.¡±

    Lysandernced downatherownattire.¡°Iseetheresemnce,butI¡¯mnotwearingckstockings.NoramIsportingck¨Crimmedsses.¡±

    ¡°Lookatthewordsabove.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sinaforeignguage,andIcan¡¯tunderstandit.¡±LysanderlookedupandaskedJosiah,¡°Youevenknowa<b>foreign</bnguage?¡±

    Atherwords,Josiah¡¯sexpressionturnedsomewhatpeculiar.¡°Ionlyknowafewwords<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Howmanyisafew?¡±

    ¡°Acouple.¡±

    ¡°Wordslike<b>no</b>,idiot,andhowcute?¡±

    ¡°Those

    knowwouldbecensoredinwrittenform.¡±

    Ivanderwasstruckdumb.

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    Forthefirsttime,sheseemingly understoodthingsinash.

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    However,oncesheunderstoodJosiah¡¯smeaning,herfeelingswhensheagainlookedatthepictureonthescreenchangedsignificantly.

    Therewasastringofforeignguagecharacters,butthoughshe couldn¡¯tunderstandthem,certainwords.borearesemncetoEcronese.

    Forinstance,femaleteacher,senior,<b>and</b>malestudent.

    Buck!

    Thephonevibratedoncemoreinherhand.

    LysanderhandedthephonebacktoJosiah.¡°You¡¯vegotamessage.¡±

    Josiahdidn¡¯ttakeit.¡°Taponit.¡±

    LysanderclosedthepictureandreturnedtoWhatsApp¡¯sinterface,onlytoseeanewlysentvideointhechatboxunderthatimage.

    Thethumbnail wasidenticaltothepictureabove.

    AforebodingfeelingwelledwithinLysander.

    Beforesherealizedit,Josiahhadreachedout.Hefirstturnedthevolumedowntoitslowestbeforeyingthevideo.

    Inthenextsecond,Lysanderalmostthrewhisphone<b>away</b>.

    Shequicklytossedthephonebacktohimandbarkedlowly,¡°Whatonearthisthis?¡±

    ¡°Thisiswhatgoesoninthemindsofthosehormone¨Criddenhighschoolboys.¡±N?velDrama.Org content.

    Lysander¡¯sfaceturnedslightlyred.Asenseofpanicwashedoverher,<b>and</b>shefoundherselfunabletoutter<b>a</b>singleword.

    Josiahputhisphoneaway.¡°YouprobablythinkI¡¯magainlumpingeveryogether,butitdoesn¡¯tmatter.Thatbratisnosaint.Just<b>wait</b>andsee ifyoudon¡¯tbelieveme.¡±

    Lysanderswiftlywalkedaway.

    Josiahquicklywentafterher.¡°Whereareyougoing?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mheadinghome.¡±Lysanderannounced,raisingherhandtohataxi.

    ¡°I¡¯lldrive<b>you</b>home,¡±Josiahsaid,leavingnoroomforrefusal.

    Right<b>then</b><b>,</b>hermind<b>was</bpletelyconsumedbythatscandalousvideoearlier.

    Hearingaboutitwashing,<b>but</b>seeingitwasanother.

    Thatwentdoublywhenshesawitrightinfrontofhim.

    Precentlytheusewhatatalossforhourtofacehim

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    Amidsttheirconversation,theyspottedDaphnehastilyrushingtowardthehospital¡¯smainentrance.

    Daphneranover,grabbingLysandertostandbetweenherandJosiah,saying,¡°Iwasjusta bitslowatthebasketballcourt,butIdidn¡¯texpectamoment¡¯sdawdlingwouldleadtoevenmorehold¨Cups.ButIfinallyfoundyou.How¡¯sJoseph?Hisinjuriesaren¡¯tserious,arethey?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sfacewasasckasthunder.Heinterjectedcoldly,¡°There¡¯snobonefracture.It¡¯sjustascratch.Doyouallreallyneedtomakesuchafuss?¡±

    ¡°Mr.Guerra,whydoyousoundsoresentful?It¡¯sasthoughyou¡¯reaconcubinewhohasfallenoutoffavor,¡±Dapeased.

    WordscludedJosiah.

    Ignoringhiswords,LysandercalmlyreassuredDaphne,<b>¡°</b>It¡¯snothingserious.Heonlyneedstostay afewdaysinthehospitalforobservation.¡±

    Daphneheavedasighofrelief.¡°Phew,that¡¯sgood.Itwouldbeashameifsuchahandsomeyoungmanwerecrippled.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯sstillinthehospital.Doyouwanttogoandvisithim?¡±

    Aftergivingitsomethought,Daphnewavedherhanddismissively.¡°No,it¡¯sokay.Justalookwasenoughforme.There¡¯sstipileofworkat theoffice,andIneedtogetback.¡±

    ¡°Willyoubetakingthebusagain?¡±

    Uponhearingthat,Josiahinterjected,¡°Hopin.We¡¯llpassbyherofficeanyway,sowemightaswellgiveheralift.¡±

    DaphnesmackedherlipsandturnedhergazetoLysander,waitingforthttertodecide.

    <b>Send</b>Gifts

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    Chapter588EroticDream

    Lysanderletoutasigh.

    Atthishourandonthisstretchofroad,hailingataxiisnoeasy<i>feat</i><i>.</i>

    #Finished

    Josiahhadalreadymadehiswaytothesideofthecarandopenedthebackdoor,waitingpatientlywithoutrushingher.

    ¡°Getinthe<b>car</b>,¡±Lysanderrelentedintheend.

    SheslidintothebackseatalongsideDaphne.Withoututteringaword,Josiahstarteddriving.

    First,hedroppedDaphneoffatheroffice.<b>Then</b>,hedrovehome.

    WhenLysanderwenttobedthatnight,shedreamtofthevideoJosiahshowedher.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Inthevideo,thesexyfemaleteacherstillworeck¨Crimmedsses,butthefacehadbeenrecedwithherown.

    Thesurroundingdozenorsomalestudentsinschooluniformsweregone.Onlyonepersonwasthere.Hewasdinasilver¨Cgreysuit,sportinggold¨Crimmedssesandamatchingsleevegarteronhis

    Thessroom andpodiumremainedthesame.

    Thesamewentforthewindowandtheseriesofactions.

    upperarm.

    Then,thesceneshifted,morphingintothehotelinApexCity.

    The podiumturnedintothetableinthehotel,withakettleonit.

    Lysanderjolted<b>awake</b>,herhandinstinctivelyreachingforherforehead,onlytofinditslickwithsweat.

    Gettingoutofbed,shewenttothelivingroomandgotassofwater,downingitinonego.She<b>then</b>satonthecouchandcalmedherselfforquitesometimebeforeshefinallydetachedherthoughtsfromthateroticdream.

    She<b>was</b>somewhattaken<b>aback</b>.Evenmoreso,shefeltasenseofembarrassment.

    Shehardlyeverhadsuchdreams,<b>not</b>evenduringpuberty.

    I¡¯malmostthirty<b>now</b>.Whatonearthishappeningwithme?

    Buzz!

    Herphonevibrated.

    Thepersonfromherdreamshadturnedintothemaninreality,Heeven sentheramessageonWhatsApp.

    Itread:Martha<b>took</b>the<i>day</i><i>off</i>tomorrowbecauseofsomepersonalmatters.Whatwould<i>you</i>likeforbreakfast?I¡¯ll<i>go</i>andbuyit.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯treplytoit.

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    Then,thesecond<b>WhatsApp</b>messagecamein.

    Finished

    Itread:Iscroissantokay!WhenwewereinAperCity,youseemedtoenjoyit.Doyouprefersoymilkorcow¡¯smilk?

    Subsequently,he

    textedagain:Goodnight.

    Afterthebizarredreastnight,LysanderdecidedtoavoidseeingJosiahforthetimebeing.

    Shedidsomecalctionsandrealizedthatshewasprobablyinherovtionperiod.Herhormoneswerepeaking,whichwaslikelythecauseofhercurrentstate.Shefiguredshe¡¯dbefineoncethat periodpassed.

    So,sheleftthehousejustafterseven.Shewentdownstairsandhailedacab.OnlythendidshereplytoJosiah:No,it¡¯sokay.Thankyou.

    Uponreachingthehospitalentrance,shehappenedtoruninto<b>Lynn</b>.After chattingbriefly,she headedtotheshopattheentrancetobuysomefruitsandflowers.

    Whileshewaschoosingafruitbasket,afamiliarbrownpaperbagsuddenlyappearedbeforehereyes.

    ¡°YoucametovisitJosephwithouteatingfirst?¡±Josiahheldthebrownpaperbagclosertoher.¡°Evenadoctorwhosaveslivesandhealsthewoundedshouldn¡¯tneglectherselftothisextent.¡±

    Hehappenedtobewearingasilver¨Cgreysuit<b>that</b>day.Receivingnoresponsefromher,headjustedthegold¨Crimmed<b>sses</b>perchedonhisnoseandsaid,¡°Takeit.¡±

    Thescenesfrostnight¡¯sdreamshedthroughLysander¡¯smindagain.

    Shelooked abituneasy,¡°Whyareyouhereaswell?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯reavoidingmeagain.That¡¯sokay,butyoucan¡¯tskipbreakfast,¡±saidJosiah.

    Lysanderhesitatedforamomentbeforeeptingthebrownpaperbag.¡°Thankyou.¡±

    Josiah¡¯slipscurvedupslightly.¡°Buyingflowers?¡±

    ¡°Yes,I¡¯mbuying<b>some</b>flowersandfruits.It¡¯snotappropriatetovisitsomeoneempty¨Chanded.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressioneasedabit.¡°You¡¯reright.It¡¯simportanttoadheretomannerswithpeoplewe¡¯re nottoofamiliarwith.¡±

    Lysanderknewthere<b>was</b>moretohiswordsthanwhat<b>was</b>said.

    BackwhenshewashospitalizedinApexCity<b>,</b>shereceivedanumberoffruitbaskets.However,theywereallfrompeopletryingtocurry<b>favor</b>withJosiah.Josiahhimselfdidn¡¯tbuyany.

    Therefore,heessentiallymeantthatthere weredifferencesbetweenpeoplewithcloseanddistantrtionships.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯twanttoarguewith<b>him</b>aboutthat.Shesaidsoftly,¡°IcanvisitJosephalone.Youshouldgetbacktowork.Youdidn¡¯tgototheofficeyesterday,soitwon¡¯tlookgoodifyoudon¡¯tgotodayeither<b>.</b>¡±

    Aftershehadfinishedspeaking,sheheadedtothefloristatthehospitalentrancetopick<b>out</b>someflowersintendedforvisitingJoseph.

    losiahparked<b>his</b>car.<b>Following</b>herheswiftlypurchasedabouquetofliliesbeforeshecould.Then,he

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    saidmatter¨Cof¨Cfactly,¡°Nomatterwhat,hegotinjuredwhileyingbasketballwithme.Forallintentsandpurposes,it¡¯sonlyrightthatIvisithimwithyou.Theseflowersarefromme,¡±

    Atance,Lysandersawrightthroughhimandcasuallyasked,¡°Youmakeagoodpoint.So,youintendtoapologizetohim?¡±

    Untilthen,JosiahrefusedtoadmitthatheintentionallyknockedJosephdown,muchlessapologize.

    ¡°Ididn¡¯tdoanythingwrong.Itwasjustaregrinjuryduringpetition.WhyshouldIapologize?¡±

    Atthat,Lysandersaidseriously,¡°Then,<b>you</b>shouldn¡¯tgo.It¡¯llbeawasteofyourtime.¡±

    Shemeticulouslyselectedanotherbouquetofbaby¡¯sbreath,makingitclearthatshewantedto<b>separate</b>herselffromhim.

    Holdingthebouquetoflilies,Josiahsaid.¡°I¡¯vealreadyboughtflowers,soitwouldbeawastenottogo.¡±

    AsthetwoofthemwereinaheateddebateaboutwhethertheyshouldvisitJosephatthewardtogether,afamiliarfigureemergedalonefromtheoutpatientdepartment:Theyunexpectedlybumpedintoeachotherpletelyunprepared.

    Tiffanytightenedhergriponthestrapofhershoulderbag.Atthesametime,shesubconsciouslyhidherotherhandbehindherback,lookingsomewhatuneasy.

    ¡°Jose,Ms.Thorne,Ididn¡¯texpect torunintoyouhere.Whatacoincidence,¡±shegreetedwithasmileasiftheunpleasanteventsinthepasthadneverurred.

    Lysanderhadpersonallywitnessedthemaliceinhereyes,soshewouldnotandcouldnottreatherthesameasbefore.Shemerelyrepliedmeaningfully,¡°Whatacoincidence,Ms.Lanister.¡±

    Despiteknowingshehadseenthroughhertruecolors,Tiffanyacted<b>as</b>ifnothinghadhappenedrightthenandaskedherwarmly,¡°Ms.Thorne,whydidyoetothehospitalwithJose?Areyoufeelingunwell?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mjustvisitingsomeone,¡±Lysanderansweredconcisely,notwantingtospeaktohermorethan

    necessary<b>.</b>

    AtthesightofTiffany,Josiah¡¯sexpressionalsoturnedsolemn.¡°Whatbringsyoutothehospital?IsMr.Lanisterill?¡±

    Asusual,Tiffanyalwayshadasmileonherfacewhenshewasaroundhim.¡°No,mydad¡¯sperfectlyfine.Likeyouboth,I¡¯mheretovisitasickssmate.¡±

    Shetucked thehandawayshehidbehindherincreasinglyfartherasifdeliberatelyconcealingsomething

    HadLysandernotpreviouslyworkedintheobstetricsandgynecologydepartmentandwaskeen,shemightnothavebeenabletodeducethefullcontentofthemedicalreportfromtheexposedcorner<b>.</b>

    Shecouldn¡¯tmakeoutthewordsonthereport,butshenoticedagentlefoldatthebottomrightcorner.

    Thatwasheroldhabit,whichLynterpickedupaswell.

    Adog¨Cearedmedicalreportwasgenerallysomethinplex,requiringspecittention.

    Whenthe<b>patient</b>returnedforafollow¨Cupvisitwiththemedicalreport,thedoctorwouldhaveanidea

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    uponseeingthemarkandpayextraattentiontotheparticrpatient.

    Withjustonence,Lysanderhadaroughideainherheart.

    Finished

    SendGifts

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    Chapter589TheEnthusiasticYoungMan

    Finished

    Josiahgaveanindifferentnod.Hedidn¡¯tcarewhetherTinywasatthehospitaltocareforDillonorvisitsomeone,hisquestioncasual.However,Tiny¡¯sresponse wasn¡¯tanoffhandone.Sheseizedtheopportunitytocontinuetalkingwithhim.

    ¡°Jose<b>,</b>areyoufreerecently?Mydadwouldliketohaveanotherchatwithyou.¡±

    Tiffanygazedathimpleadingly,her<b>tone</b>pitiful.

    Thsttimeattheresort,DillonhadmadehisintentionsofyingmatchmakerbetweenJosiahandTiffanyclear.IfthemanwasgenuinelywillingtoputhisprideasidetomeetJosiah,therewasstitglimmerofhope.

    Lysanderhadnointerestintheir<b>conversation</b>.Shetooktheopportunityandinterjected,¡°Youguyscarryonchatting.I¡¯vegotthingstoattendto,soI¡¯ll<b>head</b>infirst.¡±

    Aftershehadsaidthat,she turnedaroundwiththebouquetofbaby¡¯sbreathinher<b>arms</b>andheadedtowardtheinpatientdepartment.

    ¡°Waitformeamoment.¡±Josiahfollowedherwithouthesitation.Hedidn¡¯tevennoticethatTiffanyhadmoreto<b>say</b>.

    ¡°Jose!¡±Tiffanychased afterhimforafewsteps.Seeingthathehadnointentionofevenncingbacktobidhergoodbye,shereluctantlystopped.

    Thehandhiddenbehindherbackslowlyclenched,crushingthealreadycrumpledmedicalreportdeepintoherpalm.

    Intheward,Josephleanedagainsttheheadofthebed,engrossedinwatchingabasketballgameonhisphone.Hearingaknockatthedoor,heassumeditwasthenursingtochangehisdressing.Withoutliftinghishead,he<b>said</b>,¡°Comein.¡±

    Lysander¡¯sgentlevoicerangout.¡°IfIhadn¡¯taskedthenurse,Iwouldn¡¯thaveknownyou¡¯dmovedhere.¡±

    ShedistinctlyrememberedthatwhenshehadfirstbroughtJosephtothehospital,hewasassignedtoastandardwardwithmultiplepatients.However,whenshewentoverearlier,shecouldn¡¯tfindhim.Itwasonlyaftershehadgothenurse¡¯sstation<b>that</b>shelearnedhewasmovedtoasingleward.

    Shereckoneditwashisfamilywhospeciallyarrangedforituponlearningofthesituation,fearingthattheirchildwouldsuffer.

    Inaninstant,Josephputdownhis phone.Hisjoywaspalpableashestoodupandeximed,¡°Ms.Thorne!You¡¯rehere!¡±

    Withagentlesmile,Lysanderreplied,¡°Indeed.I¡¯vegotnochoicesinceIpromisedteandvisityou.Howareyoufeelingtoday?Areyourwoundsstillhurting?¡±

    ¡°Yes,they¡¯rekillingme<b>,</b>¡±Josephwhinedwithanairofgrievance,quicklyputtinghisradiantsmileaway.

    AchillyvoicetimelyechoedfrombehindLysander.¡°Really?Aren¡¯tyouaprofessionalbasketballyer?Youmust¡¯vehadworseinjuriesbefore,right?¡±

    Withthebouquetofliliesinhisarms,Josiahstrodeovertothehospitalbedandpositioned himself

    odnoTh

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    said,¡°Getwellsoon.¡±

    Hewastall.Assoonashestoodthere,heimmediatelyblockedLysanderfromviewbehindhim.

    Josephliftedhisgazetomeethis,andsparksseemedtocrackleinvisiblyintheairbetweenhem.

    Finished

    Amomenter,Josephraisedhishandtocoverhismouthandnose,sayingwithgreatdifficulty.¡°I¡¯msorry,butI<b>have</b>apollenallergy.¡±

    BeforeJosiahcouldreact,Lysanderquicklysteppedforward andtooktheliliesaway.Shecedthemoutsidethewindowandsaid,¡°Sorry,Iwasn¡¯tawareofthatandalsobroughtflowers.HadIknown,perhapsIshouldhavejustboughtmilkinstead.¡±

    UponseeingthatLysanderalsointended toremovethebouquetofbaby¡¯sbreathflowersshebrought,Josephquicklydroppedhishandandsaid,¡°It¡¯sokay,Ms.Thorne.Baby¡¯sbreathdoesn¡¯thavepollen,andit¡¯sactuallymyfavorite.¡±

    Lysandergaveaslightnodandcedthebouquetofbaby¡¯sbreathonthebedsidetable.

    Josiah¡¯sfacedarkenedashelookedon.HesaidtoJosephlowly,¡°Yoursymptomsarequiteintriguing,a<b>case</b>ofselectiveallergy.¡±

    Josephfeignedsurprise.¡°Isn¡¯titbasicbiologyfromhighschool?Dude,didyounotpayattentionduringyour

    sses?Everyonehasdifferent physiques,<b>so</b>allergens<b>and</b>allergic<b>reactions</b>naturallyvary.¡±

    Thisbratactuallyhassomenerve!

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionimmediatelydarkened further.

    Lysanderwassomewhatpuzzled.¡°Highschoolbiologyssesthesedaysteachsuchintricatedetails?Wedidn¡¯thavethatduringourtime.¡±

    Josephwasexceptionallywell¨CbehavedinfrontofLysander,pletelydifferentpersonfromhisearlierselfonthebasketballcourt,wherehechargedaroundlikealittletyrant.

    ¡°Theteacherdidn¡¯tcoverit.Ilearnedonmyown.¡±Ashiseyessparkledashelooked<b>at</b>Lysander,heasserted,¡°Ms.Thorne,I¡¯vemadeupmymind.I¡¯mgoingtofollowyourexample<b>and</b>attendHarborbrookMedicalUniversity.¡±

    Lysander¡¯saffectionforHarborbrookMedicalUniversitywasnolessthanthatforHarborbrookFifthHighSchool.SeeingJosephspeakwithsuchseriousness,sheencouragedhim,saying,¡°That¡¯sgreat.Ifyoucanreallygetin,you¡¯llbemyjunioragain.However,HarborbrookMedicalUniversity¡®,tancescoreshavebeengrowingincreasinglyhigherinrecentyears,soyoumustworkhard.¡±

    Josephpattedhischest,promising,¡°Noproblem!¡±

    Ilethimcontinue,hewould<i>probably</i>pushhisluckandconfesshisfeelingstoLysanderagain.

    Josiahclearedhisthroat,thencasuallyremarkedfromtheside,¡°Irememberyou¡¯reasportssciencestudent.Ifyouswitchtomedicinenow,areyousureit¡¯sreallyyourfield?¡±

    Josephrolledwiththepunches.¡°What¡¯ssodifficultaboutthat?Whenit¡¯stimeforthecollegeentranceexam,I¡¯bandonthespecializationtrackandsitfortheexamlikeotherculturalcoursestudents.¡±

    Josiahwaswaitingforthosewordsprecisely.Uponhearingthem,heimmediatelysnickered.

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    ¡°Forgivemybluntness,butthere¡¯snow<b>less</b>thanhalfayearleftuntilthecollegeentranceexam.Doyouthinkthere¡¯s<b>enough</b>timetoswitchtotheculturalcourseatsuchacrucialmoment?¡±

    Foronce,Lysanderfoundherselfagreeingwithhim.She<b>said</b>toJosephearnestly,¡°Irememberyou¡¯realreadyamemberofthestate¡¯sbasketballteam.Youwouldn¡¯thavegottenthisfarwithoutaloveforit.Youshouldbemorecautiousinmakingadecision.¡±

    Apromisingbasketballyershouldn¡¯tgiveupabrightfutureoversuchafleetingandimmatureimpulse.

    Just<b>the</b>thoughtofitfeltabsurdtoher<b>.</b>

    StandingbesideLysander,JosiahlookeddownatJosephwith an airofsuperiority.

    Josephtimelyputona hurtexpression.¡°Evenyoudon¡¯tsupportme,Ms.Thorne?Ineverthoughtof

    givingupbasketball.It¡¯sjustthatIthinkbeingabletohendsavepeoplelikeyouisamazing,soIwanttogiveitatry.¡±

    Lysanderhadadeeppassionforthemedicalprofession.Seeinghisgenuineinterestinpursuingthispath,she<b>said</b>gently.¡°Ofcourse,I¡¯mwillingtosupportyou.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,feelfree<b>to</b>askme.However,choosingafutureprofessionisacrucialdecision.Youshouldconsideritcarefully.¡±

    SheadvisedJosephlikeacaringsister,adding,¡°Ifyou¡¯retrulydeterminedtoswitchtotheculturalcourse,youshouldatleastdiscussitwithyourfamilyfirst.Itisn¡¯tlongbeforethecollegeentranceexam,so theremightnotbeenoughtime.¡±

    ¡°Aslongasit¡¯srmydecision,myfamilywilwaysstandbyme.IftheyweretolearnthatIwanttoswitchtostudyingmedicine,theymightevenencouragemetorepeatmysenioryear,¡±Josephsaidwith<b>utmost</b>

    seriousness.

    Itseemedhewasnotjustfromawell¨Cofffamilybutalsosharedaclosebondwithhisfamilymembers.Otherwise,hewouldnotpossesssuchatemperament.

    ¡°Well,it¡¯syourlife.Anyway,takesomemoretimetothinkaboutit.There¡¯snoneedtomakeahastydecision,¡±Lysanderrepliedhelplessly.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Withanindifferentattitude,Josiahpouredabucketofcoldwateronhim.¡°You¡¯re stillyoung,andyou¡¯reoversimplifyingthings.Studyingmedicinerequiresfiveyears,andthegradesneededarenotlow.¡±

    ¡°Youmakeavalidpoint.¡±Josephappearedasthoughhehadtrulybeendealtablow.

    Maintainingapokerface,JosiahwasjustabouttobreatheasighofreliefwhenheheardtheteenagersaytoLysanderagain,¡°Ms.Thorne,I¡¯mindeedabickingintheculturalcourse.Couldyouhelpmewith<b>some</b>revision?¡±

    SendGifts

 chapter 590

    Chapter590TwoPretentiousMen

    ¡°Ah?¡±

    Finished

    Josiah¡¯sexpressionabruptlyshiftedtoamorestern demeanorashespokeforher,borating.¡°She¡¯sbeepletelyswampedwithworkobligationsrecently,leavinghernofreetimetooffertutoringservicestoahighschoolstudentsuchasyourself.¡±

    ¡°Iwouldn¡¯tposeanydisruptiontoherwork.Shecouldsimplytutormeatherleisure,whenevershefindsasparemoment,¡±Josephinsisted.

    ¡°She¡¯snotavable¡±

    ¡°Butsurelytheremustbetimeduringendsorholidays,right?¡±

    ¡°No,thatwon¡¯tbepossibleeither.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thome,whatkindofsubpapanyareyouemployedbythatfailstoprovideeventhebasicstatutoryholidays?Shouldn¡¯tsuchpracticesbereported?¡±Josepheximedindignantly.

    Lysanderinterjected,¡°ThereasonissimplybecauseIchoosenottotakebreaks.Ibelieveit¡¯simportantformetopushmyselffurther<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,that¡¯sfranklyuneptable.Mr.Calderonhasclearlystatedthatwemustfindabncebetweenworkandrxation,¡±heargued,

    ¡°Iknow.¡±

    ¡°So,doesthisimplythatyoumightstarttakingbreaksduringholidaysgoingforward?Andifso,couldyoupossiblytutormethen?Inreturn,Icanofferyoumassages.I¡¯mquiteskilledatit;it¡¯sincrediblysoothing¡­

    Amassage?

    Josiah¡¯srmwaspalpableashequicklyintervened,¡°Whydon¡¯tyoutellmewhichsubjectyou¡¯refindingchallenging,andI¡¯llfindtimetohelpyou.¡±

    Josephappearedtobelostinhis thoughts,hardlyregisteringtheconversation,hiseyeswideashestared.atLysander,seeminglytaken<b>aback</b>byJosiah¡¯ssterndemeanor.

    Lysanderalsosensedthathistreatmentofthesenior¨Cyearstudentwassomewhatharsh.Sheconveyed.gently,¡°Atthistime,I¡¯mpreupiedwith<b>pressing</b>matters.EvenifIweretoagreetohelp,Imaynotbeabletoassistyoutimely.Additionally,myexpertisedoesnotalignwithyouracademeeds.Itwouldbemorepractdbeneficialforyoutoseekaprofessionaltutor.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sokay,¡±Josephrespondedafterconsideringherlogicalexnation,hispreviouslydimmedexpressionsuddenlybrightening.¡°Ms.Thorne,anysmamountofyourtimewouldsuffice.Iassureyou,Iwon¡¯tdemandmuchofit¡±

    Heseemedalmostasifhewerewagginganinvisibletailineagerness.

    <b>Josiah</b><b>,</b>feelingasurgeoffrustration,inhaleddeeplybeforedeliveringapointedremark,¡°I¡¯vebeeninformedbyyourschodministratorsthatyou¡¯requitethefavoriteamongyourfemalessmates.Itwouldsurelydisappointthemifyouweretoabruptlygiveupbasketball.¡±

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    tobeyoungagain.Iremember howdeafeningthecheerswere.It¡¯sagoodthingwehaveindoorcourts.now.It<b>seems</b>you¡¯vegotquiteafewadmirersyourself.¡±

    Indeed,theagegapbetweenthemofseventoeightyearsmeanttheirperspectivesonHarborbrookFifthHighSchoolvariedsignificantly.TheschoolLysanderrememberedwasnotasaestheticallypleasingasitcurrentlyappeared,withitsupgradedsportsfacilitiesandacademicbuildings,nottomentionthesophisticatedmultimediaequipmentnowinuse.

    Josiahcasuallyconcurred,¡°Yeah,the<b>youth</b>nowadaysareremarkablyliberalintheirthinkingandactions,astarkcontrasttoourtime.¡±

    HeandLysander,beingadults,founmongroundintheirconversations.

    Joseph,havinglistenedquietly,suddenlyinterjectedwithacheekyremark,¡°Hey,areyoureallythesameageasMs.Thome?Yousoundjustlikeourdean.¡±

    Josiahsimplystared,speechless.

    Josephprobedfurther,¡°Ms.Thorne,thisgentlemanisolder<b>than</b>you,isn¡¯the?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡±shemurmuredinaffirmation.

    Joseph,withexaggeratedrity,eximed,¡°Iknewit!Thatexinswhyyoutalkinsuchanold-fashionedmanner,justlikemydad¡­¡±

    HisgazethenshiftedtoJosiah¡¯sfurrowedbrowasheblinkedinnocentlybeforeturningtoaddressLysander,¡°Ms.Thorne,isthisMr.Owenyoumentionedearlierthecurrent<b>dean</b>?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±Lysanderconfirmed,anostalgictoneinhervoiceasshebegantoreminisceaboutpastschooldays.¡°Mr.Owenmustbeapproachingretirementbynow,right?IrecallwhenIstartedatHarborbrookFifthHighSchool,hehadjustbeenpromotedtodean.It¡¯squiteremarkablethathehasmaintainedthatroleforsomanyyears.Irememberhewouldalwayswearck<b>and</b>standsilentlyinthehallwaysbeforenightss,specificallytocatchstudentswhowerte.¡±

    Josepmented withahintofsurprise,¡°That¡¯squiteachangeinhisfashionsense.Nowadays,he¡¯srarelyseeninck.Moreoften,heoptsforvibrantpinkshirtsorredT¨Cshirts,whicharereallyeye-catching.

    ¡°Itdoesseemlikeasignificantchange,¡±Lysanderagreed.

    Joseph<b>,</b>withhisexpressivemannerandjovialtone,begandiscussingrecenthappeningsinvolvingOwen.

    ¡°WeusedtosecretlycallhimtheIrritableHusky,kindoflike<b>that</b>cartooncharacterfromthememe.Mainlybecausehestoppedhidinginthebuildingtocatchstudentteforeveningstudyandbeganpatrollingthesportsfieldstocatchyoungcouplesintheact.He¡¯dsuddenlyappearfrombehindthebushes,shlightinhand!¡±

    Ashespoke,hishandsanimatedthestory,addingavividnesstohisalreadyentertainingtale.

    Lysandergentlychidedhim,¡°Mr.Owenisadedicatedteacher.Hisstrictnessisatestamenttohimitmenttoyoureducation.It¡¯snotrighttospeakillofhiminthatmanner.¡±

    Josephquicklyassuredherwiththeobedienceofawell¨Ctrainedpet,¡°Understood,Ms.Thorne.Iwon¡¯trefertohimin<b>that</b>manneranymore<b>.</b>¡±

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    ¡°Good¡±

    Lysander<b>had</b><b>visited</b>theoldgroundsyesterday,Ithoughtabouthowtheexpanded

    LysanderhadalwaysheldadeeprespectforOwen.Effortlessly,shevisualizedthescenefromhertimeinschool,noting,¡°WhenI

    ygroundmust<b>have</b>madeiteasierforyoungcouplestostrolltogether.LittledidIexpecsthatitwouldactuallybeso

    ¡°Thespotusedtobequitepopr,butsinceeveryonelearnedthatMr.Owenfrequentlyvisitsthere,it¡¯sbeless frequented.Thecorridor connectingthethirdandfifthfloorsoftheacademicbuildingprovidesamoresecludedgetaway.¡±Josephexined,hishandsformingabridgeashedetailed,¡°Ifateacherisspottedthere,studentscaneasilymakeaquickescape.¡±

    Uponhearingthis.Josiahtooktheopportunitytointerject,¡°Itsoundslikeyourcampuslifeisquiteeventful,doesn¡¯tit?Youseemtohavehadquitetheexperience.¡±

    NotonlywasJosephadeptatsarcasm,buthealsomanageditwithanalmost<b>imperceptible</b>finesse.HedoubtedJosephcouldmaintainsuchsubtletyinfrontofLysander.

    Josephimmediatelydenied.¡°I¡¯mnotoneofthose!I¡¯veneverbeeninlove!¡±

    SeeingJosephwavehishandsindenial,Lysanderassumedhewasfeelingsheepish.Shesmiledandremarked,¡°It¡¯sperfectlynormalforhighschoolstudentstodate,afterall,you¡¯renearlyadults.Withyourpoprity,it¡¯shardtobelieveyouhaven¡¯tbeeninyourfairshareofrtionships.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯vehonestlyneverdated,¡±Josephconfessed,hisfaceturningsuspiciouslyred.

    Lysander,filledwithasenseofpuzzlement,recalled,¡°Backinourday,girlswerequiteboldinexpressingtheirinterestinboystheyliked.Someoneaswell¨Clikedasyoumusthavegottentonsofloveletters.¡±

    Josephawkwardlyraisedhishandtoscratchhishead,lookinggenuinelyembarrassed.¡°Ms.Thorne,¡±hebegan,¡°whattimeperioddoyouthinkwe¡¯re in?Whosendslovelettersthesedays?It¡¯sabouttexting

    now.

    Josiahseemedtohavecaughtsomethingsignificant.¡°Stillimingyouhavenodatingexperience?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯veonlyeverbeenconfessedto,neveractuallybeeninartionship.Thosetwoexperiencesareentirelydifferent¡±

    Lysanderreminiscedaboutherratheruneventfndmonotonoushighschooldaysmenting.¡°Honestly,campusromancesareratherpureandbeautiful.Aslongastheydon¡¯tinterferewithyourstudies,there¡¯snothingwrongwithexperiencingthem.Otherwise,onceyou<b>start</b>working,youmightregretmissingoutontheselifeexperiences.¡±

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,doyoufenyregretnow?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snotexactlyregret,perse.It¡¯smorethatsometimes,Ithinklifedoesn¡¯talways<b>have</b>tobesorigidlystructured,¡±shemused.

    SherememberedDaphne¡¯sheart¨C<b>wrenching</b>firstloveandofferedacautionarynote,¡°However,theprerequisiteistochoosetherightperson.¡±

    Joseph¡¯seyessparkledforamomentashegazedintenselyatLysander,¡°IbelieveIhavegoodjudgment<b>of</b>character,andI¡¯mconfidentthatyou,Ms.Thorne,areanexceptionallygood<b>person</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

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    Lysanderofferednoresponsetothepreviousconversation.

    Finished

    However,Josiahfoundanopeningtosharehisthoughts,statingcontemtively.¡°Thenotionsof¡®goodpeople¡®and¡®badpeople¡®areoverlysimplisticssifications,reminiscentofachild¡¯sviewpoint.When<b>you</b>trulyimmerseyourselfinthplexitiesofsociety,you¡¯ll<b>discover</b>thatindividualsexhibitamyriadoftraits.Lifeisn¡¯tmerelyamatterofck<b>and</b>whitedistinctions.¡±

    In

    toneofslightusation,Josephinquired,¡°AreyousuggestingthatMs.Thornepossessessomebadtraits?¡±

    Josiah¡¯sexpressiondarkenedashequicklycorrected<b>him</b>,¡°Donottwistmywords.¡±

    AllImeantwasthatyourunderstandingissomewhatnaive.

    However,Josephcountered,¡°ButIagreewithyou.Peopleareinherentlplex.Givenyourstatureandposition,whoknowswhathiddeyersyoumightpossess?¡±

    Josiahfoundhimselfspeechlessatthisremark.

    TheconversationtookatenseturnasJosephadded,¡°EveninthepresenceofMs.Thorne,youhintatthingsabouther.Thoughyou¡¯reheretodaytovisitmewhileI¡¯mill,sheremainsmysenior.Weallhailfromthesameschool,<b>and</b>Itakenopleasureinhearinginsinuationsaboutoneofourown<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahmassagedhistemples,hispatiencethinning.¡°Areyouactuallyabasketballyeroramemberofthedebateteam?¡±Becauseyou<b>sure</b>canramble!

    Josephrecoiledslightly,addressingLysanderdirectly,¡°Ms.Thorne,didImisspeak?Pleasedon¡¯tbeI¡¯mnotverypolishedwithmywordsandcanbequitestraightforward.¡±

    Josiahcouldonlymusteracold,sarcasthuckleinresponse,¡°Ha!¡±

    upset.

    Observingtheexchange,Lysander feltaneeriesenseofd¨¦j¨¤vu.Itremindedherofthedynamicsbeforetheirdivorce,whensimrconversationswermon.However,backthen shewasmarriedtoJosiah,butnow,post¨Cdivorce,theirsituationsweredistinctlydifferent,bothlegallyandmorally.

    Withakeenobservation,Lysandernoted,¡°Youhaveaknackforartiction<b>;</b>perhapsacareeriwmight<b>suit</b>you.¡±

    Josephpondered,¡°IfI¡¯mstudw,isn¡¯tastronmandofnguageessential?That¡¯scrucialforunderstandingthwbook.Ms.Thornenguageisn¡¯tmystrongsuit.Ifyou¡¯retoobusytotutorme,maybeyoucouldsharesometipsonimprovingmyessayscores?¡±

    Lysandersuggestedafteramoment¡¯sthought,¡°Ifyoufindsomesparetime,itcouldbebeneficialtoengageinmorereading.¡±

    Curious,Josephasked,¡°WhatshouldIread,though?<b>I¡¯ve</b>alreadytackledthefourgreatssicalnovels,buttheydidn¡¯tseemtohelpmuch.Couldyourmendafewotherbooks,Ms.Thorne?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯llneedtothinkaboutit.I¡¯llhaveMr.Owensendyousomermendationter,¡±Lysanderresponded.

    ¡°Thankyou,Ms.Thorne!¡±

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    Meanwhile,Josiah,unabletovoicehisirritation,fixedapiercingstareonJoseph,whoreturriedasmuglook.Thetensionbetweenthemwaspalpable,asifchargedwithasubtlehintofchallenge.

    Joseph,despitebeinginjured,whicharguablygrantedhimaformofimmunity,sigheddeeply.¡°It¡¯snotjustmyssmateswaitingforme;Isuspectthepapersonmydesk<b>are</b><b>as</b><b>well</b>.ButifI¡¯mseriousaboutpursuingacademics,Ican¡¯tkeepshirkingit.WhenIgetback,I¡¯lldefinitelyhitthebooks.¡±

    HisremarkswerequitetoLysander¡¯sliking.

    Sheappreciatedhisresolve,noting,¡°HadIknownaboutyoumitment,Iwould¡¯veaskedyourteammatestobringyourbackpackwhenweadmittedyouhere.Asinglewardlikethisisquiteconducivetostudying.¡±

    Withouthesitation,Josiahadded,¡°Studyingshouldnotbepostponed.I¡¯rrangeforsomeofetchyourbackpackfromyourschool.Justtellmeyourssnumberandseat,andit¡¯sdone.Lysander,we¡¯vefulfilledourdutybyvisiting;let¡¯snotdytheboy¡¯sstudiesanylonger<b>.</b>

    Lysanderagreedwithasimple<b>nod</b>.

    Josephshudderedatthethoughtofhismountainouspileofexercisebooksarrivingatthehospitalbutknewthataslongashefirmlyrefused,itmightnoetothat.

    ¡°There¡¯snoneedforthattrouble,¡±hestatedstiffly.¡°<b>A</b>ssmateinformedmethatounguageteacherhas beeningoodspirittely.Afterthenightss,sheandthedeanntovisitandbringmybackpack.That¡¯lsogivemeachancetoaskherafewquestions.¡±

    Lysanderconcurred,¡°Whetherit¡¯ssportsoracademics,thehigheryourscores,themoredoorswillopenforyou.Aslongasyou¡¯rewillingtoput intheeffort,yourteachers<b>will</b>definitelysupportyou.¡±

    Josephnoddedeagerly,likea<b>chick</b>peckingattheground.

    ¡°Do youknowMr.Marcus?The<b>one</b>whoteachesseniorsses,hisliteratureinstructionistop¨Cnotch.Plus,heoftenstaysbehindtoanswerstudents¡®queries.¡±

    ¡°Ofcourse,Iknowhim.He¡¯sleadingourss:Infact,he¡¯ssupposedtetodaywiththedean,¡±Josephshared,atwinkleinhiseyeatthecoincidence.

    Whatacoincidencethisis.

    WheneverLysanderspokeofMarcus,hervoicecarriedatoneofdeep appreciation.

    ¡°That¡¯sfantastic.Mr.Marcus<b>was</b>incrediblypatientinhelpingmesolvenumerousissuesinthepast.Aslongasyou¡¯reeagertolearn,he¡¯llteachyouearnestly.<i>By</i>theway,whoisyourhomeroomteachernow?¡±Lysanderinquired.

    ¡°Mr.Wren,¡±Josephresponded.

    AflickerofsurprisecrossedLysander¡¯sface,¡°Really?Hewasmyhomeroomteacheraswell.¡±

    ¡°Is<b>that</b>so?Ms.Thome,itseemswetrulyshareastrongconnection,¡±Josepheximedwithasmile.

    Lysanderasked,¡°Ishemarriednow?Irememberhehadacrushonourmusicteacherbackinschool.Hisonlyhindrancewashisthinninghair,whichseemedtokeephimfrompursuingheropenly.Butwe,asstudents,couldclearlyseehisaffection.¡±

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    teacher!Healinghisbrightteeth,Josephrespondedjubntly,¡°He¡¯smarried!Yes,tothemusic

    Finished

    beenecstatitely,especiallysincesherecentlygavebirthtotwins.Hehardlykeepsquietin

    ssthesedays.¡±

    ListeningintentlytoJoseph¡¯sstoriesaboutWrenandthemusicteacher,thesmile<b>on</b>Lysanyler¡¯sface.remained,reflectinghergenuinehappinessforherformermentors.asionally,shewoulddescribetheold

    appearanceoftheschool<b>that</b>Josephhadneverseen.

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,there¡¯ssomethingelseIwantedtoaskyou,¡±Josephbegan.

    ¡°Whatisit?¡±

    ¡°Everyoneatschoolhasbeenwhisperingaboutit¨Cthessroomattheendofthefirstfloorinthboratorybuildingissupposedlyhaunted.Theysaythattenyearsago,aseniorgirldiedthere!Rumorhaditshehangedherself,trappedinawebofheartbreak.Noneofusdaredtoenterthatssroom!¡±

    Lysandershookherhead,¡°No,that¡¯snotpossible.Thatssroomisusedforstoringbrokendesks,chairs,andteachingaids.OnlyMr.Jaegerfromthejanitor¡¯sroomhasthekey.Nooneelsecangetin.Howcouldanyonehangthemselvesinthere?¡±

    ¡°Oh,soitwasactuallyfake¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯snotreal,don¡¯tbescared,¡±Lysanderreassuredhim.

    DespiteJosiah¡¯spangofjealousy,Lysandercontinuedsharingthesestories,neverhaving toldhimthesecaptivatingtalesbefore,yetnowshewaseagerlytellingthemtoahighschoolboyshe hadonlyrecently

    UponnoticingLysander¡¯sinterestinthe library,Josephenthusiasticallysaid,¡°Ms.Thorne,didyounotgetthechancetovisitthelibraryduringtheschonniversary?Don¡¯tworry,oncemyinjuryheals,I¡¯llgobackandtakesomephotosforyoutosec.¡±

    Lysanderchuckled,¡°Allrightthen,youbettergetwellsoon.Butfromwhatyou¡¯reimplying,coulditbethatyouhaven¡¯treallyspentmuchtimeinthelibrary?¡±

    Josephfeltslightlyembarrassedasheadmitted,¡°I¡¯vebeenthereoncebefore,although¡­itwastohelpthenewmathteachermovesomebooks.¡±

    Josiahsawhisopportunitytointerject,¡°Merelybrowsingarounddoesn¡¯tcountashavingtrulybeenthere.¡±

    Joseph<b>shot</b><b>him</b>alook,¡°Canyounotinterrupt,please?Ms.ThorneandIhavemontopic.We¡¯rediscussingthingsaboutourschool,HarborbrookFifthHighSchool,whichyoudon¡¯tbelongto,soyouwouldn¡¯tunderstandhowterrifyingourlibrarycouldbe.Thethingwestudentshatedthemostwasbookmaintenance,andthe<b>ce</b>wedetestedthemostwasthelibrary!¡±

    Josiahfurrowedhisbrow.

    Lysander<b>,</b>sensinghis<b>frustration</b><b>,</b>quicklyexined,¡°Ourschoollibraryhasalwayshadapestproblem.Toprotectthebooksfrombugs,thelibrarianfrequentlyspraysalotofpesticides.Theairbesquitepungent,makingitdifficulttostaythereforanextendedperiod<b>.¡±</b>

    ¡°No,it¡¯sjustthat,thisphraseseems<b>somewhat</b>familiar,asifI¡¯vehearditsomewherebefore.¡±

    LysandermimickedLysanne¡¯shigh<b>¨C</b>pitchedvoice,¡°Youdon¡¯treallyknowJosiah.Thefoodhedeteststhe<b>most</b><b>is</b>carrots,andthevorhecan¡¯tstandisthyme!¡±

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    Chapter591TheTablesHaveTurned

    Josiahfoundhimselfbereftof<b>words</b>.

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 chapter 592

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    Josephfoundhimselfpuzzledbytheongoingconversationanddecidedtointervene,suggesting,¡°Ms.Thome,whynotrxabitmore<b>today</b>andstaywithusforawhile?Thedeanandotherteacherswill<b>soon</b>bearriving,andyou¡¯llhavetheopportunitytocatchupwiththem¡­¡±

    ¡°No,Ineedtogetgoing<b>;</b>it¡¯sstartingtogetdark,¡±Lysanderreplied.¡°MyKittenathometendstogetanxiouswhenI¡¯mnotthere.¡±

    Josiah

    Lysandersimplynoddedinagreement,¡°Mhm<b>¡±</b>

    Yet,Joseph,curious,remarked,¡°ButfromwhatIunderstand,Kittensaren¡¯tusuallyafraidofthedark,are.they?¡±

    ¡°OurKittenhasalwaysbeenunusuallytimid.¡±

    Josephseemedpoisedtodelvedeeperintothetopic,butbeforehecouldformtehisthoughtsintowords,JosiahhadalreadygraspedLysander¡¯ssleeveand,withoutwaitingforfurtherdiscussion,brisklyled

    heraway<b>.</b>

    ItappearedJosiahhadbeenrestraininghimselfforsometime,forassoonastheyexitedtheward,hecouldn¡¯tholdbackhisirritation.Witha<b>chilly</b>tone,hequestioned,¡°Doeshealwayshavesuchatalentfortwistingthetruth?¡±

    Hedidn¡¯tcareifJosephoverheardthisremark;perhapsitwouldevenbebetterifhedid.

    Quicktoleavethepremisesofthehospital,Lysanderdirected,¡°Weshoulddiscussthisoutside.¡±

    Josiah,followingcloselybehindwithpalpablefrustration,steppedintotheelevatorwithher.

    Theelevatordescended.

    Onceconfinedwithintheelevator,Josiah,despitethepublicsetting,barelymanagedtocontainhisemotions.¡°Hisinjurieswereminor.Heshould bedischargedsoon.Asamedicalprofessional,can¡¯tyouseethat?¡±

    Lysander,sensinghisagitation,replied,¡°Didyoufeelthat?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    TheemotionsIfeltwhenIfirstheardLysannespeak,¡±Lysanderexined,¡°youshouldtrytounderstandthatfeeling.¡±

    Josiahpausedbriefly,reflecting,¡°Backthen,I was¡­blindtowhatwasobvious.¡±

    Heclenchedhisteethslightly<b>as</b>hefinishedhisthought,therealizationhittinghimlikeaboomerang.leavinghimemotionallyshattered.

    Theelevatorreachedthegroundfloor.

    <b>Josiah</b>momentarilylosthistrainofthought,hisstepsfaltering.CatchinguptoLysander,heswiftlyshiftedtheconversation,devoidofanypreviousemotion,¡°Enoughabout<b>him</b>.Letmewalkyouhome.¡±

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    Josephfoundhimselfpuzzledbytheongoingconversationanddecidedtointervene,suggesting,¡°Ms.Thorne,whynotrxabitmoretodayandstaywithusforawhile?Thedeanandotherteacherswillsoonbearriving,andyou¡¯llhavetheopportunitytocatchupwith<b>them</b>¡­

    ¡°No,Ineedtoget going;it¡¯sstartingtogetdark,¡±Lysanderreplied.¡°MyKittenathometendstogetanxiouswhenI¡¯mnotthere.¡±

    Josiah

    Lysandersimplynoddedinagreement,¡°Mhm.¡±

    Yet,Joseph,curious,remarked,¡°ButfromwhatIunderstand,Kittensaren¡¯tusuallyafraidofthedark,arethey?¡±

    ¡°OurKittenhasalwaysbeenunusuallytimid.¡±

    Josephseemedpoisedtodelvedeeperintothetopic,butbeforehecouldformtehisthoughtsintowords,JosiahhadalreadygraspedLysander¡¯ssleeveand,withoutwaitingforfurtherdiscussion,brisklyledher<b>away</b>.

    ItappearedJosiahhadbeenrestraininghimselfforsometime,forassoonastheyexitedtheward,hecouldn¡¯tholdbackhisirritation.Withachillytone,hequestioned,¡°<b>Does</b>healwayshavesuchatalentfortwistingthetruth?¡±

    Hedidn¡¯tcareifJosephoverheardthisremark;perhapsitwouldevenbebetterifhedid.

    Quicktoleavethepremisesofthehospital,Lysanderdirected,¡°Weshoulddiscussthisoutside.¡±

    Josiah,followingcloselybehindwithpalpablefrustration,steppedintotheelevatorwithher.

    Theelevatordescended.

    Onceconfinedwithintheelevator,Josiah<b>,</b>despitethepublicsetting,barelymanagedtocontainhisemotions.¡°Hisinjurieswereminor.Heshouldbedischargedsoon.As amedicalprofessional,<b>can¡¯t</b>youseethat?¡±

    Lysander,sensinghisagitation,replied,<b>¡°</b>Didyoufeelthat?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°TheemotionsIfeltwhenIfirstheardLysannespeak,¡±Lysanderexined,¡°youshouldtrytounderstandthatfeeling.¡±

    Josiahpausedbriefly,reflecting,¡°Backthen,Iwas¡­blindtowhatwasobvious.¡±

    Heclenchedhisteethslightlyashefinishedhisthought,therealizationhittinghimlikeaboomerang.leaving<b>him</b>emotionallyshattered.

    Theelevatorreachedthegroundfloor.

    Josiahmomentarilylosthistrainofthought,hisstepsfaltering.CatchinguptoLysander,heswiftlyshiftedtheconversation,devoidofanypreviousemotion,¡°Enoughabouthim.Letmewalkyouhome.¡±

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    Lysandergentlyrefused,¡°Myhome<b>is</b>justafewsubwaystopsaway.YoushouldattendtoGuerraGroup¡¯s

    issues.¡±

    Despiteher<b>refusal</b>,Josiah<b>insisted</b>,¡°Icanmanagemyworkfromhomejustaseffectively.¡±

    Findingherselfagreeingaftersomeconsideration,sinceitwasalongtheway.Lysanderrelented<b>and</b>joinedhiminthecar.

    ¡°I¡¯vebeenthinkingabouthiringadriver,¡±shemusedaloud.

    Lysanderrecalledhow,backwhenHowardwasaround,theThorneConstructionsandEnergiesalwayshadadedicateddriver.Butsincehehadsteppedbackfrompubliclife,thatdriverhadresigned.

    Josiahquicklyunderstoodherintentionandvolunteered,¡°Whplicatethings?I¡¯mheadinghomeanyway;it¡¯snotroubleatalltodropyouoff.¡±

    ¡°Ican¡¯talwaysrelyonyoulikeachauffeur,<b>though</b>,¡±sheresponded.

    ¡°Of course,youcan<b>,</b>¡±Josiahstated,¡°I¡¯mhappytohelp.¡±

    AsLysanderexitedthecar,standingnexttothesidemirror,shelookedbackathim.Hertone wasgentleyetfirm.¡°However,Ifinditbothersome.Afterworkismypersonaltime,andIprefernottohavesomeoneconstantlybymyside.Besides,Lysannewasright¨CIwouldn¡¯t daretakenotamuskettokibutterfly.¡±

    Josiahunderstoodherdetermination.Seeingherresoluteexpression,heconceded,¡°Allright,ifyouinsistonhiringsomeone,goahead.ButtheHRdepartmentatThorneConstructionsandEnergiesmightnotbethorough.I¡¯llhaveMs.Collinsassist<b>you</b>.However,let¡¯sbeclear¨Citshouldbeafemaledriver.¡±

    Lysander,notwantingtoowehimanyfavors,eptedhisofferpragmatically.

    ¡°Ihavenoparticrpreferenceforthedriver¡¯sgender,aslongastheyarpetentbehindthewheel.¡±

    JosiahparkedthecarandfollowedLysanderintotheelevator<b>.</b>Noticingherreticence,heinitiatedanothertopic,¡°CouldIstopbytocheckontheKitten?TheCatterycalledmethismorning;theywantsomephotostoseehowit¡¯sadjusting.¡±

    Lysanderhesitatedtorespond<b>,</b><b>but</b>giventhecontext<b>was</b>abouttheKitten¡¯s<b>well</b>¨Cbeing,shefoundherselfunabletooutrightrefuse.

    Josiah,seeinghermomentaryindecision<b>,</b>quicklyadded,¡°Iwon¡¯tstaylong.Besides,I<b>have</b>akeysincethedoorlockwaschanged.¡±

    Ding!

    Theelevatordoorsslidopen.

    Leavinghisrequestunanswered,Lysanderwalkedaheadinsilence,openedherapartmentdoor,andsteppedinside,leavingthedoorajarassheswitchedintoherslippersandturned onthelight.Heractionsimplicitlyallowed<b>him</b>tofollow

    Josiahknewthiswashertacitapproval.Heentered,changingintotheguestslippersprovided.

    TheRagdollkitten,havingbeenaloneallday,eagerlyapproachedLysander,wrappingitsfluffytaroundherlegsandmeowingaffectionately.

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    AsLysander scoopeduptheKitten,herusualrationaldemeanorsoftenedconsiderably.Holdingthekitten,hervoicenaturallybecamegentler.

    TheKittenfortableinherarms,respondedwithconuous,soft

    purrs.

    Josiahobservedtheirinteraction,refillingthewaterfortheRagdollkittenandrecingthelitterintheboxasnecessary.JustasLysanderhaddoneearlier,hebroughtthetrashtothedoor,

    Lysander eventuallynoticedhisefforts,acknowledgingtherewaslittleelseshecouldinterferewithatthe

    moment.

    Josiahapproached,gentlycaressingtheKitteninherarms.¡°Thislittle onehasbeenaloneallday.Itprobablythoughtyouhadabandonedit,that¡¯swhyit¡¯sacting<b>so</b>scared.Weshouldspendmoretimewithit.¡±

    Underordinarycircumstances,suchwordsmightbespokentoreassureachildleftathome.

    Lysanderfeltatwingeofsuspicion.

    ThekittenseemedtotaketoJosiahwell,nestlingintohishandwithitsfluffyears.<b>Josiah</b>softlystrokedthekittenafewtimes,elicitingpurrsofcontentment.

    Lysander,seeingnorealsignsofdistressintheKitten,passeditto<b>him</b><b>,</b><b>¡°</b>Didn¡¯tyoetoseetheKitten?Youtwoy.Ihaveotherthingstohandle.¡±

    Josiahwasmomentarilytakenabackby<b>this</b>unexpectedturn.HoldingtheKitten,hefollowedher,offering.¡°Ifit¡¯swork¨Crted,maybeIcanhelp.¡±

    Lysanderstoppedhimatthebedroomdoor.¡°Ineedtochangeandtakeabath.¡±

    Withoutaword,Josiahsteppedbacktothelivingroom,cradlingtheKitten.Hecrouchedbythewaterbowl,showingthefelinehowtodrinkwithoutsoakingitsfur¨Csomethingessentialforlong¨Chaired

    Kittens.

    Afteralongday,Lysander waseagerforarxingbath.Onceshehaddriedherhairandslippedintofortablenightgown,shereturnedtothelivingroom,nowfilledwiththeinvitingscentoffood.

    <i>He</i>hasn¡¯t<i>left</i>yet?Didheordertakeout?Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    <b>Send</b>Gifts

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    Chapter593AfraidIMightNotHaveExcusesToSeeYour

    Lysander¡¯sattentionwasdrawntowardthekitchenas<b>a</b>deliciousaromafilledthe<b>air</b>.

    #Finished

    Martha,donnedinanapron,wasbusypreparingmealsatthecounter,herhandsdeftlymaneuveringaroundtheingredientidoutbeforeher.Atthesametime,adishwasgentlysimmeringinapotonthestove,fillingtheroomwithitsenticingscent.

    Nearby,Josiah,dressedsomewhatformallyinashirtandtrousersforakitchensetting,wasobservingMartha¡¯sculinaryeffortswithanintensecuriosity,asiftheartofcookingwasamysteryhewasdeterminedtounravel.

    Havingbeenlingeringatthedoorwayforsometime,Lysandernoticedthatneitherhadspottedherpresence.Withaslightsenseofreluctance,sheraisedherhandandtappedlightlyonthedoorframetoannounceherpresence.

    Lookingtowardthewestsideoftheroom,Josiahimmediatelyreactedbyheadingtotheentrancetofetchlightcoatforhermenting.¡°Theweather<b>has</b><b>turned</b>chillyrecently;becarefulnottocatchacold.¡±

    ¡°Ijusttookahotshower;I¡¯mreallynotcold.¡±Lysanderresponded,gentlydecliningtheofferofajacket.However,whenheinsisted,<b>she</b>eptedit,holdingitinherhands.Then,withamoreserious<b>tone</b>,sheinquired.¡°Josiah,what¡¯sgoingon?¡±

    Josiahmotionedtowardsapileorgeandsmallpackagesscatteredonthekitchenfloorandbegantoexininacalmvoicetheactivitieshehadundertakenwhileshewasbathing.¡°Whileyouhaven¡¯tbeencookingathome,thefoodinyourfridgespoiled,soItookthelibertyofdiscardingit.ThepeopleattheCatterymentionedthatkittensneedmorethanjustKittenfoodforabnceddiet.Idecidedtopreparesomehomemademealsforthekitten.I¡¯vealreadypickedupsomegroceriesfromanearbystoreandevenboughtafewothernecessitiesforthekitten.Seethatelectriclitterboxoverthere?Isn¡¯tthattheoneyouweretalkingabout?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯recookingforthekitten?¡±Lysanderasked,hertoneamixtureofsurpriseandcuriosity.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tanswerdirectlybutcontinued,¡°C¨¢ttoysandteasersareusefulfromkittenhoodthroughtoadulthood.Thecatfoodandcanneditemshereareallspeciallychosenforkittens,particrlysuitableforaragdollwithaweakdisgestivesystem,moreso<b>than</b>thebrandstypicallyrmendedby

    veterinarians.

    Josiahhadalwaysbeenproactive,andthatday,afterobservingJoseph¡¯spretentiousact,hefeltpellingurgetopreemptivelyaddressanypossibleissues,sealingallpotentialgapsthatmightbeexploited.

    Inpassing,hedisposedofeverythingthatAdrianhadpreviouslypurchasedforthehome,leavingnotatracebehind.

    Lysandereyedtheitemsstrewn<b>about</b>the<b>floor</b><b>and</b>quicklypulledoutherphone<b>,</b>asking.¡°Howmuch?I¡¯lltransferthemoney toyouright<b>now</b>.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>lookeddown,hisvoicesoft.¡°It¡¯snotasignificantamount;noneedforthat.¡±

    ¡°Idon¡¯t<b>want</b>tooweyouanyfavors;<b>that¡¯s</b>howAdrainandIalwayssettledthings,¡±Lysanderspokesoftlyyetfirmly.

    Josiah¡¯svoicecarriedahintofdefianceasheresponded,¡°I¡¯mnotlikehim,¡±clearlydistancinghimselffromanparisonwithAdrianHe<b>continued</b><b>his</b>miremowingfirmer¡°Weraisedtherodallkitten

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    together;Ihaveeveryrighttoprovideforitsneeds.¡±

    Lysanderfoundherselfwithoutareadyresponsetohiswords.

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    Hehadalreadyturnedaway,fullyabsorbedinhisowntasks,<b>and</b>suggested,¡°IneedtolearnmoreaboutcookingfromMartha.Whydon¡¯tyouspendsometimewiththeKitten?It¡¯sbeenlookingatitstoyforquitesometimenow,obviouslyeagertoy.¡±

    Theragdollkittenwasyfullycirclingtheitemsintheshoppingbag<b>,</b>almostreadytoleapintoit.

    Lysander,worriedthatthekittenmighttearopenthebag,swiftlymoveditaside.Withpracticedcase,shethenneatlyorganizedthepetsuppliesfromthebag.Theseitemswereallfromwell¨Cknownpetbrands,clearlynotthesortofgoodsonecouldsimplypickuponawhimduringacasualmarkettrip.

    JustasLysanderwasabouttoexamhe itemsmoreclosely,anutritiousmealwascedonthetable.

    Josiah,withhisshirtsleevesrolleduptohiselbowsandhishandsstilldamp,seemedtohavebeenengrossedintheculinaryefforts.NoticingLysander¡¯shesitationtospeak,heexined,¡°ThiswaspreparedbyMartha.

    ¡°Didn¡¯tyousayyouweremakingcatfood?¡±Lysanderinquired,slightlyconfused.

    Josiahletoutalightchucklebeforeturningandheadingbacktothekitchen.

    Inthepast

    fewdays,Lysanderhadgrownustomedtohavinganadditionalpersonathome.ShereasonedthatJosiah¡¯sinvolvementinthekitchenalongsideMarthawouldn¡¯tdisturbher.Afterfinishingherdinner,shetookherRagdollkittentothestudytocatchuponsomeunfinishedwork.

    Bythetimesheconcludedhertasks,itwasquitte.Lysandermassagedherstiffneckassheleftthestudy.Noticingthatthelightwasstilloninthediningarea,shewalkedovertoinvestigateandstoppeddeadinhertracks.

    Thediningtable<b>was</b>overloadedwithdishes,creatingaspectacleasifeveryutensilinherkitchenhadbeenutilized.However,theappearanceofthefooddidnotmatchthegrandeurofthedisy.

    Josiahemergedfromthekitchencarryingateofparticrlynd¨Clookingfood,hisfaceashen.Heceditonthediningtable.

    Lysandereyedthedubiousdish,memoriesofherculinaryadventuresinStouniacreepingback.Shetookasharpbreathandqueried,¡°Whatisthis?cklicorice?¡±

    ¡°Itwassupposed tobelemonbutterfish,¡±Josiahreplied,standinguncertainlyattheedgeofthebanquettable,debatingwhethertoset downthete.

    ThenameofthedishtriggeredathrobbingheadacheinLysander.Sheloweredherheadandmurmured,¡°It¡¯sste,andyou¡­¡±

    Shehadneverseenherdiningtablesoextravagantlyfilledbefore.

    Josiah¡¯slipstwitchedashefinallysetdownhiste,admitting.¡°I¡¯vebeentryingtolearncookingfromMartha.Initially,Iwantedtomasterthedishesshepreparedforyournutritiousmealtonight,butthen¡­¡±

    Hencedatthediningtable,which evenhe<b>had</b>toadmitlookedratherpitiful.Withatoneofresignation,heconcluded,¡°Theresultmightnotbegreat,butasMarthaalways<b>says</b>,cookingisaskillwherepracticemakesperfect.Ijustneedmorepractice<b>.</b>¡±

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    Lysanderncedatthefish,notingitseyesstillopen,staringnkly,andthemeatcharredtoanunrecognizablestate.Shestruggledtofindapolitewaytoexpressherthoughtsandfinallysaid,¡°Isuggestyouspareyourselfandtheseingredientstoo.It¡¯ssuchawaste.Yourbattlefieldisinthebusinessworld,not

    thekitchen.¡±

    Josiah,unwillingtogiveup,countered,¡°PerhapsImightnotbenaturallygiftedatcookinglikeIaminbusiness,butcan¡¯tdiligencemakeupforthckoftalent?¡±

    Lysandersnoddedthoughtfully.¡°I¡¯velearnedquiteabitaboutmanagementfromyouthesepastfewdays.hingIreallyagreewithisthatweshouldoptimizeourteambyallowingpeopletodowhattheyexct.Forcingsomeodowhattheystrugglewithishighlyinefficient.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯syouropiniononthatAdrainguy?Ishistalentintheoperatingtableorinthekitchen?¡±

    ¡°Both¡­¡±

    ¡°Sowhycan¡¯tIhaveitall?¡±hequestioned,ahintoffrustrationinhisvoice.

    Lysandertriedtounderstandhismotives.¡°Whyareyou<b>so</b>insistentonthis?¡±

    ¡°Ijustwantedtodoabitmoreforyou.¡±

    Lysanderwasstruckdumb.

    ¡°Youwouldn¡¯tletmepickyouupordropyouoffatwork,andyou¡¯vegraduallygottenthehangofthpanymatters.Todayatthehospital,theincidentwiththebasketballyerwasawake¨Cupcallforme.IrealizeIknowtoolittleaboutyourpast.You¡¯reaveryindependentperson,andIfearImightsoonrunoutofexcusesjusttoseeyou,¡±Josiahconfessed.

    Lysandertookadeepbreath,unsureofhowtorespond.

    With<b>a</b>resignedtone,Josiahconcluded,¡°Youshouldrestfirst,I¡¯lltakecareofeverythinghere.¡±

    Lysanderhadn¡¯tintendedtohelphim.Yet,consideringthewasteandhisevidenckofunderstandingofresourcemanagement,apangofsympathyarosewithin her.Heclearlyhadn¡¯thadmuchexperiencerunningahousehold!C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Beforeshecouldarticteherthoughts,Marthaemergedfromthekitchen.Noticingtheawkwardtensionovertheruineddishes,shequicklyintervened.

    ¡°Ms.Thorne,don¡¯tbetooharshonMr.Guerra.Forafirstattempt,heactuallydidquitewell.Youwouldn¡¯t,believeit,butatmypreviousjob,someriedtheirhandatcookingandendedupsettingthekitchenonfire.Itwassuchaspectacle,eventhefiredepartmentgotinvolved,¡±sherecounted,attemptingtolightenthemood.

    SendGifts

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    Chapter594ToStartOverWithYou

    Finished

    UponMartha¡¯sreassuringwords,Lysanderfeltafleetingwaveofanxietyaboutherownkitchendissipate-assheleanedforwardtopeekinside.Everythingappearedinorder<b>,</b>allowinghertoreleasethebreathshedidn¡¯trealizeshe<b>was</b>holding.

    Josiahfound<b>a</b>smallmeasure ofsceinMartha¡¯sencouraginmentsanddecided,¡°It¡¯sgettingquitteandthereisn¡¯tmuchfoodleft.IthinkI¡¯llstopthelessonhere<i>lol</i>

    andhandlethecleanupmyself.¡±

    ¡°Allrightthen,¡±Martharespondedassheneatlyhungherapronbackinitsusualce.Sheadded,¡°Mr.Guerra,thesethingstaketime;youneedtolearnthemgradually.¡±

    ¡°Thankyou,¡±Josiahsaid,graciouslyescortingMarthatothedoor.

    WhenJosiahswiftlyreturnedtobeginclearingthetable,Lysanderexpressedherconcern.¡°Marthaisn¡¯tyounganymore,andit¡¯salreadte.Howcouldyoulethergohomebyherself?I¡¯llcacarforher.¡±

    WhileJosiahwasbusydisposingofthespoileddishesintothegarbagebin,hereplied,¡°No need,shewon¡¯tbegoingbackjustyet.She¡¯sstayingintheguestroomnextdoor;I¡¯vealreadygivenherakey.¡±

    Lysanderpaused,hereyebrowsarchinginsurprise.¡°She¡¯sstayingatyource?¡±

    Mm,¡±Josiahaffirmed,thenqueried,¡°Doyoumind?¡±

    ¡°WhywouldI?¡±

    ¡°Because<b>she¡¯s</b>alsoawoman<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°She¡¯sawomaninmenopause,¡±Lysandersaidwithahintofirritation.

    Josiah,pickinguponherjest,lightenedupabit.¡°Don¡¯tworryaboutit,¡±hereassured,¡°I¡¯llhandlethesetasks.Imay<b>not</b>begreatatcooking,butIcancertainlymanagethecleaning¡±

    ¡°Josiah,¡±Lysandercalledout.

    Josiahpaused,stilldonninghisapron,bncingateinonehand.His hair wasdisheveled,andtherewerestreaksonhisface¨Ceitherfromsootorsauce,it<b>was</b>hardtotell.

    ¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯redoingallthis¡­Lysanderhesitated,¡°Didn¡¯tyousaythatyouwerecontentwithkeepingthingsastheyare?¡±

    ¡°Ijustwanttostartoverwithyou,¡±Josiahconfessed.

    AfterJosiahfinishedcingthedishes,hemeticulouslybegancleaningthetesandbowls.Hecedtheminthesinktosoakbeforereturningtowipedownthetable.

    Hismovementsthroughthehouseholdchoresweresmoothandpracticed,evidencethathislessonswith

    Marthaweretakentoheart.

    Itwouldberudetospurnafriendlyperson,andJosiah¡¯searnestdemeanormadeitdifficultforLysandertobeoverlycritical.Lookingtogetsomesleep,shesighed<b>.</b>¡°Youheadtothekitchen,I¡¯lltakecareofthelivingroom.¡±

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    ¡°Noneed,¡±heinsisted,holdingtheclothfirmly,notallowinghertohelp.

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    ¡°Inthepast,Ilearnedmanythingsforthewrongperson,anditwasn¡¯tjustyouwhofeltuneasy;Iwasunsettledtoo.Butnow,havingfinallyfoundtherightperson,it¡¯sonlynaturalthatIstartlearningnewskillsthatcanhelp you.Indoingso,atleastIcanensureyoufort,andIsupposbackontherightpath,¡±heexined.

    it¡¯sa

    yofgetting

    it¡¯sa

    Lysander¡¯seyshesflutteredslightly,hervoicesoft,¡°What¡¯spastispast,let¡¯snotbringitupagain.¡±

    ¡°Allright.¡±WhileJosiahengagedinconversationwithher,hedidn¡¯tlethiswork suffer.Switchingtopics,hecontinued,¡°Theearlystagesofworkarealwaysthehardest,somethingIknowalltoowell.Yourpositionatthpanystillneedstimetostabilize<b>,</b>andyourdayswillundoubtedlybebusyandtough.Iwouldlovetotake

    onthebulkoftheworkforyou,butknowingyourcharacter,you¡¯dnevereptthat.Soaftermuchthought,Icanonlyoffertohelpwithsomesupportingtasks.¡±

    Ashespoke,heturnedbacktothekitchen,slippingonapairofcleaninggloves.Hethenbeganwashingstacksofdisheswiththesamehandsheusedtosigndocumentsandtypeonthekeyboardatwork.

    Ifanyonefromeitherofthetwpanieshadseenit,theysurelywouldhavedoubtedtheirowneyes.WhenLysanderobservedJosiah¡¯ssteadymovements,sherealizedtherewasnoriskofhimworseningthings.Shesimplyasked,¡°So,yourideaofassistanceisdoinghouseworkatmyce?¡±

    Josiahrepliedearnestly.¡°Inlinewithmyoriginalintention,Iwantedyoutobeabletoenjoydeliciousandnutritiousmealseverydayafteryoufinishworkandreturnhome.However,thereisagapbetweentheoryandpractice,soitmight takesometimebeforewecanachievethisgoal.¡±

    Hewasn¡¯tsureexactlyhowlongitwouldtake,butwithMarthanextdoor,atleasttherewasabackupnince.

    Lysanderncedattheoverflowingtrashcanand,inanefforttobeeconomical,advised,¡°Everyonehastheirownexpertise,it¡¯sbetternottomeddleinareasyou¡¯renotskilledat.Ifyouinsist<b>on</b>helpingmewiththechores,itwouldbebettertoleaveittoMartha.I¡¯llcoverhalfthecostofthegroceries.¡±

    Ifpossible,shestillhopedtoestablishasclearboundariesaspossiblebetweenthetwoofthem.

    Josiahwasadamantaboutnotlettinganyoneelsehandlethecooking.Hewasn¡¯tsurewherethisconfidencecamefrom,buthespokeabouthistheorywithconviction.¡°Today,youtoldJosephthatit¡¯snevertoteto<b>start</b>learningifoneiswilling.AnythingthatAdriancandoforyou,ofcourse,Icandoaswell¡±

    Adrianhadonlyoncerestockedherrefrigerator,yet,unexpectedly,notonlyhadherememberedit,butithadalsolingeredinhisminduntilnow.

    Afterwaitingforawhile,Josiahtooktheinitiativetoask,¡°Whydidyoustoptalking?¡±

    Lysanderletoutalongsigh:¡°WhatelsecanIsay?ShouldIadviseyounottofollowAdrian¡¯sexample?Hemightheedadvice,butyoumightnot.Mywordswouldprobablyfallondeafears.¡±

    Josiahwassilentinthekitchen.Hewipedthewaterdropletsoffthecleaneddishesandneatlyarrangedthemontherack.Onlythendidheturnaroundandsay,¡°Everythingthathecandoforyou,Icandotoo.Evenwhathecan¡¯t,I<b>can</b>.¡±

    Josiahsawherstillstandingthere,unmoving,andurgedheragain.¡°It¡¯sgettinte,youshouldgoback<b>and</b>getsomesleep.It¡¯sgoingto<b>take</b><b>a</b>whiletocleanupall this,andthere¡¯snoneedforyoutostayupwith

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    mehere<b>.¡±</b>

    Finished

    Lysanderhadbeenfeelingexhaustedforawhile,barelystiflingayawn.Uponhearinghiswords,shedidn¡¯tbotherwithpleasantriesandsimplyreminded himtolockthedoorwhenheleft.Withoutfurtherado,shewentofftoherbedroom.Asperherusualroutine,shelockedthedoorfromtheinsidebeforesettlingdowntosleep.

    Perhapsduetotheburdenofwork¨Crtedworriesweighingheavilyonhermindbeforesleep,Lysanderdidn¡¯thaveapeacefulrest.Whenshefinallyopenedhereyes,theworldoutside<b>was</b>stillshroudedindarkness,thebreakofdawnyette.

    Hermouthwasdry,soshe decidedtoheadtothelivingroomforadrinkofwater.

    Shegentlyunlockedthebedroomdoor.

    Lysander,dinherslippers,steppedintothelivingroom.Insteadofthedarknessshehadanticipated,atwarmglowstretchedoutbeforeherfeet¨Cthe<b>wall</bmpwasstillon.

    Thenextmoment,afamiliarvoicereachedherears,itwasunexpectedlyJosiahspeakinginStounian.

    Lysandercautiouslysteppedintothesoftlylitlivingroom.As<b>she</b>triedtomakesenseofthescenebeforeher,sheblurtedout,almostreflexively.¡°It¡¯salreadythreeinthemorning,whyareyou-

    Hervoicewasquiet,almostwhisper¨Clike,suchthatJosiah,whowasdeeplyabsorbedinaconversationthroughhisBluetoothheadset,didn¡¯tregisterherpresence<b>.</b>

    Inthelivingroom,whereonlyasinglewalmpwaslit,Josiahsatattheendofthecouch,fullyimmersedinhistasks.Thecoffeetableinfrontofhimwasupiedbyhisworptop,whichhehadcarriedoverfromtheadjacentapartment.Abriefcasewashaphazardlystackedonthesingle¨Cseatercouchnearby,signifyingthatthisspacehadeffectivelybehismakeshiftoffice.

    Lysanderlingeredinthebackground,hereyesadjustingtothedimlightasshewaitedforJosiahtowrapuphisinternationalcall.Onlyaftershesensedthattheconversationhadconcludeddidshecautiouslyapproach.

    Shewasabouttoaskifhewasnningonsleeping,whensomethingonthptopscreencaughtherperipheralvision.Turningto lookmoredirectly,shefinallynoticedwhatwasdisyedontheilluminated.

    <b>screen</b><b>.</b>

    <b>Send</b><b>Gifts</b>N?velDrama.Org content.

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    Thedisyscreenwasevenlydividedintofoursections,threeofwhichwereupiedbyblond¨Chaired,blue¨Ceyedforeigners.Amongthemwasdyofconsiderableage.

    Josiahwasn¡¯tjustmakinganinternationalcall.Itwasasifhewasconductingamultinationalconference.

    Lysanderpausedbythesideofthesofa,momentarilyuncertainwhetherornottotellhimtoleave.

    <b>At</b>firstnce,Josial¡¯spostureremainedasuprightasever.However,afaintshadowoffatiguelingeredbeneathhiseyes,andasubtlewearinesswasetchedbetweenhisbrows,onlynoticeableuponcloserinspection.

    Duetothetimedifferencebetweendomesticandinternationallocations,itwasindeedmostsuitableforJosiahtoholdmeetingswiththeoverseasbranchofficeduringthenight.However,ifhehadn¡¯tspentmostofhisdaytimehoursandenergyhelpinghersuppresstheunstablefactorswithinThorneConstructionsandEnergies,hewouldn¡¯thaveendedupsoexhausted.

    Lysanderhadoncesharedasignificantpartofherlifewithhim.Evenifshewasreluctant,shecouldn¡¯tignorehisexhaustionatthatmoment.

    Josiahwastrulyincrediblyexhausted.

    Suddenly,Lysanderfeltanurgetoactasifnothinghadhappenedandreturntoherbedroomtocontinuesleeping.However,beforeshecouldmakeamove,oneoftheparticipantsonthescreendramaticallyopenedtheirmouthinsurprise,promptinga<b>simr</b>reactionfromtheothers.

    Feelingmorefatiguedthanusual,Josiah¡¯sthoughtswererunningabeatbehind.However,uponnoticingthereactionsofothers,hestillliftedhisgazetolookaround.

    Thud!

    JosiahgentlyclosedthptopandswiftlyremovedhisBluetoothearphone,hisexpressionsomewhatunnatursheturnedtofaceLysander.

    Clearinghisthroat,heaskedherinEcronese,¡°Whyareyouup?DidIwakeyou?¡±

    Hiplexionturnedslightlypale,ahintofguiltsubtlyapparent.

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°I<b>was</b>justalittlestartled.¡±

    Afterexperiencingahome burry,<b>it</b><b>was</b>onlynaturalforhertofeelscared,

    ¡°Sorry;Ihaveanunexpectedmeetingtoattend.Youcangobacktosleepnow.I¡¯llheadoverto the<b>balcony</b>,¡±saidJosiah.

    ¡°Youdidn¡¯twakemeup.I<b>couldn¡¯t</b>hearanynoisewhileIwasinthebedroom.Ijustgot thirstyinthemiddleofthenightandwantedtogetsomewater,¡±Lysandersaid.

    Josiahimmediatelyputdownhiputerandstoodup.¡°Letme goboilsomewaterfor you.¡±

    Afterhesaidthat,hedidn¡¯twaitforLysandertoquestionhim.Hestoodupandheadedtothekitchen,apparentlytoboilsomewater.

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    neverusedbefore,youshouldhead<b>back</b><b>and</b>figureouthowtoexinyoursuddendisconnectiontotheothermeetingattendees.¡±

    Josiahwastall<b>and</b>hisstrideswereinevitablyquickerthanhers.Bythetimeshecaughtuptohimbythekitchencounter,hewasalreadystandinginthespotlesskitchen,pouringwaterforherfrom<b>a</b>kettle.

    Thesteaminghotwaterwascarefullypoured,fillingupmostofthecup.

    JosiahcasuallyslidthecupacrossthetabletowardLysander,calmlystating,¡°Inafewdays,I¡¯llhavesomeoneinstawaterdispenserforyou.Havingtoboilwatereverytimeyouwanttodrinkisabitof<b>a</b>hassle.¡±

    BeforeLysander<b>knew</b>it,Josiah¡¯sdomesticskillshadmadeasignificantleap.

    Inthatmoment,shedidn¡¯tknowwhetherto praisehim<b>for</b>hisattentiveness,ortmendMarthaforherexcellentupbringing.

    Noticingthatshedidn¡¯tseeminclinedtopickupthecup.Josiahtooktheinitiativetostepforward<b>and</b>handedherthewater,saying,¡°Don¡¯tworry;it¡¯snothot.It¡¯satadrinkabletemperature.Iboileditearlier,andit¡¯sbeencoolingforawhilenow.¡±

    His<b>hands</b>werebroadandwarm,andunavoidablybrushedagainstherfingertipsashepassedherthecup.

    Bothofthemsubtlyshudderedinresponse.

    Lysanderquicklygrabbedhercupandturnedaround.Asshesippedherdrinkandreturnedtothelivingroom,shesaidsoftly,¡°Thankyou.¡±

    Normally,Josiahwouldhavespentsometimediscussingtheissueaboutthewaterdispenserwithher.Buttoday,contrarytohisusualdemeanor,heurgedhertohurryup,saying,¡°Youshouldgobacktosleeponceyou¡¯vefinishedyourwater.¡±

    Ashewithdrewhishandbacktohis side,hiseyeswerebrimmingwithatendernessthathehimselfhadnotevennoticed.

    Uponhearingthis,Lysanderwasmomentarilystruckwithconfusion.

    Shesuddenlybecameabitcuriousandasked,¡°Doestheforeignbranchofficehavesomesortofurgentmatter?Whydidtheyhadtohaveameetinginthemiddleof thenight?¡±

    Josiahremainedsilent,rubbinghistemples.Afteramoment,hegavethereasonthatLysanderhadalreadyanticipated. ¡°Itcan¡¯tbehelped.There¡¯satimedifferencebetweenthetwocountries.¡±

    ¡°Thenyoushouldget100long.

    backtoitquickly.Businessmattersshouldbeprioritized.Don¡¯tkeepotherswaiting

    Josiahsaidnonchntly,¡°It¡¯sallright;Icanletthemdiscussontheirownforabit.Thisway,theywon¡¯tbetooapprehensivetomakedecisionsaboutminormattersinthefutureandwon¡¯thavetobothermeeverysingletime.¡±

    Lysanderwantedtoaskmore,buthehadalreadygentlycedhishandonhershoulder,guidingherbacktowardthebedroomwithatenderyetirresistibleforce.

    Withoutobtainingherpermission,Josiahdidn¡¯tdaretocastanextranceinside.Assoonas Lysanderenteredthebedroom,heswiftlyshutthedoorbehindher.

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    Thisnonchntanddecisivedemeanorwastrulysomethingshehadn¡¯tseeninalongtime.

    Finished

    Lysandersuddenlyfeltasenseofunfamiliarity,continuingtodrinkwaterfromhercup.Thistime,beforyingdown,sherefrainedfromtheunnecessaryactoflocking thedoor.

    Meanwhile,Josiahsettledbackontothecouch,reopeninghisptoptorejointheonlinemeeting.SlippingonhisBluetoothheadset,hegracefullyapologizedtothegrouphe¡¯dleftwaiting,¡°Myapologies;Ihadantunexpectedsituationjustnow.¡±

    Hisconditionseemedmuchimprovedfrombefore.Notonlydidhenolongerappeartired,buttherewas<b>also</b>asubtle<b>hint</b>ofasmileatthecornersofhislips.

    ThethreeattendeesofthemeetingwereallregionalheadsofThorneConstructionsandEnergies¡¯soverseasbranchoffice.Afteryearsofcoboration,theyhadbeascloseasfriends.Seeinghimappearasifhehadjustrecharged,theyimmediatelyunderstoodwhatwasgoingon.

    Thdyamongthemwasthefirsttoteasewithasmile, ¡°Josiah,insteadofcallingitan unexpectedsituation,wouldn¡¯titbemorelikeabeautiident?¡±

    WhenLysanderappearedearlier,shewasonlydinathinnightgown,clearlyhavingjustawokenfromadeepslumber.

    Josiahgentlystrokedhischinandgaveaslightsmile.¡°Isupposeso.¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ThiswasessentiallyanindirectadmissionofhisrtionshipwithLysander.

    Atthemoment,hecould onlyuttersuchwordswhenshewasn¡¯taround.

    Uponhearingthis,theremainingtwoforeignersinstantlytookaninterestinhislovelife.

    ¡°Youwerestillsinglethsttimewemet.Whowouldhavethoughtyou¡¯dmakesuchprogresssoquickly?Shesureisalooker.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯sright!Shemusthavetocheckonyoujustnow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯vebeenawayonabusinesstripandhaven¡¯tbeenabletocallmygirlfriendforseveraldays.Ihopesheforgivesme¡­¡±

    Theconversationwasclearlyveeringofftopic.

    Josiahlistenedquietly,showingnourgencytosteertheconversationbackontrack.Awaveofsweetness.surgedinhisheartashebegantoindulgeinthethoughtofhowblissfulhislifewouldbeifeverythingtheysaidwastrue.

    Suddenly,apersonincharge,brimmingwithcuriosity,asked,¡°Josiah,<b>is</b>sheyourgirlfriendorjust<b>a</b>sexpartner?¡±

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    The culture over there was rtively liberal. Men and women spending the night together didn¡¯t necessarily imply any romantic involvement. They could even be in such a situation without knowing each other¡¯s names.

    However, Josiah was not that kind of man. It was precisely because he was a man of integrity that the presence of a girl by his side in the dead of night stirred thore curiosity.

    Josiah¡¯s voice carried an unmistakable sweetness <b>as </b>he said, ¡°She¡¯s not my girlfriend. She¡¯s my wife.¡±

    Josiah automatically omitted the fact that she was his ex¨Cwife.

    A gasp of surprise immediately echoed through the earphone.

    The fact that a man like him had a girlfriend was surprising enough, let alone that he was <b>now </b>a married

    man.

    While his friends were happy for him, they simultaneously developed an interest in the love story between him and his wife.

    <b>Josiah </b>simply smiled, neither offering any exnation nor expressing any opposition.

    Thinking he was being mysterious, they promptly came up with a new idea, suggesting. ¡°Josiah, the next time we go back home to report on our work, you must remember to introduce us to your wife.¡±

    ¡°Indeed! We didn¡¯t have the chance to greet Mrs. Guerra just now. That¡¯s not very polite toward a refineddy, is it?¡±

    ¡°Josiah, we can even get acquainted right now.¡±

    Their enthusiasm was simply overwhelming.

    Josiah contemted what Lysander¡¯s reaction might be upon learning of the situation. With <b>a </b>sigh of resignation, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t make any promises right now. She¡¯s a person with her own mind, not someone I can easily persuade. In the end, it will depend on whether she¡¯s willing <b>to </b>meet you guys.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, the expressions of the people on the screen simultaneously turned to surprise.

    -Before they could ask again, Josiahposed himself, putting on a serious face as he said, ¡°All right; let¡¯s <b>get back </b>to our previous topic. It¡¯s already half past three in the morning here. If we don¡¯t get this work done soon, I¡¯ll be pulling an all¨Cnighter.¡±

    The regional heads, who were previously engaged in lively conversation, promptly adjusted their attitudes.

    Lysander¡¯s second sleep was even deeper than before<b>, </b>uninterrupted until the rm clock sounded. In <b>a </b>state of grogginess, she reached out to turn it off, slowly opening her eyes <b>to </b>wee the <b>new </b><b>day</b>.

    Josiah must have either already returned to the room next door, or was sound asleep on the sofa.

    Seeing as he was still working at three in the morning. Lysander made a point to tread lightly <b>as </b><b>she </b>left the bedroom. Unexpectedly, she ran into Josiah just as she stepped out. He was holding a <b>te </b><b>of </b><b>freshly </b>baked bread, about to ce it on the dining table.

    08:08 Sat, 22 Jun <b>T</b>

    Chapter 596 Settling Debts Through Labor

    ¡°Did you mess with my wall clock again<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°No, not at all.¡±

    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t sleep at allst night?¡±

    Josiah, donning an apron, responded truthfully, ¡°I slept for three hours.¡±

    ¡°Lack of sleep can lead to sudden death.¡±

    +5 Pearls

    Josiah replied with a hint of mock indignation, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you really talking about death this early in the morning?¡±

    ¡°What I mean is, you were busy untiltest night, so you should catch up on some sleep now. I can just grab something for breakfast on the way.¡±

    With a serious expression, Josiah stated, ¡°Breakfast is very important. It should be eaten properly.¡±

    Josiah noticed her standing motionless at the bedroom doorway for quite some time. He first set down the toast he was holding onto the dining table, before turning back to urge her, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to freshen up?¡±

    ¡°On it,¡± Lysander replied, as if she had just awoken from a dream.

    The events of this morning were so fantastical that they nearly surpassed her wildest imagination.

    Josiah making her breakfast at her ce was something she had never even considered before.

    Lysander walked into the bathroom as if she were sleepwalking, then began doubting her own eyes once more. She feared she might still be half¨Casleep, but the wave of heat that hit her face felt incredibly real.

    The bathtub had already been filled with hot water in advance, even the toothbrush by the sink was prepped with toothpaste andid across the mug.

    Lysander vigorously rubbed her face.

    ¡°What have you-¡± she leaned forward to ask, but her words trailed off as she found herself locking eyes with Josiah.

    ¡°I filled the water and squeezed the toothpaste. You¡¯ve been busy with work recently, so it¡¯s only natural to save time where you can. Since I¡¯ve been crashing on your couch, consider it as me working off my debt. You don¡¯t <b>have </b>to feel bad about this,¡± he exined with an underlying hint of anticipation.

    ust like the

    that, he answered all of Lysander¡¯s questions in just a few brief sentences.

    ¡°But I already washed up before I went to bedst night. If I need to wash again in the morning, a shower would suffice. I don¡¯t have the time to take <b>a </b>bath in the tub.¡±

    Josiah obediently nodded. ¡°Noted.¡±

    <b>Taking </b>advantage of the situation, Lysander stated, ¡°I merely let you sleep on the couch for one night. If you want to express <b>your </b>gratitude, then you¡¯ve done more than enough already. <b>I¡¯m </b>perfectly capable of taking care of myself, so I don¡¯t need someone looking after <b>me </b><b>so </b>meticulously.¡±

    <b>She </b>thought about the <b>toothpaste </b>she had squeezed out earlier and <b>a </b>wave <b>of </b>difort swept througs

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    Without uttering a word of dispute, Josiah acknowledged directly by saying, ¡°All right; I¡¯ll consider your feelings more in the future. Go ahead and freshen up as per your usual routine, then. Breakfast will be ready soon.¡±

    Without allowing any room for discussion, he gently ushered Lysander into the bathroom. His touch was firm yet gentle. As he left, he casually closed the door behind <b>him</b>.N?velDrama.Org content.

    Upon hearing the words ¡°in the future, rm bells rang in Lysander¡¯s heart. However, since she had already entered the bathroom, she couldn¡¯t be bothered to go out <b>and </b>argue with Josiah. As she looked at the hot water in the bathtub, her mind was filled with the water conservationmercials she had seen on television.

    Yesterday, a lot of food had already been wasted, leaving Lysander feeling terribly upset. As <b>such</b>, she simply couldn¡¯t bear to waste a whole bathtub¡¯s worth of water.

    In the end, guided by her principle of <b>not </b>wanting to waste anything, she soaked in the tub for a brief

    moment.

    When she emerged again, her weariness hadpletely disappeared, proving that a <b>bath </b>was quite effective in relieving fatigue.

    Meanwhile, Josiah had already prepared a table full of breakfast. There were two servings of each dish, all presented with the same tableware.

    After giving it a quick nce, Lysander questioned, ¡°We¡¯re at home, not out somewhere. There¡¯s no need for breakfast to be this borate.¡±

    For just two breakfast meals, Josiah used about seven to eight tes.

    Josiah was still wearing an apron, exuding a certain husband¨Clike charm. He handed her a pair of cutlery and said, ¡°I¡¯m nning on installing dishwashers on both sides, to help lighten Martha¡¯s workload.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡±

    He had even brought up Martha, making it difficult for Lysander to dissuade him any further.

    Josiah chuckled lightly, adding. ¡°Actually, these utensils aren¡¯t from your ce. I brought them from

    mine.¡±

    Only then did Lysander notice, the number of bowls and tes on the table was indeed excessive. It was only due to their consistent style that she hadn¡¯t noticed immediately.

    Josiah understood <b>what </b>Lysander was thinking and calmly exined, ¡°The tableware was purchased with Aiden¡¯s help. He has never been here, nor has he seen your home¡¯s tableware. It was entirely chosen based on my preferences. It¡¯s probably because our tastes align in this aspect.¡±

    ¡°But I just bought them casually

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    Lysander picked up a piece of toasted bread, then casually selected a few <b>items </b>from one of the two identical tters of ham and fried eggs. She sandwiched them in, paired it with some lettuce, and took a

    bite.

    The breakfast on the table could be considered a fusion of dishes <b>that </b>was well¨Cbnced nutritionally. Apart from the somewhat exaggerated quantity, there was <b>essentially </b>nothing to fault.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze followed Lysander¡¯s cutlery all along. It was only when she made a choice, that he subtly let <b>out </b>a sigh of relief.

    Lysander felt ufortable under his intense gaze and said softly. ¡°This is the breakfast prepared by Martha, isn¡¯t it? If you¡¯re hungry, feel free to start eating. You don¡¯t have to wait for me.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was light and cheerful as he said, ¡°Martha has already left. The meal you just had was prepared by me.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s hand, holding the bread, suddenly tensed up. Her gaze slowly lowered, looking at the <b>half- </b>eaten sandwich, unsure whether to continue eating or not.

    The dormant memories were gradually reviving.

    Last night, the leftovers on the dinner table were a sight to behold. Not only was there a lemon butter fish that seemed to stare back at her even in death, but there was also a fried egg so burnt it could have been used to mix cement. As for the bacon, it was charred to the point where it could seamlessly blend into a pile of coal.

    It seemed that the safest thing Lysander had consumed in her breakfast was nothing <b>but </b>lettuce.

    Seeing <b>as </b>her expression changed rapidly, he asked uneasily, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Does it <b>taste </b>terrible? That shouldn¡¯t be the case, though. I tasted it myself in the kitchen.¡±

    He picked up the cutlery in front of him and grabbed a slice of bacon, evaluating it honestly. ¡°It¡¯s slightly overcooked, but the taste is undoubtedly perfect.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re the one who cooked these dishes, and didn¡¯t mix it up with the ones Martha made?¡±

    Lysander cast a dubious nce at the two identical dishes before him.

    After witnessing his disastrous attempts at cooking firsthand, anyone mightck the courage to eat the meals he prepared.

    Lysander quietly took another bite of her sandwich, which was already <b>showing </b>him a lot of respect

    Seeing no change in her expression, Josiah let out a helpless sigh.

    ¡°Would I really forget something as simple as this? This morning, I specifically asked Martha to leave behind the food she uses for her cooking lessons after she finished teaching me. I was worried you might not be ustomed to my cooking, and thought <b>you </b>could use hers <b>as </b>a backup, so it wouldn¡¯t interfere with

    your work. It seems I was genuinely overthinking things.¡±

    He was quite thoughtful in his considerations.

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    prepared a set of these<b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right,¡± Josiah admitted.

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    ¡°I started learning how <b>to </b>cook oatmeal and preparing vegetables. With the failure fromst night under my belt, I can say I¡¯ve gained some insight. The cooking went rtively smoothly. If you find it not to your taste, feel free to just eat the dishes prepared by Martha. I¡¯ll continue to strive for improvement in the future.¡±

    With his description, the difficulty of cooking had seemingly escted to the level of a near¨Cimpossible quest.

    Lysander picked a bit from each of the two indistinguishable dishes.

    Josiah¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but his hand, dangling at the side of the table, subconsciously clenched into a fist, anxiously awaiting her forting assessment.

    He was more nervous now than he had been during his first time attending an invitation to tender and awaiting the results.

    Lysander meticulously tasted the two dishes before her, and her final verdict was remarkably impartial. ¡°I can¡¯t distinguish which one you made and which one was prepared by Martha. The presentation of the dish on the right seems a littlecking, but there¡¯s a bit too much sesame in the dish on the left.¡±

    The two were evenly matched. Even if a professional food critic were to judge, it would likely be difficult to award significantly different scores,

    Josiah <b>has </b>always been good at concealing his emotions, but at that moment, upon hearing Lysander¡¯s words, an uncontroble smile surfaced at the corners of his lips.

    Feeling amused, Lysander asked, ¡°Are you really that thrilled? I remember you never bothered with household chores before. You couldn¡¯t even <b>cook </b>pasta<b>, </b>and now you¡¯ve improved so much overnight. That¡¯s quite impressive.¡±

    Back when they were still married, Lysander was always busy and rarely cooked at home. She usually ate <b>at </b>the hospital cafeteria, while Josiah would simply get his meals elsewhere.

    She had initially thought that he was simply not skilled at such things and didn¡¯t really care. It wasn¡¯t until now that she understood. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t learn, but he just didn¡¯t think she <b>was </b>worth the effort back then.

    Bitter memories surged within her, promptly cooling her heart that was on the verge of warming up.

    Gazing into her eyes, Josiah said with utmost sincerity, ¡°If you <b>enjoy </b>eating pasta, I can ask Martha to teach me how to make them when we get back tonight. However, making pasta might be a bit more challengingpared to cooking other dishes. I suspect it will take me more time, but I¡¯ll try my best to master <b>one </b>or two types by next week.¡±

    Lysander quickly waved her hands. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, I was just speaking off the cuff.¡±

    Josiah said earnestly, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I just want you to know that as long as it¡¯s for your benefit, whatever <b>I </b>can do to help, I¡¯m willing to learn. It¡¯s never toote to start.¡±

    He genuinely wished to start over with her.

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    Lysander lowered her eyes and skillfully avoided his gaze. After all, they had lived together in the past. <b>Just </b>a single shared nce would have been enough to discern whether his intentions were genuine or feigned.

    Yet, such sincerity came at a rather inconvenient time.

    Lysander kept an eye on the time. After finishing her sandwich, she had half a bowl of oatmeal with some side dishes. Then, she got up to clear the dishes and tableware she had used.

    Josiah reached out to pick it up and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about these. Go change your clothes and get ready. to go to work.¡±

    The words <b>were </b>spoken with an effortless case, devoid of <b>any </b>difort or awkwardness.

    Upon hearing this, Lysander was somewhat bewildered.

    Why does he sound like a housewife rushing her husband? As she looked at Josiah, with his broad shoulders and slim waist, picturing this scene gave her an odd <b>sensation</b>.

    Josiah looked up with concern and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why aren¡¯t you moving?¡±

    Lysander wished she could shake her head hard enough to <b>crase </b>the strange image from her mind. Of course, she couldn¡¯t tell him about it. With an odd expression, she <b>said</b>, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just thinking about the things I need to handle at the officeter today.¡±

    She refused to exin, and <b>Josiah </b>didn¡¯t press her further<b>, </b>only asking, ¡°Do you n on wearing a suit with a skirt again today?¡±

    Lysander nodded, ¡°Isn¡¯t professional attire always like this? I¡¯m young, and I already struggle tomand respect from the older employees in thepany. If I don¡¯t dress professionally, I fear they would be even <b>more </b>critical, suggesting that my mind isn¡¯t focused on <b>work</b>.¡±

    Casually, Josiah suggested, ¡°You know, you could try on the clothes I prepared for you carlier.¡±

    When they first returned to the vacation hotel, he had once assisted Lysander in purchasing a few outfits. Now, with their departure, these items <b>had </b>also been brought back home.

    Lysander <b>always </b>seemed to unintentionally overlook their presence, In the few days since her debut at Thorne Constructions and Energies, she hadn¡¯t once worn the clothes he had chosen for her.

    Perhaps <b>she </b>was always subconsciously resistant to the traces of his presence around her.

    Yet, unbeknownst to her, <b>Josiah </b>seemed to have subtly infiltrated every aspect of her life.

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    Lysander furrowed her brows. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s more appropriate for me to show up at the office in a dress and a pointed cor trench coat instead of professional attire? They might not mock me to my face, but the whispers behind my back¡­

    At this point, she paused. It was as if she suddenly realized that while rumors might be unpleasant to hear, they couldn¡¯t actually cause her any real harm.

    She had already understood this principle back when she was working at the hospital.

    Upon seeing Lysander¡¯s seemingly enlightened expression, Josiah tidied up the dining table, then returned and said, ¡°It¡¯s <b>not </b>as if <b>I </b><b>wear </b>a suit to work every day, but no one has ever dared toment on my attire. It¡¯s not that my outfit is so wless that <b>no </b>one can find fault with it, but rather, these things simply aren¡¯t important.¡±

    He nced toward the shoes ced at the entrance and added, ¡°Besides, you¡¯re notfortable wearing high heels. If all you want is to make the right first impression on them, what you¡¯ve done so far is enough¡±

    This <b>remark </b>struck a chord with Lysander. Lately, she had been wearing high heels every day and it felt as though her feet were about to give out from all the walking.

    ¡°That¡¯s easy for you to say, but only because you¡¯re Josiah Guerra. Even if you <b>went </b>to the office in your pajamas, no one would <b>dare </b>to criticize you,¡± she retorted.

    ¡°Perhaps you could look through all the clothes I¡¯ve prepared for you before making a decision,¡± said Josiah. He had heard Lysander mention only the suit and the trench coat, and was certain that she had pushed <b>his </b>intentions to the back of her mind.

    Lysander was in a hurry to prepare the things she needed to take with her, so she simply gave a casual nod before heading back to her room to change her clothes.

    In thepany, countless eyes were watching her, some eagerly waiting for her to trip up. She had been so busytely that she often brought her <b>work </b>home. If she ever forgot her sh drive or documents at home, it would be a source of great amusement.

    As Lysander pondered, her movements to open the wardrobe slightly faltered. Almost as if guided by an unseen force, she reached for the bag hanging nearby. Inside were the clothes mentioned by Josiah, which had been delivered here with her luggage.

    <b>Josiah </b>had already had breakfast when he was in the kitchen learning to cook with Martha. In no time at all, he had washed the used dishes at an impressive speed, neatly cing them on the drying rack.

    By the time Lysander had finished changing her clothes and emerged, he was already standing in the entrance hall, waiting for her as if nothing had happened.

    Josiah looked at Lysander¡¯s sharp suit and thin sweater underneath, expressing his approval by saying, ¡°Not bad. You don¡¯t have a meeting today, so you can spend more time outside the office and reinforce your image as the newly appointed CEO,¡±

    Compared to the usual work attire, this outfit indeed exuded <b>a </b>more prominent aura of authority.

    Lysander looked at her reflection and felt pleased with the oue of her outfit. She slipped into a pair of matching colid¨Ccolored leather chose and caid ¡°I menee thour l¡¯il von the day where I¡¯d <b>adiner </b>was catfir

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    Chapter 598 Infiltrated Every Aspect Of Her Life.

    based on your advice. You do have a good understanding of women.¡±

    Josiah responded in a gentle tone, ¡°It¡¯s not a big <b>deal</b>. I just have to pay <b>a </b>little more attention.¡±

    Lysander said methodically. ¡°Thank you, but I must be going now.¡±

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    Josiah was <b>ready </b><b>and </b>stepped forward, ¡°Carol is already looking <b>for </b>a driver. Before the driver is officially hired, let me send you to the office instead. Consider it as helping Mr. Thorne check on thepany¡¯s situation. He definitely wants to know how you¡¯re doing<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiah had now stopped using his personal driver, all for the unyieldingmitment of picking up and dropping off Lysander from work. The excuses he made up for doing so were increasingly borate, leaving no room for argument.

    <b>Considering </b>the debt she owed to the Thorne family, Lysander felt she had no choice but to agree.

    However<b>, </b>when she got in the car, she still chose to sit <b>in </b>the backseat.

    Upon seeing this, Josiah didn¡¯tment any further. He simply reminded her to fasten her seat belt.

    As always, Josiah drove with steady precision. On the journey, apart from asionally discussing thetest financial news with her, he didn¡¯t utter <b>a </b>single word about anything else.

    Lysander listened attentively, yet her <b>gaze </b><b>would </b>asionally drift toward the window. Spotting a familiar office building, she instructed, ¡°You can drop me off at the intersection ahead, I can walk the rest of the <b>way </b>myself.¡±

    Josiah raised his eyebrows slightly and asked, ¡°Are you worried about rumors spreading in thepany?¡±

    Surprisingly, he then parked the car by the side without arguing with Lysander.

    ¡°It¡¯s never been easy for women in the professional world, particrly those who¡¯ve achieved a certain status. There¡¯s always someone who refuses to believe that her sess is the result of her own hard work, instead attributing it to the exploitation of power and influence,¡± Lysander responded.

    Josiah understood <b>what </b>she meant.

    ¡°Of course, even though I don¡¯t rely on <b>that</b>, it would be bad if people saw us and started gossiping. It wouldn¡¯t just be harmful to the reputation of Thorne Constructions and Energies, but also to the Thorne Constructions and Energies. Anyway, I should leave now. Thank you for sending me to work today.¡±

    Josiah wanted to say he didn¡¯t mind it one bit, but he never got the chance to voice his thoughts and simply stared at Lysander¡¯s retreating figure.

    Never mind. There¡¯s always tomorrow. She doesn¡¯t necessarily have to know everything <i>I </i>do for her.

    As Lysander was walking to the office, she couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved about her decision to change shoes. If she had continued wearing those previous high heels, she feared her <b>ankles </b>would have given <b>out </b>the moment she stepped into the office.

    While there was certainly a personal motive in Josiah¡¯s advice, it indeed proved to be useful.

    Lysander pushed open the office door,ing face to face with the three individuals who had been waiting for her there in advance.N?velDrama.Org content.

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    She paused for a moment, then tried to appear as natural as possible as she greeted the only person she recognized in the room, ¡°Ms. Collins.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne,¡± <b>Carol </b>greeted with a nod, then proceeded to introduce her to the two unfamiliar faces.

    ¡°This is the new driver, Skr Goodwin. She¡¯s in charge of your dailymute. If you need to go out at <b>any </b>time, please feel free to ask her. Also, this is your assistant, Monica Lambert. Feel free to delegate any tasks you need assistance with to her. Both of them were personally interviewed by Mr. Guerra and <b>are </b>highly reliable.¡±

    The two of them were women. Skr appeared younger than Lysander, likely a recent entrant into the workforce. On the other hand, Monica was about the same age as Carol. Not only did shee <b>across </b>aspetent, but she also exuded a <b>sense </b>of steadiness.

    Skr¡¯s workstation wasn¡¯t around here. After exchanging greetings with Lysander, she naturally excused herself, leaving with Carol. This left her alone to converse with Monica.

    Lysander was very polite to Monica. After inviting her to take a seat across the office desk, she asked, ¡°May I call you Ms. Lambert?¡±

    Monica nodded with a smile. ¡°Of course, that¡¯s no problem. I noticed that¡¯s how you address Ms. Collins as well. I never thought I¡¯d be on the same level with her one day.¡±

    Lysander curiously asked, ¡°Did you two know each other before?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s understandable if you don¡¯t recognize me, Ms. Thorne. Even though I used to work for Thorne Constructions and Energies, I was in charge of the overseas branch office¡¯s operations. So, technically. I was Mr. Josiah¡¯s assistant, but the number of times I actually met with him each year could be counted on one hand. Here, it was Ms, Collins who was in <b>charge </b>of things.¡±

    From Carol¡¯s implication<b>, </b>it seemed that Monica, like driver Skr, had joined Thorne Constructions and Energies business only after receiving approval from Josiah. Yet, she spoke so naturally, showing no signs of unfamiliarity typically associated with <b>a </b>new job.

    It was clear that the assistants chosen by Josiah must have been exceptional in their work, that much was certain. Furthermore, her measured speech suggested she knew when to advance and when to retreat. It was evident that she would be of great use.

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 Chapter 599

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    When Lysander heard the news, a profound feeling of reassurance washed over her. She admitted, with a hint of nervousness in her voice, ¡°Actually, before I joined Thorne Constructions and Energies, I didn¡¯t have any previous experience in managing apany. I¡¯m afraid you might have to bear with me as we move forward.¡±

    Monica responded with a gentleugh, her tone filled with encouragement, ¡°Isn¡¯t everyone starting <b>from </b>the beginning at some point? It¡¯s perfectly fine. Mr. Guerra has already given me instructions. I¡¯ll do my utmost to support you.¡±

    Knowing that both Carol and <b>Josiah </b>had endorsed her, Monica¡¯s reliability was unquestionable in Lysander¡¯s view.

    A surge of warmth blossomed in Lysander¡¯s heart, yet there remained a trace of concern that subtly marred her expression. ¡°There¡¯s something else¡­ When ites to management, my skills are considerablyckingpared to Mr. Guerra. I hope this doesn¡¯t cause you too much disappointment.¡±

    Despite Josiah¡¯s numerous shorings, his outstanding professional capabilities were undeniable, and not something she could easily dismiss, even if she tried to view him through a biased lens.

    Monica caught a glimpse of the cause for Lysander¡¯s concern and promptly rified her position. ¡°Ms. Thorne, Mr. Guerra specifically assigned me here to assist you. If you were capable of handling everything perfectly on your own, why would he offer me a doubled sry and <b>bonus</b>? Please rest assured, from today <b>onward</b>, <b>you </b>are the only one I report to directly.¡±

    The assistant¡¯s sry was already considerable, and after the increase, it wasparable to the sries of executives at some major firms.

    Upon reviewing the totalpensation, Lysander was momentarily lost for words due to the substantial amount. However, Monica¡¯s assurances allowed her to find some temporary <b>peace </b>of mind. After all, it was unlikely that anyone would have issues with receiving such a generous financial package.

    With Monica¡¯s assistance, Lysander found that her work efficiency in the mornings had greatly improved. managed toplete her tasks ahead of schedule, tasks that were initially nned to finish by noon, and then she seized the opportunity to take a short break and <b>visit </b>the restroom.

    She

    As she was about to exit, she overheard several female employees conversing behind the partition.

    ¡°I <b>was </bpletely drained today. I thought I could finally rx until the year¡¯s end, but our department head has started showing up every day. There¡¯s no chance to ck off anymore.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it. Before, we could slip away from the logistics department by four. Now, we need to be ready at a moment¡¯s notice in case there¡¯s a pickup.¡±

    These employees were clearly unhappy about the increased scrutiny at work.

    Understanding that it was natural for people to want some downtime during their workday, Lysander knew that certain aspects of the job shouldn¡¯t be overly regimented.

    She believed that as long as her employeespleted their designated tasks, there was no need to continuously nag about punctuality. To <b>avoid </b>an ufortable encounter with her employees, Lysander hesitated before pushing the restroom door open, nning to leave only after they had departed.

    However thele conuersation <b>saan </b><b>tank </b>a torn toured her

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    ¡°Who can you me? It¡¯s all because of the new boss, Ms. Thorne. She came in like <b>a </b>storm. She has a powerful backing: even Mr. Cobb, the manager, has <b>to </b>step aside for her.¡±

    ¡°No wonder Mr. Cobb has been looking so downcasttely,¡±

    ¡°I heard she¡¯s supposedly the chairman¡¯s daughter. But everyone has met his daughter before, and there was no mention of a second Ms. Thorne in their family.¡±

    The restroom¡¯sck of sound instion meant every word was audible.

    A person, seemingly more cautious, lowered her voice. ¡°Be careful what you say about these matters. It could be problematic if she overhears us.¡±

    Yet another replied, undeterred, ¡°So what if it spreads? Who¡¯s really at fault here?¡±

    Lysander, still hidden by the partition, felt a reluctance to step out too soon, curious about this guilt they attributed to her.

    ¡°You might not know, but at the executives¡® meeting yesterday, Mr. Guerra himself defended her. He <b>even </b>shut down the managers from Mr. Cobb¡¯s team for her. If there wasn¡¯t something between them, why would he go to such lengths?¡±

    ¡°No way! Wasn¡¯t Mr. Guerra engaged to the darling daughter of Riveron Corporation?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s old news. I heard their engagement broke off because of someone¡¯s interference.¡±

    ¡°So, could it be that Ms. Thorne secured her position by winning over Mr. Guerra and sidelining his fianc¨¦e?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s clear, isn¡¯t it? Why else would she be in an executive role right off the bat, at our age?¡±

    ¡°My goodness, is she really Mr. Thorne¡¯s biological daughter? Could it be that Mr. Guerra manipted things just so she could legitimately take an executive role in ourpany?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it difficult for adults to change theirst names?¡±

    ¡°That might be the case for ordinary people like you and me, but we¡¯re not just talking about anyone. We¡¯re talking about Mr. Guerra.¡°

    ¡°You have a point, but would Mr. Thorne agree to that?¡±

    ¡°You seem a little out of touch with what¡¯s been happening. How many of us here are new enough not to know that it¡¯s been Mr. Guerra steering the ship of ourpany thesest few years? Mr. Thorne is quite old, and his wife has been bedridden and severely ill. Considering <b>his </b>age, it¡¯s improbable he¡¯ll return <b>to </b>oversee thepany¡¯s operations. Essentially, he¡¯s passed the entire leadership mantle to Mr. Guerra.¡±

    ¡°Geez, the waters sure run deep in prominent families.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, but what intrigues me the most is why Mr. Guerra is so taken with the new executive, Ms. Thome. Sure<b>, </b>she¡¯s attractive, but her demeanor is so detached. It¡¯s <b>hard </b>to imagine someone of Mr. Guerra¡¯s standing tolerating such aloofness.¡±

    ¡°Rich folks certainly <b>have </b>their peculiarities. Who knows, perhaps Mr. Guerra has a hidden penchant for ying the subordinate role, getting tormented¡­¡±

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    ¡°You¡¯re so dirty¨Cminded!¡±

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    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe what I witnessed the day Mr. Guerra supported Ms. Thorne at the meeting. I was there, delivering documents. Guess what I saw?¡±

    ¡°Come on, out with it!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra <b>had </b>this noticeable, lengthy scar on his arm I¡¯ve seen him around in the summer before. sleeves rolled up and no mark whatsoever. Then, all of a sudden, after Ms. Thorne arrives, this scar appears. It really makes you think¡­¡±

    ¡°My goodness, who would have imagined? Ms. Thorne <b>appears </b>soposed, yet it seems she can really stir things up behind closed doors!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a reminder not to judge a book by its cover¡­

    Their discussion was brimming with energy when suddenly, a door mmed against the wall, abruptly. cutting them off.

    With a nk expression, Lysander approached them.

    The employee who had been spreading rumors saw her approach and her face drained of color, struggling to find her words, barely managing <b>a </b>nervous greeting.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Thome¡­¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, how are you?¡±

    Lysander acknowledged them with a simple hum, then moved to wash her hands at the sink.

    The others, caught in an ufortable limbo, unsure whether to stay or leave, began subtly nudging each Mother.

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, actually we were-¡±

    As Lysander dried her hands with a tissue, she lowered her voice, maintaining a calm demeanor. ¡°While it¡¯s true that I¡¯m the biological daughter of Mr. Howard Thome, it¡¯s also true <b>that </b>Mr. Guerra has been a significant support to me. I acknowledge that.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Thorne, we were just talking without thinking. We¡¯re really sorry.¡±

    Rxing slightly, Lysander responded, ¡°Engaging in light¨Chearted banter about your boss is one thing, but let¡¯s keep our discussions within these walls. We¡¯re facing enough challenges both inside and outside thepany as it is. We need to be careful about how we present ourselves.¡±

    The group of employees quickly n?dded, their agreement immediate and eager. ¡°We understand, Ms. Thorne.

    ¡°All right, go on with your work.

    The employees didn¡¯t dare to linger or resume their earlier gossip. They quickly dispersed, leaving the <b>restroom </b><b>silent </b>and empty.

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    Chapter 600 I Only Admire The Strong

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    When Lysander returned to her office, her expression noticeably off. She sat pondering whether to inform <b>Josiah </b>about the current situation.

    His recent mboyant performance during the executive meeting had ignited a wave of spection. Should these murmurs escte, Guerra Group would have to devise a rapid response n to mitigate any potential public rtions fallout.

    Monica, observing the subtle change in Lysander¡¯s demeanor<b>, </b>carefully ced the neatly arranged files on her desk and inquired with a tone of concern, ¡°Ms. Thorne, <b>is </b>something troubling you? You appeared quiteposed just before you stepped out.¡±

    It was only then that Lysander realized she had automatically navigated back to her desk. She swept her hair back, summoning a faint smile. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing serious¡­ Just caught up in some thoughts about

    recent events.

    The swirling rumors within thepany were not issues that could be simply talked away.

    Monica seemed to intuitively grasp the undercurrents, nodding with an understanding look. ¡°Did you happen to overhear some of the staff discussing your role? Even though today marks my first day at Thorne Constructions and Energies, it¡¯s clear that wherever there are people, disagreements inevitably arise. This was also true at the branch offices of Guerra Group.¡±

    Lysander gave a weary smile and said, ¡°It was indeed just idle talk,¡± hoping the matter would dissipate on its own, though feeling somewhat resigned that there might not be any other immediate solution.

    To many at thepany, she was viewed as merely a figurehead, wielding nominal power that <b>wasn¡¯t </b>genuinely hers.

    Seeking refuge in her work, Lysander flipped open the file on her desk, attempting to distract herself from the invasive thoughts.

    Monica, empathizing with her strain, brought over a steaming cup of tea, offering both the beverage and some words of sce. ¡°Ms. Thorne, since these are merely rumors, there¡¯s no need to weigh your heart down with them. Tomorrow is another day, and concentrating on your responsibilities is what truly matters. Mr. Guerra once shared a piece of advice that seems fitting now.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°You can¡¯t stop everyone from talking. Rather than expending energy fretting over gossip, it¡¯s better to focus on your tasks and let your achievements speak for themselves.¡±

    Nodding thoughtfully, Lysander agreed, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°These aren¡¯t my words, but Mr. Guerra¡¯s, Monica quickly rified, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t presume to im such wisdom.¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ¡°You seem to hold Josiah in high regard?¡±

    *I only admire the strong,¡± Monica stated simply, leaving Lysander to ponder theplexity of Josiah

    It seemed like he was truly a different person outside <b>and </b>at home.

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    a man who would humbly learn how to massage and prepare apples for his partner.

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    Now, he had even taken up cooking, apparentlypeting not just with Adrian or Joseph, but perhaps with himself.

    Josiah: <i>Did </i>your forming go smoothly?

    Lysander nced over, replying: Yeah.

    <b>Josiah</b>: What would <b>you </b>like for breakfast tomorrow?

    Lysander: Anything is fine.

    Josiah: I¡¯ll ask Martha to teach me <b>how </b><b>to </b>make croissants <b>since </b>you like them.

    Lysander: They sell those downstairs.

    Josiah: But the food outside isn¡¯t as clean, and it¡¯s certainly not as nutritious,

    Lysander paused, her finger hovering over the phone screen, unsure how to continue. Another message popped up.

    Josiah: I won¡¯t keep you. Don¡¯t overdo it. Remember to take breaks.

    Switching off her phone, Lysander picked up the <b>cup</b>, a delicate fragrance blossoming on her tongue, revealingyers of subtle sweetness upon careful tasting.

    She realized the tea wasn¡¯t the <b>usual </b>office supply but the specific kind she used to enjoy at a holiday resort. Confused, she turned to Monica, asking, ¡°Did you bring this tea yourself?¡±

    Monica replied, ¡°No, it was Carol who brought it, even including instructions on how to brew it correctly.¡±

    Lysander nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

    Carol was <b>a </b>close confidant of Josiah, and most arrangements she handled were likely under his directive. Lysander hadn¡¯t anticipated that he would extend his thoughtfulness to the extent of delivering her

    favorite tea.

    As she sipped her tea, Lysander¡¯s thoughts gradually settled. It wasn¡¯t <b>until </bter that afternoon that she received an unexpected call from Howard. After a brief hesitation, she answered.

    ¡°Mr. Thorne, did you need something?¡± she asked, mindful of maintaining professionalism during work

    hours.

    Howard¡¯s voice came through with a touch of concern. ¡°Is everything going smoothly at thepany? I¡¯ve heard from Josiah that not everyone is convinced by your leadership. Once I¡¯m out of the hospital, I¡¯ll make it a point to address these doubters.¡±

    Despite her difort with his overt care, Lysander responded reassuringly, though she sounded distant. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. Mr. Guerra has made a point of visiting, and with apetent assistant by <b>my </b>side. <b>I¡¯m </b>adapting well,¡± she said, opting to share only the <b>good </b>news, not wanting him to worry about her affairs

    Howard expressed his relief. ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. Don¡¯t hesitate to reach <b>out </b>if you face any challenges.

    <b>¡°</b>Okay.¡±

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    As they spoke, a new notification appeared on herputer screen, <b>signaling </b>an iing message from thepany¡¯s internal chat group.

    ¡°Do you need anything else? I have some work to attend to,¡± Lysander said, bringing their conversation back to a professional focus.

    ¡°There¡¯s one more thing.¡± Howard hesitated before sharing more personal news, ¡°The doctor mentioned <b>your </b>mother is recovering well. She might be <b>able </b>to leave the hospital soon.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful news,¡± Lysander responded genuinely, her voice filled with relief.

    Howard continued, ¡°She¡¯s been in the hospital for so long; she must be eager to return home.¡±

    Their rtionship, though formally acknowledged,cked the warmth of close familial ties as they barely lived together, making their conversation somewhat strained. Howard then brought up another family

    matter.

    ¡°By the way, I visited your sister today. She¡¯s recovering well enough to walk on her own. She was discharged today, and I thought it might be nice to invite her and your adoptive parents over to our ce. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°If they agree, I naturally have no objections,¡± Lysander replied, remembering the emotional scenes in the hospital but preferring not to force a reunion. ¡°It¡¯s just that Michelle has just recovered. She should head home after being discharged.¡±

    Howard, sensing her hesitation but seizing the moment, added. ¡°We spoke previously at the cafe, and I realized <b>I </b>wasn¡¯t very empathetic or clear then. Your adoptive father, given his affection for you, got quite emotional. Now might be a good opportunity for both our families toe together, to talk things over and strengthen our ties.¡±

    Lysander, holding her phone, murmured a soft ¡°Mm.¡±

    Howard expressed, ¡°My intentions are sincere. As long as your adoptive family agrees, you will be considered a daughter of both our families. As for your sister, your mother and I will certainly treat her like one of our own.¡±

    She

    His voice cracked slightly with emotion as he spoke. ¡°I know it¡¯ste, but could youe over tonight for dinner? You¡¯ve been busy, and your mom has been wanting to call you but didn¡¯t want to disturb you. misses <b>you </b>a lot¡­¡±

    Moved by the depth of Howard¡¯s feelings, Lysander felt a pang of sorrow mixed with warmth. ¡°After work, I¡¯ll see what can be arranged. But I need to check with my parents first.¡±

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    Chapter601RumorsAndGossips

    Finished

    Uponnoticingthatshewaswaveringandthattherewasachance,Howardfeltawaveofjoywashoverhim,thoughhekepthishappinesshiddenfromher.Cheerfully,hesaid,¡°Yougoaheadandfocusonyourwork.I¡¯llhandlethingshere.Sincebothfamiliesarestitthehospital,I¡¯llgoandhaveagoodtalkwiththem.Maverickmay<b>have</b>atemper,buthe¡¯sclearlyastraightforwardanddecentman.Aslongasweapproachhimright,hewon¡¯tbethat<b>hard</b>tmunicatewith.Don¡¯tworrytoomuchaboutit.¡±

    ¡°Allrightthen.Ifhesaysanythingharsh,pleasebearwithhim,¡±Lysandersaidasshecontinuedtobe

    courteous.

    Howard,eagertoensureshedidn¡¯tchangehermind,quicklysaid,¡°There¡¯snothingtoworryabout.That¡¯ssettledthen.Yougodowhatyouneedtodo.¡±

    WithoutlettingLysanderhesitatefurther,hepromptlyendedthecall.

    Afterlisteningtothebusytoneforamoment,Lysanderletoutalongsighbeforecingherphonebackwhereitwas,

    Nheless,facedwithastackofworkfilespiledhigherthanheropen<bptop</b>,shehadnochoicebuttoburyherselfinherwork.

    WiththeaidofthecapableMonica,herworkefficiencyhadsignificantlyimproveparedtothepreviousdays,andshemanagedtofinisheverythingbeforetheendoftheworkday.

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tworkovertime.Instead,shepickedupher<b>bag</b>andsaidgoodbyetoMonica,¡°I<b>have</b>somematterstotakecareoftonight,soI¡¯llhavetobringtheremainingworkhome.¡±

    Monica,asifanticipatingthis,said,¡°What¡¯smostcrucialforyounowiswork¨Clifebnce.Ifyouhavepersonalmatters,it¡¯sokaytoleavetheworkfoter.Restwelltonight,andyou¡¯lllikelybemoreefficient

    tomorrow.¡±

    Thisstatementsoundedsomewhatfamiliar toLysander<b>.</b>

    However,Lysanderdidn¡¯thavethetimetothinktoo deeplyaboutit.Afterexpressingherthanks,sheleft<b>the</b>office.Onherwayout,sheencounteredseveralpeoplefromthpany,butonlyafewtooktheinitiativetogreether.

    Everyoneworkedinthesameofficebuilding<b>,</b><b>so</b>naturally,officegossipspreadparticrlyquicklywithinthpany.

    Whatwaswhisperedamongthe

    womenintherestroom<b>was</b>undoubtedlyknowntoothers.Bynow,thestories<b>had</b>likelybeevenmoreexaggerated.

    Undercuriousandgossipinggazes,Lysanderwalkedintotheelevatorcalmly,descendingtothelobbyonthefirstfloorasifnothinghadhappened.

    Someonequietlysaidtotheircolleague,¡°Ms.Thornejuststartedafewdays<b>ago</b><b>and</b><b>is</b>alreadyleavingontime.Itmustbenicetohavesomeonebackingyouup,but¡­¡±

    Theirwordstrailed offasLysanderwalkedaway,and<b>she</b>couldeasilyguesstherumorsthatwouldfollow.

    Shewalkedstraightaheadwithoutncingaround,onlypausingbrieflyatthepunchcardmachoclockoutliketheotheremployees.Justlikeanyotheremployee,shemethodicallyclockedoutfortheday.

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    Makingamentalnotetoaddressthiswiththelogisticsdepartmentthenextday,she<b>took</b>afewstepsforwardandsawtheemployeeswhoshouldhavebeenatthereceptiondeskhidingbehindapartition.

    Theseindividualswereallyoundies,uniformly<b>tall</b>andattractive,servingastheveryfaceofthe<bpany</b>.

    Atthemoment,theywereallstrategicallypositionedinacornerwheretheyhadaclearviewofthestreetoutside.Theyweregazingatacarparkedbythecurb,engagedinhushedwhispersaboutsomething

    Lysanderfollowedtheirgazes,herexpressionbingincreasinglplex.

    Shemightnotrecognizeeveryoneinthpany,butsheknewthatcarbythecurball<b>too</b>well.

    Thatmorning,shehadbeendroppedoffinaRolls¨CRoyceCullinan.

    Whyhaditchanged backtothefamiliarwhiteCayenne?

    Quietlymovingclosertothepartition,Lysandertookoutherphone,intendingtomessageJosiah,asking<b>him</b>nottoparksoclose.

    Asshedrewnear,sheoverheardthereceptionists¡®conversationclearly.

    ¡°That¡¯sMr.Guerra¡¯scar,isn¡¯tit?Ithoughthewouldn¡¯ebyanymore,buthereheisagainafterstandingupforsomeoneduringameeting.¡±

    ¡°HeandMs.Thornemusthavesomethinggoingonbetweenthem.Maybetherumors<b>are</b><b>true</b>.¡±

    ¡°Areyoureferringtothefianc¨¦erumororthemistressrumor?¡±

    ¡°Whoknows?Buthe¡¯sbeenparkedoutthereforsolongwithouinginorleaving.Hemust bewaiting

    forsomeone.

    Ataloss,Lysanderstoppedtyping.

    Shehadn¡¯texpectedthatevenreceptionistswhoheldentry¨Clevelpositionsinthpanywould.recognizeJosiah¡¯scar.Itwasprobablytotetowarnhimnow.

    TheinfluenceofJosiahwithinThorneConstructionsandEnergieswasindeedsubstantial.

    Checkingthetime,Lysanderponderedwhethertocallthenewdriver,Skr.Justassheliftedhergazetowardthemainentrancewhileconsideringifshecouldtrytoleavefromadifferentexit,Josiahseemedtohavesensedsomethingandsteppedoutofthecar.

    Thetwounexpectedly<b>locked</b>eyes/

    rmbellsranginLysander¡¯s mind.Shedidn¡¯tevenhavetimetogivehimahintbeforeshesawJosiahstridingtowardher.Josiahpickeduphispaceasheenteredthroughtheautomaticdoors,almostbreakingintoajog.

    AsJosiahmadehisentrance,alleyesinthelobbyshiftedtohim.

    Fortheever¨Ccalm<b>and</bposedJosiahtobeinsuchahurry,theythoughtsomethingseriousmusthavehappenedinth

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    Josiahignoredthecuriousnces,stoppinginfrontofLysander.Atfirstnce,heseemedaposedasever,<b>but</b>there<b>was</b><b>a</b>hintofameltingsnow¨Clikesmileinhiseyes..

    Lysanderknew,withoutevenlooking,thatthegazesoriginallyfixatedonJosiahhadundoubtedlyshifted

    tohernow.

    ¡°Mr.Guerra.¡±¡°¡±

    JosiahfeltthatLysanderwasbeingdistantonpurpose,andheevennoticedthesubtlesignalsshewasgivinghimto<b>keep</b>hisdistance.Complyingwithherunspokenwish,hemaintainedacertaindistance,<b>making</b>surenottogettooclose.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Ms.Thome,justgotoffwork?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Afewemployeeshappenedto passbyjustthen,whichmadeLysandernervous.¡°Is thereanymattersyouneedtodiscusswithme,Mr.Guerra?Youcouldhavejustsentmeanemail.¡±

    Theemployeessoonleft.

    business

    Josiahchuckledsoftly.¡°Doyoureallyneedtobesocautious?You¡¯reMr.Thorne¡¯sdaughter,soit¡¯sonlynaturalforustoknoweachother.Deliberatelyavoidingmemakesitlookabitfake.¡±

    Lysanderletout<b>a</b>sigh.¡°That¡¯strue.¡±

    ¡°What,didyouhearsomerumors<b>and</b>gossipstoday?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Weretheyunpleasant?¡±

    ¡°Therumorsaboutmewereokay.Buttheonesaboutyou¡­arealittleunpleasant.¡±

    Josiahwasintrigued,raisinganeyebrow.¡°Whatdidtheysayaboutme?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Theysaid¡­¡±Lysanderpaused,pressingherlipstogether.¡°Nevermind,it¡¯snothing.¡±

    Josiahcrossedhisarms,rubbedhischin,andsaid, ¡°Goahead,Icanhandleit.¡±

    Uponhearingthis,Lysanderdidn¡¯tbeataroundthebushandspokestraightforwardly.¡°Theysaidyou¡¯reatmasochist.¡±

    Josiah¡¯sbrowsfurrowedinstantly.¡°What?¡±

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    ¡°Perhapsitwasbecausetheynoticedthesearonyourarm,theoneleftbehindfromtheburnwoundsttime.¡±

    Josiahunderstoodwhatshemeant.¡°Letthemtalk.Let¡¯sgo.Getinthecar.¡±

    Lysandermaintainedherpolitenessandsaid,¡°We¡¯renotheadedinthesamedirectiontoday.I¡¯mnningtovisittheThomemanor.<b>¡±</b>

    Josiahremainedexpressionlessandnodded.¡°That¡¯sfine.Ishouldvisitmymotheranyway.<b>It¡¯s</b>stillonthe

    <b>way</b><b>.</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯tbothertothinkifhehadchangedhis<b>ns</b>onawhimandrespondedcoolly,¡°Mynewdriverreportedfordutytoday.¡±

    ¡°Today¡¯sherfirstday.Sheprobablyneedstogetfamiliarwiththpanycar.Besides,sinceI¡¯malreadyhere,drivingtwocarsjustaddstotheemissions.Withthecountry¡¯sfocusonenergysavingandemissionreduction,asgoodcitizensofHarborbrook,weshoulddowhatwe<b>can</b>.¡±

    AsJosiahspoke,heinstinctivelyreachedouttotakeherbag,<b>as</b>hehadoutsidethemeetingroombefore.Butshesubtlysidesteppedhimandemergedfrombehind thepartition,evadinghisgesturecalmly.

    JosiahhadlonggrownustomedtoLysander¡¯saloofnessinpublic.Hequicklywithdrewhishandthatwashanginginmid¨Cair,sparinghimselfanypotentialembarrassment.

    Seeingthathewasdeterminedtogiveheraride,Lysanderlowered herheadandquicklywalkedtotheparkingspacebytheroadsidetoavoidfurtherpublicscrutiny.

    Josiahfollowedher.

    Thereceptionists,whowereinitiallyengrossedindiscussingwhyJosiahhaetothpany,allwidenedtheireyes<b>as</b>theywatched.Theirfaceswerefilledwithdisbelief.

    JosiahcouldhaveeasilycaughtupwithLysanderifhewantedto,ashewas<b>tall</b>andhadlonglegs.However,insteadofinsistingonwalkingwithher,hewentaheadandopenedthedoortothepassengerseat,makingagentlemanlygestureforhertogetin.

    Thisspectaclelefttheemployeesinthelobbydumbfounded,eachonedoubtingtheirowneyes.Theywereallordinarystaffmembersinthpany,notliketheexecutiveswhoattendedthemeetingandhadpersonallywitnessedhowJosiahwasextraordinarilyprotectiveofLysander.Theirworldviewwapletelyoverturned.

    OnlyafterLysandergotintothecarand Josiahreturnedtothedriver¡¯sseat,dutifullyactingasherchauffeur,didsomeonefinallyspeak,albeitshakily.¡°Thisisevenmoreoutrageousthantherumors.IheardbeforethatMr.GuerratreatsLysanderdifferently,evengoingasfarastocarryherbagforher.Ididn¡¯tbelieveitatthetime.¡±

    ¡°Thisismorethan<b>just</b>carryingher<b>bag</b>.DidyouseewhatMr.Guerradid?Hepersonallyopenedthecar

    doorforher!¡±

    ¡°Evenhisfianc¨¦ewouldn¡¯tgetthistreatment.IheardthatMr.GuerraleftMs.Lanisterforher.Seemsitmightbetrue¡­¡±

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    herwork,youshouldstopgoingoutofyourwayforme.Iknowsheworksforyou.Yousurelyknowbestwhenshe¡¯sfullysettledin.¡±

    Josiahcouldsensethefatigueinhervoiceandaskedwithconcern,¡°Haveyouhadabusyday?¡±

    ¡°Notreally.Monicahelpedmeoutalot.¡±

    Lysanderhesitatedtospeakandstoppedherselffrommentioningtherumorsatthpany.Afterwhathadjusthappened,therumorsofherinappropriatertionshipwithJosiahwouldsurelyincrease.

    IfJosiahweretofindout,thosespreadingtherumorswoulddefinitelybepunished.

    Punishmentmightonlymaketherumorsspreadwider.

    Lysanderrubbedhertemples,feelingsomewhatweary.

    ron.

    Josiahnoticedherexpressionoutofthecornerofhiseyeandhadavagueinklingofwhatwasgoingon.Hisgazesubtlydarkened inresponse.

    LysanderwaspreupiedwiththoughtsofthegatheringattheThornemanorthatevening,somuchsothatshedidn¡¯thavethetimetopayattentiontohisreaction.Itwasn¡¯tuntilMaverick¡¯scallcamethroughthatshenervouslybroughtthephohereartoanswer.

    Dad

    ¡°Lysa,

    areyouoffwork?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Ijustgotoffwork.¡±

    She<b>was</b>unsureofMaverick¡¯sthoughts.Askingaboutthematterwouldonlymakeheranxious.

    Maverick¡¯svoicesoundedasusual,withoutanyangerorsadness.¡°Good.Ijustwantedtotellyou<b>that</b>yourmomandIhadgonehometodayandhavealreadybroughtthethingsfromthehospitalback.We¡¯reabouttopickupyoursisterandheadtotheThornemanor.Haveyouleftyet?Weshouldgotogether.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯vealreadyleftthpany.¡±Lysanderasked,¡°Withsomanythingsfromthehospital,howdidyoubringthemallback?Bytaxi?¡±

    ¡°No,itwas¡­¡±Maverick¡¯svoicesoundedalittle<b>weak</b>.¡°ItwasMr.Guerra¡¯ssecretarywhodroveushome.¡±

    LysanderlookedtowardJosiah.

    Josiah noticedhergazeandquestionedherwith<b>his</b>eyesas<b>if</b>asking,¡°What¡¯swrong?¡±

    Lysandershookherhead.

    ¡°¡­Thedistancesfromwherewebotharetotheir<b>home</b>isaboutthesame,sowe¡¯lllikelyarrive<b>at</b>thesametime.Withoutyou,yourmomandIwouldn¡¯tknow whattosaytoMr.Howardandhiswife.Thecouple<b>are</b>quitewarmandsincere.They¡¯rereallygoodtoyouandevenwentoutoftheirwaytovisityour

    sister<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysandersoftlyrespondedwithahum.

    ¡°Dad,youdon¡¯tneedtowaitformeoutside.I¡¯mabitfaraway¡­¡±Shetriedtocoveruphercurrentsituation.

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    AsJosiahdrovewithouttakinghiseyesofftheroad,heslowlyspokeup.¡°We¡¯llbepassingbytheirneighborhoodontheway.Let¡¯sgiveMr.andMrs.Thornealiftinsteadofmakingthemtakeataxi.¡±

    HistonewascasusifhehadforgottenMaverick¡¯sattitude.

    Lysanderquicklymovedherphoneaway<b>and</b>coveredthephone,afraidthatMaverickwouldhearhis

    voice.

    Josiah,withhisownlogic,continued,¡°Doyouthinkyourdadwon¡¯trealizewe¡¯vebeenincontact?Evenifyouhideitnow,he¡¯llfigureitoutoncehetalkstoMr.Howard,¡±

    Heclearlyalreadyknewaboutthegatheringbetweenthetwofamiliesthatnight.

    Moreover,Caroldrivingherparentsandsisterhomethatdayshowedherfatherwasn¡¯pletelyrejectingJosiah.AlthoughtherewasahintofuneasewhenMavericktoldLysanderaboutit,it<b>didn¡¯t</b>seemlikehe<b>was</b>particrlyaversetoit.

    Lysanderwassomewhattakenaback.Lasttime,herfatherevenhitJosiahovertheheadwithabrick,causinghimtoneedseveralstitches.Whyhadhis attitudechangedsosuddenly?

    ¡°Whatareyoulookingatmefor?¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Lysanderwithdrewhergaze.Pressingherphoherear,shesaid,¡°Dad,you,mom,andMichelledon¡¯tneedtotakeataxi.I¡­I¡¯llgiveyoualift.It¡¯smoreconvenientthatway.¡±

    ¡°You?¡±Maverickchuckled.¡°You¡¯vealreadygotataxi?¡±

    ¡°¡­No,notataxi.¡±

    ¡°Thenwhosecarareyouin?¡±

    Lysanderpressedherlipstogether,remainingsilent.

    Josiahleanedoverandspokeintothephone.¡°Sir,it¡¯sme.¡±

    There<b>was</b><b>a</b>momentofsilence.

    Maverickpausedforamomentbeforeraisinghisvoice,histonesoundingasifhewassuppressinghisanger.¡°Lysa,areyoutwo¡­¡±

    Lysanderknewhisangerwasn¡¯tdirectedather.Shebracedherselfandresponded,¡°There¡¯sbeenalotgoingonatthpanyrecently,andtherearemanythingsI¡¯minexperiencedwith.Josiahhasbeenhelpingme,butonlywithwork¨Crtedmatters.Today,hehappenedtobeheadinghometovisithismother,<b>so</b>it¡¯sontheway.¡±

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    Josiahdidn¡¯tsayanythingmore,andsilentlylistenedtotheirconversationfromtheside.

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    Lysanderrubbedthepressurepointherbrowswithherlefthandthatwasnotholdingaphone.ShewascertainthatMaverickwouldnotapproveofherdatingJosiahagain.

    Unexpectedly,whenMaverickspokeagain,histonewassofter.Hesimplysaid,¡°Alrightthen,yourmother.andIwillwaitwithyoursisteratthehospitalentrance.Youguysshouldbearrivingsoon,right?¡±

    Thisresponsecaughtheroff<b>guard</b>.

    Afteraquicknceatthenearbyroadconditions,Lysanderquicklyreplied,¡°It¡¯sgoingtobeawhilelonger.It¡¯scoldoutside,sothere¡¯snoneedforyoualltorushout.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯vegoteverything undercontrol,¡±Maverickassured,¡°Andyouguysshouldn¡¯trusheither.Safetesfirst.¡±Withthat,heendedthecall.

    Lysanderheldherphone,andwasstunnedforagoodwhile.Hereyesblinkedincessantly<b>as</b>shefeltunease.ShetooktheinitiativeandaskedJosiah,¡°What¡­whatdidyoudo?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Myfather¡¯sattitude,¡±Lysanderpointedagainatthebandagedwoundonhisforehead.¡°Thestitcheshaven¡¯tevenbeenremovedyet.Howdidmyfathersuddenlychangehismind?¡±

    Josiahpursedhislips.¡°Ireallydon¡¯tknow.¡±

    Lysanderwassomewhatskeptical.

    Josiahexined,¡°Ireallyhadnoidea.Aftermerelyextendingmygreetings,andIhadalreadybracedmyselffortheonughtofcriticism.¡±

    Lysandertookadeepbreath,andherheartwasflutteringwithunease.

    Hmm¡­Somethingisoff¡­Terriblyoff.MaverickhadexplicitlywarnedheragainstassociatingwithJosiahpreviously.Howcouldhisattitudehavechangedsoquickly?

    CoulditbethatDadisafraidthatJosiahmightrunawaythathenstobeathimupwhentheymeet?

    Beforeshecouldvoicehersuspicions,Josiahhastilydered,¡±Honestly,Ireallydidn¡¯tdoanything<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    LysanderfeltapprehensiveaboutthesuddenchangeinMaverickandsaid,¡°Youdon¡¯tunderstandmydad.He¡¯sstubborn,andnotthetypetochangehismindeasily.I¡¯mworriedthatsomethinghashappened,orisabouttohappen.¡±

    ??????????????????

    Asshespoke,<b>her</b>gazeinvoluntarilyshifted,ncingtowardsthewoundonJosiah¡¯sforehead.Thebandagehadalreadybeenremoved,butthescabfromthewoundhadn¡¯pletelyhealedyet.

    JosiafortedLysander,saying,¡°Don¡¯tworry,perhapshesimplyseesmeinanewlight?¡±

    Hesawwithanunprecedentedoptimism.

    Lysanderwasimmediatelyatalossforwordsasshewasworried.Aftermuchstruggle,shehadfinally

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    MaverickandLaurawereseen helpingMichellewhostillneededtousecrutchesforafewmoredaysandwaitingattheside<b>of</b>the<b>road</b>.

    Josiahpulledovertotheside,nothesitatingforamomentbeforehegotoutofthecartohelpLysander.¡°Mr.andMrs.Thorne,pleasegetinthecarfirst.I¡¯lltakecareofthebags,¡±heoffered,

    Thosebagswereactuallygifts,

    Afterall,itwastheirfirstvisittohishouse,<b>and</b>thehostswereofhighsocialstanding.Therefore,Maverick<b>and</b>Laurahadmeticulouslypreparedtheirgiftswhichfilledupanentiretrunk.

    Maverickdidn¡¯trespondtoJosiah,buthealsodidn¡¯shoutathimwithharshwordsanymore.Itseemed

    asthoughhehadtacitlyeptedhisestattentions.

    AfterhelpingMichellesettleintothebackseat,LysanderquicklyturnedherattentiontocheckonMaverick.SeeingthateverythingwasnormndthatherfatherwassimplyignoringJosiah,shefinallyfelttheweightliftoffherchest.

    ¡°Dad,woulditbealrightifMomandIsitinthebacktolookafterMichelle,andyoutakethefrontseat?¡±SheproposedthisarrangementonlywhensheobservedthatMaverickhadnointentionofsettlingscoreswithJosiah.Now,shedaredtoletthemstaytogetherinthefront.

    Mavericksimplyresponded,¡°Alright.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Josiahwentaheadtogoaroundtoopenthe<b>car</b>doorforhim.¡°Mr.Thorne,please,¡±hesaid.

    Maverickhummedanacknowledgement,andsettledhimselfintothepassengerseat.

    Lysanderwasutterlyastoundedbywhatshesaw,butsuchachangewasdefinitely<b>a</b><b>good</b>thing.Shedidn¡¯tthinkitwasappropriatetoquestionthereasonbehindit,soshecouldonlyshift<b>her</b>gaze<b>back</b><b>and</b>forthbetweenherfatherandJosiah.

    Seeingthesituation,Michelle,who wassittingbetweenherand<b>Laura</b>,subtlytuggedathersleeve.

    Thiswasasecretcodebetweenthetwosisters,signifyingthatMichellehadasecretshewishedtosharewithheroldersister.

    Understandingtheimplication,Lysanderleanedbackintoherchair,tiltinghercartowardsthedirectionofMichelle¡¯sapproach.

    Michellewhisperedsoftly,¡°Lysander,itseemslikeDad¡¯sattitudetowardsmybrother¨Cinwhaschanged.thesepastfewdays.¡±

    Softly,Lysandercorrectedherwithher<b>lips</b><b>,</b>¡°MustIremindyouthatheisnotyourbrother¨Cin¨C<bw</b>anymore?¡±

    UponseeingLysander¡¯sseriousexpression,Michellequicklyadmittedhermistake.Shestuckouther<b>tongue</b>andsaid,¡°Itjustslippedout.Imeanttosayyourex¨Chusband,no,Mr.Guerra.¡±

    Thecarwasquiet,withonlythesoftwhispersofthetwosistersfillingthesilence.Theyfearediftheirdiscussioncontinued,thepersoninquestionmightoverhearthem.

    Lysanderwhispered,¡°Alright,tellmewhatexactlyhappenedtoourdad.¡±

    Michelle¡¯svoicewasevensofterthanhers,deliberatelyraisingherhandtoshieldherwords,¡°Inthepast

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    fewdays,Mr.Thornehasbeenvisitingmeinthehospitalfrequently.Atfirst,mydaddidn¡¯tpaymuch.attentiontohim,buthisattitudechangeter.EvenwhenMr.Guerrawasmentioned,hewasn¡¯tasangryasbefore.¡±

    <b>Could</b>itbethathehasmanagedtopersuadeDadtoseereason?Thereisapossibility,but¡­

    GivenMaverick¡¯sstubbornnature,itdidn¡¯tmakesensethathewouldbesoeasilypersuadedbyjustafewwordsfromHoward,didit?

    Lysanderaskedagain.¡°Besidesthis,wasthereanythingelsethatwasunusual?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±Michelleshookher<b>head</b>resolutely,¡°Idon¡¯t understandwhyDadsuddenlychangedhisattitude.Lysander,Ithoughtyouknew.Infact,Iwasevennningtoaskyouaboutit.¡±

    Asitturnedout,Michelledidn¡¯thaveanysecrettosharewithLysander.Rather<b>,</b>shehadquestionstoaskher.

    Naturally,Lysandercouldonlyshakeherheadinresponse.¡°Idon¡¯tknoweither.¡±

    Upinfront,Josiahseemedtobelostinhisownsilence.However,hewouldasionallynceattherearviewmirroroutofthecornerofhiseye,subtlycatchingeverylittlemovementofLysanderandMichelle.

    Theirgazesbrieflymetinthemirror.Bothofthemfoundasenseofconfusionreflectedineachother¡¯s

    eyes.

    NoonecouldquitepinpointwhytherehadbeensuchasignificantshiftinMaverick¡¯sattitudetowards

    him.

    Thesilencewithinthecarremaineduntiltheyreachedthe frontdoorofThornemanor.

    Lysanderwasonceveryfamiliarwiththisarea.Hergazesubconsciouslyfellontheentranceofthemanor.Itwasonlywhensherememberedthepurposeofhervisittonight,thathereyesshiftedtotheGuerrafamily¡¯soldhousenextdoor.

    Itturnedoutshewassoclosetothelife<b>she</b>shouldhavehad,butacrueltwistoffatechangedeverything.

    ThehousekeepersattheThornemanorwerequitefamiliarwithJosiah¡¯scar.Assoonastheyspottedhislicensetefromadistance,theypromptlyopenedthegates,allowinghimtodrivestraightinalongthedriveway.

    Assoonasthecarcametoahalt,MaverickwasthefirsttojumpoutandrushtothebackseattoassistMichelle,whostillneededhelp.

    Lysanderlentahelping<b>hand</b>whileholdingacrutch.OnlyafterMichellehadfirmlytoucheddowndidshehandittoher,andadvised,¡°Youmusttreadcarefully.Anotherfallcouldspelltrouble.¡±

    Withayfulsmile,Michellereassured,¡°Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯mreallyall<b>right</b>now.¡±

    Asshespoke,shesubtlywinkedtowardsthedirectionbehindLysander,signalinghersistertolookback.

    Confused,Lysanderturnedaround,andhergazemetdirectlywithJosiahwhowasstandingbesidethecar.Heattemptedtolendahand,butthefamilybeforehimhadeverythingorganizedsometiculouslythattheydidn¡¯tevenleavehimachancetocarryanything.

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    However,whattrulycapturedherattentionwasHoward,whowasemergingfromthehouse.HewaspushingMolly,whostillbeinawheelchairforsometime,andwalkedoverwitharadiantsmileon<b>his</b>face.

    Molly¡¯sconditionwasimprovingquitewell,butaftersuchasevereillness,itwashardforhertobouncebacktoherformerstateinashortperiodoftime.Hence,sherefrainedfromwalkingaroundtoomuchfollowingthedoctor¡¯sadvice.

    She<b>had</b>barelycaughtsightof herdaughterinthedistance,andshealmoststartedwalkingtowardsher.ItwasHowardwhomanagedtodissuadeherfromdoingso.

    Uponseeingthecouplingouttogreetherdirectly,Lysanderdidn¡¯tforgethermanners.Shepromptlyreturnedtheirsmile,thoughtherewasstihintofdifortetchedbetweenherbrows.

    Nomatterwhattheysaid,shejustcouldn¡¯tconsiderthishouseasherhome.Thehomewhereshegrewupwassomewhereelse,acethatmaynothavebeen<b>spacious</b>,butwasindeedwarmandcozy.

    Howardwasthefirsttospeak,¡°Lysa,you¡¯rehere.Comeonin.Susanisheretoo,shewasdelightedwhensheheardyouaring.¡±

    Hearingthis,Laurawasslightlypuzzled.¡°Youhaveguestsatyource?Didweat awrongtime?¡±

    Shencedatherhusband,feelingthatsomethingwasabitoff.

    Maverickalsofurrowedhisbrows,<b>unsure</b>ofwhatwasgoingon.

    Howardhurriedlyrified,¡°She¡¯snotastranger,andLysanderknowshertoo.She¡¯sJosiah¡¯smother.ShehappenedtobevisitingwhensheheardthatMollywasdischargedfromthehospital<b>,</b>soshecametovisit.¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Onlythen<b>did</b>Maverickunderstand,andhisexpressionsignificantlyrxed.Then,henoddedandsaid,¡°IrememberSusanusedtobequitefondofLysa.¡±

    UponlearningthatJosiah¡¯smotherwasalsopresent,Lysanderbreathedasighofrelief.¡°It¡¯sbeenquiteawhilesinceI¡¯veseenMadamSusan,¡±shesaid.¡°Ishouldtakethisopportunitytogreether.¡±

    Eversincetheincidentwiththeprivatejet,theyhadn¡¯tseenmuchofeachother,butsheneverforgothowMadamSusanhadstoodupforher.

    SinceMadamSusanwasaroundtonight,thingsshouldgosmoothly.

    Withthat,thegroupenteredthelivingroom.

    UponseeingMichellestillwalkingwithcrutches,Howardquicklyurgedhertositdownfirst.

    Michellenoticedthatmanyoftheelderswerestillstanding,soshefeltsomewhatembarrassed.However,Mollygentlyreassuredher,¡°Don¡¯tworry,Michelle.Treatthiscelikeit¡¯syourownhome.There¡¯snoneedtofeelufortable.¡±

    Lysanderalsogaveherameaningfullook,signalingher<b>to</b>keephercool.

    OnlythendidMichelletakeaseatattheedgeofthesofa.¡°Thankyou,Mrs.Thome.¡±

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    themandhersister,withonlyacoffeetableseparatingherfromherbiologicalparents.

    Theatmospherehadimprovedslightlyfromtheirpreviousencounterinthecaf¨¦.Yet,it<b>remained</b>particrlyquiet,with bothsidesfeelingsomewhatawkward.

    Finished

    Justthen,Susan,whohadgocheckonthekitchen,returned.Uponseeingthrgegathering,sheimmediatelygraspedthesituation<b>.</b>Assheknewbothparties,shetooktheinitiativetositinthemiddle.breakingthesilence.She<b>was</b>soengrossedinthesituation<b>that</b>shedidn¡¯teventalktoherson.

    ¡°Lysander,it¡¯sbeenawhilesincewstmet,youlookthinnernow.Haveyoubeenneglectingyourhealthduetowork?You¡¯re<b>still</b>young,sodon¡¯tpushyourselftoohard.Iheardyouwering,<b>so</b>I<b>took</b>sometimeandmadeyouasoupmyself.Makesuretoeataloter.¡±

    Lysanderknewshegenuinelycaredforher.Touched,sheresponded,¡°Thank<b>you</b>,MadamSusan.I¡¯vebeendoingquitewellrecently.Iamjustabitbusy.Youdon¡¯tneedtoworryaboutme.¡±

    MadamSusanaskedagain,¡°IheardthatJosiahwenttotheThorneConstructionsandEnergiestohelpyouout.Isheofanyuse?Don¡¯thesitatetoaskifyouneedhimforanything.¡±

    Lysanderwascandid.¡°Mr.Guerra<b>has</b>beenofgreathelptome,andI¡¯mespeciallygratefultohim.¡±

    MaverickandLaurahadnobeefwith thisformermother¨Cinwoftheirdaughter.Theycouldevencarry

    on3

    aconversationwithher,whichmadeJosiahseemsomewhatredundant.

    HowardnoticedthatJosiahhadbeenconsistentlyignored,whichhedidn¡¯tthinkwasright.Thus,takingadvantageofthemomentwhenMadamSusanwasfussingoverLysander,heinterjected,¡°Sinceeveryoneishere,whydon¡¯tyoustay,Josiah?Youhaven¡¯thadachancetoenjoyyourmother¡¯scookinginawhile.¡±

    Then<b>,</b>boththespeakerandthepeoplelisteningtohiminstinctivelyturnedtheirgazetowardsMaverick.

    JosiahponderedoverthesuddenchangeinattitudeofthisfatherwhoLysanderwassocloseto,soherefrainedfrommakinganyhastyreply.

    ThesameappliedtoHoward.Indeed,hewasthemasterofthehouse,buttoday¡¯sgatheringwasmeanttoresolvepastgrievancesbetweenthetwofamiliesandunitethemasone.Ofcourse,themostcrucialpartwasMaverickandhisfamily¡¯sattitude.

    SusanknewthatJosiahwasinthewrong,andeventhoughshewantedtokeephimaround,shefoundherselfunabletospeakup.

    Josiahdidn¡¯twanttospoiltheatmosphereandwasabouttomakeanexcusetoleave.Unexpectedly,Maverickbeathimtoit.¡°Don¡¯tjuststandthere,¡±hesaid.¡°Whenwegotoutofthecar,Iforgottoaskyoutoopenthetrunk.Thegiftsarestillinthere.¡±

    Uponhearingthattheyhadactuallybroughtgifts,Howardhurriedlysaid,¡°That¡¯sreallykindofyou.Ijustinvitedyouoverforacasualmeal,sothere<b>was</b>noneedtobringgifts.You¡¯vereallygoneoutofyourway.¡±

    Maverickdisagreed,¡°Well,Iaingovertoyourcefordinner,anditwouldn¡¯tmakesensetoshowupempty¨Chanded.¡±

    Hegesturedtowards<b>Josiah</b>andsaid,¡°Comeoverhere,andhelp mecarrythegifts.I<b>can¡¯t</b>takeeverything

    <b>on</b><b>my</b>own.¡±

    Astonished,Lysanderlistenedwithwideeyesandadroppedjaw.Shecouldhardlybelievethatthosewords<b>had</befromMaverick¡¯smouth.

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    Backatthehospitalentrance,hehadindeedturneddownJosiah¡¯soffertohelp.Theso¨Ccalled¡®carryingthegifts¡®<b>was</b>essentiallyawaytogiveJosiahawayout.

    Josiahcaughtonanddidn¡¯thesitateandrolleduphissleevestolend<b>a</b><b>hand</b>.

    Whentheyreturned,Maverickwasleadingthewaywithhishandsempty.Trailingbehind<b>him</b>wasJosiahwitheach handcarryingrgebagofitems.Hewastheepitomeofahandyman.

    Althoughthingswerealreadyquiteunusual<b>,</b>Maverickwentagainstthenormandgavehimafewextrainstructions.¡°TheteasetisforMr.Howard,andthemedicinalherbsareforMdm.Molly.They¡¯rejusta tokenofgoodwindnotparticrlyvaluable.Makesuretoseparatethemwhenyouputthemdown.¡±

    Josiahbelievedthathewasbeingtested,sohedarednotckoff.Hewasevenmoreearnestinhisactionsthanwhenhewasreviewing<b>proposals</b>.

    Uponseeingthis,HowardandMollyhurriedlyexchangedpleasantrieswithMaverick,¡°It¡¯sthethoughtthatcounts.WhenIwasdischarged,thedoctoralsoadvisedthatIshouldtakemoresupplementsinthefuture.Iwasnningtobuythese,butIdidn¡¯t expectyoutobe<b>so</b>thoughtful¡­¡±

    Duringtheirconversation,Lysander¡¯sgazewasfixedonhersisterandmother.

    Michellewas clueless,sohergazetowardsthemwasevenmoreastonishedthanhersister¡¯s.Shehad<b>no</b>choicebuttoquietlyaskLaura,¡°Mom,what¡¯sgoingonwithDad?IrememberhealwaysdislikedJosiah.Whydoesheseemlikeadifferentpersontoday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯mnotsureeither.¡±Lauramaintainedacalmdemeanor,despitebeingcluelessherself.ShesimplylookedatthebusyJosiahand<b>said</b>,¡°Perhapsyourfather<b>has</beup<b>with</b><b>a</b><b>n</b>.Ormaybe,he¡¯etotermswithitafterseeingJosiahbustling aroundtoday.¡±

    Shesaidsomethingthatevensheherselfdidn¡¯tbelieve.

    Mmm¡­Somethingis<i>definitely</i><i>off.</i>Lysander¡¯sworrywasevidentasshespedherhandstogether.Itwasn¡¯tuntservantfromthekitchenannouncedthatfoodwasready<b>that</b>sheslightlyregainedheposure.ItwasduringthistimethatshehelpedMichelletostandup.

    Josiahsloweddowntokeepupbyhersideastheyleisurelywalkedtogether.

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    IthadbeenquitesometimesincethedininghallintheThornemanorhadamodated<b>such</b>rgecrowd.Today,thecehadbeensprucedupinordancewiththestandardsbefittingesteemedgueststoweeMaverickandhisfamily.EventhetablewareusedwastheporcincollectionofHoward.

    Naturally,thefiveelderswereseatedtogether.LysanderhadbeencontinuouslytakingcareofMichelle,sonaturally,thetwosisterswereseatedtogether.

    Josiahwasquiteawareofthesituation,sohesettleddownbesidehismother.

    Uponwitnessingthisscene,Susancouldclearlyunderstandherson¡¯sintention.Yet,allshecoulddowastletoutasoftsigh.

    Nowheregretshispastbehavior

    Thedisheswereservedswiftly,theirvibrantcolors,enticingaroma,anddeliciousvorswereagiven.Theingredientswerenotablynourishing,clearlytailoredforthetwoindividualswhohadjustbeendischargedfromthehospital.

    Apartfromfruitjuice,Howardhadalsobroughtoutaspecialcollectionofredwine.Lauradidn¡¯tdrink,sohepersonallypouredassfor<b>Maverick</b>.Afterward,hetoastedand<b>took</b>thefirstsiphimself.

    Forsomeonewhodidn¡¯tusually drink,thisgesturewasundoubtedlysignificant.

    ¡°Maverick,<b>Laura</b>,Lysa¡¯ssesstodayisallthankstoyournurturing.IregretthatIhaven¡¯tdonemuchforherinthepast,andnowI¡¯mevenpullingherdownwiththpanyissues.I<b>am</b>trulysorry.However,thefactthatourfamiliescouldbedischargedfromthehospitaltogetherseemslikeastrokeoffate.Therefore,despitefeelingabitthick¨Cskinned,I¡¯dliketorevisittheoldtopic.¡±

    Molly¡¯srecoverywasgoingwell.Apartfromspeakingalittlesofter,shelookednodifferentfromanyoneelse.Therefore,shealsotooktheopportunitytoexpressherstancewithherhusbandtowardsMaverick

    andLaura.

    ¡°Iwasunabletoattendthst<b>conversation</b>duetohealthreasons,butI¡¯mawareofthedetails.WhatMavericksaidwasreasonable;wetrulyoweLysaalot,soeverythingshedeservesisrighthere.Asfortheconcernsyouhave,itwillneverhappen<b>again</b>.¡±

    Sheandherhusbandhadpreparedthepropertynotarizationdocumentsinadvance.Theypresentedthesedocumentsatthatmoment,solelytoassureMaverickthathecouldletthemacknowledgeLysander.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    LysanderassumedthattheirconversationwasabouttheThornefamily¡¯swealth.Therefore,shedidn¡¯tthinkmuchaboutitsinceshedidn¡¯treallycare.

    OnlyJosiahthoughtofLysanne,whowasalreadyintheorphanageacrossthevastocean.

    Shewouldatoneforherownactionsforthirtyyears.

    Perhapsitwasduetohismentalpreparation,butMaverick¡¯sreactionthistimewasmuchcalmerthanthe<bst</b><b>time</b>atthe<b>caf¨¦</b>.Hedidn¡¯tquit

    understandwhatthedocumentswereabout,buthemaintainedhiposureanddirectlydrankthewhatHowardhadpouredforhim.

    ¡°I¡¯m<b>a</b>simple<b>man</b>, andIdon¡¯tunderstandtheseformalities.Ihavejustoneconditionthistime.Youmusttreatwithkindness,andnotallowanyobullyher¨Cnotevenyourselves.Otherwise,wewouldratherTannaimmadistaluikannomentoharcuffarine

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    Thisimpliedconsentto1ysanderacknowledgingHowardandMolly,herbiologicalparents.

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    HowardandMollyexchanged<b>a</b>nce,theyalmostshedtearsofjoyrightthereandthen.Then,theyquicklypromised,¡°Don¡¯tworry,wecan¡¯pensateLysaenoughasitis,letaloneallowhertosufferanyinjustices.Fromnowon,ourtwofamilieswillbeone.¡±

    Maverickreiteratedhispoint,¡°Ultimately,thedecisionshouldbelefttoher.Icanonlyexpressmystance.Itdoesn¡¯tmatterwhathappenstomeaslongasshe¡¯shappy.¡±

    Lysanderwastoucheduponhearingthisandgentlyreminded,¡°Dad,youshoulddrinkless.It¡¯sbadforyourhealth.¡±

    Forreasonsunknown,Maverickfoundhiseyeswellingupwithtearsasheheardthisveryordinarystatement.¡°Don¡¯tworry,I¡¯lldefinitelywatchit.Todayisacelebrationoffamilymembersfrombothsides.beingdischarged,andI¡¯mjustoverjoyed<b>,</b>¡±hesaid..

    Ashespoke,heliftedhishandtowipehisface,onlythenwasheabletosteadyhisemotions.

    Lysandernoticedthathiswasnotgenuinelyhappy,butshedidn¡¯tsayanything.ShesuggestedtheyswitchtograpejuiceonlyafterheandHowardhadeachdrunkhalfassofredwine.

    Lysanderhadforgottenabout Josiahmomentarily,andbecametheonlypersondrinkingatthetable.Leftwithnochoice,hehadtofendforhimself.

    Lysanderhadgonearoundservinggrapejuicetotheelders,notforgettingtopoursomeforMichellewhowasbesideher.Initially,sheintendedtoofferasstoJosiahoutofcourtesyaswell,butasshereached.outforthejuice,herfingertipsbrushedagainsthishandthathehadextended.

    Inash,alleyesatthedinnertableturnedtolookatthem.

    Lysanderimmediatelypulledbackherhandasifshehadbeenshockedbyelectricity.

    Josiah¡¯smovementfalteredforamoment,leavinghimunderthescrutinyofeveryone¡¯seyes.Hecouldfeslightflushcreepinguphischeeks.Afterabriefpause,heslowlyreachedforthejuice.

    Maverickwatchedthesceneunfold,butdidnotreprimandJosiahwhich<b>was</b><b>out</b>ofhischaracter.Instead,heloweredhiseyesasiflostinthought.

    Theatmospherethatwaslivelyjustamomentagosuddenlybecameawkward.

    Regardlessofhowmuchthertionshipbetweenthetwofamilieshadthawed,ithadnothingtodowithJosiah.Atmost,Howardwouldspeakafewwordsonhisbehalf.

    Inordertosecurehis<b>seat</b>here,Josiahfeignepleteoblivion,andpoweredthroughanydifort.

    Breakingthesilence,Susanasked,¡°Lysander,whatdoyouthinkofmycookingskills?Thesouptastesalright,doesn¡¯tit?Ilearnedhowto<b>make</b>itfromEleanor.Ittookmequiteafewdaystogetitright.¡±

    ¡°<b>Thank</b>you, Madam<b>Susan</b>,thesouptastesreallygood,¡±Lysandercasuallycontinuedtheconversation.

    Theconversationthenshiftedtowardsthedishes.

    Howardspoke<b>with</b>ahintofnostalgia.¡°Thesedisheswereallyourfavoriteswhenyouwereachild.Youneverlikedtheskinontomatoes,sothefirststepwasalwaystopeelthemwheneverwecookedanythingthatrequiredtomatoesathome.Astimewentby, itgraduallybecameahabit.

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    MollygazedatLysander,andherheartbrimmedwithunspokenlonging.Theonlywayshecouldexpressitwasbyconstantlyservingherfoodwiththeservingspoon.¡°Here,eatmore.You¡¯vebeenbusyrecently.haven¡¯tyou?You¡¯velostweightagain.¡±

    ¡°Thankyou.Isupposeit¡¯sbecauseIjuststartedworkingatthpany,soIneedtoputinextraeffort,¡±Lysanderpolitely<b>said</b><b>.</b>

    Despitebeingmotheranddaughterbyblood,thereseemedtobe somethingseparatingthem.

    MaverickandLaurawerealsogazingatLysander.Eventhoughithadonlybeenafewdayssincethestsawher,theyjustcouldn¡¯tgetenoughof<b>looking</b>attheirdaughter.

    ¡°Lysa<b>,</b>your¡­yourmotherisright,¡±Mavericksaid,concernedthatLysandermightoverwork herself.¡°Iknowyou¡¯reeagertogetbacktoworkatthehospital,butyoucan¡¯trushthings.Yourhealthmustalwayefirst,andyoumusttakegoodcareofyourself,¡±he advisedearnestly.

    ¡°Indeed,I¡¯vealreadyhired<b>a</b>driverandanassistant<b>.</b>Thingswillbemuchbetterfromnowon.¡±

    ¡°Oh,that¡¯sgreat.Havingsomeoassistyoushouldmakethingseasier.But,isthepersonyou¡¯vechosenreliable?

    ¡°AllthecandidateshavebeenreviewedbyMr.Guerra.Thereshouldn¡¯tbeanyissues.¡±

    ThefewelderspresentintheroomallturnedtheirattentiontoJosiah.

    Josiahimmediatelyrified,¡°Indeed,Imadetheselection.Botharewomen.MonicausedtobethemanagerofGuerraGroup¡¯sbranchoffice.She¡¯shighlpetentandhasagoodpersonality.Skrisalsoasteadydriver.Iwentthroughseveralfemaledriversbeforefinallydecidingonher.¡±

    Mavericksimplygave<b>a</b>subtlenod.

    Lysanderobservedtheunusualexpressiononherfather¡¯sface.Shecouldnothelpbutexpressherconcern,¡°Dad,what¡¯swrongwithyou<b>today</b>?¡±

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    Undernormalcircumstances,evenifhedidn¡¯tstopJosiahfrominterrupting,heshouldhave<b>at</b>leastshothimare.

    ¡°I¡¯mfine.¡±Maverickwavedhishandabsentmindedly,offeringavagueexnation.¡°I¡¯mjustworriedyou.mightoverworkyourself.You¡¯veneverworkedinacorporateenvironmentbefore,andyou¡¯resoheadstrong.Whatifyouexhaustyourself?¡±

    Whathesaidactuallymadealotofsense.

    Withamixofbeliefanddoubt,Lysandernodded,choosingnottopressfurtheronthematter.

    Michelle<b>saw</b>herstilllookinguneasyandtriedtoconsoleher.¡°Lysander,don¡¯tworry.IfIgraduateandyou¡¯restillnotsettled,I¡¯letohelpout!¡±

    OnlythendidLysandersmile.¡°Youshouldfocusonhealingyourinjuriesfirst.¡±

    TheatmosphereseemedtohavelightenedasHowardwatchedthetwosiblingschatmerrily.Itwasthenthatheinterjected,¡°Indeed,healthisofutmostimportance.Youmaybeyoungnow,butifyoudon¡¯ttakegoodcareofyourselves,itwillbehardtomakeupforitwhenyoureachourage.¡±

    Ashespoke,heexchangedlookswithMolly.They bothnoticedthenewlysproutedsilverstrandsincachother¡¯shair,ComparedtoMaverickandLaura,theyhadagedfairlywell.However,atthiscouldn¡¯tescapetheinevitablesignsofaging.

    age,they

    ApangofinexplicablesorrowwelledupinLysander¡¯sheart.

    Mollyhadjustrecoveredfromaseriousillness,which madeherdeeplyunderstandtheimportanceofhealth.Shesaidgently,¡°It¡¯sonlynowthatItrulyrealize,everythingelseissecondary.Aslong<b>as</b>you¡¯rehealthyandthefamilyistogether,that¡¯sthegreatesthappiness.¡±

    Withtearyeyes,Howardechoedhiswife,¡°Ourtwofamilieshavebeenthroughsomuchtobeone,wemustspendmoretimetogetherinthefuture.¡±

    Lysanderimmediatelyturnedtowardherfosterparentsandsister.Seeing<b>that</b>theyhadnoobjections<b>,</b><b>a</b>waveofwarmthsurgedinherheart.Insteadofbeingdestroyedbythetruthofthe<b>past</b>,herfamilyhadgrowncloser.

    Inconsiderationofhisdaughters,MaverickfinallyagreedtoHoward¡¯ssuggestion.¡°Mmm,indeed,weshouldgetoutmore.¡±

    Howard,whowasofthesameagegroupashim,spokeaboutcurrentaffairswithparticrpassion.

    ¡°We¡¯rebothattheageofretirementnow,sowe¡¯llhavemorefreetimeinthefuture.Let¡¯smeetupmoreoften,consideritasawaytopassthetime.Especiallyforme,eventhoughI¡¯mabityoungerthanyou,thesepastfewyearshavetrulybeenquitetumultuous.Mywife¡¯shealthisnotwhatitusedtobe,shecan¡¯thandletoomuchstress,sowe¡¯llbestayingathomefromnowon<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Ashespoke,hisgazewasfilledwithemotionasheturnedtoLysanderandJosiah.¡°I¡¯vetotermswithitnow.Theworldnowbelongstotheyoungergeneration.¡±

    Maverick¡¯sjobwasentirelydifferentfrom<b>his</b>,butwhenitcametoage,hetooshowedasenseofdeepreflection.

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    Laurathoughthewasreminiscingabouttheretirementlifeofhispeers,feelingatouchofmncholyinhis<b>heart</b><b>,</b>yetcouldn¡¯thelpbutharborasenseofenvy.

    ¡°Atourage<b>,</b><b>we</b>can¡¯petewiththeyoungergenerationinourcareers.Weusedtolookforwardtothedaywhenthey¡¯dgrowup<b>so</b>wecouldfinallyrx.Butnowthatthey¡¯rebusywithschoolorworkand<b>hardly</b>everhome,it¡¯sdifferent.There¡¯sthisconstantsenseofemptiness.¡±

    Uponhearingthis,Susanimmediatelyempathizedandjoinedintheconversation.¡°Sigh,youhavetwodaughtersand<b>a</b>husbandathome,atleastit¡¯slively.Me?I¡¯maloneatmyce.Ifitweren¡¯tforthosetwingback,Iwouldn¡¯tevenhaveaneighbor.¡±

    Haditnotbeenforthe awkwardrtionshipbetweenthetwofamiliesduetoJosiah¡¯sincident,shewouldhavequitelikedtojointhem.

    ¡°MydearMichhasbeenspendingmoretimeathomtely,butonceshegraduates,MaverickandIwillbetheonlyonesleft.Sometimes,whenIseemyoldfriendswiththeirgrandchildren,Ican¡¯thelpbutfe<b>pang</b>ofenvyfromthebottomofmyheart.Evenwhentheinabouthowtiringitistotakecareofthekids,Isometimeswonderif they¡¯rejustshowingoff.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    HowardandMolly¡¯shomewasevenquieterthantheirs.Uponhearingwordslike¡°grandson¡±or¡°granddaughter¡°,theycouldn¡¯thelpbutfeelenvious.¡°Indeed,¡±theysaid,¡°itwouldbewonderfulifwecouldhaveachildinourhome.¡±

    Theeldersreached<b>an</b>agreement.Theirconversationabouthavingachildinthefamilybecamequiteanimated.

    Lysanderbegantofeelonedge,sheworriedthattheconversationwouldsooncirclebacktoher.

    JosiahhadmadehisstancecleartoSusanlongago.Inthislifetime,apartfromremarryingLysander,hewouldnotconsidermarryinganyoneelse.Heseemedquitposed aboutit,buthisgazewouldasionallydarttowardherdirection.

    MichellehappenedtobeseatedbetweenLysanderand<b>Josiah</b>,serving<b>as</b><b>a</b>barrier.Astheyoungestamongstthem,shelistenedwithalertnessbeforeaskingwarily,¡°Youguysaren¡¯tnningtostartpressuringmeintomarriage,areyou?Ifso,Imighthavetomakearunforitwhileoncrutches.¡±

    Laurachuckled.¡°Yoursisterisn¡¯tevenmarriedyet,it¡¯snotyetyourturn.Youmightaswellputdownyourcrutches¡­

    Shewashalfwaythroughherspeechwhenshequicklyadded,¡°Lysa,I¡¯mnotrushingyou.It¡¯s justthatwhenIthinkaboutyour<b>aunt¡¯s</b>grandchildren,Ifeelitwouldbenicetohavesomethingtodoafterretirement.¡±

    OnlythendidLysanderbreatheasighofrelief.Shethensuggested,¡°You<b>know</b>,havingapetathomecouldliventhingsup.Smanimalsarereallyadorable.Iactuallyhaveakittenatmycerightnow.HowaboutIbringitoverforyou guystotakecareofnexttime?¡±

    Michelle¡¯seyeslitup.¡°Akitten!Lysander,whendidyoustarthavingacat?You¡¯resobusy,surelyyoudon¡¯thavethetimetotakecareofakitten.Howaboutlettingmedoit?I¡¯vebeenidlingathomenursingmyinjuryrecently,Icandefinitelytakegoodcareofthekittenforyou<b>!</b><b>¡±</b>

    ItseemedasthoughLysanderhadnoobjections.¡°SoI¡­¡±

    JosiahwasworriedthatLysanderwouldtakethisopportunitytosendtheRagdollkittenbackhome,whichwouldrobhimofanexcusetovisit.Hequicklyspokeup,¡°Actually,havingadogisn¡¯t<b>too</b>badtoo.Dogs

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    herhand,arequite

    areaffectionateandtheycanapanyyourparentsontheirwalks.Cats,ontheindependentanddon¡¯treallyliketobeclosetopeople.Right,Lysander,don¡¯tyoustillhaveadogthat¡¯sbeinglookedafteratacolleague¡¯shouse?Whydon¡¯tyousendthedogoverforMichelletolookafter?¡±

    Michellewaspleasedwiththe ideaaswell.¡°Apuppyisfool¡±

    Hesubtlyexpressedhishope<b>that</b>LysandercouldretrievetherobefromAdrian<b>and</b>deliverittohisfosterparents¡®home.

    Withthisapproach,notonlywasAdrian¡¯schanceofgettingclosetoLysanderunderthepretenseofhisrobecutoff,butitalsoprovidedtheelderswithsomethingtodo.Itwas a<b>ssic</b>caseofkillingtwobirdswithonestone.

    Lysanderclearlyunderstoodhisintentions,butshemerelyrespondedwithasilentsmile,waitingforherfosterparentstomakethedecisionfirst.¡°Mom,Dad,doyouprefercatsordogs?¡±

    Laurawassomewhattempted,butconsideringherrecentsituation,shereplied,¡°We¡¯renningtomovesoon,andwiththechaos<b>of</b>renovatingandbuyingfurnitureafterward,it¡¯sbesttowaitfortherighttimetogetapet.Otherwise,we¡¯dhavetobringitalongduringthemoveandmightnotbeabletotakecareofitproperly.¡±

    ¡°Allright,takeyourtimetothinkitoverandletmeknow<b>once</b>you¡¯vedecided,¡±Lysandersaidgently.

    Maverick<b>had</b>mixedfeelingsashelistenedtohisdaughter¡¯sheartfeltwords fromtheside.

    ¡°Actually,ourconversationwasn¡¯tmeanttopressureyou.Marriageisasignificantmatter,andweabsolutelycan¡¯tbehastyaboutit.Youmustn¡¯tgointoitblindly.It¡¯scrucialtofindsomeonewhogenuinelyknowsandcherishesyou.Onceyou¡¯vefoundsuchapersonandsettleddown,I¡¯llbeat<b>ease</b>.¡±

    Hisvoicewasfilledwithanticipation,asifhehadalreadyfoundtheperfectcandidate.

    Assoon<b>as</b>thesewordswerespoken,thetableimmediatelyfellsilent.

    Aside fromMaverickandLysander,everyoneelsewas keepingtheirheadsdown.

    Especially<b>Josiah</b>.

    Hetouchedhisnose,feelingasifaspotlightwasshiningonhim.

    ItfeltasifMaverickwashintingathimnomatterhowheinterpretedit.

    KnowingherfullwendbeingwholeheartedlygoodtoLysander,thesetwoconditionsweresimplytheoppositeofwhatJosiahwasinthe<b>past</b>.

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    Howardsubconsciouslywantedtospeakupfor<b>Josiah</b>,butrecallingthehardshipsLysanderhadfacedinthepast,heimmediatelyswallowedhiswords.

    Humanheartswereinherentlybiased.

    AlthoughhehadwatchedJosiahgrowupandhadbeenagreathelp inhipany,hestillheldadeeperaffectionforhisbiologicaldaughter.

    MollywholeheartedlyagreedwithMaverick¡¯spointofview.¡°Maverick¡¯sgotitright.OurlittleLysadoesn¡¯thaveanyexperienceinlove,shecouldeasilyfallpreytoabadboy.¡±

    Susanletoutadry chuckle.¡°Iwouldn¡¯tsayshe<b>has</b>absolutelynoexperienceinlove,shehasbeenthroughsomethings,afterall.¡±

    Uponhearingthis,Michelle<b>was</b>takenaback.¡°MadamSusan,youknowaboutZacharytoo?¡±

    Susanwasstunned.¡°WhoisZachary¡­?¡±

    Lauraexined,¡°He¡¯smyclosefriend¡¯sson.I¡¯veknownhimsincehewaslittle,andwe¡¯vealwaysbeenveryclose.Ithinkhighlyofhim¨Che¡¯sdependableandforward¨Cthinking,but¡­¡±

    Susan¡¯sfacepaledslightly.Shencedatherownson,onlytoseeJosiahbusilypouringdrinksforMaverickandHoward,notshowinganyparticremotion.

    Uponhearingthis,Maverickquicklyinterjected,¡°Let¡¯snotbringupthepast.¡±

    Lauranoddedinagreement.¡°True,Lysa¡¯sbackgroundhaschangedsignificantlynow.ThegapbetweenherandZacharyisjusttoowide.¡±

    Molly,ontheother<b>hand</b>,seemedquiteintrigued.¡°Honestly,iftheboyisgenuinelygood,<b>there¡¯s</b>noneedtofussoverhisfamilybackground.We¡¯renotsomeold¨Cfashionedhouseholdafterall.AslongashetreatsourlittleLysawell,that¡¯sallthatmatters,right,Laura?¡±

    LaurawasjustabouttospeakupwhenMaverickimmediatelyfurrowedhis<b>brows</b>andinterjected.¡°Ithasnothingtodowithfamilybackground,it¡¯simpossibleforhimandEysatobetogether.¡±

    MollyturnedtoLysanderand<b>asked</b>,¡°Lysa,whatdoyouthink?¡±

    Lysander¡¯smindwasfilledwithimagesofsmall<b>inds</b>inthe<b>Pascal</b>Ocean.Shechuckledlightlyandresponded,¡°Idon¡¯tlikehim<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Itwasn¡¯t<b>just</b><b>a</b><bck</b>ofromanticfeelingsshe<b>had</b>forhim,whatshe detestedevenmorewasthecharacterofZacharyhimself.

    Afterhearingthesewords,Mollycouldonlyrelent.¡°You¡¯reright.Thenexttimeyoulookforaboyfriend.youmustfindsomeonewhotrulyappealstoyou,someonewhomeetsyourheart¡¯sdesires.Youcan¡¯trushintomarriagelikeyoudidthsttime.¡±

    <b>¡°</b>Yes,¡±

    Throughouttheentireconversation,Susanwasattheside,listening.ShealsounderstoodthehiddenimplicationsinMolly¡¯swords.

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    Onone hand,shewasthoroughlyinterrogatingotherboys,andontheotherhand,shewassubtlybringingupherpreviousfailedmarriage.Itseemedthatshewasopposedtotheideaofhersonbingason¨Cin-

    <b>But</b>shewasright.

    TheyknewwellenoughhowJosiahtreatedLysannesinceyoung.

    Now<b>that</b>theirbiologicaldaughterhadreturned,asparents,theyfeltsomewhatufortableaboutit.

    Susansighed,shakingher<b>head</b>inresignation.

    She<b>was</b>closetolosingallhopeatthemoment.

    ¡°Mom,wouldyoulikesomegrapejuice?¡±askedJosiah.

    Susancasuallywavedherhand.¡°I¡¯lljust<b>have</b>water,¡±

    ¡°Allright,¡±JosiahturnedtoMichelle.¡°Mich<b>,</b>passmeyourcup,I¡¯llpouryousomejuice.¡±

    Michellewashesitant,notdaringtomove.

    Hersisterhadjustlecturedher,itwasbestforhertylowfornow.

    -I¡¯ll

    drinkwatertoo.¡±

    Josiahwastakenabackforamoment,hissmilesomewhatawkward.¡°Allright<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Havesomejuice,haven¡¯tyoubeenaskingforiteveryday?¡±MaverickpointedtothecupinfrontofMichelle.¡°Hurryupandpassthecup,don¡¯tkeephimwaiting.¡±

    MichellecarefullyhandedhercupovertoJosiah.¡°Thankyou,J¨CJosiah.¡±

    <b>Josiah</b>chuckled,handingthecupbacktoher.¡°You¡¯rewee.¡±

    Suddenly.Mollyspokeup.¡°Ohright,Ijustremembered,isn¡¯ttheJohanssonfamily¡¯syoungestsonserving<b>in</b>themilitary?Hashebeendischarged?¡±

    Howardsaid,¡°It¡¯sbeenoverayearsincehegotback,butthingshasbeenprettyroughthisyear.Previously,theJohanssonfamilyevensentmeaninvitationtotheiryoungestson¡¯sbirthdaybanquet.Butyouwereill,soIdeclined.¡±

    ¡°Birthday?IfIrecallcorrectly,theyoungestsonoftheJohanssonfamilyisaboutthesameageasLysa,justthreemonthsolder!¡±

    ¡°Correct,he¡¯sonlyolderbythreemonths.WhenyouwerepregnantwithLysa,weevenattendedhishundreddayspartytogether.¡±

    ¡°DoyoustillhavePeter¡¯snumber?Canyouaskhiterifhissonismarried?It¡¯salwaysbetterwhentoknowhiminsideout!¡±

    HowardncedatJosiah,rubbinghisnose.¡°<b>¡­</b>Thisreallyisn¡¯tourbusiness.Weshouldrespectourchildren¡¯sviews.WeknowArcherwell,butLysanevermethim.He¡¯spracticallyastrangertoher.¡±

    Mollyseemeda<b>bit</b>disheartened.¡°You¡¯reright.s,wemissedoutonLysa¡¯sgrowth,wedon¡¯tevenknow

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    ifthereareanysuitableboysaroundherageinhercircle.Maverick,Laura,wemighthavetorelyonyou

    for<b>this</b>matter¡­.

    ¡°Itdoesn¡¯tnecessarilyhavetobesomeonewe,aselders,knowinsideandout,¡±Susansaidwithasmile.¡°Intheend,italesdowntowhetherthetwoofthemcangetalong.Iftherewerefeelingsfrompreviousinteractions,theymightnotnecessarilybeinferiortothenewones.¡±¡°

    Everyonecouldtell<b>what</b>shemeantbythosewords.

    Mollychuckledsoftly,choosingnottorespond.Seeinghiswife¡¯sdemeanor,Howardcouldonlysighinwardly.

    Laurawas<b>,</b>afterall,protectiveofherdaughter.¡°It¡¯sabitunfair.Afteronesetback,it¡¯slikeshe¡¯slostyerofskin<b>.</b><b>Any</b>parentwouldbeheartbrokenfortheirchild.Butthroughhardshieswisdom<b>.</b>¡±

    Josiahfoundhimselfistedandunsupported,afeelingakintohavingathornonhisback.Withgreatdifficulty,hespokeup.¡°Mdm.Laura,I¡¯mnotthesamepersonIusedtobe.Ifyou¡¯reconsideringarrangingablinddateforLysander¡­perhapsyoucouldconsiderme.¡±

    Thesilencebythediningtablewasstillsoprofound,itwasalmostintimidating.

    Maverickworeaseriousexpression,appearingtobedeepinthoughtoversomethingofgreatimportance.

    ¡°RegardingLysa¡¯sromanticdilemma,Iactuallyhaveasuggestion.¡±

    Michellencedatherfather,then<b>at</b>herformerbrother¨Cinw,beforeleaningintowhispertoLysander.¡°Lysander,hasDadalreadychosensomeone?Whoisit?DoIknowhim?¡±

    ¡°Youdo<b>.</b>

    Susanwasinastate<b>of</b>panic,yetshemanagedtobrushitoffandbeckonedeveryoeat.¡°Thekidsarestillyoung,it¡¯stheirtimetobuildtheircareers.Besides,there¡¯snouserushingthesethings.Comeon,everyone,digin.Thesoup¡¯sgettingcold.¡±

    Iftheconversationweretocontinue,itwasn¡¯tcertain<b>that</b>Josiahwouldletgoofhisthoughts.Instead,hemightbeevenmorefixated.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Howardalsosteppedintosmooththingsover.¡°You¡¯reright,let¡¯seatfirstanddropthismatter.¡±

    However,Maverickdidnottaketheeasywayout.Instead,heliftedhishead,lookingatJosiahwithutmostseriousness,andasked,¡°Tellme,areyourfeelingsforLysandergenuine?¡±

    ¡°Ofcourse.¡±Josiah¡¯svoicewasfilledwithregret,histhroattight.¡°Infact,IrealizedtotethatIgenuinelycarefor<b>her</b>.¡±

    Apieceof<b>asparagus</b>Lysanderhadscoopedupfellontothetable.

    Shepulledoutanapkin,carefullywrappedtheasparagus,andcedthemonthebonedish.Then,she<b>took</b>anothernapkinandleisurelywipedthesauceoffthetable.

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    UponhearingMaverickposesuchaquestion,SusanandHowardstoppedtheirdiversions.Instead,theyheldtheirbreath andfocused,eagertohearwhathewouldsaynext.

    The<b>fact</b>thathewaswillingtoaskthisquestionatleastindicatedthathisfeelingstowardJosiahwerenolongersimplyofpuredisgust.

    Maverickspokewithaheavytone.¡°Howcanyoubesosure<b>that</b>whatyou¡¯resayingnowistrulywhatyou¡¯vethoughtthrough?Istherestipossibilitythatyoumightchangeyourmindinthefuture?¡±

    Thewordsspokenwererazor¨Csharp,apaniedbyacuriousgazethatseemedtodelvedeeply.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tshyaway oravoid,instead,hemetMaverick¡¯sgazehead¨Con,wantingtoassurehimofhistsincerityatthatmoment.

    ¡°Mr.Maverick,IunderstandthatyourwarinessandaversiontowardmestementirelyfromyourgenuineconcernforLysander.IhavealwaystreatedyouandMdm.Laurawiththeutmostrespect.WhetherornotwhatI¡¯msayingistrue,Ibelieveyoushouldbeabletodiscernfromourinteractionsthesepastfewdays.¡±

    HehadalwaysbeenatthemercyofMaverick,enduringbothphysdverbbusewithoututteringasinglewordoint.

    Maverickstudiedthescarstillfaintlyvisibleonhisbrow,hisdemeanorsofteningabitashecontinued,¡°For

    now,I¡¯ssumeyou¡¯resincere.Butasforthefuture¡­whocanreallysay?¡±

    astactions.

    Withutmost sincerity,Josiahresponded,¡°IcansweartoyourightnowthatItrulyregretmypastFromnowon,IwillonlyloveLysanderwholeheartedly,thiswillneverchangeagain.¡±

    Hewassoresoluteinhisattitudethathealmostdidn¡¯tknowhowtoprovehisfeelingsanymore.

    Knowinghersonbetter<b>than</b>anyoneelse,Susancouldtellthathewasspeakingfromhisheart.Shecouldn¡¯thelpbutadd,¡°Heexpressedhisintentionstomeawhileago,sayinghewouldmarrynoonebutLysanderinthislifetime.I¡¯veevenconsideredvisitinganorphanagetoadoptachildtoraiseasmygrandchild.Lettheyoungstersdealwithitthemselves,I¡¯mnotbuttingin.¡±

    herwordsfell,Maverick¡¯sgazndedonhisdaughter.SecingLysander¡¯slowereshes,herealizedshedidn¡¯tseeminclinedtorespondtoJosiah¡¯sintentions,promptinghimtoreconsideroncemore.

    ¡°Ibelieveyou¡¯retellingthetruth,butyou¡¯reonlyexpressingyourownthoughts.Haveyouconsidered<b>what</b>Lysanderwants?¡±HistonesoftenedconsiderablywhenhementionedLysander.¡°IhopeLysanderfindsthehappinessshe¡¯slookingfor.¡±

    Withoutanyhesitation,Josiahopenlybaredhisheartinfrontofeveryone.

    ¡°Ihadthoughtaboutthisalongtimeago.Lovingherismyownaffair.Shedoesn¡¯tneedtorespondorrepay<b>me</b><b>in</b>anyway.Regardlessofwhethershechoosestoreturntomeandremarry,Iwilltreatherwellfortherestofmylife.Ioweher.¡±

    <b>Maverick</b>noddedslowly.¡°There¡¯snoneedforpretenses,allIaskisforyoutokeepyourword.¡±

    FacingMaverick¡¯sgaze,Josiahspokewithablendofrespectandforthrightness.¡°IfIsayI¡¯lldoit,thenI

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    Moreover,hehadalreadymadesuch<b>a</b>promisetoLysander.

    Maverickstillmaintainedhisseriousexpression,buthistonehadshifted.¡°Yourwordscapturemytemperamentquitewellihavelittlepatienceforthosewhoonlyknowhowtosweet¨Ctalkwithoutsubstance.Ifyoucan backupyourwordswithactions,thenIwillbeatease.¡±

    ThstsentencemadeLysanderpauseinthemiddleofsippinghersoup.

    Finished

    ¡°<b>Dad</b>,whatareyoutalkingabout?¡±Shefeltsomethingwasoffabouthiswords,andtriedtosteertheconversationawaywithahalf¨Cjoke.¡°Didn¡¯tyouoncesaythatyouwereokaywithmestayingathomeforever?Areyoutiredofseeingmearoundnow?¡±

    Maverickquicklydeniedit.¡°Ofcoursenot,butLysa,weasyourelders,won¡¯talwaysbebyyourside.¡±

    is

    ¡°Butyoushouldn¡¯t¡­LysanderncedatJosiah,feelingscorchedbytheintensityinhiseyes,andquicklylookedaway.¡°Rightnow,Ijustwanttofocusonlearninghowtorunthpany.Oncethpanystable,I¡¯llreturntothehospitndcontinuemyoriginalprofession.Idon¡¯thavetimetothinkabout<b>anything</b>elsefornow.¡±

    ¡°Ifyoudon¡¯tthinkaboutit,<b>your</b>parentswillhavetodoitforyou.¡±Mavericksaid.¡°I¡¯mnotsayingyou<b>must</b>getbacktogetherwithhim,butafterobservinghimthesepastfewdays,hedoesn¡¯tseemasbad<b>as</b>we<b>initially</b>thought.It¡¯sworthconsidering¡±

    AsubtlesmiletuggedonthecornersofJonah¡¯slips.

    Susanhadn¡¯tseenJosiahthisjoyfulinalongwhile.Seeinghiminsuchastate,shefeltagenuinehappinessforhim.However,beneathherjoy,therewasasubtle undercurrentofworry

    Right<b>now</b>,hehadatmostmanagedto alleviatesomeofthetensionbetweenthetwofamilies.However,thecruxofthematterstillhingedonLysander¡¯sagreement.Itwasabitprematuretobethistedatthispoint.

    Thefeelingofhavinghopeandthenbeingletdownwasfarmoredistressingthanknowingfromthestartthattherewasnochance.

    UponnoticingMaverick¡¯ssomewhatsoftenedstancetowardJosiah,Howardexpressedhissurprise<b>and</b>relief.¡°Asparents,ourgreatestwishisforourchildrentofindagoodhome.It¡¯slessaboutrushingthemintomarriage,andmoreaboutfindingpeaceofmind¡±

    Molly<b>looked</b>atherhusbandwithdeepaffectionandsaid,¡°Indeed,ifIhadtobehospitalized<b>alone</b>,evenwith<b>a</b>nursebymyside.I¡¯mnotsureIcouldhavemade itthrough.Tohavesomeonebymyside,unwavering<b>in</b><b>their</b>supportduringmyweakestmoments,istrulythegreatestfortune.¡±

    Afteryearsofsupportingeachother,theynaturallyhopedthattheirlong¨Clostbiologicaldaughter,whothey<b>had</b>finally<b>found</b>,couldhaveareliablelifelongpartner

    Lysander<b>didn¡¯t</b>knowhowtorespondtothem,allshecoulddowasgiveafaint<b>smile</b>.

    Bythetimetheyfinishedtheirmeal,itwasalready<bte</b>.SusantooktheinitiativetoinviteJosiahtoreturnnextdoor.Hewasreluctantbutunderstoodthattherewouldbeplentyofopportunitiesinthefuture.So,hebidhisfarewellpolitelyandthoroughly

    Beforeleaving.JouahmadeapointtocheckonLysander¡¯scondition.Seeingherstillinadaze,hesubdy

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    Howardwasparticrlycheerfulthatevening.AfterbiddingfarewelltoSusanandJosiah,hewarmly.suggested.¡°It¡¯salreadyquitte,andMich¡¯sinjurystillhampershermobility.Ithinkit¡¯sbestifshestaysthenighthere.It¡¯sbeenawhilesincethehousewasthislively.¡±

    MaverickandLaurafeltabitufortable.¡°Gettingataxiwouldn¡¯tbeahassle.¡±

    Lysande:ncedatthetime,thenatthecrutchthatMichelleneededtoleanon,feelingsomewhat<b>worried</b>.

    Howardclearlyunderstoodthis,yethedidn¡¯tvoiceitout.Instead,heinsisted,¡°She¡¯sgotworktomorrow,it

    ifyoutakeataxihomenow,it¡¯llbetoteandshemightnotgetenoughrest.Conveniently,theroomupstairsisalreadytidiedup.¡±

    TakingLysanderintoconsideration,Maverickfinallyagreed.¡°Allrightthen,IguessI¡¯llbeimposingonyoutonight.¡±

    ¡°Whatareyoutalkingabout?Didn¡¯twejustdiscussthis?Fromnowon,ourtwofamiliesareessentially.one.¡±Howardledthemupstairs.

    Takingadvantageofthesituation,Lysandersaid,¡°Dad,yougoahead.MomandIwillhelpMichelle.¡±

    Unsuspecting,MaverickfollowedH

    Somehow,asLysandergazeduponhistypicallyimposingfigureinthelight,itinexplicablyappearedtohaveaslightstoop.

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    Lysanderfeltawaveofdizzinessand,withaheartfullofunease,sheaskedLaura,¡°Mom,hassomething-happenedtoDadrecently?¡±

    Laurarepliedconfusedly,¡°No,nothing¡¯swrong.¡±

    Lysanderaskedagain,¡°Don¡¯tyou<b>think</b>Dadhasbeenactingstrangtely?¡±

    Recently,Laura<b>had</b>devotedmostofherattentiontotakingcareofMichelle.HearingLysander¡¯swords,shepausedandsaid.¡°Nowthatyoumentionit,Iguesshedoesseemstrange.Thisafternoon,whenIfoundoutthatJosiahwaingwithyou,Iwasgenuinelyworriedthatyourdadmightcausea sceneagain.Ievenwarnedhim<b>a</b>fewtimesincase,butIdidn¡¯texpect himtobesposed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sn

    morethanjustthat,¡±Michelleinterjectedimpatiently.¡°Inthepast,Dadwouldn¡¯tspeaktoJosiah,letalonegivehimasecondnce.Butjustnow,hewastreatingJosiahlikeaproperson¨Cinw.¡±

    AsLysanderlistenedtotheirconversation<b>,</b>herheartgrewincreasinglyrestless.

    Aftersomethought,Laurasaifortingly,¡°You¡¯vealwaysbeenooverthink,butIwouldn¡¯tsaythat¡¯sabadthing.PerhapsyourfatherwasimpressedbyJosiah¡¯sgoodbehaviorandisshowinghisapproval.Besides,aslongasyoudon¡¯tepthim,ouropinionswon¡¯tmakeadifference.Ultimately,thedecisionlieswithyou,Lysander<b>.</b>¡±

    Lysanderdidn¡¯twantLaura<b>and</b>Michelletoworryalongsideher,soshesuppressedherunease.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    ¡°Okay¡±

    Onlyafewpeoplelivedyear¨CroundintheThornemanor,sotherewasnever<b>a</b>shortageofrooms.Thatnight,MaverickandLaurasharedaguestroom,whileLysanderandMichelleeachupiedaroom.

    Theroomswerenotonlytidiedupwellbutalsofullyequippedwithallthelivingessentials.

    Aspromised,HowardtrulycaredforMichelleasifshewerehis daughter.

    Seeingherparentsandsistefortablysettledin,Lysanderfeltmoreateasethanifshewerein

    ShehadbeenworriedearlierthatMaverickandLauramightbeuneasy,evennningtositthemdownandhaveachat.However,assoonasMaverickreturned tohisroom,hestarteiningaboutbeing.extremelytiredandwantingtosleep.Lysanderdidn¡¯tdaretolingeraroundfortoolong,andonceshemadesuretheyweresettledin,sheleft.

    Yetthatnight,asshyinhercozyandwarmbed,shefoundherselfunabletofasleep.

    Tossingandturninginbed,hermindwasawhirlwindofchaos.AvaguesenseofuneaselingeredinLysander¡¯sheart,yetshecouldn¡¯tpinpointthesourceofherdisquiet.

    Everyonegotalongwettoday¡¯s meal,anditwasquitelively.

    HowardandMichellesincerelydesiredtounitetheirfamilies.Theyclearlypreparedbrand<b>new</b>furnitureforMaverickandLaura¡¯s<b>stay</b>quitesometimeago.Michelle¡¯sroomhadevenbeenspeciallydecoratedtofeatureaprincessbedthatanygirl wouldadore.

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    Everythinghadbeengoingmorethanwell.

    Yet,Lysanderstillfelthermindwasinutterchaos.

    Beforesheknewit,halfthenighthadpassed.

    Finished

    Lysande;simplycouldn¡¯tsleep.Shewantedtotakeastrollbutwaswaryofdisturbingtheothers.Decidingtodosomething,sheputonherrobeandgotup.Shewenttotheroom¡¯sattachedbalcony,intendingtoenjoythenightview.

    TheThornemanorwaslocatedinthesuburbs,farfromtheblindinglycolorfulneonlights.Instead,theonlysourcesoflightwerethestarsinthenightskyandacrescentmoon.

    Thesoundsofcroakingfrogsandchirpingcicadaslingeredinthe air<b>,</b>creatinganatmosphereoftranquility<b>and</b>peace.

    Thewindwas<b>a</b>bitchilly,Lysanderpulledherrobetighteraroundhershouldersandcasuallytuckedherwindblownhairbehindhercar.

    Adeepvoicerangout fromherleft.¡°Don¡¯tstayinthewindtoolong.Itgetscoldatnight.¡±

    LysanderturnedherheadandfoundherselflockingeyeswithJosiah,whowason theneighboring.balcony.

    TheThornefamilyandtheGuerrafamilyweredirectneighbors,andtheirhomesmirroredeachotherinstructure.There<b>was</b>aspaciousgapbetweenthecourtyardandthefirstfloor,thoughthebalconiesontheupperfloorswereadjoining.

    Lysanderhadn¡¯tanticipatedthatshe wouldenduplivinginthisparticrroom,andshecertainlyhadn¡¯texpectedthatJosiahwouldcoincidentallystepoutforsomefreshairatthesametime.Shewasmomentarilyatalossforwords.

    ¡°Youcan¡¯tsleepeither?¡±Josiahcontinuedinagentlevoice,¡°Youseemeddistractedatthedinnertable.earlier,andevenafterIleft,youstilldidn¡¯tsnapoutofit.Something¡¯sclearlybotheringyou.I¡¯mworried.¡±

    Lysandersighedandreplied,¡°I¡¯mfine.I¡¯mjustnotusedtothisbed.It¡¯shardtosleepinanewce.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯rethebestatadapting,beitpullingnightshiftsatthehospitalorkeepingMdm.Mollpanybyhersickbed,youcouldsleeponanymakeshiftbedwithoutafuss,¡±saidJosiah.

    ThoughLysander¡¯sliewasexposed,shedidn¡¯tfeelupset.Herexpressionremainedcalmasshemumbled,

    ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Josiahsharedaknowinglookwithherandasked,¡°You¡¯reworriedaboutMr.Maverick,aren¡¯tyou?AlthoughI¡¯mpleasedwithhischange<b>in</b>attitude,Ialsofindhisbehaviorabitunusual.¡±

    Lysanderremainedsilent,whichhetookastacitagreement.

    Henoticedtheworryetcheddeeplybetweenherbrowsandtooktheinitiativetooffer,¡°Doyouneedmetolookintoit?¡±

    I

    Lysandershookherhead.¡°It¡¯sfine.Ifmyfatherchosenottodisclosesomething,hemusthavehis reasons,

    twishtopryintohissecrets.My<b>only</b>concerniswhetherhe¡¯sdealingwithsomeissuealonebecausehedoesn¡¯twanttoburden<b>me</b>withit.¡±

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    Maverickwasamanofstrongcharacter.Haditnotbeenformattersconcerninghisdearfamily,hemightnotchangedsodrastically

    Lysander¡¯simmediatereactionwasthatsomeonehadthreatenedhimorsaidsomethingtohimthatshouldn¡¯thavebeensaid.

    ¡°CoulditbeTiffany?¡±Lysander musedoutloud,recallingherunexpectedencounterwithTiffany<b>during</b>hervisittoJoseph<b>,</b>aswesthemysteriouspatient¡¯smedicalreportsentbyLynn.

    UponhearingTiffany¡¯sname,Josiah¡¯sexpressioninstantlyturnedserious.¡°I¡¯llhavesomeonelookintoit,¡±he<b>said</b>,¡°ifshedarestoharmyourfamily,Iwon¡¯tshowanymercy.¡±

    Uponhearingthesewords,Lysanderhesitatedbrieflybeforerefutingthisperspective.

    ¡°Iwasmerelyspecting.Besides,Tiffanyisnotlike<b>Lysanne</b>;she¡¯ssmarter,Idon¡¯tthinkshewoulddosomethingsofruitless.¡±

    She<b>was</b>soengrossedinherthoughtsthatshedidn¡¯trealizeshehadonceagainassumedJosiahtobeonherside.

    Justthen,<b>a</b>thoughtstirredinJosiah¡¯sheart.Hequicklyagreedandasked,¡°Youmakeagoodpoint.Should<b>we</b>continuetheinvestigationthen<b>?</b>¡±

    IfLysanderhadruledoutTiffany,shecouldonlycontinuetoconsiderotherpotentialculprits.

    ¡°Duringthatperiod,mydadwasconstantlyatthehospital,takingcareofmymomandsister.Hehardlywentanywhereelse,onlyasionallyreturninghometograbthingsandcook.Itwashighlyunlikelyforhimteintocontactwithanyunusual individuals,unless-

    Lysander¡¯swordsabruptlyhalted,aforebodingsenseofuneasewellingupfromthedepthsofherheart.

    Indeed,isn¡¯tthehospitalthemostlikelycewhereDadcouldhavechanged?

    JosiahhadalreadydiscernedLysander¡¯sthoughtsfromherexpression.However,beforehecould<b>say</b>aword,shehadalreadypulledoutherphone,herface<b>pale</b>asshedialedLynn¡¯snumberrightthereandthen<b>.</b>

    Ifhermemoryservedherright,Lynnwassupposedtobeworkingthenightshiftatthehospitalthatevening.

    Thecallconnectedalmostinstantly.

    Lysanderaskedanxiously,¡°Lynn,areyouinthehospitalrightnow?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,I¡¯monthenight<b>shift</b>tonight.¡±Lynncouldtellthatsomething<b>was</b>amissfromLysander¡¯stone.Sheaskedconcernedly.¡°What¡¯swrong,Dr.Thorne?¡±

    Lysandertriedtoappearlessanxious,butshecouldn¡¯tpullitoff.Sheasked,¡°Couldyoudomeafavor<b>?</b>Couldyoupossiblycheckiftherehavebeenanymedicalrecordsformyfatherinthehospitalrecently?HisnameisMaverickThorne.¡°/

    ¡°All<b>right</b>,I¡¯mlookingitupnow.¡±

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    Chapter610SheJustNeededAListener.

    Finished

    UponhearingthatitwasrtedtoLysander¡¯sfather,Lynndidn¡¯tevenbothertohangupthephone.ShequicklysearchedforMaverick¡¯smedicalrecordsonheputer,thenfellintoalongsilence.

    Lysandertigilygrippedherphone,abadfeeling creepingintoherchest.¡°Lynn?¡±

    ¡°Dr.Thome,¡±Lynn¡¯svoicewassomewhatstrained,¡°1-

    Lysandercroaked.¡°Haveyoufoundmyfather¡¯smedicalrecords?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡±Lynnrespondedslowly,only daringtoutteronesentence.¡°I¡¯vefoundit.¡±

    Lysandertookadeepbreathandsaid.¡°Tell<b>me</b>.Ineedtoknowwhathappenedtohim<b>.</b>¡±

    Knowingher<b>as</b>wesshedid,Lynnfoundithardtospeakup.Shesaidsorrowfully,¡°Dr.Thorne,Mr.Thome<b>was</b>diagnosedwitte¨Cstagelungcancerafewdaysago.Healreadyhashismedication,butthemedicationistocase-¡±

    AbuzzfilledLysander¡¯smind,makingitalmostimpossibleforhertomakeoutLynn¡¯sfollowingwords.Nevertheless,sheforcedherselftorespond,¡°Allright,Iunderstand.¡±

    Aftershe said thosewords,Lysanderhungupthephonewith<b>an</b>almostmechanicalmotion.Butherfingersslipped,causingher<b>phone</b>tofalltotheground.Asshetriedtobenddowntopickitup,hervisionblurred,andshealmostfelloverherself.

    ¡°Lysander!¡±

    Josiahcouldnolongercareaboutthequietnessofthedeepnight.HecalledoutLysander¡¯snameandleapedovertherailingtoherside.

    Josiahwapletelyoblivioustohowdangeroushisactionswere.HenoticedLysandermaintainingacrouchedpositionontheground,pickingupherphone,Following suit,hecroucheddown,handingherthephoneasheasked,¡°What¡¯swrong?WhatdidLynnsay?¡±

    In<b>a</b>dazedstate,Lysander¡¯swordsseemedtofloatintheair.¡°L¨CLungcancer<b>.</b>¡±

    Assoonassheutteredthose<b>words</b>,thealreadyquietnightbecameasstisdeathitself.

    Caughtoffguard,Josiahwasleftspeechless,histhroattightwithshock.Heremainedinthisstunnedsilenceforquitesometime,unabletoutterasingleword.

    ¡°Isthereanywayto-¡±

    Lysanderherselfwasadoctor,andaskinghersuchaquestionwasexcessivelyharsh.AssoonasJosiahspoke,heimmediatelyregrettedit!

    Lysander¡¯sfaceturnedpale,herwholebodytremblingasshereplied,¡°Iftherearetargetedcancerdrugs,<b>then</b>it¡¯sfine,butifthere<b>isn¡¯t</b>.¡±Shetrailedoff.

    ¡°DidLynnmentionanythingspecific?Aretheretargetedcancerdrugs?¡±

    ¡°Thereshouldn¡¯tbeany,¡±Lysandersaidwithgreat.¡°ThemedicationsLynnmentionedareallstandardcancerdrugs.Thereweren¡¯tanytargetedcancerdrugs.¡±

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    AsenseofdreadsettledinJosiah¡¯sheart.

    Lysander<b>lowered</b>herhead,hereyestightlyshut.¡°Iknewit.Hisweirdbehaviorsurelyhintedthatsomethingwaswrong,<b>but</b>howcoulditbelikethis?¡±

    Finished

    ¡°Lysander,whydon¡¯tweheadbackfirst?It¡¯stoocoldouthere.Let¡¯sgohomeandtalkthingsoverslowly,¡±coaxedJosiah<b>.</b>

    ¡°Idon¡¯twanttogoback.HowcanIevensitstill?I-Lysandercoveredherfaceinagony,thecoatdrapedoverhershouldersslippingtotheground.

    Withaswiftnceandevenswifterhands,<b>Josiah</b>wrappedthecoataroundherandheldhertightly.

    HelookedatLysanderwithaconcernedgazeandsaid,¡°Ithinkthereasonwhyyourdadkeptthisasecretfromyouallisbecausehedidn¡¯twantyouandMrs.Thooworry.Oncewegobacktomorrow,wecanvisitthehospitalforadetailed inquiry.Thesituationmaynotbeasbadasitseems.¡±

    Heattemptedtohelpherupyetfearedshemightresist.Themotionofhishandreachingforherarmwassogentleitwasalmostimperceptible,ashedarednotexert¨Ceventheslightestbitofadditionalforce.

    Lysanderfeltasifsheweretreadingoncotton,findinghiswordstobenothingshortofsurreal.

    Itturnedoutthatwhenpeoplesufferedamajorblow,theycouldn¡¯tsummontears.

    Lysanderwasinutterturmoil.SheallowedJosiahtohelpherup,herentirebeinginastateofbewilderedconfusion.

    Josiah¡¯shearttwingedinpainashetookinherstate.Hegentlysaid,¡°I<b>will</b>definitelygetintouchwiththebestoncologyspecialistsforMr.Thorne.Ifwecan¡¯tfindonehere,wewilllookabroad.¡±

    Uponhearingthewords¡°treatment,¡±Lysanderfinallysnappedoutofherdaze.Sheslowlyliftedherheadtolookathim,hergazplex.

    ¡°It¡¯spointlessnow,¡±shesaid.¡°WhileI¡¯mnot<b>an</b>oncologyexpert,myfather¡¯salreadyinthtestage.Eventifweweretofindamedicalexpert,thechancesofrecoveryareextremelylow.¡±

    AsLysanderspoke,hervoicebegantotrembleuncontroblytoward theend.Itfelt<b>as</b>ifacknowledgingthetruthwasakintosentencingherfathertodeath,yetthereseemedtobenootherchoice.

    ¡°Ican¡¯tthinkofanyothersolutions,¡±she<b>said</b>,finallysumbingtohertears.

    Attimeslikethese,itwasalwaysbettertoletthetearsflowthantobottleupalltheemotionsinside.

    Josiahsighedinrelief.Hemovedtofaceherandsaid,¡°Iknowyou¡¯reupset,Lysander<b>.</b>Don¡¯tholditin.Youdon¡¯tneedto<b>think</b>aboutanythingelsewhenyou¡¯rearoundme.Ifyouwanttocry,thencry.Ifyouwanttosaysomething,thensayit.It¡¯sokaytoletitout.Ifyoufall,whatwillMrs.ThorneandMichelledo?Theystillneedyou.¡±

    Lysanderwassodistraughtthatshecouldbarelystand.Josiahgentlyheldhertopreventherfromcopsinglikeshehadjustdone.

    Asthe<b>night</b>deepened,Lysander¡¯sbody wascoldasablockofice,andshedrewwarmthonlyfromhisbody.

    Lysandernolongerwishedtoponderwhothepersonstandingbeforeher<b>was</b><b>;</b>allsheneededatthat

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    momentwasalistener.

    Finished

    ¡°Idon¡¯tunderstandwhytheheavensaretreatingmethisway.HadIdonesomethingwrong<b>?</b>I¡¯veneverdoneanythingharmful.I¡¯vealwaysdonemyutmosttohelpeachandeverypatient.Yet,thepeopleIcareaboutkeepleavingme.First,it¡¯smychild,thenyou,andnowit¡¯s-¡±

    ThethoughtofMaverickleavinginthenearfuturewasheart¨Cwrenchingforher.She<b>was</b><b>so</b>overwhelmedthatshecouldn¡¯tevenutterawordabout theimpendingfuture.

    Josiahdidn¡¯trespond.Instead,<b>he</b>silentlyofferedhisshouldertoher,allowinghertohaveagood,cathartic

    <b>cry</b><b>.</b>

    Yet,Lysanderdidn¡¯tcryagain.Shesimplyloweredherhead,hidingherfaceinacehecouldn¡¯tsee,andbegantomurmur.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°ItfeelslikeI¡¯vebeenlosingthingsforalongtime.WhenIlostmychild,IwassodevastatedIcouldn¡¯tevencry.IthoughtthatwasthemostpainfulthingIcouldeverexperience.Butnow,Irealizethatwasjustthebeginning.¡±

    Lysander¡¯smindfilledwithatangledwebofpainfulmemories.Oneminute,shewasbackinthechillinglycoldclinicwhereshehadher abortion,andthenext,shewasrecallingherdad¡¯sforlorn expression<b>and</b>wordsasifhewasentrustingherwithhisentireworld.

    Hadshenotbeenstrongenough,shemighthavebeenemotionallydefeatedbynow.

    JosiahpatientlywaiteduntilLysanderhadpouredoutallthepaininherheartbeforegentlyliftinghishandtorestitonherback.In<b>a</b>warmvoice,he<b>said</b>,¡°I¡¯mnotsureifyoucare<b>about</b>me,butI¡¯lwaysbethereforyou,<b>and</b>evenifyoutellmetoleave,Iwon¡¯t.¡±

    Lysanderdidnotrespond.Itwasunclearwhethershehadn¡¯theardduetoher<b>daze</b>orifshesimplydidn¡¯twant<b>to</b>acknowledgehim.

    Josiahdidn¡¯tmindhersilence,<b>and</b>he<b>continued</b>speakingalone.¡°TheonlythingI¡¯munsureofiswhetherIcanbeconsideredsomeoneyoucareabout.¡±

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 Chapter 611

    Chapter 611 Finding An Excuse To Bring Josiah Along

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    Initially, these words seemed somewhat inappropriate. But for Lysander, they were exactly what she needed to return to her senses.

    Lysander gently pushed Josiah away, Resting her hands on the railing, she looked up at the night sky and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah mumbled a response.

    After a brief pause, Lysander managed to hold back her tears. She said, ¡°I need you to promise me something. Pretend you didn¡¯t hear anything tonight. Don¡¯t mention it to anyone.¡±

    Josiah nodded solemnly. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve taken note. What are you <b>nning </b>to do next?¡±

    ¡°Let life take its course. Since Dad wishes that our family will be happy, I¡¯ll <b>choose </b>to apany him through the final stages of his life in the way he wants. As long as he¡¯s happy, nothing else matters to me.

    Lysander had already prepared for the worst¨C<b>case </b>scenario.

    That night, Josiah spent a considerable amount of time with her on the terrace. It was only after she retreated to her room that he made his way back home.

    Both of them spent the entire night without a wink of sleep.

    The following morning, Josiah rose early in the morning. He apanied Susan to visit the Thorne

    manor.

    Noticing how eager he was, Susan couldn¡¯t help but tease him before they even entered the door, ¡°If only you had put in half this effort earlier, you wouldn¡¯t be in such a mess now. Regretting it yet?¡±

    Without any pretense, Josiah directly admitted, ¡°Yes, I regret it. That¡¯s why I¡¯m doing everything I can to make amends.¡±

    He carried the breakfast that Susan had prepared at home. Following his mother, he entered the ThorneConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    manor<b>.</b>

    As expected, Lysander and Maverick were already up. They were chatting just like a family. After the candid discussion the night before, the two families were getting along quite well.

    He could clearly see that Lysander¡¯s eyes were red.

    Even when she was smiling, her eyes didn¡¯t reflect her joy. Although she was burdened with worries, she still had to put on a brave face in front of her father.

    Watching her like this, Josiah felt his heart ache terribly.

    ¡°Susan, <b>Josiah</b>! You¡¯re here,¡± greeted Howard.

    Returning his senses, Josiah responded, ¡°<b>Yeah</b>! My mom made breakfast and asked me to bring it over for

    everyone.

    ¡°Oh my, Susan. I really can¡¯t thank you enough for going through all this trouble<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>

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    Chapter 611 Finding An Excuse To Bring Josiah Along

    <b>are </b>you waiting for?¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ming

    Josiah brought the breakfast to the table andid it out.

    45 Pearls

    ¡°Mr. Thome and Mrs. Thorne, my mom isn¡¯t sure of what you prefer, so she made a variety of sandwiches. Give them <b>a </b>try! If they¡¯re not to your liking, I can go out and buy something else.¡±

    Laura responded nonchntly to Josiah¡¯s words.

    Maverick leaned in for a closer look, then promptly remarked, ¡°The sandwiches look great! They¡¯re filled with vegetables and meat. This is quite a bnced meal.¡±

    His attitude changed even faster than it had the night before.

    Lysander noticed that Josiah behaved as if nothing had happened. He did not even spare an extra nce at Maverick. Only then did she feel relieved.

    If Maverick were to find out that his illness was no longer a secret, there was a chance that his willpower<b>, </b>which had been holding him together till now, might crumble. She had worked in the hospital long enough to see enough instances of that.

    The duration that a patient withte¨Cstage cancer can endure depended not only on the treatment, but also on their beliefs.

    As Lysander pondered, she almost gave herself away. Fortunately, she reacted quickly. She covered up her loss ofposure by helping Michelle to the dining table.

    ¡°Mich, you should join us for dinner too.<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Coming!¡±

    Just like the previous evening, everyone gathered around the dining table and ate breakfast harmoniously.

    Having prepared the dishes herself, Susan invited everyone to try her food. ¡°I was simply bored being on my own over there. Seeing that there are so many of you here, I can¡¯t help but join you.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it great to have a crowd? At our age, thest thing we can stand is loneliness,¡± replied Howard with a

    smile<b>.</b>

    Upon hearing this, Lysander quickly suggested, ¡°The year is approaching an end. Thepany is nning a year¨Cend party for the team. ording to the proposal submitted by the logistics department, everyone seems to favor the idea of going to a spa resort. Since we need to go anyway, why don¡¯t we all go together? It will be more lively with more people.¡±

    Howard was aware of this tradition within thepany. ¡°Back when I was there, they would always look forward to traveling around at the end of the year. Nothing has changed.¡±

    Josiah agreed, ¡°Everyone has been working hard all year. It¡¯s rare to have a chance to rx. Now that Lysander has just taken over thepany, she should organize such events too.¡±

    He subtly steered the conversation back to Lysander.

    Lysander <b>was </b>worried that it might seem too abrupt to suddenly suggest bringing Maverick and Laura to

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    Chapter 611 Finding An Excuse To Bring Josiah Along

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    the spa resort. Hence, she broached the subject gradually. ¡°The employees might not necessarily <b>want </b>to be together with the executives. If we all go together, we can have fun in separate groups. What do you

    think?¡±

    Michelle was the first to express her thoughts. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve never been to a spa before.¡±

    Seeing her so happy, Laura naturally nodded in agreement.

    Upon noticing that his wife and daughter were interested in the spa, Maverick set aside his concerns <b>and </b>said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go then<b>.¡±</b>

    When Howard and Susan exchanged a nce, they understood that they shared the same n.

    Opportunities like this were rare. Now that Maverick had relented, there would be no better chance than this to matchmake Lysander and Josiah.

    With a smile, Howard said, ¡°The spa resort is a great ce for rxation. We should all go together, including you, Susan. After all, it would be boring for you to stay at home alone. It would be more fun to join us all.¡±

    Susan had initially wanted to join them on the trip, but was concerned about being a third wheel. Upon hearing this, she immediately agreed, ¡°Great! Josiah, you must do your job as the driver well. We¡¯re a bunch of old folks, so you can¡¯t go too fast<b>.</b>¡±

    This was simply an excuse to also involve Josiah.

    Josiah immediately nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just enjoy yourselves and leave the rest to me.¡±

    Everyone seemed to have reached an agreement.

    suppress

    Lysander did her best to suppress the sadness welling up within her. Managing to force out a carefree smile, she said, ¡°Well, it¡¯s settled then. We¡¯ll all set off from here when the timees. See you soon!¡±

    Time passed swiftly. Before they knew it, that day had arrived.

    After a busy period, Lysander had already adapted to her work at Thorne Constructions and Energies. She organized the team¨Cbuilding activities impably. Monica set off with the rest of the employees, while she and Skr were in charge of picking the others up at the Thorne manor.

    Everyone else had already found out that she was Howard¡¯s biological daughter. Hence, they couldn¡¯t me her for apanying Howard and Josiah.

    That morning, a group of people met at the entrance of the Thorne manor,

    Josiah had intentionally driven an SUV that was perfect for long journeys. Not only did it have numerous seats, but the trunk was <b>also </b>impressively roomy. Seeing everyone together, he rolled up his sleeves without further ado and began moving the luggage.

    After Michelle no longer needed to rely on crutches, she regained her lively and agile self. Molly¡¯s condition had also improved significantly.

    Everyone was making positive progress, except for Maverick.

 Chapter 612

    Chapter 612 An Unspoken Understanding

    Lysander asked with <b>concern</b><b>, </b>¡°Dad, how are you feeling? Do you feel unwell?¡±

    +5 Pearls

    She feared that his illness had worsened to the point where he could no longer <b>manage </b>to go out. Yet, she couldn¡¯t even bring herself to ask him directly.

    Maverick waved his hands dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just didn¡¯t get a good sleepst night. Your mother started packing carly as she¡¯s going to the spa resort today. I told her to just pack a few of my clothes, but she refused. She insisted that it¡¯s rare for the whole family to go out together, so we should dress up a bit.¡±

    As he spoke<b>, </b>he shook his <b>head</b>, seemingly tired from packing. Laura chided him, ¡°How dare you say that? Every time I buy you new clothes, you¡¯d say that you still have clothes left to wear. But when I opened the closet. I saw the same few pieces that you always wear.¡±

    Maverick pointed at his jacket. ¡°Isn¡¯t this just fine<b>?</b>¡±

    Howard, who was standing nearby, chimed in, ¡°Comfort is the most important. I¡¯ve been wearing this tracksuit for several years now, but it¡¯s still the mostfortable thing to wear when ites to hiking or vacationing.

    After the two families resolved their past differences, their rtionship was fairly good even though they did not get chummy instantly.

    Susan watched on, genuinely feeling happy for them.

    While they were all <b>chatting </b>and <bughing </b>on one side, Josiah was still tirelessly moving the luggage. Skr had kindly offered to help, but Josiah gently rejected the offer. ¡°No need. Keep Lysanderpany <b>and </b>see if she needs any help.¡±

    Lost, Skr nced at Lysander.

    Lysander looked back reassuringly, signaling that Skr did not need to bother about her.

    When Josiah was moving things around, Maverick would frequently look over at <b>him</b><b>. </b>Although he didn¡¯t. voice it, it was clear that he <b>was </b>pleased with Josiah.

    After counting the seats, Lysander suggested, ¡°Mom, <b>Dad</b>, why don¡¯t you sit in the same car <b>as </b>me, Michelle, and Skr? That way, Josiah can drive Susan and the rest.¡±

    It was clear which groups were closer.

    Howard and Molly sincerely wanted to bond with their daughter. Yet, they understood that she would be more grateful to those who <b>had </b>raised her. Furthermore, Lysander already <b>shared </b>deeper ties with Maverick and the rest. To avoid putting anyone in a difficult situation, they took the initiative and joined Susan in Josiah¡¯s car.

    The SUV¡¯s back seat was spacious enough tofortably amodate the three of them.

    Upon receiving instructions, Skr immediately returned to the car, ready to set off any moment.

    Meanwhile<b>, </b>Lysander and Josiah looked at each other.

    <b>Josiah </b>was <b>aware </b>that Lysander cherished the time spent with Maverick. After greeting Maverick <b>and</b>

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    more in your <b>car</b>?¡±

    Everyone else was taken aback.

    Josiah was the first to nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Íê90%Á¿

    +5 Pearls

    ¡°Okay.¡± Maverick then turned to Lysander. ¡°Lysa, why don¡¯t you share a car with them? There¡¯s more <b>space </b>over there, unlike here. If three people sit in the back, it¡¯ll be quite cramped.¡±

    This reason was rather abrupt.

    Maverick never paid attention to such trivial matters in his life. If there was difort, he would bear with it. It was clear <b>that </b>he wanted Lysander to interact more with Josiah.

    Even though Lysander had mentally prepared herself long ago, she couldn¡¯t help but feel the urge to cry when she heard him being so considerate of her future. Despite this, she managed to maintain a smile on her face.

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve been swamped with work recently, so I haven¡¯t had the chance toe home and spend time with you all. Now that I finally have the opportunity to go out and have some fun<b>, </b>why are you chasing me away?¡± She wished to spend a bit more time with her father.

    Josiah understood what was on her mind. He immediately cast down his eyes to conceal his emotions, so as not to reveal anything amiss.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to chase you away,¡± exined Maverick hastily, fearing that Lysander might be upset. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about your sister¡¯s injury. Although she can jump and walk, she¡¯s still in the recovery phase.¡±

    He turned around and gave his younger daughter a meaningful look.

    After being startled by how quickly <b>Maverick¡¯s </b>attitude changed, Michelle regained herposure. She looked at Lysander convincingly and pleaded,¡± Lysander, I¡¯ve been standing here for a while now. My feet are starting to hurt.¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh.

    She knew <b>very </b>well that her younger sister was a daddy¡¯s girl. The moment Maverick¡¯s attitude shifted, her sister¡¯s did too.

    Maverick reached out and steadied Michelle. ¡°If your feet hurt, don¡¯t stand. Sit in the car quickly. Come on, Laura. Lend a hand too.¡±

    The <b>three </b>of them left without giving Lysander any <b>chance </b>to stop them.

    With a look of confusion, Laura nced at Maverick, who was supporting Michelle. With her back <b>facing </b>Lysander and Josiah, she quietly asked her husband, ¡°What¡¯s going on today? He used to have such a venomous look of hatred whenever we <b>saw </b>him in the past. Yet,st night, you said that you would let go of the past because of his genuine feelings for Lysa. I can believe that. But how did your opinion change so drastically <b>that </b>you are starting <b>to </b>matchmake them?¡±

    Maverick stuttered, ¡°Just think of it as meing to terms with it.¡±

    Laura was skeptical. ¡°You¡¯ve moved on? Weren¡¯t you the one who hit his head?¡±

    Maverick used in his step. Turning his face away awkwardly, he replied. ¡°That¡¯s in the past. Aren¡¯t we

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    supposed

    to look forward now? Stop making wild guesses. Besides, can you find a better and more reliable suitor for Lysa?¡±

    It was clear that he was unwilling to borate further. If Laura continued to probe and question him, he was likely to be irritated.

    Caught in <b>the </b>middle, Michelle cleverly changed the subject. ¡°Mom, I want to sit in the front. Don¡¯t you <b>dare </b>fight <b>me </b>for it!¡±

    ¡°Okay, you can take the front passenger seat. Your dad and I will sit in the back.¡± Laura¡¯s attention was sessfully diverted.

    Not far behind them. Lysander was gazing at Maverick, her eyes brimming with tears. She was afraid they might suddenly turn around, so she quickly turned her head around when Skr opened the car door.

    Josiah remained silently by her side, patiently waiting. After her emotions had steadied, he finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s get going.

    Lysander rubbed her eyes. Trying to get into a rxed mood fit for holidaying, she entered the SUV with him. Howard, Molly, and Susan were already sitting at the back. Hence, she had no choice but to sit in the front passenger seat.

    Josiah fastened his seatbelt the moment Lysander did.

    The two seemed to share an unspoken understanding.N?velDrama.Org content.

    Susan enjoyed observing Lysander and Josiah standing together through the rearview mirror. Assuming that they had just walked over after chatting, she reminded Josiah with a smile, ¡°Josiah, the car is full of elders. Do be careful and drive steadily.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Josiah immediately understood that she was reminding him to leave a good impression. He responded assuredly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mom. I know where to draw the line.¡±

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 Chapter 613

    Chapter 613 Slight Unease

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    Having visited the spa resort a few times, Josiah was rtively familiar with the route. As he was Skr¡¯s superior, she waited for him to start his vehicle first before she drove out with Maverick and the rest in the

    Both cars maintained a steady speed throughout the journey, ensuring a smooth ride. Even Molly, who was the most frail among them, didn¡¯t feel any difort.

    Susan was an old acquaintance of Howard and Molly, and since she had a gentle and outgoing personality, there was lots of chatter andughter throughout the journey, Josiah also asionally joined the conversation, but only Lysander stayed mostly silent, simply gazing nkly at the scenery flying past the car window.

    Worried <b>that </b>Lysander would feel a distance from her biological parents, Susan took the initiative to ask, ¡°This is my first time hanging out with you youngsters. There¡¯s a lot I don¡¯t know. Have you decided how we¡¯re going to have fun? It you¡¯ve made ns, don¡¯t leave us old folks behind.¡±

    ¡°The details weren¡¯t fully nned out yet, but since we¡¯re heading to a <b>spa </b>resort, going for spas <b>is </b>a given. Also, the scenery around <b>is </b>worth exploring, especially if the weather¡¯s clear. Otherwise, we can always try out the amenities within the resort itself, including massages and the sauna.¡±

    Josiah had done advanced preparations. He wouldn¡¯t have given a second nce to such wellness programs for the elderly in the past, yet now, he seemed to know it all while talking about such vacation. ns.

    It was unknown if Lysander didn¡¯t hear them or if she was indifferent to <b>that </b>topic, but <b>her </b>gaze <b>remained </b>fixated outside the window, so much so that such detachment <b>had </b>seeped into her demeanor, lending her an air of icy aloofness.

    Howard felt slightly concerned, yet he was afraid <b>that </b>asking too much might annoy Lysander. As such, he struck up a random conversation with her. ¡°Lysa, are the others from thepany here as well? If there¡¯s a need, I can go and greet them.¡±

    He was, after all, the chairman with the most shares in Thorne Constructions <b>and </b>Energies. Intimidating a few unsettled executives wasn¡¯t an issue for him.

    Seeing that Lysander acting as if she hadn¡¯t heard Howard, Josiah took advantage of the smooth road condition <b>and </b>subtly nudged her under the guise of adjusting the navigation system. The discreet action. wentpletely unnoticed by the elders in the back seat.

    Only then did Lysander snap back to reality, awkwardly responding, ¡°Oh¡­ there¡¯s no need. I informed. everyone earlier that we should focus on having fun since it¡¯s a year¨Cend team¨Cbuilding event. Those who don¡¯t wish to participate can opt for a cash alternative from the <b>logistics </b>department. The ones you¡¯re referring <b>to </b>might not even show up. Besides, I believe ordinary employees wouldn¡¯t want their superiors around.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see.¡±

    Afraid that Howard would sense something off, she quickly added, ¡°You guys continue chatting about other things. I¡¯m a little tired; let me take a quick nap.¡±

    With <b>that</b>, she leaned back into the <b>seat </b>and closed her eyes. At a glimpse, she really looked like someone drained of energy.

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    Assuming that Lysander was exhausted from work, Howard <b>and </b>Molly became extra careful to not disturb her, even lowering <b>their </b>voices while chatting.

    Contrarily, having lived with Lysander for a while back then<b>, </b>Susan could tell that the former was troubled. Upon arrival at the spa resort, while Josiah and Skr were busy with check¨Cin procedures and others were admiring the surrounding scenery, Susan pulled Lysander aside.

    Seeing Susan¡¯s solemn expression, Lysander felt a slight uncase in her heart.

    If it isn¡¯t a major discovery, there probably isn¡¯t a need for her to call me out separately.

    Susan appeared extremely serious, but the words that came out of her mouth were unexpectedly surprising.

    ¡°Lysander, be honest with me. Have you been ufortable because everyone¡¯s been trying to set you up with Josiah? If so, you don¡¯t have to worry about offending anyone. I can speak up for you and tell them to stop bothering you. If you don¡¯t like <b>Josiah</b><b>, </b>I can also step in for you.¡±

    Susan had always remained impartial when dealing with matters regarding Lysander and Josiah. It was so in the past<b>, </b>and it would remain so now. She said carnestly, ¡°He¡¯s the one at fault in this rtionship. You <b>mustn¡¯t </b>feel burdened by it¡±

    Lysander breathed a sigh of relief, a wave of warmth surged in her heart.

    During that tumultuous and scarred marital life, Susan was like a rare ray of sunshine. At that time, she was probably the only one in the Guerra family who truly considered Lysander as her daughter¨C<b>in</b>w.

    ¡°I¡¯m not ufortable. I¡¯m just too tiredtely and don¡¯t have much energy,¡± exined Lysander hastily.

    Susan studied her expression closely, still expressing concern. ¡°All right, I understand. But I can¡¯t shake the feeling that you seemed distracted today. You said you wanted a nap in the car earlier, but I didn¡¯t <b>see </b><b>you</b><b>. </b>fall asleep. I saw your eyshes fluttering from time to time.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Susan had even noticed such minor details.

    Lysander tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, seizing the opportunity to prepare an excuse for herself.

    ¡°I¨CI¡¯d be away for a few days because of this break. Though there are people on duty at thepany, I couldn¡¯t help but feel worried before leaving, so I dealt with all <b>the </b>potential work in advance.¡±

    That was, <b>no </b>doubt, the truth. It was just <b>that </b>aspared to the fatigue from work, what she found most unbearable was the inevitable parting of life and death in the future.

    Lysander shed Susan a bitter smile <b>and </b>vaguely added, ¡°It¡¯s easy to get insomnia when you¡¯re overly exhausted. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been feeling drainedtely. Perhaps I might feel better after going to the spater.

    Only then did Susan buy her exnation and begin reprimanding Josiah.

    ¡°Honestly, he¡¯s something else¡­ He¡¯s always insisting on helping you, but in the end, you¡¯re still left exhausted. Once you go back this time, you should stop being so polite to them. He used to manage Thorne Constructions and Energies¡® matters, so lending a hand now wouldn¡¯t be too big of a deal.<b>¡±</b>

    Lysander gave an awkward chuckle, absent¨Cmindedly agreeing to Susan¡¯s words.

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    Unaware of all <b>that</b>. <b>Josiah </b>had to take the me. That said, he didn¡¯t notice anything amiss and continued handling the check¨Cin procedures, returning with a stack of keycards..

    Skr, on the other <b>hand</b>, had been assigned to handle the luggage and had left with the hotel staff first.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Only after seeing how thorough Josiah¡¯s ns were did Susan heave a <b>soft </b>sigh<b>, </b>casting him a sardonic. nce.

    Josiah thought she was annoyed at him for taking too long and causing a dy, so he immediately started distributing the keycards diligently, acting <b>as </b>if he was the tour guide for this trip.

    ¡°Mr. Maverick, you and Mdm. Laura will share a room. The window in that room faces the backyard, and the view is quite pleasant. Mdm. Molly, here is your keycard that you¡¯ll share with Mr. Howard. This room is close to the entrance, making it convenient to move about¡­ Lysander, you¡¯ll share a room with Michelle, and the room¡¯s right next to Mdm. Laura¡¯s.¡±

    He had taken everyone¡¯s needs into ount. After settling the double rooms arrangement, he began assigning the single rooms. ¡°Mom, this is your keycard. It¡¯s the same as Skr and mine; they¡¯re all single

    rooms.¡±

    The rooms were located differently, but their sizes and prices were identical, epitomizing the concept of uniformity to an extreme.

    Lysander quietly epted the two keycards that belonged to her and Michelle, nodding her head in gratitude.

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    Chapter 614 Can Not Lose Him

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    <b>Josiah </b>was hoping that Lysander would give him a look of approval, but he wasn¡¯t too disappointed when he saw that her attention was directed toward Maverick first.

    Maverick nouced their remarkably cold interaction and suddenly asked, ¡°Can we change the room that <b>has </b>been arranged?¡±

    Josiah immediately answered, ¡°Of course, that¡¯s possible.¡±

    He believed he had been meticulous with his arrangement, but seeing Maverick raise a concern, he didn¡¯t hesitate to retrieve the keycard to make the necessary changes.

    However, Maverick waved his hand dismissively.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with Laura and my room. I just feel that Mich shouldn¡¯t be staying with Lysa. Mich has oftenined about feeling stifled while she was hospitalized. Now that she has recovered from her injuries and is out having fun, she¡¯s been quite boisterous. I worry she might disturb Lysa.¡±

    No one knows a daughter better than her father. He had perfectly grasped Michelle¡¯s uing ns, prompting her to quickly exin herself, ¡°Lysander, I didn¡¯t stay upte just to have fun, I¡¯m trying to keep up with my studies so I can find an internshipter!¡±

    Lysander smiled and reassured, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s okay. Michelle won¡¯t bother me. Instead, we¡¯ll get to chat more.¡±

    Maverick subtly shot Michelle a knowing <b>nce </b>and softly said, ¡°I was just worried that the two of you would get so caught up in chatting that you¡¯d forget to rest, and that¡¯s why I thought should separate you two. You¡¯ve been working so hard, now that you¡¯re on vacation, you must get some good rest. It¡¯s decided, you should listen to me.¡±

    Maverick¡¯s approach to handling matters was <b>as </b>assertive as ever, but at that particr moment, Lysander no <b>longer </b><b>wanted </b>to contend with it.

    Thinking those words made sense, Michelle nodded and said, ¡°Dad, you¡¯re right. Lysander is tired enough, I shouldn¡¯t disturb her rest. I¡¯ll talk to Skr when she¡¯s back. I¡¯ll hold on to this keycard for now,¡±

    Without waiting for Lysander¡¯s approval, Michelle swiftly grabbed the keycard and exchanged it with the one in Josiah¡¯s <b>hand</b>, which was initially intended for Skr.

    She was rather smooth with her move.

    Michelle spoke confidently, ¡°Lysander, I had a great time chatting with Skr on our way here. It¡¯s nice to have apanion now that I¡¯ll be sharing a room with her.¡±

    She was brimming with carefree innocence<b>, </b>and it was obvious she was truly there for a good time.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander hoped <b>that </b>Michelle could stay happy for a little longer, so hearing what thetter <b>said</b>, she readily agreed, ¡°<b>Sure</b>, then. But you can¡¯t stay out toote with Skr either. I¡¯ll check in with her, just <b>so</b>

    you know.¡±

    Michelle nodded repeatedly.

    Josiah said nothing. He merely nced at the room number on his keycard, and before returning to his room, he specially made a trip to the reception desk, requesting a switch to the room adjacent to

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    Lysander apanied Maverick and the others to their rooms, making sure that everything <b>was </b>in order and all their luggage was delivered. Then, she tipped the bellboy and returned to her own room.

    The rooms at this spa resort are slightly smaller than the ones at the resort under Guerra Group. Then again, the furnishings are quite erquisite, and it¡¯s easy to tell they¡¯ve put a lot of thought and effort into it.

    With these thoughts, Lysander set aside a tip. But when she opened the door to her room, she didn¡¯t see her luggage.

    Could it be that the bellboy sent it to the wrong room?

    She was about to head to the reception desk to enquire about the situation, but just as <b>she </b>opened the door, she came face to face with Josiah, who was all set to knock on the door.

    The two of them were moving in different directions, one heading out while the other was inching forward. If it wasn¡¯t for the luggage cart nearby, they might have collided right there and then.

    Embarrassed, Lysander quickly took a <b>half</b>¨Cstep back, sizing up the luggage cart that seemed out of ce next to Josiah. ¡°S¨CShouldn¡¯t the luggage be sent by the bellboy? I remember you specifically arranged for Skr to follow along. That¡¯s how it was handled for my parents and Michelle.¡±

    The luggage cart simply didn¡¯t match his demeanor, and no matter how she looked at it, it just seemed a little weird.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze fell on the tip that Lysander hadn¡¯t managed to put back into her wallet and quipped, ¡°You can tip me, too.¡±

    ¡°You want it?¡± Lysander offered it to him. ¡°Here you go.¡±

    Josiah was both amused and exasperated. ¡°Head in first and clear the way for me. I¡¯ve single¨Chandedly moved everyone¡¯s luggage today.¡±

    Lysander quickly cleared the way at the door. The tension in her body eased significantly, too.

    ¡°Thank you, you¡¯ve worked hard. Actually, most of the people who came today are my rtives. There¡¯s only you and Madam Susan from your side.¡±

    Josiah chuckled. ¡°Could I perhaps go inside before we continue talking?¡±

    Considering that he was the one who moved her luggage, Lysander stepped aside to make way for him to

    pass.

    The mostborious task Josiah undertook the whole day was moving luggage. Despite so, he showed no signs of impatience while handling Lysander¡¯s luggage and exining things to her.

    ¡°The luggage should¡¯ve been handled by the bellboy, but considering your obsession with cleanliness, I figured you might not feelfortable sleeping on the hotel¡¯s bed sheets. Also, you seemed preupied before leaving, and I¡¯m afraid you might forget something<b>, </b>so I specially packed an extra set of fresh bedding <b>in </b>the luggage before we left this morning.¡±

    <b>H</b>

    As he spoke, he opened his luggage and pulled out a vacuum¨Csealed package. ¡°You¡¯re used to cotton fabrics. If you don¡¯t need it this time, it won¡¯t be too heavy to bring this vacuum¨Csealed bedsheet back

    either.¡±

    It was no wonder why his luggage seemed exceptionally bulky this time. It turned out it wasn¡¯t just filled

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    with his belongings, but also Lysander¡¯s. It was a rare, thoughtful gesture.

    5 Pearls

    Recalling how distracted she was while packing her luggage, Lysander softly responded, ¡°Thank you¡­¡±

    As Josiah had guessed, she had indeed forgotten to prepare an extra set of bedsheets before she left the <b>house </b>this time. Nheless, instead of <b>taking </b>the chance to take credit or wishing forpliments, he warmly said. ¡°You don¡¯t always have to be polite with me.¡±

    Lysander epted the package and calmly replied, lowering her gaze, ¡°It¡¯s what I should do. You¡¯re a lot. more thoughtful.¡±

    Josiah noticed how she couldn¡¯t contain her mncholy as soon as the elders weren¡¯t around her and quicklyforted, ¡°It¡¯s true Mr. Thorne doesn¡¯t look too well, but there¡¯s <b>no </b>need for you to worry too much. There are medical workers on <b>hand </b>in this spa resort.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression was filled with unmistakable bitterness. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Dad¡¯s condition must be very severe. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have <b>had </b>such a drastic change of heart, let alone try to set <b>me </b>up with¡­

    She nced up at Josiah, then quickly turned her face away.

    Josiah understood her concerns and gave a slight nod. ¡°Yes, he used to be quite critical of me, but now, he seems to be the one most eager to bring us together.¡±

    Lysander <b>was </b>too consumed with worry about Maverick¡¯s health to dwell on her own problems. She hesitantly uttered. ¡°I really can¡¯t afford to lose him, let alone our family. I n on persuading him to stay in the hospital once we return.¡±

    ¡°Lysander,¡± Josiah softly called out, ¡°You told me before, you were once a doctor, so you know well whatte¨Cstage lung cancer is like.¡±

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    A flicker of pain shed across Lysander¡¯s forehead.

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    It was precisely because she understood so well that she wavered over time. She wanted to grasp thest fleeting hope like an ordinary person who hadn¡¯t studied medicine.

    Josiah didn¡¯t utter another word<b>. </b>He just quietly stayed by her side.

    At times like <b>these</b>, no one but herself could pull her out of her emotional turmoil.

    The serene ambiance in the room was only broken when Josiah received a phone call. He nced at the caller ID and answered the call in front of Lysander. ¡°Mr. Maverick.¡±

    Lysander quickly looked over.

    Josiah was holding his phone with a serious expression. After a brief moment, he said, ¡°All right<b>, </b>please wait a moment. I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    Judging from Josiah¡¯s defensive attitude, it could not have been Howard.

    Lysander became anxious first. ¡°What does my father want <b>with </b>you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure either.¡± Josiah shook his head, his voice gentle and soothing. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know that I¡¯m with you right now. He says he wants to talk privately with me. Don¡¯t worry, if anythinges up, I¡¯ll definitely let you know.¡±

    Recalling the secret that Maverick had painstakingly concealed, Lysander didn¡¯t have the heart to expose it. She halted in her tracks and said, ¡°All right.¡±

    Josiah swiftly walked out, but he gently closed the door behind her as if he didn¡¯t want to make even the slightest sound.

    He headed straight for the staircase <b>at </b>the end of the corridor. On the most secluded part of the first floor, he found Maverick.

    Maverick was sitting on the lowest step, surrounded by the choking smell of smoke. The ground was littered with cigarette butts.

    -It seemed like he had done quite a bit of mental preparation before calling Josiah.

    Josiah deliberately made a bit of noise with his footsteps as he approached him, then casually sat down beside him on the step. ¡°Mr. Maverick, I know I shouldn¡¯t be the one to say this as I¡¯m the junior here, but you¡¯re smoking way too much. It¡¯s not good for your health,¡± Josiah advised politely at the thought of Maverick¡¯s lung cancer diagnosis.

    Maverick extinguished the freshly lit cigarette in his hand and tossed the cigarette butt into the trash bin before returning to his seat. He then <b>said</b>, ¡°For me, it doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±

    He sound incredibly weathered.

    Josiah¡¯s heart immediately sank because he suspected that Maverick had actually noticed long ago that he and Lysander <b>had </b>discovered his illness.

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    Chapter 615 I Do Not Want Her To Be Sad

    reluctance to <b>cause </b>worry for each other.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Josiah did not respond. He silently waited for Maverick to speak first.

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    Compared to theirst encounter, Maverick had aged significantly. He let out a long sigh before exining the reason he had called Josiah over.

    ¡°I noticed it this morning. You might be a person of profound thoughts and are inscrutable to others, but when ites to matters rted to Lysa, you are very sincere. You must have realized that my health hast been jeopardized<b>, </b>haven¡¯t you? It has been quite an effort to hide this from my family.¡±

    Maverick never thought there woulde a day when he would admit to Josiah the things he had kept hidden even from his wife and daughter. After <b>saying </b>those words, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a self- deprecatingugh.

    Looking at Maverick¡¯s state. Josiah also felt a wave of difort in his heart. He nodded, acknowledging Maverick¡¯s assumption.

    Maverick nodded knowingly, then asked, ¡°Does Lysa know about it already?¡±

    Ever since Lysander and Josiah divorced, this was the first time Maverick <b>had </b>a <b>calm </b>andposed conversation with Josiah. One had no choice but to let go when he was on death¡¯s door.

    ¡°Lysander was just a bit concerned about why your attitude toward me changed so suddenly, but she¡¯s still unaware of your illness.¡±

    After a moment of hesitation, Josiah decided it would be better to keep things under wraps for now.

    Maverick let out a sigh of relief and said, ¡°It¡¯s good that she doesn¡¯t know. Please, don¡¯t ever tell her about my condition. If you find her worrying about me again, or wanting to go to the hospital to inquire about my condition, find <b>a </b>way to stop her. Consider it as a favor I¡¯m asking of you.¡±

    Josiah replied somberly, ¡°All right, rest assured.¡±

    The lingering scent of smoke in the stairwell didn¡¯t dissipate. The environment only worsened their already gloomy moods. Yet, neither thought about moving elsewhere to talk.

    Especially Maverick, who no longer <b>had </b>the time or energy to protect his family with the <b>aggressive </b>and irritable temperament he once had. Simply sitting here and smoking for <b>a </b>while caused his chest to ache intermittently.

    <b>Josiah</b><b>, </b>deeply concerned, said to Maverick, ¡°There¡¯s a doctor over here, Mr. Maverick, let me take you there¡­¡±

    He was midway through his sentence when Maverick cut him off, saying, ¡°No need, I know my own body. quite well. If anything is truly amisk, all previous attempts to cover it up would have been in vain.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>respected his decision. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Seeing his positive attitude, Maverick paused for a moment before he began to eloquently discuss the matter <b>that </b>had been weighing heavily on his <b>mind</b>.

    ¡°Lysa has always been smart since she was a child, but isn¡¯t there a saying that when one is too smart, they will get themselves hurt? That¡¯s pretty much her, kind and sensitive. If she is wronged outside, she would only keep it to herself. No matter how you ask her, she will never tell.¡±

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    <b>As </b>he spoke, his eyes involuntarily reddened. He shakily raised his hand to wipe his face, barely keeping his emotions in check. Then, he continued. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to hold on much longer. If I were to leave one day, leaving Lysa with Laura <b>and </b>Mich. I really can¡¯t help but worry.¡±

    Josiah sternly said, ¡°Mr. Maverick, please refrain from saying negative things right now. I¡¯m already reaching out to overseas specialists and will be able to arrange a consultation for you soon. Try <b>not </b>to be so pessimistic, your attitude ys a significant role in dealing with this illness. For the sake of Mdm. Laura and your daughters, Lysander and Michelle, you <b>need </b>to take good care of yourself.¡±

    Maverick chuckled and remarked. ¡°You¡¯re quite the talker. I never noticed that about you before.¡±

    Josiahughed dryly. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m quite selfish. Lysander holds you in high regard. I don¡¯t want her to be upset.¡±

    Maverick took a deep breath and tapped his finger on Josiah¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Remember, these are your words. Don¡¯t ever forget.¡±

    ¡°Okay.

    Maverick took a whiff of his cigarette and exhaled, forming a cloud of white smoke.

    ¡°Laura is a good wife <b>and </b>a good mother. Despite her age, she remained as innocent and kind as before<b>, </b>which led to her being deceived frequently over the <b>years</b>. Mich, on the other hand, was quite the troublemaker who gave people headaches. Poor Lysa will have her hands full taking care of them in the future. I can¡¯t imagine how exhausting it would be.¡±

    Although Maverick was talking about the ws of his wife and daughter, his words were clearly filled with happiness and reluctance to let go<b>. </b>His eyes were gradually turning redder, <b>and </b>it <b>was </b>evident that he was on the verge of losing control of his emotions.

    As a man, despite their considerable age gap and starkly different backgrounds and personalities, Josiah was still able to understand Maverick¡¯s feelings at that moment,

    Family was their <b>weakness</b>.

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    Josiah adopted an appropriate demeanor as a junior and said, ¡°Mr. Maverick, I have always remembered what you said to me at the Thorne manor. Regardless of whether Lysander epts me or not, I will treat her <b>well </b>for the rest of my life. Her family is my family.¡±

    Maverick lowered his head and nodded. As his health condition worsened, his attitude underwent a change. His tone was no longer as assertive as before. Rather, he began to speak more openly and honestly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid to tell you the truth. I¡¯ve never been satisfied with you as my son¨Cinw, especially after learning about what you¡¯ve done to Lysa. I¡¯ve viewed you <b>as </b>an enemy. If it weren¡¯t for the fear of causing trouble for Lysa and the others, I would have taken you down.¡±

    Maverick was known for his fiery and impulsive nature, but when it came to protecting his family, he would spare no expense, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Now that the day hade, he harbored no regrets. However, he couldn¡¯t bear to leave his family.

    Josiah had long reflected thoroughly on his past actions. He responded to Maverick¡¯s remarks without any resentment, saying. ¡°As a father, it¡¯s only natural for you to protect your daughter. I understand that.pletely.¡±

    Maverick asked in a low voice, ¡°Do you really hold no resentment toward me? The scar on your face is still there. I ruined your good¨Clooking face.¡±

    Josiah dismissively said, ¡°The most important thing for a man is not his face. It¡¯s his shoulders.¡±

    Maverick gave a satisfied smile, understanding the metaphorical reference of the word ¡°shoulder¡± in their

    conversation.

    The shoulders symbolized the ability to carry responsibility and be ountable.

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take your words as truth. I won¡¯t bother with any pretense. I¡¯ll tell you so that you have an idea of what is <b>going </b>on.¡±

    Josiah held his breath, waiting for Maverick to continue.

    Maverick, supporting himself by his knee, slowly stood up and said: ¡°The doctor who diagnosed me told me that my days are numbered. That¡¯s why I want to find a reliable person for Lysa before I die¡­.

    Josiah quickly stood up and reached out to steady Maverick in time. Even after Maverick waved his hand. and refused his help, Josiah only let go when he was sure that the former was steady on his feet.

    Maverick took several deep breaths. With a hint of bitterness, he said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that I¡¯d start seeing spots when I stood up. I only sat for a while.¡±

    His diseased lungs were no longer capable of supporting him as they used to. Even if he pretended to be healthy, it was no longer convincing. If he continued this way, Lysander would notice sooner orter.

    MEINDER

    Upon considering the future of his wife and daughter, Maverick resolutely turned to face Josiah.

    ¡°Although you are not my first choice as my son¨Cin¨C<bw</b>, after much consideration, you seem to be the most reliable person Lysander can depend on at the moment. I¡¯ve heard from Howard <b>that </b>you¡¯ve truly changed, and your actions speak volumes. So¡­. Mr. Guerra, consider this a plea from me. Please <b>take </b>good care of my wife and daughters in the future.¡±

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    As he spoke, he endured the stifling pain in his chest and the sharp twinges. With utmost seriousness, he bowed before Josiah.

    Startled, Josiah quickly reached out to help him up. ¡°Mr. Maverick, I¡¯m your junior. I can¡¯t ept a bow from you!¡±

    However, Maverick insisted on finishing the bow before straightening up. With a sheen of cold sweat glistening on his forehead, he spoke with difficulty but rity. ¡°I don¡¯t care if you think you can ept it or not, but since you¡¯ve epted my respect, you must not forget what I said today! Otherwise, I¡¯ll kneel before you!¡±

    Just the bow alone <b>was </b>already too much for Josiah to ept, let alone an even greater gesture. Upon hearing Maverick¡¯s words, he hastily returned the bow.

    ¡°What do you <b>mean </b>by this?¡± Maverick asked, clearly displeased.

    He <b>was </b><b>a </b>serious and rigid man with a very traditional personality. Upon seeing Josiah returning the bow,

    first instinct was to think that Josiah was going back on his word, which made him somewhat angry.

    With a calm demeanor, Josiah exined promptly, ¡°I just want you to understand my feelings for Lysander. Even without your request, I will take care of her and her family the same way. You are a good father, but I am not.¡±

    Maverick scoffed and shook his head. ¡°That kid¡­ That kid¡­¡±

    A pang of pain surged through Josiah¡¯s heart.

    Maverick brushed the cigarette <b>ash </b>off his <b>sleeve </b><b>and </b>said softly, ¡°All right, I don¡¯t ask for anything else now. I just hope that you will keep your word. <b>Even </b><b>if </b><b>one </b>day you revert to your old ways, please, don¡¯t hurt Lysa again for the sake of what we discussed today. If my reputation isn¡¯t enough for you to do as I say, consider Howard¡¯s. His reputation is greater than mine.¡±

    Maverick had alreadye to <b>terms </b>with his approaching death. There <b>should </b>be nothing left for him to care about, but when he spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but lower his stance. He had considered even the slightest possibility, however remote it might be.

    Upon hearing that, Josiah fully understood the intentions behind Maverick¡¯s agreement to Howard¡¯s proposal. He knew that if the two families were to merge into one, Lysander would still have a home to return to even if Maverick was really gone.

    ¡°The day will nevere. I swear,¡± he promised unwaveringly.

    Maverick nodded, proceeding to talk about the matters he couldn¡¯t let go of. Every time he mentioned his family, he couldn¡¯t help but ramble on, repeating the same stories over <b>and </b>over <b>again</b>. He <b>wished </b>he could exin every little detail and leave nothing out

    ¡°If that dayes¡­¡± Maverick choked back a sob and continued, ¡°Lysa is not only kind¨Chearted and strong, but also deeply cares for her family and friends. She might not say much, but she understands everything. She will inevitably feel sad when the timees, but don¡¯t let her cry too much<b>. </b>It might not be good for her health.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Laura and Michelle are no different. When the timees and they are ovee with grief, I won¡¯t be there tofort them. I entrust this <b>task </b>to you¡­¡±

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    Maverick wasn¡¯t typically a man of many words. However, at that moment, he spoke lengthily and non- stop <b>until </b>his mouth was dry.

    Josiah listened seriously. As soon as Maverick paused, he immediately promised, ¡°I¡¯ve taken to heart everything you¡¯ve said. I won¡¯t forget them in this lifetime<b>.</b>¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Okay.¡± Maverick hadn¡¯t realized that he had spent so much time chatting with Josiah. Before leaving the stairwell, he made a point to emphasize, ¡°What I just told you, don¡¯t share it with anyone, especially Lysa.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b><b>was </b>torn inside. Hesitating, he remained silent for a long time.

    Maverick was afraid that Josiah wouldn¡¯t be able to keep his secret, so he added, ¡°I probably have two to three months left to live. I don¡¯t wish for anything else, I just want to spend myst days happily with my family. I don¡¯t want to see them immersed in <b>pain </b>ahead of time. Josiah<b>, </b>I hope you can help me.¡±

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    After Maverick finished speaking, he bowed deeply once again. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you.¡±

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    Josiah heard him emphasize that over and over again. How could he not understand the cause of his worry?

    Watching a once impulsive and proud elder repeatedly lowering his stance to plead for the future of his wife and daughter, especially to someone he once held in contempt, Josiah felt a crushing sadness in his

    heart.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    ¡°I promise <b>you</b><b>, </b>but¡­ Lysander is very smart, and she truly cares about you.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Maverick said with a hint of pride. ¡°Lysa has always been so considerate since she was little. Isn¡¯t there a saying that daughters are always very considerate of their parents? Both my daughters are exceptional. Now that Lysa has you, I can somewhat put my mind at ease. But Mich, she¡¯s always been a bit reckless and innocent just like her mother. I¡¯m really worried¡­¡±

    At the mention of his wife and daughters, he was suddenly reminded of his current physical condition. In that instant, he couldn¡¯t continue anymore.

    Wiping the tears from his face with his rough,rge hand, Maverick gritted his teeth, trembling as he grasped Josiah¡¯s <b>hand</b>. ¡°I know this may not be appropriate, but¡­ I have no other choice. If Mich is ever treated unfairly by her inws, can you please stand up for her? Lysa still has me, and I will risk my life to protect her and seek justice for her. But Mich, she won¡¯t have her father <b>to </b>stand up for her anymore.¡±

    By the end, Maverick¡¯s voice was so choked with emotion that he could hardly finish a sentence.

    <b>Josiah </b>remembered the wound on his forehead and gave a slight nod. ¡°I understand. If anyone dares to bully Michelle in the future, I¡¯ll make sure they get a taste of the same pain right on their forehead.¡±

    Maverick smiled slightly as he chided, ¡°You brat.¡±

    ¡°Are you at ease now?¡±

    Maverick sighed heavily. ¡°I know you meant well, trying to cheer me up. I think I¡¯ve got a decent read you now. When you decide to be kind to someone, you go above and beyond.¡±

    Josiah knew he was referring to his past affair with Lysanne.

    He didn¡¯t deny it either<b>.</b>

    He simply said, ¡°From now on, I will only be <b>good </b>to Lysander.¡±

    After <b>a </b>moment of thought, he added, ¡°And also Mdm. Laura and Michelle.¡±

    At the thought of his two daughters, Maverick¡¯s previously resolute expression instantly softened, revealing an <b>inner </b>tenderness.

    Maverick asked, ¡°What are your thoughts on <b>Lysa¡¯s </b>situation with the Thorne family? Lysa surely still wants to return to her medical profession, but she can¡¯t <b>ignore </b>her obligations to the Thorne family

    on

    Josiah replied, <b>¡°</b><b>I¡¯ll </b>take care of Lysander¡¯s current matters first. Once thepany is stable<b>, </b><b>whether </b>she decides to stay or <b>return </b>to her original n of being a doctor, it¡¯s all <b>up </b>to her. I¡¯ll handle <b>the </b><b>rest</b>

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    Relieved, Maverick raised his hand and patted the younger man¡¯s shoulder in a paternal manner. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll trust you this time. But if you dare to mistreat Lysa in the future, I won¡¯t let you off the hook even as a ghost,¡± Maverick half¨Cjokingly said.

    His entire demeanor became significantly more rxed as if he had let go of all his worries.

    Josiah, setting aside his sorrow and helplessness, smiled and responded, ¡°If I ever break my promise and do anything to let down or hurt Lysander, don¡¯t hesitate toe and take me away.¡±

    With Josiah¡¯s assurance, Maverick didn¡¯t think he had to borate further. He simply raised his hand to pat his chest, soothing the sporadic pain he was experiencing.

    Josiah looked at him with concern and asked, ¡°Mr. Maverick, how are you feeling now? If you¡¯re okay with it, I can arrange for a doctor to see you.¡±

    Maverick continued to shake his head, his attitude unwavering as he steadfastly refused.

    ¡°Thanks for your concern, but there¡¯s no need for another doctor. I doubt the Central Hospital could have misdiagnosed me. If I were to consult other doctors, they¡¯d certainly advise me to be hospitalized and I don¡¯t want to spend myst days in a hospital. That¡¯s enough. You must be tired today. I¡¯ve said what I needed to. You should go home. I should hurry back <b>too</b>. I¡¯ve been out too long and Laura will be worried.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he slowly made his way out of the stairwell.

    The double room was located on the first floor. After turning a corner and opening the door of the fire exit, one would find themselves back in the hallway.

    Josiah stood still as he watched Maverick walk away. He remained alone for a considerable time before he finally decided to head back upstairs.

    However, as soon as he turned <b>around</b>, he frowned deeply.

    Lysander stood at the junction of the two¨Cstory staircase, watching him. Her eyes were red, tears brimming at the corners. Josiah had no idea how long she had been standing there.

    He hastily rushed to her side. With a hint of panic in his voice, he asked, ¡°Why are you here? Didn¡¯t we agree that you¡¯ll for me in the room?¡±

    Upon recalling the words he had exchanged with Maverick, Josiah felt nervous.

    With tears in her eyes, Lysander forced out a bitter smile and said, ¡°I¡­ I just wanted to hear what my father had to say.¡±

    <b>H</b>

    It turned out that she had actually followed Josiah, which was why she could find her way to the corner of the stairwell.

    Josiah¡¯s heart sank a little further when he observed Lysander¡¯s expression. He asked again, ¡°How much did you hear?¡±

    Lysander fought back the urge to cry as she replied, ¡°I heard everything. Thank you for advising him <b>to </b>smoke less, and for wanting to help find a doctor. But let¡¯s respect his wishes. I hope he can spend <b>his </b>final days as he pleases, even if there¡¯s truly only three months left.¡±

    The <b>thought </b>of having only until the year ended to spend with her father filled <b>her </b><b>with </b><b>a </b><b>sense </b><b>of </b><b>urgency</b>. She wished she could fast¨Cforward all the significant moments <b>in </b><b>her </b><b>life</b>, just <b>so </b><b>he </b>could <b>be </b><b>a</b>

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    Chapter 6171 Only Treat Lysander Well

    part of them.

    But how could three months possibly be enough?

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    Josiah looked at Lysander gently as he tried to offer some constion. ¡°Lysander, I know words may not mean much at this moment, but I still want to urge you to take care of yourself. Your father told me he has no other wishes left other than his lingering concern for his family. You are the child that he is most proud of and trusts the most. He didn¡¯t <b>want </b>you to worry, so you must stay strong and not give him cause for concern, okay?¡±

    Leaning against the railings of the staircase, Lysander looked toward the direction of the steps where Maverick had previously sat. ¡°I¡¯ve already heard it straight from him. Don¡¯t be fooled by my father¡¯s

    retic when ites to praising my sister and me. He¡¯s just not good with words, but he saves all the

    nice things to say in private.¡±

    With that said, she smiled through her tears <b>as </b>she reminisced about the time she spent with Maverick when she grew up. ¡°We were not well off when we were young, and going out to eat was a rare treat. He would always im he wasn¡¯t hungry, but I knew he was only trying to make sure my sister and I had enough to eat. I felt sorry for him, so I would pretend I couldn¡¯t finish my food and offer him half of my portion. But he would never ept it. In the end, it was Michelle who ended up eating one and a half portions.¡±

    The Thorne family came from a modest background, relying on Maverick¡¯s sry to support two children. During tough times, life was incredibly tough.

    However, when Lysander spoke of that time, she didn¡¯t seem to feel the burden at all. Her eyes sparkled as she reminisced.

    Josiah dared not interject or echo her sentiments, fearing that any interruption would instantly pull her out of her warm memories <b>and </b>back to reality. The stark contrast between her past and present would only make her sadder.

    However, it <b>wasn¡¯t </b>a solution to keep avoiding the matter either.

    Lysander quickly returned to the present after drawing strength from her past. Steadying her emotions, she said, ¡°Enough, there¡¯s no point in talking about this now¡­ Let¡¯s go back first.¡±

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    Josiah, with a hint of hesitation in his voice, expressed, ¡°You don¡¯t always need to be strong. Should you find yourself distressed, it¡¯s perfectly eptable to allow yourself more time to heal.¡±

    Lysander, already ascending the stairs with a steady and resolute tone, replied without ncing back, ¡°Had I not been sufficiently strong. I would have sumbed <b>to </b>grief after losing the baby previously. Besides, Michelle is still so young, <b>and </b>my mother, she¡¯s such apassionate woman. What would be of them if 1 faltered?¡±

    ¡°You could¡¯ve¡­¡± Josiah started, hoping to convey that she could still depend on him. Yet, as the words approached the <b>brink </b>of utterance, he found himself unable to articte them.

    Maverick, deeply worried about his daughter¡¯s well¨Cbeing, harbored the desire to <b>find </b><b>an </b>appropriate partner for Lysander. However, he could not possibly seize upon the current delicate situation to discuss such matters with <b>her</b><b>.</b>

    Following her silently, Josiah apanied Lysander back to her room as she battled with her grief.

    Upon entering. Lysander promptly went to the bathroom, sshed her face with cold water, <b>and </b>inspected her reflection to ensure no tears were visible. Facing <b>Josiah</b>, who bore a look of concern, she inquired, ¡°<b>You </b>mentioned earlier about the arrangement of the medical worker at the spa resort, is that indeed the case?¡±

    Josiah nodded affirmatively, exining, ¡°Yes, within the hospitality sector, incidents involving guests ur annually. It¡¯s a standard protocol for resorts, especially those remote from urban centers like ours, to be

    equipped with medical services. Given Mr. Thorne¡¯s health, I took the precution of ensuring these

    arrangements before our arrival.¡±

    Rarely did Lysander ask favors of Josiah. At this moment, struggling internally, she reluctantly asked.

    Could you possibly obtain some painkillers from the doctor? <b>Then</b>, maybe just suggest it was your idea to give them to my dad?¡±

    What Maverick didn¡¯t want her to know, she would bear it bravely, even if it meant concealing her knowledge behind a <b>stoic </b>facade. She had no choice but to entrust this task to Josiah.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll handle it right away,¡± Josiah promptly agreed, then inquired, ¡°What type of painkiller does he need? Or is there anything else you might need? Just list them, and I¡¯ll discreetly deliver them to him.¡±

    Hecked medical expertise, presuming Lysander¡¯s request was her way of managing Maverick¡¯s condition, who <b>was </b>averse to seeking medical attention.

    Deep inside, however, Lysander was acutely aware of her limitations. She managed a faint smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ll write <b>you </b><b>a </b>note. If they require a prescription over there, I¡¯ll have Lynn write one immediately.¡±

    The majority of the prescription painkillers had sedative properties, yet she couldn¡¯t afford to be concerned about that at the moment.

    ¡°Mm,¡± Josiah murmured in acknowledgment.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen for yourself, my father is an incredibly stoic man. He neverins about pain, fatigue, or difficulty in front of my mother. Even now, with his illness so severe, he¡¯s sure to endure it in silence. As his daughter, all I can do is aptempt to alleviate his difort as much as possible.¡±

    Reflecting on the cancer patients she had seen at the <b>hospital</b>, their bodies frail and emaciated, it was difficult for her <b>to </b>sunriste euch an imone with her father who had slurane husen stromur sad vimeoneung

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    Chapter 618 A Favor From Lady Luck

    Could there have been a mistake in the hospital¡¯s diagnosis?

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    For the first time, Lysander hoped for an error on the part of the doctors at Central Hospital, yet she knew she could not ignore her father¡¯s palpable symptoms. With a look of uncertainty, she again turned to Josiah, ¡°Could you take care of this? If not, I¡¯ll need to find another <b>way</b>.¡±

    Josiah recalled the profound emotional distress expressed by Maverick when they discussed this topic. Thetter had already been enduring the torment of his illness.

    ¡°I¡± Josiah began, ready to reassure her and alleviate her concerns, but noticing the tear stains on her checks softened his approach, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the prescription, I¡¯ll handle it. If you¡¯re feeling overwhelmed, it¡¯s okay to let it out. The soundproofing here is quite good¨Cyou shouldn¡¯t keep it all bottled up.

    ¡°Was I crying?¡± Lysander blinked, touching her face, only to realize that despite having just washed her face, <b>tears </b>had formed once again.

    When an individual reaches a pinnacle of sorrow, the brain instinctively shields itself from <i>the </i>full intensity of those emotions as a self¨Cdefense mechanism. Lysander had never anticipated that she would personally experience this phenomenon she had only read about in textbooks.

    Without speaking, <b>Josiah </b>handed her a tissue, then withdrew to the balcony to make a phone call, giving her some privacy.

    When he returned, Lysander appeared somewhatposed, though herplexion was still noticeably pale. He sat beside her on the couch, adopting the gentlest tone he could, ¡°The painkillers are taken care of, and you can be sure the doctor at the mansion won¡¯t disclose anything. Also, I¡¯ve arranged our afternoon¨Cit¡¯s all set. We have the two spa pools behind the hotel reserved for our rxation.¡±

    He knew she wasn¡¯t in the best state to enjoy herself, but he still brought up Maverick tofort her: ¡°If you remain this distressed, Mr. Thorne will definitely notice. He cares deeply for you and his greatest desire is to see you happy and content.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    This seemed to resonate with her.

    Taking a deep breath, Lysander gathered herself and responded, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll get ready and change. No matter <b>what </b>the future holds, I need to ensure a joyful afternoon with them today.¡±

    Josiah noted her revived spirit before standing to leave. ¡°I¡¯ll <i>go</i>

    I¡¯lle back to collect you for lunch,¡± he told her.

    inform Mr. and Mrs. Thorne first, and then

    The spa resorts in Harborbrook, renowned for its luxurious private restaurants and exceptional culinary staff, maintained <b>an </b>impable reputation <b>as </b><b>a </b>top vacation spot.

    Within the confines of a private dining room, a vibrant group eagerly selected their preferred meals from the menu, engaging in animated discussions and enjoying each other¡¯spany.

    The driver, Skr, still feeling awkward about mingling with her employer, decided to excuse herself after overhearing the ns for the afternoon. She discreetly made her way to the main hall, seeking the familiarity of her other colleagues who had arrived for the corporate team¨Cbuilding event.

    Lysander, having once been in a simr position as a wage worker, empathized deeply with Skr¡¯s difort. She chose not to interfere, allowing her some space. As Lysander observed her family¨Cher parents <b>and </b>sister¨Cengaging in light¨Chearted banter, a deep warmth blossomed within her, filling her with

    <b>a </b><b>sense </b>of contentment.

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    At that moment. Michelle, ever the spirited one as described by Maverick, turned to Lysander with concern. ¡°Lysander, I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s best to shower before entering the spa, but I left my shower gel behind. I¡¯m worried about an allergic reaction to the ones provided by the hotel. Could I possibly use yours first?¡±

    Lysander responded in a gentle tone, ¡°Sure.¡±

    After reassuring her sister, Lysander took it upon herself to check on her parents¡® needs. ¡°Dad, Mom, did you perhaps forget to <b>pack </b><b>anything</b>? I can fetch it for you <bter</b>.¡±

    Maverick, everid¨Cback, responded with a chuckle, ¡°I¡¯m just a guy who needs to bathe, no fuss is needed

    ver me.¡±

    Witnessing the easy exchange between father and daughter, Howard felt a twinge of jealousy but quickly masked it with concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. If you¡¯ve forgotten anything, we¡¯ve got you covered<b>. </b>Feel free to use what we have

    Laura, somewhat embarrassed, hesitated before replying. ¡°How could we impose like that? <b>You </b>need your things as well.¡±

    Molly, with a reassuring smile, soothed her, ¡°It¡¯s really no problem. We hardly need anything. The doctors have advised me since my hospital discharge that my immune system is still weak. I need to avoid getting tired or catching a cold, so unfortunately, soaking in the spa is out of the question for now. I¡¯ll just enjoy the view and rx at the hotel for a while.¡±

    Howard added, echoing his wife¡¯s sentiment, ¡°Indeed, after being confined to either our home or a hospital room, it feels liberating to simply breathe some fresh air. Go ahead and enjoy the spa. We¡¯ll rest here and join you for the activitiester.¡±

    Although Howard was in fact healthy, he opted to remain by Molly¡¯s side, not wanting her to feel isted.

    Lysander felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this.

    The decision to vacation at the <b>spa </b>resort had been hers, and both Howard <b>and </b>Molly were well aware that their health wouldn¡¯t permit them to participate fully in the spa experience. Yet, they had kept this to themselves, choosing instead to endure in silence, all to avoid casting a shadow over her spirits.

    They preferred to bear any difort quietly, all for the sake of ensuring she could enjoy precious moments with her loved ones.

    In this, despite the challenges she had faced from being orphaned at a young age, Lysander recognized a profound truth¨Cshe had received an abundance of love and care, a true blessing from the heavens that doublypensated for the hardships she had endured. How could she <b>not </b>view this as a favor from Lady Luck?

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    Lysander collected her thoughts, then took the initiative to approach Molly with a supportive proposal, ¡°After one recovers from <b>a </b>severe illness, it¡¯s absolutely vital to continue with cautious health management. I happen to know a colleague from the rehabilitation department at Central Hospital who¡¯s quite an expert in this. <b>Once </b>we¡¯re back, I¡¯ll contact him to see if he can offer some tailored advice for you.¡±

    Molly¡¯s face lit up with gratitude upon hearing Lysander¡¯s considerate offer. Moved by her thoughtfulness, she expressed her appreciation. ¡°Your concern means a great deal to me. With such support, I¡¯m confident that I¡¯ll <b>make </b>a swift recovery.¡±

    Her spirits visibly lifted by the conversation, Molly found herself enjoying her meal more than usual, consuming nearly half a te more than she typically would.

    Howard, observing the deepening bond between his wife and Lysander, felt a profound happiness. Even Maverick, despite some lingering physical difort, couldn¡¯t help but smile at the scene.

    It was a blessing that Lysander had reconnected with her biological parents. Maverick found sce in the thought that, should he no longer be around, she would still have a father figure in her life.

    Lysander caught Maverick¡¯s eye for a moment, almost revealing the turmoil inside her.

    Josiah, seated across from Michelle and next to Susan, had been attentively observing Lysander. Noticing her emotional fluctuations, he swiftly rose to distract the others by offering <b>to </b>refill their beverage, thus diverting attention away from her, particrly Maverick¡¯s.

    ¡°The coffee here is quite exceptional<b>; </b>I rmend everyone try it,¡± he announced, drawing the group¡¯s attention to the refreshment.

    Both Howard and Susan were initially surprised by his sudden attentiveness, but realizing that Lysander was present, they understood his actions were probably intended to support her, so they chose not to

    <bment</b>

    Susan, watching her son¨Cwho was usually quite snobbish¨Cshowing such care and attention, felt an immense sense of pride and satisfaction.

    However, only Lysander understood the true reason behind <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>timely intervention. He was concerned that Maverick might notice the sadness she <b>was </b>struggling to conceal.

    In an attempt to further cover his intentions, Josiah made a point of carefully pouring hot coffee for everyone at the table, taking extra time when it came to Lysander¡¯s cup.

    Lysander slightly tilted her cup toward him as he approached, whispering. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    To the others<b>, </b>it appeared she was simply expressing gratitude for the beverage, but only the two of them. knew the deeper significance of her thanks.

    After the meal, Howard and Molly were the first to retire to their rooms for some rest. The others took a short break before beginning <b>to </b><b>organize </b>a trip to the <b>spa </b>located at the back of the property.

    The <b>spa </b>at the resort was sourced directly from the earth, featuring separate outdoor sections for men and women, tailored to the different needs of the guests with individual partitions.

    Josiah shared a reassuring look with Lysander before joining Maverick at the men¡¯s section, understanding

    the im

    a of not <bsnina </b>Macerick na duzina this simu

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    Despite her ongoing concerns for Maverick¡¯s well¨Cbeing, Lysander felt slightly reassured knowing he was in goodpany with Josiah, the only other person privy to Maverick¡¯s health issues.

    It was Michelle¡¯s inaugural visit to a spa. After her shower, she slipped into her bathrobe and began to enthusiastically explore the vicinity. Noticing Lysander standing still after changing, Michelle yfully waved her hand in front of her sister¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s <b>up </b>with you?¡±

    Snapped out of her <b>reverie</b>, Lysander <b>quickly </b>regained herposure and asked, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Are you done <b>washing </b>up? If so, I¡¯ll head in then.¡±

    Given the limited number of showers, guests often had to wait in line.

    Upon hearing this. Michelle looked surprised, ¡°But didn¡¯t you just take a shower? You¡¯ve even changed into your bathrobe.¡±

    Lysander nced down at her attire and rubbed her forehead. ¡°I was deep in thought, and got a bit too absorbed, I guess. By the way, where¡¯s Mom! She¡¯s never been to a ce like this before; she might be lost.¡±

    Laura, always modest and frugal at home, preferred leisure activities in free public parks. Remembering the necessary preparations for a spa visit posed a bit of a challenge for her.

    Lysander regretted being so preupied with Maverick¡¯s illness that she had neglected to consider Laura might need assistance as well. She felt a sudden urgency to locate her.

    Michelle quickly reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about Mom. I saw Madam Susan with her. They were both chatting andughing, even talking about how to style their hair nicely.¡±

    This turn of events was rather unexpected.

    Relieved, she reassured herself, ¡°I almost forgot, they are about the same age, and they both have lovely temperaments. They should get along just fine.¡±

    Observing her sister¡¯s unusual demeanor that day, Michelle, driven by curiosity, ventured, ¡°Are you still troubled by the past issues with Josiah and Dad¡¯s attitude?¡±

    Lysander looked at Michelle, her face radiating joy. From the depths of her heart, she wished her little sister¡¯s happiness could endure. Raising her <b>hand </b>to lightly pinch her, Lysander adopted a yful tone, ¡°<b>Are </b>you <b>asking </b>all this because you¡¯re nning to spout nonsense <b>again</b>?¡±

    ¡°Not at all!¡± Michelle quickly rified, ¡°I just think my former brother¨Cinw <b>has </b>changed quite a bit. He might have genuinely turned over a new leaf.¡±

    At the opportune moment, Lysander released her hand <b>and </b>shifted the conversation. ¡°Michelle, do <b>you </b>think¡­ if I agreed to get back together with Josiah, would Dad be a bit happier?¡±

    Michelle pondered thoughtfully. ¡°If he to <b>treat </b>you as well as he does now, Dad would definitely be happy. After all, there¡¯s still plenty of time. Why not observe a little longer?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s still plenty of time,¡± Lysander murmured again, feeling as if her heart was being twisted by a knife. She had a long life ahead of her, but Maverick¡¯s days were numbered.

    Michelle sensed her sister was as perplexed as their father had been. Just as she was about to delve deeper out of curiosity, Laura, freshly showered, approached with Susan.

    Seeing the two sisters together, Laura cheerfully suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go enjoy the spa as well. I¡¯ve only <b>ever</b>

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    Chapter 619 His Thoughtfulness

    seen such ces in TV dramas before. I never thought I¡¯d get to experience it myself one day. I just wonder if the outdoor hot springs are cold or not.¡±

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    When Susan was on vacation abroad, she had already visited all the major tourist spots around the world, so she was quite familiar with them. She appeared calm and collected, but when she spoke, it was with an effortless charm. She said with a beaming smile, ¡°I¡¯d like to give it a try too. Let¡¯s go in. Mich, make sure not to get your hair wet.¡±

    air

    Women who soaked in the spa typically tied up their hair. This was done first to prevent polluting the pool, and secondly, because the significant temperature difference between the water and the open could easily lead to catching a cold if their hair got wet and then left the warmth.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Laura and Michelle, being neers, were naturally unaware of these customs.

    Michelle, always eager to follow advice, quickly headed to the hairdryer. After her bath, she dried her damp hair and tied it up neatly.

    Worried that she might mess up due to her inexperience, Laura also approached to help her.

    Seizing the moment, Lysander expressed her appreciation to Susan. ¡°Madam Susan, I¡¯ve been a bit too worn out recently, always absent¨Cminded and forgetting to take care of my mom and sister. I¡¯m grateful for your help.

    Susan, not wanting her to feel burdened, quickly waved her hand dismissively. ¡°You¡¯re such a wonderful child, but you¡¯re just too polite. Your mother and I hit it off right away; we¡¯re already friends. When you¡¯re out with friends, why worry about such things? It¡¯s just a minor matter.¡±

    Lysander nodded, her feelings of gratitude deepening.

    The smallest gestures often illuminate the most profound insights into a person¡¯s character. This was exemplified in the way Susan attended to Laura¡¯s emotional well¨Cbeing with a meticulousness that went beyond mere kindness. It was clear that her concern for her former daughter¨Cinw stemmed from a deep and genuine ce.

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    Once Michelle had readied herself, they all proceeded to the private room designated for their spa experience.

    Laura, initially apprehensive and wary of the chill, observed Susan¡¯sposed manner and followed her lead, settling by the edge of the pool. Once immersed, she let out a sigh of contentment, remarking, ¡°Truly, this spa is far more enjoyable than a simple bath at home.¡±

    Michelle, retaining the exuberance of youth, wasted no time in yful antics. As soon as Lysander stepped into the water, Michelle began sshing her, sparking a light¨Chearted water fight between the two.

    The sisters yful dispute briefly lifted the weight of their concerns.

    Nearby, Laura and Susan leaned close, observing the lively scene and exchanging smiles. ¡°Just look at those two, so vibrant and full of life, Lauramented.

    Susan, with a nostalgic tone, added. ¡°Indeed, if only I were twenty years younger, I¡¯d join in their frolics. without a second thought. But these days, even a short dip is enough to wear me out.¡±

    Their conversation naturally drifted to reminiscences of their younger days.

    Laura shared her reflections, ¡°Thinking back to when I was single, I cherished the freedom andck of responsibilities. Had I not met my husband, I might have chosen never to marry.¡±

    Curious, Susan inquired, ¡°How did you two meet, anyway? Maverick always seemed so serious. Did he actually make the first move back in his younger days?¡±

    Indeed, one should not judge a book by its cover.

    Laura, slightly embarrassed but amused, replied, ¡°Oh, those were simpler times. <b>Back </b>then, if young men and women liked each other, they just got married. There wasn¡¯t much of the chase we see today.¡±

    Susan chuckled. ¡°So, he did pursue you, then!¡±

    Despite her outwardly casual tone, Laura¡¯s memories were tinged with fondness. ¡°Well, you could say that. But he only ever took me out to a movie once, right after we got married. It endedte, and as we walked out, he pointed to the night sky andmented, ¡°The city lights dim the stars. You can only really see the Milky Way in the mountains.

    In their youth, during a time of booming industrial revolution, the city¡¯s pollution often masked the true beauty of the night sky.

    Absorbed by the conversation, Lysander and Michelle had ceased their y. Intrigued, they listened as their mother reminisced. Lysander then asked, ¡°Mom, did Dad ever take you to see the stars in the mountains?¡±

    <b>Laughing</b>, Laura replied, ¡°Of course not. Shortly after we married, you girls were born, and life just became a whirlwind of day¨Cto¨Cday responsibilities. We never found the time for such trips. Watching the <b>stars </b>on television had to suffice.¡±

    Realizing the missed opportunities her parents had faced, partly due to her own adoption, Lysander felt a sharp pang of guilt. She resolved then, ¡°Mom, seeing the milky way on TV isn¡¯t the same. I¡¯ll take you to the mountains myself.¡±

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    Laura hesitated, attempting to dismiss the idea, ¡°No need, dear<b>. </b>I was just mentioning it casually. Besides, you¡¯re already doing so much for us. This is all ancient history now. Your father probably doesn¡¯t even

    remember.¡±

    ¡°Dad wouldn¡¯t forget,¡± Lysander asserted firmly. ¡°You know him, Mom. He¡¯s always kept his promises. It¡¯s just that life got too busy. I want to make this right for you both.¡±

    Some opportunities, if not seized in the present, might nevere <b>again</b>. Lysander didn¡¯t want her. parents to <b>live </b>with regrets.

    Laura appeared reluctant, perhaps regretting even mentioning the past.

    Susan, seeing an opportunity to lighten the mood, interjected with a chuckle, ¡°Why wait for another time to camp in the mountains? We¡¯re already here. I¡¯ll just call Josiah to sort everything out.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, she picked up her phone, ready to make arrangements.

    Laura tried to protest, ¡°Maybe we shouldn¡¯t¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Susan interjected, dialing quickly. ¡°He was just lounging around. This gives him something useful to do.¡±

    She rapidly conveyed the necessary instructions to Josiah. His response was prompt and efficient, setting everything in motion before Laura could object further.

    Upon realizing that the situation was irreversible, Laura found herself at a loss for what to do next. Almost instinctively, she looked to Lysander for reassurance,

    Lysanderforted her, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got this handled.¡±

    ¡°All right then. I suppose we¡¯ll trouble him this once,¡± Laura replied.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Susan assured, ¡°he¡¯s likely just called the hotel staff to arrange everything. If he needs to do anything himself, it won¡¯t be much. Let¡¯s just rx and enjoy the evening.¡±

    As the day waned into evening, Howard and Molly learned about the nned mountain camping from Josiah but chose to rest instead. The true adventurers of the evening were the younger members of the

    party<b>.</b>

    Josiah had taken care of the arrangements while enjoying the spa himself. ¡°The resort offers full camping services,¡± he exined. ¡°They¡¯re already setting up tents and barbecue grills up the mountain. We¡¯ll head out once everything is ready.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Maverick, likely refreshed from the hot spring and invigorated by the prospect of camping, eximed, ¡°It¡¯s been ages since Ist camped. Inever expected to gain so much from this trip.¡±

    Laura, though initially concerned about imposing on Josiah, now looked forward to the adventure, teasing Maverick, ¡°It¡¯s about time you kept that old promise. I can¡¯t believe it¡¯s taken over thirty years and our daughter¡¯s intervention to get us here.¡±

    Josiah, feeling very much part of the family, replied smoothly, ¡°It¡¯s really no trouble at all. Just a few phone

    calls.¡±

    The words spoken were remarkably simr to what Susan had said before.

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    Lysander listened, a bittersweet feeling washing <b>over </b>her as family matters once again seemed to depend too heavily on Josiah. This should have been her responsibility, yet her father¡¯s uplifted spirits, oblivious to her inner conflict, reassured her slightly.

    Maverick, buoyed by Laura¡¯s reminiscences, found himself spiritedly transported back to the days of his youth. Uncharacteristically, he remained oblivious to Lysander¡¯s subdued mood, caught up in his own good spirits. His voice,den with excitement, echoed around them. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who managed the arrangements<b>, </b>just <b>that </b>it¡¯s been taken care of. I promised you, didn¡¯t I, that I¡¯d show you the Milky Way? 1 couldn¡¯t possibly go back on <b>that </b>promise, could I?¡±

    After voicing this, he turned towards Lysander, yfully ribbing her mother, ¡°Your mom always joked that I lured her back home with just one promise.¡±

    Laura, her cheeks tinged with a blush, lightly tapped her husband, chiding him in a yful tone, ¡°What are you going on about? We¡¯re hardly the young lovebirds we once were, and here you are, gossiping to our daughter. You really are something else¡­¡±

    Maverick¡¯sughter rang out heartily. ¡°So, tell me then, did I really deceive you?¡±

    Hearing this exchange, Lysander felt a slight lift in her spirits.

    Indeed, now was not the time for distractions. She needed to focus on helping her father fulfill that long- standing promise to her mother. With renewed determination, she steeled her resolve.

    Across the table, Josiah, who had been keeping a watchful eye on Lysander, quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Seizing a moment of levity as the elders engaged in their jovial banter, he discreetly nudged Lysander¡¯s shoe with his own under the table.

    Lysander¡¯s gaze immediately met his.

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

    In a voice just loud enough for the two of them, Josiah whispered, ¡°The temperature in the mountains dips quite low. I noticed everyone brought their warm clothing. You should head back and <b>change </b><b>into </b>yours soon. Even if it isn¡¯t chilly now, it¡¯ll serve as a good cover when the night sets in.¡±

    Caught off guard, Lysander hesitantly admitted in a soft, awkward voice, ¡°I¡¯ve actually forgotten to bring

    mine.¡±

    Anticipating this, Josiah nodded understandingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve packed it for you. It¡¯s in the luggage I brought up to your room.¡±

    Over the days they had spent together, Lysander had found herself thanking Josiah more times than she could count. For a moment, she chose silence over repeating the same formalities, a silent acknowledgment of his thoughtfulness.

    Josiah, recognizing the departure from her usual formality, couldn¡¯t help but smile subtly, pleased by the personal connection that seemed to be deepening between them.

    As the evening drew in, the temperature began to fall, and the day gave way to night much quicker than expected. By the time they reached the campsite, stars were just beginning to prick the velvety darkness of the sky.

    The campsite, often deserted during this season, was entirely theirs for the night.

    As Josiah set about pitching the tents with practiced efficiency, he kept in mind the responsibility Maverick had entrusted him with.

    Despite being an amateur at camping, Maverick rolled up his sleeves and offered his help, ¡°It looks like you could use a hand. Setting up a tent isn¡¯t just about following the instructions; getting the frame right is the first step.¡±

    Josiah, concerned about Maverick overexerting himself, quickly intervened, ¡°Please let me handle this. You should take it easy.¡±

    Off to the side, Maverick, seeing his wife and daughter busily preparing for the barbecue, leaned in closer to Josiah and whispered, ¡°<b>Jose</b>, the medicine¨Cyou arranged for it to be delivered, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Josiah nodded slightly.

    Maverick smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes, ¡°I thought as much. When the waiter unexpectedly brought it over as <b>a </b>gift, and it turned out to be medicine, I figured it was your doing.¡±

    ¡°Have you taken it?¡±

    ¡°I have, and honestly, it works wonders. I haven¡¯t felt this pain¨Cfree in a long time.¡±

    Maverick¡¯s words were a stark reminder of the pain he had been silently enduring. As soon as he had received the medicine, he sought out water to take it, eager for even a moment¡¯s relief.

    Josiah considered Lysander¡¯s request that had led to this moment and felt the weight of the responsibility she had ced in his hands. Yet, for the sake of both father <b>and </b>daughter, he kept his actions discreet.

    As the evening progressed, the campsite came alive with the crackle of the barbecue and the soft chatter of

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

    light and filled <b>with </b>anticipation for the night sky¡¯s spectacle.

    Finished

    Despite the Milky Way being a year¨Cround phenomenon, its visibility and brilliance were often at their <b>peak </b>in the summer. That night, their luck with the weather would determine their view.

    Lysander stood beneath the expanding canopy of stars, hands closely joined, eyes closed in silent prayer, hoping for a clear view of the gxy.

    <b>At </b>precisely seven o¡¯clock, perhaps in answer to her prayers, a swath of the Milky Way appeared, slicing through the night sky with its luminescent beauty, captivating everyone present.

    Michelle, having never witnessed such a spectacle, pped her hands in awe and eximed, ¡°Is that the

    Way? It¡¯s absolutely stunning!¡±

    Before she could dash forward for a closer <b>look</b>, Lysander gently pulled her back, cautioning her to watch her step.

    Maverick and Laura, seizing the moment, had wandered closer to the celestial disy, standing together in quiet reflection. Maverick, breaking from his usual reserve, wrapped an arm around Laura, his actions speaking volumes about his feelings.

    Michelle, observing their intimacy, whispered to <b>her </b>sister, ¡°I never knew Dad could be so romantic. No wonder Mom fell for him back then.

    As Lysander watched her parents, emotion overwhelmed her, tears springing to her eyes. To conceal her feelings from Michelle, she quickly fabricated an excuse, ¡°I think I¡¯ve got something in my eye. I¡¯m going to go check the tent for some tissues. You keep <b>watching</b>.¡±

    ¡°Should I get it <b>for </b>you?¡± Michelle offered.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s close by. Just enjoy the view. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Lysander reassured her, needing a moment topose herself.

    ¡°Oh, <b>okay </b>then.¡±

    Engrossed in the beautiful scenery before her and her parents¡® loving bond, Michelle failed to notice anything unusual.

    On the other hand, Josiah, ever attentive, followed Lysander to the sidelines. Observing her struggle to hold back tears, he handed her a pack of tissues he had prepared, ¡°Use these. Once you¡¯ve dried your tears, no one will be the wiser.¡±

    Taking the tissues, Lysander managed a weak smile, her emotions raw as she faced the reality of her father¡¯s illness, ¡°I once thought I could handle the pain of loss, <b>that </b>I could stand strong in front of Dad. But the truth is, it¡¯s impossible. Seeing them together, happy¨Cit brings everything back. I can¡¯t help but think of the <b>day </b>he¡¯ll inevitably leave <b>us</b><b>,</b>¡±

    Maverick¡¯s health had significantly declined, yet his determination to keep going was <b>as </b>strong as ever. <b>It </b>was difficult for Lysander not to fumb to feelings of pessimism under such circumstances. Even <b>Josiah </b>could offer little more than reassurance, telling her, ¡°Mr. Maverick didn¡¯t suspect anything. He thought the medicine was just something I¡¯d <b>managed </b>to find.¡±

    Lysander responded in a soff, subdued tone, ¡°That¡¯s better, at least. Now he won¡¯t shy away from going to the hospital for painkillers, worried about being found out.¡±

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

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    As she spoke, memories from her past began to surge within her, overwhelming her thoughts. ¡°Bing a doctor, one of the first harsh realities you face is death. I used to imagine how it might be if a family member passed away, thinking I was prepared. But I was naive. I believed there would be plenty of time to spend with them before such a day woulde<b>.</b>¡±

    She continued, ¡°However, that day ising much too suddenly. Any mental preparation I¡¯ve made is proving to bepletely inadequate. I won¡¯t be able to fulfill the promise I had made to myself¨Cto give them a better life.¡±

    The weight of her guilt was crushing, making Lysander feel as though her heart waspressing into a

    tight ball of remorse.

    <b>Josiah</b>, seeing her distress, offered words offort at just the right moment, ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Lysander. No one chooses to fall ill.¡±

    Her face drained of color. Lysander¡¯s voice broke as she reflected, ¡°But if I had just spent more time with them. I might have picked up on my father¡¯s unusual behaviors sooner. Perhaps then I could have gotten him into treatment early on in his lung cancer.¡±

    Reflecting on these thoughts now seemed futile; the time for what might <b>have </b>been had passed.

    Lysander was overwhelmed with <b>guilt</b>, finding it nearly impossible to even look at her parents and sister, who stood together, enjoying the beautiful view.

    Josiah, perceptive to the depth of her turmoil, gently suggested, ¡°It¡¯s not toote to spend more time with them now. At least it would allow Mr. Maverick to enjoy his final moments with the family he loves. Leave thepany matters to me for now. I¡¯ve handled them before, and I can keep things running smoothly.¡±

    Reassured by his support, Lysander felt a weight lift slightly. ¡°During this time, I¡¯m relying on you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Josiah responded confidently.

    Yet, Lysander knew she needed to gather her strength quickly. ¡°With Dad¡¯s health fading. Mom and Michelle are looking to <b>me</b>. I can¡¯t let them think that without Dad, we¡¯d just fall apart.¡±

    Seeing her resolve to take charge and keep her family united, Josiah felt a surge of admiration. ¡°I believe in you, Lysander.¡±

    Hearing his affirmation, Lysander allowed herself a moment of self¨Creflection, ¡°Now, I am part of arge <b>family</b>. The love I receive is proportional to the number of goodbyes I must eventually <b>face</b>. I¡¯vee to terms with this reality. I¡¯m ready to live fully, to cherish the time with my loved ones, and to minimize any regrets in the future.¡±

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

    In a voice just loud enough for the two of them, Josiah whispered, ¡°The temperature in the mountains dips quite low. I noticed everyone brought their warm clothing. You should head back and <b>change </b><b>into </b>yours soon. Even if it isn¡¯t chilly now, it¡¯ll serve as a good cover when the night sets in.¡±

    Caught off guard, Lysander hesitantly admitted in a soft, awkward voice, ¡°I¡¯ve actually forgotten to bring

    mine.¡±

    Anticipating this, Josiah nodded understandingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve packed it for you. It¡¯s in the luggage I brought up to your room.¡±

    Over the days they had spent together, Lysander had found herself thanking Josiah more times than she could count. For a moment, she chose silence over repeating the same formalities, a silent acknowledgment of his thoughtfulness.

    Josiah, recognizing the departure from her usual formality, couldn¡¯t help but smile subtly, pleased by the personal connection that seemed to be deepening between them.

    As the evening drew in, the temperature began to fall, and the day gave way to night much quicker than expected. By the time they reached the campsite, stars were just beginning to prick the velvety darkness of the sky.

    The campsite, often deserted during this season, was entirely theirs for the night.

    As Josiah set about pitching the tents with practiced efficiency, he kept in mind the responsibility Maverick had entrusted him with.

    Despite being an amateur at camping, Maverick rolled up his sleeves and offered his help, ¡°It looks like you could use a hand. Setting up a tent isn¡¯t just about following the instructions; getting the frame right is the first step.¡±

    Josiah, concerned about Maverick overexerting himself, quickly intervened, ¡°Please let me handle this. You should take it easy.¡±

    Off to the side, Maverick, seeing his wife and daughter busily preparing for the barbecue, leaned in closer to Josiah and whispered, ¡°<b>Jose</b>, the medicine¨Cyou arranged for it to be delivered, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    Josiah nodded slightly.

    Maverick smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes, ¡°I thought as much. When the waiter unexpectedly brought it over as <b>a </b>gift, and it turned out to be medicine, I figured it was your doing.¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Have you taken it?¡±

    ¡°I have, and honestly, it works wonders. I haven¡¯t felt this pain¨Cfree in a long time.¡±

    Maverick¡¯s words were a stark reminder of the pain he had been silently enduring. As soon as he had received the medicine, he sought out water to take it, eager for even a moment¡¯s relief.

    Josiah considered Lysander¡¯s request that had led to this moment and felt the weight of the responsibility she had ced in his hands. Yet, for the sake of both father <b>and </b>daughter, he kept his actions discreet.

    As the evening progressed, the campsite came alive with the crackle of the barbecue and the soft chatter of

    L Tha?? miharad

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

    light and filled <b>with </b>anticipation for the night sky¡¯s spectacle.

    Finished

    Despite the Milky Way being a year¨Cround phenomenon, its visibility and brilliance were often at their <b>peak </b>in the summer. That night, their luck with the weather would determine their view.

    Lysander stood beneath the expanding canopy of stars, hands closely joined, eyes closed in silent prayer, hoping for a clear view of the gxy.

    <b>At </b>precisely seven o¡¯clock, perhaps in answer to her prayers, a swath of the Milky Way appeared, slicing through the night sky with its luminescent beauty, captivating everyone present.

    Michelle, having never witnessed such a spectacle, pped her hands in awe and eximed, ¡°Is that the

    Way? It¡¯s absolutely stunning!¡±

    Before she could dash forward for a closer <b>look</b>, Lysander gently pulled her back, cautioning her to watch her step.

    Maverick and Laura, seizing the moment, had wandered closer to the celestial disy, standing together in quiet reflection. Maverick, breaking from his usual reserve, wrapped an arm around Laura, his actions speaking volumes about his feelings.

    Michelle, observing their intimacy, whispered to <b>her </b>sister, ¡°I never knew Dad could be so romantic. No wonder Mom fell for him back then.

    As Lysander watched her parents, emotion overwhelmed her, tears springing to her eyes. To conceal her feelings from Michelle, she quickly fabricated an excuse, ¡°I think I¡¯ve got something in my eye. I¡¯m going to go check the tent for some tissues. You keep <b>watching</b>.¡±

    ¡°Should I get it <b>for </b>you?¡± Michelle offered.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s close by. Just enjoy the view. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Lysander reassured her, needing a moment topose herself.

    ¡°Oh, <b>okay </b>then.¡±

    Engrossed in the beautiful scenery before her and her parents¡® loving bond, Michelle failed to notice anything unusual.

    On the other hand, Josiah, ever attentive, followed Lysander to the sidelines. Observing her struggle to hold back tears, he handed her a pack of tissues he had prepared, ¡°Use these. Once you¡¯ve dried your tears, no one will be the wiser.¡±

    Taking the tissues, Lysander managed a weak smile, her emotions raw as she faced the reality of her father¡¯s illness, ¡°I once thought I could handle the pain of loss, <b>that </b>I could stand strong in front of Dad. But the truth is, it¡¯s impossible. Seeing them together, happy¨Cit brings everything back. I can¡¯t help but think of the <b>day </b>he¡¯ll inevitably leave <b>us</b><b>,</b>¡±

    Maverick¡¯s health had significantly declined, yet his determination to keep going was <b>as </b>strong as ever. <b>It </b>was difficult for Lysander not to fumb to feelings of pessimism under such circumstances. Even <b>Josiah </b>could offer little more than reassurance, telling her, ¡°Mr. Maverick didn¡¯t suspect anything. He thought the medicine was just something I¡¯d <b>managed </b>to find.¡±

    Lysander responded in a soff, subdued tone, ¡°That¡¯s better, at least. Now he won¡¯t shy away from going to the hospital for painkillers, worried about being found out.¡±

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    Chapter 621 The Day He Inevitably Leaves Us

    65<b>%</b>

    Finished

    As she spoke, memories from her past began to surge within her, overwhelming her thoughts. ¡°Bing a doctor, one of the first harsh realities you face is death. I used to imagine how it might be if a family member passed away, thinking I was prepared. But I was naive. I believed there would be plenty of time to spend with them before such a day woulde<b>.</b>¡±

    She continued, ¡°However, that day ising much too suddenly. Any mental preparation I¡¯ve made is proving to bepletely inadequate. I won¡¯t be able to fulfill the promise I had made to myself¨Cto give them a better life.¡±

    The weight of her guilt was crushing, making Lysander feel as though her heart waspressing into a

    tight ball of remorse.

    <b>Josiah</b>, seeing her distress, offered words offort at just the right moment, ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, Lysander. No one chooses to fall ill.¡±

    Her face drained of color. Lysander¡¯s voice broke as she reflected, ¡°But if I had just spent more time with them. I might have picked up on my father¡¯s unusual behaviors sooner. Perhaps then I could have gotten him into treatment early on in his lung cancer.¡±

    Reflecting on these thoughts now seemed futile; the time for what might <b>have </b>been had passed.

    Lysander was overwhelmed with <b>guilt</b>, finding it nearly impossible to even look at her parents and sister, who stood together, enjoying the beautiful view.

    Josiah, perceptive to the depth of her turmoil, gently suggested, ¡°It¡¯s not toote to spend more time with them now. At least it would allow Mr. Maverick to enjoy his final moments with the family he loves. Leave thepany matters to me for now. I¡¯ve handled them before, and I can keep things running smoothly.¡±

    Reassured by his support, Lysander felt a weight lift slightly. ¡°During this time, I¡¯m relying on you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Josiah responded confidently.

    Yet, Lysander knew she needed to gather her strength quickly. ¡°With Dad¡¯s health fading. Mom and Michelle are looking to <b>me</b>. I can¡¯t let them think that without Dad, we¡¯d just fall apart.¡±

    Seeing her resolve to take charge and keep her family united, Josiah felt a surge of admiration. ¡°I believe in you, Lysander.¡±

    Hearing his affirmation, Lysander allowed herself a moment of self¨Creflection, ¡°Now, I am part of arge <b>family</b>. The love I receive is proportional to the number of goodbyes I must eventually <b>face</b>. I¡¯vee to terms with this reality. I¡¯m ready to live fully, to cherish the time with my loved ones, and to minimize any regrets in the future.¡±

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    Lysander was well acquainted with the sting of solitude. Even though she had grown used to her ownpany. the feeling of istion could still be overwhelmingly mncholic at times.

    Josiah, who had been quietly absorbing everything she shared, only expressed his sentiments once he fully grasped the depth of Lysander¡¯s concerns. ¡°Life often doesn¡¯t follow our ns, and saying goodbye <b>is </b><b>a </b>part of <b>that</b>. But if you¡¯re open to it. I¡¯m here to stay by your side until the very end.¡± he offered gently.

    §ã§å§ã to

    Lysander didn¡¯t outright reject his offer, but she didn¡¯t embrace it either. Touching the corner of her catch a tear, she responded softly, ¡°Your intentions are touching but a bit far from reality. You¡¯re older than me, and since men generally <b>have </b>a shorter lifespan than women, the likelihood of you being by my side until the end is uncertain.¡±

    Josiah, sensing <b>a </b>sliver of opportunity, remained resolute. ¡°Then it¡¯s up to me to take excellent care of myself. I¡¯ll stick to a regr schedule, stay active, eat healthily¨Call to ensure I can keep up with you.¡±

    Lysander half¨Cjoked in response. ¡°It seems like a lot of trouble. Perhaps it would be simpler to find someone younger, so we could avoid the pain of parting by Teaving together.¡±

    Josiah paused to consider her words, taking a moment before responding.

    Lysander knew his intentions were genuine, especially considering how emotionally taxing recent events had been for her. He simply wanted to offer her support.

    Aware that she was somewhat taunting him with the age difference, she started to say, ¡°Josiah, I didn¡¯t

    ¡°That wouldn¡¯t be impossible,¡± he cut in suddenly, his voice calm yet earnest.

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°You mentioned wanting someone younger? Perhaps that¡¯s not such a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°And <b>you </b>think¡­¡± Lysander began, somewhat surprised.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he reassured her quickly, ¡°I promised your father I¡¯d always protect you, and I intend to keep that promise. If you choose not to remarry, I¡¯ll still be here. And if you <b>find </b>someone else, I¡¯ll support you both.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Are you truly okay with that?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Josiah affirmed. ¡°If someone else can make you happy, I¡¯m willing to step aside.¡±

    ¡°Like what you did for Lysanne in the past?¡± Lysander probed, recalling how Josiah had once stepped back when Lysanne got married, resuming his methodical life of blind dates, marriage, and work.

    ¡°It¡¯s different <b>now</b>,¡± <b>Josiah </b>admitted. ¡°I probably won¡¯t marry <b>again</b><b>.</b>¡±

    What t

    your family if you choose not to marry?¡± Lysander queried.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning to have/children? I¡¯d help raise them,¡± he offered without hesitation.

    Lysander frowned, puzzled. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a selfless one, Mr. Guerra?¡±

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    Josiah shrugged. ¡°What¡¯s the alternative? Adopting a child from an orphanage? It¡¯s better to support someone trustworthy<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander, <b>ever </b>the <b>scientist</b>, mused aloud, ¡°Biologically speaking, it¡¯s hard to believe any male would willingly care for a child not his own, much less bequeath his fortune to them. In nature, <b>stags </b>fight until bloody, lions brawl until they¡¯re raw, and some insects even die to ensure their genes survive¡­¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>clicked his tongue. ¡°Talking of romance with you trulycks warmth. Everything you say boils down

    to science.¡±

    A brief smile flickered across Lysander¡¯s face before vanishing just as quickly. ¡°Perhaps <b>someone </b>with my disposition just isn¡¯t <b>meant </b>for love.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± <b>Josiah </b>interjected, his brow furrowed with concern. ¡°There¡¯s no one who is unsuited for love. You¡¯re perfect as you are¨Canalytical, thorough, and stable. You¡¯re not swayed by fleeting passions or superficial attractions.¡±

    Lysander teased, <b>half</b>¨Cserious, ¡°Are you being sarcastic about Joseph <b>and </b>Adrian?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s not sarcasm. I meant what I said,¡± Josiah replied. ¡°But regardless, they couldn¡¯t touch your heart

    anyway.

    Lysander acknowledged softly, ¡°For now, you can¡¯t too.¡±

    Josiah added, ¡°I know now that you¡¯re not cold¨Chearted, just cautious. When your dad showed you kindness, you repaid him manifold. It was the same with Daphne, Lynn, Prisci, and even when Nieva needed help, you were there without a second thought. You¡¯re not incapable of love; you¡¯re just afraid of getting hurt. That¡¯s why I¡¯m willing to keep giving, bit by bit, until you feel ready to open up.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    As the barbecue concluded and the Milky Way faded with the night, Maverick <b>and </b>Laura lingered on the grass, lost in memories of their youth. It had been ages since they¡¯d enjoyed such <b>unhurried</b>, carefree time together, their lives usually consumed by the demands of work <b>and </b>raising children.

    From a distance, Susan watched, her own past memories stirred by the scene. She felt a pang of sadness, missing the person who used to stand by her side.

    Lysander, observing from afar, turned to Josiah preemptively, ¡°You should go and keep Madam Susan

    ¡°All right, once I¡¯m finished here, I¡¯ll head over,¡± Josiah agreed.

    He quickly cleaned up the remains of the barbecue and joined <b>Susan</b>, engaging her in conversation to offer some sce.

    At that moment, Lysander could not allow herself to sumb to idleness, fearing that further reflection might only sink her deeper into a state of gloom. She busied herself with arranging her sleeping arrangements for the evening

    Josiah had meticulously organized their campsite. A total of five tents had been erected. Thergest tent was reserved for Maverick and Laura, while the other four smaller tents were arranged for the remaining members of the party, with each individual¡¯s personal effects already thoughtfully ced inside.

    Lysander unzipped the p of the tent assigned to her and immediately noticed the thoughtful arrangement inside. Thick clothing was neatlyid out atop a disposable sleeping bag, beneath which a <b>dust </b>cover had been ced <b>to </b>suit her preference for cleanliness.

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    As ten o¡¯clock approached, the weariness from the day¡¯s early start and the activities at the spa resort. began to weigh on everyone. They collectively decided to call it a night and retreated to their tents <b>for </b>some much¨Cneeded rest.

    Josiah¡¯s tent was strategically positioned next to Susan¡¯s. Despite the long and tiring day, he took the time to ensure <b>that </b>a few of the elders werefortably settled before he considered retiring to his own <b>tent </b>for the night.

    However, just as he began to unzip his tent, Michelle appeared, rushing over from the opposite direction in a state of urgency.

    ¡°Michelle?¡± Josiah queried, surprised by her sudden appearance,

    Upon seeing him, Michelletched onto him as though he was her lifeline, pleading. ¡°Josiah! Please check on my sister. I think¡­ I think she¡¯s crying!¡±

    Josiah genuinely saw her as a sister, and in that moment, he sought tofort her, ¡°Calm down, tell me exactly what happened?¡±

    Michelle¡¯s voice trembled with concern as she recounted the unsettling sounds she had heard, ¡°As I passed by Lysander¡¯s tent, I¡¯m certain I heard her crying. It was faint, but unmistakable. She seldom disys such emotion openly. You¡¯ve spoken with her privately before; do you have any idea what might be troubling her?

    Lysander had always managed to mask her deeper emotions from Michelle, maintaining a facade of cheerfulness when necessary. Michelle had long sensed something amiss but had struggled with how to approach the subject.

    Now, with someone she believed could shed light on her sister¡¯s distress right in front of her, Michelle¡¯s expression became one of earnest inquiry, ¡°Did you upset my sister somehow?¡±

    Josiah, feeling somewhat cornered by the usation, responded with a resigned tone, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare upset her at this point.¡±

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    At that time, Josiah was entirelymitted to Lysander¡¯s well¨Cbeing, treating her with such careful attention as though she were something precious and fragile. He wouldn¡¯t dream of causing her any upset.

    Michelle¡¯s features softened slightly as she responded, ¡°All right, then I¡¯ll go back and check on her<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°No need, I¡¯ll go. You should head back to sleep. If your sister sees you up thiste, she¡¯ll surely worry. I¡¯ll go check on her.¡± Josiah¡¯s offer came from a ce of deep consideration for both sisters¡® well¨Cbeing.

    He was indeed aware of the unusual behavior exhibited by Lysandertely, yet found himself unable to tell Michelle the truth.

    Michelle, cing a significant amount of trust in him, nodded and began to retreat. However, she couldn¡¯t help but nce back every few steps, her movements betraying her lingering unease.

    Lysander¡¯s tent was directly across from Josiah¡¯s. He approached quietly, crouching at first, hesitating as he listened intently by the side of her tent. Confirming that the soft sounds of crying were still audible, he tentatively tapped on the fabric of the tent

    The noise inside stopped abruptly.

    A momentter. Lysander queried tentatively, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡±

    Josiah replied with a gentle exhale, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Is there something you need?¡±

    Josiah exined his presence, ¡°Your sister heard you crying and got a bit worried about you, so she sent me to check on you.¡±

    Lysander seemed surprised. ¡°Michelle heard me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.

    ¡°Then did she¡­¡±C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°First, unzip the tent. It¡¯s difficult to talk through the tent, and <b>others </b>might overhear us.¡±

    The mountain wind at night <b>was </b>sharp, and even though they were separated by only the thin fabric of the tent, Lysander struggled to hear Josiah¡¯s words clearly. His voice wasn¡¯t particrly quiet either.

    After a prolonged silence, she finally relented and unzipped the tent from the inside, poking her head out to ask, ¡°You¡¯ve been busy all day, aren¡¯t you tired? I¡¯m fine, you should go back and get some sleep.¡±

    Josiah nced inside, his eyes briefly catching sight of a crumpled piece of white paper on the ground next to a small stic bag that was filled to the brim. Concerned about overstepping, he quickly averted <b>his </b>eyes<b>, </b>asking, ¡°Are you really okay?¡±

    Lysander, unable to <b>summon </b>even a forced smile, simply lowered her gaze and responded, ¡°I¡¯m perfectly fine, nothing¡¯s wrong. You should go back.¡±

    Josiah, however, was already suspecting <b>that </b>she was merely putting on a brave front. His voice was low as he responded, ¡°We¡¯re now people who <b>share </b>a secret. There¡¯s no need to put on a front around me<b>¡­</b>

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    Catching his incisive look, Lysander <b>took </b>a <b>deep </b>breath and resignedly epted the situation

    Finished

    Josiah could see she looked even more distressed than before. ncing around, he noticed the lighting from the nearby cozy tent and suggested in a subdued tone, ¡°Michelle hasn¡¯t gone to sleep yet. I¡¯m afraid she might overhear our conversation here. Can we talk inside?¡±

    The confines of the single¨Cperson tent were admittedly tight. When two people entered, the proximity was unavoidable, yet the campsite offered no other cover, and even a moderately raised voice might carry to unintended cars.

    Lysander silently moved her sleeping bag back to make room at the entrance of the tent. <b>Josiah</b>, showing respect for her space, stooped to enter but sat just inside the p, careful not to invade further. Given his tall frame, the tent was undeniably cramped for him.

    Noticing his difort, Lysandermented, ¡°The tents nowadays are made too small, aren¡¯t they? They¡¯re certainly not built with taller people in mind.¡±

    Josiah, however, seemed unperturbed by the inconvenience. ¡°After all, this is probably the only time we¡¯ll do this. We won¡¯t have many more opportunities to sleep in a tent in the future.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard today,¡± Lysander acknowledged.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities at this hour,¡± Josiah replied.

    Lysander then inquired about her sister, ¡°Where is Michelle?¡±

    She instinctively nced outside the tent, concerned that her younger sister might have gone to seek their parents again.

    Josiah quickly reassured her, ¡°She probably hasn¡¯t noticed anything unusual. She only heard you crying and is just worried that I might have been upsetting you.¡±

    The burden of responsibility Josiah felt was bing increasingly heavy.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like she¡¯s slept at all,¡± he observed.

    Lysander looked toward the light still visible outside, suspecting Michelle was likely still awake and possibly distracted by her phone. Her voice grew even softer.

    Josiah spoke softly. ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea. With a light on, at least we¡¯d know where your sister is. We wouldn¡¯t have to worry about hering over unexpectedly because she¡¯s concerned about you.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod, her attention still fixed on the flickering light outside.

    <b>Josiah </b>noticed the lingering tear stains in the corners of her eyes and asked, ¡°I remember when you saw the Milky Way, you seemed to have calmed down, but then you suddenly started crying so sorrowfully. What happened?¡±

    He remembered Lysander <b>as </b><b>someone </b><b>who </b>rarely lost herposure without significant reason. The drastic change in her demeanor suggested she had experienced something profoundly upsetting, possibly something as distressing <b>as</b>¡­.

    The memory of their lost child momentarily crossed Josiah¡¯s <b>mind</b><b>, </b>causing him a sharp pang of empathy.

    As anticipated, Lysander¡¯s next words confirmed his suspicions<b>. </b>¡°I was worried that <b>my </b>parents wouldn¡¯t be 2/4

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    used to camping for the first time, so I thought I¡¯d go over and remind them not to zip up their tent too tightly at night, to leave a bit of space for venttion. Just as I arrived, my dad came out. The moment he saw me, he hurriedly said he needed to go back to the hotel to get my mom¡¯s coat.¡±

    She continued, ¡°My mom insisted she wasn¡¯t cold and didn¡¯t need anything, but he was adamant about going back. He even asked me to stay and keep my mompany. I was really worried, so I secretly followed him¡­¡±

    As Lysander recounted these events, a wave of emotion overwhelmed her, causing her nose to tingle. She quickly raised a hand to cover her eyes, managing to hold back the tears, though her eyes were already red from earlier crying.

    <b>Josiah </b>handed her a tissue.

    Lysander¡¯s fingers trembled slightly as she epted the tissue, holding it over her eyes for a few moments topose herself before she found the strength to continue speaking. Her voice wasden with <b>strain </b>as she revealed, ¡°I <b>saw</b>¡­ I saw my dad struggle to reach the car. He could barely support himself, and before long, he couldn¡¯t <b>stand </b>upright anymore. He was in so much pain that he just copsed to his knees silently¡­¡±

    Josiah vividly remembered the conversation he had with Maverick in the stairwell, where Maverick had clenched his teeth against the pain.

    Understanding the severity of the situation, <b>Josiah </b>responded, ¡°I understand, Mr. Maverick is a strong man. If he¡¯s reached his limit, it must be incredibly serious,¡±

    Lysander, deeply moved and struggling with her emotions, continued, ¡°I¡¯ve always thought I understood my dad well, but seeing him like that¡­ I realized I couldn¡¯t even begin to share his pain, much less manage his medication properly¡­¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice grew tense as he recalled the earlier administration of painkillers. ¡°I gave him a dose of painkillers earlier today while we were at the spa. But given the time that has passed, they might have worn off during their stargazing. Unfortunately, Mdm. Laura <b>has </b>been by his side constantly, so he likely didn¡¯t have a chance to take any more of his medication.¡±

    Patients in thetter stages of lung cancer often face relentless progression of the disease, where tumor metastasis could lead to the failure of vital organs¨Ca relentlessly unforgiving progression that was irreversible.

    Maverick had even pushed himself to eat well during the barbecue to prevent Laura from worrying, which undoubtedly taxed <b>his </b>already weakened condition.

    Lysander, her voice barely above a whisper and fighting back tears, inquired, ¡°Do you still have any of <b>those </b>painkillers left?¡±

    Josiah nodded affirmatively. ¡°I can get them from the hotel right now. However, I¡¯m unsure how to discreetly deliver them to Mr. Maverick since there¡¯s been no light in the tent he¡¯s sharing with Mdm. Laura for a while <b>now</b>.¡±

    The campsite was shrouded in an eerie silence<b>, </b>amplified by the drop in temperature, which even subdued the faint chirping of the mountain insects.

    After a moment of contemtion <b>amid </b>the stillness, Lysander inhaled deeply, trying to stabilize her shaking emotions, and suggested, ¡°Perhaps I should find an excuse to have Mome and stay in my tent. tonight<b>?</b>¡±

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    Josiah considered this for a brief moment before offering. ¡°Actually, I might have another idea¡­¡±

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    The mountain night was a stark contrast to the luminous cityscape, where even the moonlight appeared unusually radiant, casting a serene yet chilling glow across thendscape.

    Laura had sumbed to the peaceful surroundings, her sleep deep and undisturbed by the unfamiliar silence, far removed from the urban mor to which she was ustomed. Maverick, however,y beside her in the tent, restless and struggling with difort. A cold sweat drenched his forehead as he contorted in pain, his clenched jaw silent, a testament to his resolve not to disturb his wife¡¯s slumber.

    His eyes squeezed shut, Maverick pressed his hand firmly against his side, attempting to quell the pain that racked his body.

    Suddenly, the piercing sound of a phone ringing sliced through the quiet of the tent.

    Maverick, already denied the mercy of sleep by his pain, reached out instinctively for the vibrating device. Laura, roused from her slumber more slowly<b>, </b>squinted at the abrupt disturbance and murmured groggily. ¡°Who could that be at this hour?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Lysa, Maverick replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Within the confines of their small campsite, the need for a phone call seemed superfluous and raised concerns of an urgent issue.

    Fearing that Lysander might be facing some crisis, Maverick¡¯s voice wasden with worry as he answered the call. ¡°It¡¯s Dad. What¡¯s wrong?

    On the other end of the line. Lysander¡¯s voice, still hoarse from recent tears yet feigning cheerfulness as Josiah had advised, rang out, ¡°Dad, quickly call Mom toe out and see. There¡¯s a shooting star outside! It zipped by so fast, if you don¡¯te out now, you¡¯ll miss it!¡±

    ¡°A shooting star¡­¡± Maverick exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to Laura, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go watch the shooting stars.

    But Laura, overwhelmed by exhaustion, murmured as she nestled deeper into her sleeping bag. ¡°You go <b>and </b>apany them. I just want to sleep now. Besides, shooting stars are so fast, even if we go out now. we may not catch them¡­ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Respecting her desire to rest, Maverick dressed quietly and said, ¡°AH right, I¡¯m leaving now. If I catch a glimpse. I¡¯ll snap a photo for you.¡±

    He wiped the sweat from his brow, masking the intensity of his difort as he prepared to leave the tent. Stepping outside, he first encountered Michelle waiting in a nearby clearing.

    Rubbing her eyes, Michelle approached him and said, ¡°Dad, Lysander mentioned that there¡¯ll be shooting starster, but I¡¯m just <b>too </b>tired. Why don¡¯t you go watch it with her? I¡¯ll head back and keep Mmompany for a while.¡±

    Subconsciously, Maverick cast a nce at the expansive night sky, noting its deep, unmarred darkness and the absence of any shooting stars.

    Recalling how Michelle had been fooled by a simr ruse in the past, he pieced together that Lysander¡¯s invitation was not merely to watch a meteor shower; she likely needed to discuss something important.

    Concealing his realization from Michelle, he responded as if all was normal<b>, </b>¡°All right, then I¡¯ll swap tents

    <b>you</b>. Remember to zip it up from the inside.¡±

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    Michelle, still oblivious to any underlying issues within the campsite, nodded<b>, </b>albeit confused by the

    situation.

    Once Maverick had departed, the biting mountain chill quickly dispelled any lingering sleepiness Michelle might have felt. A meteor shower is a huge deal. Why aren¡¯t there any mentions of it on the inte? She paused her move <b>toward </b>the tent, turning to cast a doubtful look behind her.

    Maverick, now alone, could no longer hide the grimace of pain that crossed his face. It might have been due to the absence of recent cancer treatment¨Cno medication, no chemotherapy¨Cthat the physical agony

    had intensified, revealing the harsh toll of the tumor.

    As he walked toward the designated meeting spot, Josiah appeared, holding a blister pack of medicine. ¡°Mr. Maverick, I¡¯m sorry, I failed to keep our agreement. Lysander¡­already knows.¡±

    Maverick epted the medicine with a nce toward Lysander, who stood nearby holding a thermos sk, her eyes visibly red. ¡°I don¡¯t me you. My daughter has always been perceptive and responsible. I didn¡¯t think I could keep it from her forever<b>, </b>just hoped it could be for as long as possible. I didn¡¯t expect her to find out this soon.¡±

    He then turned to soothe Lysander as she fought back tears. ¡°All right, no more tears. If you keep crying. your eyes will swell up.¡±

    With a sniffle. Lysander replied, ¡°All right, I won¡¯t cry anymore, Dad. You should take your medicine first. Earlier, when you¡­ when you went to get Mom¡¯s coat, I saw everything.¡±

    The memory was still painfully fresh, but she managed to stabilize her voice, though it was clear she struggled to maintain herposure.

    Seeing his daughter so distressed, Maverick felt <b>a </b>profound sadness. ¡°Let¡¯s move somewhere else first. We¡¯re too close to the tent here, it would be troublesome if we woke your mother up. She¡¯s in high spirits. tonight<b>, </b>and I don¡¯t want to spoil her mood.¡±

    Lysander nodded vigorously, supporting his arm as they walked to a more secluded spot behind some bushes, with Josiah following a few steps behind to give them some privacy.

    After a short walk, arge tree loomed before them, offering a private enve for a delicate conversation.

    Maverick broke the silence, his eyes on Josiah. ¡°This was your idea, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Josiah nodded<b>, </b>confirming, ¡°Yes, Lysander is really worried about your health.¡±

    Lysander, focusing solely on her father¡¯s ashenplexion, handed him the thermos sk and urged, ¡°Dad, you should take your medicine <b>first</b>.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± Maverick reassured her gently, ¡°my good girl, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s not as painful as it looks. I just have a sensitive stomach, and the barbeque didn¡¯t sit well with me.¡±

    Knowing he was downying his pain, Lysander bit back tears and responded, ¡°I know¡­¡±

    Maverick then took the thermos sk, swallowing the medicine right then and there. Leaning against the tree, it took him some time to find relief, but gradually, his strained expression began to soften.

    Despite his slight recovery, his pallor was still poor, but he appeared almost as he had when he first arrived. at the camp.

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    Josiah, seeing Maverick¡¯s enduring difort, ollered, ¡°Mr. Maverick, if it bes too much, I¡¯ll make up an excuse to take you back to the city first thing tomorrow morning.¡±

    If they were to adhere to their original n, they would remain in the mountains for several more days, which seemed increasingly unfeasible given Maverick¡¯s condition.

    However, Maverick waved off the concern. ¡°No need, don¡¯t we already have medicine? I¡¯ll be fine after taking a couple of pills.¡±

    Overwhelmed. Lysander broke down, tears streaming as she implored, ¡°Dad, this is just a painkiller. It can¡¯t control the progression of your illness at all. We should return to the hospital as soon as possible. Maybe they¡¯ll find a suitable targeted cancer drug¡­¡±

    Maverick¡¯s heart ached as he saw the tears in Lysander¡¯s eyes. ¡°The doctors have already exined my condition,¡± he spoke softly. ¡°Rather than spending money on treatments, I¡¯d rather live my <b>remaining </b>days to the fullest. Besides, don¡¯t we often hear about miracles in the news? They say some people get better when there¡¯s no treatment.¡±

    ¡°You know as well as I do that would be a miracle,¡± Lysander replied, her voiceden with despair. ¡°Tm a doctor myself. Don¡¯t you think I understand how slim the chances are? I¡¯m begging you, please agree to the treatment once <b>we </b>return.¡±

    This was thest hope<b>.</b>

    Maverick remained silent for a moment, the weight of his daughter¡¯s words pressing heavily on him. Finally, he spoke in a low, resolute tone, ¡°I know you mean well, and I understand your fear of losing me. But there are things in life that are beyond our control. I¡¯m in thete stages of cancer<b>, </b>and there¡¯s no cure. Furthermore, the treatment would cost a lot of money. Given the grim prospects of recovery, I¡¯d rather save some money for your mother¡¯s retirement and for Mich¡¯s dowry. Otherwise, what would they do once I¡¯m gone and the money is all spent?¡±

    He gently wiped away her tears, his voice filled with emotion, ¡°You¡¯ve always been such a <b>good</b>, obedient child. Please, just listen to me one more time. It might be thest time.¡±

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    Upon hearing this, Lysander¡¯s tears grew more intense. She grasped his hand tightly, her <b>voice </b>choked with emotion. ¡°If the Central Hospital can¡¯t handle it, we can look for treatment overseas. You don¡¯t need to worry about the money. Dad. I¡¯ve secured my role at thepany. Whatever the cost, I¡¯m prepared to save you!¡±

    Her resolve was clear; she was prepared to sacrifice her own career aspirations and remain at thepany forever it meant keeping her father alive. As she saw hesitation flicker across Maverick¡¯s face, she implored him with a trembling voice, ¡°Dad, you haven¡¯t seen me settle <b>down </b>yet. How can you be at peace with leaving without witnessing that?¡±

    Maverick responded by gently patting her hand, his voice a mixture offort and sadness, ¡°I may not be fortunate enough to see that day, but remember, even if one day I have to leave, I¡¯ll still be <b>watching </b>over you from above.¡±

    Ovee by her emotions, Lysander leaned into his shoulder, her cries filling the silent forest around them.

    Josiah, witnessing this heart¨Cwrenching scene, felt a deep sorrow. Despite knowing the odds were against them, he couldn¡¯t help but interject with a glimmer of hope, ¡°Mr. Maverick, just give us the <b>nod</b>. I¡¯ve already been in touch with some of the best lung cancer specialists. If you agree, we could be on our way as early as tomorrow morning.¡±

    He had the means to arrange a private jet to take them directly to a top¨Ctier medical facility, though he opted to keep quiet about the overseas doctors¡® cautious optimism regarding Maverick¡¯s advanced condition.

    These experts had already admitted that while they could attempt to manage his pain, they could <b>not </b>halt the disease¡¯s progression. Maverick needed a miracle, and miracles, by their very nature, were unpredictable and rare.

    However, Maverick gently declined the offer, ¡°Thank you for your kindness, but let¡¯s notplicate things. If I had the strength to travel and stay abroad, I¡¯d rather spend that time at home with my family. And frankly, I¡¯m not one for foreign food like hamburgers and steaks. I¡¯m morefortable here.<b>¡±</b>

    He had long epted his fate, reflecting on his life with <b>a </b>sense of fulfillment rather than regret, ¡°When I first received the diagnosis, it shocked me<b>, </b><b>of </b>course. But as I thought about my life, I realized I¡¯ve had a good run. I married the woman I loved and was blessed with wonderful daughters. What more could I ask

    for?¡±

    Heforted Lysander, patting her shoulder gently, reminiscent of how he used to carry her home when she was a child, too tired to walk after a long day.

    From a young <b>age</b>, Lysander had always been sensitive and perceptive. Sensing her father¡¯s firm resolution and knowing that arguing would be futile, Lysander fought topose herself, striving not to burden him further with her fears <b>and </b>grief.

    Seeing her regain someposure, Maverick reassured her with a smile, ¡°That¡¯s my strong girl. Remember, there¡¯s no obstacle too great that we can¡¯t ovee together.¡±

    With determination renewed, yet still heavy¨Chearted, Lysander inquired softly, ¡°Dad, is there anything else you¡¯d like to do? I¡¯m ready to put my work aside and spend this time with you and Mom, whatever you

    need.¡±

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    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Continue with your life as usual. If you hover around too much, it¡¯ll <b>just </b>raise suspicions with your mother and sister. Thest thing I want is to be a burden or to disrupt your

    career<b>.</b>¡±

    Lysander, ever honest but now facing <b>a </b>situation that demanded subtlety, improvised, ¡°It won¡¯t impact my work. If necessary. I¡¯ll just manage things from home and go into the office only for emergencies.¡±

    Maverick nodded, partly reassured, then shared his thoughts<b>, </b>¡°If I can see you well¨Csettled and know you¡¯re in good hands, I¡¯ll <b>have </b>no regrets. It¡¯s important to me that the time I have left isn¡¯t spent in a hospital. Your mother has sacrificed a lot; ensuring herfort is my top priority now.¡±

    Tears threatened to spill from Lysander¡¯s eyes again as she listened to her father. ¡°Please don¡¯t talk like that. Mom has always said that marrying you was her greatest happiness.¡±

    Maverick¡¯s thoughts turned tenderly to Laura, his voice softening. ¡°Your mother is an incredible woman. We¡¯ve been through so much together. I¡¯d hoped to build a new house to bring her joy in herter <b>years</b>, but it seems I won¡¯t see that day. Looking ahead, you¡¯ll need to take up the mantle at home.¡±

    Regret tinged his words as he continued, ¡°Lysa, I¡¯m sorry. I wish I could continue to shoulder these responsibilities, but it looks like they¡¯ll be yours now.¡±

    Lysander had never viewed the care of the family as a task that was Maverick¡¯s alone to bear. She tried to speak up, to offer reassurance, but her voice was raspy and weak from crying too much. When she opened ger mouth to speak, she was ovee by emotion, her voice catching in her throat.

    Josiah, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines throughout the heartfelt father¨Cdaughter exchange, chose this moment to assert hismitment. ¡°Mr. Maverick, I¡¯ve always been a man of my word. Should the daye, <b>rest </b>assured, I will take utmost care of Lysander¡¯s family. Her family is my family too<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander, attempting to regain some semnce ofposure, quickly interjected, ¡°Dad, why are you talking as if the weight of everything rests solely on your shoulders? As the eldest daughter, it¡¯s my role to support this family too. You¡¯ve done so much for us already¡­ Please, trust in me. I am fully capable of handling it.¡±

    As she spoke, she dabbed at her tear¨Cstained cheeks, the redness <b>around </b>her eyes a stark testament to the depth of her earlier despair.

    Maverick responded, softly caressing her cheek, a gesture filled with tenderness. ¡°How could I ever doubt you, my child? My concern isn¡¯t a question of your capability; it¡¯s just that I worry about the burden being <b>too </b>much for you, especially when I¡¯m gone.¡±

    Just then, the silence was pierced by the sound of snapping twigs from behind him. Maverick spun <b>around</b>, his expression rmed as he caught sight of Michelle standing there with a confused and startled look on her face.

    Michelle, her voice tinged with confusion and disbelief, managed to stammer, ¡°Dad, Lysa¡­ what are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    The colors drained from Maverick¡¯s face as he grasped the gravity of what Michelle might have overheard, he asked with a tremulous voice, ¡°Mich? Did you hear everything?¡±

    Both Lysander and Josiah instinctively looked at Michelle, recognizing the difficulty she had in processing the conversation. Michelle¡¯s hand dropped from her mouth as she rushed over, her voice filled <b>with </b>urgency, ¡°Lysa, please tell me Dad didn¡¯t mean what he just said. What does he mean by ¡®when he¡¯s gone?

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    Lysander, deeply empathetic to her sister¡¯s shock and confusion, replied with a gentle firmness, ¡°Michelle, please, let¡¯s be calm and listen to what <b>Dad </b>has to say, okay?¡±

    Michelle, sensing the seriousness from Lysander¡¯s tone, responded anxiously, ¡°What do you mean? This isn¡¯t making any sense to me.¡±

    Josiah, standing nearby, remained silent, respecting that this was a moment for the sisters to navigate together.

    Lysander¡¯s heart ached for her sister; she struggled to find the words to exin their father¡¯s condition.

    Finally, Maverick, gathering his strength<b>, </b>addressed Michelle directly, ¡°Stop pressing your sister, Michelle. She¡¯s <b>as </b>upset as you are. I¡¯ve indeed been sorting out my affairs. Before you were discharged from the hospital. I wasn¡¯t feeling well and went for a check¨Cup. Unfortunately, the diagnosis waste¨C<b>stage </b>lung

    cancer.

    The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, casting a palpable shadow over the entire family. The intensity of the situation seemed to suffocate everyone present, a somber reality settling heavily upon

    their hearts.

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    It took Michelle a considerable amount of time to process Maverick¡¯s words. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could form the words, she burst into uncontroble sobs. ¡°Dad, no, how could this be? You always seem so strong and healthy, it can¡¯t be possible!¡±

    Maverick, witnessing his youngest daughter¡¯s breakdown, felt a deep pang of sorrow. His lips trembled as he fought back his own tears.

    In the <b>past</b>, he would have maintained a stoic, fatherly demeanor, but now, faced with his daughter¡¯s raw grief, he felt an even greater distress than her own.

    Lysander, observing her sister¡¯s breakdown, moved tofort Michelle. However<b>, </b>as she reached out to touch her sister¡¯s hand, the overwhelming sense of her own grief sapped her strength, and she found herself unable to offer the support she intended.

    Maverick, summoning his strength, spoke with a firm, albeit gentle voice, ¡°Mich, you¡¯re an adult now. Even though you¡¯re still in school, you¡¯re not a child. Crying won¡¯t change our reality. In the future, I need you to help Lysa look after your mother. Try your best to manage, and importantly, try not to cause your sister any unnecessary worry, okay?¡±

    His words, though harsh, carried an undeniable logic. For Michelle, struggling on the verge of copse, it was a stark reminder that despite her despair, she needed to confront the reality of their family¡¯s crisis. The gravity of her father¡¯s illness and their situation forced her to realize that this was not the time for tears, especially since their mother was still unaware of the truth.

    Upon seeing his younger daughter¡¯s tears, Maverick¡¯s expression softened, and he spoke in <b>a </b>gentler tone, ¡°Let¡¯s not tell your mother about this right now. I want to spend a few happy days with her. Is that okay?¡±

    Michelle was overwhelmed by her tears, seemingly unable to hear anything else, teetering on the edge of <b>an </b>emotional breakdown.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected her father to be so reasonable. Gently helping Michelle to her feet, she said, ¡°There, there, stop crying. If you keep crying, it¡¯ll only make Dad feel worse.¡±

    Maverick wiped the tears from his youngest daughter¡¯s face and reassured her, ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m still standing here just fine, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    No one could predict what the future held, but at that moment, Maverick longed to spend quality time. with his family. Even the words that had once made him feel awkward now came out effortlessly.

    Michelle stopped crying, but it was <b>clear </b>that her emotions were still in turmoil. She looked as if her spirit <b>had </b>been crushed.

    Maverick grew worried. With everyone here, leaving Laura alone at the campsite might not be safe. Taking the initiative, he addressed Lysander and Josiah<b>, </b>¡°All right, it¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll take Mich back to her mother to rest. You two should head back soon <b>too</b><b>.</b>¡±

    With that, he led Michelle away, just as he used to when <b>taking </b>her <b>to </b>school as a child.

    Michelle, terrified <b>that </b>her father might suddenly disappear, obediently let him lead her, behaving impably.

    Lysander didn¡¯t dare to say a word. She simply nodded in silence and watched as they vanished into the

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    The night was deeply shrouded in darkness, with only a single light illuminating the direction of the camp. Lysander watched for a long time. Even after Michelle and Maverick disappeared from her sight, she remained motionless for quite a while.

    Josiah, worried that bottling up her emotions could lead to trouble, voiced his concern, ¡°Do you still feel like crying? I can take you somewhere else where you can let it all out.¡±

    Lysander slowly turned her head to look at him<b>, </b>her voice strained as she <b>said</b>, ¡°No <b>need</b><b>. </b>My dad can still talk to me, and he can still take Michelle <b>back </b>to bed. Isn¡¯t that wonderful? There¡¯s no reason to cry.¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t bear to <b>see </b>her in such a state. With a gentle voice, he began tofort her, ¡°You¡¯ve already done <b>so </b>well.¡±

    ¡°I still haven¡¯t done enough for him,¡± <b>Lysander </b>replied, her voice filled with sorrow.

    ¡°Mr. Maverick¡¯s illness came on so suddenly, you didn¡¯t even have time to mentally prepare. The fact that you¡¯ve managed to cope this far is already quite remarkable. As for Michelle, her quick recovery shows that she¡¯s matured. She understands the need to keep her emotions in check for the sake of the family, rather than <b>acting </b>on a whim.

    He wished for Lysander to regain her spirits but couldn¡¯t bring himself to be too blunt with his words.

    With a sorrowful smile, Lysander tried to appear unaffected but failed miserably. ¡°Truthfully, I wish Michelle could remain willful forever. Her sudden maturity only signifies that the person who allowed her such freedom is about to be no more.¡±

    These words were not only meant for Josiah but also served as a reminder to herself.

    ¡°Growing up in an instantes with a cruel cost, something I¡¯ve already experienced. I thought I could protect Michelle, allowing her to grow naturally without worries. But now, I see how arrogant I was. I forgot that everyone is alone; no one can apany anyone forever. Parting is the <b>norm</b>.¡± Lysander took a deep breath and then said to Josiah, ¡°I can¡¯t be with her forever, so I can¡¯t stop her from growing up.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I will also watch over her,¡± Josiah said. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about Michelle¡¯s future. With me around, no one would dare to bully her.¡±

    Lysander let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I don¡¯t even know whether to say thank you or apologize to you anymore.¡±

    They had been married for three long years, a time filled with moments of resentment, bouts of hatred, and waves of regret. Despite the turbulent emotions, their <b>lives </b>had be so intertwined, much like a ball of yarn hopelessly tangled together. Over time, it had be impossible to distinguish who owed. whom for what, as their individual grievances had fused into a shared history.

    <b>¡±</b>

    Josiah looked at her, his eyes reflecting a light <b>that </b>seemed shattered, mirroring the broken pieces of their past. His voice was incredibly soft, almost a whisper, as he <b>said</b>, ¡°Lysander, even if you never forgive me, even if you never fall in love with me, at least you need me now.¡±

    He was incredibly rational in acknowledging this fact and chose to embrace reality.

    Lysander¡¯s eyshes quivered slightly, and she instinctively avoided the emotions she saw in his eyes. At that moment, she knew he way speaking the truth, but she wasn¡¯t sure if she still had the courage to believe

    in it.

    ¡°You acting this way makes me feel like I¡¯m using you,¡± she told him, her gaze drifting toward the depths of the forest. Her voice carried a hint of uncertainty, reflecting her inner turmoil.

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    Josiah didn¡¯t see this as a problem. ¡°Even if it means being used, it¡¯s better than being ignored. At least it shows that I still hold some value in your eyes. Even if it all ends up fruitless, at least I can say I gave it my all. Besides, I value the journey more than the oue.¡±

    He didn¡¯t want Lysander to feel burdened by his words, so he softened his tone <b>and </b>continued, ¡°Or you could see it as me fulfilling a promise. I assured Mr. Maverick that I would take good care of your mom and sister. Now that you¡¯re going through such a hard time, it¡¯s only natural that I should look after you as well.¡±

    Upon hearing him mention Maverick, a dull ache surged in Lysander¡¯s heart again. The two of them stood under the tree for a long while, not returning to the campsite until the clock struck midnight.

    The following morning, Lysander woke up with the first light of dawn and made a point to check her reflection using her phone¡¯s camera function. <b>After </b>confirming there were no traces of tears <b>on </b>her face, she headed to the campsite¡¯s restroom to freshen up.

    The scenery of the mountains here <b>was </b>breathtaking, yet it was all part of the hot spring resort¡¯s grounds. The campsite was not only equipped with electricity, but also had modern restrooms, making their stay quitefortable.

    Just after Lysander had finished washing her face, she ran into Michelle, who hade to freshen up as well. The two sisters locked eyes; both had red, weary eyes, but what they shared was an understanding- they both saw in each other¡¯s gaze a silent agreement to make the best of this time.

    Breakfast had been delivered the previous night along with the barbecue ingredients. It just needed to be heated up and was ready to eat. Everyone gathered around the folding table, including the four who were already in on the secret. Nobody showed any signs of being out of the ordinary.

    Laura remembered the phone call fromst night and couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Did you manage to capture the shooting star?¡±

    Lysander shook her head promptly. ¡°Mom, shooting stars pass by in a <b>sh</b>. How could one possibly capture them?¡±

    Laura said with a hint of regret, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for my extreme exhaustionst night. I would have definitely apanied you. I¡¯m faster than your dad; perhaps I could have caught up.¡±

    <b>Susan</b>, with a hint of confusion in her voice, asked, ¡°Was there a meteor showerst night? Why didn¡¯t anyone wake me up?¡±

    The atmosphere became momentarily awkward.

    Fortunately, Josiah quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, saying, ¡°Mom, I tried to wake you up by knocking on your tentst night, but you were in such a deep sleep that I just couldn¡¯t rouse you. In the end, I had to give up. Besides, the meteor shower wasn¡¯t very visiblest night, so you didn¡¯t miss much.¡±

    Maverick was worried that if Susan and Laura started discussing the meteor shower, they might find inconsistencies. So, he chimed in to divert the conversation, ¡°It¡¯s a thing of the past. It¡¯s pointless to bring it up again. Let¡¯s focus on today¡¯s ns instead.¡±

    As he spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but look at his wife<b>, </b>asking with exceptional patience, ¡°Laura, do you want to go hiking? I¡¯ll apany you. Consider it as making up for our missed honeymoon back then.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Laura was a bit taken aback by his sudden change. She was pleased, but also somewhat embarrassed. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for so long,¡± she said, ¡°why bring up such things out of the blue?¡±

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    Maverick raised his hand to rub his nose, appearing a bit sheepish as he admitted, ¡°I just wanted to make you happy, that¡¯s all.¡± He seldom spoke such soothing words.

    At his response, Laura¡¯s face flushed slightly. <b>In </b>an even more bashful tone, she replied, ¡°Let¡¯s forget about hiking. We¡¯re not as young as we used to be. Why don¡¯t we just enjoy ourselves around here? It seems there are kites and fishing rods at the campsite. We could try out these youthful pastimes.¡±

    Maverick immediately stood up, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go borrow them right away.¡±

    As his words fell into silence, both of Lysander and Josiah were momentarily taken aback, the sudden burst of energy surprising them.

    Josiah also came to his senses and said to Lysander, ¡°You chat with your parents for a bit. I¡¯ll go arrange things.

    Lysander asked, ¡°The hotel should have fishing equipment, but do they have kites?¡±

    Josiah wasn¡¯t quite sure about this either. ¡°There should be one, right? If not, I could always swing by the children¡¯s yground again and maybe buy one from a kid?¡±

    Lysander voiced her concerns. ¡°It¡¯s uncertain whether there are any children around right now, let alone if they have kites. Even if they do, they might not necessarily agree to sell them to you.¡±

    After some thought, Josiah said, ¡°I could have someone buy it from the town and bring it here. It would take a little over an hour by car, but they could start fishing in the meantime.¡±

    Immediately, Lysander suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s divide the tasks <b>then</b>. I¡¯ll head back to the hotel to purchase the fishing equipment while you arrange for someone to buy the kites.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

    Susan watched from the side, assuming their harmony was due to having let bygones be bygones. She felt relieved and teased them, ¡°You two, don¡¯t rush. There¡¯s still plenty of time. Take it slow.¡±

    With a forced smile, Lysander managed <b>to </b>say, ¡°We should probably hurry; I¡¯ll go find the hotel staff first.¡± Her father¡¯s days were dwindling; she couldn¡¯t afford to take things slow.

    Michelle absentmindedly consumed her breakfast, the taste lost to her preupation. Recognizing the situation, she yearned to assist. Yet, Maverick subtly halted her, a silent plea not to intrude on the pair¡¯s

    interaction.

    Laura, observing Lysander and Josiah walking side by side, pondered theirpatibility. Contemting her <b>husband¡¯s </b>improved demeanor, she noted the significant <b>change</b>.

    Fearing her inner turmoil would betray her, Michelle busied herself with tasks, seeking sce in productivity. ¡°I¡¯ll tidy up the campsite,¡± she dered.

    Laura¡¯s satisfaction mingled with surprise at her younger daughter¡¯s proactive nature. ¡°The kids have matured a lot these days.¡±

    Having discreetly taken a painkiller, Maverick appeared marginally better than the previous night. Hist gaze distant, he nodded in agreement, acknowledging. ¡°Our daughters have always been sensible.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

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    Efficiently, both Lysander and Josiahpleted their tasks. Swiftly, Lysander returned with the fishing equipment, soon followed by Josiah, jogging with a kite in hand.

    Laura¡¯sst kite¨Cflying experience predated her marriage. Holding the kite reel, confusion clouded her initial attempts. Susan, unfamiliar with such activities since her own wedding, shared her perplexity. Despite their joint efforts, they struggled to elevate the kite beyond the trees.

    With a cheerful grin, Maverick stepped forward, offering assistance. ¡°Let me give it a shot,¡± he volunteered, ¡°you focus on running ahead, I¡¯ll support you from behind. Despite sweat beading on his forehead, he persisted until the kite soared steadily.

    Lysander contemted offering help but hesitated, realizing this might mark their final kite¨Cflying adventure together.

    Josiah noticed Lysander lost in thought and gently proposed, ¡°I¡¯ve got a camera. How about amemorative photo with your parents? Let¡¯s include Michelle too for a family portrait.¡±

    He <b>wasn¡¯t </b>much of a talker, yet behind the scenes, he had everything arranged meticulously, even including things that might only potentiallye in handy..

    Collecting her thoughts, Lysander nodded slightly. ¡°All right.¡±

    Josiah fetched his camera from the car, capturing moments of Maverick and Laura¡¯s kite¨Cflying excitement.

    Laura initially hesitated but couldn¡¯t resist Maverick¡¯s enthusiasm. Josiah snapped numerous <b>photos </b>of the couple flying kites together.

    The mountain wind swept in gusts, leaving them breathless as their kite soared. Maverick, securing the spool, sat beside Laura on the <b>grass</b>, their affection evident in their silhouettes that seemed beyond what one would expect from a couple their age.

    Rested, Maverick suggested, ¡°Remember wanting to go fishing? There¡¯s a stream nearby, perfect for it. Let¡¯s <b>have </b>a pic.

    The idea garnered unanimous approval.

    Susan had been home alone for quite some time, and she hadn¡¯t experienced such excitement in a while. Although she felt a bit tired after flying a kite, her excitement brewed as they prepared for the creek¨Cside. pic.

    Josiah shouldered the task of moving the necessary items, once again.

    Michelle wanted to lend a hand but felt unsure of the best way to contribute. Lysander, always the proactive one, took charge and handed her the camera<b>, </b>saying, ¡°Take more pictures of Mom and Dad. I¡¯ll go fetch the fishing equipment.¡±

    ¡°Lysander¡­ Michelle sniffled, the sorrow still evident in her eyes.

    Lysander gently embraced her, saying, ¡°Stay strong, at least for these few days, let¡¯s make Mom happy. Your social media posts are always stunning; bring that same level of effort and take a few pictures for Mom and Dad too.¡±

    Michelle nodded vigorously, finding a purpose to strive toward.

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    Lysander, now empty¨Chanded, stood by the creek. Watching her parents and Susan enthusiastically catching shrimps together filled her with a sense of unprecedented fulfillment.

    <i>If </i>only <b>we </b>could stay in this moment forever¡­.

    Just then<b>, </b><b>a </b>soft voice echoed from behind, ¡°The forest is colder than the campsite.¡±

    As Josiah spoke, he draped the cardigan he had brought over her shoulders.

    Finished.

    Lysander clutched the corner of her clothes, feeling the lingering warmth in her palm as she slowly began to speak. ¡°My dad rarelyughed so heartily before. When my mom used to ask him to take photos and videos of her, he always insisted it was a woman¡¯s game, refusing to cooperate. But now, when she asked him to help her and Susan find the right angles for their scarves, he didn¡¯t object at all.¡±

    The temperature in the mountains was chilly. Laura and Susan had both donned silk scarves. At that moment, they were standing on the rocks by the stream, striking the popr poses seen on short video tforms, guided by the direction of the wind.

    After taking a few pictures with Laura, Susan imed she was tired and returned to the creekside to watch the fishing rod, giving her spot to Maverick.

    Laura, overjoyed that her husband agreed to take a photo without her needing to persuade him forcefully, said, ¡°Come on, stand in front of me. Let¡¯s take <b>a </b>creative photo of us holding hands.¡±

    Maverick, particrly cooperative, chuckled, ¡°All right, wherever you want me to stand, I¡¯ll stand.¡±

    He had always been light on his feet, but at that moment, he suddenly slipped. Thankfully, his quick reflexes saved him from falling.

    Laura, taken aback, quickly reached out to steady him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked, concern evident in her voice. ¡°You¡¯ve been seeming rather out of sorts these past few days, haven¡¯t you?¡±

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    Maverick gently patted his chest and said, ¡°It¡¯s all right. I just think it¡¯s rare to see the family spending time together like this. It makes me happy.¡±

    Laura chuckled and nodded, ¡°Mich <b>has </b>grown up, and we¡¯re both retired now. If you don¡¯t mind the hassle, we should go out more often.¡±

    He had no future.

    Maverick looked at his wife, her face weathered from years of tirelessly caring for him and their home. He could not bear to tell her the truth, <b>so </b>he forced a <b>smile </b><b>and </b>said, ¡°Sure, in the future, you and the children should go out and enjoy yourselves more.¡±

    He brushed it off without mentioning himself.

    Michelle, holding the camera, worried that Laura might notice something was off. She urged, ¡°Mom, if you don¡¯t take the picture soon, the sun <b>will </b>rise higher, and the lighting won¡¯t be <b>as </b>good.¡±

    Only after Laura stopped talking did she turn to Maverick and begin taking photos. Once they had captured all the poses they wanted, she heard him say, ¡°Mich, Lysa,e over here and join us for a photo. Let¡¯s take a family portrait.¡±

    Josiah stepped forward without needing to be asked by Lysander. He took the <b>camera </b><b>from </b>Michelle¡¯s hands and captured what could possibly be thest family photo in Maverick¡¯s life.

    Laura¡¯s heart swelled as she gazed <b>at </b>the photo previews. ¡°This shot turned out really well! When can we get it printed?¡± she eximed.

    Knowing Maverick¡¯s time was limited, Josiah took it upon himself to say, ¡°Once we get back to the hotel, I¡¯ll contact the staff to print the photos. Hopefully, we¡¯ll have them by the end of the day.

    Upon hearing that, Maverick feltforted and responded, ¡°Great, let¡¯s take another picture then.¡±

    Before Josiah could resume his role as the photographer, Maverick suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you and your mother <b>join </b>in <b>too</b>? Let¡¯s <b>have </b>a picture with both our families this time.¡±

    He knew he wouldn¡¯t live to see Lysander get married again. Therefore, he seized the opportunity to fulfill his own dream, seeing it as his way of blessing his daughter at a significant moment in her life.

    on her

    Despite the bitter emotions churning within her, Lysander managed to suppress them <b>and </b>put most reassuring smile for her father in front of the camera. Josiah quickly positioned himself beside her after setting the camera on timer mode.

    The shutter sound echoed, freezing the scene in time.

    That night, the group returned to the hotel, where they reunited with Howard and Molly, who had been. resting at the spa resort.

    Before their arrival, Howard had already coordinated with Josiah to reserve a private room in the restaurant and pre¨Cordered several specialty dishes that required advanced preparation.

    After freshening up, Lysander and the others headed to the private dining room for dinner.

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    Chapter 628 He Had No Future

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    Howard attributed his recovery to the crisp mountain air, acknowledging its beneficial effect on his health.

    Laura and Susan agreed wholeheartedly. The four of them then began discussing the highlights of their day with enthusiasm.

    When Maverick took his <b>scat</b>, he seemed in good spirits, but soon began to look unwell. Despite discreetly taking painkillers, something still seemed amiss.

    With concern, but he casually dismissed their worries,

    Both Lysander and Michelle nced at him signaling with his eyes that they need not worry.

    Laura happened to bring up the topic of photography, her eyes lit up as she spoke, as if she had returned to her youthful days.

    ¡°He¡¯s always been a bit old¨Cfashioned, hardly watching any online videos. But this time, he¡¯s acting like a different person. Once we get home, I must hang up the printed photos. And when we move to our new houseter, they¡¯ll be disyed in a prominent ce.¡±

    When Maverick saw how happy his wife was, he quickly hid his trembling hands under the table even though his face still looked sickly pale.

    Laura understood that Maverick needed to keep up appearances for the younger ones. Worried that he might be feeling cold and tired from his recent time in the mountains, she nced at the dishes on the table and proposed, ¡°Since the weather has been coldtely, how about adding a soup to the meal?¡±

    Howard remembered the menu he had seen earlier and suggested, ¡°The waiter mentioned their chicken soup is quite unique. It¡¯s made from free¨Crange chickens raised in the mountains<b>, </b>which is especially nourishing. It¡¯s exactly what my wife needs for her stomach.¡±

    The decision to add the newly dish was thus made.

    Lysander was rather distracted. Her entire focus <b>was </b>on her father. She was prepared to quicklye up with an excuse and send Maverick back to his room to rest the moment he showed any signs of not being able to hold on.

    Maverick kept his concerns to himself. He had a vague premonition but opted not to dampen the spirits of his wife and daughters.

    Soon, the soup was served in a ypot.

    Laura noticed that Maverick had barely touched his food, and he had not even served himself any soup. She filled a bowl for him, remarking, ¡°You¡¯re not <b>as </b>young as you used to be. <b>You </b>need to take better care of yourself, so you won¡¯t be a burden to the children in the future.¡±

    ¡°Okay, no more nagging.¡± Maverick muttered, pinching his hand in <b>an </b>attempt to steady its trembling. He managed to lift his spoon and take a few sips of soup, but he knew his exhausted body would not hold out much longer.

    His vision gradually blurred, and s, he copsed.

    ¡°Maverick!¡±

    Laura was startled and rushed to help, but Maverick waspletely unconscious and too heavy for her to support alone. Howard and Josiah quickly joined her to <b>assist</b>.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

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    Chapter 628 He Had No Future

    Lysander hurried over, swiftly beginning to assess his vital signs.

    Maverick¡¯s breathing became increasinglybored, and his face began to disy signs of oxygen deprivation. Lysander¡¯s voice trembled as she urgently eximed, ¡°Quick, call an <b>ambncel</b>¡±

    Finished.

    As Michelle witnessed Maverick¡¯s fall firsthand, she burst into tears amidst the chaos. Her unexpected. emotional outburstpounded Laura¡¯s already heightened sense of panic.

    Themotion in the private room had already caught the attention of nearby waiters. Several exchanged uncertain nces, unsure of what to do.

    Without hesitation. Josiah tossed his car keys to the calmest¨Clooking waiter. He then instructed, ¡°Bring my car around. The rest of you, please help carry him out swiftly,¡±

    Before he finished speaking, he already pulled out his phone and dialed the number of the medical worker he <b>had </b>previously contacted.

    The SUV arrived promptly at the restaurant¡¯s <b>entrance</b>. With coordinated effort, several waiters swiftly carried Maverick outside and carefullyid him down in the back seat, following Lysander¡¯s instructions.

    Apart from Josiah, who was driving, the only avable seat in the car was the passenger seat.

    Lysander cast a nce at the tearful Michelle and Laura, who seemed to have guessed the issue. Her voice quickened slightly and trembled as she said, ¡°The doctor at Central Hospital used to be my colleague. I might be able to assist if I go there. Michelle, please take care of Mom. Once we locate Skr<b>, </b>she can take <b>you </b>to the hospital.¡±

    Sobbing, Michelle nodded as she supported Laura, who was on the verge of copsing.

    Lysander gave them a tight hug before rushing to the passenger seat at top speed. Together with Josiah, <b>they </b>hurriedly drove the unconscious Maverick to Central Hospital.

    The ER department had been briefed on the patient¡¯s condition over the phone and was fully prepared for their arrival. However, upon seeing Maverick¡¯s state firsthand, they immediately ordered, ¡°The patient is in grave danger. Quick! Send him to the emergency room<b>!</b>¡±

    Lysander did not dare slow down. She ran alongside the stretcher until Maverick was wheeled into the emergency room. Only when the red light above the door lit up did she finally copse to the ground, drained of strength.

    She had seen this process y out countless times before.

    However, it was only when it happened to her own family that she could actually experience that sense of helplessness.

    She could not offer any assistance and could only watch helplessly as the doctors and nurses wheeled her most beloved family member into the operating room.

    Though they were merely separated by a wall, no one could predict the oue when it came to matters

    of life and death.

    ¡°Dad¡­¡±

 Chapter 629

    Chapter <b>629 </b><b>I </b>Am His Son In Law

    She slumped down, as <b>if </b><b>all </b>her strength had drained away.

    Thankfully, Josiah caught her just in time, preventing her from copsing onto the cold floor.

    ¡°Lysander.¡± He held her tightly in his arms and consoled her, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Don¡¯t be scared, for everything will be just fine¡­¡±

    Finished

    Lysander squeezed her eyes <b>shut </b>in agony, clutching Josiah¡¯s arm tightly. She struggled to lift herself up, but her drained energy would not allow it

    Josiah helped to steady her, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t move anymore. You might feel a bit morefortable leaning

    on <b>me</b>.¡±

    There were seats not far behind them, but Lysandercked the energy to reach them. She stood as close to the emergency room as possible, clinging tightly to Josiah for support as he suggested.

    As tears slowly trickled down Lysander¡¯s cheeks, she could no longer contain her sorrow. She buried her head in Josiah¡¯s sleeve and broke into a heart¨Cwrenching cry.

    It wasmon to see distraught family members of patients wailing in despair outside the emergency room. Medical workers passing by had grown ustomed to such scenes, offering only a sympathetic nce.

    Lysander had always been strong and never needed pity, especially during her most vulnerable moments.

    Josiah positioned himself with his back to the hallway, effectively blocking any gazes directed their way.

    Lysander had suppressed her emotions and held back her tears for the past few days. Only now could she finally let go, unable to contain her pent<b>¨C</b>up feelings any longer.

    Josiah remained silent, holding her tightly as a steady, supportive presence.

    After what seemed like an eternity, the doors of the emergency <b>room </b><b>swung </b>open, and a doctor emerged. He was Lysander¡¯s former ssmate and had been briefed that the patient inside was her father. That was why he personally came out to update her on the situation.

    ¡°Lysander, I need you to mentally prepare yourself before I share the following information. Your father is still unconscious, and his vital signs are extremely unstable. At this point, all we can do is to admit him to the ICU. We¡¯ll need to observe him further before discussing a specific treatment n<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    In other words, the medical staff had exhausted all options, and now it was up to fate.

    During her tenure there, Lysander had handled simr situations involving families of critically ill pregnant women. It was not until she found herself in their position that she truly grasped their emotions.

    It was quite impossible to truly walk in someone else¡¯s shoes.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes were brimming with tears. She struggled to maintain herposure while <b>handling </b>Maverick¡¯s paperwork. Her demeanor betrayed a sense of emptiness, as if she had lost a part of herself.

    Before the doctor could inquire further, Josiah stepped in, saying, ¡°You take a rest for now, and <b>leave </b>everything else to me.¡±

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    He led Lysander to a nearby chair, speaking softly as he asked her to wait there. Then, he proceeded to manage the paperwork as instructed by the doctor.

    When presenting the critical illness notice, the doctor reminded them of the hospital¡¯s protocol. This agreement should be signed by a family member of the patient for it to take effect.¡±

    Josiah paused for a brief moment before replying. ¡°I am the patient¡¯s son¨Cinw.¡±

    The doctor nced at him and then at Lysander. Seeing no objection from Lysander, the doctor proceeded to methodically advise Josiah on the next steps. Soon after, they transferred the unconscious Maverick to the ICU.

    Lysander trailed behind them like a lost spirit, standing outside the ss window with her gaze fixed on Maverick, who had tubes all over his body. His organs had deteriorated severely. The fact <b>that </b>he managed to hold on until now and only fell into aa recently was miraculous <b>in </b>itself. Nheless, Lysander silently prayed in her heart that he would pull through.

    After Josiahpleted all the necessary tasks, he came back to her side. It was a while before he spoke again. ¡°Lysander. I¡¯ll keep watch over Mr. Thorne. You should go rest for <b>a </b>bit. Mrs. Thorne and the others. should be here by now. I¡¯ll let you know immediately if there¡¯s any update.¡±

    Lysander gently shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯ll stay right here with Dad.¡±

    After confirming her decision, Josiah did not push any further. He stood by her side, offering his quiet support.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±

    Shortly after, hurried footsteps echoed from the other end of the hallway as Laura and Michelle arrived.

    Laura had already learned about Maverick¡¯s lung cancer from Michelle on the way to the hospital. Seeing him in aa from the other side of the ss window made her eyes <b>well </b>up. She asked, ¡°Lysa, when will he wake up?¡±

    When Lysander saw Laura and Michelle, she knew she had to be strong for their sake. ¡°Mom, the doctor has already issued a critical condition notice for Dad,¡± she said, her voice hoarse.

    All they could do now was wait.

    Earlier in the day, Laura had been reminiscing about her youthful days with Maverick. By evening, <b>she </b><b>was </b>dealt such a severe blow that she fainted from the shock of the drastic turn of events.

    ¡°Mom! Mom!¡±

    Lysander <b>and </b>Michelle rushed over to support her, while Josiah quickly called for the doctor.

    Fortunately, being at the hospital meant the doctor arrived promptly. After examining Laura, the doctor exined, ¡°She fainted from extreme emotional distress. She should wake up after some rest, but it would be best for a family member to stay with <b>her</b>.¡±

    Lysander felt utterly overwhelmed as she was caught in a difficult situation. She nced between <b>Maverick </b>and Laura, wishing she could/split herself in two.

    Michelle, who had been crying uncontrobly, <b>managed </b>to hold back her tears. Choking on her sobs, she said, ¡°Lysander, Josiah, you stay here with Dad, and I¡¯ll take care of Mom.¡±

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    After saying so, she did not wait for them to respond. She swiftly turned around and hurried off with the doctor.

    As Lysander watched Michelle¡¯s figure recede into the distance, an overwhelming sense of helplessness washed over her. Her eyes brimmed with anguish as she confessed, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have agreed to Dad so casily. What he wanted me to do¡­ I just can¡¯t. I thought I could protect my sister, take care of Mom, and hold this family together. But what happened? I¡¯m standing here, powerless, watching it all unfold. Despite. being a doctor, I couldn¡¯t even save my own father¡­<b>¡±</b>

    Her heart nearly shattered into pieces when confronted with harsh reality.

    Josiah spoke in the gentlest tone possible, ¡°As a doctor, you¡¯ve saved countless lives. As a daughter, you¡¯ve done your best to fulfill Mr. and Mrs. Thorne¡¯s wishes. You¡¯ve done exceptionally well, and you can¡¯t bear all these responsibilities alone.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s face was pale, she was so weak she could barely blink. She looked at Maverick, who was only separated from her by a pane of ss. In her most desperate moment, she noticed him slightly raising hist hand.

    The ICU nurse also observed the same thing. She strode toward Maverick to conduct an examination before leaving the room.

    Lysander hurried over, only to hear the nurse speak in a solemn tone. ¡°The patient has regained consciousness, but based on our experience, it¡¯s likely terminal lucidity. If there¡¯s anything you¡¯d like to say, now would be the time.¡±

    Her worst fear materialized despite her hopes.

    Having already plunged into despair, Lysander was numb to any further impact. All she managed to utter was a resigned, ¡°I see.¡±

    She was about to turn around and get Michelle and Laura back, but Josiah timely stopped her. ¡°You go check on Mr. Thorne first, I¡¯ll bring them over immediately.¡±

    After guiding her to the door, he swiftly turned and dashed off, shouting for assistance as he went.

    ¨C Lysander snapped out of her reverie as she entered the ICU and saw Maverick, who had just taken off his oxygen mask. His face was no longer as pale as before. In that instant, she realized keenly that this would be their final meeting in this lifetime, as father and daughter.

    ¡°Mom and Michelle are on their way, Dad,¡± she updated him softly, holding back tears as she approached the bedside.

    Maverick had already scanned his surroundings and grasped his own condition. He held Lysander¡¯s hands tenderly while conveying his profound affection for his eldest daughter, saying, ¡°I know.¡±

    Lysander sped his hand tightly, afraid he might slip away in an instant.

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    Chapter 630 Someone Came To Pick Me Up

    Finished.

    Maverick gazed at Lysander, his eyes brimming with reluctance. His voice was filled with emotion. ¡°Having such an exceptional daughter like you is the proudest achievement of my life. Even though it has. been many years since you got into medical school, my old buddies are still envious every time I mention it¡±

    Maverick always regarded Lysander as his pride and joy. With a nostalgic tone, he confessed, ¡°I know I¡¯m vain, but I can¡¯t help bragging about you wherever I go. After all, my Lysa is just that amazing.¡±

    Lysander attempted to squeeze out a smile to reassure him, but as <b>soon </b>as the corners of her mouth began to lift, her eyes welled up with tears. It took all her strength to hold them back.

    Maverick understood her thoughts and gently said, ¡°Honestly, I have been at peace for a while now. I¡¯ve been quite content thesest few days. If there¡¯s anything I¡¯m worried about, it¡¯s that you might be so focused on taking care of your mother and sister that you forget you¡¯re still a young girl who needs care herself.¡±

    ¡°Dad, I¡¯m almost thirty. I¡¯ve grown up a long time ago¡­<b>¡± </b>After Lysander had barely managed to utter these words, she broke downpletely the next second. She copsed in front of him, crying uncontrobly.

    Maverick¡¯s strength was nearly depleted, yet he managed to lift his hand to gently stroke her hair, just as he used to when she was a little girl. ¡°Even if one day you¡¯re in your seventies or eighties, to me, you¡¯ll always be my little girl.¡±

    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t cry, Lysa. As a doctor, you should understand the cycle of life and death better than anyone.

    <b>after </b>I¡¯m Everyone will face this day, and I am fortunate to depart without any regrets. Just promise me, gone, you will take good care of yourself. Don¡¯t overwork yourself.¡±

    He had barely spoken a few words when his throat began to tighten intermittently. If he hadn¡¯t been at death¡¯s door, he might have been unable to hold back his tears.

    The door to the ICU was pushed open from the outside amidst Lysander¡¯s cries.

    Josiah stood by the door, casting a nce at the father¨Cdaughter duo. With a hidden sorrow he couldn¡¯t conceal, he stepped aside, making room for Michelle to push in Laura, who sat in the wheelchair.

    <b>Laura </b>had only fainted for a brief moment before she woke up, fueled by her concern for her husband. However, the news that greeted her was devastating, leaving her no choice but to let her daughter guide her to her husband¡¯s sickbed.

    Laurapletely fell apart. ¡°You jerk! Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    When Maverick saw his wife¡¯s haggard appearance, so different from her daytime self, he felt guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Laura,¡± he <b>said</b>. ¡°I know there should be no secrets between a husband and wife, but I was truly afraid of seeing you crying. Please, forgive me this once.¡±

    ¡°Maverick, I¡¯m not ming you, but why, just why¡­¡±

    Maverick reached out, gently taking Laura¡¯s hand and softly said, ¡°If I had known that our marriage would lead to so many years of hardship, perhaps I shouldn¡¯t have pursued you. Maybe you and the children would have been happier than <b>you </b>are now. But it¡¯s toote to say these things. All I can do now is to dy your sorrow a bit longer. Promise me you¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    <b>aua </b>rakhed usreall¨Cklu harrisian klusead hurranee Var cha

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    managed to grasp his hand as he reached out to gently touch her face.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been married for so many years, and when haven¡¯t you put me and the children first? You wouldn¡¯t even buy new shoes when yours were falling apart. If anyone should apologize, it should be me. I should have paid more attention to you, then I wouldn¡¯t have only just noticed now¡­¡±

    Maverick held Laura and Lysander¡¯s hands, his gaze resting on his younger daughter, Michelle.

    Michelle knew her father had something to say to her, so she desperately held back her sobs. ¡°Dad, don¡¯t worry,¡± she assured him. ¡°I remember everything you¡¯ve said before. I¡¯ll study hard, work hard, listen <b>to </b>Mom and Lysander, and not give you any more reasons to worry about me¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, my little Mich has grown up,¡± Maverick finally admitted, a tear moistening the corner of his eye. He gestured for his younger daughter to extend her hand, then ced together. ¡°From now on, you two sisters need to support each other, look after each other. Mich, you can¡¯t

    chelle and Lysander¡¯s hands be reckless anymore. You need to help Lysander take care of your mother. And Lysander, you shouldn¡¯t always put on a brave front.¡±

    The trio of mother and daughters at the sickbed were reduced to tears by his faltering words.

    Josiah stood silently by the side, not reiterating his promise. Instead, he proved himself through his presence.

    Maverick nced at him, his gaze filled with sorrow as he said, ¡°Jose.¡±

    Josiah took a step forward. ¡°Mr. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°From now on, I¡¯m <b>counting </b>on you to take good care of our home, despite the hardships.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please rest assured.¡±

    After receiving <b>a </b>positive response from Josiah, Maverick finally broke down in tears. His vision gradually blurred, <b>and </b>the words <b>that </b>followed began to be incoherent.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stay any longer. I have to leave, someone¡¯s here to pick me up¡­¡±

    Lysander heard Maverick start to spout nonsense, realizing that he truly couldn¡¯t hold on any longer. She hurriedly tried to catch onest glimpse of him, murmuring, ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    It was said that when a person was on the brink of death, thest sense to fade was hearing. She hoped that Maverick could pass away peacefully.

    ¡°Howe a little girl is here? Her family must be incredibly trusting to let her wander off alone¡­¡± Maverick stared nkly into the void ahead, his tone suggesting as if a young girl had indeed wandered into the ward.

    ¡°Don¡¯t ruin such a pretty little dress. Where are your folks? Oh, I am your family, aren¡¯t I? You¡¯re here to pick up your dear Granddad, <b>right</b>? Okay, then, I will go with you now<b>¡­</b>¡±

    Lysander and Josiah followed Maverick¡¯s gaze, even though there <b>was </b>seemingly nothing in front of them. Yet, they both felt that he must have seen something beyond the perception of ordinary people.

    A <i>little </i>girl? Granddad<i>? </i>That must be¡­

    Suddenly, Josiah clenched his hands tightly.

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    Finished

    Lysander also faltered for a moment.

    <i>If </i><i>only </i>there truly was a world after death¡­.

    Maverick¡¯s consciousness had reached its limit. He could see nothing but the little girl who hade to meet him. He raised his hand toward the void, uttering hisst words in life, ¡°Okay, good girl. Let me hold

    you.

    In the next moment, his hand fell straight down and his eyes slowly closed, the smile on his face forever captured in that instant.

    Lysander quickly reached out to grasp his hand. ¡°Dad¡­¡±

    No one was responding to her anymore.

    No one was hounding her anymore, insisting that she should not associate with Josiah.

    Nobody was willing to risk their life to stand up for her anymore.

    No one else had ever put forward their entire life savings to fund her overseas education.

    No one was there anymore, like when she was a child, holding her small hand with their warm,rge palm, reassuring her not to be afraid, that her father would always be the first parent to pick her up from kindergarten and take her home.

    Maverick had never broken his word before.

    During those early years in kindergarten, he was always the first one to arrive after school cach day.

    He stood at the spot closest to the school gates, crouched down with his arms wide open, ready to catch Lysander who rushed into his embrace.

    No one could ever hoist her onto their shoulders again, to take her to the liveliest festivals. She would always be the tallest among the crowd.

    ¡°Lysander¡­ Lysander¡­¡±

    Who¡¯s calling me?

    Josiah held her tight. ¡°Lysander, are you okay?¡±

    Startled, Lysander regained herposure<b>, </b>turning to look at him.

    The hospital room was filled with Laura and Michelle¡¯s cries. The

    Lysander couldn¡¯t bring herself to dry. The scenes from the past yed out in front of her eyes like a movie.

    In an instant, she seemed to transform back into the little girl she once was, only willing to go to school if her father held her hand. With a hazy memory of the past, she looked up at her father¡¯s towering figure, mumbling about her reluctance to go to school.

    Her father didn¡¯t chastise her. Instead, he simply bought her a balloon and handed it to her. Then, with a solemn demeanor<b>, </b>he entrusted her to the <b>care </b>of her teacher.

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    Such a strong¨Cwilled individual found himself humbly pleading in front of the teacher on her behalf, <b>¡°</b><b>My </b>daughter had a near¨Cdrowning incident a while back. Ever since she woke up, she can¡¯t remember anything. She¡¯s be timid and doesn¡¯t like to speak much. I hope you can give her some extra care?

    The teacher <b>was </b>a kind soul, who had agreed immediately at the time, even reaching out to pat Lysander¡¯s head. But she had dodged the teacher¡¯s gesture.

    Yet, Maverick didn¡¯t reprimand Lysander. Instead, he simply crouched down, gently stroked her hair and said, ¡°Lysa, you need to get along well with your ssmates. As soon as school is over, I¡¯lle pick you up immediately. I promise you, I¡¯ll be the first one here.¡±

    Only then did Lysander nod and follow her teacher into the ssroom. However, as her father¡¯s towering figure gradually receded into the distance, she suddenly came to her senses.

    It was then that she realized that twenty long years had passed since then.

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    Chapter 631 I Am Here By Your Side

    The cries within the ward grew louder, piercing and heart¨Cwrenching.

    Finished

    Snapping back to reality, Lysander saw her father, who <b>was </b>covered with a white sheet, being wheeled away by the nurses.

    She realized she was no longer the little girl her father used to send to school while walking hand in hand. Tears streaming down her face, she ran forward, growing taller and older with each stride until she finally morphed into her current self.

    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t leave. Wait for me¡­

    This time, Maverick did not look back like he used to when dropping her off at school. The darkness around her gradually engulfed her.

    ¡°Lysander! Wake up!¡± Another familiar voice roused her from the nightmare.

    She slowly opened her eyes and met Josiah¡¯s concerned gaze. He must <b>have </b>been watching over her for quite some time. Even his lips had be pale <b>and </b>dry.

    ¡°Where¡¯s my dad? Josiah, where is he?¡± she asked anxiously, <b>clutching </b>his arm.

    Understanding her distress, he replied gently, ¡°Calm down and listen to me. Your father passed away peacefully without any pain. He even had a smile on his face.¡±

    Is he truly gone? She gripped the nket beneath her as hot tears slid down from the corners of her eyes, unable to utter another word.

    He stayed by her side until she had calmed down before beginning to recount the events that had transpired after she lost consciousness.

    ¡°After you passed out, Mrs. Thorne also soon fainted from crying too hard. She hasn¡¯t woken up yet. Michelle is devastated, but she¡¯s staying strong and is currently with her in the ward next door. As for Mr. Thorne¡¯s funeral arrangements¡­ The hospital contacted the funeral home but I asked them to hold things off for now, so the cremation hasn¡¯t taken ce yet. Do you want to<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>

    He wanted <b>to </b><b>ask </b>whether she intended to visit Laura first or go to the morgue to take onest look at Maverick. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he found himself unable to say anything. Both of these options are just too cruel.

    She was no longer crying and merely nodded numbly instead. Regardless of what he said to her next, she had no intention of responding.

    Seeing that reminded him of the time she lost her child, and the pain of that memory was as though someone was twisting a knife in his heart. It was unbearable.

    by time can heal the pain of losing a loved one. All I can do is take care of her family until she regains her

    However, <b>only </b>spirits.

    ¡°It¡¯ste already, and you barely touched your dinner. If you keep this up, you won¡¯t be able to hold up. I¡¯ve asked someone <b>to </b><b>get </b>some soup. Have a little, okay?¡±

    My <i>m</i>

    mom and Michelle probably haven¡¯t eaten anything yet, <b>right</b><b>?</b>¡±

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    ¡°I had someone deliver some over already. Mrs. Thorne will be able to eat when she wakes up.¡±

    Lysander gave a slight nod.

    He pulled a chair over to sit by the bed and told her about the situation in the adjacent ward as he opened the takeaway container. Then, he spooned up some soup and brought it to her lips. ¡°Come, open your

    mouth

    There was a <b>spark </b>in her gaze when she heard him mention her mother and sister. ¡°How¡¯s Michelle doing?¡±

    ¡°She ims she has cried enough for the day and that her tears have nearly run dry, so she¡¯s not going to cry anymore. Even if it¡¯s only to take good care of Mrs. Thome, she forced herself to have some soup. She has grown up a lot,¡± he replied with a hint of nostalgia.

    She lowered her head in anguish and hastily rubbed her face.

    After he finished speaking in a low voice, he continued to cautiously persuade her to eat. ¡°At least have a little bit to eat.¡±

    ¡°I really have no appetite,¡± she answered dully.

    It broke his heart to hear her voice that had been reduced to a hoarse whisper from all her crying. ¡°If Mr. Thorne were looking down on us from heaven, he surely wouldn¡¯t want to see you like this. Even if it¡¯s just so he can rest <b>at </b>ease, you must take good care of yourself.¡±

    When she heard that, her body swayed slightly, finally showing some movement. She attempted to lift her hand to take the spoon but found that the little strength she had left had beenpletely depleted during her time in the ICU. She <b>was </b>so weak that she did not even have the energy to ball her hand into a fist.

    ¡°Just sit there. I¡¯ll feed <b>you</b>,¡± he quickly said.

    He gently held the spoon up to her lips, waiting for her to slowly swallow before scooping up another spoonful. However, she furrowed her brows, retching while struggling to suppress the difort welling <b>up </b>from her stomach.

    Josiah quickly set down <b>the </b>container of soup and rushed to pat her back.

    ¡°Josiah,¡± she said, her face <b>awash </b>with tears..

    It was hard to tell whether it was because of her grief or from the retching.

    ¡°Mm, I¡¯m here,¡± he murmured, using a tissue to wipe her face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat anymore.¡±

    When one was consumed by sorrow, it was impossible for them to have

    any appetite.

    Seeing that, he dared not persuade her to drink the soup anymore. Instead, he set down the takeaway container, picked up the thermos sk he had prepared earlier to pour her a cup of warm water, then held it out to her. ¡°All right. You don¡¯t have to eat for <b>now </b>if you don¡¯t want to. How about drinking some water?¡±

    Her eyshes fluttered slightly. At the thought of everything she had to attend to after this, she finally forced herself to take <b>a </b>sip of water from the cup in his hand.

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    Josiah waited until she shook her head to indicate she did not want to drink anymore. He was about to ce the cup back on the bedside table and coax her to sleep, but before he could even get up, she had already stood up with an expression of anguish. Not only <b>was </b>her gait unsteady, but she also looked so frail as though she could break at any moment.

    ¡°Let me help-¡± he began, assuming that Lysander was worried about Laura and Michelle next door and wanted to check on them. However, he was mid¨Csentence when he saw her cover her mouth and rush into the bathroom.

    She managed to stay upright by leaning heavily against the water tank for support. Then, she bent over and threw up the water and soup she had just consumed.

    He dashed in, gently patting her back to help her catch her breath. Once she no longer felt the urge to throw up, he fetched some water for her to rinse her mouth.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org.

    ¡°Never mind. You don¡¯t have to drink it anymore.¡±

    Lightly wrapping an arm around her, he slowly helped her return to the bed. Then, he bent down to take off the shoes she had put on in a rush earlier.

    She sat there limply, allowing him to move her around as he pleased as though she was a lifeless ragdoll.

    He was in utter distress. Despite knowing that whatever he said might not be of any use, he still called out to her, ¡°Lysander, I know you¡¯re listening. You need to let yourself cry. You can¡¯t keep holding it in like this.¡±

    Slowly, she turned her head and looked at him.

    Nodding at her, he continued, ¡°There¡¯s no one else here. Being strong is a virtue, <b>but </b>emotions need to be expressed.¡±

    She was silent.

    ¡°I¡¯m here by your side.¡±

    ¡°Josiah¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here. Go on. I¡¯m listening.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t have a father anymore¡­¡±

    ¡±

    At that point, she could not care <b>less </b>about her past grievances with him. Simply seeing him as someone who could understand her current pain, she hugged him and buried her face in his shoulder, allowing herself to sob uncontrobly.

    She cried herself to exhaustion and drifted off to sleep just like that. His shirt was soaked through with her tears at the shoulder, but he dared not move. Instead, he gently helped her lie down, adjusting her into afortable position where she could lean against him.

    In the early hours of the morning, she stirred once from her slumber but did not do anything. She simply continued to weep, cried herself to sleep, and then woke up only to cry again. After several cycles of such emotional turmoil, she finally managed to fall into a peaceful sleep.

    A few dayster, the funeral home sent <b>word</b>.

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    Chapter 632 Life Is Full Of Goodbyes

    When Josiah was on the phone, Lysander was right next to him.

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    Seemingly worried she might overhear, Josiah didn¡¯t speak much throughout the journey and merely hummed in response.

    Over the past few days, Lysander had shed too many tears, but she could probably guess what had been said on the other end of the phone.

    Despite the heart¨Cwrenching sorrow that still lingered within, she could no longer shed a single tear.

    After ending the call, Josiah hesitated for a moment before slowly crouching down in front of her. Gently taking her hand, he said, ¡°I know how much you miss Mr. Thorne. But with the rising temperatures these past few days, if we continue to dy¡­ Don¡¯t worry. I can arrange for Mr. Thorne¡¯s body to be temporarily stored in the morgue. Once you¡¯ve calmed down a bit, I¡¯ll make further arrangements¡­¡±

    The morgue was shrouded in a chilling darkness, making it the most despair¨Cinducing ce within the funeral home.

    Maverick had always loved the hustle and bustle of life. He was not fond of ces that felt lonely and cold.

    Naturally, Lysander couldn¡¯t bear to let her father remain <b>in </b>such a ce. Her voice trembling, she said, ¡°No need for that. Let¡¯s hurry. Are the arrangements at the funeral home today or tomorrow?¡±

    Today,¡± Josiah said somewhat reluctantly.

    ¡°All right. You step outside <b>for </b><b>a </b>moment. I¡¯ll join you shortly after I change my clothes.¡±

    If Maverick were to see her in such a haggard state, he would undoubtedly be worried. She had to make herself presentable in order to bid him his final farewell.

    The luggage from the <b>spa </b>resort had already been delivered by Skr. She selected the most in set from it. After a quick freshening up, she unsteadily pushed open the door to the <b>ward</b>.

    Josiah was standing by, waiting for her. Seeing her pale face <b>and </b>her entire body leaning against the wall, looking as if she might <b>copse </b>at any moment, he walked over and supported her.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. I just feel a bit weak in the knees.¡±

    The view in front of Lysander changed quickly, and she was no longer standing on the ground. But she <b>always </b>felt as if she was floating, so this wasn¡¯t new. Her heart felt emptier as if it didn¡¯t belong anywhere.

    Turning around, she was met <b>with </b>his resolute profile.

    She <b>wasn¡¯t </b>overly surprised. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she allowed him to carry her out of the hospital, and he gently ced her in the passenger seat.

    Josiah leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her, then returned to the driver¡¯s seat to start the car. He drove exceptionally smoothly all the way, ensuring she didn¡¯t experience the slightest jolt.

    Ever since Maverick passed away, the color never returned to Lysander¡¯s face. She appeared even frailer

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    The <b>funeral </b>home was situated next to the cemetery, in the remote outskirts far from the heart <b>of </b>Harborbrook. A mountain breeze was blowing all the way there. Josiah, fearing that Lysander might be affected by the wind, raised the car window and gently said to her, ¡°Mdm. Molly, my mom, and the others already know about Mr. Thorne¡¯s situation. They are all waiting for you over there.¡±

    He was worried that mentioning the name of the funeral home would upset Lysander, so he intentionally glossed over it.

    Yet, a pang of pain still struck her heart. She looked toward the distant green mountains and asked, ¡°How are my mom and sister doing?¡±

    Over the past few days, she had avoided meeting them. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t miss them, but rather, she feared that they would end up in a tearful embrace.

    Laura had already fainted twice, and Michelle, despite her young age, had to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of her mother. She didn¡¯t want to agitate their emotions further.

    Josiah tenderly responded, ¡°Skr has already brought them over.¡±

    Lysander had no other questions left to ask. She simply stated with a sense of emptiness, ¡°So, everything has already been set up and they¡¯re just waiting for me.¡±

    Upon hearing her words filled with despair, Josiah wanted to offer somefort, yet he feared it might backfire. So, he remained silent, simply focusing on maintaining a steady pace while subtly increasing the speed of the car.

    When they arrived at the funeral home, Susan, dressed all in ck, was already waiting outside the main

    entrance.

    As soon as Josiah had parked the car, he assisted Lysander in getting out. Susan, with eyes full of concern, quickly approached them. She first embraced Lysander, choking back her tears as she said, ¡°Poor child, I haven¡¯t seen you in a few days. How have you be so worn out?¡±

    She halted her uing <b>words </b>under the constant head shaking of Josiah. All she could do was wipe away her tears and gently pat Lysander¡¯s shoulder in an attempt tofort her.

    Lysander stood under the midday sun. For the first time in many days, she felt alive. However, a world without her father was unbearably cold. Despite the ring sun overhead, she still felt a chill deep in her bones.

    Susan, clutching Lysander¡¯s hand, strolled beside her, nked by Josiah on the other side. Along the way, she gently briefed her on the current situation.

    ¡°Your mom couldn¡¯t bear the shock. The sight of your dad¡¯s remains was too much for her. She was overwhelmed with grief and fainted. Your sister is now mature enough to handle things. She is currently apanying her in the lounge, waiting¡±

    Lysander mechanically nodded, not even clear about where she was heading.

    Josiah purposefully walked ahead to open the door for them. As they were passing the steps, he cautioned, ¡°Be careful¡±

    Instinctively. Lysander lifted her leg at the sound of his words as if her soul had already taken the lead. It wasn¡¯t until she actually stood in the mourning hall and saw her father¡¯s portrait that she regained her senses and stumbled forward in a rush of emotion.

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    The funeral <b>was </b>conducted in ordance with Maverick¡¯s wishes while he was alive, keeping it simple and humble. His i

    jasmine tea and fruit pastries were offered to the guests who hade to pay their

    respects, <b>and </b>a few pots of fragrant flowers were ced nearby.

    This intensely vivid scene, filled with the essence of everyday life, almost made one suspect that he <b>had </b>merely gone on a long journey and would return soon.

    Lysander gently lifted her hand to touch Maverick¡¯s mourning portrait. Her fingertips met the icy cold ss, and she instinctively recoiled, feeling <b>that </b>her father shouldn¡¯t be represented this way.

    Susan, with a heavy heart, walked over to her. She gently held her and said, ¡°Lysander, I¡¯m sorry for your loss.

    Lysander reached out to touch the picture in front of her once again, this time her hand lingering for at long time before she reluctantly pulled it away. She murmured, ¡°My dad rarely took photos when he was alive. My mom told me that he had been like this since he was young, so we only have group photos at home, none of him alone. This photo must have been taken from the group shot we took in the mountains a few days ago, right?¡± She withdrew her hand, looking toward Josiah who had been silently apanying her.

    Josiah told Lysander the situation over here in a calm andposed manner.

    ¡°Mrs. Thorne¡¯s health condition doesn¡¯t permit her to overwork herself, and Michelle has to look after her. I was also tied up at the hospital, so it was Mr. Howard who was responsible formunicating with everyone here. He mentioned that we needed a photograph of Mr. Maverick for his mourning portrait. After much thought, the only solution I coulde up with was to crop one out.¡±

    They did have an ID photo of Maverick, but his expression there was stern, and his appearance differed from the present. It was far less rxed than the time he had spent with his wife and daughters in the mountains a few days ago.

    Lysander gazed at thest photo of her father, his smile captured for eternity, and whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Josiah responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Lysander fell silent. It was unclear whether it was because she was too upset to speak, or she hadn¡¯t heard at all, or perhaps she had epted his intentions.

    Susan, understanding her feelings, waited until she had regained someposure. Then following the local customs of Harborbrook, she suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you light a candle for your dad? Michelle <b>and </b>your mom have already done so. Josiah, you should light one too.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡±

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    Chapter 633 A Farewell Is Inevitable

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    Lysander took the lighter and candle handed over by <b>Josiah</b>. After lighting them, she said a silent prayer.

    In the end, it was Josiah who helped her ce the candle before the mourning portrait.

    The mourning hall was so quiet <b>that </b>not a sound could be heard. Even the staff, mindful of the bereaved family¡¯s feelings, were nowhere to be seen in the area. As a result, the sound of the wheelchair moving across the floor echoed conspicuously.

    Afterpleting the necessary procedures, Howard pushed Molly, who was in a wheelchair, over to see Lysander. They were deeply concerned about their daughter who had suffered such a blow.

    Lysander maintained her politeness as she expressed her gratitude to them. ¡°Thank you all for doing so much for my dad. These are things that I should have taken care of myself.¡±

    When Lysander thought about Maverick¡¯s affairs being handled by Howard, she was filled with gratitude. But beneath it all, she was overwhelmed with self¨Creproach. She should have been stronger <b>sooner</b>.

    Molly could see the internal agony she was going through. Her eyes were red <b>as </b>she gently consoled her, ¡°If your dad were still here, he certainly wouldn¡¯t want to see you tormented by his affairs. Besides, we as a couple owe him a great deal. Doing these things for him now is merely a small constion.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Howard also looked upset, echoing his wife¡¯s sentiments. ¡°We thought we could gain a friend in each other, but we didn¡¯t expect him to¡­¡±

    He let out a long sigh, his gaze toward Lysander filled with worry and heartache.

    They had all witnessed the depth of her affection for Maverick. Now that Maverick had left so abruptly, they were left wondering about what she would do in the future.

    Upon receiving the distressing news, Molly, whose health had been recently improving, experienced <b>a </b>significant deterioration. Now, she had to rely on a wheelchair for mobility.

    Lysander stood before them, listening in silence, unable to utter a single word.

    Right then, the staff member at the funeral home approached thent and said, ¡°All the preparations have been made. If the farewells have been said, I will arrange for <b>the </b>cremation. One family member cane with me, and the rest should wait outside.¡±

    Everyone, including Josiah, turned their attention to Lysander.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t eaten a bite. Even though she tried to put on a brave face, she still looked as frail as if a gust of wind could knock her down. She looked at the door behind the staff. Her feet felt <b>rooted </b>to the spot, unable to move.

    Does that mean if I don¡¯t go in, I won¡¯t have to say goodbye to Dad?

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to say goodbye to Maverick.

    <b>Josiah </b>came to her side, gently taking hold of her trembling hand.

    The day wasn¡¯t particrly cold, and the sunlight outside was even quite brilliant. However, her hands were deathly cold, practically devoid of any warmth when touched.

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    With a fear of startling Lysander, Josiah gently asked her, ¡°Should I go?¡±

    Finished

    He was worried that Lysander might carry psychological burdens in the future, so he made a point to offer her someforting words.

    The staff, having witnessed countless scenes of heart¨Cwrenching goodbyes, remained understanding upon seeing this situation. They didn¡¯t rush them; instead, they silently stood by, patiently waiting for the family to make their decision.

    Lysander had once learned about the process of cremation, aware that this farewell meant she would never have the chance to see Maverick again. Despite the waves of dizziness threatening to overwhelm her, she said, ¡°No, I¡¯ll go myself. I want to apany my dad for thisst journey.¡±

    Josiah had anticipated her response long ago, so he quickly nodded. ¡°All right, then let me help you over

    there.¡±

    Lysander took a few steps, then suddenly stopped. ¡°Where is the lounge? I need to inform my mom and sister.¡±

    Howard hurriedly responded, ¡°I just came from the lounge. Your mom hasn¡¯t woken up yet, and your sister is with her. You go in first. I¡¯ll let them know.¡±

    ¡°All right, thank you.¡± Lysander managed to nod, albeit reluctantly. She was so drained that she couldn¡¯t even muster an expression.

    Josiah looked at her anxiously, fearing that she might suddenly andpletely break down without any warning.

    The impact this time was simply too overwhelming. He didn¡¯t dare to grip her hand too tightly as he supported her, for fear she would shatter under the pressure.

    Lysander seemed reflective as she said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if my mom and sister have the courage to face this moment, but if they wish to hold onto some memories, I at least want to ensure he departs peacefully.¡±

    This room, used for holding vigil over the deceased, was significantly smaller and darker than the mourning hall outside, requiring artificial light even in broad daylight to see anything-N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Maverick <b>had </b>already been assisted by the staff in changing into his familiar everyday clothes. Laura had brought them, insisting that he take them with him to the next world.

    As Lysander gazed upon her father, lying peacefully in the casket, she was suddenly struck by a wave of unfamiliarity.

    Maverick <b>was </b>always the restless type. Even on his days off from work, he would busy himself around the house, helping Laura with the chores or fixing and cleaning household appliances and pipes. If not, he would be found downstairs, engaging in a game of chess <b>over </b>a cup of coffee with Aron from the neighboring building.

    How could such a person suddenly justy there, motionless<b>?</b>

    Josiah observed the abnormal flush creeping onto Lysander¡¯s pale face. Fearing that she might be suppressing her emotions, he/gently suggested, ¡°I can wait outside if you want. If there¡¯s something on your <b>mind</b>, feel free to share it with Mr. Maverick at your own pace.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Lysander said, her voice hoarse. ¡°These past few days, all I¡¯ve done is cry and sleep. I¡¯ve run out.

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    of tears, and everything that needed to be said has already been said. Now¡­ I¡¯m just keeping him

    Death is an insurmountable chasm, and even though she was Maverick¡¯s daughter, she could only apany him until this moment.

    Finished

    After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, a staff member from the funeral home approached them. ¡°Time is nearly up. If there¡¯s anything else you need to say, please do so soon.¡±

    Josiah looked at Lysander, who seemed to have lost her spirit, and <b>said</b>, ¡°Let¡¯s wait a bit longer.¡±

    Unexpectedly, Lysander said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Since the time hase, let things be as they should be. If were still here, he definitely wouldn¡¯t want his affairs to trouble others. I can¡¯t let him rest uneasily.

    Josiah asked softly. ¡°Aren¡¯t we waiting for Mdm. Laura and Michelle?¡±

    my

    He knew that the bond between the mother and her two daughters was strong, yet he couldn¡¯t help but worry that this matter might be a thorn in their hearts. He wished he could take into ount every little detail for Lysander¡¯s sake..

    ¡°They arrived before me, so they probably said everything that needed to be said. It¡¯s better to rip off the bandage quickly, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Lysander had be considerably more serene,

    Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯m just afraid that after Mdm. Laura woke up, not being able to see Mr. Maverick for thest time would leave her with a sense of regret.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand them. After my mom got married, she didn¡¯t go through any major hardships. <i>My </i>divorce alone made her feel as if the world was ending. If she had to see my dad being cremated with her own eyes, she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it. And there¡¯s Michelle, she¡¯s only eighteen. This is just too cruel for her.¡±

    ¡°All right, then.¡±

    Filled with immeasurable sorrow, Josiah made way for the staff, allowing them to push Maverick into the

    cremator.

    In the final moment, Lysander gently leaned against the ss of the coffin, uttering with utmost tenderness, ¡°Goodbye, Dad.¡±

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    From the depths of her heart, she yearned for the day she could see her father again. Thus, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to bid him farewell.

    The door across her slowly closed<b>, </b>and concurrently, the electronic disy screen hanging beside it lit up, indicating themencement of the incineration process.

    Lysander lifted her <b>head </b>from the now empty ss below her. She tried to stand up, but the very next moment, she felt dizzy, as if the whole world had lost its color.

    Before she lost consciousness, she heard an incredibly anxious voice calling. ¡°Lysander.¡±

    By the time Lysander regained consciousness, she found herself lying in a warm and soft ce. She vaguely sensed that she was on a bed, but her body was so weakened from overexertion that she couldn¡¯t <b>even </b>open her eyes.

    It seemed as though there were people talking nearby, but their voices were indistinct and unclear.

    The most noticeable of all was the voice of Josiah. He was naturally gifted with a deep and rich voice, so even when he deliberately lowered his volume, he still had the most distinctive voice in the crowd.

    ¡°The doctor mentioned that Lysander is not in danger. Her fainting spell was merely due to excessive sadness and malnutrition that led to a high fever. They¡¯ve already administered an IV drip with nutrients and saline solution. Her colleague, Lynn, also came to visit just now and their ounts of the situation were quite consistent.¡±

    Josiah was discussing Lysander¡¯s situation with someone, his worry apparent despite his best efforts to appear calm.

    Hence, Lysander realized her situation; it turned out she <b>had </b>already been sent back to the hospital.

    I <b>wonder </b>how Mom and Michelle are doing¡­.

    The voices seemed to sound from the corridor. Josiah, Howard, Molly, and Susan were outside, <b>their </b>mood downcast.

    Usually, Howard was the picture of refined gentility, rarely disying such deep distress. He was earnestly reflecting on himself, continuously shaking his head and sighing as he spoke.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°For me, thepany no longer mattered. At my age<b>, </b>what is there left to fret over? Regardless of whether Lysa is willing to ept me <b>as </b>her so¨Ccalled father, it is my responsibility to <b>make </b>up for the past shorings, rather than letting her, the whom I¡¯ve wronged, help me.¡±

    Seated in her wheelchair, Molly gently held her husband¡¯s hand. Her voice was much softer as she spoke. ¡°This isn¡¯t solely your fault. If we truly need to make changes, we should bear them together. Remember when I <b>was </b>in the hospital, how you always said we are one, as husband and wife?¡±

    Howard gently tightened his grip on his wife. ¡°Do you also support my decision<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Of course.¡± Molly¡¯s eyes were still red¨Crimmed, but upon hearing her husband¡¯s words, she managed a small smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been through the jaws of death, maybe I see things more clearly than you do,¡± she said.

    The two of them reached an agreement, without a trace of hesitation or conflict in the process.

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    Josiah had grown up under their watchful eyes, so he naturally understood their temperaments. He knew that once they made up their minds, it was impossible to change it. But given the gravity of the matter, he still feltpelled to confirm with them. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Thorne, are you absolutely certain about this?¡±

    Molly gently looked at her husband and nodded.

    Encouraged, Howard spoke with more conviction than before. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind, and I won¡¯t change it again. In life, everything is fleeting, wealth and status can disappear in an instant. What¡¯s most important. is to cherish the people in front of us. If thepany is gone, then so be it. I just want Lysa to be happy.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, since Lysa¡¯s dream is to be a doctor, how could we, the two people who constantly imed to want the best for her, restrain her? All that matters is her health and happiness.¡±

    After falling ill, Molly developed a particr sentiment toward life.

    Josiah was deeply moved when he saw them willing to give up the efforts of their lifetime for Lysander. He reassured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, when Lysander wakes up, I will find the right moment to tell her about this. However, she is someone who always sees things through once she starts. And considering she has epted over ten million from the Thorne family, she believes she must repay the favor¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this talk of debts among family? This child is just too stubborn, always putting herselfst. If she feels burdened, tell her this her mother and I are getting on <b>in </b>years. We don¡¯t want to toil anymore, we just want to live out our days in peace and simplicity with her.¡±

    Anticipating that Lysander might feel guilty, Howard had already prepared his excuses.

    Josiah nodded in agreement, promising them that he would give it a try.

    Susan was not an outsider to the Thorne family. Upon hearing this, she was moved and said, ¡°It¡¯s truly heartbreaking how much parents care for their children. I just came from Laura¡¯s and Michelle¡¯s ce. They are also very worried about Lysander¡¯s situation. If it weren¡¯t for me stopping them, they would havee to see their daughter despite their illness.¡±

    She had known Laura the longest and they got along quite well. They could be considered friends who shared amonnguage. Thus, it made her the most <b>suitable </b>person to ask these questions.

    Upon hearing this, Molly empathized and said, ¡°Laura just lost her husband. If she were to see her eldest daughter faint from weakness, she certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it. How is Michelle doing?¡±

    ¡°The young girl has grown up rather quickly, she is barely recognizablepared to her past self. I was worried she would exhaust herself, and offered to take care of her Laura for a while. But she insisted she¡¯s <b>already </b><b>an </b>adult and is determined to let her father rest in peace<b>.</b>¡±

    As Susan spoke, she couldn¡¯t help but feel her <b>eyes </b>welling up with tears <b>again</b>.

    Howard expressed his concern. ¡°She¡¯s still in school. Given the current circumstances, we adults should be the ones to step up.¡±

    He was a man of his word, truly viewing Michelle as his own daughter. His intentions did not waver in the slightest, even after Maverick¡¯s passing.

    Upon hearing this, Susan couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°There truly <b>is </b>a matter now that requires our attention. I¡¯ve asked Laura about it, she doesn¡¯t want her husband to be buried alone in the cemetery. She hopes he can return to his roots, to be buried back in his hometown.¡±

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    ¡°The request is fair and reasonable, but isn¡¯t it too much to ask of her in her current state?¡± Molly was deeply concerned for Laura¡¯s health after finding out how soon she was leaving.

    Susan let out a sigh, eloquently sharing her ns.

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried to persuade her before, but she insists on returning as soon as possible. She said it¡¯s fine as long as Michelle is with her. She mentioned that Lysander is currently running a high fever and is not suitable for her to travel. So, she entrusted us to take care of her. I have no choice but to arrange for a few people. to apany them, hoping they can be of some help¡­

    She continued to talk about some other matters, but for Lysander, who was feeling faint andcked the strength to even keep her eyes open, her words were nothing more than vague background noise.

    <i>So</i><i>, </i>my mother and sister preparing to embark on <i>a </i>journey back to our hometown with <i>my </i><i>father¡¯s </i>ashes.

    Upon hearing this, Lysander¡¯s heart, which had been hanging in her dreams, finally felt significantly lighter. She let out the breath that had been held in her chest, intending to allow herself to fall into a deep sleep. However, for some reason, her eyelids, which had felt too heavy to lift before, now seemed not as heavy.

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    Through her somewhat blurred vision, Lysander managed to discern her surroundings. As she had suspected, she was back in the hospital room she had previously upied, with tworge bags of IV fluids hanging by the bedside.

    It seemed that she was in a fair amount of danger this time.

    Just as Lysander was about to blink her eyes to clearly see the specific name of the medicine, the door to the sickroom squeaked open, indicating someone <b>was </b>entering. She hadn¡¯t yet figured out how to face them, so she simply closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

    Apanied by the softest of footsteps, the visitor halted in front of the sickbed. After quietly observing her for a moment, they gently ced a hand on her forehead.

    The hand was broad and warm<b>, </b>carrying a faint scent of dryness. It was indeed the hand of Josiah.

    After carefully sensing the temperature on Lysander¡¯s forehead for a moment, Josiah then softly spoke to the elders standing by the door, careful not to disturb Lysander¡¯s rest. ¡°The fever has dropped slightly, but there¡¯s still a bit of a low¨Cgrade fever.¡±

    Howard and the others collectively let out a sigh.

    Josiah pulled back his hand, carefully tucking Lysander in under the nket before he walked over. ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you apany Mr. and Mrs. Thorne home first? Everyone¡¯s been having a tough time these past few days. If we continue to overexert ourselves, it won¡¯t be good.¡±

    Molly watched Lysander on the hospital bed with great unease. ¡°But with Lysa in this state, I won¡¯t be at peace even if I go back.¡±

    Howard was <b>also </b>worried about his daughter, but considering his wife¡¯s frailty and her reliance on a wheelchair, he advised, ¡°I will check on Lysander with Josiah from time to time. Right now, our priority is to not cause any more problems for the kids. They are tired too. If you copse again, <b>Josiah </b>will have to take care of you. What about Lysa then?¡±

    The color palette of the hospital room was incredibly nd, making the face of Josiah, who stood before them, appear particrly pale. Although he had neverined about anything, he <b>was</b><b>, </b>after all, not made of iron.

    If he continued to juggle both sides like this, the next one who <b>might </b>end up needing an IV

    exhaustion would probably be Josiah.

    <i>rip </i>from

    Molly nced at Josiah and then at Lysander, finally agreeing, albeit reluctantly, to go home and wait for news. Susan naturally had to apany the two of them back, but she kept looking back every few steps

    she took.

    <b>Josiah </b>stood by the ward¡¯s door for a while, only returning to Lysander¡¯s side after they had disappeared from his sight<b>.</b>

    The <b>chair </b>was carefully lifted and gently ced beside the head of the bed.

    Josiah was leaning over in a close yet somewhat ufortable position, gripping Lysander¡¯s hand tightly. After her fever had subsided, her hand had once again be icy cold. Only by holding it this way could he transfer a bit of warmth to her.

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    Lysander¡¯s other hand subtly trembled, barely noticeable. She didn¡¯t react in any other way, except for a slight flutter of her eyshes.

    These past few days <b>had </b>been exhausting for Josiah, his mind constantly on edge. He didn¡¯t miss even the slightest movement, but he didn¡¯t consider the possibility of her feigning sleep. He was more concerned that she wasn¡¯t resting well, so he got up and meticulously drew the curtains once <b>more</b>.

    As the IV bag that Lysander was hooked up to was almost depleted, he didn¡¯t even press the call bell by her bed. Instead, he went directly to the nurse¡¯s station and fetched someone to change it. When he did so, he didn¡¯t forget to lower his voice to

    a whisper, saying, ¡°She¡¯s been very tiredtely, could you please keep it down and let her sleep a bit longer.¡±

    When he spoke these words, there was a noticeable concern in Josiah¡¯s eyes. This left the nurse, who already knew Lysander, full of doubts, wondering if she had mistaken him for someone else.

    Is he really Dr. Thorne¡¯s lousy ex¨Chusband? <i>He </i>seems so gentle and considerate, it just doesn¡¯t seem right.

    Josiah noticed that the nurse was staring at him even after she had finished removing Lysander¡¯s needle. He moved toward the door before <b>asking</b>, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    The nurse countered, ¡°Are you Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Without hesitation, Josiah nodded. ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Vale has stopped by the nurse¡¯s station earlier when she was making her rounds,¡± the nurse began, leading the way. ¡°She instructed me to bring you something if you¡¯re still here in the evening. Would you minding with me, please?¡±

    Lynn <b>had </b>never been particrly fond of Josiah. The only reason she paid any attention to his whereabouts this time was purely out of consideration for Lysander.

    The on¨Cduty doctor <b>had </b>too <b>many </b>patients to care for, <b>so </b>she couldn¡¯t always keep an eye on Lysander¡¯s condition.

    Following the nurse¡¯s lead, Josiah entered the nurse¡¯s station, where, under her direction, he moved a folding bed and a nket.

    Compared to the creaky and unstable patient¡¯s bed in the hospital room, this bed was much more sturdy.

    ¡°Please convey my thanks to Dr. Vale,¡± he requested, ¡°and assure her that I will take good care of Lysander.¡± He understood why Lynn was doing this.

    That night, Josiah stayed by Lysander¡¯s sickbed untilte into the night.

    The foldable bed had been set up, but he simply sat on it, showing no intention of lying down. He was afraid <b>that </b>if he identally fell asleep, he wouldn¡¯t know when Lysander woke up.

    The doctor who had prescribed medication for Lysander had warned that her health was severelypromised. Her high fever hade on strongly and signs of dehydration were already evident. Once she regained consciousness, it was crucial to promptly replenish her fluids and nutrients.

    On the bedside table, <b>there </b>was a thermos filled with <b>banana </b>oatmeal, <b>and </b>a <b>sk </b>on the <b>floor </b>filled with hot water.

    Everything was prepared by Josiah, he was just waiting for Lysander to wake up. However, she didn¡¯t show

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    any signs of regaining consciousness even in thete night. This made him extremely worried, and he would asionally reach out to check her forehead temperature.

    Since her fever broke that afternoon, Lysander¡¯s body temperature had returned to normal. Her breathing was light and steady, and she didn¡¯t seem to be exhibiting any unusual symptoms.

    Josiah, filled with uncase, approached the nurse¡¯s station to inquire. Upon learning that drowsiness was a normal symptom after a high fever, he returned to the bedside and took a seat. He gently held her hand and, leaning against the bed¡¯s edge, he sought to catch a brief moment of rest.

    Perhaps it <b>was </b>due <b>to </b>the non¨Cstop hustle and bustle of the past couple of days, he fell into a deep sleep as soon as he closed his eyes.

    By the time he was jolted awake, the sounds of cries and shouts were already echoing from outside.

    Such incidents weremon in the hospital ward. Patients would suddenly pass away due to fever, and their families, unable to cope with the loss, would often break down into uncontroble sobs. This was the usual scene.

    Josiah looked up, catching a sliver of daylight that had seeped in through the curtain. His worry was two- fold. He didn¡¯t want to wake Lysander, but he also feared that the sound of crying from outside might upset her, stirring painful memories. Almost instinctively, he found himself wanting to offer her a few words offort.

    Before he could even utter a word, his gaze was already fixed intently on the hospital bed.

    The quilt was neatly spread out on the bed, and Lysander was nowhere to be found.

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    Chapter 636 She Did Not Want To See Anyone

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    Josiah called out her name, abruptly standing up. He frantically began to search for her, looking in the bathroom and the hallway, but she was nowhere to be found. With his hair disheveled and eyes reddened, he dashed around the vicinity of the hospital room, losing all sense of decorum.

    Early in the morning, the hallway was filled with rtives of patients who had just returned from the cafeteria with their meals. Seeing his frantic <b>state</b>, they all stopped in their tracks to watch.

    What on earth happened?

    Josiah seemed oblivious to everything around him. After confirming that Lysander was not around, he rushed to the nurse¡¯s station at the fastest speed possible. He found the nurse he had met the day before and asked. ¡°Lysander is missing, have you seen her?¡±

    His voice trembled, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins, clearly indicating he had encountered something significant.

    ¡°No.¡± The nurse grew anxious and quickly turned to ask her colleagues nearby. Upon learning that no one had seen Lysander, she added, ¡°Dr. Thorne always <b>has </b>a precise internal clock. Perhaps she¡¯s feeling upset and went downstairs for a walk. Why don¡¯t you go look for her, and I¡¯ll¨C¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, Josiah had already taken off like the wind, heading straight for the small garden downstairs. He didn¡¯t even wait for the elevator, opting instead to take the fire escape.

    Josiah descended the steps at breakneck speed. He nearly missed a step but didn¡¯t pause for even a second, instead, he pushed on with his sprint. By the time he reached the small garden beneath the residential department, a metallic taste filled his mouth.

    He had run too frantically, and with barely any water consumed the day before, his throat was so parched. that even breathing felt like swallowing a knife.

    Most of the patients in the hospital were particrly careful about their health. Early morning was the coldest time of the day. Hence, there was hardly anyone in the small garden.

    Josiah, undeterred, made several rounds, even going as far as to grab the few elderly men around, asking them if they had seen a young girl with long hair. Only after receiving negative responses did he, as if waking from a dream, head back to the outpatient department.

    He almost forgot, Lysander did have acquaintances in the hospital.

    In a fluster, Josiah dashed straight to Lynn¡¯s office. Rather than saying he pushed the door open, it was more like he barged in. ¡°Has Lysander been here?¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Lynn had just finished her call with the nurse and was cing her phone down. When she saw him panting heavily, as if his soul was about to flee his body, she immediately understood what was going on.

    ¡°She left.¡±

    Upon seeing that Lysander had encountered no mishaps or sought to end her own life, Josiah felt <b>a </b>slight sense of relief. However, this relief nearly caused him to copse from exhaustion. Fortunately, he managed to support himself <b>against </b>the <b>door </b>beside him in time, preventing a fall.

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    The door was teetering on its hinges, the very same one he had mistakenly mmed into before, under the assumption <b>that </b>Lysander was pregnant again.

    Pointing to the chair across from her, Lynn reminded him, ¡°The door was just fixed not too long ago. If you can¡¯t keep on your feet, why not sit down and let me exin everything? Dr. Thorne asked me to tell. you that she has no other intentions, She just wants to find a ce where she won¡¯t be disturbed. She wants to be alone for the time being.¡±

    Josiah released his tight grip from the edge of the office door, taking several deep breaths to steady his emotions. His voice was hoarse as he asked, ¡°Did she mention where she was going before she left?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lynn shook her head.

    Josiah was relentless in his questioning. ¡°Not a single clue?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Seeing his growing despair. Lynn carefully recalled the conversation she had with Lysander. Then, with a serious expression, she ryed it to him.

    ¡°However, Dr. Thome did leave me with a message for you. If you are to persistently seek her out, she wants me to tell you to focus on your work and life, engage in meaningful activities, but above all, to not seek her out.¡±

    As soon as the words were spoken, the silence in the office was so intense it was almost frightening-

    Josiah kept reying the events of the previous night in his mind, finally realizing, albeit btedly, that something was amiss.

    Lysander probably woke up long before hey down for a nap, but she didn¡¯t <b>open </b>her eyes because she didn¡¯t want him to notice her movements.

    If only he had noticed her unusual behavior earlier.

    Josiah closed his eyes in agony. When he opened them again, his aura had significantly diminished. He bid farewell to Lynn, then returned to his sickroom and dialed Laura¡¯s number.

    It took quite a while before the call was answered.

    Josiah immediately asked, ¡°Mrs. Thorne, you-¡±

    ¡°<b>Josiah</b>, it¡¯s me,¡± Michelle interrupted.

    Josiah paused, anxiously asking, ¡°Where¡¯s Mrs. Thorne?¡±

    Maverick was already gone, it was crucial that nothing happens to Laura.

    Several days had passed, yet Michelle still choked up as she spoke. ¡°My mom had insomniast night, she just fell asleep. If you have something <b>to </b>say, you can tell me, and I¡¯ll let her know when she wakes up.¡±

    Laura was still deeply immersed in the sorrow of her husband¡¯s passing, unable to move forward.

    After a brief pause, Josiah spoke again. ¡°Michelle, you¡¯ve been working hard these past few days.¡±

    He was worried that if he rashly asked if Lysander was at Maverick¡¯s hometown and she wasn¡¯t there yet, it might cause unnecessary concern for Michelle and Laura. So, in the midst of it, he had a rare change of heart and dared not ask any further.

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    ¡°Josiah, you wanted to ask about my sister, didn¡¯t you?¡± She steadied her voice, which threatened to break into tears at the mention of Lysander<b>, </b><b>and </b><b>said</b>, ¡°My mother and I <b>have </b>already returned to our hometown, preparing for my father¡¯s funeral. However, my sister isn¡¯t here, she only called when dawn was just breaking.¡±

    After receiving a call from her eldest daughter, Laura heeded her advice. She stopped obsessively looking at thest photo she had with her husband and retreated to her room to rest.

    Josiah subconsciously tightened his grip on his phone. ¡°Can I know what she told you?¡±

    Michelle responded truthfully, ¡°My sister told me that she is going to take a long vacation. She asked my mother and me not to worry about her. After that, she didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    Apart from not bidding farewell to Josiah, Lysander had thought things through very thoroughly.

    There was a prolonged silence on the other end of the line.

    After waiting for quite some time, Michelle couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Josiah, his voice barely returning to its calm state. He spoke with a weighty seriousness, ¡°Your sister is a sensible person. If she made these arrangements, it means she has thought it through thoroughly. You and Mrs. Thorne need to take good care of yourselves.¡±

    Michelle grunted in agreement.

    The words spoken were quite simr to those said before she ended the call with Lysander, but she didn¡¯t interrupt, instead she just quietly listened.

    Josiah genuinely wanted to take good care of Lysander¡¯s family, but with the great distance between them, all he could do was say, ¡°I¡¯ll hang up now. Remember to contact me anytime if you or Mrs. Thorne need anything.¡±

    Susan had sent people to look after <b>Laura </b><b>and </b>Michelle, but he knew they wouldn¡¯t stay there for long. Once Maverick¡¯s <b>ashes </b>were buried, they would return. He was worried that Michelle would try to tough it out on her own. Only after receiving assurance did he hang up the phone.

    Without Lysander, the ward felt <b>even </b>more deste than before, a silence that sent a chill straight to one¡¯s

    heart.

    Josiah <b>was </b>reluctant to linger any longer. After making a call to have someone take care of the aftermath, he immediately drove off to hispany without a moment¡¯s rest. Now, it was his turn to keep busy.

    During his absence from Guerra Group, Carol had been meticulously managing thepany affairs. Once he learned about the specific events that had transpired, he couldn¡¯t help but let out a <b>sigh</b>.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, should we send someone to investigate your wife¡¯s whereabouts? Regardless of where she has gone, if she used any form of transportation, there will inevitably be traces left behind. She doesn¡¯t want you to go looking for her<b>, </b>so we won¡¯t. We¡¯ll just watch from a distance, ensuring her safety is what matters

    most.¡±

    <b>Carol </b>was <b>also </b><b>quite </b>concerned about Lysander¡¯s situation.

    <b>Josiah </b>was just about to tackle his backlog of work when he paused and said, ¡°She probably doesn¡¯t want to

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    see anyone right now, don¡¯t bother her. Let her be for the time being.¡±

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    Chapter 637 This Plot Sounds Familiar

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    The progress of modern society was rapid, yet in the remote mountainous regions of the midwest, there were still areas that, due to geographical or climatic factors, remained frozen in the state of the eighties and nies of thest century.

    The only health center in the vige couldn¡¯t evenpare to therge urban hospitals. It was merely a small, weathered building. The ground floor served as the outpatient department, while the second floor housed the wards.

    The paint on the walls of the small loft had mostly peeled off, leaving the entire surface mottled. The main door of the health center was framed with wood, inset with a piece of ss<b>, </b>and painted with the military green color that was so characteristic of that era.

    unwas

    On this day, the sun was shining brightly, and there weren¡¯t many patientsing in for consultations. Only a few vigers from nearby viges who were running a fever were receiving IV drip.

    After the nurse had finished administering the injections, she found herself with some free time. She decided to make the most of it by heading to the courtyard to soak up some sun. As she idly chatted away. her gaze often drifted toward a few potted nts that had been moved to the side of the walkway for some sunlight.

    Upon seeing the situation, the doctors, who were not busy at the moment, decided to step out for a stroll as well, eventually joining them in their conversation.

    ¡°It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve had such peace and quiet. A while back, we <b>had </b>a flu outbreak, and we ran out of IV poles. We had to make do with clothes hangers.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t ever say things like that! Our hospital really frowns upon such talk!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. There was once, just as I finished saying how quiet it was that day, a trike pulled up immediately. They imed that a whole family started vomiting and having diarrhea after dinner, apparently all suffering from food poisoning.¡±

    The nurse who first spoke was scared she had jinxed the situation and quickly touched wood.

    Only then did the others rx and resume their individual conversations.

    An elderly doctor, hands sped behind her back, remarked, ¡°Days like these are truly wonderful. Not only <b>are </b><b>we </b>at case, but it also indirectly indicates <b>that </b>everyone around us is in good health.¡±

    That elderly doctor, Karen <b>Vazquez</b>, had been working there for many years, making her the most seasoned doctor in the health center.

    The head nurse standing nearby chimed in, ¡°Indeed, most of the people who choose to work in a hospital tend to be a little idealistic. They hope for a world free of sickness and disaster, even if it means they¡¯d be out of a job.¡±

    A young nurse, Astrid Beltran, was nearby, basking in the sun. Her gaze swept across the courtyard before finally resting on the lounge chair at the bottom of the steps.

    A female doctor dressed in a white coat was lying there. In an attempt to shield her eyes from the <b>ring </b>view<b>, </b>she had covered her face with a book. It seemed as if she had already fallen asleep.

    Astrid une tanesind

    fam dasine might catch a sold sa cha unibad suar and mantlu mid won th

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    Thorne?¡±

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    Lysander had recently been dispatched from the city, reportedly having volunteered to aid the remote areas. It was said she came from a prestigious city hospital. Both the director of the health center and the experienced senior doctors held her in high regard.

    The conditions at the vige health center were extremely challenging. It wasn¡¯t as if there hadn¡¯t been doctors who came to provide medical support in the past, but almost none of them could stay for long.

    Some persisted for a week while others hastily packed up their belongings and left overnight.

    Lysander had already been there for nearly ten days, setting a record. So far, she hadn¡¯t shown any signs <b>of </b>wanting to leave.

    When she was working, she tended to be rather serious and had high standards. However, in normal interactions, she was quite easygoing. Everyone hoped she would stick around a bit longer<b>.</b>

    Seeing that Lysander didn¡¯t respond, Astrid moved a bit closer and called out <b>again</b>, ¡°Dr. Thorne?¡±

    ¡°Huh? What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Oh, nothing. I¡¯m just concerned about you catching a cold. The countryside isn¡¯t like the city. The wind is stronger here.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sleeping. I was justying down for a bit of rest.¡±

    Bending over to read the title of the book that Lysander had been using to cover her face. Astrid said, ¡°Is the book titled ¡®My Beloved¡®? Dr. Thorne, I didn¡¯t expect you to be into this kind of book.¡±

    Lysander leisurely lifted the <b>book </b>from her face and sat up. She flipped the book over to carefully examine the cover, letting out a light chuckle. ¡°I simply noticed the fine weather outside and thought of taking a nap under the sun. However, I didn¡¯t expect the sunlight to be so intense and blinding. After that, I randomly grabbed a book from the ward to shield my eyes. Have you read this book? Is it any good?¡±

    In the health center, there were no televisions in the wards. If the patients wanted to pass the time, their only options were to read novels or y poker. Over time, the shelves became filled with novels left ¡°behind by patients who had been discharged.

    When Lysander picked up the book, she hadn¡¯t bothered to look at it at all. At that moment, as she gazed at the cover featuring a bride in her wedding dress, nestled in the arms of a male lead d in a suit and leather shoes, her expression suddenly becameplex.

    <b>When </b>she saw the title, she was involuntarily reminded of a certain individual.

    Astrid noticed Lysander was intently studying the cover. Assuming Lysander was interested in the book. and had nothing else to do, Astrid dasually sat next to her, enthusiastically striking up a conversation.

    ¡°Dr. Thome, don¡¯t you think this cover is quite appealing? The handsome man and beautiful woman <b>are </b>particrly pleasing to the eye. When I read the book, I imagined the characters as they were on the cover. I believe this illustration depicts their wedding scene at the end. I was moved to tears when I reached that part, soaking my nket.¡±

    As Astrid spoke, her eyes welled up with tears once <b>again</b>. Even after such a long time, she found herself moved whenever she recalled the poignant love story from the book.

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    Lysander handed her a tissue, thoughtfullyforting her, saying, ¡°What¡¯s written in the books is all fiction. They¡¯re just stories.¡±

    Astrid¡¯s tears abruptly stopped<b>, </b>and with a tone of respect, she said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯re incredibly rational. Do you <b>spend </b>your time only reading academic papers instead of romance novels?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not really like that. Everyone needs some form of entertainment in life.¡± Lysander gently shook her head. ¡°asionally, I would flip through ¡°Wuthering Heights¡® or something simr.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Astrid pivoted the conversation and began rmending a novel she had read to Lysander. ¡°When you¡¯re bored, you might want to give this one a try,¡± she suggested. ¡°Out of the multitude of books piled up in the wards, I personally find this one to be the most captivating¡±

    ¡°<b>What </b>is this book about?¡±

    ¡°The male and female protagonists were married twice in total, once at the beginning and once at the conclusion of the story. Originally, they met through a blind date and didn¡¯t harbor any particr feelings for each other. It wasn¡¯t until the man¡¯s first crush returned to their homnd that things started to change¡­¡±

    <i>This </i>plot sounds eerily familiar. Lysander gave a dryugh, finding that listening to stories was even more sleep¨Cinducing than reading books directly. Unfortunately, Astrid was telling her tale with such enthusiasm that Lysander felt too embarrassed to interrupt.

    While they were engrossed in conversation, suddenly, a type of electric trikemonly seen in the countryside drove into the front yard.

    The one riding the trike was a young man with a darkplexion and big, rough hands. He parked his trike at the entrance of the building, hurriedly assisting the pregnant woman sitting in the trike¡¯s bucket to get down. All the while, he called out in desperation, ¡°Doctor! My wife is about to give birth!¡±

    A few people who were sunbathing saw this scene, and without a word, they immediately rushed over.

    The pregnant woman¡¯s face was <b>ashen</b>, devoid of energy even to step out of the vehicle. With the assistance of the robust man and Karen, she managed to get down. However, as soon as her foot touched. the ground, the prematurely ruptured amniotic fluid trickled down her soaked pants and onto the ground.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander quickly said, ¡°No. She can¡¯t walk anymore. That¡¯s her amniotic fluid trickling down. Let¡¯s get a wheelchair first.¡±

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    Astrid, who was previously engrossed in her romance novel, instantly sprang into action, wheeling over the wheelchair with utmost speed.

    The man finally <b>saw </b>the pregnant woman sit down, and like someone who had just caught a lifeline, he turned to Karen, asking. ¡°When we went for a prenatal check¨Cup in the city, they said the due date was still more than a month away. But she suddenly went intobor this afternoon. Does this count as a pretermbor?¡±

    Karen could only make a reluctant assessment based on the pregnant woman¡¯s condition. ¡°The amniotic fluid has already broken. She has to give birth now. However, our facilities are quite basic here. The mostplex procedure we¡¯ve performed is an appendectomy. We will do our best to stabilize her, but you should call an ambnce as <b>soon </b>as possible.¡±

    Upon hearing this, the man was immediately filled with terror. ¡°It takes at least two to three hours to get to the city hospital from here. I¡¯m afraid my wife and child can¡¯t wait that long. We¡¯re running out of time!¡±

    Karen nced at the pregnant woman in the wheelchair and then at the man. Gritting her teeth, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s try to deliver the baby first and see if we can hold on until help arrives from the city hospital!¡±

    After she finished speaking, she hurriedly caught up with the nurse and Lysander, who were taking the pregnant woman to the only operating room in the health center. She asked Lysander, ¡°Dr. Thorne, I remember reading in your profile that you used to work in the obstetrics and gynecology department at Central Hospital. Are you confident in handling a situation like this?¡±

    ¡°We need to assess the patient¡¯s condition first, Lysander replied calmly. ¡°The mother appears to not only have a pretermbor, but she also seems to be having signs of a difficultbor. The dtion phase is too fast, while thebor phase is clearly dyed. If we don¡¯t perform assisted delivery, there might be danger.¡±

    The healthcare conditions in the vige were significantly outdated. Before the establishment of the health center, many families would opt to have childbirth at home. The preparation involved nothing more than a basin of hot water and a pair of scissors, and at most, they might invite a local midwife for assistance. If they encountered a difficultbor, they were left to the mercy of fate.

    <b>Karen</b>, who had worked there for many years, was highly familiar with the conditions of the health center. She stated candidly, ¡°We¡¯re unable to perform C¨Csection here. Even in the case of a difficultbor, we can only strive for a natural birth.¡±

    This was the first time Lysander encountered such a situation, but even when faced with danger, she didn¡¯t show a hint of fear. ¡°I¡¯ll think of a way to help adjust the baby¡¯s position,¡± she said.

    Karen, upon observing Lysander¡¯s youthful age yetposed demeanor, recognized the air of an expert about her. She nodded and said, ¡°All right. I¡¯ll assist you today.¡±

    The operating room in the health center was seldom used throughout the year. However, the medical workers were always responsible. Even if it was just to stitch up a wound, they made sure to disinfect everything thoroughly. Thismendable habit proved to be extremely useful that day.

    Lysander and Karen quickly finished disinfecting themselves and approached theboring woman who was in so much pain that she was nearly unable to cry.

    Upon seeing them, the woman inbor struggled to say, ¡°Doctors¡­ Please save my child.¡±

    nder geqtured for <b>the </b>nurce to first <b>wine </b>the <b>cwear </b>from the <b>woman </b>inhor <b>then </b><b>said </b>in a calm and

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    steady voice, ¡°We will certainly do our best, so you must also stay strong. Your husband is waiting outside for you, and your family, as he mentioned<b>, </b>is already on their way here.¡±

    The majority of the residents in the vige were farmers. The husband of the woman inbor was a typical

    the doctors. When they informed him that

    farmer with no knowledge of medicine. However, he 11 ly anxious, akin to a cat on a hot tin roof.

    his wife and child were in critical condition, he became extremely anxious, akin to a cat on a hot tin roof.

    Upon hearing g that her husband was outside and her family was on their way to her, the woman clung to the hope of persevering.

    In the wee hours of the morning, thanks to thebined efforts of Lysander and Karen, a loud cry echoed from the makeshift delivery room that was originally an operating room.

    Lysander held the newborn and approached the exhausted new mother, excitedly saying, ¡°Look at your baby! He¡¯s a very healthy boy. He just got weighed, and he¡¯s exactly eight pounds.¡±

    The new mother, ovee with joy, cried out, ¡°He¡¯s so big! No wonder he couldn¡¯t wait toe <b>out</b>.¡±

    Although she had a natural birth, she had endured hours of torment. At that moment, she was so exhausted she didn¡¯t even have the strength to sit up and hold her child.

    Lysander could fullyprehend her feelings at that moment. She took the initiative to bring the child closer to the mother, so the mother could get a clear look at the baby¡¯s face.

    Meanwhile, the nurse had already left the delivery room, sharing the good news with the man and rtives waiting outside.

    The mother¨Cinw of the woman who had just given birth was overjoyed upon hearing that the baby weighed more than eight pounds. She <b>was </b>so thrilled that she couldn¡¯t stop smiling. ¡°This is wonderful! We¡¯ve got a big, healthy baby boy. I¡¯m a grandmother now.¡±

    The man, ovee with joy, wiped his tears and said to the nurse, ¡°It¡¯s wonderful. Both mother and child are safe. Thank you! I can¡¯t thank you enough¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t thank us just yet. We still have a lot to handle,¡± the nurse ryed Lysander¡¯s words to them. ¡°The mother has just given birth and is quite weak. She needs to return to her ward to rest properly. Also, have -the baby¡¯s nket and clothes been prepared? The child is still wrapped in the hospital¡¯s bed linen.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    It was then that the mother¨Cinw finally reacted. She <b>took </b>a bag from a rtive waiting behind her and handed it to the nurse, saying, ¡°Everything is in there. I¡¯ve also brought clean clothes for my daughter¨Cin-w to change into. I thought we still had a month, so I didn¡¯t prepare in advance and had to buy them. from the town at thest minute¡­¡±

    The man stood to the side, rubbing his hands together. His smile was earnest as he said, ¡°Yes, we never expected the baby toe a month early. My mother¨Cinw is still on her way. I guess she won¡¯t be here

    until tomorrow.¡±

    As it turned out, the woman who gave birth had been married off to this ce from afar.

    Upon hearing this, the nurse could only first direct them to wheel the new mother back to her ward. Along the way, she reiterated many of the precautions that needed to be taken, as Lysander instructed. It was only after the new mother wasfortably settled in that the nurse returned to fetch the baby.

    After thoroughly washing the baby and changing its clothes, Lysander carefully swaddled the child. Upon hearing from the nurse that the mother¡¯s family was not around, she couldn¡¯t help but say in relief,

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    ¡°Thank God her situation wasn¡¯t too dangerous. If it <b>had </be to the point where surgery was inevitable, <b>that </b>would have truly been tough¡­¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t confident about performing surgery in a delivery room without an anesthesiologist, Just picturing the scene made her feel despair on behalf of the pregnant woman. When she finally entered the ward and saw the woman, her demeanor softened even more.

    Upon seeing the child being carried over, the man and his mother immediately rushed forward in delight, eager to hold the child.

    Lysander carefully handed the baby over to the father, saying, ¡°The newborn is very delicate. Be careful when you hold him and make sure to support his neck first.<b>¡±</b>

    The man held the long<b>¨C</b>awaited baby in his arms, so overjoyed that he was at a loss for words. All he could muster was a heartfelt thank you to Lysander. ¡°Thank you, Doctor. I truly can¡¯t thank you guys enough.¡±

    The baby¡¯s grandmother was overjoyed and said, ¡°Look! With those thick eyebrows and big eyes, the child looks so much like you. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll grow up to be healthy. Finally, our family has a sessor.¡±

    Upon seeing the situation in the ward, the rtives quickly gathered around, eager to catch a glimpse of the child.

    ¡°Let me hold him! It¡¯s so rare to have a child over eight pounds.¡±

    ¡°This kid¡¯s crying is truly loud!¡±

    ¡°Congrattions!¡±

    As one side grew livelier, the other seemed increasingly deste. The baby¡¯s mother in the hospital bed, her tear tracks still wet<b>, </b>could only look on at the scene with a heavy heart before feigning sleep.

    Lysander nced at the woman briefly before withdrawing her gaze. She then moved closer to the <b>man </b>and, under the guise of an excuse, said, ¡°I have something to discuss with you privately. Could you step aside with me for a moment?¡±

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    The man held great respect for the doctors at that moment. He quickly handed the baby over to someone else and apanied Lysander out into the hallway.

    Lysander said in a cordial manner. ¡°I heard that your wife¡¯s family isn¡¯t around here, and they won¡¯t bel able to arrive until tomorrow. Giving birth <b>is </b><b>a </b>tough ordeal for her, and she really needs to take good care during her postpartum recovery.¡±

    The man nodded rapidly. ¡°Absolutely! With the addition of this child, my wife is the greatest contributor to our family. I must definitely take good care of her.¡±

    He was sincere in his approach, speaking nothing but the truth. However, after a day filled with busyness and his naturally slow¨Cwitted nature, he hadn¡¯t thought to show care for his wife.

    Lysander was slightly relieved and said earnestly, ¡°Adding a child to the family is certainly a joyous asion. Everyone has rushed off to see the baby, leaving your wife all alone. She¡¯s still in a weakened state, you know.¡±

    before. Upon

    The man hadn¡¯t considered things in such a delicate way hearing this, he earnestly recalled everything since his wife became pregnant. In an instant, the eyes of this grown man welled up with tears.

    ¡°Doctor, you¡¯re right. I was indeed negligent just now. I forgot tofort my wife. She¡¯s been through so much<b>, </b>and her family isn¡¯t here with her. I should take better care of her.¡±

    ¡°All right. Go ahead.¡±

    The baby¡¯s father quickly returned to the ward. He walked straight to the bedside, took his wife¡¯s hand, and poured out a long string of words.

    ¡°Honey, I was wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have been so focused on the child <b>that </b>I forgot about your feelings. From now on, I¡¯ll listen to everything you say. Once <b>we </b>get home this time, you just rest. I¡¯ll take care of the child. Oh! Also, you can pick the <b>name</b>!¡±

    These words were unadorned, yet they were the heartfelt confession of a man to his wife.

    Finally, the new mother broke down in sobs, crying out loud and clutching her husband tightly.

    Upon hearing her daughter¨Cinw¡¯s cries, the baby¡¯s grandmother quickly rushed over with the child in her arms to <b>ask</b>, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere? Oh! I almost forgot! I made you some chicken soup when I was at home.¡±

    The rtives hurriedly rummaged through the pile of things they had brought along. Quickly, they pulled out an insted tin lunch box, amon sight in the countryside<b>, </b>filled to the brim with hot chicken

    soup.

    After giving birth <b>in </b>the countryside, women would typically consume chicken soup to rejuvenate their bodies.

    The man hurriedly opened the lunch box, intending to feed his seemingly weak wife some chicken soup. After her tears had subsided, she shook her head and asked, ¡°Have you thanked the doctor? I lost so much blood carlier I thought I was going <b>to </b>die this time. Without their help, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have <b>made </b>it.¡±

    <b>Lysander </b>didn¡¯t want them to feel burdened, so she quickly stepped forward and exined, ¡°He has

    and haridar I can¡¯t take <b>all </b><b>the </b>credit for this

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    Still, the new mother insisted, saying, ¡°Please, don¡¯t be modest. I heard everything from my ward If it weren¡¯t for your expertise in adjusting the baby¡¯s position, I fear both my child and I would have been in grave danger.¡±

    Previously, the man was only aware that his wife and child were in danger, but he hadn¡¯t been in the delivery room to witness the dire situation first¨Chand. It was only after hearing from his wife that he <b>was </b>filled with immense gratitude. He came before Lysander once again, expressing his profound thanks.

    ¡°Doctor, you saved the lives of my wife and son. I truly don¡¯t know how to express my gratitude¡­..¡± he said, his eyes reddening involuntarily. The next second, following the traditions of the countryside, he added, ¡°How about this? Let me bow to you as a token of my immense gratitude!¡±

    Without a second thought, the man was about to kneel before Lysander, which startled her. She quickly moved to help him. Flustered, she said. ¡°There¡¯s really no need for this. I¡¯m a doctor, and it¡¯s my duty <b>to </b>save lives and heal the wounded. Please, don¡¯t¡­ You mustn¡¯t¡­ You need to get <b>up</b>¡­

    For the first time, Lysander saw such a grand spectacle and felt utterly overwhelmed by the excessive formality. She hurried over to support him.

    Upon seeing the situation, the baby¡¯s grandmother and other rtives were afraid that their etiquette! might not be up to par, which could potentially make Lysander feel unwee. They quickly gathered around her to express their gratitude. Amidst the chaos, someone even pulled out a mary gift to give to her.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander didn¡¯t dare to hesitate. With firm resolve, she refused, saying. ¡°You¡¯ve already paid the consultation fee. Please take it back!¡±

    The baby¡¯s grandmother appeared somewhat uneasy as she said, ¡°But after all, you¡¯ve done us such a huge favor.¡±

    Lysanderposed her expression, saying with polite yet firm resolve, ¡°I am a doctor. It¡¯s my duty to do all of this. If you truly want to thank me, take good care of the mother and child. When the baby¡¯s weing partyes around, remember to invite me.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! That¡¯s for sure!¡±

    ¨C As Lysander was fretting about how to extricate herself, Karen had finished tidying up the operating room and came over. Seeing Lysander surrounded by people with no way out, Karen stepped forward to help, saying, ¡°Dr. Thorne has been busy all night. She must be tired. Let her go home and rest first. We can discuss any issues tomorrow.¡±

    The family of the woman who had just given birth were residents of a nearby vige, known for their simplicity and honesty. When they heard that Lysander had exhausted herself, they, without waiting for Karen to say anything more, quickly stepped aside to clear the path for her to leave the ward.

    Lysander was mentally strained the entire night, truly exhausted to the point of near copse. Politely saying her goodbyes to everyone, she then retreated to her dorm in the back courtyard.

    The most impressive structure within the health center was undeniably the two¨Cstory building at the front, serving both as an outpatient department <b>and </b>wards. In stark contrast, the dorms located at the back appeared significantly less appealing.

    It was just a typical rural home, a space so small that it could only amodate a table and <b>bunk </b>beds.

    Lysander and the three new nurses resided here, all of whom <b>had </b>voluntarily applied to <b>support </b>the

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    vige¡¯s healthcare system. Initially, they struggled to adjust, but upon learning that the vigers had specifically built the dorm for them, they were deeply touched and chose <b>to </b>stay.

    This area was located in a remote region where economic development was practically impossible. The young people were either working in the fields or had left to seek employment elsewhere. Over time, the loss of medical resources became a serious issue.

    Even when all the nearby viges were taken into ount, there was only this one decent health center.

    Upon learning of the situation, Lysander was silent for a while. Then, she fully immersed herself in her role as <b>a </b>doctor. By then, she was so familiar with the dorm that she could find her bed in the dark without even needing to turn on the light.

    Apanied by the creaking of the bunk bed, shey down fully clothed. By the time she woke up from her sleep, the day was already bright. The three nurses who shared the room with her had already returned and had a rest, then folded their nkets and made their beds, ready to start a new day of work.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Rubbing her eyes, Lysander sat up and asked, ¡°How¡¯s the condition of the woman who gave birth yesterday?¡±

    Thest remaining nurse turned and responded, ¡°She¡¯s doing well. It seems that the patient has regained some energy. However, given the severity of what she has been through, it¡¯s best to keep her here for observation for a few days.¡±

    Lysander wanted to see her again, but she was afraid of encountering her family and having to <b>perform </b>borate customary greetings. Hence, she continued to <b>ask</b>, ¡°What about her family?¡±

    The nurse responded meticulously, ¡°Her mother¨Cinw had to go back to prepare <b>a </b>warm room for her daughter¨Cinw and grandson. She had already left with all the rtives, leaving only her son behind to continue taking care of the new mother.¡±

    Lysander breathed a sigh of relief, preparing to go and take a look. Right then, the dorm door was knocked

    §à§á.

    The nurse closest to the dorm door quickly stepped forward and swung it open.

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    Many locals from the nearby area were standing outside the door.

    The nurse looked a bit bewildered. ¡°What is going on here?¡±

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    Outside, leading the group was indeed the mother¨Cinw of the woman who had just given birth. Upon seeing Lysander and the nurses who had taken care of her daughter¨Cinw the previous day, she hastily handed over the stack of old¨Cfashioned tin lunch boxes she was carrying.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, I just made a special trip home to <b>cook </b>some dishes. I know you all were busy from dawn to dusk yesterday and probably didn¡¯t have time for dinner. Now, you¡¯ll have <b>to </b>make do withbining two meals into one. The chief and the secretary of our vige have alsoe along, having heard that saved the life of my family member.¡±

    you

    As she spoke, she subtly stepped aside, providing an opportunity for the other vigers to voice their thoughts.

    The vige chief and secretary were both elderly, but in front of Lysander and the nurses, they didn¡¯t put on any airs of superiority. They praised them so much that it almost made them feel embarrassed.

    ¡°I heard that a few youngdies havee to the health center to provide support. I didn¡¯t expect you all to be not only beautiful but also exceptionally skilled in medicine. By the way, if you guys have some free time, you shoulde visit our vige more often. It¡¯s surrounded by pristine mountains and clear waters. The scenery is quite splendid. We also have some local specialties¡­ The vige chief, ine Alvarez, said as he handed over the cured meat he was holding. ¡°This is from a pig we raised and butchered ourselves. The meat is especially fragrant when used in stir¨Cfries. Give it a try.¡±

    The nurse who opened the door was quick to wave her hands in refusal. ¡°We can¡¯t ept this. The hospital director doesn¡¯t allow us to ept things casually.¡±

    The nurse standing by the table stepped forward to exin<b>, </b>¡°We have professional standards to uphold. We absolutely cannot ept personal gifts from patients. That would be considered bribery.¡±

    Lysander moved a bit slower than the rest, ending up at the back of the crowd. However, she could still clearly see the faces of those vigers.

    Everyone was no longer young, at least belonging to the generation of the baby¡¯s mother and grandmother. Yet, when facing these few young individuals, they showed an exceptional level of respect. This made Lysander feel touched but also somewhat undeserving.

    Lysander and the others had simply done their best to fulfill their responsibilities. Little did they anticipate that it would be so significant to the vigers there.

    ine was highly respected in the vige. Upon noticing the nurses¡® hesitation, he quickly rified, ¡°This isn¡¯t anything valuable. It¡¯s just agricultural products. It wouldn¡¯t even fetch much at the market.¡±

    The vigers echoed in agreement.

    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s just a few eggs, scrambled up and served as a meal. All the food can be finished in one <b>sitting</b>.¡±

    ¡°This is just some produce from my own garden. I simply pulled out a few pieces when I was leaving?

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    The nurses exchanged nces, seeming somewhat troubled as they said, ¡°We appreciate everyone¡¯s kindness, but we really can¡¯t ept these gifts. Please, everyone should go home now,¡±

    ine and the secretary, n, looked disheartened when they heard that.

    The mother¨Cinw of the new mother, clutching the tin lunch boxes, was at aplete loss, on the verge of tears. She was torn between not wanting to take the untouched food back home and fearing that her presence might disturb their work.

    In the crowd, there were even whispers of me toward the elderlypanions. ¡°I told you before that the medical staff who came to assist us are all from the city, and they¡¯re not used to eating the food here. At the very least, you should have washed off the dirt on the vegetables before serving them. But you insisted that it¡¯s fresher this way

    The volume of the conversation was kept extremely low, so low that unless Lysander had exceptionally good hearing, she might not have been able to discern it from the chatter between the nurses and ine. It was clear that both parties were about to get entangled over each other¡¯s good intentions. Those young nurses turned their attention toward Lysander.

    After all, among the few who went there to support the local healthcare system, only Lysander was an actual doctor. The rest were merely nurses.

    After some consideration, Lysander said, ¡°All right, we¡¯ll ept this time, but let¡¯s make one thing clear. Everyone can only give once, <b>and </b>after this, we won¡¯t be epting anything, regardless of what it is.¡±

    The nurses were fretting over how to resolve the matter at hand. Upon hearing that Lysander had stepped in with a solution, they collectively breathed a sigh of relief.

    The vigers, fearful that Lysander might change her mind, quickly voiced their agreement, ¡°All right! All right! We won¡¯t bring any next time. <b>Please</b><b>, </b>ept these for now!¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Everyone hastily handed over the items they had brought to the nurses. In no time, a few people were holding so much that they could barely keep a grip on it all.

    ¨C Lysander managed to squeeze her way to the door, carefully epting the fragile eggs and cured meat that

    couldn¡¯t be ced on the ground. Once the vigers had finished delivering their gifts, they left <b>with </b>smiles on their faces.

    The mother¨Cinw of the new mother had specially waited until the end with ine. She personally handed the lunch box to Lysander, advising her, ¡°I made chicken soup for my daughter¨Cinw, and I¡¯ve <b>also </b>prepared you a bowl. Drink it while it¡¯s hot.¡±

    Only then did the baby¡¯s grandmother return home to bring food for her son and daughter¨Cinw.

    Before offering their suppo

    in the countryside, the nurses had never witnessed such an enthusiastic scene. They were utterly overwhelmed by the vigers¡® heartfelt appreciation, handling their gestures of gratitude with utmost care, even the act of setting them on the table was done gently.

    After setting down the items in her hand, Lysander immediately stepped forward to lend the nurses a

    hand.

    An array of agricultural products filled the table to the brim, leaving no room to spare. Even after moving chairs over to amodate, it was still a tight fit to disy everything.

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    A nurse expressed her confusion, saying, ¡°This is just too much. The four of us can¡¯t possibly finish it all. But wouldn¡¯t it be even <b>worse </b>to waste it?¡±

    Lysander proposed an idea, suggesting, ¡°Let¡¯s take it to the health center. The director always boasts about his cooking skills, doesn¡¯t he? Let him prepare a meal so that we can all enjoy it together.¡±

    As she spoke, she turned to leave the dorm. However, as soon as she stepped out, she unexpectedly came face to face with ine

    ine greeted her politely, ¡°Hi, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Mr. Alvarez, what can I do for you?¡±

    ¡°On behalf of everyone, I¡¯d like to ask, how long do you think you¡¯ll be able to stay here? After you leave, will <b>there </b>be <b>other </b>doctors willing toe here?¡±

    ine¡¯s hair and beard werepletely white, yet he was still quite robust. He was exceptionally polite when he spoke.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t bear to see the elderly being so cautious. She quickly reassured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, here in response to the call as well. Once we leave, others will surelye.¡±

    we came

    ine nodded, but his expression remained uneasy. He let out a long sigh and began to discuss the unsettling situation they were in.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you may not be aware, but our vige has particrly challenging conditions. Before you arrived, it had been a long time since any doctor was willing toe here. Everyone had to rely on Dr. Vazquez at the health center for treatment. Once she retires, we really wouldn¡¯t know what to do. A few years ago, we did have a session of young doctorsing in, but they couldn¡¯t handle it and left within days, returning to the big city hospitals. On normal days, when we suffer from minor illnesses, all we can do is take some medicine and bear with it. If, unfortunately, it turns into a serious disease, we just have to ept our bad luck, ine <b>said</b>.

    There was no hint ofint in his words. He was merely exining the situation to Lysander. However, when Lysander met his aged gaze, she couldn¡¯t help but feel an inexplicable tightening in her

    heart.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but advise, ¡°In the future, if you ever feel unwell, make sure to see a doctor as soon as possible. Most illnesses are best treated when detected early. There¡¯s no room for dy.¡±

    Had Maverick gone to Central Hospital for a check¨Cup earlier, there was a chance she might still have her father by her side.

    A wave of unease couldn¡¯t help but tighten in Lysander¡¯s heart.

    ine nodded solemnly. ¡°Dr. Thorne, we appreciate your kindness. However,pared to us older folks, it¡¯s the women and children in the vige who need a doctor the most. There aren¡¯t many able¨Cbodied adults left, as most have gone out to find work. The women and children generally can¡¯t drive and are dependent on the scheduled bus to the city, making trips to the city quite a hassle for them.¡±

    Most vigers were not financially well¨Coff. Families who could afford to buy an electric trike were considered living quitefortably. Cars were such a rarity that they were only seen during holidays.

    The elderly man¡¯s eyes <b>were </b>filled with pleading as he humbly pleaded with Lysander, ¡°Dr. Thorne, I understand that my request might be excessive, but if it¡¯s possible, I truly hope you could extend your stay.

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    even if it¡¯s just for a month. There are several young women in the vige who are due to give birth soon. Could you at least wait until they¡¯ve safely delivered their babies before you leave?¡±

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    ine was worried that Lysander would follow in the footsteps of the previous doctors. Upon realizing the disparity between the development of the rural areas and the city, those doctors simply left without second thought.

    Lysander was alreadymitted to healing the sick and saving lives. Upon hearing ine¡¯s words, she felt a¨Csoftness in her heart and assured him, ¡°Rest assured, I should be able to stay here until the end of the year. In fact, I won¡¯t leave within this year.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, ine¡¯s initial reaction was one of disbelief. ¡°End of the year? R¨CReally?¡±

    ¡°If there are no other changes, that should be the <b>case</b>,¡± Lysander reassured him in a gentle voice. ¡°As doctors, we stand by our words. You can confidently inform everyone that if they are feeling unwell, they cane straight to me. They need not worry about troubling me.¡±

    Tears streamed down ine¡¯s face immediately as he repeatedly eximed, ¡°Sure! That¡¯s good!¡±

    Lysander chuckled and said, ¡°However, I do have one more request. I hope you can agree to it.¡±

    ine nodded, tears streaming down his face, his hands shaking with excitement, uncertain of where to ce them. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll agree! As a matter of fact, I¡¯m sure everyone in the vige will be more than happy to help you in any way possible!¡±

    As the vige chief, all he could do for his vigers at that moment was to figure out a way to retain this excellent doctor in their vige.

    Lysander uttered politely, ¡°Could you please ry this to everyone? We appreciate the sentiment, and the nurses and I are grateful. However, we can only ept the gifts this one time. It¡¯s not that we think less of the vige¡¯s offerings or that they don¡¯t suit our tastes. It¡¯s just that there are only four of us. We can¡¯t possibly finish so much, and it would be a waste to see such good things go unused.¡±

    She spoke earnestly, genuinely worried about the amount of items piled up in their dorm. Even if they included everyone in the health center, they still wouldn¡¯t be able to consume everyone¡¯s goodwill in a short amount of time.

    Upon hearing this, ine pondered carnestly and responded, ¡°How about I tell them about presenting a banner instead? I¡¯ve seen it done on television, and there¡¯s a shop in town that can make such banners. It wouldn¡¯t be any trouble at all.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Lysander said, caught betweenughter and tears. ¡°It¡¯s best if everyone just stays healthy.¡±

    ¡°All right¡­¡± ine was beaming, his eyes crinkling so much they seemed ready to burst into bloom withughter.

    Lysander was concerned about the nurses who were busy gathering those agricultural products. Seeing that ine seemed to be at ease, she took the initiative to say, ¡°In that case, I can rest easy now.¡±

    ine chuckled and nodded, about to share with her the secret of making their homemade cured meat, when a young boy, who looked no older <b>than </b>seven or eight, dashed past the small building like a gust

    wind.

    The child, who lived in the same area as ine, opened his wide, round eyes and eximed, ¡°<b>Grandpa</b>! We have a visitor in the vige!¡±

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    ine asked with a hint of confusion, ¡°This isn¡¯t a holiday or anything. Has someone¡¯s rtive returned home<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Nobody knows him!¡± the little boy said excitedly, shaking his head. ¡°He drives a particrlyrge and beautiful foreign car. No one in our vige has a car like that. It¡¯s just like the cars you see on TV, and everyone has gone over to see the carl¡±

    As he spoke, he gestured with his hands. Unfortunately, because of his tender age, even when he fully extended his arms, they were still not as long as the <b>car </b>door.

    ine was utterly perplexed. ¡°How did such a fine car end up in our vige? Could it have taken a wrong turn? Come on, lead the way. Let¡¯s go have a look.¡±

    After dealing with the young boy, he turned to Lysander with a full measure of apology. ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m really sorry. Everyone has gone to the vige entrance, and I need to get over there as soon as possible. I¡¯ll have to take my leave now.¡±

    ¡°Okay.<b>¡±</b>

    ine took a couple of steps and turned back <b>around</b>. ¡°Dr. Thorne, why don¡¯t youe with me?¡±

    Lysander blinked. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Suddenly, I recalled, probably three or <b>four </b>years ago, a big¨Cshot businessman came by. He mentioned something about developing our area into <b>a </b>tourist spot. However, I couldn¡¯t quite grasp what he was saying about contracts. Could you possibly apany me? If this ce really turns into a tourist spot, it would be a great boon for our vige!¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Upon hearing this, Lysander nodded. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±

    As <b>ine </b>led her a few steps away, Lysander suddenly remembered something.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander asked the child leading the way, ¡°Did you notice the emblem on that beautiful car?¡±

    The little boy shook his <b>head</b>. ¡°I didn¡¯t recognize the emblem.¡±

    ¡°How about the design?¡±

    ¡°It has many letters, and right in the middle, there¡¯s a horse with its head held high, so tall and <b>so </b>beautiful!¡±

    It¡¯s a Porsche. Half of Lysander¡¯s suspicions had already been confirmed in her heart.

    ¡°What about the color?¡±

    <b>¡°</b>White<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Lysander sighed deeply when she heard that<b>.</b>

    Even from the moment she had quietly left the hospital, she knew that Josiah was never one to obediently follow orders.

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    She had been there for over ten days. Given Josiah¡¯s capabilities and speed, finding her here wouldn¡¯t have been too difficult.

    Having waited so many days before going over, it could be considered as giving her some alone time.

    Since he¡¯s already here, I might as well meet him. Lysander took the initiative to hold the little boy¡¯s hand, and together with ine, they headed toward the entrance of the vige.

    The vige wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, with numerous farnds scattered throughout. There were plenty of paths for the vigers to use, <b>but </b>they were either narrow dirt roads that could only amodate two or three people walking side by side or rough, gravel¨Cstrewn roads that made even a trike ride jarringly bumpy. The only road suitable for cars was the one at the entrance of the vige.

    Under the guidance of a lively young boy, Lysander quickly noticed the bustling scene at the entrance of the vige. The vigers had alle out of their homes, some even leaving their half¨Charvested vegetables carelessly draped over their arms, drawn to a rare scene in their vige.

    ine moved a bit slow, but as soon as he appeared, all the vigers, except for the children<b>, </b>instinctively made way for him. Anyone who could drive such a fine car was bound to be extraordinary, and in their vige<b>, </b>only the vige chief was qualified to wee such a person.

    As the crowd parted, Josiah, who was standing next to the car, came clearly into Lysander¡¯s view.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t surprised when she saw him. However, she didn¡¯t utter a word. All she did was let go of the little boy¡¯s hand as he ran toward his friends, and then she stood <b>there</b><b>, </b>silently observing along with the <b>vigers</b>.

    Josiah was dressed in a stibtly colored suit, which, despite its understated hue, still stood out strikingly in the vige. He waspletely surrounded by a group of children, unable to move.

    The children were not the least bit shy. Having never seen the adults around them wear suits in reality, they found Josiah<b>, </b>dressed in his formal attire, <b>as </b>intriguing as a person from another world. Overflowing with curiosity, they bombarded him with all sorts of questions.

    ¡°Mister, are you an actor who stepped out from the television screen?¡±

    ¡°Mister, <b>what¡¯s </b>that shiny thing on your sleeve?¡±

    ¡°Mister<b>, </b>why is there a split on your jacket? Has the seame undone?¡±

    Josiah listened to their ovepping questions, the queries so disorganized they couldn¡¯t even agree on how to address him. He <b>was </b>at a loss for how to respond, so he vaguely said, ¡°I¡¯m here looking for someone. I¡¯m not someone who just stepped out of a television screen. The shiny object is a cufflink. This is part of the clothing design, intentionally crafted by the tailor¡­¡±

    He had lived for over thirty years, and for the first time, he experienced the feeling of holding back from attacking for fear of hurting the wrong person. Behind him, a child was cautiously touching his clothes with their little hands, still dirty from ying with mud. Consequently, a few muddy handprints appeared on his <b>suit</b>.

    Yet, they were all such innocent and ado

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    From a distance, Lysander observed the handprints on his clothes, a rare sight of disarray about <b>him</b><b>.</b>

    Josiah seemed to sense her gaze on him, and just then, he turned his head to look at her. Their eyes met briefly before parting as he took two <b>steps </b>forward, and then, unexpectedly, he broke into a relieved smile.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered.

    ine, noticing Josiah¡¯s refined attire and extraordinary demeanor, quickly realized he was no ordinary man. ine then hurriedly approached, saying to the children first, ¡°All right. Let¡¯s not crowd around here anymore. You¡¯re blocking the road.¡±

    The children were very obedient to <b>ine¡¯s </b>words, and they immediately dispersed like a flock of birds

    <b>scattering</b>

    ine asked Josiah somewhat nervously, ¡°I am the vige chief. May I ask what brings you here?

    ¡°Hello,¡± Josiah responded in a friendly manner. ¡°I¡¯m here to¡­ Oh! I was entrusted by Central Hospital of Harborbrook to deliver a batch of medical supplies to the health center.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he moved through the crowd, his gazending directly on Lysander. His eyes were filled with an unspeakable longing and concern. He didn¡¯t smile until he¡¯d taken in her whole appearance, ensuring she was safe and healthy.

    Lysander appeared slightly tannedpared to before, but she seemed to be in good spirits, which put

    him at ease<b>.</b>

    ine followed his gaze, initially taken aback, then understanding dawned on him. These two are acquaintances!

    ine then said with a chuckle, ¡°So, you¡¯re looking for Dr. Thorne.¡±

    The observing vigers¡® gaze toward Josiah turned especially friendly when they heard those words.

    Josiah didn¡¯t deny it. He simply offered a slight smile and said, ¡°This time, I brought over somemon medication for treating colds and fevers. If you need anything else in the future, you can contact Central Hospital, <b>and </b>they¡¯ll arrange for someone to deliver it.¡±

    The vige was not easily essible, and the funds for the health center were perennially insufficient. Therefore, they had issues when it came to buying essential medicines.

    Upon hearing this, ine expressed his gratitude profusely, saying, ¡°Oh, my! Thank you! It must have been Dr. Thorne who arranged this, right? Dr. Thorne, I really can¡¯t thank you enough¡­¡±

    Josiah voluntarily opened the trunk of the SUV, revealing plenty of medical kits. He said. ¡°The road ahead is simply impassable for vehicles. Do you have something like a cart I could borrow?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡± ine, upon seeing the substantial amount of medicine he was about to receive, could hardly contain his joy. His eyes/sparkled with delight as he hurriedly called upon the vigers to fetch the

    carts.

    Josiah removed his suit jacket and tossed it back onto the driver¡¯s seat, ready to roll up his shirt sleeves and lend a <b>hand</b>. However, ine stopped him.

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    ine warmly held onto him, expressing his gratitude, saying, ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough. This is the only health center left open in our vige, and we¡¯re always running out of medicine. Usually, when someone has a fever, the doctors have to ration the medicine. But now, we <b>have </b>enough for a while. May I know your surname?¡±

    A bit taken aback by ine¡¯s enthusiasm, Josiah shook hands with him and said, ¡°My surname is Guerra. There¡¯s no need for formalities, Just call me Jose.¡±

    The plea in his eyes <b>once </b><b>again </b>sought out Lysander in the distance.

    Earlier, Lysander had already experienced being surrounded by enthusiastic vigers once before. Seeing that he had also felt it, she simply smiled knowingly, <b>as </b>if she hadn¡¯t noticed, and turned around to help the vigers with their medicines.

    Upon seeing that Lysander <b>had </b>not left, Josiah remained by the car, continuing to listen as ine showered him <b>with </bpliments. He was almost embarrassed by the extent of the praise.

    ¡°I should still call you Mr. Guerra. Mr. Guerra, it¡¯s bing increasingly rare to find responsiblepanies like yours these days. We¡¯ve had quite a few peoplee to our vige under the guise of charity<b>, </b>promising to donate medicine. They made a show of it for the <b>cameras</b>, made it onto the television, and then they disappeared without a trace.¡±

    ine spoke about those who only knew how to put on a show. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh and say, ¡°If only there were a few more people like you who are willing to get things done¡­¡±

    Josiah found himself the recipient of several high praises in a row, his emotions mirroring those of Lysander when she was thanked, inexplicably feeling a bit undeserving. The help he provided wasn¡¯t a big deal to him, <b>so </b><b>he </b>never expected such profuse gratitude from others.

    Once the adults had all gone to help move the medicine, the children who had previously been shooed away by ine curiously gathered around again.

    Josiah told ine that he needed to grab something. He then returned to the driver¡¯s seat. When he came back, he was holding a box of choctes.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t bring much in the way of snacks, just some chocte that I can share. Consider it a little wee gift.¡± As Josiah <b>spoke</b>, he unwrapped the packaging and handed out a piece to each of the children present.

    The children lined up cheerfully to receive their choctes. They then thanked Josiah politely by addressing him the same way they did before.

    ine, with a stern expression, instructed, ¡°Hey! It¡¯s ¡®Sir¡® for you kids!¡±

    The children immediately giggled and promptly started addressing Josiah the way they were told to.

    After <b>Josiah </b>missed his chance to be a father, he developed a fondness for children, treating them with great affection. It wasn¡¯t until he had distributed choctes to thest child that he finally straightened his stooped <b>back</b>. As for thest piece left in the box, he quietly slipped it into his pocket.

    After the parents returned from picking up the medicine, they saw the children happily eating chocte. While delighted, they didn¡¯t forget to ask, ¡°Did you say thank you?¡±

    The children<b>, </b>with chocte in their mouths, nodded in <b>unison</b>.

    Josiah watched the peaceful scene unfold before him, <b>suddenly </b>understanding why Lysander chose to stay

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    there. After responding <b>to </b>everyone¡¯s gratitude with a smile, he finally headed in Lysander¡¯s direction.

    After Lysander had finished helping everyone sort <b>and </b>ce the medicines<b>, </b>she saw him approaching. Keeping things strictly professional, she said, ¡°Thank you for your donation. These medicines must have <b>cost </b><b>a </b>pretty penny.¡±

    Josiah remained silent. His gaze on Lysander was even softer than when the crowd had separated them earlier. He then handed over the chocte, saying, ¡°I saved this for you.¡±

    Lysander took it and gave it a look.

    She didn¡¯t recognize the brand.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    It seemed that the text above <b>was </b>in lugrean.

    Upon waking up in the morning. Lysander had been incredibly busy, not even having a moment to take a sip of water. Seeing that he could tell that was the case, she immediately unwrapped the chocte and began to eat.

    After scrutinizing her seemingly unchanged face since theirst meeting, Josiah said, ¡°<b>It </b>seems you¡¯ve been doing well here these past few days.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°It¡¯s decent and quite fulfilling

    ¡°Okay.¡± Josiah then exined, ¡°I know you didn¡¯t want me toe and wanted some time alone, but I couldn¡¯t help worrying. Apart from me, the elders at home are also concerned. Hence, I waited for more than ten days beforeing.¡±

    Lysander, with chocte in her mouth, couldn¡¯t speak. She simply gave a faint nod

    After noticing that their conversati

    seemed to have ended, ine took the initiative to approach them. ¡°Mr. Guerra, it must have been a long journey for you. You must have set out early in the morning, right? Since our vige doesn¡¯t <b>have </b>any sort of hostel, why don¡¯t youe to my ce to rest first?¡±

    In their culture, only the most esteemed guests were invited to their homes upon first meeting.

    After expressing gratitude for ine¡¯s kindness, Josiah gently declined, saying, ¡°I think I¡¯ll head over to Dr. Thorne¡¯s ce. There are some things I¡¯d like to discuss with her.¡±

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    Chapter 643 Out Of ce

    Upon hearing this, ine found himself in a dilemma. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that might be a bit tricky. Dr. Thomme resides in the dorm of the health center, along with the nurses who came to assist her.¡±

    The underlying message was that, as <b>a </b>grown man<b>, </b>his presence at the girls¡® residence might not be entirely appropriate.

    Josiah understoodpletely. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll <b>just </b>have a few words with Dr. Thorne. After that, I¡¯ll leave.¡±

    After all, this was a matter between the couple. ine reluctantly turned to Lysander, his expression showing considerable difficulty. He didn¡¯t want <b>to </b>offend <b>Josiah</b>, a rare and sincere donor, but he had to consider the feelings of Lysander and her team.

    After Lysander finished her chocte, she was aware that Josiah was not someone who could be easily dismissed. Therefore, she took the initiative and said, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, you carry <b>on </b>with your work. I¡¯ll take him for a <b>walk</b><b>.</b>¡±

    The two of them retraced the path Lysander had taken, eventually returning to the health center.

    When Josiah caught sight of the two¨Cstory building ahead, he already felt that the conditions here were quite challenging. However, upon getting a clearer view of what was referred to as the dorm, he furrowed his brows unconsciously.

    Lysander was concerned that the nurses might be inconvenienced inside, so she said to him, ¡°You wait here for a bit.¡±

    Instead of questioning her, Josiah simply stopped in his tracks. He waited until she pushed open the dorm door and peeked inside before returning to invite him in. Only then did he step into the dorm.

    The homes that the vigers had built themselves mirrored the structure of their own residences. They had even used sturdier bricks with the intention of providing instion against the wind. In contrast, the door frames were significantly lower.

    When Lysander and the nurses entered, they were unaffected. However, it was a different story for Josiah. He had to lower his head to get in. Yet, in the next moment, he still ended up bumping solidly into the second¨Clevel guardrail of the bunk bed ced near the door.

    The lighting in the cramped room was far from ideal. He hadn¡¯t mentally prepared himself, and it had never urred to him that the bunk bed would be ced so close to the door.

    <b>As </b>a <b>result</b>, a solid thud resonated within the dorm.

    Unable to pretend she hadn¡¯t heard, Lysander turned around and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Josiah refused to <b>show </b>weaknes

    in front of her. As he sidestepped the bunk bed and moved further into the room, he drew in a sharp breath to suppress the pain, saying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It was <b>just </b>a minor bump-

    His words abruptly came to a halt as he identally knocked over the hot water bottle on the ground while stepping forward. The water inside spilled all over his trouser cuffs.

    Lysander wore an expression of subtle helplessness. ¡°Are <b>you </b>all right?¡±

    sinh miabad in the foll¡­ <b>L</b>

    -l<b>.. </b>at the mom

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    okay. I¡¯m fine. The water inside was cold¡­ Do you have a mop around here?¡± he asked.

    Finished

    The room was only so big that one could take it all in with a single nce. It didn¡¯t seem like a ce where a mop would <i>be </i>found.

    Lysander nced at the red bricks on the ground and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry about it. The floor here is paved with leftover bricks from the construction. The ground underneath is the same as outside, <b>so </b>the water will seep through on its <b>own</b>. Also, the water in the hot water bottle was filled yesterday. Hence, the water had turned cold.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Josiah felt the dorm conditions worsen. As he stood inside the room, scanning his surroundings, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sorrow. He wondered how Lysander had managed to live in such conditions for so long.

    Lysander didn¡¯t find it particrly hard to bear, but seeing him standing awkwardly to avoid touching anything, she said. ¡°If you have something to say, sit down. Don¡¯t just stand <b>there</b>.¡±

    Josiah nced around, unsure of whether to speak up.

    The table inside the house was filled with agricultural products that the vigers had delivered in the morning. There was hardly any space left for him to sit.

    Understanding the reason behind his silence, Lysander pointed to the lower bunk on the left and said, ¡°That¡¯s my bed. Why don¡¯t you take <b>a </b>seat for a while?¡±

    Josiah nced at the neatly made bed, shaking his head as he said, ¡°No worries. I¡¯m fine standing. Back at home, you always disliked it when someone sat on your bed in their outdoor clothes.¡±

    Although Lysander never openly showed her distaste or voiced it out, whenever someone acted in such a manner, she would wait until they left and then change the entire set of beddings herself.

    Having been a doctor for so many years, she eventually developed mysophobia.

    To Lysander¡¯s surprise, Josiah still remembered such trivial matters. Sheughed helplessly and uttered, ¡°What do you think this ce is? I came here to provide support, not <b>to </b>enjoy myself. Given the conditions of the health center, there¡¯s no need for fuss.¡±

    Only then did Josiah settle himself down by the edge of the bed.

    Lysander treated him as a guest, picking up the empty hot water bottle and heading out. ¡°I¡¯ll

    go

    heat up

    some water.¡±

    Outside the dorm, there was a hand¨Cwashing basin constructed of cement. It <b>was </b>fitted with a faucet that was connected to a well. When turned on, one had to hold a jug underneath it for quite some time before it would be filled.

    <b>Josiah </b>assumed that Lysander was going to take it elsewhere to boil water. However, she simply went back into the room and retrieved an immersion heater to use.

    Such water¨Cheating appliances had been phased out in the city for <b>many </b>years.

    Lysander saw theplex expression on Josiah¡¯s face and said lightly. ¡°The world is vast. Many people live in ways you don¡¯t understand. It¡¯s just a tool for boiling water. Isn¡¯t it enough that it can boil water?¡±

    Josiah <b>gave </b><b>a </b>slight nod, a hint of worry in <b>his </b>voice as he asked, ¡°Is it safe when electrical appliancese

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    ¡°If someone¡¯s keeping an eye on it, it¡¯s quite safe. This thing boils water quickly.¡± Once the water was boiling, Lysander immediately unplugged the device. She then grabbed one of the few remaining paper cups in the house, filled it almost to the brim with water, <b>and </b>handed it over, saying, ¡°There¡¯s no coffee here, so you¡¯ll have to make do with in water for now.¡±

    Josiah quickly assured, ¡°in water is just <b>fine</b>.¡±

    He noticed that the water in the paper cup was still quite hot, so he held it by the edge and blew on it.

    Lysander took the opportunity to remind him, ¡°The vigers here drink well water, so even if it¡¯s boiled, it still has a strong salty taste. If you really can¡¯t get used to it, you might want to wait until you <b>get</b>

    back to the city to buy some bottled water.¡±

    This was a subtle suggestion for him to return as soon as possible,

    he promptly drained the

    Once the water Josiah was waiting for had cooled to a drinkable temperature paper cup in one gulp. Then<b>, </b><b>looking </b>earnestly into Lysander¡¯s eyes, he <b>said</b>, ¡°I don¡¯t need <b>any </b>bottled water. If you can drink the water, then I can, too.¡±

    He tried his best to hide any signs of difort, but the slight furrow in his brow betrayed his true feelings at <b>that </b>moment.

    In a very considerate manner, Lysander pretended not to notice, deftly changing the subject by asking, ¡°How did you know I was here?¡±

    Given Josiah¡¯s capabilities, it wouldn¡¯t have been difficult to track her whereabouts. He was simply an order away from locating her. However, his im of it being a coincidence suggested it was likely the truth.

    Suppressing the bitterness brought on by the taste of salt and alkali, Josiah eloquently recounted the twists <b>and </b>turns of the period.

    ¡°After you left, I went to see your Dr. Ziegler,¡± Josiah said.

    ¡°Did the Dr. Ziegler tell you?¡±

    ¡°Even Dr. Ziegler only knew that the state was pulling staff from various hospitals to provide medical support in remote areas. As for which town or vige you were assigned to, he wasn¡¯t sure.¡±

    Lysander gave a nod.

    She had gone there with the intention of wanting some solitude, so when she received her assignment, she didn¡¯t tell anyone else. She simply packed up a bit and went over.

    ¡°So, how did you eventually find out I was in this vige? Did you ask the medical team in the state?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Josiah. ¡°Everyone was pretty busy. I didn¡¯t want to bother anyone. Dr. Ziegler mentioned it was around this area, so I just searched one by <b>one</b>.¡±

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    When he spoke those words, he didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit tired or strained. His gaze never wavered from Lysander¡¯s face, carrying with it an affection he himself hadn¡¯t even noticed.

    When Lysander recalled the bumpy ride and the turns they had taken, she said in surprise. ¡°This is a mountainous area. We had to cross several mountains to get here, not to mention the other viges.

    How¡­

    Josiah gave a proud smile and said, ¡°I could ask around, couldn¡¯t I? Dr. Ziegler informed me that the medical conditions in the areas requiring assistance were quite poor. So, whenever I arrived at a vige, I would ask the vigers if there was a hospital around. They told me <b>there </b>was only a health center in this area, and that¡¯s how I found out you were here.¡±

    He drove his SUV over mountains and across rugged terrain in his search. Simultaneously, he went from vige to vige, inquiring about the location of the local health center. Only then did he gradually manage to find Lysander.

    Lysander was left speechless, taking a moment before she finally asked, ¡°So, how long have you been searching?¡±

    Josiah did a quick calction in his mind and said, ¡°I set off after work three days ago.¡±

    No wonder he had food prepared in the car. As it turned out, he had been living in it for three days.

    Josiah was worried that Lysander might dislike him, so he took the initiative to exin. ¡°I brought enough clothes to change into every day. When I passed a vige with an avable hostel yesterday, I even took a

    bath.¡±

    Lysander let out a sigh. ¡°That¡¯s not what I <b>meant</b>. I <b>just </b>feel there was <b>no </b>real need for you to <be </b>here. Being a medical support here has its time limits, I won¡¯t be staying here forever. After some time, I¡¯ll

    return on my own.

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I remember you always mentioned wanting to provide medical support in remote areas. I heard there was a shortage of medicine here, so I asked Lynn for a list ofmonly used drugs and bought some from the pharmacy to bring along. It¡¯s not like I came specifically to see you but rather to contribute to our country¡¯s medical cause.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    <i>¡°</i>Are you sure that¡¯s all there is?¡± Lysander asked, unable to decide whether tough or cry. ¡°Those medicines have practically filled our health center to the brim. However, I must say that it¡¯s thoughtful of you to <b>ask </b>Lynn for a prescription. Many of these are prescription¨Conly drugs. You wouldn¡¯t be able to buy them without one.¡±

    It had been a long time since Josiah had heard praise from her, so upon hearing it, he found himself genuinely smiling.

    ¡°I hopped from one store to another to buy these. If one ran out of supplies, I¡¯d just move on to the next. There were plenty of pharmacies along the way, after all. I hope these items can be of help to the people here.¡±

    After Josiah finished speaking<b>, </b>Lysander calmly responded, ¡°In that case, allow me to thank you in advance on behalf of those who will benefit from these medicines <b>in </b>the future.¡±

    ¡°Actually, both of us are contributing to society, so there¡¯s no need for all this courtesy.¡±

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    In the past, Josiah would never have been so meticulous, let alone trek over mountains and valleys to spend three days in a carriage for her sake,

    Josiah responded in a low voice, ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve changed a bit, too.¡±

    <b>way </b>she

    He felt a sense of tranquility from Lysander <b>that </b>he hadn¡¯t experienced before, especially in the treated him. Previously, it seemed as if she was ignoring <b>him</b>, but at that moment, her attitude toward him was more like <b>that </b>of a friend.

    Lysander <b>casually </b>asked. ¡°Have I?¡±

    Josiah knew that her change was rted to Maverick¡¯s demise, but he didn¡¯t voice his spections. He simply nodded.

    However, Lysander seemed to have guessed his thoughts. Looking toward the courtyard outside the dorm. she said. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because life here truly brings peace to one¡¯s mind. I n on staying here for a while longer. You still <b>have </b>a ton of matters to deal with at thepany. Once we¡¯re done talking, you should head back as soon as possible.

    Without a second thought, Josiah said, ¡°Don¡¯t rush to kick me out. It took me three days to find this ce. At least let me rest a bit.¡±

    Driving for such a long stretch was certainly tiring, and it was indeed dangerous to head back after only a brief rest.

    Lysander paused for a moment and tried a different approach to persuade him, saying. ¡°You¡¯re used to a life of luxury. You¡¯ve never even seen an immersion heater. You wouldn¡¯t be able to handle life here. Taking a bath here is quite a hassle, and there¡¯s no restroom. If you need to use the toilet, you¡¯ll have to go to the pit toilet out back.¡±

    She spoke with logic and facts, detailing all the potential inconveniences he might encounter from his decision to stay. Sheid out all the possible difficulties he could face in daily life, hoping he would back

    down.

    After listening with a calm demeanor, Josiah let out a sigh and said, ¡°It couldn¡¯t be worse than the nearly three days I spent in the car. I couldn¡¯t even stretch my legs in the back seat. I had to sleep half¨Csitting.¡±

    It did indeed sound a bit miserable.

    Nevertheless, Lysander cautioned, ¡°The hardships of living here are different from the troubles you¡¯ve encountered on the road.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. Consider it as a chance given by fate for me to fully experience your life.¡±

    Lysander remained silent.

    ¡°Ordinary couples go through the stages of meeting<b>, </b>knowing, and loving each other. But we skipped all that, jumping straight into an arranged marriage through a blind date. The oue, I fear, might be tied to ourck of understanding about each other¡¯s lifestyles and aspirations. This time, I hope to <b>make </b>a change.

    Josiah spoke with utmost seriousness, his expression indicating a firm resolve. It seemed he truly had no intention of changing his mind.

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    Lysander didn¡¯t bother persuading further<b>, </b>simply raising three <b>fingers </b><b>and </b>saying. ¡°Three days. I bet <b>you </b>won¡¯tst more than three days here.¡±

    Josiah, in high spirits, proposed, ¡°If I can stay for three days, could you promise not to drive me away?¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°We¡¯ll discuss it when the timees.¡±

    In her <b>mind</b>, giving him three days was already a considerable favor. Originally, she had nned on giving him just one day.

    The two were in the midst of a conversation when there <b>was </b>a knock on the dorm door.

    Lysander thought the nurses had returned and hastily tried to exin the unexpected presence of Josiah. However, when she turned around and saw ine, she stood up and asked, ¡°Are you here to see him?¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as he saw her eagerness to send him away. With a <b>sense </b>of amusement, he got up and followed her.

    Observing the scene, ine thought they were a married couple, and it was a case of absence making the heart grow fonder. Seeing them deep in a joyful conversation, he cheerfully began to exin his purpose for being there.

    ¡°Yes, but it isn¡¯t a big <b>deal</b>, really. The vige doesn¡¯t have <b>any </b>hostels, and there are also no spare rooms in the health center. Hence, I went back and tidied up the vacant room where the kids would only stay during Christmas. It¡¯s quite clean and even has a double bed. Both of you can stay there together,¡± ine said.

    He clearly regarded Lysander and Josiah as a real married couple, which was why he had invited them to live together.

    Lysander politely declined, saying. ¡°I appreciate your kindness, but I think I¡¯ll pass. There are already not many doctors in the health center, and if someone were to fall ill in the middle of the night, it would be more convenient for me to rush over if I were staying in the dorm.¡±

    This excuse was reasonable and thoughtful, taking into full ount the needs of the vigers.

    ine nodded repeatedly. ¡°That¡¯s true. Dr. Thorne, you¡¯ve thought this through thoroughly.¡±

    He looked at Josiah again, extending his invitation. ¡°Mr. Guerra, why don¡¯t you move in first? There¡¯s only one room avable here, and it¡¯s just not suitable for a man. Besides, my ce is quite near the health center, so you cane over anytime if you want to visit Dr. Thorne.¡±

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    ¡°All right, thank you. I¡¯lle over once I¡¯m finished with my tasks here,¡± said Josiah. He never intended to <b>stay </b>at the health center indefinitely, causing trouble for Lysander. Unable to resist ine¡¯s warm invitation, he could only ept.

    ine then asked warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you need any something. What tasks do you have left?¡±

    Josiah, nning to stay a few more days, naturally had to be honest. ¡°The medicine previously moved to the health center is all at the front. I haven¡¯t had time to sort it out and ce it in the pharmacy, I n to organize it with Dr. Thorne<b>.</b>¡±

    He knew Lysander all too well, aware that she would never be at case just leaving the medicine piled up as

    <b>It </b><b>was</b>.

    ine took charge of the situation with a single, decisive gesture.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to fret over that. You don¡¯t have to worry. I¡¯ll just call back the folks who helped move the medicine earlier to distribute it. When they were unloading the medicine from the vehicle, didn¡¯t Dr. Thome already rify which ones were anti¨Cinmmatory medicine and which ones were cold medicine? Plus, the nurses are avable as well.¡±

    Without waiting for Lysander and Josiah to speak again, ine had already turned around on his own to call someone over. Despite his advanced age, his steps were remarkably steady.

    For the first time, Josiah encountered a situation that even he couldn¡¯t dissuade in time. He couldn¡¯t help but say. ¡°The people here are truly warm¨Chearted. No wonder you don¡¯t want to leave.¡±

    Lysander saw his surprise and asked casually, ¡°Did you see the cured meat hanging in the dorm and the table full of ingredients?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah nodded. ¡°I thought it was a local custom here, so I didn¡¯t ask.¡±

    Lysander sighed lightly as she began to recount the events of the morning-

    ¡°All those are gifts from the vigers, given in gratitude for our help in delivering a baby for a woman inborst night. It was a difficultbor. The people here might have never seen the world beyond their vige, leading a secluded life, yet they¡¯re genuinely kind¨Chearted. If they want to thank you, they¡¯ll treat you with all they have. Living here, you¡¯ll truly feel at ease. Life bes so simple,¡± she <b>said</b>.

    Such a simple lifestyle was something theplex interpersonal rtionships in the city couldn¡¯t offer her. Amidst them, she felt as if she was rapidly returning to her natural essence.

    Drawing in a breath of fresh <b>air</b>, Josiah remarked, ¡°I can see why some people choose to retreat to the countryside to cleanse their souls. If everyone lived this simply, it would indeed be a return to one¡¯s true self. I guess I <b>made </b>the right choice <bing </b>here.¡±

    Lysander gently reminded, ¡°Today is only the first day. Don¡¯t be so overconfident.¡±

    ¡°<b>Don¡¯t </b>worry.¡± Josiah either didn¡¯t hear or was truly confident as he sincerely asked, ¡°Besides medicine, is there anything else you need here?¡±

    Without a second thought, Lysander said, ¡°We need more doctors.¡±

    maman? kafam ke hlasele <b>said </b>I can¡¯t

    Chapter 645 Important Guests

    you can give me some time to think.¡±

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    Lysander also froze, realizing that she had almost joked with him. She quickly regained her seriousness and <b>said</b><b>, </b>¡°Thinking about it won¡¯t help. If you really want to know what¡¯scking here¡­

    She nced up at the small building ahead, reflecting on the inconvenience she had experienced the previous day when she was delivering a baby and looking for shots. ¡°The conditions here <b>aren¡¯t </b>good. In the entire health center, there¡¯s only one small refrigerator. It¡¯s barely enough to store the most essential shots, but many medications require refrigeration.¡±

    In a rural area already gued by a shortage of doctors and medicine, any waste was enough to cause a pang of distress. Lysander spoke with a face full of worry, instantly forgetting the slight embarrassment she had felt moments <b>ago</b><b>,</b>

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Josiah agreed, replying, ¡°All right. I understand.¡±

    In front of Lysander, he immediately called the staff who were still in Harborbrook. He instructed them to purchase a refrigerator <b>as </b>soon as possible and have it delivered. Therger the capacity, the better, and the faster the delivery, the better.

    ine had just finished arranging the medicines with the vigers and was about to ask if they needed help with anything else. He overheard Lysander and Josiah discussing the purchase of a refrigerator and was immediately moved to tears.

    Lysander was startled, stepping forward with concern, asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± ine said, rubbing his weary eyes. ¡°I really can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±

    Lysander was moved by the elder¡¯s gratitude, and she felt a warmth in her heart. ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart too much. W¨CWe¡¯re here to provide medical support, so it¡¯s only natural that we do our best within our capabilities.¡±

    To save herself the trouble of exining, she vaguely told him everything rted to Josiah.

    People of a certain age would tend to be more susceptible to tears, and at that moment, ine was no exception. He spent quite some time wiping away his tears before he could stop. Seeing the concern on the faces of Lysander and Josiah, he felt somewhat embarrassed and said, ¡°I¡¯ve always been a bit of a crybaby, even more so now that I¡¯m older.¡±

    ¡°We understand. You don¡¯t need to worry about it,¡± Lysander gently reassured, hoping to spare embarrassment. ¡°As for the refrigerator, it¡¯s probably still a few days away on the road.¡±

    ine any

    Upon hearing about the refrigerator, ine was still visibly thrilled. ¡°It¡¯s great that we have something to use. We¡¯ve thought about adding some equipment to the health center in the past, but no matter how n and I crunched the numbers, we just couldn¡¯t spare any extra funds. Given the vigers financial struggles, it¡¯s even more impossible to ask them to contribute.¡±

    He seemed to have a special rapport with the two young people before him. Once the serious matters were discussed, he pped his thigh and said, ¡°It¡¯s almost noon! We have important guests in the <b>vige</b>, so we must show proper hospitality. I¡¯ll go back and prepare some chicken soup for you!¡±

    In the countryside, chicken soup was considered the height of luxury. Even expectant mothers could only have it when they needed to bolster their health.

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    running after him, pleading. ¡°Please, don¡¯t! Keep the chicken for the eggs. It would be such a waste to kill

    it!¡±

    <b>ine </b>was well aware of the value of the chicken, but it was precisely for this reason that he insisted on serving it to his important guests. He firmly stated, ¡°We can always raise another chicken, but good folks like you and Mr. Guerra are truly hard toe by. I cannot afford to neglect you two.¡±

    Josiah caught up and said. ¡°You haven¡¯t neglected us at all. As for lunch, it¡¯s almost noon. We wouldn¡¯t make it in time, anyway.¡±

    Just like that, the couple had dyed the chicken¡¯s death sentence by half a day.

    Inspired by Josiah¡¯s suggestion, Lysander immediately had an idea. ¡°That¡¯s right. Everyone brought so many things this morning, and we haven¡¯t had a chance to eat them yet. There¡¯s no need to prepare another meal at noon. It would be a shame not to eat the dishes the new mother¡¯s mother<b>¨C</b>inw gave me.¡±

    After all, this was a heartfelt gesture from a patient¡¯s family member.

    Upon hearing this, ine finally abandoned his immediate ns to go home and ughter a chicken.

    Considering the piles of items in the dorm, Lysander casually suggested, ¡°The health center has a kitchen, and everyone must be tired from moving all those medicines. Why don¡¯t we all just stay and eat together?¡±

    ine hesitated, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about this. Those items are gifts from everyone to you.¡±

    ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem if we want to share it with everyone, right?¡± Lysander was afraid he would go back and save the chicken to make soup for Josiah in the evening. Hence, she was trying everything she could to save the chicken.

    With a knowing smile, Josiah helped her by chiming in, ¡°That¡¯s right. Being new here, I, too, would love to share a meal with everyone.¡±

    Upon hearing Josiah speak up, ine finally agreed.

    Lysander quickly went ahead and discussed this with the nurses in the outpatient department. After gaining their unanimous agreement, she returned to the dorm, gathered the ingredients like cured meat and green vegetables, and delivered them to the kitchen in the front yard.

    The health center didn¡¯t have a cafeteria, so everyone usually <b>took </b>turns cooking. Once the meals were prepared, they would gather in the courtyard to eat together. The dishes prepared were usually simple.

    That day, the vigers insisted on showing their gratitude to Josiah, resulting in two tables beingbined to amodate everyone. Using the ingredients that were delivered to the hospital in the morning, they prepared avish lunch.

    The nurses collectively breathed a sigh of relief, then began to gossip about Lysander and Josiah¡¯s <b>affairs</b>.

    ¡°Atst, there¡¯s no need <b>to </b>worry about waste. Dr. Thorne, your husband really does <b>have </b>impable. timing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, and he¡¯s really handsome<b>, </b><b>just </b>like the male lead in ¡®My Beloved, the novel<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°However, Dr. Thorn, your husband clearly looks like a big shot. Would he befortable around here?¡±

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    Immediately, Lysander understood Josiah¡¯s feelings that morning when he was surrounded by the children, all asking him questions left and right. Unfortunately, she couldn¡¯t divert the topic with choctes. All she could do was vaguely reply, ¡°It¡¯s a long story. L¨CLet¡¯s eat first.¡±

    The nurses usually had a good rtionship with her. Seeing her reaction, they assumed she was feeling shy and decided not to press her further.

    After lunch, everyone went back to their own tasks. ine, eyeing the humble dining table and the courtyard filled with sand and gravel, expressed his regret. He sighed and said, ¡°I wish I had known earlier that you wereing, Mr. Guerra. Our preparations were rushed, and we couldn¡¯t provide anything decent.¡±

    When Lysander saw that he was still ming himself for the inadequate hospitality, she couldn¡¯t bear to see him continue to dwell on the matter. So, shepassionately proposed a solution.

    ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t really need to go out of your way to entertain him. As you said, he¡¯s from the city and financially well¨Coff, so he likely doesn¡¯tck food or clothing. However, no matter how good the city is, there are things he can¡¯t experience there. Don¡¯t you know that many city folks love to spend money on farmhouses to experience life differently?¡± she said.

    ¡°It does seem so,¡± ine agreed. He had always admired Lysander for being a doctor at a major hospital, knowledgeable and capable. Her words always carried weight, and he found himself even more easily persuaded by hearing her speak then.

    Josiah listened to the conversation that involved him, yet he didn¡¯t interrupt. He simply watched Lysander chatting with ine, a smile gracing his face.

    The afternoon sun was warm andforting. Just sitting in the yard, soaking up the sun, was enough to lift one¡¯s spirits, let alone when he was with the person he cherished.

    Lysander continued to progressively provide ine with ideas.

    ¡°Someone like him has surely never experienced the taste of wild vegetables. If you truly wish to entertain him, prepare your usual dishes. Dishes like crispbread and wild vegetable sd are definitely dishes he has never tried before.¡±

    ine listened, nodding enthusiastically, and rose from his seat in delight, saying, ¡°Absolutely! Sure! We might not have much <b>else </b>here, but we¡¯re certainly not short on wild vegetables!¡±

    Before ine left, he made sure to say to Josiah, ¡°Mr. Guerra, rest assured, if you¡¯re interested in trying something new, I¡¯ll get the vige kids to start foraging for wild vegetables. I guarantee we¡¯ll gather every variety avable around here.¡±

    Indeed, Josiah had never eaten wild vegetables before. Upon hearing this<b>, </b>he sincerely expressed his gratitude, saying, ¡°You don¡¯t need to prepare too much. I won¡¯t be able to <b>eat </b>a lot.¡±

    ¡°We must! Targan!<b>¡±</b>

    <b>ine </b>had gone out to rally <b>the </b>children to forage for wild <b>vegetables</b>.

    Once ine <b>was </b>out of sight, Josiah quietly asked Lysander, <b>¡°</b><b>The </b>chicken <b>at </b>Mr. <b>Alvarez¡¯s </b><b>house </b><b>should </b><b>be </b><b>safe </b>now, right?¡¯

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    Lysander nodded. ¡°The chicken is fine.now, but I¡¯m afraid the nearby wild vegetables might be stripped bare.<b>¡±</b>

    The vige was nearly devoid of entertainment facilities. Children were either home watching television <i>or </i>out and about, running wild across the fields. ine¡¯s decision to assign them the task of foraging for <b>wild </b>vegetables was indeed fitting.

    Throughout the entire afternoon, no new patients had visited the health center. Apart from the mother and her newborn residing there, the only others present were a few vigers who hadn¡¯t yetpleted their prescribed treatment regimen.

    Lysander didn¡¯t ck off just because there were fewer patients. She still dutifully checked on each and every one of them.

    Everyone had already heard about the arrival of a generous donor in the vige. After discussing the medical conditions, most inquiries were about Josiah¡¯s situation. The new mother and her husband assumed Lysander was married, and when Lysander was making rounds, they shared many good wishes for Lysander and Josiah.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, your husband has gone to great lengths to find you here. You two must share a very special bond, right? You both look quite young. You guys are newlyweds, right?¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Lysander gave a dry smile, wanting to deny but not knowing what to say.

    They were not only not newlyweds, but they were also divorced.

    With a smile, Josiah said, ¡°We¡¯re not newlyweds anymore. It¡¯s been almost four years.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Do you guys have any kids yet?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s smile faltered momentarily, but he still managed to keep a faint smile. ¡°N¨CNot yet<b>.¡±</b>

    The vigers then began to chatter amongst themselves.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne ispletely devoted to her patients. She surely doesn¡¯t have time for children.¡±

    ¡°The television mentioned that city dwellers are now all prioritizing couple time, with many not wanting to have children.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you also want a childless marriage?¡±

    Lysander subtly shook <b>her </b>head. ¡°No. That¡¯s not it¡­ I¨CI really like children.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Doesn¡¯t Mr. Guerra not want children?¡±

    ¡°I want children,¡± Josiah immediately responded. ¡°I really do.¡±

    The vigers were stunned.

    Josiah casually mediated <b>the </b>situation by saying, ¡°We¡¯ve both been busy these past few <b>years</b>.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ I knew it. Both of you adore children and your rtionship <b>is </b><b>so </b>strong. <b>I </b><b>was </b>wondering why<b>, </b><b>even </b>after four years of marriage, you don¡¯t have kids yet.¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>Exactly</b>! <b>However</b>, while work is important, if you¡¯re thinking <b>of </b><b>having </b><b>children</b>, <b>it¡¯s </b><b>best </b><b>to </b><b>start </b><b>early</b><b>.</b>

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    ¡°Do you really need to point that out? Dr. Thorne is a gynecologist. Don¡¯t you think she knows better than you? If they don¡¯t want kids now, they must have a valid reason for it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, Mr. Guerra, please, don¡¯t misunderstand. We all mean well.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Hmm. I understand.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t mind being misunderstood. Instead, he took the initiative to help out in the health center. He reorganized the vigers¡® haphazardly arranged medicines, making them even more essible than those in a pharmacy. Even the small refrigerator that Lysander mentioned had been thoroughly cleaned by him.

    After returning from the patient¡¯s side, Lysander was at a loss for words. She could only softly ask, ¡°Are you not tired anymore?¡±

    Indeed, that was merely an excuse.

    Josiah maintained hisposure. ¡°Yes, I was indeed tired this morning, but the vigers have been so warmly weing me that it¡¯s only natural for me to return the favor. If there¡¯s anything I can assist with around here, don¡¯t hesitate to ask.¡±

    After learning from Martha, he not only underwent aplete transformation in household chores but also seemed to have an innate knack for it.

    Lysander estimated that he could only bear it for a maximum of three days, and she didn¡¯t bother holding back. ¡°There¡¯s a problem with the rocking chair in the courtyard. If you don¡¯t mind, could you please fix it? Thanks.<b>¡±</b>

    Josiah was a man of his word. He really went ahead and fixed the chair. By the time he finished everything, the sky was already painted with the colors of dawn.

    The air in the mountains was refreshing, and without the constant re of streetlights, the nights were particrly dark once the sun had set. Astrid went outside to manually turn on the light bulb hanging at the entrance of the health center. Upon her return, she brought back some news for Lysander and Josiah.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, Mr. Guerra, Mr. Alvarez invites you both to join him for a meal at his home.¡±

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    Neither Lysander nor Josiah were surprised. They were just a bit worried about the situation at the health center, so they nned to sort things out before heading over.

    Astrid then said with a cheerful smile, ¡°We are here to watch over things. If there¡¯s a situation we can¡¯t handle, there¡¯s still enough time to call for help. Besides, Mr. Alvarez has said that the food is all <b>set</b>. Everyone <b>is </b>waiting for you guys to arrive before they start the feast.¡±

    Everything was all set. The only thing missing were the two main characters who were invited.

    Left with no other choice, Lysander agreed. After shedding her white coat, she led Josiah toward ine¡¯s house<b>.</b>

    As night fell, the dirt road in the vige became particrly difficult to traverse. The two individuals found themselves stepping unevenly, one foot deep and the next shallow.

    Suddenly, Lysander missed a step, and her body lurked sharply to the side.

    Without thinking, Josiah reached out to steady Lysander, who had already regained her bnce. However, in doing so, he unwittingly stepped into a mud pit.

    With a sshing sound, a significant amount of mud sshed up.

    Prior to that, Josiah¡¯s clothes were already covered in ck handprints. At that moment, his pants werepletely ruined as well.

    What was even more unbearable was the way the mud and water rushed into his shoes. In an instant, he felt <b>as </b>if both his <b>feet </b>were soaking in icy cold water.

    There was also a fair amount of sand and small stones in the muddy water, and stepping on them caused him a slight prickle of pain.

    Lysander felt a bit guilty. ¡°I¡¯ve grown ustomed to the paths around here. I can find my way even with my eyes closed. That¡¯s not the case for you. Your leather shoes aren¡¯t meant for dirt roads. You should be careful.¡±

    ¡°All right. I¡¯m fine,¡± Josiah responded.

    ¨C¡°Did you bring a change of shoes and socks<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lysander thought of suggesting perhaps they could ask ine for a pair of shoes<b>. </b>They might be a bit rustic, but at least they would be dry, which was certainly better than continuing to wear damp socks and shoes.

    However, upon further thought, Lysander feared that Josiah might not <b>agree</b>. <i>This </i><b><i>golden</i></b><i>¨C</i><i>spooned </i><b><i>man </i></b><b><i>has </i></b><i>never </i>worn <i>the </i><b><i>cloth </i></b><b><i>shoes </i></b><i>typical </i><i>of </i><i>country </i>folks, <i>and </i>even <i>if </i><i>he </i><i>agreed</i>, <i>the </i>size might not fit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss thister. We shouldn¡¯t keep Mr. Alvarez and the others waiting too long.¡±

    Josiah believed that Lysander was concerned about him. Seizing the moment, he pulled out his phone and turned on the shlight to illuminate the surroundings<b>..</b>

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    With the presence of light, the journey became much easier<b>.</b>

    However, with every step he took, she could hear the squelching sound of water.

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    Lysander touched her nose, noticing his expressionless stroll. She had no choice but to quicken her <b>pace </b>with a few small jogs to catch up.

    By the time they arrived at ine¡¯s house, ine was already waiting outside the courtyard. Clustered nearby were vigers from the surrounding houses, all there to help entertain the guests and join in the festivities.

    Life in the mountain vige was secluded, so visitors from the city were a rare sight. Regardless of age or gender, everyone was curious to take a look.

    As soon as Lysander and Josiah appeared, they became the center of attention in the crowd.

    ine¡¯s house was considered one of the better ones in the vige. It was a brick house with red walls and green tiles, funded by the children who worked away from home. However, even <b>so</b>, it was not spacious. To amodate so many people for a meal, tables could only be set up in the courtyard.

    ine, wary of the crowd and fearing that Lysander and Josiah might find it unsanitary<b>, </b>said somewhat ufortably, ¡°There are small tables inside the house. You can go there.¡±

    ¡°No need. It¡¯s quite nice here.¡± Lysander pointed at the sky with a smile. ¡°Eating while stargazing<b>, </b>city folks rarely get a chance to enjoy such a beautiful view.¡±

    ine turned his gaze toward Josiah.

    Josiah was also smiling. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ll eat right here. It¡¯s more lively when we are all together.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    Hearing that, ine finally breathed a sigh of relief and led them toward the head seats.

    In the courtyard, there was arge square table assembled from smaller tables of various colors. It was clear that they had been borrowed from different households. The table was generouslyden with seven or eight dishes, and the tableware used was of varying types and <b>sizes</b>.

    Everyone really pulled out all the stops to entertain their important <b>guests</b>, contributing everything they could from their own homes.

    Lysander was deeply touched. After taking her seat, she first thanked ine, saying, ¡°You¡¯re being too kind. There¡¯s so much food. We can¡¯t possibly finish it all.¡±

    ine had intentionally invited his wife, Anita Acevedo, to join him in entertaining. Upon hearing her words, the two elderly folks, who were both well into their years, waved dismissively in unison. ¡°This <b>is </b>only right. Your arrival has brought so much to our vige. If we were to hide and hoard, would that be proper?¡±

    They were not the only ones feeling that way. The other vigers who came to help shared the same sentiments. They saw the guests settling down and brought over the fried cheese curds that were warming on the stove.

    Lysander had incessantly reminded and specifically advised ine not to ughter a chicken. He truly took her opinion to heart<b>, </b>but after much consideration, he felt it <b>was </b>inappropriate not to <b>have </b>any protein dishes. Therefore, he decided to <b>use </b>a few of the eggs he had saved up at home.

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    ine personally got up to serve them food, not forgetting to preheat the bowls with hot water before filling them.

    ¡°This can be considered a specialty dish from our region. It¡¯s a fried dish. Although it¡¯s simple, it¡¯s quite warming when eaten during cold weather.¡±

    Lysander quickly reached out with both hands to receive the food.

    Josiah also stood up.

    Seeing no change in her expression, he assumed the food tasted at most as simple as the lunch they had, so he picked it up and took a bite. Right after that, his smile froze momentarily.

    In the countryside, cheese and eggs were considered delicacies, only enjoyed during the holidays. To show their hospitality toward important guests, the vigers would generously offer more than usual.

    For the first time, Josiah experienced such a peculiar taste, both sweet and pungent, that it was nearly impossible to swallow. Yet, under the expectant gazes of the vigers, he steeled himself and swallowed the food.

    The children gathered around had hardly any snacks to eat. Their eyes immediately lit up with anticipation when they saw the fried cheese curds.

    The women who came to help were worried about their children appearing impolite in front of the guests. They all subtly signaled to them, hinting that they shouldn¡¯t disy their eagerness for food.

    Lysander noticed this scene, feeling particrly unsettled. She gently suggested, ¡°The two of us can¡¯t possibly finish all these dishes. Why don¡¯t we all sit down and eat together? It doesn¡¯t feel right to watch you all bustling about.¡±

    The vigers quickly responded, ¡°No need! We¡¯ve already prepared our own meals, and there¡¯s another table nearby.¡±

    Compared to the grand table that was painstakingly set, the smaller one next to it was not only narrower, but it also had much simpler dishesid out. However, everyone smiled as they guided their children to take a seat there.

    Lysander knew they meant well, but it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to dissuade them any further. Hence, she had no choice but to join Josiah, sitting together with the highly respected elders of the vige.

    Seeing the fried cheese curds before him, she knew he wasn¡¯t ustomed to the taste. While ine and others weren¡¯t looking, she subtly swapped her empty bowl with his.

    Josiah noticed and asked her in a low voice, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Lysander had already ced the bowl of fried cheese curds before herself. ¡°This is considered a delicacy in the vige. If you don¡¯t eat it, people might think they¡¯re not being hospitable.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Josiah immediately switched back the bowls and was about to eat all of its

    contents.

    Upon seeing this, Lysander quickly stopped him. ¡°If you really can¡¯t stand the taste, don¡¯t force yourself to eat it. I¡¯ll handle it<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all right. I can handle it.¡±

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    After he finished speaking, he ate all the fried cheese curds.

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    With a faintly sweet yet slightly gamey taste lingering in his mouth, Josiah couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing slightly.

    Lysander then offered him a serving of vegetables with her fork, which Josiah leaned over to eat directly.

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    <b>The </b>taste of that dish was fairly normal, leaning toward the salty side.

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    He chewed for a while, swallowing slowly, finally managing to dilute the peculiar taste that had filled his

    mouth.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    Josiah waved his hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Why must you do this<b>? </b>You¡¯re surely not used to the food here. You don¡¯t have to force yourself. You should hurry back to the city.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m used to the food.¡±

    Lysander was puzzled.

    ¡°Give me a bit more time to adjust. I¡¯ll get used to the food here.¡±

    Lysander tilted her head slightly to look at him. ¡°Are you really nning to stay here<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°You¡¯ve been here for half a month, no? I can also do it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not like you. Ie from an ordinary family. As a child, we struggled, and I¡¯ve experienced my fair share of hardships due to our poor conditions. This level of hardship doesn¡¯t faze me, but it¡¯s almost worlds apart from the life you¡¯re used to living¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Josiah said. ¡°I¡¯ve told you I want to experience your life. I can handle it.¡±

    Lysander let out a soft sigh.

    Josiah served her some food. ¡°You should also eat.¡±

    Once they finished savoring some of the food, the rest of the dishes, which had been kept warm by the stove, were quickly served, filling the entire table.

    However, the dishes all consisted of wild vegetables.

    There was <b>a </b>curly dock sd, boiled dandelion, and sauteed wild asparagus.

    ine took Lysander¡¯s words to heart, even going so far as to make special arrangements. Pointing at the steaming ravioli that had just been served, he said, ¡°These are filled with chickweed. They were nched inrd and water before being wrapped. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ll be ustomed to the

    The vige was already short on resources. In the morning, everyone generously offered their agricultural products to Lysander and the nurses as a token of their appreciation. By the time they were preparing for the wee feast in the afternoon, there wasn¡¯t much left to offer. They had to make do with what they had, turning wild vegetables into a creative <b>feast</b>.

    Josiah noticed the vigers¡® tension and, as a gesture of <b>respect</b>, made a point of generouslyplimenting them before they began to eat.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a variety of wild vegetables in the city. If it weren¡¯t for your introduction, I wouldn¡¯t

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    <b>As </b>he spoke, <b>he </b>followed the local customs and lifted the y mug to sip the slightly astringent hot <b>water</b>.

    Upon seeing that the big shot from the city didn¡¯t <b>express </b>any dissatisfaction with the dishes served, the vigers finally rxed. They returned to their respective seats and started to enjoy their meals.

    During the meal, Anita was eager to impress their guests. She kept serving dishes to Lysander and Josiah, filling their bowls with a variety of wild vegetables in no time.

    In the countryside, the concept of serving spoons didn¡¯t exist. Anita simply used her own cutlery to serve the couple food.

    Josiah subtly nced at Lysander and saw how unperturbed she was. At that moment<b>, </b>she was eating several bites from her bowl without any sign of her usual mysophobia issues. However, he found himself struggling with the food in his own bowl.

    The taste of the dandelion was simply too bitter for him. Just the smell alone was enough to make him want to give up.

    ine noticed Josiah¡¯s awkwardness and quickly intervened when Anita was about to serve Josiah more food. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before? The city folks, especially the big shots, are very particr about etiquette. Don¡¯t use your own cutlery to serve others!¡± ine said.

    The words spoken were somewhat harsh.

    As one of the involved parties, Josiah wanted to rify that the issue wasn¡¯t about the cutlery. However, stating outright that he couldn¡¯t stomach the dandelions seemed to contradict his previous statement, leaving him in a difficult position.

    Anita, who was already of grandmotherly age, realized that she had made a mistake at such an important banquet. She was overwhelmed with guilt and at a loss.

    Upon noticing the situation, Lysander quickly nced at Josiah¡¯s bowl. Identifying the problem, she directly took his bowl and poured all the wild vegetables into her own, saying, ¡°It¡¯s all right. I¡¯m not picky, and I absolutely love wild vegetables. If he doesn¡¯t want to eat them, he can give them all to me.¡±

    With a delightful smile, she ate all the dandelions that Josiah couldn¡¯t finish. She seemed to ept the natural bitterness of the wild vegetables quite well, showing no signs of reluctance at all.

    Upon seeing that the food she had served was not wasted, Anita finally breathed a sigh of relief. She rose to her feet and headed toward the kitchen, saying, ¡°I¡¯m going to fetch a new set of cutlery.¡±

    Josiah no longer had to endure the bitterness of dandelions<b>, </b>yet he felt somewhat uneasy. He didn¡¯t go there to cause trouble for everyone.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Mrs. Alvarez,¡± Josiah said. ¡°I was just wondering what kind of dish this is. It¡¯s quite bitter.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Anita felt much relieved. ¡°Dandelions, also known <b>as </b>cankerwort. It¡¯s actually a kind of medicinal herb. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander immediately took over the conversation, saying, ¡°Yes. Dandelions are great for their cooling and detoxifying effects. I quite like them.¡±

    No sooner had the words left her lips than she saw all the dandelions from her bowl being transferred back by Josiah. He then took a big bite.

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    Lysander was truly sweating bullets.

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    Josiah still found it a bit bitter, but he managed to swallow it without changing his expression. ¡°It¡¯s just what I need. I¡¯ve been feeling a bit feverishtely,¡± he said.

    When ine saw that Josiah genuinely didn¡¯t mind, his heart, which had been hanging due to Anita¡¯s failure to use serving spoons, finally settled back in his chest. He then turned his attention to rmending other dishes.

    ¡°These acorns were picked from the tree in the spring, then preserved in a cer with salt. When stir¨Cfried with mixed vegetables from the garden, it¡¯s especially fragrant. Dr. Thorne, Mr. Guerra, please have a taste.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    After taking a bite, Josiah found that the taste was indeed not as bitter as the dandelions, making his expression much more pleasant. He then ate with greatposure.

    Lysander watched him from the side, noticing that he was eating with much more enthusiasm than before. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the true nature of his lifestyle, which she thought she had a good understanding of. She found it hard to believe he could genuinely enjoy eating the local dishes.

    Yet, Josiah seemed to be quite the man of his word. His fork hardly paused after that, making his meal appear rather appetizing.

    Seeing this scene, the women who had gone to help with the cooking were especially delighted. They felt that their hard work had been acknowledged by the big shot from the city.

    Once everyone had consumed about a third of the food on the table, Lysander nced up at the moon hanging high in the sky. She found an excuse and said, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, I¡¯m full. I need to go back to the health center for my shift.¡±

    ine, concerned about not being a good enough host, urged, ¡°Please, stay a little longer.¡±

    Lysander responded softly and gently, ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need. The new mother and her baby are still in the health center, and Dr. Vazquez isn¡¯t around tonight. If the nurses are the only ones on duty, I truly won¡¯t feel at ease.¡±

    This was something everyone knew.

    ine, without giving it further thought, stood up alongside Anita and n to see Lysander out of the courtyard.

    Upon receiving Lysander¡¯s subtle eye signal, Josiah also rose to his feet to take his leave. ¡°I think I¡¯ll head back as well. I think the refrigerator wasn¡¯t properly sorted out this afternoon.¡±

    Everyone else had assumed they were a married couple. So, when they saw him offering to take Lysander home, they naturally thought it was to be expected. They didn¡¯t give it much thought beyond that.

    ine apanied them all the way to the road. As they were parting, he said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯ve prepared a clean room for you. After you¡¯ve seen Dr. Thorne off, remember toe back and stay for the night. It¡¯s the one on the right as you enter the courtyard.¡±

    Josiah had always suffered from gastritis, and his hasty consumption of wild vegetables earlier had exacerbated the situation. At that moment, he could feel the food he had eaten churning in his stomach. Despite the difort, he struggled to maintain an unchanged expression, saying, ¡°I-¡±

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    She realized it was toote toe up with another excuse, so she hastily fabricated one. Fortunately, ine and others assumed she had not seen her husband for a long time and had some private matters to discuss with him. They all understandingly smiled and left.

    Only then did Lysander hurriedly lead Josiah away. As they passed by a field ridge, she whispered to him, ¡°That ditch down there is where everyone usually dumps their wastewater. If you feel like throwing up, you can go there-¡±

    Before she could finish speaking, Josiah had already rushed to the side, bending over to retch violently.

    Lysander gently patted his back, helping him catch his breath, and sighed. ¡°Your stomach is ustomed to refined food. It simply can¡¯t handle the food here. I noticed it when you were eating wild vegetables before. I wanted to advise you to eat less, but you stubbornly kept swallowing to maintain yourposure.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t have the chance to respond to her scolding because he was crouched on the ground, enduring another round of vomiting.

    After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, Josiah finally managed to stand up again, his forehead slick with cold sweat.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Under the moonlight, Lysander carefully scrutinized him, noticing his pale face. Her tone softened as she urged, ¡°Josiah, you should go back. You don¡¯t belong in this world.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was hoarse from exhaustion, but he remained resolute. ¡°This is your world, so it¡¯s mine, too.¡±

    He had made up his mind. Even though his steps began to waver on the edge of the field, he still refused to leave.

    Lysander felt helpless. On their way back to the health center, they took a detour to the only convenience store in the vige to get two packets of instant noodles.

    When they pushed open the dorm door, the nurses were still not back from the outpatient department at the front.

    Lysander pulled the light cord. Turning to Josiah, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be tough. Just sit on my bed. You¡¯ve already done so during the day, anyway.¡±

    The dorm¡¯s light bulb cast a dim, yellowish glow, making Josiah¡¯s face appear even more frail. He nodded and sat down as instructed, seemingly drained of the strength to even speak, his face rmingly pale.

    Once Josiah felt less queasy, Lysander used the immersion heater to boil a pot of hot water. She efficiently unwrapped a packet of instant noodles, ced them in a bowl, and poured the hot water over them. She then secured the lid and said in a soft voice, ¡°Though instant noodles aren¡¯t healthy, they¡¯re better than letting you go hungry.¡±

    The enticing aroma of instant noodles quickly filled the dorm.

    Josiah didn¡¯t have much of an appetite, but he knew he couldn¡¯t let himself go hungry due to his gastritis. He epted the bowl handed to him by Lysander and managed to eat just under half of it. Only then did hisplexion improve from its previous unpleasant state.

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    Lysander noticed there was still quite a bit of instant noodles left, but she didn¡¯t rush Josiah to continue eating. Instead, she simply asked, ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±

    Josiah emphasized, ¡°I told you I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m probably just unable to adapt to a new environment yet. I¡¯ll adjust soon.¡±

    ¡°If you still don¡¯t feel well, you must let me know. I¡¯ll go ahead and get some gastric medicine for you. Food poisoning can be a minor or major issue. If you end up vomiting and having diarrhea, you could easily be dehydrated and suffer from electrolyte imbnce. The medical facilities here are quite limited.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± said Josiah. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best not to cause the health center any trouble.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I know.¡±

    With a sigh, Lysander started cleaning up the instant noodle packaging.

    After that, none of them continued the conversation. Even Josiah¡¯s nod was so subtle as if he was afraid to shatter the rare tranquility that surrounded them.

    One of them was resting while the other was tidying up the dorm. Even though they were each doing their own thing, they coexisted in perfect harmony.

    When the nurses returned to check on the situation and saw this scene, they couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh. They stood by the door, watching the two of them. The sight of a handsome man and a beautiful woman sharing a room was indeed a pleasing sight.

    It wasn¡¯t until Josiah felt somewhat rejuvenated and wanted to engage in conversation with Lysander again that he turned and noticed them.

    The nurse leading the group, Astrid, was closest to Lysander. She greeted enthusiastically, ¡°Mr. Guerra, are you here to see Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander was startled by the sudden remark. She quickly turned and exined, ¡°He has something to discuss with me. After this, he will-¡±

    ¡°We all get it,¡± Astrid interrupted Lysander, winking at her. Clearly, she had misunderstood and cut off what Lysander was about to say.

    Josiah didn¡¯t want to put Lysander in a difficult position<b>, </b>so he unsteadily rose to his feet and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head back to Mr. Alvarez¡¯s ce.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t possibly live with Lysander and the nurses, so the best oue was for him to take the initiative to excuse himself and willingly move into the vacant house at ine¡¯s ce.

    Upon seeing the situation, Astrid became even more anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t! We just came back to get the poker cards.¡±

    Lysander was puzzled. ¡°What are you doing with the poker cards?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re ying cards in the front duty room,¡± Astrid exined as she walked in and began rummaging through her luggage. ¡°The duty room has a table and a bed. The three of us agreed that we must celebrate today, given the donations the health center received.¡±

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    After Astrid finished her statement, she picked up the deck of cards and exited the dorm, chuckling alongside the nurses who went there with her. ¡°You two have been apart for so long. I¡¯m sure you have plenty of intimate conversations to catch up on tonight. We won¡¯t disturb you,¡± she said.

    Lysander was taken aback. Just as she was about to exin, she saw them trotting away into the distance.

    her in a hoarse voice, ¡°What should we do

    Josiah slowly turned his head to look at Lysander and ask?

    now<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    He nced around the dorm, realizing that if he wanted to stay the night, he¡¯d probably have to sleep on the floor. However, if it meant he could be near Lysander, he wouldn¡¯t mind sleeping on the uneven red bricks.

    The situation was already crystal clear at that point. Everyone in the vige had implicitly acknowledged the marital rtionship between Lysander and Josiah.

    Lysander considered the effort it would take to exin everything clearly and, with a long sigh, said, ¡°Tonight, you sleep in my bed. I¡¯ll sleep in another nurse¡¯s bed. Let¡¯s just make do for tonight. In case your gastritis res up again, there¡¯ll be someone around to help.

    Patients would always receive special treatment, and that day, Josiah genuinely made a significant contribution to the vige.

    Out of respect for the medicine that Josiah had brought, Lysander not only gave up her own bed for him but also shared a set of her spare toiletries with him.

    The vige didn¡¯t offer much in terms of nightlife. Both of them, having had a tiring day, didn¡¯t indulge in personal chit¨Cchat, as the nurses had assumed. Instead, they turned off the lights early and went to bed for some much¨Cneeded rest.

    Lysander had already grown ustomed to sleeping on the bunk bed there, and before long, she fell into a deep sleep, her breaths long and steady.

    In contrast, Josiah found his situation considerably more excruciating. The beds, which were just the right size for the girls, were far too short for him. He had no choice but to curl up to sleep. The single nket was even worse, covering his shoulders but leaving his feet exposed, forcing him to curl up into a shrimp- like shape.

    Moreover, the bunk bed was essentially ayer of wooden nk topped with a thin mattress. He had never slept on such a hard bed before, and the night wind made it impossible for him to fall asleep.

    Josiah simply decided not to sleep. He turned over andy on his side, using the moonlight streaming in from the window to gaze at Lysander, who was not far away.

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    She realized it was toote toe up with another excuse, so she hastily fabricated one. Fortunately, ine and others assumed she had not seen her husband for a long time and had some private matters to discuss with him. They all understandingly smiled and left.

    Only then did Lysander hurriedly lead Josiah away. As they passed by a field ridge, she whispered to him, ¡°That ditch down there is where everyone usually dumps their wastewater. If you feel like throwing up, you can go there-¡±

    Before she could finish speaking, Josiah had already rushed to the side, bending over to retch violently.

    Lysander gently patted his back, helping him catch his breath, and sighed. ¡°Your stomach is ustomed to refined food. It simply can¡¯t handle the food here. I noticed it when you were eating wild vegetables before. I wanted to advise you to eat less, but you stubbornly kept swallowing to maintain yourposure.¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t have the chance to respond to her scolding because he was crouched on the ground, enduring another round of vomiting.

    After an indeterminate amount of time had passed, Josiah finally managed to stand up again, his forehead slick with cold sweat.

    Under the moonlight, Lysander carefully scrutinized him, noticing his pale face. Her tone softened as she urged, ¡°Josiah, you should go back. You don¡¯t belong in this world.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice was hoarse from exhaustion, but he remained resolute. ¡°This is your world, so it¡¯s mine, too.¡±

    He had made up his mind. Even though his steps began to waver on the edge of the field, he still refused to leave.

    Lysander felt helpless. On their way back to the health center, they took a detour to the only convenience store in the vige to get two packets of instant noodles.

    When they pushed open the dorm door, the nurses were still not back from the outpatient department at the front.

    Lysander pulled the light cord. Turning to Josiah, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be tough. Just sit on my bed. You¡¯ve already done so during the day, anyway.¡±

    The dorm¡¯s light bulb cast a dim, yellowish glow, making Josiah¡¯s face appear even more frail. He nodded and sat down as instructed, seemingly drained of the strength to even speak, his face rmingly pale.

    Once Josiah felt less queasy, Lysander used the immersion heater to boil a pot of hot water. She efficiently unwrapped a packet of instant noodles, ced them in a bowl, and poured the hot water over them. She then secured the lid and said in a soft voice, ¡°Though instant noodles aren¡¯t healthy, they¡¯re better than letting you go hungry.¡±

    The enticing aroma of instant noodles quickly filled the dorm.

    Josiah didn¡¯t have much of an appetite, but he knew he couldn¡¯t let himself go hungry due to his gastritis. He epted the bowl handed to him by Lysander and managed to eat just under half of it. Only then did hisplexion improve from its previous unpleasant state.

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    Lysander noticed there was still quite a bit of instant noodles left, but she didn¡¯t rush Josiah to continue eating. Instead, she simply asked, ¡°How are you feeling now?¡±

    Josiah emphasized, ¡°I told you I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m probably just unable to adapt to a new environment yet. I¡¯ll adjust soon.¡±

    ¡°If you still don¡¯t feel well, you must let me know. I¡¯ll go ahead and get some gastric medicine for you. Food poisoning can be a minor or major issue. If you end up vomiting and having diarrhea, you could easily be dehydrated and suffer from electrolyte imbnce. The medical facilities here are quite limited.¡±

    ¡°All right,¡± said Josiah. ¡°I¡¯ll try my best not to cause the health center any trouble.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°I know.¡±

    With a sigh, Lysander started cleaning up the instant noodle packaging.

    After that, none of them continued the conversation. Even Josiah¡¯s nod was so subtle as if he was afraid to shatter the rare tranquility that surrounded them.

    One of them was resting while the other was tidying up the dorm. Even though they were each doing their own thing, they coexisted in perfect harmony.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    When the nurses returned to check on the situation and saw this scene, they couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh. They stood by the door, watching the two of them. The sight of a handsome man and a beautiful woman sharing a room was indeed a pleasing sight.

    It wasn¡¯t until Josiah felt somewhat rejuvenated and wanted to engage in conversation with Lysander again that he turned and noticed them.

    The nurse leading the group, Astrid, was closest to Lysander. She greeted enthusiastically, ¡°Mr. Guerra, are you here to see Dr. Thorne?¡±

    Lysander was startled by the sudden remark. She quickly turned and exined, ¡°He has something to discuss with me. After this, he will-¡±

    ¡°We all get it,¡± Astrid interrupted Lysander, winking at her. Clearly, she had misunderstood and cut off what Lysander was about to say.

    Josiah didn¡¯t want to put Lysander in a difficult position<b>, </b>so he unsteadily rose to his feet and said, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head back to Mr. Alvarez¡¯s ce.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t possibly live with Lysander and the nurses, so the best oue was for him to take the initiative to excuse himself and willingly move into the vacant house at ine¡¯s ce.

    Upon seeing the situation, Astrid became even more anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t! We just came back to get the poker cards.¡±

    Lysander was puzzled. ¡°What are you doing with the poker cards?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re ying cards in the front duty room,¡± Astrid exined as she walked in and began rummaging through her luggage. ¡°The duty room has a table and a bed. The three of us agreed that we must celebrate today, given the donations the health center received.¡±

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    After Astrid finished her statement, she picked up the deck of cards and exited the dorm, chuckling alongside the nurses who went there with her. ¡°You two have been apart for so long. I¡¯m sure you have plenty of intimate conversations to catch up on tonight. We won¡¯t disturb you,¡± she said.

    Lysander was taken aback. Just as she was about to exin, she saw them trotting away into the distance.

    her in a hoarse voice, ¡°What should we do

    Josiah slowly turned his head to look at Lysander and ask?

    now<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    He nced around the dorm, realizing that if he wanted to stay the night, he¡¯d probably have to sleep on the floor. However, if it meant he could be near Lysander, he wouldn¡¯t mind sleeping on the uneven red bricks.

    The situation was already crystal clear at that point. Everyone in the vige had implicitly acknowledged the marital rtionship between Lysander and Josiah.

    Lysander considered the effort it would take to exin everything clearly and, with a long sigh, said, ¡°Tonight, you sleep in my bed. I¡¯ll sleep in another nurse¡¯s bed. Let¡¯s just make do for tonight. In case your gastritis res up again, there¡¯ll be someone around to help.

    Patients would always receive special treatment, and that day, Josiah genuinely made a significant contribution to the vige.

    Out of respect for the medicine that Josiah had brought, Lysander not only gave up her own bed for him but also shared a set of her spare toiletries with him.

    The vige didn¡¯t offer much in terms of nightlife. Both of them, having had a tiring day, didn¡¯t indulge in personal chit¨Cchat, as the nurses had assumed. Instead, they turned off the lights early and went to bed for some much¨Cneeded rest.

    Lysander had already grown ustomed to sleeping on the bunk bed there, and before long, she fell into a deep sleep, her breaths long and steady.

    In contrast, Josiah found his situation considerably more excruciating. The beds, which were just the right size for the girls, were far too short for him. He had no choice but to curl up to sleep. The single nket was even worse, covering his shoulders but leaving his feet exposed, forcing him to curl up into a shrimp- like shape.

    Moreover, the bunk bed was essentially ayer of wooden nk topped with a thin mattress. He had never slept on such a hard bed before, and the night wind made it impossible for him to fall asleep.

    Josiah simply decided not to sleep. He turned over andy on his side, using the moonlight streaming in from the window to gaze at Lysander, who was not far away.

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    ¡°The door isn¡¯t locked,¡± he called out glumly. He figured that Lysander wouldn¡¯t return so quickly.

    The door creaked open slowly.

    <b>+5 </b>Pearls

    Josiah had initially assumed that the visitor would be the vige chief. However, when he looked up, he found himself face¨Cto¨Cface with a young man wearing sses. The stranger was probably in his early twenties, exuding a schrly, and didn¡¯t seem to be a local viger.

    But aren¡¯t all the support staff at the health center supposed to be women? <i>Why </i>is there a man?

    Josiah couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows, his hostile gaze critically sweeping over the other party. A natural aura of authority radiated from him.

    The young man was taken aback upon seeing Josiah and asked uneasily, ¡°Isn¡¯t Dr. Thorne supposed to be here?¡±

    With a straightforward concise manner, <b>Josiah </b>answered, ¡°She has gone to work <b>at </b>the health center. And

    you are¡­?¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said the young man, regretfully adjusting the sses perched on the bridge of his nose. Then, with a hint of nervousness, he began to introduce himself.

    ¡°I came here to help teach, but I¡¯m just an arts student, so I can¡¯t handle physics problems and was wondering if Dr. Thorne might be able to help¡­ It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll go to the health center and ask her instead.¡±

    The vige was teeming with children, many of whom were of schooling age. However, there was only one school in the area, where children of different grades attended sses together. On this asion, all the children who had questions that the visiting teacher couldn¡¯t answer had followed the young man. There were both boys and girls.

    Josiah nced at the children standing outside the door, suddenly feeling awkward about continuing to sit by the bed. He took a <b>moment </b>topose himself, then, supporting himself on the table, he moved to the door and said, ¡°She¡¯s busy with things at the health center. Let me take a look.¡±

    The young man still had some doubts. ¡°Um¡­ are you also a science¨Cmajor?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Josiah nodded in agreement.

    The <b>young </b>man handed the <b>book </b>he was holding to Josiah. ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, could you take a look at this? I didn¡¯t really want to bother Dr. Thorne as she¡¯s just so busy, but the children¡¯s studies can¡¯t be neglected.¡±

    While speaking, he adjusted his sses sheepishly, then gestured to the apanying children not to be shy <b>and </b><b>to </b>approach him if they had any questions.

    The room was tiny, simply unable to amodate so many people. Thus, Josiah decided to move <b>a </b>chair out into the courtyard, where he earnestly began to help the children with their homework.

    The most challenging aspect for the children <b>was </b>the final major question in the physics workbook.

    Taking a closer look at what was handed to him, Josiah picked up a stone and began to work something out on the sandy ground. He quickly spoke in a deep voice. ¡°This problem <b>is </b><b>a </b>bit advanced, but it doesn¡¯t

    ha salund wulum <b>ihn </b>erradand mashed 1 s siner with a faena nenhumis

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    As he spoke, he simultaneously drew diagrams on the ground. His movements were incredibly <b>fluid</b>, giving no indication that he had been away from the academic environment for years.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    The young man, although excelling in arts, had nothing short of disastrous results in science subjects. At that moment, listening to Josiah¡¯s clear and concise exnations along with the children, he couldn¡¯t help but wish Josiah could teach him as well. That way, he would be able to exin to the students who couldn¡¯t make it when needed.

    Perhaps influenced by the slow pace of life in the countryside, Josiah¡¯s usual brisk and efficient work attitude took a turn. He took a more leisurely approach when solving problems, paying meticulous attention to every detail. After exining, he never failed to ask again, ¡°Is there anything you don¡¯t understand?¡±

    The children had already heard from their families about Josiah and knew that he was a prominent businessman from the city who had generously donated many things to their vige. Seeing him graciously stooping to their level to teach them had already made them quite nervous. So, when the time came, their nods were noticeably uncoordinated.

    Some people didn¡¯t understand, but seeing that their ssmates had grasped it, they had no choice but to y along..

    Upon noticing the situation, Josiah didn¡¯t overlook this minor detail. He contemted and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, let me exin it again.¡±

    Josiah lectured outside the dormitory for a long time, not finishing until he had filled the sandy ground by the door with mathematical and chemical forms to answer all the questions.

    The children diligently took notes alongside the young man who hade to provide voluntary teaching. Before leaving, they remembered to express their gratitude to him earnestly. Some even went as far as to bow deeply in appreciation.

    At this moment, Josiah¡¯s emotions were strikingly simr to how Lysander felt when she first arrived here.

    A vivacious and quick¨Cwitted child noticed that Josiah wasn¡¯t as aloof <b>and </b>unapproachable as he seemed. Gathering his courage, he asked, ¡°Mister, can wee to you with questions we can¡¯t solve in the future?¡±

    Before Josiah could respond, the bespectacled young man spoke up first. ¡°If you have any questions, you better ask them quickly. Mr. Guerra is a busy man and won¡¯t be staying here for long.¡±

    Recalling the excitement in the vige yesterday, he had already confirmed Josiah¡¯s identity, so he feared. that the children¡¯s boldness might have offended Josiah.

    The children seldom saw such an impressive figure from the city. Hearing that Josiah would be leaving soon, their spirits were significantly dampened.

    A sense of inexplicable bitterness welled up in Josiah¡¯s heart as he softly said, ¡°It¡¯s okay; feel free <b>to </b><b>ask </b>any questions. Like Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m <b>also </b>here to lend a <b>hand</b><b>.</b>¡±

    What Lysander could do, he must also be capable of.

    The young man was overjoyed and quickly said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I can¡¯t thank you enough. Anyway¡­ please take care <b>and </b>rest well. I¡¯ll take them back to ss now!TM

    Upon seeing the significant impact of his <b>words</b>, Josiah felt a whirlwind of emotions<b>. </b>Once they had left, he returned <b>to </b>the room <b>and </b>dialed Carol¡¯s number on his mobile.

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    ¡°The situation here turned out to be a tad more challenging than I had anticipated. Could you reach out to the universities that have campus recruitment programs with Guerra Group? Ask if there are any students willing to work part¨Ctime during their vacation. It would be ideal if they could stay for a longer period, but it¡¯s not a deal¨Cbreaker if they can¡¯t. Rest assured, I¡¯ll cover all the expenses.¡±

    Carol had only just yesterday reached out to a local logisticspany, renowned for their speed, and paid them extra to deliver refrigerators by truck to support the medical efforts in the remote mountainous regions. Today, Josiah was calling her to show he had begun supporting educational initiatives. She was certain that these actions were connected to Lysander.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, is Mrs. Guerra doing all right<b>?</b>¡±

    Carol had always harbored a fondness for Lysander. Upon learning that thetter had left on her own, she <b>was </b><b>quite </b>unsettled for <b>a </b>while.

    Josiah was indeed a good boss, but Lysanne had taught her a valuable lesson ¨C for employees, sometimes the character of the boss¡¯s wife held more significance than the boss himself:

    When Josiah mentioned Lysander, a smile unknowingly surfaced on his sickly face. ¡°She¡¯s adapting quite well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±

    Carol breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely happy for Lysander. After hanging up the phone, she immediately got busy arranging the teaching support matters.

    Josiah took a moment to rest in the room. Once he seemed to have recovered a bit, he freshened up and headed toward the direction of the two¨Cstory building up ahead.

    The health center appeared particrly bustling today.

    There were only two consultation rooms, where Lysander and Karen attended to their patients. Both rooms were filled with patients waiting their turn, keeping the nurses extremely upied. They were tasked with not only administering medication to the patients but also constantly monitoring the condition of the vigers receiving intravenous drips on the second floor.

    Josiah knew he couldn¡¯t be of any help, so he stopped in his tracks within the courtyard, simply watching Lysander in silence.

    For the sake of convenience at work, Lysander had tied up her raven hair with a single hair tie at the back of her head. Even when <b>a </b>strand of <b>hair </b>fell across her forehead, she didn¡¯t have the time to retie her hair. Instead, she casually tucked it behind her car and continued with her work.

    After quietly observing for a while, Josiah subtly revealed a faint smile.

    This was truly her, full of life.

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    After she finished seeing the patients waiting in the clinic, she didn¡¯t get any downtime. In fact, she <b>became </b>even busier.

    Upon seeing Lysander heading straight for the wards, Josiah had no choice but to retract the step he had just taken. Approaching her for a conversation now, he feared, would only earn him an usation of creating trouble.

    As a fellow <b>patient</b>, his treatment was iparable to <b>that </b>of others.

    Upon entering the ward, Lysander immediately scooped up the little child who was attempting to roll around. In a gentle voice, she asked, ¡°What happened here?¡±

    The nurse, holding a disinfectant cotton swab, expressed her frustration, ¡°Dr. Thorne, this child simply refuses to get a shot. The moment I touched the back of his hand with the cotton swab, he burst into tears. Even after his grandmother tried to soothe him for quite some time, it was all in vain.¡±

    In the vige, what was mostmon were children left in the care of their elders. When these children fell ill, the only ones by their side were the elderly family members at home.

    Upon seeing Lysander¡¯s arrival, the child¡¯s grandmother was visibly flustered. As she tried to soothe the child, she exined, ¡°Dr. Thorne, I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience. The child insists on seeing his mother, but she¡¯s working in the city and onlyes home once a year. I¡¯ve tried, but I can¡¯t seem to persuade him otherwise. Please, feel free to attend to other patients first.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    At that moment, there was no better solution than to let the child cry it out until he tired himself and stopped. After all, there was no way to bring his mother to him.

    Lysander looked at the child who was crying out for his mother and softly reassured, ¡°It¡¯s all right. Let me give it a try.

    ¡°Sweetheart, would it be okay if I held you?¡± She saw the child¡¯s eyes open wide with curiosity and gently lifted <b>him </b>into her arms. With one hand supporting him, her other hand tenderly wiped his tears away.

    The child was only four years old. Since he only saw his mother once a year, <b>his </b>impression of her was limited to her long hair and tender demeanor. Upon hearing Lysander¡¯s words, his wailing turned into choked sobs. Clutching at her clothes, he whimpered, ¡°Miss, I¡¯m scared. I want my mommy..¡±

    ¡°You need to get better quickly if you want to see her.¡±

    The child shook his head. ¡°Mommy <b>only </bes back during Christmas<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ if you behave during your injection, I will help you call your mommy every weekend so you can talk to her. Does that sound good?¡±

    Upon hearing these words, the child, though still fearful of the injection, had almost stopped crying. The longing for his mother took precedence, and he nodded firmly.

    Lysander was especially patient with children. She reassured him, ¡°Sweetie, once you¡¯ve <b>had </b>injection, you¡¯ll start to feel better.¡±

    your

    The child listened to her soothing whispers for quite a while. Finally, the nurse found the perfect moment to swiftly and urately insert the needle.

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    Lysander had been clutching the child tightly, diverting his attention while the needle was being secured. Once it <b>was </b>done, she gently stroked his hair and praised him, ¡°You¡¯re the <b>bravest </b>little one I¡¯ve ever met.¡±

    Most kids would fall for this, and by the time he was safely tucked back into his hospital bed, he had already forgotten why he was crying earlier.

    ¡°Thank you so much. Dr. Thorne, the grandmother quickly stepped forward to express her gratitude.

    ¡°No worries. If the child feels unwell next time, make sure toe to the health center as soon as possible. A child¡¯s immunity isn¡¯t as strong as an adult¡¯s, so you can¡¯t dy treatment when they¡¯re sick.¡±

    Lysander had to check on the <b>situation </b>in the neighboring ward, so she wasn¡¯t able to stay in one ce for too long. She could <b>only </b>leave a few instructions before she hurriedly left.

    As the vige chief had mentioned, the vigers who needed medical attention the most were the elderly and children.

    In the adjacent hospital room, the three individuals receiving an IV drip were all elderly vigers living alone. The nurses, fearing they might fall asleep and forget to call someone to remove the needle, leading to a backflow in the IV tube, would asionally check on them. However, with the multitude of tasks in the clinic, there were inevitably moments when they couldn¡¯t attend to everything.

    Lysander noticed the elderly man by the door squinting hard, trying to make out the words on the medicine box. She <b>took </b>the initiative to remind him, ¡°Mr. Lastor<b>, </b>you should only take one blood pressure pill each morning. You¡¯ve already had one today, so you absolutely must not take another.¡±

    The elderly people in the ward treated Lysander as if she were their own kin when they saw her. The old man kindly nodded, affirming that he had remembered her.

    Lysander <b>was </b>concerned about their advancing age and potential memory loss, so she made a point to pause, pull out a pen from the pocket of her white coat, and carefully mark the dosage on the medication box with numbers.

    Most of the older generation in the vige hadn¡¯t received a formal education, with their knowledge extending <b>to </b>only a few characters at most. Hence, they were essentially illiterate.

    After thoroughly considering their needs, Lysander made a round in the ward before returning to the downstairs clinic. By then, it was nearing noon, and there were no patients left.

    The young nurse who was tidying up noticed Lysander¡¯s return. She gently nudged her arm and said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, <b>look </b>over there.¡±

    Following her subtle hint, Lysander looked over and saw a figure she recognized.

    Lysander didn¡¯t know when Josiah had arrived at the front yard of the clinic, but he hadn¡¯t approached or disturbed her while she was working. Instead, he stood at a distance, silently waiting.

    This scene brought back memories of the time before they had divorced.

    Josiah would often drive <b>himself </b>to Central Hospital, then wait for her to finish work in the hospital¡¯s parking lot.

    Before the truth was revealed, they did share some good times together.

    Had Lysanpe not returned, perhaps they would have continued down this path of misunderstanding.

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    Lysander once asked herself, did she desire the harsh reality, even if it meant a tragic end? Or would she rather live in blissful ignorance for the rest of her life, as long as she had what society deemed as happiness?

    She deliberated for a long time, even trying to convince herself at one point that life was unpredictable. If Josiah could keep this secret from her for a lifetime, and treat her well for a lifetime, wouldn¡¯t <b>that </b>make their marriageplete in its own way?

    However, her downfall was her stubborn foolishness.

    In the end, she couldn¡¯t convince herself. She covered her cars, closed her eyes, and forced herself to be a fool living in a web of lies.

    Even amidst agony and brutality, she still yearned for the truth.

    Lysander¡¯s gaze involuntarily turned slightly cold.

    Seeing that she had noticed him, Josiah quickly walked up to her. ¡°I saw you were busy earlier and didn¡¯t dare to disturb you.¡±

    The staff at Central Hospital had clear job roles. When Lysander used to work in the obstetrics and gynecology department, she only had to focus on her own <b>tasks</b>. As for trivial matters like pacifying children and reminding patients, these were all handled by the nurses.

    But in this understaffed clinic, she had to do everything. As long as somece had a shortage of staff, she had to step in.

    Though she was a doctor, when things got too busy, she had to take on the duties of a nurse as well.

    Lysander smiled indifferently. ¡°Have you been waiting long?¡±

    ¡°No, I just arrived too.¡±

    ¡°Josiah, this scene just now really resembled our past.¡±

    Josiah shared the same sentiment. ¡°It feels a bit like we¡¯re in <b>a </b>different era.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡±

    ¡°It seems that this ce is even busier than Central Hospital¡±

    ¡°There are simply a lot of <b>trivial </b>matters to attend to, <b>and </b>there¡¯s no division of departments either. I have <b>to </b>deal with all kinds of <b>illnesses</b>.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡±

    A thinyer of <b>sweat </b>still glistened on Lysander¡¯s forehead. ¡°If I were afraid of getting tired, I shouldn¡¯t have chosen this profession in the first <b>ce</b><b>.</b>¡±

    Josiah¡¯s voice was melodious <b>as </b>he said, ¡°I understand this is a cause you¡¯re willing to dedicate yourself to. <b>Rather </b><b>than </b>calling it busy, for you, it¡¯s more like fulfillment.¡±

    He could tell <b>that </b>Lysander was veryfortable in this small health center, even happier than when she used to work at Central Hospital.

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    The young nurse listened to their conversation and assumed they were being overly formal due to shyness. She teased with a smile, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯ve been waiting here for Dr. Thorne for quite a while, yet all you

    do is talk. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but you two haven¡¯t even held hands.¡±

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    From the moment Josiah appeared in the clinic, his gaze never left Lysander.

    The young nurses had all taken notice.

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    ¡°I came to see Dr. Thorne for treatment,¡± he said with a charming smile. He then addressed Lysander<b>, </b>¡°I was exposed to a bit of cold wind, and it seems my cold has worsened.¡±

    The young nurses couldn¡¯t tell he was sick but still joined theirpanion in their yful banter. ¡°Well, you¡¯ll <b>have </b>to seek out Dr. Thorne then. When ites to medical matters, we nurses aren¡¯t exactly experts, you know.¡±

    As they spoke, the group surged forward, pushing Lysander right into the center. They all assumed that she was just too shy to step <b>forward</b><b>.</b>

    Lysander was nudged and stumbled several steps forward, nearly falling into Josiah¡¯s arms.

    Thankfully, she had been a doctor for a long time and carried an aura of authority thatmanded respect. The young nurses didn¡¯t dare to cross the line too much, and as soon as they sensed they had, they quickly let go and <b>scrambled </b>away, pushing and shoving each other in their haste.

    Lysander steadied herself, let out a sigh, and asked Josiah, ¡°Have you taken your medicine?¡±

    Josiah sat casually on the chair prepared for the patient being examined, responding earnestly, ¡°I¡¯ve taken both the gastric and cold medicine, and I¡¯ve also had warm water, but I still don¡¯t feel well.¡±

    Before leaving in the morning. Lysander had checked his temperature. Although he looked pale now, the abnormal flush from the fever had mostly faded. She asked, ¡°Where exactly do you feel unwell? If it¡¯s your stomach, you should go back and lie down as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just my stomach. I woke up with a splitting headache and my throat was <b>as </b>dry as if I¡¯d swallowed a burning coal,¡± Josiah answered truthfully. After he finished helping the children with their homework, his symptoms had even worsened.

    Lysander picked up on the hoarseness in his <b>voice</b>. She took out a shlight and said, ¡°Open your mouth.¡±

    Josiah did as instructed.

    Lysander studied his throat carefully and advised, ¡°Your tonsils seem to be inmed. In such a situation, it¡¯s best to drink plenty of water and talk less. Do you want to get an IV drip? It might help you recover faster.¡±

    Josiah was particrly engrossed, perfectly embodying the role of a patient seeking medical help.

    A twitch yed at the corner of Lysander¡¯s mouth, and she couldn¡¯t help but suspect he had some unusual roleying fetish. But considering they were in a clinic, she couldn¡¯t voice such an awkward question. All she could do was advise him in a routine manner, ¡°You¡¯re young, so it would be better to use antibiotics. sparingly.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t it just pretending to be strangers?

    She could also do it, and in fact, it was even more convenient for her to y the role of a doctor. After saying this, she genuinely tore off a prescription note and wrote him a medical order.

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    Josiah could only earnestly discuss with her, ¡°I want to recover quickly. Otherwise, if I continue to be sick. it will cause trouble for you.¡±

    A high fever could potentially be lethal. Lysander, concerned that something would really happen to him in the countryside, reluctantly suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you get an IV drip for a day to bring down the inmmation? There¡¯s no room left in the ward. Would you rather have the drip in the consultation <b>room </b>or outside in the s

    Naturally, Josiah chose to be in the clinic.

    After Lysander had finished the paperwork, she was about to hand it over to the <b>young </b>nurses, but she realized that all three of them had already disappeared. She called out toward the corridor, ¡°Is anyone there? There¡¯s a patient here who needs an IV drip!¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, we¡¯re all tied up! You¡¯ll have to do it yourself!¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t sure if it was genuine or just an act. Regardless, at first nce, everyone did seem to have their own tasks to attend to.

    Hence, Lysander had no other choice but to fetch the IV equipment herself. She sterilized Josiah¡¯s <b>hand </b>with a cotton swab soaked in iodine, saying, ¡°It¡¯s been quite a few years since Ist personally inserted <b>an </b>IV needle, so I won¡¯t be as skilled as a nurse.¡±

    Unfazed. Josiah remarked, ¡°No worries. If the first attempt doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll try twice. If that still doesn¡¯t work, we can switch hands.¡±

    He subtly tensed his arm, epting the notion that anything given by Lysander, even if it caused him pain, was worth it.

    Lysander¡¯s skills were far more deft and adept than anticipated, the sharp painsting only for a fleeting moment before it vanished. She tore off the medical tape that <b>was </b>previously stuck on her sleeve, securing the needle in <b>ce </b>before saying, ¡°Just leave your hand like this. Don¡¯t move it around.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, she picked up the iron tray, ready to leave.

    Josiah swiftly reached out, clutching a corner of Lysander¡¯sb coat. With a voice thick from his cold, he asked, ¡°Have all the other patients been taken care of?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lysander paused, asking, ¡°Do you need anything else?¡±

    Josiah fell silent before saying, ¡°Could you sit with me for a while? This is a consultation room, so if anyone elsees, they will definitely look for you here.¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>You </b><b>have </b>something to say?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Josiah added, ¡°I didn¡¯t get a chance to tell you about your mother and sister yesterday.¡±ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

    ¡°How are they doing?¡±

    Josiah patted the long wooden bench beside <b>him</b>. ¡°Take <b>a </b>seat first.¡±

    After a brief silence, Lysander carefully set down the iron tray.

    However, she didn¡¯t sit next to him. Instead, she sat behind the long table <b>that </b>served as a desk in the consultation room.

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    Josiah knew that her silence was her agreement, and so, he went ahead and spoke the words he had prepared earlier.

    ¡°<b>I¡¯ve </b>had people keeping an eye on Mdm. Laura and Michelle all this time. After Mr. Maverick¡¯s <b>burial</b>, Mdm<b>. </b>Laura was heartbroken and hasn¡¯t been able to recover from the shock. For now, she¡¯s staying with rtives back in her hometown<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°Which rtive?¡±

    ¡°It should be your cousin¡¯s house on <b>your </b>mother¡¯s side.¡±

    Unconsciously, Lysander¡¯s hand resting on the table tightened.

    Upon witnessing her state, Josiah understood that she was concerned about her family¡¯s situation yet feared confronting the pain of losing her father. He paused for a moment before continuing to speak in <b>a </b>softer <b>tone</b>.

    ¡°The ones who handled the arrangements for your father¡¯s burial were your cousin¡¯s <b>family</b>. Those who went to the countryside to help have reported back to me about the situation there. You <b>can </b>trust your cousin and his wife. They¡¯ve been very supportive toward your mother. As for Michelle, she initially wanted to <b>stay </b><b>with </b>Mdm. Laura for a bit longer, but with her exams approaching, she had to <b>return </b>to school. She¡¯s probably busy catching up on the lessons she missed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better that she¡¯s busy.¡± Lysander murmured almost inaudibly. ¡°When people have too much free time, they tend to overthink. Besides, Michelle should prioritize her studies now.¡±

    Before she could <b>ask</b>, Josiah continued to discuss the Thorne family¡¯s matters.

    ¡°After you left, Mdm. Molly and Mr. Howard were constantly worried. However, they¡¯ve recentlye to terms with it. As long as you are able to do what you want, they¡¯re at peace. My mom and Eleanor apanied Mdm. Molly to the hospital to meet the doctor you mentioned, and they¡¯re following his treatment n. By the way, Mr. Howard personally went back to Thorne Constructions and Energies. He¡¯s nning to retire and spend his twilight years at home once he¡¯s found a trustworthy professional manager to entrust the business to¡­¡±

    Josiah detailed every aspect of her family¡¯s situation, sparing no detail. By the end, his already sore throat had be even more ufortable.

    Lysander handed him a packet of throat lozenges and said, ¡°Thank you for going out of your way toe all this way to tell me this.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯te here specifically to tell you this,¡± Josiah casually took a throat lozenge and popped it into hist mouth. Once his throat felt somewhat soothed, he deliberately spoke to her in an overly serious tone. ¡°I¡¯m merely answering the nation¡¯s call to aid the medical conditions in remote <b>areas</b><b>.</b>¡±

    He would only use that tone when he <b>was </b><b>joking</b>.

    <b>As </b>it <b>was </b>approaching midday, the sun had ascended to its zenith in the sky. The gentle sunlight streamed through the doors and windows, gradually warming the otherwise cold examination room.

    Josiah slightly squinted his eyes and said, ¡°See, I don¡¯t need to step outside to bask in <b>the </b><b>sun</b>.¡±

    Bathed in sunlight, Lysander listened to his words, feeling an inexplicable warmth spreading within her. She opened up and said, ¡°Actually. I¡¯m not as upset as I was when I first left. Isn¡¯t it said that the death of <b>a </b>loved one is an unforgettable pain thatsts forever? I suddenly realized this on the day I left the hospital.

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    However, this didn¡¯t mean I was going to wallow in it and torment myself. My father, if he is watching from above, wouldn¡¯t want me to be downcast for too long. He was a strong¨Cwilled man, and he taught me to be resilient and brave, to face adversity head¨C<b>on</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Indeed,¡± said Josiah, noticing that she was now able to talk about Maverick with rtive calmness. While he felt relieved for her, his heart still ached. He advised, ¡°You know, your temperament is quite simr to his.¡±

    Lysander gave a faint smile. ¡°Horrible and stubborn?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Josiah said. ¡°Having your own determination and dreams is actually very challenging. Take me, for example. I¡¯ve never really thought about what I wanted to be when I grew up. From the moment I was born. I was groomed to be the heir of Guerra Group. I never had the chance to consider doing anything else.¡±

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    Lysander took a deep breath and bowed her head slightly. ¡°Studying medicine takes five years for an undergraduate degree and four years for a master¡¯s. It¡¯s two years longer than other majors. And after graduation, there¡¯s still the residency, the rotations through different departments, and perhaps even further studies for a doctorate. My family didn¡¯t really support it, especially my mom. She believed that as a girl, I should study something like ounting or education so I could have a stable job as a white¨Ccor worker or a teacher. Only my dad supported my decision to study medicine. He said, ¡®If it takes two more years, then so be it. I¡¯ll pay the tuition<b>; </b>just focus on your studies¡±

    At this point, there <b>was </b>a certain sadness in Lysander¡¯s expression.

    <b>Josiah </b>noticed her grief and wanted to say something tofort her.

    However, when it came to matters of life and <b>death</b>, words offort were essentially useless.

    Lysander <b>was </b>an intelligent woman. Usual words offort were, to her, nothing more than empty talk. The truths that needed to be understood, she had already <b>grasped </b>long ago. There was simply no need for others to borate further.

    ¡°Actually, before I left, besides saying goodbye to Lynn, I also visited my father¡¯s chief doctor. He told me that my father¡¯s illness was progressing rapidly, but amongte¨Cstage cancer patients, he was considered lucky. At least he didn¡¯t have to endure the pain of chemotherapy. In a way, it was a relief.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s heart sank. ¡°Then you¡­¡±

    ¡°I worked at Central Hospital for quite some time and had <b>seen </b>countless critically ill patients. Some of them, toward the end, were practically begging for death, I can¡¯t bear to imagine my father enduring such pain, so I believe <b>this </b>must have been the best arrangement heaven could <b>have </b>made.¡±

    Death wasn¡¯t frightening. What was truly terrifying was the knowledge that there was no chance of recovery yet being forced to <b>wait </b>for death in agony.

    Lysander had kept these words buried deep in her heart <b>for </b>far too long, and finally, she had managed to

    voice them out

    ¡°My father¡¯s chief doctor, considering our shared profession<b>, </b>had already spoken as gently as he could. But he was absolutely right about one thing. Sometimes, the sudden departure of a cancer patient isn¡¯t just a relief for the patient, but also for the family. This kind of thing can¡¯t be kept a secret forever, and in time, the family will always find out. When that timees, it will actually be a prolonged torment for both my mother and Michelle. But the final oue remains the same, it¡¯s inevitable.¡±

    Josiah listened quietly as she continued to speak.

    ¡°Rather than living in constant fear and torment with my family, it¡¯s better to make a clean break like this. After fulfilling my father¡¯sst wish, it¡¯s time to say goodbye. After all<b>, </b>life for those who remain must go

    on.¡±

    This time, as her voice lowered, what fell was not tears anymore, but rather a <b>sigh </b>of near relief.

    Josiah looked at Lysander, her face especially serene under the sunlight, and gently asked her in a tender voice, ¡°You¡¯ve taken into ount everyone¡¯s feelings around you, but you¡¯ve never mentioned your own. Lysander, have <b>you </b>ever thought about considering yourself <b>more</b>?¡±

    <b>Ivander </b>didn¡¯t know if the only <b>understood </b>the literal meaning <b>or </b>if she didn¡¯t want to delve deener into

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    the implications. She nonchntly said, ¡°I¡¯m doing well now; there¡¯s nothing else I need to consider. I don¡¯t need to force myself to run apany out of gratitude to the Thorne family, and I can live freely. doing what I want to do.¡±

    ¡°Is staying here what you really want?¡± Josiah earnestly awaited her response..

    Lysander nodded without hesitation. ¡°Here, I can vividly see the joyous smiles of every patient who has recovered<b>. </b>I watch them return to their normal lives after being freed from their illnesses. Life here is simple ¨C we work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Everyone I meet greets me warmly, calling me ¡®Dr. Thorne¡°. This kind of life is simple yet beautiful. In truth, I¡¯ve wanted toe here for a long time, but I just hadn¡¯t found the opportunity.¡±

    After many years, she had finally realized her dream, albeit in a different form.

    Josiah gave a sincere and light nod, his gaze fixed intently on Lysander as he said, ¡°As long as it makes you happy, no matter where you want to go or what you want to do, I¡¯ll be there with you.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t mean that at all. She paused for a moment before gently declining, ¡°I don¡¯t need yourpany.¡±

    Josiah remained resolute. ¡°Then, I¡¯lle to provide support too.¡±

    ¡°What can you aid with?¡± Lysander pointed to the IV drip hanging above his head. ¡°Not only did you fail to provide any help, but you¡¯re <b>even </b>sick yourself and adding to the workload. It¡¯s a double loss.¡±

    Josiah gave a slight smile. ¡°Well, without you, I would lose myself too.¡±

    ¡°Our professions don¡¯t align. You¡¯re meant to be strategizing in skyscrapers, while I¡¯m more suited for this simple life.¡±

    ¡°No one is born destined for a particr ce or environment. I can be in a skyscraper, just as I can be here.¡±

    ¡°Your business strategies won¡¯t do any good here.¡±

    ¡°But I could supply all kinds of necessary medical resources here.¡±

    This statement was indeed true.

    The medicines that Josiah had sent this time were allmonly used and extremely practical.

    It seemed he had truly put in the effort.

    Lysander shook her head, urging, ¡°I no longer bear any burdens, but it¡¯s different for you. You have severa! elders at home who need your <b>care</b><b>, </b>and so many employees of Thorne Constructions and Energies depend on thepany for their livelihood. You should spend less time here.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>chuckled, confidently retorting. ¡°Do you really see me as someone who acts recklessly without thinking?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Before I left, I had already taken care of everything that needed to be arranged. If there are any unexpected situations, Carol will call me. I came here because I wanted to experience the life you <b>love</b>. If I want us to have a long andsting future together, I need to understand you, to know all of you.¡±

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    Lysander reminded him, ¡°But you failed to adapt to a lifestyle of drinking well water and eating wild vegetables. It¡¯s only been a day and you¡¯re already sick.¡±

    In just one day, he had developed gastritis and caught a cold. If he were to stay any longer, who knows what could happen?

    With aplex expression, Lysander looked at Josiah and said, ¡°Stop telling me that you¡¯ll definitely persevere. I¡¯m a doctor, and I abide by objective principles above all else. Do you know that it¡¯s true not all people are able to adapt to a new environment?¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I understand, but strictly speaking, this condition doesn¡¯t really require treatment. Once I get used to it, I will naturally recover.¡±

    He had made up his mind to stay.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Lysander had already exhausted all her sweet talk and was too weary to persuade further. While working. she would asionally nce at the IV drip he was <b>on</b>, just to ensure he didn¡¯t forget about it himself.

    Around noon, when the vige chief found out that Josiah had caught a cold and was receiving an IV drip, he made a special trip over, bringing along a nket and a thermos sk from his home.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, isn¡¯t the clinic too cold? I suggest you stay at my ce. If you¡¯re really worried about Dr. Thome, you cane back during the day. Otherwise, her concern for you might distract her from her work.¡±

    Thisment hit home for Josiah. He responded with a slight smile, ¡°She¡¯s very focused when she works and won¡¯t get distracted because of someone. Plus, I already feel much better, so I won¡¯t need any extra attention from her.¡±

    The vige chief thought his words implied that he was content and fulfilled by their love, gaining a new understanding of their affectionate bond. He no longer urged Josiah to find a different ce to rest; instead, he handed him a drink.

    Josiah epted the drink. Looking at the grey¨Cbrown murky liquid inside, he slightly furrowed his brows. ¡°Mr. Alvarez, what is this?¡±

    ¡°This is our local remedy, specifically for digestive difort. I had my wife specially prepare it for you.¡±

    Josiah took a sharp intake of breath.

    The color of the brew was strikingly peculiar, and it gave off a bitter scent <b>that </b>could almost remind one of wild vegetables.

    As <b>Josiah </b><b>was </b>receiving an IV drip while holding the cup of herbal remedy, he suddenly felt that thebined difort of these two was nothingpared to his current predicament. With a hint of hesitation, he tactfully said, ¡°It¡¯s <b>too </b>hot right now, so <b>I¡¯ll </b>drink itter.¡±

    <b>ine </b>looked at him, sensing his aversion to bitterness. He pulled out a small bag of sugar cubes and suggested, ¡°Good medicine tastes bitter. Why don¡¯t you try it with this?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Mr. Alvarez, he¡¯s not a child anymore. Does he <b>still </b>need you to coax him into taking his medicine?¡±

    ine chortled. ¡°No, no<b>¡­</b>

    Chapter 654 I Would Lose Myself Too

    Josiah looked toward Lysander, his gaze seeking her intent.

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    Lysander said, ¡°These remedies are usually for reducing fever and detoxifying the body<b>. </b>Just swallow it all

    <b>in </b>one <b>go</b>.

    Upon hearing these words, Josiah felt reassured about the drink. Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and drained the cuppletely.

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    <b>¡°</b>All right, all right, just go ahead and down this drink and you¡¯ll start feeling better almost immediately! Just hang tight here, okay? I¡¯ve got a lunch simmering away at home, and it should be ready before you know it. I¡¯ll rush back and bring it right over for you.¡±

    The health center was conveniently situated very close to <b>ine¡¯s </b>house. Given its proximity, the round trip to fetch a home¨Ccooked meal from his own farm <b>took </b>barely ten minutes.

    The egg spaghetti, served warm, was not only soft andforting to eat but were also particrly. beneficial for soothing the stomach.

    Aware that ine had offered the best he could from his own resources, Josiah mulled over ways to show his appreciation once the chief had departed.

    While the easiest and most straightforward gesture would have been to offer money, Josiah had used up all the cash he had on him during his travels to the vige. It became evident that this quaint, remote mountain vige <b>was </b>not equipped to handle electronic payments.

    Having received his IV drip in the morning, Josiah found himself with no pressing engagements for the remainder of the day. Opting to remain at the consultation room under the guise of needing further recovery time, he inquired of Lysander, ¡°Is there a bank nearby?¡±

    Lysander pondered this for a moment before responding. ¡°No, there isn¡¯t one around here. The closest ATM is back in town. Do you need something from there?¡±

    This distance was rather far. Realizing the impractical distance, Josiah resignedly admitted, ¡°There¡¯s no point then.¡±

    After hepleted his IV drip, the afternoon had arrived. With no other obligations, Josiah decid

    volunteer his time at the health center.

    to

    While he wasn¡¯t qualified to assist in medical tasks, he was perfectly able to help the elderly gentleman make his way to the restroom. His height also made him ideal <b>for </b>supporting the IV bag.

    Around the same time as the previous day, the young nurse approached them with an invitation for dinner from ine,

    she fo

    Lysander hadn¡¯tpleted her shift the previous evening, and she felt quite guilty about asking the nurses to cover for her yet again today. Despite this, she didn¡¯t want to cause any offense to ine and permitted. Josiah to go.

    Having already made the trip the previous evening, Josiah was familiar with the route and made his way to the vige chief¡¯s residence alone. Upon arrival, he saw ine¡¯s wife busily preparing cured meat for their meal.

    This specialty was hung high from the beams of their homes and was a prized delicacy in the vige. As she teetered on a stool trying to reach it, the stool wobbled dangerously under her.

    Josiah entered just in time to see her precarious attempt and quickly stepped forward to assist, his pulse racing as he urged, ¡°Mrs. Alvarez, please step aside and let me take care of <b>this</b><b>.</b>¡±

    ine <b>and </b><b>Anita </b><b>were </b>around the same age as Susan, but they appeared much older, their faces etched with the hardships of rural life.

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    Respecting the elderly, Josiah was always concerned about their welfare. Before she could protest, he had already tiptoed to retrieve the hanging cured meat, presenting it to her with a gentle, ¡°Here you go.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I can¡¯t possibly thank you enough. You are¡­ truly a blessing,¡± gushed Anita, overwhelmed with gratitude.

    Josiah regarded the gesture as a triviality, reassuring her, ¡°It¡¯s really nothing to worry about.¡±

    As she sliced the meat, Anita expressed her gratitude, ¡°Mr. Guerra, you and Dr. Thorne are truly kind souls, unlike those rich folks who merely pass through our vige.¡±

    This remark piqued <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>interest<b>, </b><b>and </b>he pricked up his ears, listening intently.

    Initially reluctant to speak ill of others<b>, </b>Anita nevertheless continued, prompted by his evident curiosity. ¡°Our vige was always known for its poverty. asionally, visitors woulde to take photographs <b>and </b>look around, but almost all of themined about the conditions and chose to drive back to the city to spend the night. You and Dr. Thorne are the first to truly appreciate this ce.¡±

    Josiah reassured her, ¡°Every ce holds its own charm. If the countryside were <b>just </b>like the city, what would be the appeal of urban areas?¡±

    With a sigh, Anita replied, ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that you see it that

    way.¡±

    After a moment of thought, Josiah asked further, ¡°If these visitors disdain the vige environment so much, why do they evene here? Were they also intending to provide medical assistance?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the case,¡± she responded, her tone turning bitter as she discussed the topic. ¡°Our vige stretches across the surrounding mountains and appears vast due to our sparse poption. Just beyond the vige, along a narrow path, there are severalrge ponds used by the vigers to raise fish and grow lotus roots, which provide for us during the agricultural off¨Cseason.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah visualized the scene,menting, ¡°A pond that supports both fish and lotus roots must indeed offer a splendid view.¡±

    Anitamented, ¡°Exactly, and that¡¯s the issue. Many wealthy individuals who visit find the ce beautiful and want to develop it into a tourism spot.¡±

    Josiah assessed the situation internally.

    Despite its distance from urban centers, the scenic beauty and simplicity of the vige made it appealing for those seeking a respite from city life. However, theck of amenities posed significant challenges for visitors.

    <i>If </i>there w

    were a resort here, or even just a decent guesthouse, it could be an ideal retreat for those looking to enjoy some tranquility. For instance, Lysander

    ¡°My husband used to think that entertaining these visitors was beneficial for our vige. He would go out of his way to show them around the mountains and offer them our local fish and lotus roots, but nothing substantial <b>ever </b>came of it. Now, he¡¯s grown old and has lost hope, resigning himself to the situation.¡±

    If the vige chief had truly resigned himself, his reaction to Josiah¡¯s involvement would not have been so fervent. As he aged, his main desire was to do something meaningful for the vigers before his tenure

    ended.

    Josiah pondered aloud, ¡°Did they abandon their ns because they found the conditions here.

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    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure, but my husband mentions it sometimes; he thinks it¡¯s normal for tourists to be deterred by the remoteness of our location,¡± Anita exined understandingly. ¡°People travel for pleasure, not to endure <b>a </b>difficult journey across mountains and hills, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not entirely true,¡± Josiah considered, ¡°The <b>main </b>issue might actually be theck of proper roads leading here. If we want to attract visitors, we need to improve the roads first,¡±

    ¡°True, but building roads is costly, and we simply don¡¯t have the resources,¡± shemented.

    Just then, ine added, puffing on his homemade tobo. ¡°The real problem is that these businesspeople want to disce us, but they aren¡¯t willing to invest in building new homes for us. Our ancestors made their living here by cultivating fish and lotus roots. Without an education, how would we survive if we had to leave?¡±

    While ideas often sounded appealing in theory, their implementation was fraught with numerous challenges. Despite wishing to address each problem individually, the financial burden was simply far too

    immense.

    Josiah<b>, </b><b>with </b>his background in business, recognized that the high initial investment and considerable risks associated with building new homes for vigers, constructing roads, and developing the area for tourism were not prudent decisions.

    This likely exined why most people merely took a cursory look around before departing.

    After enjoying dinner at ine¡¯s house, Josiah collected the aluminum lunch box prepared for Lysander and made his way back to the health clinic. The box was filled with steaming stir¨Cfry spaghetti with cured

    meat

    However, the health center was particrly lively that evening.

    Three nurses, along with Lysander, were actively engaged in a yful yet frantic chase around the yard, attempting to administer medicine and vinations to five spirited children who stubbornly resisted their efforts. The nurses managed to capture one child only to see another elude them, creating a whirlwind of activity.

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    ¡°Wah, I¡¯m not taking that medicine!¡±

    Liar, getting a shot really hurts! Save me!¡±

    ¡°Mommy!¡±

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    In the tumultuous scene, a mother, cradling her child in her arms, implored, ¡°Dr. Thorne is the one who saved your life! Could you please just <b>behave </b>for a bit?¡±

    The child, tears streaming down his face, was desperately seekingfort from his apanying grandmother.

    The parents who had brought their children were unified in their stance, each echoing the sentiment. ¡°You must listen to Dr. Thorne. Without the injection, your illness won¡¯t get better.¡±

    ¡°Are you really going to ignore Dr. Thorne¡¯s advice now?¡±

    The parents used abination of persuasion and gentle coercion, but their primary focus remained firmly on <b>the </b>medical treatment. They showed considerable support for Lysander¡¯s efforts.

    Once Lysander had sessfully calmed all <b>the </b>children, it was <b>apparent </b>that the nurses werepletely worn out from the effort. Despite this, when they noticed Josiah standing off to the side while holding a lunch box, they didn¡¯t miss a chance to sh a cheeky smile at Lysander before they headed back to their dorm for a meal.

    Josiah remarked as he approached, ¡°I¡¯ve kept the lunch box warm all the way here, so it should still be hot. You better eat it while it¡¯s warm.¡±

    After a long day that had beenrgely consumed by a test of patience <b>and </b>will with the children. Lysander felt a deep sense of fatigue. She gratefully epted the lunch box and made <b>her </b>way to the consultation

    room to eatN?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Josiah sat beside her, feeling an umon warmth in this simple moment. He quietly shared with Lysander the insights he <b>had </b>gained from Anita, then added, ¡°I want to explore theke behind the vill

    vige. It seems like it might <b>have </b><b>some </b>potential.¡±

    ¡°Theke you mentioned, I¡¯ve heard <b>about </b>it from the vigers and even had a chance to see it from a distance. The view is truly captivating. <b>When </b>I find some free time, I like to take <b>a </b><b>walk </b>around that area. The lotus blossoms were exceptionally beautiful recently,¡± Lysander expressed a fondness for such tranquil ces.

    Josiah nodded slightly. ¡°This ce seems wonderful. If it turns out to be suitable for development after we <b>assess </b>it, perhaps we could have Guerra Group spearhead the project. Who <b>knows</b>, it might even help. stimte the vige¡¯s economic growth.¡±

    Lysander, <b>knowing </b>Josiah meant well, chose her words carefully, <b>waiting </b>until he finished before <b>voicing </b>her concerns<b>.</b>

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget,¡± she cautioned, ¡°this ce is exceptionally isted from the city. You drove for three days just to get here. Whether it¡¯s fransporting supplies or hiring workers, it¡¯s incredibly difficult. <b>Even </b>if you somehow manage to ovee these hurdles and turn this area into a tourist attraction, there¡¯s no guarantee that visitors will actuallye¡±

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    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about attracting visitors,¡± he reassured her confidently. ¡°Guerra Group has <b>a </b>widework of clients and partners. We could initially invite them for aplimentary experience. Later, we can rely on the testimonials of these early guests<b>, </b>coupled with some strategic online promotion. As long as we maintain a high standard of quality here, I have no doubt that more visitors will follow.¡±

    Lysander responded, ¡°I¡¯ve been here longer than you, and I genuinely desire to enhance the lives of the vigers. But transforming everything is too much of a challenge. It seems we might have to wait for the town¡¯s own development to see any real impact here.¡±

    ¡°But I want to give it a try,¡± Josiah asserted confidently, ¡°Who knows, maybe by fostering growth here first, it could actually catalyze the development of the town. It¡¯s notpletely out of the realm of possibility.¡±

    Lysander had expressed everything she felt was necessary, offering no further attempts to dissuade him. She too harbored hopes for improvements in the area. However, she was concerned about Josiah potentially overspending here for her sake any further.

    Josiah remained with Lysander in the consultation room until the end of her shift, insistently offering. ¡°Let me walk you home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few steps from here to the dorm; there¡¯s really no need for you to escort me.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that you enjoy strolling by theke on the edge of the vige when you¡¯re not busy<b>?</b>¡± Josiah suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    Lysander, now more at peace with her thoughts, particrly with the earlier discussion about <b>tourism </b>development, agreed.

    The <b>vige </b>was devoid of streetlights; their only guides were the lights from the houses along the path <b>and </b>the shlights they carried. They ambled <b>slowly</b>.

    Listening to the chirps of insects and the rustling of grass leaves in the breeze, Josiah softly remarked, ¡°<b>I </b>don¡¯t know why, but I find this environment even more serene thanplete silence.¡±

    Lysander quietly agreed, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because being close to nature taps into a basic human instinct.¡±

    With a reflective smile, Josiah mused. ¡°I¡¯m actually starting to really enjoy life here.¡±

    Their conversation flowed easily as they walked, and before they realized <b>it</b><b>, </b>they had reached the vige¡¯s edge. Lysander pointed to the distant night sky, exining. ¡°That kasi body of water you see is theke. To reach it, you have to cross a field strewn with weeds. There are quite a few hidden puddles in there. I wouldn¡¯t rmend trying it at night; it¡¯s too easy to miss your step.¡±

    Near theke, an intermittent light flickered, breaking through the darkness. However, for those unfamiliar with the terrain, the area still posed some risks, even for those adept at swimming.

    Seeing Lysander¡¯s willingness to offer guidance, Josiah felt deeply reassured. He responded gently, ¡°All <b>right</b>, I won¡¯t venture over there now, I¡¯ll just admire it from here.¡±

    Just then, a little girl carrying a basket approached them. She appeared to be about ten years old<b>, </b>with bright, sparkling eyes. Her voice clear and youthful, she asked, ¡°Josiah, would you like to buy a straw origami for your wife? It¡¯s really cheap.¡±

    The previous morning, the vige children had gathered to marvel at the car Josiah had arrived in. Among them <b>was </b>this girl, who, along with the others, <b>had </b>mistaken them for a married couple.

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    Josiah bent down to examine the intricately woven crickets in her basket. <b>Each </b>was so meticulously crafted that they could easily fetch much more money at a city¡¯s scenic spot. In a warm <b>tone</b>, heplimented, ¡°They¡¯re really beautiful, did you make these yourself?¡±

    ¡°My dad made them; he¡¯s really skilled with his hands,¡± the girl raised the basket toward him.

    Josiah nodded. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll buy-¡± He paused mid¨Csentence, a hint of embarrassment on his face as he turned to Lysander. ¡°I was in a hurry and didn¡¯t bring any cash with me.¡±

    Lysander quickly searched her pockets, her expressionplex as she admitted, ¡°I did have some, but I used up all my change buying instant noodles. This is all I¡¯ve got left, and I doubt this kid will have change.¡±

    She pulled out a hundred.

    The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward.

    ¡°The girl¡¯s eyes sparkled, not with disappointment but with a quick business acumen. She eagerly pitched<b>,</b>

    ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, why don¡¯t youe and stay at my ce tonight? My house is right by theke. We have a spare house, and you can enjoy the view of the lotus flowers during the day, and fireflies at night. Oh, and my little brother¡¯s a great swimmer¨Che can catch some fish for you to eat, and my mom¡¯s an excellent cook.

    She was clearly determined not to miss this chance to earn some money. Not only was she persuasive, but her eloquence was particrlypelling, which swayed Josiah somewhat. However, ncing at the sky, he noted, ¡°It¡¯s toote today; we¡¯lle tomorrow.¡±

    Anxious that he might change his mind, the little girl quickly responded, ¡°Great, then first thing tomorrow morning, I¡¯lle to the health center to find you. We must meet, no matter what. Dr. Thorne, you can¡¯t fool <b>a </b>kid, okay?¡±

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    Lysander gazed at the little girl, whose spirited demeanor was evident, and responded with a warm smile, <b>¡°</b>All right<b>, </b>we¡¯ll meet as nned.¡±

    After sealing her agreement with Josiah and Lysander, the little girl bounded joyfully down the vige path, her footsteps echoing her cheerful mood as she made her way home.

    Watching her diminishing figure, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but reflect aloud, ¡°Dr. Vazquez is on duty tomorrow, and I had nned to assist him. Little did I expect something else toe up so soon.¡±

    Josiah, understanding her impliedmitment to their ns for the next day, offered a subtle smile, keeping his emotions <b>in </b>check.

    As the evening chill settled in, Josiah took it upon himself to walk Lysander home, maintaining a steady flow of conversation during the journey.

    ¡°That little girl we encountered earlier really has a knack for business. Even at such a young age, she¡¯s already showing signs of cleverness <b>and </b>sweetness in her dealings. If given the right opportunities, she could certainly achieve great things. It¡¯s just unfortunate that she¡¯s growing up in such a secluded area, deprived of the educational opportunities that could further her potential.¡±

    A child earning suchmendation from Josiah for her entrepreneurial skills was undoubtedly. remarkable. Thinking about her potential juxtaposed with her living conditions led him to sigh deeply.

    Lysander, puzzled by his familiarity, questioned, ¡°You¡¯ve barely been here two days, yet you speak as if you¡¯re well¨Cacquainted with the local educational scene?¡±

    Josiah exined, ¡°While <b>I </b>was resting in the dorm this morning, a university student who came to the vige to teach were looking for <b>you</b>. They needed help with high school physics problems. With nothing else on my hands, I ended up giving them a bit of tutoring. It was during that time I learned about the dire state of the local school, where theck of adequate facilities <b>and </b>teachers is quite apparent.¡±

    Recalling the eager, inquisitive eyes of the children, Josiah felt a poignant tug at his heart. Without witnessing it firsthand, he might never have believed such ces still existed.

    ¡°Indeed, not only are medical resources scarce here, but the educational situation is also quite dire,¡± Lysander noted with a sense of resignation.

    She continued, ¡°Actually, the situation <b>has </b>improved since I first arrived. <b>The </b>university student who started the teaching program came a little after me. Initially, he brought along a few ssmates, but in less <b>than </b>a week, he <b>was </b>left to <b>manage </b>on his own. It¡¯s <b>unfortunate</b>, but there¡¯s been no one to teach the sciences regrly.¡±

    Hearing this<b>, </b><b>Josiah </b>shared his ns which he had tasked Carol with organizing. ¡°If things proceed as <b>nned</b>, I¡¯m thinking of establishing an education fund to help <b>manage </b>the expenses for volunteer teachers here,¡± he suggested.

    Lysander, fully supportive yet surprised, remarked, ¡°I never imagined you¡¯d not only be invested in healthcare but also so passionate about education.¡±

    Josiah responded with a wry smile, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I can¡¯t bear to see these children suffer.¡±

    The tranquil <b>mountain </b>night enveloped them.

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    Lysander, <b>walking </b>leisurely, asked softly. ¡°Is it because of the little girl we <b>met </b>earlier that you feel so moved?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Yes.¡± Josiah admitted candidly, his eyes clouding with a hint of sorrow as he looked down. ¡°We were expecting our first child to be a girl. Sometimes, I can¡¯t help but wonder how she would have looked all grown up.¡±

    Speaking of the past, Lysander <b>was </b>more measured, her voice gentle as she corrected, ¡°When I terminated the pregnancy, it was too early to determine the baby¡¯s gender.¡±

    Had that not been the case, she might not have found the strength to go through with it.

    Yet, Josiah was convinced, asserting. ¡°It was definitely a girl<b>.</b>¡±

    He didn¡¯t borate, and Lysander didn¡¯t press for more.

    Before Elisa and Maverick passed away, they both mentioned seeing a young girl in their final moments. Deep down, Lysander found herself wanting to believe that <b>as </b>well.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    By the time they reached the dorm, it waste, and the nurses sharing the living space with Lysander had already returned.

    Noticing the light under the door, Josiah paused a few steps away and said, ¡°You should get some rest; I¡¯ll head back now.¡±

    Lysander, concerned about his health, asked, ¡°Are you staying at the vige chief¡¯s tonight?¡±

    ¡°If there¡¯s enough time,¡± Josiah answered earnestly.

    Lysander looked puzzled, ¡°What do you mean by ¡°if there¡¯s enough time? It¡¯s not far to the vige chief¡¯s house from here.¡±

    Josiah patiently exined, ¡°I was thinking of heading to the town first., You mentioned there¡¯s a bank there, right? I¡¯mpletely out of cash, and how am supposed to buy that straw origami from the little girl tomorrow?¡±

    Understanding his intention to support the girl¡¯s small business, Lysander no longer tried to dissuade him, nodding and saying, ¡°In <b>that </b>case, make sure you go ande back early.¡±

    The town wasn¡¯t far, <b>and </b>Josiah could likely return by midnight. Hearing her agreement, he nodded and replied, ¡°Since you¡¯ve said so, I¡¯ll make sure to return earlier.¡±

    He then turned <b>and </b>headed toward the <b>vige </b>entrance where he had parked his vehicle.

    The next morning, <b>as </b>dawn broke, there was a consistent knock on the dormitory door.

    Assuming it was Josiah needing assistance, Lysander quickly dressed and opened the door, trying not to disturb the others still asleep.

    To her surprise, it was the little girl from the previous day who greeted her. Lysander, taken aback, asked, ¡°You¡¯re here so carly. Did youe by yourself?¡±

    While it wasmon in this close¨Cknit vige for residents to leave their doors open at night, the adults. in <b>this </b>family were particrlyid¨Cback.

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    The little girl pulled her younger brother, who had been obscured by the door, forward and introduced him with a bright smile, ¡°Dr. Thome, this is my younger brother. He came with me. We know the area <b>well</b>, so it¡¯s safe for us to walk alone.¡±

    The boy, slightly younger and more reserved, greeted her, ¡°Hello, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    ¡°Hello.¡± Lysander then asked them old you mind waiting a moment? I need to freshen up and change

    before I join you, is that okay?¡±

    The siblings, ustomed to mature responsibilities from a young age, nodded understandingly without a word and even helped to close the door gently behind them.

    Lysander quickly prepared herself, ensuring she had some cash on hand for any necessary expenses, given theck of a reliable ATM in town.

    Once ready, she found the siblings waiting with bright, cager smiles, resembling little adults. Amused by their demeanor, Lysander asked softly, ¡°What are your names? I don¡¯t believe I caught them before.¡±

    ¡°My name is Nilou Waters, and my brother is Rhizone Waters,¡± the girl confidently replied, taking on the role of the elder sister. ¡°Our mother named me after the lotus flowers that were blooming beautifully when I was born. Rhizone was named after the lotus roots that everyone was harvesting when he arrived.¡±

    The fittingness of their names was apparent, each reflecting a piece of the vige¡¯s life.

    Just as Lysander was about to express her admiration, a tall figure appeared, walking towards them from. the direction of the morning sun¨Cit was Josiah, who had made the trip into town to withdraw money. overnight.

    Recognizing him, Nilou eximed, ¡°Josiah, why are youing from outside? I thought you were staying. with Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Josiah, puzzled by her remark, asked, ¡°Why would we need to live together?

    ¡°Because my parents always stayed together; they were never apart,¡± she replied simply.

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    Rhizone quickly noticed the item in Josiah¡¯s hand and tugged at his sister¡¯s sleeve to draw her attention.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Nilou, ever perceptive, understood immediately and eximed with a bright smile, ¡°You¡¯re so kind <b>to </b>Dr. Thorne, going all the way to town just to buy sandwiches.¡±

    Hearing this, Lysander turned her attention toward Josiah.

    Earlier, he had approached without anything in his hands, and she hadn¡¯t noticed him holding anything. Now, mysteriously, he was carrying a bulging brown paper bag as though it had appeared out of nowhere.

    Josiah extended the brown paper bag toward her, asking. ¡°Have you freshened up?¡±

    Lysander simply responded with a hum.

    ¡°I heard <b>from </b>some locals in town that the sandwiches from this particr shop are quite famous around here. So, I thought I¡¯d bring some back for your breakfast.¡±

    Lysander queried. ¡°Have you had anything to eat yet?¡±

    ¡°No, I rushed back, didn¡¯t want to waste any time, didn¡¯t want to¡­ didn¡¯t want to keep Nilou waiting,¡± Josiah exined.

    Nilou chuckled lightly, ¡°I¡¯m in no hurry. As long as you guys don¡¯t change your minds, I won¡¯t rush you.¡±

    Josiali again urged her to eat, pushing the sandwich toward her, ¡°Eat.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thome, why not eat as you walk? The morning scenery here is really something to behold!¡± Nilou suggested enthusiastically.

    Lysander epted the sandwich but noticed out of the corner of her eye that Rhizone was watching <b>intently</b>. He was still under ten<b>, </b>and despite the saying <b>that </b>hardship elerates maturity in children, he <b>was </b>clearly still very young. His eyes sparkled with a mix of <b>curiosity </b>and longing as he gazed <b>at </b>the sandwich in her <b>hand</b>.

    Lysander turned to <b>Josiah</b>. ¡°How many did you manage to buy?¡±

    ¡°Six,¡± Josiah replied, ¡°The shop was packed. People started lining up as early <b>as </b>three in the morning. By <b>the </b>time it was my turn, there were only a few left, so I bought all that remained.¡±

    After pondering for a moment, Lysander reached into the brown paper bag and pulled out two sandwiches, handing one to each of the siblings. ¡°We can¡¯t possibly eat all of these ourselves, and they won¡¯t taste as good once they cool down. Could you guys help us finish them<b>?</b>¡±

    Rhizone began to swallow nervously.

    Nilou, who seemed to always have a protective, sisterly <b>aura </b>about her, insisted, ¡°Dr. Thorne, there¡¯s really no need. Our mom made us oatmeal before we left this morning¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s no meat in oatmeal¡­¡± Rhizoneined.

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    ¡°Have you forgotten <b>what </b>I taught you before we left?¡± Nilou scolded, hands on her hips, ¡°We came out today to focus on <b>our </b>business, not to feast on meat!¡±

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    Chastened by his sister, Rhizone put on a forced smile, lowered his head, and remained silent.

    Suddenly, Josiah shifted the conversation, ¡°Nilou, do you still have straw origami at your ce?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, there¡¯s plenty,¡± she responded enthusiastically.

    ¡°One buck each?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! If you¡¯re interested, <b>I </b><b>can </b>give you <b>a </b>discount. Three for two, and you can pick any style you want. Actually, let <b>Dr. </b>Thome pick!¡±

    As she spoke, Nilou looked up at Lysander with an expression that was both obedient <b>and </b>endearing.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had my eye on that cricket and rabbit since yesterday,¡± Josiah remarked.

    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re all here. What else might you want?¡± Nilou asked eagerly.

    After thinking for a moment, Josiah inquired, ¡°Do you know how to weave <b>a </b>puppy?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Absolutely! We have some at home already. Once we get there, I¡¯ll fetch one for you!¡±

    ¡°All right then, it¡¯s settled. Three for two.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t back out!¡±

    Josiah dered, his voice altering slightly, ¡°I don¡¯t have small change on me. Can I pay for them with a sandwich instead?¡±

    Nilou paused briefly, taken aback.

    Rhizone, bursting with excitement, quickly tugged on his sister¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Nilou, we have so many straw weavings at home, they¡¯re just drying up since they can¡¯t be sold. We <b>might </b>as well swap them for a couple of sandwiches¡­¡±

    Nilou seemed to understand <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>intentions, her cheeks flushing slightly pink. ¡°Sir, you and Dr. Thorne are both food people.¡±

    Josiah exchanged <b>a </b>meaningful look with Lysander, who instantly grasped his intent. He promptly handed Two sandwiches to Rhizone, ¡°We agreed on three straw items for two bucks. I¡¯ll give you the sandwiches <b>first</b>. When you get home, make sure to bring us the straw origami.¡±

    Rhizone nodded vigorously, holding the sandwiches in his hand and offering the other to Nilou. ¡°Eat quickly, it¡¯s still warm¡­¡±

    <b>H</b>

    Nilou¡¯s face turned even redder, her eyes sparkling with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. Grinning. she replied cheerfully, ¡°All right, consider the deal done. If you need anything else, don¡¯t hesitate to tell me. My brother is skilled at climbing mountains and trees, picking flowers or fruits is easy for him, and we won¡¯t charge extra!¡±

    Rhizone nodded again, looking much like a chick pecking at grain.

    Among the siblings, Josiah found himself particrly charmed by the clever and vivacious <b>Nilou</b><b>. </b>Upon hearing her assurances, he chuckled lightly. ¡°All right, if I see something else I wantter, I¡¯ll let you know.¡±

    Nilou nodded, then gave her younger brother a knowing nce. ¡°Go ahead and eat.¡±

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    With his sister¡¯s approval, Rhizone eagerly took a bite of the sandwich, quickly consuming nearly half of it

    in one go.

    Nilou, despite her generally cheerful nature, ate her sandwich daintily, holding it in her small hands like a little squirrel.

    Josiah, moved by the scene, asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you often go to town<b>?</b>¡±

    Nilou shook her head. ¡°I rarely leave; there¡¯s plenty to do at home.¡±

    ¡°What does your family mainly do for a living?¡± Josiah continued.

    ¡°We raise fish and lotus roots,¡± Nilou exined<b>, </b>¡°Our home is always bustling; my brother and I both help

    out.¡±

    So, how are things going? Is it profitable?¡± Josiah probed <b>gently</b>.

    Nilou¡¯s enthusiasm visibly waned.

    Josiah¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°Not so good?

    As this exchange unfolded, Rhizone finished his sandwich and casually wiped his mouth, muttering, ¡°Someone¡¯s been up to no good, poisoning theke and killing all the fish.¡±

    Nilou instantly turned serious. ¡°Stop talking nonsense!¡±

    Realizing he might have misspoken, Rhizone quickly tried to rify with Josiah, ¡°There¡¯s no poison. Really, there¡¯s none left. The fish from ourke isn¡¯t poisonous. It¡¯s safe to eat!¡±

    Despite the siblings¡® earnest efforts to rectify the situation, both Josiah and Lysander shared a nce, silently acknowledging¨Cthis quaint vige was not without its troubles.

    After finishing their sandwiches, they set off for theke.

    Nilou <b>and </b>Rhizone led the way cheerfully, guiding Lysander <b>and </b>Josiah. ¡°There¡¯s <b>a </b><b>small </b>path at the end of the vige,¡± they exined, ¡°If you follow it through the <b>grass </b>and walk along theke a bit, you¡¯ll see our house.¡±

    Suddenly, Josiah inquired, ¡°Is this the only way?¡±

    Nilou quickly turned to exin, ¡°You could go out from the top of the vige and follow the mountain path to get around, but that <b>route </b>is much longer. The vigers usually don¡¯t take that way.¡±

    ¡°No worries, we¡¯ll drive there,¡± <b>Josiah </b>decided, not forgetting to ask, ¡°If we drive, will you still be able to guide the way?¡±

    Rhizone seemed hesitant, but Nilou replied with confidence, ¡°Of course, no problem. I run in the mountains every day; I could find my way home even if I had to fly!¡±

    The childlike simplicity and enthusiasm always had a way of drawing smiles from adults.

    <b>Josiah </b>turned and led them towards his parked car. Nilou had seen the car with her vige friends the day before yesterday, but she couldn¡¯t help but widen her eyes at the sight of this beautiful vehicle.

    Rhizone¡¯s reaction was even <b>more </b>pronounced. His <b>eves </b>lit up, and his mouth fell open in astonishment.

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    leaving him speechless for quite some time.

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    After Josiah settled into the driver¡¯s seat, he noticed the two children still standing by the car, looking somewhat hesitant to move. Assuming they were feeling shy, he gently encouraged them, ¡°Get in the car. I¡¯ll give you a ride.¡±

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    ¡°Thank you, <b>Josiah</b>,¡± Nilou began, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. She continued thoughtfully. ¡°But- there¡¯s really no need, Rhizone and I know these roads well. We can just run over there. It¡¯ll be <b>a </b>great chance for us to guide you, and you can follow us in your car when the timees.¡±

    Rhizone nodded in agreement with his sister. As they spoke, they both nervously clutched at their clothes.

    Children in the vige grew up fast, often outgrowing their clothes quickly. That was why many people in the vige chose to buy clothes a sizerger, so their children <b>could </b>grow into them and wear them longer.

    This was the case for Nilou and Rhizone. Their clothes were faded almost to whiteness from many washes, with sleeves and pant legs that hung loose, clearly worn for growth. Their shoes bore the marks of their adventurous lives, covered in dust from the sandy paths they frequented.

    It wasn¡¯t that they preferred to lead the way by running. It seemed they were more concerned about possibly dirtying Josiah¡¯s car with their worn clothes and dusty <b>shoes</b>.

    Witnessing this, a surge ofpassion washed over Lysander as she bent down to adjust the sleeves <b>and </b>pant cuffs of the children. She then reassured them with a gentle voice, ¡°It¡¯s all right, today I¡¯m taking care of everything. Hurry up and get in the car, or it¡¯ll be awkward when wee to visit your home.¡±

    Hearing this, Nilou¡¯s voice carried a note of concern, ¡°Dr. Thorne, if we end up making a mess in the car, will we have to pay for it?¡±

    Josiah reassured her with a chuckle, ¡°I doubt you two could cause any harm.¡±

    Nilou still looked worried. ¡°But it wouldn¡¯t be good if we made it dirty, <b>right</b>?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. If it gets dirty, we can always wash it.¡± Josiah replied soothingly.

    ¡°Does it cost money to wash the car?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Finally <b>reassured</b>, Nilou signaled to her brother that it was safe to get into the car.

    Knowing they had never been in a car before, Lysander chose to sit in the back with them to make them feel more at ease. Josiah nced back but said nothing, focusing on the road ahead.

    The tender scene of Lysander with the children exuded a warmth that was hard to overlook.

    Driving through the mountain roads required skill, and Josiah<b>, </b>known for hispetent driving, handled the challenging terrain with caution. Despite the rough path, the scenic beauty that surrounded the vige was truly captivating and made the journey enjoyable.

    Nilou and Rhizone, having grown up here, were ustomed to the natural beauty of the area. However, the novelty of riding in a car was far more intriguing to them..

    This was their first experience in <b>such </b>a luxurious vehicle. When Nilou first saw the car, she was impressed by its exterior, but sitting inside revealed <b>a </b>new level offort¨Cthe seats were softer than any bed she had ever slept in. This realization made her behave even more carefully.

    Rhizone, being younger, was naturally more restless. After a while, he couldn¡¯t resist reaching out to <b>touch</b>

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    However, before his fingers could make contact, Nilou, exercising her authority as the older sister, stopped him sharply. ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything carelessly. If <b>you </b>break something, we won¡¯t be able to afford the repairs.¡±

    Startled by his sister¡¯s stern tone, Rhizone immediately withdrew his hand, looking down at his perpetually dirty fingers¨Cstained from years of ying near theke, no matter how much he washed them. He felt a sense of inferiority and bowed <b>his </b>head.

    Immediately. Lysander felt a pang of heartache.

    Josiah, noticing the children¡¯s hesitation and nervousness through the rearview mirror, offeredfort, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, go ahead and explore. Things here aren¡¯t as fragile as you might think.¡±

    Encouraged by Josiah¡¯s words, Rhizone rxed a bit, though he still refrained from touching. Instead, he curiously scanned every inch of the car¡¯s interior.

    Nilou expressed her thanks to Josiah and Lysander again but remained careful not to touch any of the delicate decorations inside the car. Instead, she focused on the road ahead, providing directions.

    ¡°Just follow this road straight ahead. When you see the forest on both sides, make a left onto the cobblestone path. That will take <b>you </b>to the neighboring vige. To get to theke, keep driving along the main road until you reach the open space behind it.¡±

    Despite her youth, Nilou remembered the way perfectly and described it with rity and detail, making it easy for <b>Josiah </b>to follow.

    Lysander listened intently from the side, her admiration for the intelligent and articte young girl growing with every word.

    After about <b>half </b><b>an </b>hour of driving, they turned <b>onto </b>the cobblestone road. If Josiah looked ahead, he could just make out the outline of theke.

    Aware that the scenery might soon be monotonous, Nilou, ever considerate, decided to engage them further, ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, have you ever heard any of our local folk songs?¡±

    Lysander shook her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t, but I¡¯ve heard <b>that </b>in the old days, when the vige had more people, everyone would <b>sing </b>and dance during festivals. It was very lively.¡±

    Encouraged by Lysander¡¯s interest, Nilou offered, ¡°Let me sing a song for you. It¡¯s a melody that my <b>grandma </b>taught my mom, and she passed it down to me. It¡¯s quite different from what you¡¯re used to hearing.¡±

    ¡°<b>Sure</b>!¡±

    Nilou cleared her throat, and her clear, youthful voice filled the car, singing about the nature and traditions of her home.

    Rhizone, following his sister¡¯s lead, pped rhythmically to her song. Together, they seemed like two little birds, chirping in harmony, lifting the spirits of everyone in the car.

    Lysander was captivated by the authentic tune, finding herself humming along to the melody.

    Josiah, although not singing, found the rustic folk song amusing and asionally nced <b>in </b><b>the </b>rearview mirror, catching glimpses of Lysander¡¯s revitalized expression.

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    As they continued on their journey, the houses along the road became fewer, and the <b>path </b>became more rugged with sand and weeds. Carefully, Josiah steered the car onto a mudt near the road, where arge <b>expanse </b>of lotus flowers soon <b>came </b>into view.

    Nilou pointed excitedly toward a cluster of small boats. ¡°Dr. Thorne, look over there! That¡¯s where my

    house is!¡±

    Theke, muchrger than <b>what </b>Josiah and Lysander had seen the evening before, stretched out vast and seemingly endless before them.

    They found their hearts settling as they gazed upon the vast expanse of lotus flowers near the edge.

    If one could asionally visit such a ce, even the heaviest of worries would likely be forgotten. No wonder the two siblings, despite their impoverished circumstances, still appeared carefree and cheerfully

    <b>naive</b>

    Josiah, inspired by the serene view, mused aloud, ¡°No wonder developers see potential here. It¡¯s perfect for tourism. This ce <b>has </b>a natural charm that even the upscale suburbs can¡¯t match. If we developed a resort here, it would definitely attract visitors.¡±

    As he spoke, he assessed the potential of the area, while Lysander, recognizing his determination, chose not to dissuade him but rather to discuss the practical aspects of the water resource, crucial for the vige¡¯s survival.

    ¡°Water resources are scarce in this part of thend. It¡¯s rare to find a well here in the mountains, so this <bke </b>is incredibly valuable to the local people,¡± Lysander exined, adding perspective to the significance of their surroundings.

    Josiah, pondering this new information, asked, ¡°So, is our vige considered well¨Coff in this region?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°In a way, yes. This vige has <b>a </b>reliable water source, which is more than many can say in this area. It¡¯s considered one of therger viges around here because people oftene here for medical help.

    Reflecting on the past couple of days and the challenges the vigers faced, Josiah felt a renewed urgency. to contribute positively to their lives.

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    Nilou and Rhizone didn¡¯t fully grasp the subject matter of the adults¡® conversation. Nevertheless, while the adults discussed, the two children remained at the sidelines, attentively listening without interrupting. curbing their enthusiasm in deference to the <b>ongoing </b>discussion.

    It was only when Josiah initiated a query, posing the question. ¡°Is this the only road to drive through?¡± that Nilou sinctly offered her <b>insight</b>.

    ¡°This is the best route, she exined. ¡°Previously, some visitors attempted to take another route, but unfortunately, they found themselves stuck in the mud. The vigers from nearby had to assist them in pulling their cars out of the mud.¡±

    Josiah, contemting this, could not help but visualize himself navigating this route, the vehicle bing ensnared.

    More rming than the mere inconvenience of being stuck was the peril of sinking swiftly and profoundly into the mire. In such dire situations, abandoning the vehicle and swimming to safety might be the only recourse, a perilous endeavor particrly for tourists unacquainted with these treacherous road conditions<b>.</b>

    After a brief period of introspection, Josiah essed the vehicle¡¯s navigation system to inquire, ¡°Is this route easy to locate?¡±

    The navigation screen was a convoluted mess<b>, </b>disying theke¡¯s location but surrounded by abyrinth ofplex paths, some of which disconnected from the vige entirely. Even for someone as analytical as he, deciphering the map was a considerable challenge.

    Nilou reflected on this, noting. ¡°Locals here find it easy to navigate, but outsiders might struggle without guidance. Without a local guide, I doubt outsiders would even know there¡¯s ake here, let alone find their <b>way </b>to it.¡±

    Lysander, observing Nilou¡¯s mature demeanor, noted <b>how </b>appropriately she spoke despite her youth. neither overstating the difficulty of the route nor overlooking to credit their guidance.

    She then gestured toward the car door, inviting the children, ¡°If your home is near that little boat, how shall we ger here?¡±

    With a clever grin, Nilou sped her younger brother¡¯s hand and feapt from the vehicle, ¡°Follow me, there¡¯s a bridge nearby.¡±

    Lysander and Josiah, prompted by her assurance, trailed behind, leaving their car somewhat carelessly parked beside the road. Given the absence of other vehicles, proper parking seemed unnecessary and posed no obstruction.

    After spending enough time in such a leisurely andfortable vige, even the mostposed individuals would find themselves drawn to the call of freedom.

    They soon approached the bridge Nilou had mentioned, which starkly contradicted their expectations. It was merely a collection of

    stones in theke¡¯s shallowest part, crudely topped with wooden <b>nks </b>bound by ropes and iron chains.

    Nilou and Rhizone scampered <b>ahead</b>, soon noticing the adultsgging behind. They turned, puzzled at their slow pace.

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    Lysander gingerly stepped onto a creaking nk, pausing before moving forward, while Josiah cautiously supported her, ensuring her safety.

    Witnessing this cautious progression, Nilou called out, ¡°Wait here, Dr. Thorne. I¡¯ll go get my dad!¡±

    However, from afar<b>, </b>Lysander spotted the vigers tending to the boat and promptly reassured, ¡°No need to trouble them; this is our first time <b>on </b>such a bridge, so we¡¯re just proceeding with care.¡±

    With renewed resolve, she briskly crossed the makeshift bridge, her steps reminiscent of youthful exuberance, while Josiah, heart racing with apprehension, dared not nce down at the water, focusing solely on following her safely to thekeside, paved with blue stone bs.

    This area, wherekeside vigers resided, presented <b>a </b>stark contrast to the central vige, appearing notably less affluent.

    Josiah¡¯s perception of their surroundings deepened, recognizing the rtive prosperity of the central vigepared to the surrounding areas.

    Prepared for this, Lysander masked any difort to avoid unsettling the children, instead warmly greeting the curious vigers.

    The vigers led a life marked by simplicity,boring from the early hours of dawn until dusk. By this point in the day, they had already spent considerable time engaged in their daily tasks. Men were out on the boats, diligently digging up lotus roots and fishing, while the women busied themselves with slicing open lotus pods andundering their garments.

    The appearance of two unfamiliar faces wandering through their routines was a rare and intriguing spectacle <b>for </b>them.

    Laughter broke <b>out </b>among the vigers as one of them initiated a conversation with the visitors. ¡°Are you two Dr. Thorne and Mr. Guerra? We¡¯ve heard about the doctor and phnthropist who¡¯vee to help our vige. Everyone¡¯s excited, but we haven¡¯t had the pleasure of meeting you until <b>now</b>.¡±

    ¡°So these are the two wonderful people! They¡¯re really good¨Clooking, such a perfect match at first nce!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, a perfect match? They¡¯re a couple after all, another viger added, showing the vigers¡® straightforward and outspoken nature. Their expressions were filled with a genuine curiosity and warmth <b>that </b>made the atmosphere weing.

    Josiah, somewhat taken aback by how widely his name had spread, agreed calmly, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m merely here to do what I can to assist; formalities really aren¡¯t necessary.¡±

    As the conversation was about to delve deeper into their reasons for visiting, Nilou, with a ir for the dramatic and eager to impress, quickly interjected, ¡°Today, they are honored guests in our home.¡±

    She enthusiastically continued, ¡°<b>Josiah</b>, Dr. Thorne, pleasee with me. Our house is just up ahead. If we sit by the entrance of the courtyard and look at theke, not only is the view stunning, but when the breeze <b>picks </b>up, you can enjoy the refreshing aroma of the lotus flowers.¡±

    Despite her young age, Nilou was full of schemes. She was concerned that Josiah and Lysander might discover more appealing options elsewhere, potentially jeopardizing a potential business arrangement.

    Seizing on his sister¡¯s subtle cue, Rhizone, though usually quite reserved, quickly took a few steps ahead to lead the way. He escorted the two guests back to their residence, only pausing once they <b>had </b>reached they <b>destination</b>. Breathless from the exertion, he hurried into the house to fetch a drink of water.

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    Their home was positioned directly across from theke, providing an excellent vantage point to admire the lotus leaves reaching upwards toward the sky.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Lysander and Josiah momentarily paused within the enclosed simple picket fence of the courtyard, taking in the serene beauty of theke. Their eyes then drifted to their immediate surroundings.

    The scene epitomized a quintessential farmhouse,plete with a corner devoted to raising chickens <b>and </b>ducks. Dried chili peppers and <b>beans</b>, used in their daily cooking, dangled under the caves. Yet, this self- built home could notpare to the more refined houses at the vige center, as the ster on the exterior walls had long peeled off.

    ¡°Mom, I brought back the people I mentioned to youst night!¡±

    As Nilou spoke, she did not follow her younger brother inside. Instead, she descended the steps in the courtyard and headed straight toward theke. There, she called out to a woman who was in the midst of doingundry.

    The woman, not much older than Lysander, showed clear <b>signs </b>of a life filled with hardships. Upon noticing the visitors, she first wiped her hands on her garment before nervously addressing them, ¡°You must be Dr. Thorne and Mr. Guerra, right? Our Nilou mentioned you were interested in our straw origami. Please,e inside.¡±

    She hurried inside and quickly fetched two coarse y mug. After scalding them with hot water, she grabbed a jar and exined, ¡°We don¡¯t have much tea leaves at home, just mint leaves. They make a particrly refreshing drink when steeped¡°.

    Soon, two <b>cups </b>of mint water were prepared and offered to the guests.

    Lysander, taking a sniff of the water, chuckled lightly andmented, ¡°Thank you, it really smells wonderful.¡±

    The woman, now slightly more rxed, wanted to ensure she presented the best their home had to offer but was unsure what would best represent that. Ultimately, she brought over a bamboo basket filled with freshly harvested lotus seeds. ¡°These were just taken from the water this morning. The lotus seeds are especially tender this season. Please, have a <b>taste</b>.¡±

    The snacks provided were indeed fresh, adding to the authenticity of their hospitality.

    Josiah, having tasted lotus seeds before but never having peeled one himself, picked up a lotus pod with interest and began to peel it.

    The woman gestured toward the window, where strands of straw origami hung. She proudly exined, ¡°Whenever my husband finds some spare time, he crafts small items from straw to sell at the market, which helps supplement our ie, He¡¯s quite skilled and can create anything from crickets to kittens, puppies, and flowers, just by looking at a model.¡±

    ¡°I told <b>you </bst night, my dad¡¯s craftsmanship is truly exceptional,¡± Nilou said with pride, though her tone carried a mncholic note. ¡°It¡¯s just thattely, there are fewer strangers at the market, and even fewer who are willing to spend money on such crafts.¡±

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    It was no surprise that Nilou suggested <b>selling </b>each item for such a low price. She didn¡¯t believe that her. father¡¯sbor and effort were without value; instead, her proposal aimed at moving the items more quickly to avoid overburdening her parents with unsold stock lingering around the house.

    When the woman noticed Josiah and Lysander¡¯s keen interest in Nilou¡¯s words, she became visibly anxious. She feared they might <b>suspect </b>her of inting the prices. Hastily, she assured them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As we agreed, each one will only cost you one buck. Feel free to pick any you like. I can even offer you a discount if you decide to buy several.¡±

    Josiah had already made up her mind to pay the market price for these straw origami, yet he didn¡¯t immediately reveal his intention. Instead, he simply nodded, agreeing solemnly to the woman¡¯s offer.

    Relieved by their response, the woman warmly invited them, ¡°Then please, take your time exploring- There are more straw origami just behind the eaves. If you¡¯d like to pick lotus flowers, just head down the steps. And I heard from my daughter that you¡¯re nning to watch the fireflies tonight. You¡¯ll be able to see them from right here in the yard.¡±

    The statements made by the woman were truthful and straightforward, devoid of anymercial exaggeration. The house was indeed modest,prising a central living room intended for hosting guests, nked by a single room on each side,

    The household was home to four¨Ctwo adults and two children. Normally, each group slept separately. With Lysander and Josiah considering an overnight stay, it was uncertain if there would be sufficient room. to amodate themfortably.

    Sensing their hesitation, Nilou quickly perceived their concerns. With reassuring sweetness, she told them, ¡°Dr. Thorne, don¡¯t worry. There¡¯s a small house just behind ours. It¡¯ll only take a moment <b>to </b>prepare; it¡¯s usually unupied but always kept clean. It¡¯s also an excellent spot for stargazing and watching fireflies.¡±

    Before leaving to make preparations, she instructed her brother<b>, </b>¡°Go tell Dad that we have guests. Mom ns to cook fish for lunch. If Dad¡¯s still busy, you¡¯ll need to catch one at theke.¡±

    The boy nodded and scampered off, vanishing in an instant.

    After saying this, Nilou then picked up the firewood stacked in the room and went to assist her mother with lunch preparations. To conserve their limited food supply, the family typically ate just two meals a day¨Ca light breakfast and a more substantial lunch.

    In the sunlit hall, only Lysander and Josiah remained. Josiah carefully peeled a lotus seed, tasting it before offering the rest to Lysander. ¡°It¡¯s indeed sweet,¡± he remarked, ¡°not bitter at all.¡±

    Lysander, after tasting a seed, softly added, ¡°Lotus seeds really are best when fresh.¡±

    Josiah, now adept at peeling, chose another vibrant lotus seed from the bamboo basket to prepare.

    After cing another peeled seed on the tray before her, he continued with the task.

    As Lysander nibbled on the seeds, she quietly inquired, ¡°Are you sure you want to stay here tonight to watch the stars and fireflies?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Josiah replied without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to address the <b>regrets </b>between us. With such a perfect opportunity before us, why wouldn¡¯t I take it?¡±

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    Lysander spoke in a hushed tone. ¡°I must tell you, the small house behind this one is even smaller than this main house. It¡¯s just a simple mudbrick structure, probably used as <b>a </b>resting spot during fishing seasons in the past. It looks like it hasn¡¯t been used in a while. The roof might even leak.¡±

    In the vige, modest living was the norm; resources were scarce, so even when new houses were built, the old ones were rarely demolished. The condition of this additional small house at Nilou¡¯s ce likely mirrored that of the other modest dwellings.

    Being ustomed to this environment, Nilou might not see anything amiss with the small house. However, Josiah<b>, </b>who had spent restless nights even in the morefortable dorm of the health center, would undoubtedly <b>find </b>the amodations challenging.

    Considering his cold hadn¡¯t fully recovered, Lysander pressed further, ¡°I never doubted your resolve or your ability to withstand hardship. But you just came off an IV drip yesterday. Staying in a small, earthen rural house¨Cfar removed from the sanitary conditions of a clinic or the vige chief¡¯s home¨Cis akin to surviving in the wild¡­¡±

    Josiah paused mid¨Cpeel. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t rain tonight, but the draft might be an issue. Let¡¯s see how it feels when we get there. If it¡¯s too ufortable, we could always set up a tent inside.¡±

    Surprised, Lysander questioned, ¡°A tent? This isn¡¯t a hotel¨Cwhere are you going to get one?¡±

    ¡°In the trunk,¡± Josiah said casually. ¡°I drove to townst night and bought it.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Astonished, Lysander asked, ¡°I thought you went to the bank?¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°That was one of my errands. But after withdrawing money, I saw some stores still open. It seemed wasteful not to make a purchase. Plus, it helps support the local economy.¡±

    Every time the vigers ventured out, they returned with bags full of goods, so Josiah¡¯s <b>reasoning </b><b>was </b>convincing.

    As Lysander continued to enjoy the lotus seeds, she inquired about his purchases, half in disbelief that he had only bought a tent.

    Josiah began to list his acquisitions, ¡°I¡¯ve got all the camping gear we might need. Even if that small house had not just a leaky roof but also walls that let in drafts from all sides, we¡¯re prepared. I bought two tents, sleeping bags, and brand¨Cnew four¨Cpiece kits. I even included mosquitos, considering the insects here in the mountains<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    He had practically emptied the town¡¯s only outdoor supply store. Initially, the shopkeeper had been skeptical, but upon realizing Josiah¡¯s intentions, he opened the warehouse for him to pick his needs.

    Lysander looked at him, a mix of amusement and incredulity on her face. ¡°Are you turning the Cayenne into a cargo truck?¡±

    ¡°As long as it serves our needs.¡± Josiah nodded. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure what we might need, so I packed it all. We can <b>sort </b><b>it </b>outter tonight depending on the situation. And these straw origami¨CI really like them. What do

    you think?¡±

    Knowing Josiah¡¯s resources, Lysander understood that purchasing the entire house wouldn¡¯t be a stretch for him. Moreover, she knew his visit wasn¡¯t just for pleasure; he was ying the <b>role </b>of a generous benefactor. Nilou, bright and beloved, clearly held a special ce in Josiah¡¯s affections.

    He looked at Lysander intently. ¡°Do you have a favorite among these?¡±

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    Lysander nced at the strands of straw, momentarily lost in thought. Shielding her eyes from the re, she mused, ¡°They all look lovely. The craftsmanship on the lotus and rhizone designs is particrly impressive.¡±

    Patiently, Josiah encouraged. ¡°Take your time, we¡¯re not in any rush today.¡±

    They spent their time leisurely by the basket of lotus seeds until Rhizone, barefoot, burst in from outside, breaking the tranquility. ¡°Mom! Nilou! I caught a fish!¡±

    The boy¡¯s voice was filled with exhration, and his face was flushed from the exertion; his excitement unabated as he headed straight for the kitchen with arge bowl. Most vige kitchens, simple and functional, were part of the courtyard, featuring a traditional y stove.

    Seeing Rhizone handling the small fish, still tied with grass and dripping water, Lysander expressed concern. ¡°The fish isn¡¯t going anywhere. Go inside, dry off, and change before you do anything else.¡±

    Josiah stood and offered, ¡°You go change. I¡¯ll help deliver it.¡±

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    Rhizone emerged from theke, his clothespletely soaked through, but the presence of his catch transformed his usual timid presence into one of pride. He eagerly eximed, ¡°I caught this fish myself. I need to go tell my mom!¡± His voice carried a new sense of ambition, reflecting the pride children often feel when they aplish something significant.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but smile at the boy¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°All right then, make it quick and remember to change your clothes.¡±

    Like a swift breeze. Rhizone hurried off, delivering the fish to the kitchen before quickly returning in fresh attire. He managed <b>only </b>a brief exchange of greetings with Lysander and the others before dashing back to assist in the kitchen.

    Shortly after, the alluring scent of fish stew began to fill the courtyard.

    Feeling a bit restless after sitting indoors for a while, Lysander and <b>Josiah </b>decided to step outside to enjoy the view of the lotus flowers blooming in theke.

    As they meandered behind the kitchen wall, they overheard a woman speaking tenderly to the children. ¡°Last time, all the fish in theke were poisoned and died. We tried introducing new fry afterward, but none survived. It took quite <b>some </b>time for the water quality to improve enough to support fish again. There are still hardly any fish, almost none at all. We¡¯ll serve the fish to the guests first tonight, but I will cook you guys some eggs instead.¡±

    Nilou and Rhizone were almost overwhelmed by the delicious aroma of the fish stew, but upon hearing their mother¡¯s n, they obediently nodded, their mouths watering in anticipation yet restrained.

    Lysander and Josiah paused mid¨Cstride. They then stealthily approached theke¡¯s edge, moving silently throughout their journey.

    When lunch was called in the courtyard, the table was already adorned with three dishes and a stew. The centerpiece was a fresh fish stew, enriched with lotus root,plemented by homegrown vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a stir¨Cfry of cured meat with dried chili and beans.

    Although the meal consisted of simple country fare, it showcased the best ingredients the household hail

    <b>to </b>offer.

    During the meal, Lysander and Josiah focused primarily on the vegetables apanying their rice. As for the aromatic fish stew, they each consumed less than half a bowl before politely indicating they were full.

    The woman, noticing their restraint, appeared concerned. ¡°Is this enough? Does it not suit your taste?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with worry, as she herself had barely touched the food she prepared, prioritizing her guests¡® satisfaction.

    Meanwhile, the man of the house continued hisbor in theke, typically taking his meals alone on the boat.

    Lysander gently reassured her, ¡°No, the fish stew smells wonderful, and the dishes are quite appetizing. but¡­ I ate too many lotus seeds earlier.¡±

    Seizing the opportunity to provide a usible exnation, Josiah smoothly added, ¡°I had quite a few while peeling them. Besides, I just had an IV for a cold yesterday, so I need to be careful with what I eat.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s how it it ¡± The woman felt somewhat resecured. She then diereibuted the remaining fish and creur 1/3

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    between the siblings and quickly consumed her own meal before returning to her chores.

    Rhizone, content with his meal, happily finished his fish stew.

    Finished

    In contrast, Nilou, who was only two years older, seemed burdened by deeper concerns. She nced at the fish in her bowl, then at Josiah and Lysander, her expression filled with unspoken words.

    Observing her difort, Lysander asked with concern, ¡°Nilou, what¡¯s troubling you?¡±

    Nilou bit her lower lip, her gaze flitting toward Josiah as if she feared he might leave at any moment, and shook her head, seemingly at a loss for words.

    After a moment of contemtion, Josiah guessed at her worries and gently asked, ¡°Are you worried that I might leave with Dr. Thorne after we finish cating?¡±

    ¡°<b>Josiah</b>, Dr. Thorne, if you don¡¯t like the fish, when my dades back, he¡¯ll bring lots of lotus seeds,¡± Nilou offered, her voice reflecting her concern for her family¡¯s welfare.

    Josiah, touched by her thoughtfulness and feeling a pang of sadness for her precocious maturity, reassured her, ¡°It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t enjoy the fish; we¡¯re just genuinely full. But no matter whether we finish our meals or not, we¡¯ll still pay. You can rest assured.¡±

    Lysander, moved by the young girl¡¯s sense of responsibility, promised, ¡°You have my word, I won¡¯t back out on this promise. Also, your father¡¯s straw origami is beautiful, we¡¯ll take them all.¡±

    Upon hearing this, <b>Nilou </b><b>and </b>her younger brother cheered joyfully, finally allowing themselves to enjoy their meal fully.

    In the afternoon, the section of theke not covered by lotus pads glimmered under the sunlight, offering a breathtaking view.

    Even the most stunning scenery could grow imonotonous after some time, and noticing Lysander simply strolling along thekeside, Josiah worried she might be getting bored.

    He nced at the small boats navigating through the lotus leaves and suggested, ¡°Would you like to go rowing? Many people are out there picking lotus seeds.¡±

    They <b>were </b>all vigers whose livelihoods depended on theke, including the father of Nilou and Rhizone.

    Lysander approached theke¡¯s edge, her eyes filled with longing. Yet, she hesitated, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to <b>row </b>a boat, and besides, there are no spare boats avable.¡±

    ¡°There is one!¡± eximed Nilou <b>and </b>Rhizone in unison, eagerly, interjecting before Lysander could decline further.

    Without waiting for further discussion, Nilou took her brother to the neighbor¡¯s house. However, Rhizone was the only one to return. He conveyed her <b>message </b>as instructed, ¡°My sister has borrowed a boat, she¡¯ll be here shortly!¡±

    Grateful for their initiative, Josiah first expressed his thanks, then turned to Lysander with a reassuring smile, ¡°It seems rowing doesn¡¯t require much strength, even a child like Nilou can manage it.¡±

    This bolstered Lysander¡¯s confidence enough to agree, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll give it a try.¡±

    Josiah, brimming <b>with </b>assurance, replied, ¡°Don¡¯t <b>worry</b>, if you don¡¯t want to learn, you have me. I¡¯ve

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    Sailing was a niche sport, and one could imagine that reaching apetitive level was no easy feat. He must have been highly skilled at maneuvering his sailboat.

    Considering his experience, Lysander felt reassured about his boating skills. When Nilou handed over the oar, Lysander passed it directly to <b>him</b>, saying, ¡°Do your best.¡±

    Nilou, back on shore, watched them anxiously. ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, can you two swim?¡± she asked, her voiceden with concern.

    Josiah earnestly reassured her, ¡°I can.<b>¡±</b>

    Persistent in her worry, Nilou <b>asked </b>again, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need my help with the rowing?Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    Josiah and Lysanderughed together, dismissing her concerns, ¡°Of course not, you and your <b>younger </b>brother rest well, don¡¯t worry about us.¡±

    They were both adults: They could hardly impose <b>on </b>a young girl to row for them, especially considering the added weight of two adults. Moreover, with the vigers watching, they did not want to seem incapable.

    As they attempted to navigate the boat, the locals, intrigued by the sight of the city dwellers trying to row, paused their work to watch and even called over their friends to enjoy the spectacle.

    Quickly. Lysander and Josiah found themselves in the center of attention.

    Lysander knew they meant no harm but still felt somewhat <b>uneasy </b>being the center of attention. In a soft voice, she suggested, ¡°How about you paddle toward the middle of theke? There are more lotus pods

    there.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Josiah agreed enthusiastically, wielding the paddle in his hand to stir up the water with all his might.

    The boat, however, only spun in circles, staying in the same spot despite their efforts.

    Lysander, looking up at Josiah skeptically, asked, ¡°Can you really do it or not?¡±

    With a slight furrow of his brow, Josiah retorted, ¡°Of <b>course </b>I can, I¡¯m more than capable.¡±

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    ¡°Then¡­ why are we moving in circles?¡± Lysander questioned.

    Finished

    ¡°I was simply testing the waters,¡± Josiah replied with a wry smile, summoning the courage to put his sailing lessons to use. Leaning forward with determination, he straightened his arm <b>and</b>, gathering his strength, plunged the oar <b>back </b>into the water with vigor.

    This time, the boat didn¡¯t merely spin in circles as it had previously, but instead, it began to veer off course, heading in the wrong direction. If it weren¡¯t for the steps protruding from the shore, the boat might have crashed onto thend, creating a spectacle.

    Seeing this, Nilou began to doubt Josiah¡¯s proficiency in rowing. Wanting to preserve his dignity while offering gentle guidance, she advised, ¡°Josiah, don¡¯t rush. Take it slow.¡±

    Nearby vigers, seasoned in navigating these calm waters while collecting lotus seeds, offered their insights. ¡°The water in the pond is still; it¡¯s nothing like rowing in a river. You can¡¯t rely on the current to <b>carry </b>you here,¡± one viger noted, <b>sharing </b>a slice of local wisdom.

    ¡°Indeed, rowing a boat is more than just the physical action; you must harness the force created on the water¡¯s surface to propel yourself effectively!¡± another added insightfully.

    ¡°No need to rush; otherwise, you¡¯ll wear yourself out too quickly¡­ chimed in another.

    Their simple yet profound understanding, born from daily life rather than schrly study, was straightforward and essible.

    Josiah wasn¡¯t embarrassed by their guidance but was rather grateful for themunal knowledge. ¡°Thank you, I¡¯ll give it another try,¡± he responded with appreciation, his tone respectful.

    He adjusted his technique, lightening his strokes, <b>and </b>finally, the boat began to navigate in the correct direction. Yet, after only a short distance, the boat showed a tendency to start spinning again.

    Lysander, seated across from him at the bow, watched with a barely suppressed smile. ¡°How about I give rowing a try? Perhaps myck of sailing experience might actually be an advantage here,¡± she suggested, her voiceced with mild amusement.

    Indeed, Josiah¡¯s extensive experience with sailing¨Cwhich did not involve oars¨Cironically seemed to hinder rather than help his current endeavor.

    It had been some time since Lysander had seen Josiah so unguarded and joyful, free from any traces of sorrow or stress. Rather than feeling embarrassed about receiving a lesson on rowing in front of an audience, he <b>found </b>the situation amusing.

    ¡°No need, I¡¯ve figured it out now. Let¡¯s head to that less crowded area in the middle. I noticed the lotus flowers there are almost wilted; it thight be easier to collect the seed pods,¡± he proposed confidently, now steering the boat with more assurance toward their intended destination.

    The vigers, initially concerned that the city youngsters might find themselves in trouble, now rxed as they watched the boat navigate/sessfully. They returned to their tasks, keeping a watchful eye from a distance.

    de the murie wandan haut <b>eid </b>into a thick cluster of talline Armure Inrisk¡¯e kaishi hamma in nchinina.

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    the firm stem of a nearby leaf.

    Finished

    By the time Josiah reached a promising cluster of lotus pods, Lysander had inadvertently collected at handful of mud.

    Pausing the boat, Josiah moved to assist Lysander, who declined with a polite shake of her head. Instead, she stood up carefully, <b>bncing </b>on the edge of the boat, and began selecting the best lotus pods. ¡°This is one of the vige¡¯s main sources of ie,¡± she exined judiciously. ¡°We can¡¯t just pick them indiscriminately. Those that haven¡¯t fully matured or are still <b>blooming </b><b>should </b>be left alone.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± <b>Josiah </b>agreed, joining her in the careful selection. Without scissors, they both quickly found their hands covered in mud as they worked to safely detach the pods.

    Filled with a sense of aplishment, Lysander smiled broadly, wiping her mud¨Cstreaked hands on her clothes before dipping them back into the water to rinse them off.

    Josiah soon followed suit, cleansing his own hands before taking up the oars once again. As he rowed them back toward the shore, he engaged Lysander in light conversation. ¡°People are often shaped by their environment. No matter how beautifully a water tank in a courtyard is arranged, it cannot replicate the natural habitat necessary to grow lotus pods like these¡­

    Their return journey was smooth, and as they neared the shore, Josiah prepared to assist Lysander with the lotus pods. However, upon noticing the mud smeared across her face, he hesitated, his words faltering.

    Lysander, noticing his pause<b>, </b>asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Josiah instinctively reached out to wipe the mud from her face but stopped, mindful of the many eyes on them. Instead, he gestured to his own cheek, <b>hinting</b>, ¡°You have something here¡­¡±

    Catching her reflection in the water, Lysander¡¯s expression froze. More than just <b>a </b><b>spot</b>, her face wasically streaked with <b>mud</b>, resembling a patchwork of earthy tones. Flustered, she hastily cleaned her face, feeling embarrassed about stepping ashore.

    The vigers, observing the <b>scene</b>, chose not to tease further. Instead, they began tomend her efforts.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you¡¯ve gathered so many lotus pods on your first try, that¡¯s quite impressive,¡± one praised.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra must be a natural at rowing,¡± another spected, admiring their haul.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    ¡°Wow, <b>look </b>at that lotus pod; it¡¯s thergest we¡¯ve seen today,¡± pointed out another.

    As Lysander stepped onto the shore, her arms brimming with lotus seed pods, she overheard ament from the bystander and nced down at therge, ripe lotus po she was holding. Intrigued by its size and freshness, she couldn¡¯t help but lean down <b>to </b>savor the rich, sweet aroma <b>that </b>enveloped her.

    Josiah, observing Lysander¡¯s struggle with the heavy load, quickly came to her aid, taking on the bulk of the weight. Together, they handed the boat over to Nilou and made their way back to the quaint house by

    theke.

    The bounty of lotus pods was more than Lysander could possibly consume at once. Concerned about wasting such a precious resource, she decided to keep thergest pod as a keepsake, offering the rest to Nilou.

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    downward, they¡¯ll keep for quite a long time,¡± she advised.

    Finished

    She quickly retrieved a traditional y jar, typical of those found in the vige. With a practiced hand, she immersed several lotus flowers into the jar, enhancing <b>its </b>aesthetic with their vibrant freshness.

    The evening meal mirrored the lunch they had earlier, with the notable inclusion of a hearty mint oatmeal. After dinner, Nilou¡¯s parents had to attend to their duties at the pond¡¯s edge, vigntly guarding against ducks from neighboring viges that might prey on the young fish not yet fully grown. Their responsibilities often required them to stay outte into the night.

    Nilou and Rhizone had long adapted to this routine. They fetched a shlight from their home and led Josiah and Lysander to the small house nestled amidst a <b>dense </b>thicket where fireflies glowed and darted.

    Upon opening the door, they revealed a room with just a simple bed and a table with chairs.

    The space was clean but unmistakably worn. The walls were covered with old newspapers, and one side of the window frame had sumbed to rot, cracking under the strain. Weeds had even begun to sprout from the gaps in the brickwork.

    The modest amodations <b>were </b>a stark contrast to the more sterile environment of the health center¡¯s dorm. For anyone unustomed to such rustic living, the house¡¯s condition would be challenging to ept at first nce.

    As Lysander turned to discuss their ns, Josiah preemptively announced, ¡°I¡¯m stepping out for a moment, please wait for me here<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°All right, Rhizone, lead the way,¡± Nilou instructed her younger brother, who followed Josiah out. Taking initiative, she then gathered the bedding and pillows. ¡°Dr. Thorne, let me prepare the bed for <b>you </b>two,¡± she offered graciously.

    Josiah responded kindly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ve brought along a camping tent, and we won¡¯t be sleeping on the bed.¡±

    Lysander felt a wave of confusion <b>at </b>his words but before she could express her concerns or ask for rification, Josiah had already departed toward the parking area with Rhizone in <b>tow</b>.

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    As dusk enveloped theke, only a handful of bulbs strung up by the vigers cast light along the path, rendering it considerably more challenging to navigate than during daylight hours.

    Josiah, with Rhizone leading the way, managed to carry a substantial load of gear swiftly. Upon their return, he promptly began the task of erecting the tent and unpacking the sleeping bags without dy.

    Nilou and Rhizone, seeing that they were about to retire for the night, returned to their home.

    The tent they set up was spacious, designed tofortably amodate two people. It was muchrger than the one they had rented during a previous mountain expedition. Even with two sleeping bagsid out inside, there was ample room to move about without encroaching on each other¡¯s space.

    At this point, Josiah was relieved to finally be able to stand upright without constraint.

    Observing the preparations, Lysander realized Josiah had brought an impressive array of camping equipment. As heid out a moisture¨Cproof mat and began assembling a mosquito, her surprise was evident. ¡°You didn¡¯t copse the bridge with all this gear, did you?¡± she asked with a hint of amazement.

    Josiah responded, half¨Cjokingly. ¡°That¡¯s quite an exaggeration, but I won¡¯t lie¨CRhizone did nce back at me a few times as we crossed the bridge. He seemed quite concerned I might take a tumble into the water.¡±

    As they chatted, the appearance of the small house was transformed.

    A mosquito now enveloped the tent, set right at the entrance. Once the <b>entrance </b>curtain was rolled up, Lysander could sit on the cushion inside and enjoy the view outside.

    The night <b>was </b><b>as </b>calm <b>as </b>a cid pond, making it nearly impossible to tell where the water ended and the horizon began. This tranquilitysted <b>until </b>the fireflies began their luminescent dance through the grass.

    For Lysander, witnessing the spectacle of fireflies for the first time was utterly <b>enchanting</b>. She found herself captivated, her gaze fixed on the tiny lights flickering in the darkness.

    Josiah, noticing her delight, whispered softly, ¡°I¡¯ll go catch some fireflies for you. We can keep them in the mosquito so you can watch them glow even when you¡¯re lying down inside the tent tonight<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    He <b>was </b>about to start when Lysander stopped him. ¡°No,¡± she interjected, ¡°Fireflies should remain <b>where </b>they thrive. If we confine them inside a <b>mosquito </b, they¡¯ll be disoriented and likely die from exhaustion.¡±

    Hearing this, Josiah immediately ceased his preparations and sat beside Lysander, admitting his oversight. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t aware of that.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t upset but simply rified gently, ¡°It¡¯s okay, you¡¯re learning-¡±

    Her reassurance was abruptly cut off when a shadow, roughly the size of a fist, darted across the tent crashing into the mosquito in front of her.

    Instinctively, Josiah moved to protect her.

    Lysander didn¡¯t scream; instead, she inhaled sharply, the surprise causing her to grip tightly onto the hem of the clothing of the person next to her.

    ¨C ¨C ¡ª ¡ª

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    eyes. It hung upside down from the top of the, its mouth agape, revealing sharp teeth, resembling arge winged rodent more than anything else.

    Lysander remainedposed; very few creatures in the world could unsettle her.

    Mice and rodent¨Clooking creatures, however, were exceptions.

    <b>Josiah </b>noticed her difort. Instead of hastily shooing the bat away, he calmly shook the top of the mosquito. Sensing the movement, the bat spread its wings and disappeared into the night..

    ¡°Bats rely almost solely on ultrasonic waves to navigate. They can¡¯t see well. This house is usually closed all year round. It probably got confused when we opened it today,¡± he exined, trying to case her nerves.

    He felt the tension in her grip rx as he spoke. With a gentle tone, he reassured her, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it likely won¡¯te back.¡±

    Despite herposure, Lysander¡¯s body was tense, her breathing shallow. Yet, she stubbornly retorted, ¡°I¡¯m not scared, just surprised, that¡¯s all. <b>I¡¯m </b><b>a </b><b>doctor</b>, remember? I¡¯ve seen all kinds of things in anatomy sses.¡±

    Taking a deep breath, she then moved to sit slightly away, ceding the best spot by the door, perfect for enjoying the nighttime view, to Josiah.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah perceived her actions but chose not to call them out. Instead, he simply nodded with a warm smile. ¡°All right, you¡¯re quite brave indeed, Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Lysander, suspecting a hint of mockery but unable to confirm it, moved toward the edge of the <b>mosquito </b, continuing to watch the fireflies. However, the area was rife with mosquitoes, and soon she was bitten. multiple times on her neck and ankles.

    ¡°Did you manage to pick up any antihistamine ointment when you were in town? I didn¡¯t expect it to be so cold at night, and yet the mosquitoes are relentless,¡± she remarked, unable to hold back her difort any longer.

    If <b>she </b>continued to suffer mosquito bites, Lysander knew she would struggle to sleep through the night.

    Josiah nced at the meticulously set¨Cup mosquito, puzzled by the absence of gaps. Yet, he <b>realized</b>. that addressing the mosquito issue was the immediate priority. He pulled out a bottle of liquid mosquito repent, exining. ¡°The outdoor gear shop didn¡¯t have antihistamine ointment, and the pharmacy was closed. I brought this instead.¡±

    He handed her the repellent, specifically rmended for the vicious mountain insects known for Causing unusuallyrge welts. Standard remedies like antihistamine ointment and essential oil wouldn¡¯t suffice here; only this potent repellent could offer relief.

    Lysander epted the bottle, noting its contents before attempting to apply it.

    Essential oils usually had a nozzle, which made them incredibly easy to use. However, this one featured a rollerball applicator. For areas like the back of her neck, which she couldn¡¯t see, it was difficult for her to apply <b>it </b>urately by herself. Moreover, the lighting in the room wasn¡¯t good.

    Josiah, observing her struggle, offered, ¡°Let me help you. I didn¡¯t have a chance to check this when I bought it; I didn¡¯t know it would be this tricky to apply.¡±

    Grateful yet hesitant, Lysander collected her hair to one side, exposing the nape of her neck. ¡°I¡¯ve got two

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    bites back here. It¡¯s hard for me to reach in this light. Could you help me apply it?¡±

    Finished

    As she spoke, Lysander gathered her low ponytail, deftly sweeping up stray strands of hair from the nape of her neck to one side in a casual yet graceful motion.

    Josiah, taking the mosquito repellent from her, began to carefully apply it to the already inmed mosquito bites on Lysander¡¯s neck. The refreshing, minty aroma of the repellent filled the air, and unexpectedly, a tightness gripped his throat, his heartbeat elerating as if trying to keep pace with the rush of emotions that overtook him.

    The contrast between Lysander¡¯s fair skin and the reddened bites was stark, drawing Josiah¡¯s gaze unavoidably to her.

    He chastised himself silently. Despite their history¨Ca full cycle of marriage followed by divorce¨Chis proximity to her still sent his heart into a flutter.

    Noticing Josiah¡¯s prolonged silence as he administered the repellent, Lysander grew concerned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you having trouble opening it?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Josiah exhaled deeply, the sound heavy with resignation. ¡°I noticed that your ankle seems to have been bitten as well. It¡¯s best to address all the bites now. Let me apply some there too.¡±

    He then positioned himself beside her, one hand gently resting on her shoe for bnce as he began to apply the repellent to her ankle with his other hand.

    The cool night air contrasted sharply with the warmth of Josiah¡¯s fingertips, which felt almost scalding on her skin. This sudden sensation caused Lysander to instinctively recoil. ¡°I can see these spots just fine; I¡¯d prefer to handle it myself.¡±

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    Lysander reached out, interiding to take back the mosquito repellent.

    Seeing her persistence, Josiah didn¡¯t insist on holding onto it. He had just handed it over when he heard footsteps approaching. Before he could even nce toward the door, Rhizone, clutching a nket, appeared before them.

    Compared to his eloquent sister, Rhizone was much more reserved. His words were always brief but meaningful. ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, Mom said it¡¯s cold here. She asked me to bring you another nket.¡±

    The bedding and pillowcases that Nilou had previously brought over were still there. Now, with the addition of this thick nket, it was clear that their <b>family </b>had truly put thought into it.

    Upon seeing Rhizone clutching the nket that almost covered his eyes, Josiah quickly unzipped the mosquito to assist him.

    Lysander said, ¡°I really can¡¯t thank you enough.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s <b>fi</b>¡­¡± Rhizone was mid¨Cway through the response as his sister had instructed him when his gaze fell upon the cushion next to Lysander. Suddenly rmed, he blurted <b>out</b>, ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±

    Upon hearing those words, Josiah, who had just received the nket, and Lysander, who was about to continue applying the medicine, simultaneously halted their actions.

    Leaning forward, Rhizone whispered, ¡°Dr. Thorne, there¡¯s a centipede near your foot!¡±

    Lysander¡¯s face instantly turned deathly pale..

    ¡°I¨CIs it poisonous?¡± she asked.

    Rhizone shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t quite make it out.¡±

    In the rural health center, there was simply no antidote avable. Hence, anyone unfortunate enough to be bitten would likely be left to the mercy of fate.

    Naturally, Lysander knew she should avoid the centipede at this time, but from her perspective, she couldn¡¯t determine where <b>it </b>was. If she happened to touch it when she got up, it would be even worse.

    Josiah was about to drop the nket in haste to squash the centipede. Before he could even do so, Rhizone had <b>already </b>lifted Lysander effortlessly with one hand supporting her <b>knee </b>and the other on her back.

    Rhizone was considered tall among children around eight or nine, standing at approximately 1.3 meters. However, Lysander was also notably tall among girls. Surprisingly, he picked her up, nearly causing the nerve in her brain to snap.

    ¡°Here, Mr. Guerra,¡± Rhizone <b>said</b>.

    Understanding his intent, Josiah took Lysander from Rhizone¡¯s hands, carrying her in a bridal carry.

    After looking carefully, <b>Rhizone </b>eximed, ¡°It¡¯s poisonous!¡±

    Lysander suddenly felt the arms around her tighten.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

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    mosquito repent over there. I don¡¯t know if it works, but give it a shot.¡±

    ¡°Shh!¡±

    Finished

    Rhizone pressed his finger to his lips, signaling her to keep quiet. Then he crouched down, swiftly picking up the centipede that had crawled onto the mat through the crack in the bricks.

    The centipede was roughly half the length of a palm, its body gleaming darkly under the moonlight, appearing ominously venomous.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t care less about <b>being </b>surprised by Rhizone¡¯s strength, urgently saying, ¡°Quick, throw it away. Make sure you don¡¯t get bitten!¡±

    This kid is really quite bold.

    Holding the centipede, Rhizone stood up, exining without a hint of fear, ¡°I¡¯m fine. The vige elder taught me how to catch centipedes. As long as you hold it below its head like this, it can¡¯t possibly bite you. However, grabbing its tail is dangerous as it can curl up and bite you<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    The centipede squirmed desperately in his hand, its countless legs writhing in an exceptionally unsettling manner. Yet, all its efforts were in vain, for escape wasn¡¯t an option.

    Only then did Josiah notice that Rhizone¡¯s way of holding the centipede was unique, a sign of rich experience. He reassured <b>in </b><b>a </b><b>gentle </b>voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Rhizone¡¯s method of catching centipedes is

    correct.¡±

    Lysander asked doubtfully, ¡°You can catch centipedes?¡±

    ¡°Catching all kinds of bugs is done like this. I¡¯ve never caught a centipede but once caughtngoustine.¡±

    At Josiah¡¯s mention ofngoustine, Lysander¡¯s reaction was less <b>than </b>favorable. She instinctively turned her face away, evidently not fond of them.

    Josiah subtly shifted his body, ensuring the <b>woman </b>in his arms was away from the menacing centipede Rhizone held.

    Having grown up in the vige, Rhizone never found centipedes particrly frightening. He had always been oblivious to Lysander¡¯s fear until Nilou came running over with a y jar soaked with lotus flowers and seed pods.

    ¡°Rhizone, quickly get rid of that centipede, don¡¯t scare Dr. Thorne!¡± Nilou instructed, spotting the issue at a nce.

    Upon hearing his sister¡¯s words, Rhizone hastily carried the centipede away from the direction of the cabin. It seemed he intended to release the insect into the wild.

    Only then did Lysander slowly release <b>her </b>tight grip on Josiah¡¯s arm.

    Nilou nced at their position, cheerfully holding the jar as she said, ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, you two seem to share a strong bond, just like my parents. When mice entered our house previously, my dad also held my mom like this to hide!¡±

    Feeling a bit awkward, Lysander signaled Josiah to set her down.

    Without waiting for him to crouch, she swiftly hopped out of his arms onto the <b>ground</b>.

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    Having removed her shoes earlier when applying medication, she only wore a pair of thin socks. Luckily, the moisture<b>¨C</b>proof mat was not too cold, merely slightly cool under her feet.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Did you alsoe to deliver things as per your mom¡¯s instructions?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Nilou shook her head, presenting the y pot like a precious gift. ¡°The nket from Rhizone is more than enough. I remember you¡¯re fond of the lotus and seed pods in this jar, so I brought them to apany you, Dr. Thornc.¡±

    The young girl was articte and eloquent, speaking <b>with </b>rity and coherence.

    Josiah praised approvingly, ¡°You¡¯re so clever and good at business too. <b>And </b>your younger brother, he¡¯s quite strong. He was even able to lift Dr. Thorne just now.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Nilou¡¯s smile brightened even more. ¡°Rhizone is the strongest kid in our vige. Not to mention carrying a slim girl like Dr. Thorne<b>, </b>even helping my dad tow a boat filled with lotus seeds and fish wouldn¡¯t be a problem for him.¡±

    Josiah suddenly understood something from her response.¨C

    It turns out that Rhizone didn¡¯t look back while crossing the bridge because he was afraid <i>I </i>might fall into the water. Rather, he was worried that the load I was carrying might be too heavy for me. <i>He </i>wanted to offer help but was too shy to say it. It seems I, as an adult, have underestimated the children here.

    With these thoughts in mind, Josiah exchanged a silent nce with Lysander. They were determined to help these two children leave the vige so their natural talents wouldn¡¯t be wasted..

    Upon locking eyes with him, Lysander quickly looked down to put her shoes back on. As she was still reeling from the shock and checking if a centipede was lurking beneath, the distant sound of an engine suddenly echoed.

    How could a car have driven in here sote at night?

    Suddenly, Lysander¡¯s movements came to a halt. Trembling, she tied her shoces and stood up to look outside.

    The next moment, the blinding beams of several car headlights pierced through the darkness, reflecting off the water¡¯s surface. The intensity of the light was so strong it was almost blinding.

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    Josiah¡¯s brows furrowed tightly, almost immediately sensing something amiss. He positioned himself protectively in front of Lysander, Nilou, <b>and </b>Rhizone, his gaze sweeping the outside. After discerning the direction of the car lights, he <b>said</b>, ¡°Quite a few cars came, all conveniently circling the waterfront. With such ring lights, I suspect their intentions are not good.¡±

    During his stay in the vige, he had genuinely grown fond of the peaceful and leisurely lifestyle it offered. However, his sharp instinct for sensing danger hadn¡¯t faded away,

    Nilou immediately reacted and <b>said</b>, ¡°Those terriblendlords must be back!¡±

    As she spoke these words filled with <b>righteous </b>indignation, she calmly arranged, ¡°Rhizone, quickly escort Dr. Thorne and Mr. Guerra back to the health center. These people are capable of anything. Even knowing they are from the city, these people might not hesitate to take action.¡±

    ¡°Who are these people?¡± Lysander asked.

    Even though she still didn¡¯t know the origins of the people outside, she could infer from the children¡¯s words that they didn¡¯t bear good intentions.

    Nilou said indignantly, ¡°Dad said they are powerful and influential. Even Grandpa ine was bullied, let alone the others. However, we can at least avoid them if we can¡¯t confront them. Mom has always taught us the wisdom of ¡®there¡¯s always hope. Let Rhizone guide you through the shortcut. You¡¯ll be back at the health center in no time.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah suddenly recalled his stroll with Lysander the previous night. They had caught sight of the pond from the edge of the vige. Without a second thought, he scooped her up mid¨Cshoe- tying and addressed Nilou, saying, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with us? It¡¯s safer at the health center.¡±

    Given that these individuals are bold enough to do anything, there¡¯s no guarantee this kid will be safe.

    Nilou shook her head firmly. ¡°You guys go ahead. I must go back and inform my parents and the neighbors living by the pond. We need toy low for a while. Then we can all hide together in the vige. They surely won¡¯t chase us that far.¡±

    After saying that, she immediately dashed out of the cabin, evidently prepared for whatever was toe.

    Rhizone was even more shy than his sister. He usually didn¡¯t have much to say unless someone initiated a conversation with him. However, his hands were now tightly clenched into fists, appearing as though he was ready to run at any given moment due to his nervousness.

    Without further hesitation, Josiah only took their cell phones with him. Then, cradling Lysander in his <b>arms</b>, he and Rhizone took a detour around the back of the house and down a narrow path.

    At such a moment, the absence of streetlights was a blessing. They didn¡¯t have to go to great lengths <b>to </b>conceal themselves, merely blending into the night.

    The weather was pleasant that night, with the gentle moonlight illuminating the ground. It was <b>enough </b>for those who had adapted to the darkness to see the <b>path </b>beneath their feet.

    After they had walked a distance along the path by the pond, Lysander attempted to get down. ¡°I think I should walk on <b>my </b><b>own</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Although Tarish held her cancel in hir um <b>ami</b>

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    pinpoint exactly what was making her feel this way, it was just oddly unsettling.

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    ¡°The path here is tough,¡± Josiah softly told her. ¡°My shoes are almostpletely buried in the mud. When we return to the main road, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll scrape off a good few pounds of mud. You really shouldn¡¯t ruin another pair.

    As he spoke, there was a continuous squelching sound under his feet. He was genuinely walking through a muddy field. The shoes he had just cleaned that morning seemed beyond saving.

    Compared to before, Rhizone up ahead was walking more steadily. He was far from matching Josiah¡¯s height, so logically, he¡¯d need to take two or three steps to match one of thetter¡¯s. However, he <b>was </b>stepping quickly and walking briskly without even panting excessively.

    <i>Aside </i>from being strong, this kid also has exceptional physical fitness. <i>If </i><i>he </i>could <i>truly </i>escape from the vige, he <b>would </b>certainly have the makings of a future sports champion.

    Once Lysander had fully grasped the situation, she knew that with her pace, it would be difficult to keep up with the two of them. To not be a burden, she tightened her grip on Josiah¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t fall. You should hurry and catch up with Rhizone.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Josiah replied. Even as he held her, his movements were firm and reassuring, shielding her from the chilling night wind.

    The trio made their swift exit from the <b>reed </b>marsh.

    Lysander nced over Josiah¡¯s shoulder toward the pond, noticing that the car lights were already too far to make out. Seizing the opportunity while they had some distance to reach the health center, she asked, ¡°Rhizone, do you know who those people are?¡±

    ¡°Y¨CYes. They¡¯re big bosses from the city,¡± Rhizone stumbled over his words, caught off guard by their sudden question. His response was concise and to the point.

    Even with Josiah¡¯s impressive stamina, he was carrying someone while traveling. To spare him from further exertion, Lysander inquired further, ¡°Why would theye here in the middle of the night? I heard that all the bosses who wanted to develop tourism in the vige left after taking a look and never returned.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    If they were merely interested in promoting tourism, they didn¡¯t have to show up in the middle of the night. They seem to be harboring ulterior motives. Besides, the vigers are known for <i>their </i>warm hospitality. <i>If </i>these people had no ill intentions, such vignce against them isn¡¯t necessary.

    Lysander¡¯s heart leaped to her throat.

    To articte his thoughts clearly, Rhizone slowed down his pace.

    ¡°This guy is different. He imed theirpany had taken an interest in the pond near our front door. They wanted to build mansions in the vicinity and wanted everyone to move out. The vigers disagreed, so they kepting to cause trouble,¡± he exined.

    Josiah also slowed his pace before asking, ¡°What terms did they offer to make you move out?¡±

    ¡°Terms?¡± Rhizone turned around, looking confused as if he didn¡¯t quite understand.

    Josiah assumed he was too young toprehend the concept of relocationpensation. So, he patiently exined to him, ¡°It¡¯s thepensation <b>you </b><b>receive </b>after moving out. You are the true <b>owners </b>of this

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    He did his best to exin theplex relocationpensation in simple and understandable terms.

    Rhizone shook his head disdainfully. ¡°They didn¡¯t say anything, only that we had a deadline to move out. Their insults were incredibly harsh.¡±

    <i>The </i><i>kid </i>has always been impably polite. The person in question must have been <i>truly </i>dreadful <i>for </i>him to make such a remark. The issue has be serious.

    Lysander realized that those people were probably taking advantage of the fact that only the elderly, weak, women, and children were still in the vige, with no legal awareness. They intended to seize thend through intimidation. She said indignantly, ¡°In this day and age, they still want to take over and by force? We should call the police.¡±

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    As she spoke, she looked up at Josiah, who hadn¡¯t forgotten to grab his phone before leaving. She gestured for <b>him </b>to hand it over to her.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t call the police now,¡± <b>said </b>Josiah helplessly. ¡°My phone is in my jacket pocket. You <b>can </b>check it out. It¡¯s probably dead because it was used as a torch for too long

    The already quiet path suddenly became even quieter.

    With a sense of helplessness, Lysander said, ¡°If my memory serves me right, your charger is in the car, mine is in the dormitory, and the only phone in the vige is at the health center.¡±

    It was truly a case of disasters upon disasters.

    Upon hearing their willingness to help, Rhizone was extremely grateful and couldn¡¯t help but offer a word

    of caution.

    ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thome, you both are good people, but these bad guys supposedly work for a big corporation called Guerra Group. They are powerful and if they find out you¡¯re helping, they might juste after you!

    When he mentioned Guerra Group, his tone was particrly disdainful.

    This was Josiah¡¯s first time hearing someone speak of hispany in such a tone, and his expression instantly becameplex.

    Lysander didn¡¯t share these concerns. With a puzzled expression, she asked, ¡°Guerra Group? Which Guerra Group are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Rhizone <b>said</b>, leading the way ahead while sharing what he knew about the situation.

    ¡°While ying in the vige, I found a business card they had discarded. My sister read the words on it to me. She said they were from a big city, rich and powerful. They didn¡¯t care about our well¨Cbeing at all. Their only intention was to drive us out <b>and </b>take over ournd.¡±

    When he spoke of those people¡¯s atrocious behavior, his words grew in number, clearly indicating his intense hatred for them. He even clenched his hands into fists <b>as </b>if he wished he could grow up instantly to drive them away<b>.</b>

    Lysander¡¯s emotions became incrediblyplex when she saw that.

    ¡°Is it¡­ Guerra Group from Harborbrook<b>?</b>¡± she asked.

    Rhizone¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That¡¯s right! I remember now. They are from Harborbrook!¡±

    In Harborbrook, there was only one Guerra Group.

    Josiah¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he dered firmly, ¡°No way. They couldn¡¯t possibly be from Guerra Group. That business card is likely a fraud. Guerra Group has no ns whatsoever in this area.

    As thepany CEO, no one knew his <b>business </b>better than he did. Yet, this was the first time he had <b>heard</b><b>. </b>of this matter.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

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    Josiah responded in <b>a </b>voice only the two could hear, ¡°I can only say that there¡¯s a possibility. We need to investigate further to know the specifics. However, I can assure you, Guerra Group would never <b>engage </b>forced buying and selling, and my subordinates wouldn¡¯t dare to defy my orders behind my back.¡±

    in

    I¡¯m virtually one with mypany, with exceptional unity throughout. Even if someone had nerves of steel, they likely wouldn¡¯t dare to act recklessly in public in the name <i>of </i>the CEO. What¡¯s <i>the </i>difference between this and seeking death?

    Rhizone wasn¡¯t as quick¨Cwitted as his sister, walking for a long while before stopping. ¡°Josiah, how do you know that Guerra Group didn¡¯t <b>have </b>such a n? Are you acquainted with them?¡± he asked.

    He became curious about Josiah¡¯s identity.

    Josiah was concerned that his exnation might not be clear, potentially leading <b>to </b>unnecessary misunderstandings. Instead of admitting his identity directly, he said, ¡°I have a friend who works at Guerra Group, so <b>I </b>have some understanding of the situation there.¡±

    Rhizone remained silent, but he had already developed a hostility toward the so¨Ccalled friend mentioned by Josiah

    After a while, he <b>said</b>, ¡°These people would show up now and then. Once, I happened to be fishing amongst the lotus flowers when they were causing havoc by the pond and overheard one of the bad guys saying his boss was the father¨Cinw of the big boss of Guerra Group, more influential than that big boss. himself. The big boss seemed to be called something like Mr. Guerra. When they mentioned him, they said this old man had a formidable son¨Cinw, so no one dared to mess with him¡­¡±

    The situation gradually became clear.

    To the outside world, Josiah had two former fathers¨Cinw. The first wife was overly enigmatic, with no information about who her father was. As for the second, he was none other than Dillon Lanister of

    Riveron Corporation.

    Thepany had always desired to venture into the upscale residential business but was hindered by ack of connections.

    With so many cluesing together, there was hardly any room for other possibilities.

    In a moment of shared understanding, Lysander and Josiah thought of the same person. She lifted her gaze intending to confirm his thoughts, only to meet his gaze that held the same meaning-

    The two found their perspectives unexpectedly aligning..

    Josiah struggled to recall thest time he shared the same thoughts with Lysander.

    At that moment, he was on the verge of thanking Dillon for his foolishness. Had the man been smart, he wouldn¡¯t have revealed his identity so tantly.

    To verify the specifics, Josiah pondered before asking Rhizone, ¡°Is the boss of those bad guys Lanister?¡±

    surnamed

    Rhizone replied firmly. ¡°Yes. They would respectfully address him as Mr. Lanister on the phone before. rying his words to intimidate us vigers.¡±

    ¡°Did they ever do anything that left behind evidence of their wrongdoings?¡± Josiah asked slowly.

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    Rhizone¡¯s eyes lit up, but only for a fleeting moment. Then, his gaze dimmed again, and he hung his head low, <b>offering </b>them a few words of advice in a disheartened tone. ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, are you nning to gather evidence against them? It¡¯s pointless. Every time theye under the pretense of persuasion, they wreak havoc in the homes near the pond. If someone happens to be out, they <b>even </b>smash their front doors to smithereens.¡±

    <i>No </i>wonder their home seems so sparsely furnished. Any decent piece <i>of </i>furniture had <i>probably </i>already <i>been </i>destroyed by these thugs under Dillon¡¯smand

    ¡°These people are utterlywless!¡± Lysander despised injustice, and the mere thought of the hypocritical facade Dillon and Tiffany had disyed in public sent chills down her spine.

    Despite his awareness of Dillon and Tiffany¡¯s true colors, Josiah still felt a <b>chill </b>upon hearing these words. He asked, ¡°When you said it was pointless earlier, was it because someone had already tried it?¡±

    Rhizone said dejected without turning his head, ¡°Yes. He was the smartest guy in our vige. He returned after graduation and was furious when he found out someone was bullying everyone. He said he would find awyer in the vige to sue them. Grandpa ine was very supportive of him but was too old to go with him, so he went alone<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°What happened next?¡±

    Rhizone continued, ¡°Later on, he went missing for a while. No matter how hard we searched, we couldn¡¯t find him. It wasn¡¯t until the police came to our vige, inquiring about any missing persons, that he was finally brought back home.¡±

    Despite not being hit by the wind, Lysander instantly felt a chill from head to toe. ¡°I¨CIs he still alive?¡±

    The vigers are deeply secretive about this matter. Even <i>though </i>I¡¯ve <i>been </i>helping at the health center for quite some time, it¡¯s <i>my </i>first time hearing anyone mention it. No wonder everyone has nothing but praise for Josiah His appearance is truly a godsend for the vigers.

    Josiah always prepared for the worst in advance. He never asked questions that could potentially leave psychological scars on a child. However, what Rhizone spoke of was even more terrifying than silencing someone by killing them.

    ¡°That person

    had already been moved to a different location by his family. The police found him somewhere far from here, saying he had been wandering for a long time. He had be so demented and confused that he couldn¡¯t articte anything clearly. Moreover, he had a broken leg beyond any hope of recovery,¡± Rhizone replied.

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    As a doctor, Lysander immediately sensed something was o police tell you how this man ended up like this?¡±

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    upon hearing about the injury. ¡°Did the

    ¡°It seemed that he had been in a car ident. Grandpa ine initially refused to ept this<b>, </b>asserting that this man must have been harmed by some viins. However, without any evidence, the man¡¯s family couldn¡¯t ept it either. They took him to arge <b>hospital </b>for an examination, and the results confirmed that he indeed had been in a car ident.¡±

    Rhizone¡¯s voice was filled with dejection. He was still young, but he had already heard the adults discussing these matters, and they sounded utterly disappointed.

    ¡°Later on, their family moved away, seemingly to seek medical treatment for their eldest son. After witnessing his predicament, the others didn¡¯t dare to cause any more trouble. Now, whenever they showed up, everyone would avoid them, only returning once they had left.¡±

    ¡°Right now, the vige is filled with the elderly and the weak. Everyone¡¯s actions are driven by the fear of their children getting hurt.¡± Lysander said, her voice soft with concern. She was afraid that exposing him to the harsh realities too soon would lead to his disillusionment with the world.

    Josiah, on the other hand, reassured, ¡°I believe in karma. They will soon face their consequences.¡±

    With a mix of skepticism and curiosity, Rhizone questioned, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as karma. They¡¯ve been doing wrong <b>not </b>just for a day or two, yet who <b>knows </b>when theireuppance will arrive.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be here <b>soon</b>.¡±¡°¡±

    Rhizone didn¡¯t utter another word. He just silently led the way for them, clearly showing that he had be disheartened.

    When he spotted a vige not too far away, he raised his hand, pointing down the road ahead. ¡°If we go around from that side, we¡¯ll be able to see the health center.¡±

    Their destination was not far off now,

    Just as the trio spotted the light of hope, preparing to head back to charge their phones and call the police, a group of unruly youths had already started to approach from the only path they could take.

    They practically looked like thugs.

    Rhizone¡¯s face drained of all color in fear when he saw them, and he halted in ce. It was just like before when someone had stormed into his home causing chaos, leaving his parents to work tirelessly day and night to make ends meet.

    Josiah took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Rhizone, shielding him from whaty ahead.

    Sensing that something was off, Lysander slipped out of his embrace without <b>a </b>word, swiftly putting on her shoes. She was determined to stand by his side, ready to face these people together.

    She was the vige doctor now, far more entitled to reprimand others. Josiah <b>was </b>nothing more <b>than </b><b>an</b>

    outsider<b>.</b>

    <b>Josiah </b>swiftly moved Lysander behind him, then coolly said to the group of thugs, ¡°Can I help you

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    A momentter, the leader of the gang rudely pointed at Josiah and said, ¡°That car by theke is yours, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re dressed decently and you can afford such a nice car. You must not be short ofwyer fees, <b>Get </b>lost.¡±

    It seemed that he had mistaken <b>Josiah </b>for awyer that the vigers had hired from outside. After driving <b>him </b>away, he cursed loudly.

    ¡°These folks really have a short memory. Mr. Lanister was kind enough to offer them a chance to relocate, yet they have the audacity to bring <b>in </b>reinforcements from outside. It seems we must make an example out of one to warn the others!¡±

    Josiah showed absolutely no intention of leaving. He simply observed them with an expressionless face, his gaze as cold <b>as </b>if he were looking at a group of human trash.

    The gang leader red at his audacious behavior, pointing a finger at him as he continued to berate, ¡°So you¡¯re disregarding my goodwill, huh? Fine, this time I¡¯ll make an example out of you to show <b>this </b>bunch

    He had barely gotten halfway through his speech <b>when </b>his fist, aimed at Josiah, was abruptly caught mid- air. His wrist was twisted at an awkward angle, and before he knew what was happening, he found himself thrown off bnce and sent sprawling.

    If it <b>weren¡¯t </b>for the rtive softness of the vige¡¯s dirt road, he would have been seriously injured from the fall.

    The remaining thugs, witnessing their leader at a disadvantage, were all stunned on the spot. Not one of them reacted in time to lend a hand.

    Taking advantage of the moment, <b>Josiah </b>turned to Rhizone behind him and said, ¡°<b>Rhizone</b><b>, </b>you Thorne back to the health center first. Hurry!¡±

    ¡°What about you!?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Josiah Guerra. Who would dare to challenge me?¡±

    take Dr.

    Faced with such a crowd of thugs, it was untrue to say that Rhizone wasn¡¯t scared. However, he kept in mind what Lysander had told him to do. He was ready to grab Lysander and run.

    Naturally, Lysander couldn¡¯t just leave Josiah behind. She grabbed him and said, ¡°These people are all thugs. They aren¡¯t from Riveron Corporation, and they probably don¡¯t even know you. Let¡¯s go together.¡±

    The gang leader had taken quite a fall, but with his reputation at stake in front of his underlings, he was sure to retaliate. Even if Josiah was highly skilled, he was inevitalily outnumbered.

    Lysander didn¡¯t want to waste time in a tug of war, so she dragged hini toward the thickest part of the nearby shrubbery. Seeing them trying to run, the gang leader got up. Unable to contain his anger, he shouted, ¡°What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and <b>chase </b>them. Mr. Lanister has already paid!¡±

    Rhizone was familiar with the path here. He took Lysander¡¯s hand and, with a burst of energy, ran far away. He was small in stature, almost concealed by the reeds and unidentified wild grasses up to his head,

    he ran steadily, not straying from the path even <b>half </b><b>a </b>step.

    yet

    Josiah could hardly recall thest time Lysander had taken the initiative to hold his hand. He held her slightly cool fingertips, almost reluctant to let go.

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    Despite their efforts, the thugs pursuing them were closing in relentlessly. A few of them had stumbled <b>and </b>fallen due to the winding paths, but there were still a significant number hot on their heels.

    Josiah paused in his steps.

    Lysander urgently said, ¡°Why have you stopped? Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Josiah gave a soft chuckle. ¡°Lysander, didn¡¯t you mention before that you¡¯ve never actually seen what 1 used to look like?¡±

    Lysander was suddenly a bit <b>scared</b>. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve flexed my skills. It¡¯s about time to get some practice.¡±

    As he spoke, he gently nudged her forward. Then he called out to Rhizone, who was running ahead, ¡°Rhizone, Dr. Thome¡¯s safety is in your hands now!¡±

    Almost instinctively, Rhizone turned around, <b>his </b>face filled with panic. But in a split second, it transformed into determination. He firmly grasped onto Lysander¡¯s arm.

    Time was of the essence, so Josiah didn¡¯t have the luxury to borate. Hastily, he said, ¡°I¡¯m entrusting this task to you,¡± before he turned and sprinted off in a different direction.

    As he turned to his side, he saw Rhizone nod solemnly.

    Half of Lysander¡¯s face <b>was </b>obscured by her loose hair strands. Only her eyes, brighter <b>than </b>the: above, <b>were </b>visible. ¡°You-

    stars

    Josiah pushed her with just the right amount of force. It was enough to speed her toward <b>Rhizone</b>, yet not so much that she would fall.

    By the time she steadied herself, Rhizone had already taken hold of her.

    ¡°Josiah<b>¡­</b>

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, let¡¯s go back and find someone <b>to </b>save Josiah!¡±

    Once Rhizone finished <b>speaking</b>, he grabbed Lysander¡¯s hand and started running at top speed. The force. with which he held her <b>was </b><b>so </b>strong that it was impossible for her to break free.

    The child¡¯s physical condition was truly exceptional. <b>Previously</b>, he had only been holding back his pace. out of concern that the adults wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up.

    Lysander had lost her shoes in the earlier chaos. Now she was treading on the rugged, muddy ground in her socks. Her steps became increasingly erratic, but she didn¡¯t show it. She merely gritted her teeth and tried to keep up with Rhizone¡¯s <b>pace</b>.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Rhizone was right. They ha

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    The path ahead grew darker and darker<b>, </b>the muddiness akin to stepping into ake. Lysander could feel. countless tiny cuts on her <b>face</b>. Yet, she persisted, ncing back onest time.

    The direction in which Josiah <b>had </b>fled waspletely opposite to theirs. Under the cover of nightfall, she could only make out a few faint figures.

    Though the thugs had visited the vige numerous <b>times</b>, they were known only for their show of force and causing <b>chaos</b>, and no viger would ever show them the way. Hence, after losing track of Lysander and Rhizone, they chose to surround Josiah.

    Lysander only had time to see his tall silhouette from the corner of her eye before the scene before her was entirely consumed by foliage.

    After an indeterminate amount of time <b>passed</b>, a glimmer of light finally appeared up ahead.

    Theke was located at the end of the vige, while the health center was situated in the middle. A solitary bulb hung at the entrance, casting a dim yellow glow on the path.

    Lysander had been living in the health center for so long, <b>but </b>it was the first time she found the tiny light bulb to be so bright that it stung her eyes.

    In the dead of night, all was eerily quiet. The only sounds that could be heard were the sound of the two of them panting.

    Rhizone quickly recovered and continued on his way. Lysander wanted to keep up, but the breath she had been holding escaped abruptly at the sight of the health center, to the point where her calves began to tremble uncontrobly.

    It wasn¡¯t due to fear, but rather an extreme physical exhaustion. Her body simply couldn¡¯t hold up any longer.

    Rhizone noticed something off about Lysander <b>and </b><b>shot </b>her a look of concern. ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you injured? There¡¯s blood on your hands.¡±

    Lysander looked down and only then noticed her hands were covered in countless tiny cuts from the wild grass on the path. The wounds weren¡¯t deep, but they looked quite frightening due to their haphazard pattern. In contrast, the bloodstains on her cheek, hidden by her hair, were less noticeable.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Let¡¯s hurry back and call the police.¡± She attempted to head toward the health center as if nothing was amiss, but after barely moving a few steps, she began to stumble. She didn¡¯t want to appear weak in front of the child.

    Rhizone had led her down a narrow path and soon, they were confronted with a trench that was over a person¡¯s height in depth.

    Lysander made a quick estimate. The trench was probably over two meters wide. With her abilities, there was simply no way she could jump <b>across </b><b>it</b><b>.</b>

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, Rhizone said, ¡°let me help you.¡±

    Rhizone noticed her reluctance, but without uttering another <b>word</b>, he lifted her up just like he did when they encountered the centipede before. Gathering his strength, he prepared to move. In an instant, Timandar undaverned his intantions ind ennnaestinal, penuchad doum

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    Feeling Rhizone¡¯s sudden burst of strength, she immediately followed his <b>lead </b>and <b>jumped</b>. Leveraging the momentum Rhizone had given her by throwing her forward, she narrowly made it to the other <i>side </i>of

    the trench.

    Rhizone then took a couple of steps back to gain momentum and easily jumped over. Afterward, he quickly <b>and </b>agilely led the way to the health center.

    Lysander felt particrly embarrassed. As an adult, she should have been the one protecting the child. However, she found herself unexpectedly relying on a <b>child¡¯s </b>assistance to get away.

    ¡°Sorry, Rhizone, for dragging you into this.¡±

    Rhizone was greatly inspired by Josiah¡¯s instructions. ¡°<b>Josiah </b>entrusted your safety to me, so I absolutely <b>cannot </b>let him down!¡±

    By the time they returned to the health center, it was already midnight.

    At that time, the nurses <b>were </b>all asleep in the dormitory at the back, while the small building in front was shrouded in darkness, <b>not </b>a single soul to be seen.

    Lysander directed Rhizone to the consultation room, then she retrieved the charging cable that had been left in the wooden desk drawer earlier. She used it to charge the phone that Josiah had handed to her when they parted.

    In the darkness of the consultation room, the light from the phone screen was nothing short of a beacon of hope.

    Lysander dialed the emergency number first. ¡°Hello, I need to report a crime¡­¡±

    She reported the location of the vige and the situation she encountered. The other party was very responsible, stating that they would dispatch the police immediately.

    But they were in town. It would take them at least an hour or two to get here, and this was already the closest police station to the vige.

    After witnessing the incident involving a university student from his vige being retaliated against, Rhizone had lost faith in the effectiveness of reporting to the police, He stood by, his face etched with worry. He was still in the dark about the whereabouts of his parents <b>and </b>sister.

    Lysander gently stroked his hair and reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. Your sister is very smart. She must have taken your parents to a safe ce.¡±

    Rhizone nodded earnestly. ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Whileforting the child who had helped her escape, Lysander dialed Carol¡¯s number.

    Carol received the call while on the way to the vige.

    The <b>task </b>of delivering the refrigerator didn¡¯t originally involve her. However, she <b>had </b>important matters <b>to </b>report to Josiah, <b>and </b>she wanted to check <b>on </b>Lysander¡¯s current situation herself. Unexpectedly, she received a sudden call from Lysander.

    A foreboding sense of unease began to swell within her.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra¡­¡±

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    Before she could even finish her greeting, Lysander on the other end of the line had already rapidly ryed the events of the evening. She was panting, her urgency palpable.

    In Carol¡¯s memory, Lysander rarely lost herposure. Even when she had been utterly disappointed in <b>Josiah </b>in the past, she still managed to maintain her dignity.

    Something serious must have happened to make Lysander so frantic.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra, please don¡¯t panic. I happen to have a driver and a few men helping with the delivery of the refrigerator with me. We should reach the vige in a few hours at most. I¡¯ve been informed about the matters with Dillon and I¡¯m arranging for someone to handle it right now,¡± Carol responded with a serious

    tone.

    Lysander was worried that a prolonged phone call <b>would </b>cause a dy, so after exining the whole situation, she promptly hung up the phone..

    Though Rhizone was unaware of who Lysander was on the phone with, he had gleaned a bit of the situation from overhearing the conversation. He asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are we about to receive help?¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    ¡°Yeah¡± Lysander maintained herposure, gathering her disheveled hair and neatly tying it back.

    ¡°Rhizone, do you know the way around the vige entrance? The peopleing to help us are first¨Ctimers here. They¡¯re not sure how to navigate. Could you possibly go and meet them? It¡¯s ady in her forties, apanied by a few men<b>.</b>¡±

    She was unfamiliar with the local roads. Instead of forcing herself to navigate, it was better to leave matters. to Rhizone, who had grown up here.

    Rhizone¡¯s greatest fear was being unable to lend a hand. Without hesitation, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll head over right

    now!¡±

    No sooner had his words fallen than he turned and dashed out of the health center¡¯s front door.

    Lysander gritted her teeth as she removed her <b>socks</b>, now muddied and soiled. She noticed the wounds on her feet, caused by sharp stones, but she didn¡¯t have the time to tend to them. Instead, she limped into her spare shoes <b>and </b>then anxiously nced at the time.

    Before Carol and the police arrived, she was simply left in a state of anxious waiting, with absolutely nothing else she could do.

    In a moment of urgency, Rhizone had led Lysander down this shortcut. Even if she were to try retracing their steps, she wasn¡¯t confident she could do it, especially given their opponents outnumbered them.

    The people under Dillon¡¯smand wouldn¡¯t be audacions <b>enough </b>to dare harm the CEO of Guerra Group, right!

    However, Lysander made a somewhat disheartening discovery: The answer was uncertain.

    In Harborbrook, Josiah was a map of great influence, but in these remote areas, he was virtually unknown.

    Even if he revealed his identity<b>, </b>it was not guaranteed that those people would believe him.

    Remembering the oue of that university student who had wanted to do something helpful for everyone, Lysander felt a chill traveling down her spine.

 Chapter 670

    Chapter 670 Do As I Say

    Finished

    Even though Josiah was once renowned from Harborbrook Fifth High School, known for his strength <b>and </b>fighting prowess, he was still outnumbered. After all, it was hard to fight off multiple attackers with just two fists. Moreover, his opponents were seasoned hooligans, frequently involved in home invasions.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    These individuals, emboldened by the backing of Dillon, dared to harm even <b>a </b>university student who had threatened to expose them. And this time, they had explicitly stated their intention <b>to </b><b>make </b><b>an </b>example out of Josiah.

    Lysander tried to calm herself, but her heart was pounding relentlessly. It felt as if it was about to leap out of her throat, causing her torment.

    Regardless of the past grievances she had with Josiah, he <b>had </b>indeed stepped forward to save her and Rhizone by theke. It was against both her emotions and sense of justice to stand by and watch him get

    into trouble.

    Lysander opened her contact list, finding the number of an owner she once believed she would never cross paths with again in her lifetime.

    It wasn¡¯t long before dawn, yet the speed at which the other party answered the phone was surprisingly quick.

    ¡°Lysa, why are you still awake at thiste hour? Is <b>there </b>something urgent you need from me?¡± Tiffany feigned innocence, her tone making Lysander shudder.

    She leaned against the headboard of her bed in her own room, her delicate face devoid of any expression.

    Lysander didn¡¯t beat around the bush with her and asked straightforwardly, ¡°Did you know that your father has been conning people, exploiting the reputation of the Guerra Group, withplete disregard for human life?¡±

    ¡°Goodness! Lysa, you hold no grudge against my father. Why would you tarnish his reputation like this? If you have any issues, take it out on me instead. Don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°It seems that you know,¡± Lysander coldly interrupted her pretense. ¡°Tiffany, is there any point in pretending any longer? That look you <b>gave </b>me on the street thest time we bumped into each other <b>was </b>the real you, wasn¡¯t it? I saw it all. Do you think I¡¯ll suddenly lose my memory and let you deceive me again?¡±

    After a brief silence, Tiffany spoke again, her voice filled with confusion. ¡°Lysa, what are you talking about? I really <b>don¡¯t </b>understand. As for what happenedst time¡­ it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to tell me where Jose went. I won¡¯t me you for it.¡±

    She was incredibly cautious. She was fearful <b>that </b>Josiah might be right next to Lysander at that moment and worried that Lysander might actually be recording their conversation. She nned to feign ignorance

    until the end.

    Time was of the essence. Lysander couldn¡¯t afford to waste time with her.

    She continued, ¡°Jose is <b>now </b>surrounded by your father¡¯s men. As for who they are specifically, <b>just </b><b>ask </b>him what he did to the vigers by theke in the mountain, and he should understand. If he doesn¡¯t, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve already called the police.¡±

    Livandar up hath stern and nerouscisse After the finished erseskirim <b>ehe </b><b>humme </b>un the <b>nhone </b>learing

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    Tiffany to ponder the rest. However, Tiffany quickly called back. This time, she shed her pretense of being an innocent little girl, her voice taking on an especially ominous tone.

    ¡°How did you guys end up going to that ce, together no less? Lysa, you wouldn¡¯t be trying to trick me, would you? Is there someone else with you? A cop, or maybe <b>Jose</b>?¡±

    Tiffany had always been eager to discern the whereabouts of Josiah, but ever since their engagement was annulled, he had ceased to acknowledge her. Upon learning that he had not been present at thepany recently, she thought of having her father secure some advantages for their family first.

    Unexpectedly, fate had a twist in <b>store</b><b>, </b>causing these two events to collide.

    Should Josiah be aware that Dillon had the audacity to oppress the vulnerable under the pretense of his status as his father¨Cin¨C<bw</b><b>, </b>his unyielding character would likely lead him to disregard their families¡® enduring rtionship.

    Tiffany mused with a hint of unease, deciding it would be better to go all in rather than half¨Cheartedly.

    Lysander, seemingly moved, spoke again. Her tone was incredibly serious as she warned, ¡°The reason I called you was not just for you to back off, but there¡¯s another motive. If Josiah and any other vigers encounter any trouble tonight, your father will be held responsible, and I will personally testify against him. Tiffany, if you don¡¯t want your father to end up in jail, do as I say.¡±

    After sheid out her demands, she hung up the phone without waiting for Tiffany to respond. This time, Tiffany didn¡¯t call back. It was unclear whether she had gone to consult with Dillon for a strategy or if she had decided to swallow her pride andply with her demands.

    When a faint glimmer of light could be seen on the horizon, Rhizone raced back to the health center.

    Instantly, Lysander became restless, her anxiety overtaking her as she asked Rhizone, ¡°What¡¯s the situation in the vige?¡±

    ¡°The police and the people you mentioned woulde to help have already arrived.¡±

    A spark of hope ignited in Rhizone¡¯s heart when he saw so many people arrive in the vige. Perhaps, <b>this </b>time, the vige could truly be saved.

    After a moment of calm, Lysander asked again, ¡°What about Josiah? Have you found him?<b>¡±</b>

    With a worried expression, Rhizone shook his head. ¡°We haven¡¯t found him yet. I rushed back to tell this. But the bad guys who were chasing us have all disappeared.¡±

    He recalled the scene he had witnessed by theke, looking troubled.

    you

    A child¡¯s face <b>is </b>a poor mask for secrets. Almost instantly, Lysander picked up on the unusual vibes and cautiously asked, ¡°Did you see something? Tell me.¡±

    As she spoke, she braced herself against the table, preparing to rise. The pain was akin to walking on the sharp edge of a ss, but she paid it no mind.

    Startled, Rhizone momentarily pushed aside the matter that Nilou had told him not to mention.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you must avoid theke at all costs right now. It¡¯s in utter chaos over there. The lotus flowers that were once blooming beautifully are now aplete mess, with the flowers and seed pods all gone.¡±

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    Immediately, Lysander¡¯s expression changed.

    Finished

    In the afternoon, she had just gone boating in theke with <b>Josiah</b>. The lush lotus flowers couldn¡¯t have possibly be bare all of a sudden unless someone had intentionally caused damage or a fierce fight had taken ce.

    Rhizone realized that he had misspoken, but it was toote. Lysander had already heard him. There was no way he could take back his words, so he nervously added a few more in an attempt to rify.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, please try not to worry too much at the moment. The police are scouring theke, diligently working to find out whatever happened.¡±

    He hadn¡¯t seen Josiah and was anxious and afraid as well. Still, he was just a child. Upon seeing the police, he ced his hope in them.

    Everything went dark before Lysander¡¯s eyes.

    Scouring theke?

    She struggled to get down and walk away, almost experiencing the same pain as the Little Mermaid when she first came ashore.

    The wounds caused by the rough stones and wild grass were incredibly small, barely noticeable at the time of injury. Yet, once she settled down, the sensation differed entirely, especially when she was already drenched in cold sweat from anxiety.

    Every wound on her body was throbbing with acute pain<b>, </b>causing herplexion to turn deathly pale <b>instantly</b>. It was a terrifying sight to behold.

    Upon seeing the situation, Rhizone was taken aback, bing even more determined to stop Lysander from leaving. ¡°Dr. Thorne, when Josiah parted ways with usst night, he entrusted your safety to me. 1 <b>have </b>to protect you. I can¡¯t let you go out.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s voice trembled as she said, ¡°I won¡¯t encounter any danger. Aren¡¯t the police and those offering help all by theke? I¡¯m just going to take a look.¡±

    ¡°No way.¡± Rhizone stood firm in front of her, shaking his head resolutely. ¡°The adults won¡¯t allow kids to watch over there. They¡¯ve shooed my sister and me away. You shouldn¡¯t go either.¡±

    His thought process was quite straightforward as he assumed that the adults had forbidden them from lingering by theke out of fear for their safety.

    Yet, deep down, Lysander knew very well that if it were truly for that reason, Josiah wouldn¡¯t still be missing up to this point.

    Before they had parted waysst <b>night</b>, he had clearly stated that he would join them shortly.

    ¡°No, I have to go.¡±

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    With unwavering certainty, Lysander said, ¡°I¡¯m an adult, just like your mom and dad, so I have the right to¨C go in. Please step aside.¡±

    Rhizone firmly blocked the clinic door. Even though Lysander was desperate enough to force her there was no guarantee <b>that </b>she could overpower the <b>child</b>.

    way in,

    While Lysander was in a state of panic and at a loss, another figure came running over. It was none other than the vige chief, ine, with his head of white hair.

    Before the break of dawn, ine, advanced in age as he was, was running frantically like that<b>. </b>It was certain that something grave must¡¯ve urred.

    Lysander brushed past Rhizone and asked worriedly, ¡°Josiah Guerra? Is that you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± ine, after all, was an old man. He was already panting heavily after the short run and struggling to speak. Yet, upon seeing Lysander¡¯s anxious expression and the wound on her cheek, he expressed his deep regret. ¡°Rhizone and Nilou told me something had happened to you and Mr. Guerra, so I came to check.¡±

    His words carried a palpable sense of hesitation, skillfully dodging her inquiries without giving a direct

    <b>answer</b>.

    Lysander¡¯s hand, which was resting on the table, suddenly clenched. She was so absorbed that she didn¡¯t even notice her nails digging into her palm. ¡°Did you alsoe from¡­ thekeside?¡±

    Upon seeing ine arrive, Rhizone expressed his gratitude and stepped away from the door.

    ine spoke while shaking his head, his voice filled with lingering fear and poignant regret. ¡°Yes, themotionst night was too serious. I was woken up and thought it would be the same as before, just Laying low would do the trick. However, not long after everyone had stayed away, the police and some people came looking for you at the vige entrance. Everyone then went to theke, where the turmoil was even more intense. There were bloodstains on the path and the boat by theke, and even the surrounding ground, but we didn¡¯t know the situation further inside. The police had set up warning tape around the area, iming they needed to preserve evidence, so they forbade anyone to disrupt the scene.¡±

    The vigers, having limited exposure to the outside world, held a natural reverence for public officials. When they were told to keep their distance, no one dared to step closer.

    Rhizone knew about the situation of the lotus cluster in theke better than anyone else, having been the earliest to arrive and having guided the police and Carol. He realized the warning tape had been set up nearby <b>once </b>he returned, making the situation increasingly tense

    Warning tape was something that was typically found at a crime scene.

    Lysander didn¡¯t sleep a wink the previous night. She was either running around or trying to think of a solution anxiously. Her heart had tensed up from stress, and she asked with bated breath, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, did they say anything else? Or was anyone stopped at the scene?¡±

    ¡°Those jerks ran incredibly fast. Not a single one of them was caught.¡±

    Every time ine mentioned the thugs, he would get so wound up that his jaw would clench. He took a moment topose himself before continuing, ¡°However, the police called me, n, and a few families.

    liu?isor

    theke for individual questioning. The <b>main </b>forur use the disturbances the vime had

    WA

    Chapter 677 He Is A Very Important Person

    experienced and themotionst night. After they noticed the bloodstains, they called for an ambnce, but not everyone <b>who </b>arrived were doctors.¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    His words raised Lysander¡¯s guard. ¡°Who could they be if not doctors?¡±

    Finished

    ¡°I heard the people setting up the warning tape calling him a forensic doctor. He wore a white coat but didn¡¯t seem close to the doctors. He seemed more like a colleague of the police,¡± ine said, his face full of confusion, for he had <b>never </b>seen a forensic doctor before and was unclear about their role.

    Lysander was well aware of the role of a forensic doctor, though. Her body swayed.

    A forensic doctor.

    Rhizone and ine hurried over to help steady Lysander. However, she quickly regained herposure after feeling <b>as </b>if cold water had been poured over her head.

    Seeing her reaction, ine seemed to realize something and asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are <b>you </b>okay? Is Mr. Guerra perhaps¡­¡±

    He dared not continue, consumed by so much guilt that he looked to be on the verge of tears. At his reaction, Lysander quickly steadied herself and turned the table,forting him. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Really, I¡¯m okay. He will be too.¡±

    Her assurance was not only meant for them but also herself.

    Rhizone blinked anxiously, asking with concern, ¡°Dr. Thorne? Dr. Thorne!¡±

    Lysander pressed her lips tightly, shaking her head to signal that she was fine.

    Seeing the situation, ine quickly rubbed his eyes and said, ¡°Get some rest if you¡¯re tired, Dr. Thorne. I¡¯l keep an eye on things by theke. Actually, I¡¯ll head back there and ask again. Mr. Guerra is a good man. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s blessed.¡±

    Lysander reluctantly nodded.

    At least, Josiah has done amendable act of aiding the poor and vulnerable this time. Even if the heavens were to punish him, it wouldn¡¯t be now.

    With those thoughts in mind, Lysander decided to stay in the clinic <b>to </b>avoid causing trouble for ine and the others.

    Given the serious incident that happened in the vige, it was highly unlikely anyone woulde for a consultation that day. She stayed put because she had no energy left to move. Plus, she figured she would be the first to receive any news by being in the front yard if there were any developments in the case.

    Rhizone dutifully remembered the instructions Josiah gave, and without anyone asking, he consciously stayed behind to keep Lysander <bpany</b>.

    Lysander recalled that he had stayed up all night and gently suggested, ¡°Rhizone, why don¡¯t you go home and check on Nilou and your parents? It¡¯s important for a family to be together at times like these<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°I promised Josiah to protect you, so I can¡¯t leave,¡± Rhizone stated, shaking his head so vigorously to express his determination.

    Seeing how serious he was, Lysander chuckled. ¡°The sun is already up. No bad guys are brazen enough to

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    Chapter 671 He Is A Very Important Person

    cause <b>harm </b>at this hour.

    Rhizone still shook his head. ¡°Still no. You¡¯re injured<b>.</b>¡±

    Finished

    Lysander nced at the scabbed¨Cover wound on her hand and reassured<b>, </b>¡°It¡¯s okay. Consideringst night¡¯s situation, it¡¯s remarkable enough that you brought me here. Perhaps neither of us could escape if it weren¡¯t for you.¡± While speaking those words, she was puzzled.

    Even though she had already called Tiffany and clearly exined the pros and cons of the situation, Tiffany was clever and would¡¯ve undoubtedly understood the underlying implications.

    But why on earth would those thugs still harm Josiah? Did the news arrive toote? Or maybe Tiffany is¡­

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, what happened to <b>you</b><b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    The nurses¡® arrival disrupted Lysander¡¯s train of thought. Seeing her injured, the three nurses immediately began searching for Band¨CAid and iodine to disinfect her wounds. Even though Lysander insisted she was fine, they were still worried. As they tended to her injuries, they inquired about what had happened the night before.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, when the vigers came to tell us to hidest night, you and Mr. Guerra hadn¡¯t returned yet, and we were worried sick about you.¡±

    ¡°Are these injuries fromst night?¡±

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mr. Guerra with you¡­

    They all meant well, but Lysander was physically <b>and </b>mentally exhausted. She had barely managed to keep up, luckily, Anita, who came to deliver breakfast appeared just in time, helping her to answer the nurses¡® questions.

    The nurses fell silent immediately after listening to everything. They couldn¡¯t even utter a word offort. They picked up their breakfast and left to eat elsewhere.

    <i>They </i>had just reunited for a few days <i>before </i>encountering such an incident. <i>Surely</i>, Dr. Thorne must <i>feel </i>terrible right now. It¡¯s best that we don¡¯t add to the chaos here.

    With such a serious incident happening in the vige, Anita didn¡¯t have time to prepare an borate breakfast. She simply baked some corn on the cob and sweet potatoes.

    ¡°Would you like some breakfast, Dr. Thorne?¡± She picked out the most delectable sweet potato <b>and </b>handed it to Lysander.

    Lysander felt a lump in her throat,pletely devoid of appetite. Once Anita left, she handed the sweet potato to Rhizone, saying, ¡°<b>You </b>can have it. I¡¯m really not hungry.¡±

    Rhizone was hungry. He had stayed put only to fulfill his promise to Josiah. He finished off the sweet <b>potato </b>in just a few bites.

    After contemting for a while, Lysander finally stood up despite the confusion that filled her.

    Swiftly, Rhizone swallowed the sweet potato in his mouth. ¡°Dr. Thorne, you- Cough Cough!

    Halfway through his speech, he <b>suddenly </b>choked on the sweet potato.

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    Lysander quickly handed over a ss of water and asked, ¡°Rhizone, would you like to go and look at how things are going there with <b>me</b><b>?</b>¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you worried about Josiah<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s¡­ a very important person, so he can¡¯t get hurt.¡±

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    After finishing his water, Rhizone pondered deeply. In the end, he conceded, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    They retraced their steps from the previous night, taking the shortest path since there was no need to hide anymore. Before long, they found themselves back near theke.

    By then, the vigers had either gone home or were giving their statements next to the police car. Only the police and Carol¡¯s group remained at the scene.

    Lysander was immediately stopped by a stern¨Cfaced police officer the minute she got near theke. ¡°We¡¯re conducting an investigation here, so bystanders should keep their distance for now.¡±

    The warning tape was stretched out extensively, effectively blocking off nearly all the spots where one could enter the water.

    Lysander¡¯s anxiety surged: ¡°I¡¯m looking for someone.¡±

    Right after she spoke, Carol, who <b>was </b>anxiously watching the police inspecting theke on boats, turned toward Lysander. She quickly stepped forward to exin to the police. ¡°She¡¯s not a stranger. She¡¯s our CEO, Mr. Guerra¡¯s wife.¡±

    Rhizone found the title somewhat familiar. However, his concern for Josiah at that moment took precedence, so he didn¡¯t think further about it.

    Lysander knew that only family members could stay at the scene at a time like that, so she avoided answering directly. ¡°I¡¯m here to find Josiah. We parted ways in this vicinityst night.¡±

    Rhizone had already exined the detailed circumstances to the police once, so she didn¡¯t need to repeat it.

    Upon receiving a definite answer, the policeman¡¯s expression rxed a bit. ¡°Perfect timing, Mrs. Guerra. We happen to need your assistance with identifying something.¡±

    The word ¡°identifying¡± involuntarily made Lysander clench her hands. It brought to mind something that sent chills down her spine.

    Carol felt the same..

    They walked to the side, following the police officer.

    Fortunately, no stretchers covered with white cloth were there.

    The police officer took an evidence bag from his colleague. Holding it in his hand, he asked, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, do you recognize this ring? Is it something that belongs to your husband?¡±

    It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve heard someone address me as such.

    Lysander gazed at the ring, shimmering under the sunlight, finding herself at a loss for words.

    Josiah¡¯s wedding ring was in the evidence bag.

    She had thrown away her ring along with the piece of her heart that had died. Unexpectedly, Josiah¡¯s was not only intact, but he also carried it with him, keeping it safely until then.

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    The police officer noticed the redness around Lysander¡¯s eyes and knew the answer to his question. However, he didn¡¯t press her to confirm it.

    Finished

    Taking a deep breath to calm down, Lysander nodded and said, ¡°Yes, I recognize it. This was once our wedding ring.¡±

    The police didn¡¯t delve into her use of past tense. After receiving a positive confirmation, they proceeded with their investigation, leaving behind a few individuals rted to <b>Josiah </b>waiting on the sidelines.

    Carol approached Lysander and asked with concern. ¡°Are you alright, Mrs. Guerra?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Lysander said. ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect him to keep the ring. Our marriage is already over. I thought it would have been put aside by now.¡±

    A wedding ring wasn¡¯t like any other ordinary jewelry.

    Carol exined softly, ¡°The wedding ring. Mr. Guerra <b>has </b>always carried it with him. He was afraid that you might recall the past if you saw it, so he dared not wear it on his finger. Instead, he had me prepare a velvet pouch to store it in, which he kept in the inner pocket of his suit.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t respond and simply lifted her gaze toward the tranquil surface of the water.

    Josiah has truly kept this secret well, so much so that I only discover it now. We can at least leave on good terms if there is still a chance for a face¨Cto¨Cface meeting.

    In a raspy voice, <b>Lysander </b>asked Carol, ¡°It¡¯s been such a long time. Is there no news at all?¡±

    Carol shook her head with a troubled expression. ¡°No, the police have searched everywhere they could in the vicinity. They even brought in the canines, <b>but </b>still, they couldn¡¯t find any trace of Mr. Guerra. As for theke¡­¡±

    She sighed before continuing. ¡°The <b>situation </b>here isplex, <b>especially </b>beneath the <b>water</b>. The police <b>still </b>haven¡¯t figured it out yet.¡±

    Rhizone was never one for many words, but at that moment, he bravely volunteered, ¡°Let me go check it. I¡¯m a good swimmer, and I grew up here. Everyone knows I can swim back and forth here several times without tiring

    They couldn¡¯t decide it themselves, so they first sought out the police officers to discuss the probability of the option.

    Upon learning that Rhizone wasn¡¯t even ten years old, the policepletely disapproved of the idea. However, after consulting with the nearby vigers and discovering that his swimming skills surpassed even some adults, they finally agreed to let him try.

    Lysander and Carol waited anxiously by the shore, watching Rhizone enter the restricted area with the police.

    Roughly half an hourter, Rhizone emerged from the depths of the lotus blossoms <b>and </b>swam back to shore. Those waiting on shore quickly helped him out of the water when they caught his pale face and grim expression.

    <b>The </b>police officer was the first to ask, ¡°Well, did you notice anything unusual down there?¡±

    Rhizone nced at Lysander, then with <b>a </b><b>shaken </b>voice, he said, ¡°I¨CI think I <b>saw </b><b>a </b>person submerged.

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    underwater, at the very bottom, entangled by the lotus roots.¡±

    A person at the bottom of theke could only be¡­. a corpse.

    Finished

    The police promptly dispatched additional personnel to search the area Rhizone pointed out. Even the police who were assigned elsewhere were called <b>back</b>.

    In <b>an </b>instant, the shore <b>had </b>descended <b>into </b>chaos.

    The vigers hurriedly gathered upon receiving the news, all praying that the person beneath the water wasn¡¯t <b>Josiah</b>.

    Mr. Guerra is a good man. He had only been in the vige for a few days but had already done so much for everyone. Justice doesn¡¯t exist if he loses his life here because of those bad people.

    At first, Lysander didn¡¯t react much. No one knew if she hadn¡¯t heard clearly or didn¡¯t understand.

    A momentter, her world turned upside <b>down</b>. Everything within her sight began <b>to </b>spin wildly. Thankfully, Carol was quick to steady her, preventing her from falling.

    Carol was worried. ¡°Mrs. Guerra, you must stay strong. The person beneath¡­ might not be¡­¡±

    She was<b>, </b>after all, significantly older than them. Even if she was panicking internally, she still appeared moreposed. However, she was hesitant to voice the most horrible oue.

    Lysander gritted her teeth and steadied herself, whispering to Carol very softly, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it. This

    can¡¯t be.¡±

    At times like these, what one can¡¯t afford to lose is the spirit they hold inside their heart.

    Neither spoke again and simply stood waiting by the shore with the others. <b>Just </b>as they were about to be statues from the long wait, the boat that the police officers took to dove into theke with Rhizone returned.

    They didn¡¯t disembark on Lysander¡¯s and the others¡® side but instead chose a spot on the opposite end.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.

    The <b>first </b>to disembark from the boat were two police officers. Once they had steadied themselves, they paused, turned around to help their colleague carry a dark¨Ccolored bag, and sat it down to the side.

    Anyone who worked in a hospital would recognize the bag¨Cit was a body bag

    Before, Lysander was constantly on edge, her heart pounding so hard it felt like it would leap out of her chest. Surprisingly, she was calm upon witnessing the scene from afar.

    Soon, another police officer rushed over, his expression conflicted as he said to Lysander, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, could you pleasee with us? We need your assistance with something.¡±

    He didn¡¯t specify what it was, but Lysander had a clear understanding of what he was asking. She appeared so nonchnt <b>that </b>it was almost abnormal. ¡°Okay.¡±

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    Secing Lysander in that state, Carol grew fearful. She stopped her, saying, ¡°Please wait here, Mrs. Guerra. I¡¯ll go instead.¡±

    Lysander looked at her with immense confusion <b>and said</b>, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Carol insisted as she grew increasingly worried. ¡°You¡¯re already exhausted and can¡¯t handle any more stress. Besides, if it really is¡­ I <b>can </b>identify him.¡±

    She then turned to the police officer and said, ¡°I¡¯m Mr. Guerra¡¯s secretary and have worked with him for many years. It serves the same function if I go.¡±

    The police officer had no objections to her offer. ¡°Sure,e with me.¡±

    However, Lysander abruptly reached out to hold onto Carol. ¡°Ms. Collins, let¡¯s go together. If I don¡¯t g <b>today</b>. I might regret it for the rest of my life. I¡¯ve already¡­ lost too many people.¡±

    For no reason, she recalled the words Josiah said in the mountains near the spa resort.

    One by one. My child and my father have left me. Indeed, no one in this world can apany me forever. <i>If </i>Josiah

    also¡­.

    Her words made Carol hesitate, a rare urrence. As their standoff continued, the forensic doctor returned from the other end. Upon seeing <b>his </b>colleague, he promptly gestured with his hand.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to call anyone for identification. This body couldn¡¯t possibly belong to the person who went missingst night. It¡¯s dposed to the point that only a skeleton is left, suggesting it must¡¯ve been submerged for at least a month or two to reach this state. However, we¡¯ll need to return to the station to verify the actual time of death.¡±

    The forensic doctor¡¯s words brought Lysander out of her depressing thoughts, saving her from the brink of a mental breakdown.

    Carol was instantly thrilled. ¡°It¡¯s not him! Mrs. Guerra, did you hear that? It isn¡¯t him!¡±

    Lysander felt as if all her strength had been drained from her body her heart suspended in fear finally settled back in ce.

    If the body in theke isn¡¯t Josiah, then where is he?

    Lysander¡¯s heart filled with apprehension again.

    Carol breathed <b>a </b>sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯ll go <b>and </b>ask around, see if there are any other leads.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thank you for the hard work.¡±

    Carol was ustomed to being a professional elite at work, always impably dressed and presentable. However, her <b>hands </b>were smeared with mud and her clothes were splotched and ruined at that moment.

    Noticing Lysander¡¯s gaze, Carpl felt a bit embarrassed and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll have Mr. Guerra reimburse me once he returns.¡±

    Lysander knew she was joking deliberately to cheer her up, so she yed along with <b>a </b>small smile. ¡°It

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    ¡°Mr. Guerra has always been quite generous, but even if he doesn¡¯t reimburse me, it¡¯s not a big deal because I still have you! You have to <b>stand </b>up for me.¡± Carol was never one for many words, nor did she wear her emotions on her sleeve. It seems that this piece of news has truly brought her considerable joy.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°L¡­¡±

    Just then, Nilou, who had been assisting the other adults in the vige to search for Josiah, had returned. She ran as she screamed. ¡°Dr. Thorne! Josiah is back!¡±

    Not far behind her, Josiah was striding purposefully toward Lysander.

    He was much dirtier than before, but his gait was still steady. He walked so fast <b>that </b>Rhizone had to jog behind him just to keep up.

    ¡°Mr. Guerral¡±

    Carol hurriedly raced to him, simultaneously beckoning the doctors in the ambnce toe over and assist. They quickly surrounded Josiah, forming an imprable circle around him. Josiah was tall

    tall. Even amidst the crowd, he stood out. He looked past them, his gazending on Lysander.

    Tears prickled in the back of Lysander¡¯s eyes. She took a deep breath to calm herself before walking over

    to him.

    Josiah casually raised his palm. Seeing the sign, the people surrounding him tactfully stepped aside momentarily.

    He watched her slowly approach, licking his lips. ¡°Lysander.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±

    She <b>took </b>a moment to thoroughly <b>look </b>him up and down. When she saw his injuries were merely superficial, aside from a slight limp in his right leg, she finally unclenched her tight fists.

    The tiny new wounds in the palm of her hand blended with the scabs from the scratches <b>she </b>got from grass and leaves the night before. If she let her hand hang down, it was hidden from view.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he assured. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about <b>me</b>.¡±

    He paused as if misspoken and quickly tried to backtrack. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean you shouldn¡¯t worry about me. There¡¯s nothing between us now, <b>so </b><b>it¡¯s </b>natural that you¡¯re not worried about me¡­ Wait, what am I <b>saying</b>¡­¡± he muttered in frustration under his breath.

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying

    Josiah lifted his head, slowly exhaling a sigh of relief. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel pressured.¡±

    A subtle shift stirred within Lysander¡¯s heart, and she slowly nodded in response.

    Over the past few days, she had graduallye to understand something.

    The remote area posed a significant challenge for Josiah, who <b>had </b>been <b>raised </b>in privilege andfort from <b>a </b>young age.

    Excluding the problems with basic necessities like eating and sleeping, just the issue of mosquitoes and

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    poor reception alone was enough to make him ufortable.

    Finished

    He was a man with a mild case of mysophobia, yet he had barely taken a shower over the past few days.

    Moreover, the rural vige didn¡¯t have those clean, high¨Cend restrooms. Instead, they were all pit toilets, small spaces built with bricks by the residents themselves.

    That lifestyle was worlds apart from what he was used to. Yet, he neverined.

    Even though Lysander was rtively slow¨Cwitted when it came to matters of the heart, she wasn¡¯tpletely clueless about them.

    ¡°Lysander?¡± Josiah called out to her.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Lysander answered. ¡°It¡¯s good that nothing happened to you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Josiah said, looking into Lysander¡¯s eyes. His voiceced with concern, he asked, ¡°What happened to your face? Did you fall?¡±

    He quickly told the doctor who rushed over to examine him, ¡°Please, check on her first.¡±

    Lysander responded softly, ¡°I¡¯m a doctor myself. This minor injury is just from a scrape with some foliage during my escapest night. A bit of disinfectant will do the trick, but your leg¡­

    ¡°My leg is Ah!¡± Midway through his speech, he winced in pain when he stepped on a stone by theke.

    Seeing the situation, Carol hurriedly suggested, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Guerra, the ambnce is right over there. Both of you should go for a check¨Cup immediately. While you¡¯re at it, you might want to share the details ofst night with the police<b>.</b>¡±

    The thugs had disappeared without a trace, and Rhizone¡¯s understanding of the situation was limited. The <b>person </b>with the clearest grasp of the entire situation at that moment was Josiah

    Lysander was also curious about what had happened, so she followed along.

    The resources in the ambnce were limited. They had disinfectants on hand but were out of anesthetics. Upon discovering that Josiah¡¯s right ankle was injured, the doctor could only warn, ¡°Mr. Guerra, it seems like you¡¯ve sprained your ankle. If we have to reposition the bone here, it¡¯s going to be quite painful, and unfortunately, we can¡¯t perform an x¨Cray.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± said Josiah, his expression unchanging. ¡°Go on.¡±

    Lysander knew the standard of the medical facilities at the vige well and advised, ¡°You should go back for treatment. If Harborbrook is too far for you, at least consider going to the medical establishment in

    Town.¡±

    Carol agreed, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯ll stay <b>and </b>keep an eye on things <b>if </b>you¡¯re worried about the situation here.¡±

    ¡°No, I must stay here personally! Josiah stated calmly. ¡°These people exploited Guerra Group¡¯s name and swindled people left and right, even harming people. I fear they might return for revenge.¡±

    He had made up his mind, and it wasn¡¯t appropriate for others to dissuade him any further.

    Carol asked Lysander directly, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, what do you say?¡±

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    Lysander crouched down in front of Josiah, taking hold of his right calf and giving it a brief examination.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think there are any fractures. It¡¯s just a sprain.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°However, orthopedics isn¡¯t my strong suit. We should let a specialist handle it.¡±

    Carol asked, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, do you mean to say, we should arrange it here?¡±

    Lysander turned to Josiah and asked, ¡°It¡¯s going to hurt a lot, can you handle it?¡±

    Josiah casually rolled up his pant leg, chuckling. ¡°I¡¯ve endured countless injuries, big and small, in the past. This is just a minor one.

    Both individuals had agreed, leaving Carol with little else to say. Thus, she subtly signaled the doctor she had brought along to attend to Josiah.

    The doctor, a middle¨Caged man, expressed surprise upon overhearing their conversation. So, Mrs. Guerra is <b>also </b>a doctor?¡±

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Obstetrics and Gynecology, undergraduate clinical medicine.¡±

    ¡°Have you worked in clinical medicine before? Then you should be able to handle this kind of sprain.¡±

    Lysander felt somewhat embarrassed.

    Back when she was in clinical medicine, she was indeed capable.

    However, after spending a long time in the obstetrics and gynecology department, her strength was not as great as it had once been.

    Moreover, Josiah¡¯s legs were long, she truly felt like her spirit was willing but her body was weak.

    Josiah assumed <b>that </b><b>she </b>was still not <b>over </b>her internal struggles and was avoiding any potential misunderstandings Therefore, he took the initiative and said to the doctor, ¡°You should do it.¡±

    <b>1</b>

    Carol quickly interjected, ¡°Thank you for your trouble, Doctor.¡±

    The doctor simply smiled, refrained frommenting, and began tending to Josiah¡¯s legs.

    Throughout the entire bone¨Csetting process, <b>Josiah </b>hadn¡¯t uttered a single word, but his forehead was drenched with cold sweat.

    The doctor, being quite exhausted, mused, ¡°No wonder Mrs. Guerra didn¡¯t take this on. This is indeed <b>a </b><b>task </b>a female doctor cannot handle, even I am having a hard time with it.¡±

    Carol handed over a tissue at just the right moment. ¡°Doctor, please wipe your sweat. I¡¯ll take you over

    there to rest,¡±

    ¡°But the wound <b>hasn¡¯t </b>been treated yet¡­

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    Josiah found himself perched on arge rock by the road, his right pant leg rolled up to his knee. Numerous wounds adorned his calf and arm.

    He lifted his head, giving a dryugh. ¡°Why did you send the doctor away, Carol? Never <b>mind</b>, hospital in townter¡­¡±

    ??

    Finished

    go

    to the

    ¡°The wound had been soaked in water. It needs to be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection.¡±

    Lysander retrieved <b>some </b>saline solution and hydrogen peroxide from the medical kit brought by the doctor, along with cotton swabs and bandages.

    Then, she crouched down to tend to his wounds once more.

    Lysander first used tweezers to extract the small stones and leaves from Josiah¡¯s wound, then rinsed it with saline solution. Then, she gently dabbed it with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide to disinfect, ensuring her movements were as delicate as possible.

    ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    Josiah was somewhat taken aback, biting his teeth, he replied, ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°The wound is quite deep, so I¡¯ll be exerting some force, otherwise the disinfection won¡¯t be thorough.¡±

    ¡°All right.<b>¡±</b>

    After tending <b>to </b>the <b>most </b>severe wound on his lower leg, Lysander¡¯s gaze fell on his forearm.

    The injury on his arm wasn¡¯t as severe as the one on the lower leg, but still¡­.

    The scar from the burn sustained in the fire still lingered.

    The wound was inflicted right on the pre¨Cexisting scar ¨C it <b>was </b>a case of adding salt to the wound.

    And it was all because of her.

    Lysander sighed softly.

    Josiah asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Tired? Stop what you¡¯re doing. I¡¯ll head back to the clinicter and let the nurse dress it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±

    ¨C

    ?Okay.¡±

    Carol wasn¡¯t mistaken, Josiah did listen to her.

    He was extremely obedient.

    Once the wound was finally taken care of, Lysander stood up, tidying up the medical supplies she had just

    used.

    Once the police noticed that their injuries had been taken care of, they casually strolled over to routinely inquire about the details of the previous night¡¯s events.

    Not wanting Lysander to worry Tosiah kent <b>his </b>exnation brief Those people thought I was awver

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    hired by the vigers, trying to make an example of the situation. My injuries were from the <b>fight</b>. Eventually, we ended up near a pond, it was <b>a </b>good chance to escape, so I jumped in and swam away.¡±

    ¡°No wonder the lotus flowers have been stripped bare. Is this also a result of your struggle?¡±

    The police attempted to recreate the exact circumstances at the time from the notes.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah admitted. ¡°After I jumped into the water, a few people followed suit. But it was <b>too </b>dark at the time, they couldn¡¯t find me.¡±

    The officer taking the statement stifled a twitch at the corner of his mouth. After confirming some details and features of the gang leader, he bid farewell. ¡°You should get <b>some </b>rest. We¡¯ll be on our way. If there are any updates on the case, we¡¯ll call you immediately.¡±

    If the sole purpose was to investigate these hooligans, their identities were already crystal clear. It seemed like there was no <b>need </b>for such strenuous effort.

    After the police had left, both Lysander and Carol simultaneously turned to <b>Josiah</b>, their expressions revealing they had something to say, yet was hesitant to voice it.

    Josiah detected an unusual aura and, furrowing his brows, he asked, ¡°Did something else happen while I <b>was </b>away?¡±

    Carol paused for a moment before she replied, ¡°Mr. Guerra, while the police were searching for you, they had asked Rhizone to swim through the depths of the pond, and they found something<b>¡­</b>¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah grew even more puzzled. ¡°What thing?¡±

    ¡°A corpse¡­

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face froze in an instant, disbelief apparent de confirmed, ¡°So it¡¯s true¡­ The

    Lanister family had the audacity tomit murder?!¡±

    Lysander sighed, nodding her <b>head</b>. ¡°The coroner performed a preliminary autopsy. The death appears to have urred about two to three months ago

    Carol added, ¡°Most importantly, they have always operated under the banner of Guerra Group. So now, everyone in the vige believes that the thugs were hired by Guerra Group, and that the murder was also <bmitted </b>by us.¡±

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face turned grim.

    <b>Carol </b>asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, what should we do now?¡±

    After a moment of thought, Josiah said, ¡°Regardless, we must first identify the deceased and confirm the murderer. Human lives are of utmost importance, everything else can be discussedter.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± Carol added, ¡°Also, the refrigerator has already been delivered to the health center. However, it might take a bit more time to arrange things for the volunteer teachers. Unless you have anything else, I¡¯ll bring them back to settle work matters.¡±

    She nned to excuse herself, leaving them some private space to interact.

    Josiali <b>gave </b>a slight nod, offering a few words of caution about keeping an eye on the actions of the Lanister family and certain individuals within thepany.

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    Carol, along with <b>the </b>people who hade with her, escorted Lysander and Josiah back to the health center. They also instructed the driver to move Josiah¡¯s car, which was parked by the pond, back to the vige entrance. Only then did they set off back to Harborbrook.

    Upon learning that Josiah had safely returned, ine, ine, alongside Nilou and Rhizone warmly expressed their concern for him.

    As ine spoke, he rubbed the corner of his eyes. ¡°Mr. Guerra, it¡¯s such <b>a </b>relief that you¡¯re okay. You <b>have </b>no idea how worried Dr. Thorne was when you disappeared. She lost her appetite, looking so distressed that she was on the verge of tears.¡±

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    Josiah¡¯s eyes flickered, turning <b>toward </b>Lysander as if seeking confirmation about ine¡¯s words.

    Rhizone, a <b>man </b>of few words, simply nodded in agreement. Then, with a palpable sense of guilt, he turned to Josiah <b>and </b><b>said</b>, ¡°Josiah, you entrusted Dr. Thorne to me. But I failed to protect her, and she ended up getting hurt.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Lysander said hastily, trying to alleviate his burden. ¡°My injury is minor. On the other <b>hand</b>, you¡¯ve been exhausted all night since you haven¡¯t gotten a wink of sleep. You¡¯re truly a little hero. When you grow up, I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll be able to provide a good life for your family.

    Upon hearing that, a <b>spark </b>lit up in Rhizone¡¯s eyes.

    Josiah gave a <b>gentle </b>smile. ¡°Without you, neither Dr. Thorne nor I would have known the way. So, you really did us a huge favor.¡±

    As he was speaking, he suddenly remembered that he hadn¡¯t yet paid for his food and lodging at Nilou¡¯s house the day before. Hence, he hastily reached for his wallet.

    Lysander saw him trying to move around not long after his ankle had just healed. Swiftly, she grabbed his wallet for him <b>and </b>handed it over, saying, ¡°<b>You </b>should rest for a few more days before doing anything strenuous. Just to be clear, if it needs to be reset, I really can¡¯t handle it.¡±

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, you don¡¯t need to worry about Josiah.¡± Lotus suggested earnestly. ¡°My father is currently setting amb¡¯s bone back in ce in the vige. Just a quick snap and all is well. If Josiah needs help, I can let him know and ask him toe over.¡±

    ine agreed, saying, ¡°Indeed, this is a solution. Some of the local <b>methods </b>used by the vigers are <b>quite </b>effective.

    Josiah quickly waved his hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother your father with such a trivial matter. <b>I </b>just bumped myself a bit, I¡¯m really fine now.¡±

    He casually asked, ¡°By the way, where are your parents? Is everyone in the vige all rightst night?¡±

    ¡°Everyone managed to avoid them in time, so no one encountered those people,¡± Nilou answered, unable to suppress <b>a </b>sigh. She spoke with a touch of mncholy. ¡°My parents were fixing the boat with the other adults. Those people were so cruel, they even damaged the boat before they left.¡±

    Upon hearing this, a subtle hint of displeasure appeared on Josiah¡¯s face.

    These people were far from just being cruel, they were pure evil. As for Dillon, who allowed them to run amok with their wicked deeds, he definitely couldn¡¯t be let off easily.

    After making up his mind, Josiah opened his wallet to hand over all the cash he had previously withdrawn from town <b>and </b>handed it to Niloy. ¡°This is for the straw crafts I sold <b>and </b>for the meals and lodging at your <b>ce</b><b>.</b>

    Both Nilou and Rhizone were <b>taken </b><b>aback</b>. Despite their age, this was the first time the siblings had <b>ever </b>seen such arge sum of money.

    ¡°Josiah, we can¡¯t ept so much.¡± Nilou was reluctant to take her eyes off the money, but she remembered her parents¡® teachings. She only took two notes and handed the rest back, saying. ¡°This is enough, we don¡¯t

    H

    man hana ¨¢ hundead sinu naaste at linma¡±

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    Josiah gave a gentle nod, saying, ¡°It¡¯s all right, keep it. What remains is a token of gratitude for the assistance you and Rhizone have given us. Also, I want to thank Rhizone for taking care of Dr. Thornest <b>night</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Nilou hesitated to ept it, instead turning to Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne¡­¡±

    Lysander knew that this amount of money was trivial to him, but it meant a great deal to Nilou and Rhizone. Hence, she persuaded them to ept it.

    ¡°Please, take it,¡± she said. ¡°He¡¯s injured and will need to stay here for a while to recover. Who knows, once he¡¯s better, he might need to stay at your ce and watch the fireflies. Consider these as an advanced deposit. Also, let¡¯s take this opportunity to rece the broken boat at your ce.¡±

    A ship that had once been damaged was ultimately unsafe. It was better to rece it as soon as possible to avoid any potential mishaps.

    No matter how clever and quick¨Cwitted Nilou was, she was still just a child. After hearing Lysander¡¯s words, she didn¡¯t persist any further. Instead, she sincerely thanked them. Seeing that Rhizone was still dazed, she instinctively pressed his head down and together they bowed in gratitude.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    The adults present couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the scene, sharing knowing smiles amongst themselves.

    Josiah asked once again, ¡°Would you like to go to school outside? Not in <b>town</b>, but somewhere bigger, <b>at </b>ce where <b>you </b>can really showcase your talents.¡±

    In a daze, Rhizone turned to Lysander, barely understanding what was happening.

    <b>Nilou¡¯s </b>eyes sparkled, her gaze brightening noticeably. It was clear she wanted to go, but after a moment, she asked, ¡°If my brother and I were to go to <b>school </b>outside, what will happen to Mom and Dad?¡±

    ¡°Of course, you can all go together.¡± Josiah was willing to financially support their family.

    Upon hearing these words, ine grew immensely excited and urged, ¡°Nilou, Rhizone, you must agree quickly. This is a wonderful opportunity! Mr. Guerra is offering to sponsor you!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Josiah, thank you, Dr. Thorne.¡± Nilou, though young, was thoughtful. She first politely thanked Josiah, then bit her lip and said, ¡°I know you¡¯re trying to help, but we need to go back and discuss this with our parents first. Can we give you an answerter?¡±

    ¡°Of course, anytime you¡¯re ready, feel free toe find me,¡± said <b>Josiah</b>, genuinely not wanting to se

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    As Lysander hoisted his arm over her shoulder, she exined to him, ¡°The Great Gathering is when the local vigers gather for a day of trade. Everyone will bring something to exchange on that day. This is the only town nearby, so it¡¯s bound to be exceptionally lively in the next couple of days.¡±

    She hade to the rural vige to seek relief from her inner torment and despair. Up until now, she had only heard about the local festivities but had never participated. However<b>, </b>after the thrilling events of the previous night, she had finally developed a certain interest in these vibrant, lively activities.

    With a thoughtful expression, Josiah suggested, ¡°Driving back and forth is quite a hassle. Why don¡¯t we extend our stay in town for a couple of days this time? Like the other vigers, we could go to the Great Gathering and visit the festival of the deities. I had no idea such events even existed before.¡±

    Mm.¡±

    Before leaving, Carol had instructed the driver to return the car to the entrance of the vige, which indeed saved them a <b>good </b>deal of trouble.

    Josiah had injured his ankle <b>and </b>wasn¡¯t able to exert much force for the time being. Naturally, the task of driving fell onto Lysander.

    Lysander had never driven the car before, but she adapted quickly. After taking the car keys, she practiced a bit at the vige entrance, and soon she was smoothly on her way.

    Just as the vigers had mentioned, the townsfolk had already begun preparations for the Great Gathering happening the next day, <b>causing </b>the roads to gradually be more congested.

    Josiah was worried that Lysander, with her limited driving experience, wouldn¡¯t be able to handle such at challenging situation. Unexpectedly, she managed to keep the car particrly steady.

    It was indeed quite consistent with her usual character.

    ¡°I knew you could drive and had a license, but I didn¡¯t realize your driving skills were this impressive,¡± he admitted from the passenger seat, aplex intrigue stirring within him.

    They <b>had </b>been married for such a long time, yet he didn¡¯t even know what she was capable of.

    <b>Lysander</b>, however, didn¡¯t consider being able to drive well as an extraordinary skill. She said nonchntly, ¡°The most important thing for a surgeon is a steady hand. If I can¡¯t even handle a steering wheel properly, how could I dare to perform surgery on someone?¡±N?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    This was merely an ordinary, trivial matter.

    Josiah nced at the bustling crowd ahead on the street and said, ¡°I¡¯vee to realize, days like these are not so bad.¡±

    Lysander gave him a look.

    ¡°So this is the simple life you¡¯ve always talked about,¡± said Josiah. ¡°A life of routine work and rest each day. The conditions might <b>not </b>be the best, but every day is fulfilling. The people around are genuine and friendly. There¡¯s no need to worry about hidden meanings in someone¡¯s words or who might be trying to take advantage of you¡­ Even though the body might feel tired, the heart feels light.¡±

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    wife. I have my own worth<b>, </b>as well as the lifestyle I desire.¡±

    ¡°I have started to adapt and even grew fond of your way of life.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re getting used to only bathing <b>once </b>a week?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah chuckled. ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve gone mad?¡±

    Finished

    In the brief pause as they waited for pedestrians to cross the road, Lysander sneaked a nce at him. ¡°No, I¡¯d only suspect you¡¯ve got a fever <b>again</b>.¡±

    Josiah gave a bitter smile. ¡°You¡¯re right. But I did have a moment of such thought. After all, if I hadn¡¯t personally encountered those thugs, I wouldn¡¯t have believed that Dillon would <b>have </b>the audacity to act so recklessly in my name<b>.</b>¡±

    His marriage with Tiffany had already been dissolved publicly.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Carol should be able to rify things on her return trip, right? Everyone in the vige is kind¨Chearted, I hope they can receive justice and keep their homes. Even if there¡¯s a need to develop the pond, it shouldn¡¯t disrupt their peaceful lives.¡±

    ¡°Definitely,¡± said Josiah, who had been in the vige for just under three days, but had already developed a fondness for the serene lifestyle here. He was quite moved as he said, ¡°The people and scenery here <b>are </b>wonderful. Had I <b>not </b>made this trip, I wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity to get to know you better.¡±

    As they spoke, the car slowly made its way through the crowd,ing to a halt beneath the only budget hotel in town.

    There were indeed a few small inns nestled within residential buildings in the vicinity. However, the suspiciously low prices made them question the legitimacy of the ce. Taking into ount her own cleanliness obsession and Josiah¡¯s usual lifestyle, Lysander <b>decided </b>to go for the budget hotel, which, judging from its exterior, had been around for quite some time.

    After a long journey, Josiah had taken some rest. When he got out of the vehicle, <b>his </b>injured ankle still felt <b>a </b>bit ufortable. However, as long as he didn¡¯t walk too quickly, it was hardly noticeable.

    Upon seeing the situation, Lysander <b>had </b>to change her initial n of helping him buy clothes. Pointing at the wholesale mall across the street, she asked, ¡°I¡¯ve already checked. There are no shopping malls in town, at most there¡¯s a fast¨Cfashion clothing store. Can you ept that?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Josiah nodded with unwavering certainty.

    The clothes clinging to his body had already pushed him to his limits. However, just as he was about to step into the wholesale mall, he said, ¡°I gave all the <b>cash </b>I had withdrawn earlier to Nilou, and I left my wallet in the consultation room. I do have my phone, but it¡¯s not charged.¡±

    People often say that the sky never bars one¡¯s way. However, this time, every path he took led to a dead end. He was, in all truth, penniless,

    After hearing Josiah¡¯s worries, Lysander gave a long sigh of relief. ¡°Your face suddenly turned so grim. I thought something serious had happened.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s face ashen. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a big deal to <b>not </b>have money?¡±

    This was probably the first time he had experienced the bitterness of being penniless.

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    Lysander found this moment truly precious and couldn¡¯t help but to crack a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve <b>got </b>it covered. If you really feel bad about it, consider it me repaying a favor. That way, I¡¯ll feel better too.¡±

    Josiah had once gifted her clothes, and now it was her turn to return the favor. However, the value disparity was temporarily hard to level out.

    However, Josiah had no intention of letting her repay his favor. After a moment <b>of </b>contemtion, he rallied his spirits and said, ¡°Consider the expensester as a loan from you to me.¡±

    With that, a new connection was established between them.

    Naturally, Lysander had no objections to this. She still had some unused cash on her, which could be conveniently spent here.

    The town only had this one shopping center, and these past few days coincided with the festival of the deities. The influx of people was so immense, it was as if everyone who could possiblye was crammed inside. The two of them had to jostle their way through the throng, rubbing shoulders with the crowd.

    This was a novel experience for Josiah. He <b>was </b>worried that Lysander might get pushed away due to the crowd. Using his height to his advantage, he grabbed her hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside, there are fewer people there.

    Lysander was worried that he might aggravate his ankle injury, so she followed him. When they finally reached the sales assistant, she understood why there were fewer people around.

    Upon clearly seeing the rows of lingerie hanging in front of him, Josiah¡¯s expression instantly turned.

    awkward.

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    Chapter 677 Dressed Up Just for YouContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

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    Comparatively, Lysander was much moreposed. She <b>said</b>, ¡°Since we¡¯re already here, we might as well- get something. After all, if we¡¯re going to change clothe,

    we¡¯ll have to change everything, inside and out.

    Let¡¯s just each pick what we like.¡±

    Even though that was what she said, but after inquiring about the material, she quickly chose a set of lingerie. She was in <b>such </b>a rush to get out that she couldn¡¯t bear to <b>waste </b>even a second more in the shop.

    Josiah rarely went out to buy clothes himself. Instead, he¡¯d either have sales assistants bring over seasonal new arrivals, worn by models of simr physique for him to choose from, or he would have designers custom make high¨Cend pieces for him. As for such personal clothing, it was even more particr.

    At that moment, staring at the array of underwear spread out like a vegetable market, he was utterly bewildered. Finally, when Lysander had finished her selection and came over, he gathered his asked, ¡°Do you think.. <b>this </b>will do?¡±

    courage and

    Lysander¡¯s expression immediately turned even more bewildered than his. ¡°How could I possibly know about men¡¯s underwear? If you think it¡¯s fine, then it should be.¡±

    The sales associate, afraid of missing a potential business opportunity, eagerly approached them. ¡°Take your time to choose, after all, the gentleman is dressing up for you. You two look like a match made in heaven. Are you newlyweds? Hahaha, you¡¯re still unfamiliar with your husband¡¯s size, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°We aren¡¯t¨C¡± Lysander tried to exin, but upon second thought, she gave up and said, ¡°Never mind.¡±

    They weren¡¯t a married couple nor were they dating, yet they were shopping for underwear together. This situation would only get moreplicated the more it was exined. It was better to let others misunderstand. After all, they were just strangers who had met by chance, none of them knew the other.

    Lysander shamelessly yed dumb, swiftly selecting two items for Josiah. She bundled them together with her own purchases and handed them over to the sales assistant to pack. Then, she quickly paid the bill.

    The sales <b>assistant </b>noticed that Lysander was the one paying. There was a brief moment of surprise on their face, but they quickly regainedposure and said with a smile, ¡°I bet thedy handles the finances. in your household. You two must have a wonderful rtionship.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>actually wanted to respond, but Lysander chuckled ambiguously and was already pulling him toward another <b>area</b>.

    The temperature in the mountain vige was rather low. If one were to stay here for an extended period, they would need to ensure they <b>had </b>enough clothing to keep themselves warm.

    Josiah watched as Lysander picked out clothes for him. He knew she was doing it to save time, but he was still very pleased. He felt like a typical boyfriend apanying his girlfriend on a shopping spree, trailing behind her, willingly carrying the shopping bags without a word ofint.

    When the two of them stepped out of the mall, they were carrying quite a few more items than before. Yet, they both felt <b>as </b>if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders.

    As Josiah guided Lysander through the crowd <b>toward </b>the budget hotel <b>on </b>the opposite side, he softly told her, <b>¡°</b><b>Actually</b>, I think what the <b>sales </b>assistant said made a lot of sense just now.¡±

    For no apparent reason, Lysander found himself recalling the phrase ¡°He¡¯s wearing it for you to sec,¡± and

    eerily maintained her cilence

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    <b>Josiah </b>was focused on the road, oblivious to her unusual behavior. He said in a deep voice, ¡°Indeed, thedy of the house should be in charge of the finances.

    So that¡¯s what he¡¯s referring to

    Lysander coughed lightly to hide her embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m afraid Ick the expertise for that. I can be <b>a </b>doctor, but managing money is really not my forte. If you were to entrust me with your family fortune, you¡¯d better be prepared for the worst¨Ccase scenario.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡± Josiah said with utmost seriousness. ¡°I believe in your ability to manage the finances. Anything you¡¯re willing to do, you¡¯ve always been able to do it best. It¡¯s just that your ambition doesn¡¯t lie

    here.¡±

    He should have realized this sooner, rather than when everything was on the brink of irrevocable damage. Luckily, they still had a chance to start over.

    After a short walk, they arrived at the lobby of the budget hotel.

    Lysander said, ¡°Go on in, weren¡¯t you in a hurry to take a shower?¡±

    The reception desk was manned by a middle¨Cageddy. Upon seeing the two of them enter, she greeted them. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived just in time. Anyter and there wouldn¡¯t have been any rooms left.¡±

    This budget hotel only had three floors, so it was expected that there would be few rooms. But no one anticipated just how few there would be.

    Lysander asked, ¡°Can we still get two <b>rooms</b><b>?</b>¡±

    e only have one double room left.¡± The friendlydy inquired, ¡°You¡¯re here for the festival of the deities, aren¡¯t you? Ever since a tourist posted pictures of the festival onlinest year, our little town has gained some poprity. It¡¯s quite a feat to have even one room left.¡±

    Their timing really couldn¡¯t have been worse.

    Lysander was left with no choice but to present her identification for registration. Since Josiah¡¯s ID was still in his wallet, <b>she </b>was the only one able to register.

    Fortunately, the town¡¯s management wasx. Other than giving her an extra nce when she paid, the receptionist didn¡¯t say anything else.

    The three¨Cstory hotel, naturally, didn¡¯t have an elevator. The pair were left with no choice but to lug their numerous bags up the <b>stairs</b>. However, just as they reached the staircase, they realized they were short of one room key and had to reluctantly return to retrieve it.

    Just as they turned the corner, the energetic voice of the front deskdy reached their ears. She was in the midst of a conversation with the <b>cleaning </bdy.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see it, but that young man, he was well¨Cbuilt and decent looking. Yet, he was out there spending a girl¡¯s money and didn¡¯t even <b>have </b>any identification on him. Could he possibly be involved in some shady business<b>?</b>¡±

    ..It shouldn¡¯t be, most of the young folks arriving recently have been traveling in groups. Perhaps he¡¯s a <b>toy </b>boy. I just saw the car she was driving; it clearly wasn¡¯t cheap. She must be a wealthy young woman, <b>and </b>that man <b>has </b>certainly hit the jackpot.¡±

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    The twodies were engrossed in their lively conversation, each spection more far¨Cfetched than the

    Lysander <b>was </b>a bit speechless, she subtly nced at Josiah. ¡°Should we exin ourselves?¡±

    The esteemed Josiah Guerra was being mistaken for a toy boy¡­

    The issue was, she was currently covered in dirt, looking absolutely filthy. On what grounds did the woman <b>think </b>she had the money to keep a toy boy?

    ¡°No need.¡± Josiah¡¯s mindset had already shifted toward <b>tranquility</b>, viewing everything in a positive light. ¡°At least they referred to me as a pretty boy, not an old man. That means I must still look quite young, right?¡±

    Lysander was rendered speechless.

    You¡¯re quite the optimist.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go take a bath.¡±

    It was a suggestion Lysander highly approved <b>of</b>

    The double room at the budget hotel was far from spacious. Everything was in in sight once one opens the door. However, the most awkward part was the bathroom, situated immediately to <b>the </b>left upon entering.

    Lysander stood by the entrance, hesitated for a moment before saying. ¡°I¡¯m going out <b>for </b>a bit, you go ahead and take a shower. Call me when you¡¯re done.¡±

    The bathroom was enclosed by ss and was directly facing the direction of the bed.

    Even though the ss had been frosted, one could still vaguely make out the outlines.

    After a brief pause, Josiah asked, ¡°I recall you just bought some bedsheet, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ?? ¡°Mm¨Chmm¡­

    Considering that he would be staying in the health clinic for recovery after returning, Lysander had. specifically bought a new set.

    Relieved, Josiah suggested, ¡°That settles it then. We¡¯ll sleep on the set you bought tonight. As for the sheets. provided by the hotel, let¡¯s hang them up as curtains for now.¡±

    He dragged his injured body over, removed the bedsheet and hung it on the ss partition facing the bed.

    Since Lysander couldn¡¯te up with a better idea, she sighed and said, ¡°We¡¯ll just have to make do for now. Go ahead and take your bath. Once you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll need to freshen up too.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t taken a hot shower in several days, <b>so</b><b>, </b>given the opportunity, she intended to thoroughly enjoy one without any rush. She allowed Josiah to bathe first so that she wouldn¡¯t feel embarrassed about making him wait for his turnter on.

    Josiah caught on quickly, drew the curtains, and took a brisk, invigorating shower.

    After he had cleaned himself up, he didn¡¯t even bother to dry his hair before wrapping a towel <b>around</b>

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    himself and stepping out. He addressed Lysander, who was lost in thought facing away from the bathroom, <b>saying</b>, ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s my turn.¡±

    Finished

    Lysander picked up the new set of clothes, ready to step in. However, she froze in her tracks <b>as </b>she turned

    around.

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    Perhaps it was due to the he seemed particrly small.

    Finished

    rather skimpy towels, but the one Josiah had wrapped around himself from covering the essential areas, it barely concealed anything at all.

    During the course of their marriage, they had already done everything that was expected of them.

    But at that moment, in the clear light of day, a man and a woman found themselves alone together in the

    same room¡­

    Moreover, they were in a hotel room.

    It unexpectedly reminded her of that one night at Apex City.

    Lysander cleared his throat softly and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡±

    Josiah answered truthfully, ¡°I just finished taking a bath, I¡¯m not cold.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Lysander walked briskly past him without lifting her head. ¡°I¡¯m off to take a shower. You should hurry and get dressed, be careful not to catch a cold.¡±

    The bathroom was still filled with lingering warmth. Upon closing the ss door, her vision became significantly obstructed. After she undressed and turned on the shower to wash her hair, her sight was further engulfed by a vast expanse of white mist.

    Lysander had a particr penchant for cleanliness. Seeing that the bathroom slippers provided were not disposable, she opted to go barefoot like Josiah, stepping onto the clean tiles to bathe.

    However, probably because the soap hadn¡¯t rinsed off properly, she slipped and fell as soon as she took her first step.

    As she stumbled toward the sink, she instinctively let out a gasp instinctively. ¡°Ah-¡±

    In the next moment, the bathroom door was pushed open from the outside, and she was caught just in time.

    The hot water continued to spray down, instantly drenching the two of them.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Josiah gazed at the bright eyes peeking out from beneath Lysander¡¯s disheveled hair, his breath catching inexplicably. He quickly turned his face away, muttering in a hoarse voice, ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    He didn¡¯t dare to let his gaze wander further down. Instead, he focused on the delicate curve of Lysander¡¯s jawline, then lifted his eyes toward the white sheets hanging outside the ss partition, using it as a distraction to mask his nervousness.

    Lysander brushed off the pain from bumping into the corner of the sink, instinctively wanting to express gratitude. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just slipped-¡±

    She was in the middle of speaking when she suddenly gasped, swiftly pulling away from Josiah¡¯s embrace. Turning her back to him and facing the bathroom wall, she spoke in a flustered and embarrassed tone, ¡°You should go.

    ¡°¡­Mmm.¡±

    :

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    dare to linger any longer and dashed out of the bathroom.

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    Upon reaching the bedside, he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to close the door. He hurried back to do so, only to find that Lysander was just about to turn around to shut the door herself.

    T

    ¦¯¦É

    vo found themselves facing cach other once again. One was drenched from head to toe, while the vas stripped of all clothing.

    This time, Lysander reacted swiftly. She decisively shut the door and turned the shower on to its maximum, using the sound of the gushing water to drown out the loud pounding of her heart.

    Lysander took much longer in the shower than anticipated, utterly unsure of how to face Josiah.

    Pretending as if nothing had happened wasn¡¯t impossible, it was just that the more one tried to forget. something, the more it would inevitably resurface in their mind. She continued to bathe until the water gradually turned cold, only then did she sluggishly begin to dress and dry her hair.

    ¡°Lysander.¡±

    His muffled voice echoed from outside the door.

    Lysander turned off the hairdryer and went on high alert. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°<i>The </i>hotel bathroom doesn¡¯t have any non¨Cslip mats. Here, you can use my discarded clothes as a makeshift mat. This way, you won¡¯t slip.¡±

    Through the foggy ss, she could make out Josiah¡¯s silhouette.

    He held a bundle of fabric in his hand, likely the clothes he had changed out of.

    ¡°I¡¯ll turn around and toss you the clothes. Is that all right?¡±

    Suddenly, Lysander felt her lips were somewhat parched.

    However, the ground was incredibly slippery, and she was afraid she might fall again.

    Though they were in town, the medical facilities were far from ideal. Josiah was still nursing his injuries. Who would take care of him if she got injured too?

    After considering carefully in her heart, Lysander agreed, saying, ¡°All right then.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± came Josiah¡¯s reply.

    <i>Creak</i><i>. </i>The bathroom door was nudged open from the outside, creating a small

    gap<b>.</b>

    Right after, a bundle of clothing was swiftly tossed at her feet, and then the bathroom door quickly shut again.

    He cleared his throat, speaking softly. ¡°I don¡¯t want them anymore. Feel free to step on them, it¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else, you may continue.¡±

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    Josiah l

    hat.

    Finished

    Lysander looked at the clothes scattered on the ground, stepped on them, and continued blow¨Cdrying her hair.

    When Lysander pushed the door open, Josiah was already standing by the window furthest from the bathroom. He had slightly cracked open the window and stood rooted to the ground.

    It was unclear what thoughts were upying his mind.

    As a result, the temperature inside the room had be somewhat chilly.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but sneeze.

    Josiah first made sure to tightly shut the window before he turned to look in her direction. Seeing her barefoot on the floor, he didn¡¯t hesitate to pick her up and gently ced her on the bed.

    There were certain advantages to a small room. For instance, he was able toplete a series of actions smoothly and effortlessly, all within less than three steps.

    The two of them nced at each other, a hint of lingering awkwardness still present in the air.

    Finally, it was Josiah who cleared his throat, breaking the silence. ¡°The clothes you chose for me fit very well.¡±

    The bath towel he had previously worn into the bathroom was now thoroughly soaked. It was currently hanging on a rack to dry. What he was wearing now was something Lysander had bought from the mall.

    Upon hearing his words, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but give him a onceover.

    Upon seeing the man in his thirties, the slightly baggy sweatshirt he wore didn¡¯t seem out of ce at all; rather, it lent him a youthful air. Simultaneously, his overall demeanor seemed to have gained a touch of refinement.

    If it hadn¡¯t been mentioned beforehand, no one would have believed that this outfit was actually purchased from a wholesale market in a small town.

    ¡°I¡¯m d it fits,¡± Lysander replied curtly.

    Josiah did not respond any further. Instead, he half¨Ccrouched by the window, gently grasping her ankle. He positioned her foot on his leg and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention that your foot was also injured? I genuinely thought you had only been scratched by some grass and pebbles<b>.¡±</b>

    Throughout the journey, Lysander moved with ease, showing no signs of injury at all.

    Had he known it would turn out this way, he really shouldn¡¯t have let her drive for so long to get to town.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, I just twisted it a bit while running with Rhizone yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Let me see.¡±

    He knelt on one knee, gently cing her ankle on his own knee.

    Lysander chuckled lightly. ¡°Do you understand the structure of the human skeleton?<b>¡±</b>

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    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± said Josiah, gently squeezing her slender ankle, feeling slightly relieved. ¡°But I can tell, it¡¯s a bit

    swollen.¡±

    Indeed, it was a bit swollen. After all, she had twisted it once again in the bathroom just now after twisting it yesterday.

    However, it probably wasn¡¯t too severe. The pain was dull, not sharp.

    ¡°Take a break, I¡¯m stepping out for a bit.¡±

    Josiah stood up, volunteering to make a trip out of the hotel. When he returned, he held an additional bag from the pharmacy.

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    Chapter 679 I Will Apany You

    ¡°Thankfully, electronic payment is an option here, saving me the awkwardness of having to ask random strangers for cash.¡±

    As he spoke, he tore open the antiseptic package, intending to apply it on Lysander with a cotton swab, naturally squatting down in the process.

    Lysander thought he was making a mountain out of a molehill, but she couldn¡¯t resist his persistence. Reluctantly, she extended her hand and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be gentle,¡± promised Josiah, as he delicately applied th

    as light as a feather.

    medicine to her wound. His movements were

    Lysander studied his prominent nose, contemting his serious expression. A swirl of emotions stirred within her, aplex blend she couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint:This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    This serene moment was akin to the time before the truth had been unveiled.

    Lysander felt an inexplicable sting in her nose.

    Upon lifting his gaze, Josiah noticed an unusual glint in her eyes, immediately causing him to worry, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Lysander gently shook her head. ¡°How¡¯s the wound on your leg? You didn¡¯t get it wet in the shower, did you?¡±

    ¡°No, I was extra careful,¡± Josiah responded, suddenly shing a mysterious smile. ¡°By the way<i>, </i>can you guess what I overheard the receptionist saying when I went to get the second room key?¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t think he¡¯d appreciate being seen as a freeloader. She asked with confusion, ¡°Has the misunderstanding been cleared up?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Josiah chuckled.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t familiar with the local roads, so I told them I was buying medicine for my girlfriend and needed to know where the pharmacy was. When I returned, I overheard the receptionist and the cleaningdy discussing how impressive my customer service was¡­¡±

    His expression was calm, indicating that he had already epted the situation.

    A smile tugged at the corner of Lysander¡¯s mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll still have to find a chance to exin.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to exin? We won¡¯t be staying for more than a few days. Pay no heed to it.¡±

    ¡°Are you willing to be misunderstood as a toy boy?¡±

    Josiah posed a direct counter¨Cquestion to her. ¡°Our rtionship is either the wealthy woman and her toy boy, or boyfriend and girlfriend. Which of these roles would you prefer?¡±

    Lysander bit her lip.

    It seemed as though Josiah had seen through her thoughts from the very beginning, his demeanor rxed. ¡°So, let them believe I¡¯m just a toy boy,¡± he said nonchntly.

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    Lysander was at a loss for words.

    She wondered if all men enjoyed roley.

    When it was time to sleep at night, Josiah even raised an eyebrow and asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, do you need any assistance tonight?¡±

    At the time, Lysander was drinking water and choked abruptly, coughing for quite a while.

    While patting her back, Josiah let out a helplessugh. ¡°Can¡¯t you take a little joke?¡±

    Tears streamed down Lysander¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯m not ustomed to your high¨Csociety games.¡±

    ¡°High society is dull, it¡¯s better to stay down¨Cto¨Cearth.¡±

    Josiah pulled out two pieces of tissue to wipe away her tears.

    After taking care of her, Josiah instinctively used clothes to create a clear boundary on therge bed.

    He traced the boundary with his hand, promising, ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t cross the line.¡±

    He was injured at the time, so it wasn¡¯t appropriate for him to sleep on the floor. The sofa in the room was too small for him to stretch outfortably.

    Whenever Lysander was faced a wounded patient, her demeanor would involuntarily soften. Moreover, she owed him a great favor.

    ¡°I know,¡± she said, her trust in Josiah gradually returning without her even realizing it. ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep at allst night. You should rest now, especially if you¡¯re nning on going to the market tomorrow. If you don¡¯t sleep now, you won¡¯t be able to wake up in the morning.¡±

    Josiah was sitting sideways, intently watching her. His deep¨Cset eyes were gently illuminated by the bedsidemp.

    Lysander tried to close her eyes, but even without seeing him, she could still feel his intense gaze, prompting her to ask, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asleep yet?¡±

    Thest time they shared a bed was just a few days ago, albeit in a cramped dorm room.

    Josiah could still recall how he felt back then. His back was so tense that it was almost unbearable, yet he dared not press against her too much, afraid of startling her.

    He honestly admitted, ¡°I¡¯m¡­ having a bit of trouble sleeping right now.¡±

    Lysander opened her eyes and said, ¡°I feel the same way, actually. Maybe it¡¯s because my body and mind are both exhausted to the extreme that I can¡¯t sleep. In medical terms, this could be exined as my brain being overly stimted.¡±

    After a brief silence, Josiah asked, ¡°Can you exin it inyman terms<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Basically, your brain cells are constantly firing, which leads to your sympathetic nervous system taking over and releasing too many thyroid hormones,¡± Lysander exined seriously.

    Josiah looked at her, seeing the intensity in her eyes, and admitted with a sigh, ¡°Honestly¡­ I¡¯m still lost.¡±

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    but to offer the simplest exnation. ¡°It¡¯s like being overwhelmed by anxiety, unable to recover immediately. Simr to a stretched rubber band, if you let go suddenly, it will only cause harm. One can only wait for it to gradually return to its original state.¡±

    This time around, Josiah finally understood.

    The budget hotel didn¡¯t offer any meals, so both of them had to order takeout for dinner.

    They felt at ease after enjoying a bowl of pasta each. Yet, annoyingly, they didn¡¯t feel the slightest bit sleepy.

    Josiah took the initiative and suggested, ¡°How about we chat for a bit? Maybe we¡¯ll get sleepy as we talk.¡±

    Lysander had no objections. ¡°What should we talk about?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± admitted Josiah, struggling to voice his true thoughts. He merely ask, ¡°Doesn¡¯t this feel like deja vu to you?¡±

    He was referring to the period of time after they got married.

    When Lysander thought back to the past, she was now able to calmly reflect on those events.

    ¡°I actually feel that things are not the same as they were before. Previously, we were a married couple, and sharing a bed was the norm. To put it simply, we were fulfilling our marital duties, and I believe you saw it the same way. But now¡­ we¡¯re divorced, and we can finally talk peacefully.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Josiah asked, ¡°How long do you n on staying here?¡±

    ¡°I made a promise to ine I¡¯d stay here at least until the end of the year,¡± she said. ¡°As for what happens after that, I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡±

    There was less than two months left until the New Year. It was a period that could be considered neither long nor short.

    Without a second thought, Josiah said, ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    The room was filled with a prolonged silence.

    ¡°Are you giving up on thepany?¡± Lysander questioned.

    Josiah spoke seriously, ¡°Of course not, but we can¡¯t ignore the situation here. Apart from myself, I¡¯m afraid no one else might be able to handle the trouble Dillon brings. If I¡¯m not here, I worry he might harm you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re already aware of this situation, I don¡¯t believe he¡¯d dare to kill me under your watch.¡±

    ¡°He definitely wouldn¡¯t resort to murder, but he could stir up enough trouble to disrupt the peace of this vige. You¡¯re a doctor. He could easily tamper with your medical supplies, or dilute

    your medications, causing them to spoil. If someone falls ill as a result, he could pin the me on you, iming that your medical equipment is contaminated. What would you do then?¡±

    Lysander fell silent.

    The health clinic was understaffed.

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    Furthermore, there wasn¡¯t anyone specifically assigned to keep watch.

    For Dillon, orchestrating such a scheme was not a challenging task.

    Josiah said, ¡°At least when I¡¯m around, no matter what he ns to do, he¡¯ll always have some reservations.¡±

    Lysander sighed.

    Regardless of whether she was willing to admit it or not, Josiah¡¯s presence indeed posed a significant intimidation to Dillon.

    ¡°Of course, I really want to experience your life. I can always drive back and forth if need be.¡±

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    The following morning, her biological clock almost failed her. It was the sound of Josiah freshening up that roused her from sleep.

    After a day of rest, the exhaustion from the day before finally revealed itself. No sooner had she sat up than a wave of fatigue and backache washed over her, as if she¡¯d been run over by a truck.

    It¡¯s time <i>I </i>focus <i>on </i>strengthening <i>my </i>body and exercising more.

    Upon hearing the noise from outside, Josiah hurriedly emerged from the bathroom, apologizing, ¡°I¡¯m sorry if I woke you. I intended to wake you only after I finished freshening up!

    Lysander had slept rather soundly that night, so much so that she almost overslept. Upon hearing his voice, it felt as though she was still in a dream, until the bustling sounds from the nearby street reached

    her ears.

    The next moment, the sound of fireworks, which had be a rarity in the city, began to resonate.

    Bewildered, Lysander gazed toward the direction of the curtains, only speaking once the noise had subsided. ¡°Seems like the festival of the deities has started.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s eardrums throbbed with pain. He had never imagined that the festival of the deities was such a grand affair,

    As a child, Lysander had visited her hometown with Maverick a few times, gaining some understanding of the local customs. When it was time to leave, she shared a few more insights with Josiah.

    ¡°The festival of the deities originally started as a ritual. In my hometown, they would mark its beginning with fireworks, weing the deities. The front deskdy mentioned yesterday that the parade should be starting soon.¡±

    Josiah had never seen it before. Initially, he just wanted to spend time with Lysander. But at that moment, he was genuinely intrigued by it.

    The two casually grabbed a bag of breadsticks from a breakfast stall near the hotel, then headed together toward the street where the festival of the deities was being held. Along the way, the streets were teeming with tourists, even more bustling than the wholesale mall they had visited the day before.

    Leveraging his height, Josiah held a breadstick in one hand while keeping Lysander close with the other, preventing them from being separated by the crowd,

    Lysander nced at the arm blocking her path, feeling slightly ufortable. She shifted to the side, finished the breadstick in her hand, and said, ¡°I¡¯m full.¡±

    She had merely eaten two pieces.

    Josiah was worried that she hadn¡¯t eaten enough. Silently, he secured the top of the brown paper bag and shifted it to the crook of his army, saying, ¡°There¡¯s a ce selling soy milk over there. I¡¯ll go get us some.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go then.¡± Lysander took the opportunity to put a little distance between them.

    The streets were crowded, filled with people heading to the start of the parade to join the festivities. The two of them could only maintain a distance of a few inches at most. Even if they wanted to keep further

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    After purchasing the soy milk, Lysander stopped in her tracks. She was just about to hand one of the cups to Josiah when two yful children saw an opportunity to dart between them.

    ¡°Haha, you can¡¯t catch me!¡±

    The child running ahead paid no attention to where he was going and ran straight into Lysander, who tried to dodge but was too slow. Seeing that she was about <i>to </i><i>be </i>swept away by the crowd, Josiah swiftly extended his arm and pulled her back just in time.

    Just as Lysander was about to breathe a sigh of relief, another little boy, chasing after his friend, came barreling toward her. Unable to stop in time, he collided with her, sending her directly into the arms of Josiah.

    The height difference between the two was about that of a person¡¯s head, which should have prevented a disastrous collision. However, Josiah had unexpectedly bent down to check on Lysander, and his chin ended up hitting her forehead. She had no way to avoid it, and in an attempt to protect her soy milk, she subconsciously lifted her face.

    Immediately, Josiah felt a soft sensation brush against his throat.

    Before he could react, Lysander had already lifted her hand to wipe her lips. She had just eaten a breadstick and hadn¡¯t had the chance to wipe her mouth, feeling <i>so </i>embarrassed she wished the ground would swallow her up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll get you a tissue.¡±

    As she spoke, she rummaged through her pockets fervently for what felt like an eternity. Only then did she remember that the clothes she was wearing were hastily bought the previous day, leaving her no time to stow away the essential items she typically carried with her when she left the house.

    ¡°No need,¡± said Josiah. Suddenly, he took her hand, gently brushing the back of it¨Cwhich had just grazed her lips¨Cagainst his throat.

    It could be considered a second¨Chand kiss.

    ¡°There are too many people around. It isn¡¯t convenient to keep tissues in the pocket. I can just wipe it off with your hand.¡±

    Lysander was immediately taken aback. She was just about to ask him if he had mistaken her hand for a tissue when she saw the two children who were previously ying around being pulled back by their mother.

    The mother of the children didn¡¯t brush off the situation just because they were young. Instead, she seriously took them aside and said, ¡°Apologize to this sir anddy.¡±

    Both kids were well¨Cbehaved. After realizing they had carelessly run into someone, they hung their heads in remorse and apologized, ¡°Miss, we¡¯re sorry.¡±

    Only then did Lysander notice that the two of them were dressed identically and looked remarkably simr. With a smile, she said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. Just be more careful in the future. With so many people around, you can¡¯t just run around aimlessly. What would you do if you got separated from Are you two twins?¡±

    The child repeatedly nodded/in agreement, a sight that triggered a smile from Josiah.

    your mother?

    Upon seeing Lysander¡¯s gentleness and the handsome man by her side, the child¡¯s mother breathed a sigh of relief and casually struck up a conversation with them.

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    ¡°You¡¯re here for the church fair, right? So are we. Unfortunately, we got up a bitte and there¡¯s no chance of getting a good spot now. When the parade starts, we¡¯ll only be able to see the deity statue on the pnquins from here. Sigh, my husband went off to grab some candles. I have no idea when he¡¯ll be back¡±

    ¡°Do you still need to jostle for the candles?¡± Lysander had intended to visit the local church to lit a candle, but upon hearing that one had to jostle for them, she couldn¡¯t help but reconsider. She was unsure if she should go at all.

    ¡°Normally, there¡¯s no need, but today is the festival of the deities, a big day. They say that prayers and asking for a sign from the deities are particrly effective on this day¡± The child¡¯s mother, a warm hearted woman, exined some details about the church before leaving to join her husband.

    Upon seeing Lysander deep in thought, Josiah also made up his mind.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we go over and take a look too? Even though we won¡¯t be the first to light candles, given the number of people who¡¯vee today, the deities in the church surely won¡¯t be stingy. Who knows, our wishes might juste true. If not, we could at least try asking the deities for a sign. I really do need some divine guidance on a matter.¡±

    Hearing this, Lysander couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of receiving a bad sign and bing stressed from it? I remember you didn¡¯t believe in such things before.¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the same before?¡± Josiah recalled a minor event from the past. ¡°I remember you likened asking for a sign to rolling dice, both being a matter of probability¡±

    It sounds like what someone in the medical field would say. This response truly embodies a pragmatic perspectiveN?velDrama.Org (C) content.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t quite recall when she had said those words. She looked off into the distance, in the direction of the church where the child¡¯s mother had pointed out for asking for a sign from the deities. She said, ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because there¡¯s someone I yearn to see now but can never meet again.¡±

    The parade was organized by the citizens from the neighboring towns and viges on a voluntary basis. A few individuals from each settlement came forward, eventually forming a procession reminiscent of a winding dragon. From a street corner, one could gaze upon this line and almost believe it had no end.

    Josiah stood protectively by Lysander¡¯s side by the street, intermittently pausing to nce at the procession as they made their way toward the small church.

    ¡°Surprisingly, the parade consists of men and women, young and old. I initially thought they would only choose those in their prime, considering the task seems physically demanding.¡± This experience was certainly an eye¨Copener for him.

    Life in the city was undoubtedly vibrant and exciting, but in ces he had never set foot before, there were just as many unknowns.

    Lysander didn¡¯tugh at his naivety, but simply said in a calm voice. ¡°People in the vige work hard for a living. Don¡¯t underestimate the elderly in the group. Despite their age, their strength might surprise you They could plow several miles in one go even after a few more years. As for the children¡­ Have you forgotten about Rhizone?¡±

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    The moment the topic turned to the child who could effortlessly lift Lysander, all of Josiah¡¯s doubts dissipated. He figured that even if the local children didn¡¯t possess such extraordinary athletic prowess, they must certainly have decent physical strength.

    As the two were conversing, the procession halted for a performance. First, a group of children, pretending to be cupids, performed a series of backflips in ce. Following them was an elderly man on stilts, which were at least one point two meters high. Yet, he moved as if he were on t ground, seemingly unaffected by the height.

    Josiah hadpletely decided to take back his previous words. The parade participants were filled with talented individuals. If one didn¡¯t know better, one hey would have thought they were professional acrobats hired for a performance.

    Lysander rarely saw his pupils constrict like that, and being able to read his mind, she said, ¡°You¡¯ve only been to ces like this when doing charity work before, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve never been here before,¡± Josiah admitted candidly. ¡°In the past, my involvement in charitable activities was limited to signing off on ns. At most, I would pose for a photo with representatives. As for the actual circumstances, the assessment was always done by the staff working on the ground.¡±

    He had never imagined that the seemingly insignificant lines written in the contract could actually hold such a profound impact on so many people¡¯s lives.

    Lysander wasn¡¯t surprised by this. She merely remarked, ¡°It¡¯s rather ironic, isn¡¯t it? Back when we were married, we barely knew anything about each other¡¯s work. Now, it seems we can actually hold a

    conversation about it.¡±

    Today, she was dressed simply. Her outfit consisted of dark blue jeans paired with a solid¨Ccolored sweatshirt. The shoes she wore were nearly identical to the pair she had lost in the vige, a pair of canvas shoes. At first nce, she and Josiah, who stood beside her, looked as if they were wearing matching couple outfits.

    Inwardly, Josiah felt a hint of joy although he didn¡¯t show it. He subtly moved closer to Lysander while shielding her, appearing just like any ordinary couple would.

    After the vigers, ying various characters, hadpleted their parts, the focus of the procession turned to the deity statues being carried on wooden pnquins. They were, in fact, the true protagonists of the day.

    Lysander had little knowledge about the local customs there, so she had no choice but to eavesdrop on an elderly local who was exining the situation to a young man nearby.

    Josiah also hurried to catch up, matching her pace.

    ¡°The festivities were not only for the people to enjoy, but also for the deities to witness. Today, everyone gathered to bring the deities out to revel with the people. After the worship ceremony in two days, they would be returned. In the past, when people relied on the divine for sustenance, this was the method used to pray for favorable weather.¡±

    If this story had been told to him in the past, Josiah would have merely dismissed it as superstition, his face expressionless. However, after witnessing the lives of the people here firsthand, his perspective shifted.

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    Every individual here was striving hard in their lives. Having a ce to anchor one¡¯s soul was indeed a good thing. After all, one had to have aspirat Truly live.

    Moreover, he had be someone with aspirations of his own.

    Lysander¡¯s gaze swept over each statue as shemented candidly, ¡°The craftsmanship of the person who made them is truly remarkable. They look so lifelike at first nce, especially the one that was just carried past. Its face is quite handsome.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Josiah immediately craned his neck forward to take a closer look. Only after clearly seeing the face of the statue did he breathe a sigh of relief.

    The portrait of the deity was depicted with great majesty, exuding an air of superiority that was untouched by the mundane world. It bore no resemnce to Adrian or those whom he had always been wary of.

    It seems <i>that </i>Lysander¡¯s <i>taste </i>hasn¡¯t <i>changed </i>much.

    Upon hearing Lysander¡¯s words, the old man turned around and responded with a warm, jovialugh.

    ¡°Times have changed, and naturally, the deity¡¯s statue must keep up with the times. After all, it¡¯s intended to be repainted every few decades. If it wasn¡¯t for a tourist who did a documentary of the statuest year, our town wouldn¡¯t have attracted so many visitors this year. It hasn¡¯t been this lively in many years.¡±

    ¡°Sir, do you know what these deities are known to protect?¡±

    Lysander had alreadye, so she didn¡¯t want to be a clueless tourist. Moreover, since she was there to make a wish, it was essential to first understand the roles of the deities in the church.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Aphrodite¡­ If you¡¯re hoping for a child, just offer a prayer to her. You¡¯ll conceive in no time!¡±

    The old man spoke knowledgeably about the deities in the festival; he was practically a walking storybook. He noticed that Lysander was listening with rapt attention, and he hadn¡¯t spoken this much in a long time. It was only after he finished talking about the parade that he noticed Josiah, who was standing next to her.

    ¡°This young man is as handsome as the deities. Your future children will undoubtedly be good¨Clooking.¡±

    In local customs,plimenting someone for their resemnce to a deity was undoubtedly apliment.

    Josiah had already fully integrated himself into the local life and promptly expressed his gratitude politely.

    Lysander quickly changed the subject, ¡°And¡­ who is that deity behind?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that one? That¡¯s Enipeus.¡±

    ¡°Enipeus? A water deity?¡±

    ¡°Kind of.¡± The elderly man chuckled before adding, ¡°It¡¯s mentioned in the county annals that in ancient times, when Enipeus still resided there, young men and women who wished to marry and have children would draw a bowl of water before their wedding as a way to seek his blessings and protection.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Josiah became intrigued. ¡°So how can one determine if they¡¯ve ained Enipeus¡¯s approval?¡±

    ¡°It all depends on whether the bowl of water is clear or murky. If it¡¯s clear, it signifies that the couple will

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    her. But if the water is cloudy, it¡¯s likely that

    The elderly man spoke while observing Josiah, who was subconsciously moving closer toward Lysander He reassured them, ¡°You two shouldn¡¯t worry about these things. It¡¯s leau to see how deeply you care for each other. Even if there are any setbacks, I¡¯m confident you¡¯ll be able to ovee them¡±

    Lysander thought about their first marriage which failedpletely and responded with a silent smile.

    Surprisingly, Josiah was somewhat moved. He engaged the elderly man in casual conversation, asking about the location of the river and such. Upon learning that the river had long since dried up, leaving at most well water, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a hint of disappointment.

    The festival of the deities was set to run for three days, with the first day being the most lively of them all.

    Lysander and Josiah had prepared to stay for two days, so they were in no rush at all. They simply followed the crowd all the way to the church.

    The church wasn¡¯t particrlyrge, consisting of two courtyards. By this time, the rush for candles was over, and there were noticeably fewer tourists than before.

    Lysander inhaled the lingering scent in the air and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the smoke from the candles here to be so intense. With this much going on, even if someone managed to offer the first candle, I doubt the deities can distinguish who it was.¡±

    The issue raised was indeed a real one.

    Previously, Josiah didn¡¯t believe in such things. However, after spending a considerable amount of time in the elite social circles of Harborbrook, he inevitably came to know some business partners who were firm believers in this. Thus, he quietly approached her and began to speak.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°I think that rather than viewing their actions as a race to be the first to offer candles, it¡¯s more urate to say they are giving themselves emotionalfort, all in the name of good fortune. I know a few business partners who spend a significant amount of money each year just to light the first candle. I used to see this as a form of superstition, but now, I think it¡¯s actually a good thing.¡±

    He wished he could also participate in it. Unfortunately, the trip was a spontaneous decision and he hadn¡¯t done any preparation. All he could do was to pay his respects to the various deities there.

    The courtyard was home to numerous stray cats. Due to their constant exposure to a variety of visitors over the years, they showed no fear of humans,

    A cat with long fur, a Chausic, noticed that Lysander had been standing there for quite some time without leaving. The cat took the initiative to saunter over, brushing against her lower leg affectionately. Its fluffy tail even curled around her ankle in a yful manner.

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    Lysander found it adorable and squatted down to pet its cad. Amidst the soft purring, she said, ¡°They say people who keep pets at home are particrly attractive to small animals. I never thought it would be

    true.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t spent time with her own cat for quite a while. As she looked at the lion cat in front of her, she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of guilt toward it, a faint glimmer of remorse evident in her eyes.

    ¡°Had I known so much would happenter on, I really shouldn¡¯t have adopted a pet by impulse. Looking back, I have truly let down White Coat and the kitten you gave me. White Coat is in a better situation with Dr. Sutton taking care of it. He loves animals, so I¡¯m sure it is in good hands. As for the kitten, I wonder how it is doing?¡±

    Before her departure, Lysander had already exerted a great deal of effort to ensure that everything concerning those around her was taken care of. She didn¡¯t mention anything about the kitten at home, purely because she knew Josiah would look after it. At that time, she never imagined that they would meet again so soon.

    Upon hearing her address Adrian as Dr. Sutton, a wave of joy washed over Josiah. He replied warmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Ragdoll kitten is being well taken care of. Before I left, I picked it up from the pet store and handed it over to my mother. She was delighted when she saw it, saying it was like having another child in the house.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that Madam Susan can also somepany.¡±

    Lysander gently scratched the Chausie¡¯s chin, feeling as if she had put another worry to rest. She took the opportunity to lift the cat for a quick check¨Cup. Seeing that it was healthy and had even been neutered, she then set it free.

    Josiah watched her interact with the Chausie with great interest before saying, ¡°The cat at home has everything it needs now. It justcks a name. How about you give it one?¡±

    Over a month had passed, and the once palm¨Csized kitten had grown into a fluffy ball of fur, so plush it could serve as a scarf.

    ¡°Did you not name it?¡± Lysander asked, somewhat surprised.

    Naming something implies a bond. She had always thought she was only temporarily taking care of the Ragdoll kitten. She nned to give it back to Josiah once they stopped contacting each other. Unexpectedly, not only did they not sever their ties, but it also grew deeper.

    It really was a case of fate ying tricks on people.

    With a serious expression, Josiah replied, ¡°I wanted to give it a nice name, but I¡¯m not really creative with this kind of thing. So, I thought I¡¯d wait for you to name it.¡±

    Lysander fell silent.

    When she used to take White Coat to the pet store for grooming, she was often met with looks of surprise from the staff who handled the registrations. Almost every one of them would double¨Ccheck with her to confirm White Coat¡¯s name.

    As time passed, she gained experience and learned to exin it inly. The other party wouldn¡¯t

    was </b>enough to show how unusual the¡¯s name <b>was </b><b>¡®</b>

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    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected anyone to appreciate her knack for naming pets. Seeing Josiah¡¯s trust in her, she responded. ¡°I¡¯m really not that good at naming them, you know. Even White Coat was a name I gave on a whim.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re its owner. You can name it whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t me me when such a cute little kitten ends up with

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± said Josiah. ¡°It¡¯s not like the name belongs to me.¡±

    Imary name¡±

    The pair spent some time in the courtyard, amusing themselves with the cat. When the spot to ask for a sign from the deities across the courtyard finally opened up, they moved over to familiarize themselves. with the process.

    Within the church, there resided an elderly man whose hair and beard were all white. He was likely the one responsible for interpreting the signs from the deities. Seeing the two of them as first¨Ctime visitors, he took the initiative to approach and guide them. ¡°If you wish to draw a sign, simply kneel on the cushion and silently recite your wish in your heart, then shake the container. The interpretation of the signs is on the wall,¡± he exined.

    He gestured toward the rows of signs hanging on the side and said, ¡°They are all numbered. If you want to draw a sign, just put some money into the donation box or you can use the QR code to make a payment.¡±

    The charity box was updated to keep up with the times, now featuring a QR code.

    Josiah decisively scanned the code, ready to pay for Lysander¡¯s portion as well. However, he heard her say, ¡°I think it¡¯s better if we pay separately. Otherwise, what if the deity thinks both wishes were made by you?¡± Her point made sense, immediately causing Josiah to halt his action.

    Lysander scanned the QR code to pay before sincerely kneeling on the cushion. She thought of her family, her deceased child, and her foster father who had passed away. She didn¡¯t pray for herself, but wished for their peace and wellbeing in heaven.

    As she shook the container, a sign fell out. It wasbeled with the number eighty¨Cseven.

    After examining it, the old man chuckled and said, ¡°You¡¯re quite lucky. That¡¯s a very auspicious sign. The inscription signifies great blessing and protection upon you and your family.¡±

    As he spoke, he tore off the slip of paper that contained Lysander¡¯s interpretation and handed it over to her.

    Lysander held a thin piece of paper, which seemed to bring herfort as she carefully folded it and put it away.

    Upon seeing her draw an auspicious sign, Josiah was genuinely happy for her. When it was his turn to draw, his mind was filled with thoughts of her, resulting in him drawing an average sign.

    Upon noticing a subtle change in his expression, Lysander softly said, ¡°Even though I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re seeking, didn¡¯t you say it before? If things don¡¯t go as you wish, you would trust in science.¡±

    The words offort were certainly expressed in a unique way.

    ¡°This is number twenty¨Ctwo. It¡¯s a mediocre sign but not too bad,¡± the elder consoled him before continuing to interpret it.

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    Chapter 682 Seeking Matrimony

    Finished

    ¡°The sign implies a drought where everything withers, but then the rain pours down in the summer. It signifies the idea <b>that </b>even after a long drought, there is always a chance for a turnaround. By the way. young <b>man</b>, what is it that you were wishing for?¡±

    Josiah let out a soft sigh and said, ¡°I was wishing for a happy

    <b>It </b>was rather rare to see a man visiting the church to pray for that.

    The elderly man paused for a moment, but didn¡¯t seem too surprised. Instead, he stroked his beard and <b>said</b><b>. </b><b>¡°</b>It¡¯s alright. I understand. Things are different now in this new age, even the traditional roles of <b>men </b>and women have changed.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    He looked at Lysander with an appreciative gaze.

    Considering <b>that </b>they were in the middle of interpreting the sign. Lysander felt the need to be honest. She took the <b>initiative </b>to exin, ¡°What I prayed for was not a sessful career, but the safety and peace of my family, be <b>it </b>those who are still with me or those who have departed¡±

    As she spoke, her expression turned extremely serious, carrying a hint of subtle sorrow in her eyes. However, with the passage of time, it wasn¡¯t as intense as before.

    The old man had spent the majority of his life taking care of the church, essentially detaching himself from worldly concerns. He expressed his sympathy and said, ¡°When your heart is sincere, miracles can happen. Given your devotion, they are bound to be safe and at peace, and all your wishes wille true.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s enough for them to be safe and at peace. As for getting my desires¡­ I dare not ask for too much. After all, misfortune wille to those who are greedy.¡± After Lysander lost Maverick, it seemed as if she matured further. Her mindset was a lot moreposed.

    The old man greatly admired her mindset, praising her for her wisdom. After exchanging a few words with her, he continued to interpret Josiah¡¯s sign.

    ¡°For your mediocre sign, it carries a message that has good and bad possibilities. Given that you¡¯re asking about your marriage, whether it turns out to be good or bad is essentially in your own hands. Your actions will shape the result. That¡¯s what it means.¡±

    While nodding, Josiah made a mental note of what the old man said, then discreetly ced the signed document and the wedding ring he carried with him into his pocket.

    As long as his fate was in his own hands, he had nothing to worry about. Even if there was only a sliver of hope, he would hold onto it tightly.

    Upon discovering that he was praying for a marriage, Lysander was not surprised. It was only after they had stepped outside that she asked, ¡°You were praying for a partner?¡±

    ¡°Mmm¨Chmm,¡± Josiah looked at her, noticing that she wasn¡¯t resisting or ignoring him like she used to. He spoke softly. ¡°Even though I¡¯ve been rejected by you countless times, I still haven¡¯t given up. I wonder what the deities would say.¡±

    1

 Chapter 683

    Chapter 683 epting A Lost Bet

    Lysander opened her mouth and paused for a

    it but said nothing in the end.

    Finished

    As they spoke, they had already stepped out of the small church¡¯s outermost door, returning to the street.

    The parade hade to an end, yet the streets were just as busy, filled with various street vendors. It was said that the influx of tourists that year had attracted an unusually high number of vendors, so much so that the designated areas for setting up stalls were no longer sufficient.

    Lysander felt nonplussed about what happened, but the lively atmosphere quickly eased her mood.

    When Josiah was in Harborbrook, he had visited the night markets before. However, this was his first time at a bustling market like this, where vendors sold all kinds of goods. He was instantly dazzled and couldn¡¯t help but express his amazement.

    ¡°If Nilou¡¯s father were to set up a stall here, he¡¯d surely sell many of his crafts. But I¡¯ve bought all their straw origami stock, so I doubt they have any left.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel any regret.¡± Lysander¡¯s voice grew more solemn as she thought of the vigers. ¡°We¡¯ve managed to get through the recent troubles, but as long as Dillon and his men aren¡¯t brought to justice, the crisis in the vige remains unresolved. There would be no mood for festivities, let alone setting up stalls. Naturally, protecting their homes bes the top priority.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Josiah suddenly realized that he had overlooked something previously. His gaze sharpened as he said, ¡°Indeed, those who don¡¯t n ahead will find trouble at their doorstep.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    The world he lived in was starkly different from this ce. The boundaries between them couldn¡¯t be broken by merely living there for a few days.

    Lysander looked up at him.

    The expression on Josiah¡¯s face appeared rather solemn.

    The casual attitude that had been present earlier, when they were eager to join the festivities and pay their respects to the deities, was now diminished. Instead, a subtle sense of worry prevailed.

    Suddenly, Lysander found herself uncertain. She had inadvertently toppled a golden boy from his lofty pedestal, bringing him back down to earth. He was now aware of a world with which he had never before interacted with.

    In truth, when she first married Josiah, she found it quite challenging to adapt to the lifestyle of the ultra wealthy.

    Although Susan and Josiah had been incredibly considerate of her feelings, there were always some subconscious reactions that increasingly made her feel out of ce in the world of the Guerra family.

    This time, the tables <i>have </i><i>turned</i>. Josiah <i>should </i><i>be </i><i>feeling </i>the same <i>way</i><i>.</i>

    ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t expect that you could actually stay here for more than three days.¡±

    Lysander hadn¡¯t forgotten her previous words. She had genuinely believed that Josiah wouldn¡¯tst three days before he would leave. But seeing him not only stay the course but also actively empathize with others, she admitted, ¡°I ept that I lost the bet. I have guessed wrong this time.¡±

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    ¡°In that case, you can¡¯t send me away again.¡± Josiah took advanta softly asked while looking at the candied fruit stall not far away clean?¡±

    Finisher

    f the situation to make a request, then

    ou think¡­ the food sold here is

    He was always mindful of Lysander¡¯s obsession with cleanliness, even remembering her tendency to have low blood sugar if she skipped breakfast. As for the bag of breadsticks wrapped in brown paper from before, he had finished them once they had cooled down.

    The two days he spent in the vige allowed him to learn that frugality was indeed a virtue.

    Lysander chuckled, dismissing his concerns. ¡°Since we¡¯re out, let¡¯s not worry about these things. Back in our school days. Daphne and I would eat at street stalls and we never had any stomach issues.¡±

    That was a truly wonderful time.

    Josiah regretted not being able to do that back then. Noticing Lysander¡¯s interest, he bought several snacks she had nced at while they were walking. He handed her candied fruit, licorice candy, a local specialty, and homemade lemon curd pie.

    The snacks had practically no packaging to speak of. Upon purchase, they were simply wrapped in a sheet of paper and held in hand. They didn¡¯t taste exceptionally good, but there was a certain natural vor to them when eaten.

    As Lysander savored the licorice candy, she suddenly asked helplessly, ¡°Can you really finish all of this?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t; so I only bought one of each item,¡± Josiah stated honestly.

    Just as Lysander was about to persuade him to stop, fearing that he might lose his appetite for lunchter, her gaze fell on an old woman running a stall, and she found herself unable to utter a word.

    The elderly woman was of advanced age, her figure noticeably hunched. Even the wooden basket in front of her was notably worn out. Her business was faring poorly, perhaps due to her silence and the clueless expression on her face.

    Lysander walked over and nced at the duck eggs in the basket. She asked, ¡°Grandma, how much are your duck eggs?¡±

    The elderly woman suffered from hard of hearing, taking a moment before she responded in a shaky voice, ¡°They¡¯re homemade pickled duck eggs. A quarter for each one.¡±

    The price was so low it was hard to believe.

    In Josiah¡¯s memory, Lysander didn¡¯t have a taste for strong¨Cvored foods like pickled duck eggs. Upon getting a good look at the old woman, he instantly understood why she was asking for the price. He bent down and began to gesture with his hands.

    Upon learning that Lysander wanted to buy duck eggs, the old woman cheerfully said, ¡°Feel free to choose. These eggs are allid by our home¨Craised ducks, which grew up eating grass in the fields.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. We¡¯ll take them all, together with your basket. I¡¯ve always wanted one like this,¡± Josiah dered, sweeping his arm grandly and buying everything in sight.

    The number of duck eggs in the basket didn¡¯t even reach twenty. Even if one were to include the price of the basket, it would barely amount to thirty.

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    ter purchasing mode

    yerday. Asah had intentionally exchanged some cash with the store fork by Camming a code. Azt most, be pulled out a hundrest and handed it over Ma¡¯am, I don¡¯t have any ange, so then to give me an

    need

    The old woman was taken aback and quickly protested, ¡°Ca no I can¡¯t let you do that I can¡¯t ept such a buce Saver Set you The Basket bet worth much

    She rummaged through her pockets for a while, intending to find change for them. However, she quickly realized that all she had wasn¡¯t enough. Just when she was starting to worry, Lysander had a sudden idea and said ¡°Mam what kind of flower is that next to your basket? It¡¯s really beautiful.¡±

    You mean this It¡¯s just a wildflower from the countryside, the elderly woman said. She untangled the small flower branch from her sleeve and handed it over, saying, ¡°If you like it, you can have it.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do Lysander said with a gentle smile. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to take advantage of us, we shouldn¡¯t be taking advantage of you either.¡±

    The elderly woman still felt rather embarrassed. ¡°I just picked these flowers on my way here from the mountains. They really aren¡¯t worth <b>anything</b>¡±

    Upon hearing this Josiah was taken aback. ¡°You came from the mountains?¡±

    He had initially assumed <b>that </b>the olddy resided in a nearby vige even if she didn¡¯t live in the town. However, the revtion <b>that </b>she had actually journeyed all the way from the mountains left him utterly taken aback

    Lysander was also surprised, but her reaction was less obvious than his.

    Yesterday, she had driven for nearly three hours to get from the vige to the town. Considering the old woman before her eyes was of such an advanced age and had traveled this far, she figured the former must have set off in the middle of the <b>night</b>.

    Lysander, with evident concern, asked, ¡°Ma¡¯am, is there anyone else in your family? How will you get hometer?¡±

    Upon hearing this, the elderly woman couldn¡¯t help but let out a long sigh. ¡°Ever since my husband passed away two years ago, I¡¯ve been living with my son. At least there¡¯s someone at home. Once my son finishes his business here, I¡¯ll go back with him.¡±

    When she uttered these words, her face was clouded with worry, the wrinkles on her face seemingly deepening.

    ¡°Does your son¡­ not treat you well?¡±

    The elderly woman was advanced in age; her hearing had deteriorated and her speech had slowed down over time. It had been a while since someone had been willing to listen to her speak as they did that day. At that moment, she began to speak at a leisurely pace.

    ¡°No, no, my son and daughter¨Cinw are very filial, but¡­ sigh¡­ we ordinary folks have tough lives, as we¡¯re often at the mercy of others. Our family¡¯s livelihood is gone, so I have no choice but to set up a small stall to help them with the household expenses. All the fish we raised in the pond died, but we still need to pay back the loan. It¡¯s a pity I¡¯m old and can¡¯t help much.¡±

    Lysander and Josiah exchanged nces, both of them thinking of the same person.

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    Chapter 684 The Cmity

    Josiah pondered before asking. ¡°How could such a thing happen out of the blue? Is there something wrong with the fry?¡±

    ourke had issues. The water was likely

    ¡°The fry had no problem. Among the batch, only t contaminated. But with the vige in its current stat we won¡¯t be able to stay much longer. It is what it is. The olddy sighed, her face etched with resignat

    Upon witnessing the situation, Lysander and Josiah felt a surge of indignation.

    The vigers had done nothing wrong, yet they bore the brunt of the consequences, while the saboteurs likely reaped substantial rewards.

    Such an injustice could not unfold before their eyes.

    Josiah insisted that the olddy ept their money. Only after purchasing the coarse cloth at the bottom of the elderlydy¡¯s basket did she finally agree.

    She was deeply moved, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.

    As they were about to leave, Lysander slipped some change into the olddy¡¯s hand, suggesting she take the bus back to the mountains, andforted her, ¡°You won¡¯t have to leave. We¡¯ll find a way.¡±

    The old woman was skeptical, but the encounter with these kind¨Chearted young people rekindled a glimmer of hope in her weary heart.

    Lysander watched the old woman¡¯s retreating figure and felt a profound sadness.

    Josiah gently took her hand and promised, ¡°Lysander, believe me, everything will be all right.¡±

    Lysander hesitated, then nodded lightly. ¡°Okay.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    She believed in him.

    At least, in this matter, she trusted him.

    ¡°Do¡­ Do you really believe in me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not a bad person,¡± Lysander replied. ¡°Our issues lie in our rtionship, but that doesn¡¯t affect my judgment of your character.¡±

    Josiah was momentarily stunned, then smiled wryly. ¡°You are as rational as ever.¡±

    ¡°Mmm.¡±

    Josiah noticed the change in Lysander and felt a slight relief. As he looked ahead, he asked, ¡°Shall we continue? It seems quite lively up ahead.¡±

    He suggested this as a distraction as he was concerned that the encounter with the olddy might have dampened her spirits.

    Lysander nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s check it out. We¡¯re only here for two days. We should make the most of it to understand the town better.¡±

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    Chapter 684 The Cmity

    Along with the snacks, Josia

 Chapter 685

    Chapter 685 Her World

    The middle¨Caged man gave a slight nod, passed Lysander a pen, and smiled warmly. ¡°Miss, feel free to write down any word thates to mind, in one fluid motion.¡±

    With a sense of resignation, Lysander swiftly wrote the word ¡®medicine¡® onto a piece of paper. ¡°What do you see?¡±

    The middle¨Caged man took the paper, nced at it, and asked, ¡°Miss, which aspect would you like to know

    about?¡±

    ¡°My career.¡±

    She didn¡¯t believe in the cmity he mentioned. Besides, she couldn¡¯t believe one could avoid it just from a prediction if there were one to begin with.

    If she had to listen to his nonsense, she¡¯d rather hear about her career. Fortune¨Ctelling con artists rarely speak ill of one¡¯s career.

    ¡°Medicine¡­ You must be a doctor. That¡¯s great. Healing the sick is a virtuous deed. However, the word deals with diseases. Besides, those who stand out from the crowd are targeted first. Judging by yourplexion, it¡¯s already affecting you.¡±

    It turned out the middle¨Caged man was an educated con artist. He managed to circle back to the cmity he mentioned and spoke badly about Lysander¡¯s situation.

    Josiah¡¯s expression grew increasingly stern as he listened, his anxiety spurring him to grasp Lysander¡¯s hand. ¡°Are you suggesting that her uing disaster is rted to her profession?¡±

    ¡°That should be it.¡±

    ¡°Can it be resolved?¡±

    ¡°Certainly. Wearing a protective amulet will do the trick.¡± The middle¨Caged man rummaged through hisrge bag, producing a tangled string of pendants adorned with auspicious images.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    These pendants were clearly cheap stic imitations. Even someone with no experience could tell they

    weren¡¯t real emeralds.

    -Josiah fell silent for a moment. He was raised by the prestigious Guerra family and had never encountered con artists or cheap trinkets. However, he had seen plenty of high¨Cquality emeralds and gemstones from a young age. Hence, he could easily tell that these pendants were of poor quality.

    ¡°Since we¡¯re fated to meet, I won¡¯t ask for much. Just one hundred. Look at this. Though its quality isn¡¯t top¨Cnotch, the person who wears it can ward off evil¡­¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take ten,¡± Josiah interrupted the middle¨Caged man¡¯s nonsense, promptly paying the money.

    ¡°Ten? You want ten?¡±

    ¡°How many

    do

    you have?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t counted, but roughly twenty.¡±

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    Chapter 685 Her World

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    Upon seeing how readily Josiah agreed, the middle¨Caged man hurriedly handed over the pendants and Look the cash before dashing off, faster than when he had arrived.

    Josiah watched the figure receding into the dist. over the pendants to Lysander, saying, ¡°Wear it.¡±

    is suspicions confirmed. Yet, he solemnly handed

    Lysander took the pendant, holding it up to the sunlight, and sighed. ¡°Haven¡¯t you realized you¡¯ve been duped?¡±

    The pendant blocked the lightpletely, undoubtedly a stic imitation. Besides, it wasn¡¯t even high- quality stic, most likely a cheap knockoff from a market.

    Josiah sighed. ¡°I realized when he pulled out those pendants. If he were truly a sage who could pierce the veil of fate, he wouldn¡¯t be peddling these trinkets. But sometimes it¡¯s better to believe, even if just for peace of mind. Consider it my way of buying some reassurance.¡±

    ¡°So you actually believed him? I thought you figured it out when he took the money,¡± Lysander said, feeling stunned.

    ¡°If Mr. Cobb of Thorne Constructions and Energies ever finds out how easy it is to deceive you, he¡¯d surely regret not stocking up at the market. Oh, and he¡¯d have to hire an extra crowd actor who knows graphology.¡±

    It was almostical that the dignified CEO of Guerra Group was being swindled twice by the same con artist.

    Josiah lowered his gaze, looking at the pendant in Lysander¡¯s hand, and said, ¡°Wear it. If you don¡¯t want to, just attach it to your bag as a charm.¡±

    Lysander ced the pendant alongside the wildflower bracelet given by the old woman earlier, avoiding Josiah¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Let¡¯s have lunch and then head back. We need to get some supplies this afternoon. We have to leave for the health center early tomorrow.¡±

    With Lysander¡¯s absence, the clinic relied solely on Karen. If she didn¡¯t return soon, it would be problematic not just for her conscience but for the Karen¡¯s ability to manage alone.

    Josiah continued to gaze at Lysander, his eyes filled with an unrecognized tenderness. ¡°I overheard some tourists saying there¡¯s a ce here that serves excellent sheep offal and vegetable soup. Would you like to try it?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Lysander wasn¡¯t picky about food, but she cautioned him, ¡°Sheep offal and vegetable soup isn¡¯t like the foie gras or caviar you¡¯re used to. Though both are animal innards, offal in street food started as a way to avoid waste and has a strong vor. Don¡¯t force yourself if you can¡¯t handle it.¡±

    Thest time they had dinner at ine¡¯s ce, Josiah had struggled to eat. Things got even worse when he fell ill after an episode of severe vomiting.

    Josiah, however, was quite optimistic. ¡°No worries, if I can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll just tell the boss to hold off on the sheep offal.¡±

    It turned out Josiah was not only optimistic but also quite naive. His imagination fell short when it came to navigating unfamiliar aspects of life.

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    The ce selling sheep offal noodles was so tiny that it couldn¡¯t even be called a restaurant. It was just a small storefront in the mar!

    not far from a butcher¡¯s shop with freshmb hanging on hooks at the

    entrance.

    As for the patrons who came to have the soup, each was given two stools. They would dine right on the roadside outside the restaurant. The shorter stool was for sitting, while the taller one was used to ce their bowl.

    Josiah had never seen such an arrangement before. He felt somewhat bewildered, clearly out of ce but determined not to retreat.

    Lysander, however, seemed perfectly at ease. ¡°Sheep offal and vegetable soup or clear soup?¡±

    The dining environment was simple, even to the point of being rudimentary. However, themb broth simmering in the owner¡¯srge pot exuded a tantalizing aroma, irresistible to anyone nearby.

    Rong Yanxi nced at the other diners¡® bowls of sheep offal and vegetable soups and decided to follow suit. ¡°I¡¯ll have the sheep offal and vegetable soup.¡±

    As he already braved an entire wild vegetable feast, he was confident that his stomach could handle a steaming bowl of sheep offal and vegetable soup.

    Such a small stall offered no service to speak of, once the soup was cooked, the customers had to fetch their food.

    Josiah quickly set aside the various trinkets he had purchased earlier and brought over two bowls of soups before Lysander could get up. However, he soon realized the challenge of the seating arrangement.

    The stool meant for sitting was extremely low, forcing him to stretch his long legs out awkwardly. The higher stool, serving as a makeshift table, was barely adequate. To have the soup, he had to hunch over ufortably, contorting himself in an almostical manner.

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 Chapter 686

    Chapter 686 Have Lysander See Him Anew

    Lunch was an ordeal.

    Finished¡¯s

    Meanwhile, Lysander was quite experienced in such matters. ¡°You can eat like this,¡± she said, cing at <b>napkin </b>under her bowl for support.

    Josiah mimicked her, finally able to sit somewhat straight, though still ufortable. Luckily, he wasn¡¯t in a suit today, or his attire would have been ruined by the dusty ground.

    The owner noticed the plight. While preparing another batch of soup, he brought over a table. ¡°You folks must be tourists. If you¡¯re ufortable, just let me know. I do have tables, you know.¡±

    The arrival of this table couldn¡¯t have been more timely.

    Josiah and Lysander spoke in unison. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No problem,¡± the owner replied, resuming his position by the boiling pot. He continued chatting as he worked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen quite a few touriststely, but you, young man, are the tallest I¡¯ve seen. Must be from the big city. Here to look at properties?¡±

    Lysander stayed silent while Josiah answered, ¡°We heard this ce might be developed into a mansion. district, so we came to check it out.

    ¡°Listen to me, don¡¯t buy property here,¡± the owner warned with a cynical smile. ¡°The ce is full of bad vibes and bad geomancy. This is not the ce, especially for young couples like you, looking for a happy marital home.¡±

    Josiah gently touched his nose before he nced at Lysander, who remained impassive. He then exined, ¡°We¡¯re not looking for a marital home.¡±

    ¡°Not <b>a </b>marital home?¡± The owner eyed them, his expression suddenly understanding. ¡°I get it, looking for a vacation home, right? The scenery here is indeed great, perfect for a honeymoon.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not on a honeymoon either,¡± Josiah said. ¡°And we¡¯re not married.¡±

    The owner chuckled. ¡°Dressed like that, and you¡¯re not a couple?¡±

    Lysander looked at their matching hoodies, realizing the issue might be their clothes.

    In the rush of the crowded wholesale market yesterday, she <b>had </b>chosen the first practical, season- appropriate items she found. After purchasing them, the two hoodies turned out to look quite simr.

    Hence, they did look like a couple in matching outfits, walking around like that.

    Josiah, on the other hand, had a conversation with the owner. It seemed as though his visit to the town was genuinely to experience the local culture and customs. The fact that he found a hotel to shower <b>and </b>change clothes seemed <b>almost </b>incidental.

    ¡°My wife sometimes buys quirky couple outfits and <b>insists </b>I wear them. At our age, who cares about such things? Plus, we¡¯re always working. So, they get dirty quickly,¡± the ownerined, though his tone was filled with happiness and pride.

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    Josiah caught on andplimented, ¡°You two must have a great rtionship.¡±

    Finished:

    Not bad, the owner said with a grin. ¡°We¡¯ve been together <b>since </b>we were young. There are prettier and gentler women, but she¡¯s the one for me.¡±

    <b>Josiah </b>smiled and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your wife now?¡±

    ¡°My wife works <b>in </b>the mornings and goes home to rest by noon. We take turns running the shop. She was up since two in the morning to prepare the <b>sheep </b>offal broth. If she doesn¡¯t catch up on sleep<b>, </b><b>her </b>health won¡¯t hold up, the owner exined.

    Josiah was incredulous. ¡°Up at two in the morning?¡±

    Even though business had been brisktely, <b>getting </b>up so early seemed excessive, practically akin to working through the night. No wonder the owner was alone in the shop.

    The owner nodded <b>with </b>a smile. ¡°Yes, <b>that¡¯s </b>the nature of the food business. We¡¯re fortunate, though. The bakery stall owner down the street gets up at this hour every day to knead dough. Their day is turned upside down<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    With a glimmer of hope, Josiah asked, ¡°So you don¡¯t usually start this early?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± the owner proudly shared. ¡°Usually, we arrive at the shop by four in the morning. That¡¯s the perfect time to get fresh sheep offal from the butcher. Our sheep offal never sits overnight. Besides, the broth is the freshest in town.¡±

    In <b>just </b>a few days, Josiah¡¯s understanding of the world had been profoundly reshaped.

    After finishing their sheep offal and vegetable soup, they headed back to the hotel. The sky had darkened significantlypared to when they first left. Despite the weather forecast not predicting rain, it seemed increasingly likely.

    Lysander quickened her pace, with Josiah following, carrying their <b>purchases</b>.

    When Josiah had something on his mind, he spoke little..

    Fortunately, Lysander wasn¡¯t much of a talker either, so they walked side by side infortable silence.

    After a while, Josiah finally uttered, ¡°Life is hard.¡±

    Upon reflecting on his previous high¨Cand¨Cmighty stance, where he believed he could control everything from his office, he couldn¡¯t help but mock himself, ¡°No wonder you couldn¡¯t ept the old me. After seeing <b>this </b>side of life, I can¡¯t ept that version of myself either.¡±

    Josiah was adept at self¨Creflection.

    However, Lysander didn¡¯t me Josiah for his past andforted him, ¡°The world is vast. Few people can. see and understand everything. Now that you can see and empathize with their lives is impressive, certainly better than people like Dillon.¡±

    The look on Josiah¡¯s face when he found out that the owner of the sheep offal and vegetable soup shop had to start preparing for business in the wee hours of the morning was truly unforgettable.

    He was slightly embarrassed and touched his nose. ¡°I thought most ordinary people didn¡¯t face the same pressures as I did, and that their lives were simpler with fewer worries.¡±

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    Finished

    Puzzled, Lysander <b>asked</b>, ¡°Did you see everyone as data on a spreadsheet? Did you think those struggling just <b>weren¡¯t </b>trying hard enough?¡±

    <b>¡°</b><b>Not </b>exactly, Josiah replied truthfully. ¡°But I did attribute all my sess to my effort and ability. The truth <b>is</b>, the most fundamental reason I <b>have </b>all this is because of my family.¡±

    Lysander asked sweetly. ¡°How does it feel toe down from your pedestal? Do you want to go back?<b>¡±</b>

    Upon hearing that, Josiah panicked. ¡°You promised <b>not </b>to send me back<b>!</b>¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sending you back, just curious about your thoughts,¡± Lysander reassured him, keeping her word.

    For Josiah, this was a good sign. Lysander used to be indifferent to him, ignoring his attempts attention. Now, she <b>was </b>showing interest in his thoughts and feelings.

    to get her

    Once, standing before her was like being a tree nted in a green belt. He wentpletely unnoticed by

    her.

    This <b>was </b>his chance to make her see him anew.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

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    Chapter 687 Unable To Restrain Himself

    Josiah detailed his feelings of the day with particr care.

    ¡°On my way to see you, I had mentally prepared myself. After all, the concept of a mountain vige had always been just a term to me, so no matter how unfamiliar the surroundings here were, I <b>could </b>ept them. But what truly stirred me was this town<b>.</b>¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    <b>¡°</b>This ce is like an unfinished city. It has all the necessary amenities, not too backward but not <b>too </b>advanced either. It¡¯s as if it¡¯s in a transitional phase between a city and a vige. Yet, everyone lives their lives with utmost sincerity.¡±

    Although his encounter with them was brief, it felt as if he had stepped into another world.

    Lysander chuckled. ¡°I was all set to hear you evaluate themercial potential of this ce, but I didn¡¯t<b>. </b>expect your response to be so full of humanistic concern.¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment, then confessed, ¡°I¡¯ve always said that you¡¯ve changed, but now it seems, I¡¯ve changed quite a bit myself.¡±

    He thought it was a good thing, but he wasn¡¯t sure how Lysander would perceive it.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    In the afternoon, the sun was obscured by dark clouds, indicating that <b>rain </b>was inevitable today.

    The visitors who came for the festival were still in high spirits. Even the <b>small </b>vendors, who had just set up their stalls, had no ns to head home just yet. Such a lively atmosphere was a rare sight, and they were there to make a living.

    Lysander casually observed everything around her and said, ¡°It may sound a bit dramatic, but even though I¡¯ve traveled to many ces, when ites to finding a ce to call home, I still feel that a ce like this. is my world.¡±

    They were, after all, from two different worlds.

    Josiah vaguely understood her what she was trying to convey. He replied, ¡°Although our worlds are vastly different, they are not entirely without ovep.¡±

    Lysander astutely sensed the underlying message in his words. ¡°<b>Are </b>you nning to develop this area. yourself?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Josiah replied seriously. ¡°After observing for the past couple of days, I¡¯ve found that the development potential here is greater than expected. Not only does it have picturesque scenery, but it also has a rather interesting local culture. The downside is that the supporting facilities are not quite up to par. Moreover, it would be better for me to develop this ce rather than let Dillon continue his reckless actions.<b>¡±</b>

    Once he got into work mode, he was incredibly focused. His profound eyes seemed as if they could hold the entire world.

    Lysander admitted his exceptional business acumen. He was about to offer some advice from the

    erspective of the vigers when he heard the sound of distant thunder rumbling in the sky..

    Dmn, it¡¯s raining.

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    Chapter 637 Unable To Restrain Himself

    Finished

    They were still several blocks away from the budget hotel, and there were no stores selling umbres nearby.

    Josiah paused for a moment before asking, ¡°Should we find a ce to shelter from the rain?¡±

    The two of them were in a sorry state: one nursing a sprained ankle, the other with an injured foot. They were hardly in <b>a </b>condition to rush back to the hotel without risking getting caught in the rain. The recent weather was proving to be too much of a hassle.

    Lysander took him directly under the sign of a street¨Cside shop, answering him through her actions.

    The shops in the town weren¡¯t particrly picky. They offered shelter from the rain whether you were a customer or not. Seeing the two of them standing outside, the owner of the small card room called out, ¡°Come in <b>and </b>sit down. It¡¯s just a thunderstorm; the weather should clear up soon.¡±

    After expressing their thanks, the two of them proceeded inside.

    Feeling somewhat embarrassed <b>about </b>upying a spot in the shop without making a purchase, Lysander knew she couldn¡¯t possibly y cards with Josiah, especially since they were the only customers there. So, she ordered a pot of tea and sat with him near the entrance. As they sipped their tea, they watched the steady stream of people passing by on the street.

    Among the visiting tourists, there were those who had brought umbres. They were leisurely strolling in the rain at this time, appearing rather carefree and at ease.

    However, the majority of them didn¡¯t have umbres. Some were sprinting with bags over their heads, others sought refuge from the rain in nearby shops, and a few even paraded around with lotus leaves. they¡¯d found somewhere as makeshift coverings

    A young couple, seemingly students, were particrly passionate. They ran over <b>hand </b>in hand, all smiles.

    With a heartfelt sigh, Josiah said, ¡°Being young is truly wonderful, they <b>don¡¯t </b>even worry about catching a cold after getting caught in the rain.¡±

    ¡°No worries, we¡¯re all equal in the face of a virus.¡± Lysander pragmatically remarked. ¡°Especially with the recent drop in temperature<b>, </b>it¡¯s easy to get headaches too¡±

    Lysander truly had a knack for extinguishing the sparks of romance.

    After taking a sip of hot tea, Josiah confessed, ¡°If I were ten years younger, I probably wouldn¡¯t be so practical Indeed, romance is a privilege of the young

    Ten years <b>ago</b>¡­

    Josiah had just entered his twenties, a time when he was brimming with enthusiasm and starting to make his mark in the business world.

    It was precisely during the time when he was passionately smitten with Lysander, yet unable to express his

    love.

    With these thoughts in mind, Josiah decided to stop there.

    As they were conversing, an electric scooter whizzed past the storefront. The rider, a delivery person d

    blue uniform, <b>had </b>no rain protection other than his helmet.

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    Chapter 687 Unable To Restrain Himself

    Finished

    This rain was a refreshing change for the tourists, yet for the majority who were trying to make a living, <b>it </b>remained a hindrance.

    Lysander noticed Josiah deep in thought, <b>and </b>said softly, ¡°When I was a child, I used to look forward to the rain and snow. But as I grew older, that longing faded. I began to pray for sunny days on every working day, fearing that otherwise, my father¡¯smute would be even more difficult.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t own a car in our family, so when it rained or snowed, we had no choice but to brave the elements like the delivery guy who had just biked over. It wasn¡¯t too bad in the spring and summer seasons, at worst we would just go home, take a shower and change clothes. However, winter <b>was </b>a different story, it was particrly cold when it rained and downright dangerous when it snowed.¡±

    Even the current Josiah could only grasp a fraction of what this kind of life was truly like.

    Listening to Lysander¡¯s eloquent narration, <b>Josiah </b>noticed that she was now able to speak of Maverick without being consumed by the pain of his death, instead reminiscing about their past life together. He took the initiative and suggested, ¡°Once the rain stops, let¡¯s head back to the clinic.¡±

    He could tell that she was deeply concerned about the vigers. The only reason she was willing to stay an extra day in town was out of fear that he wouldn¡¯t be able to rest and recover if he caught a cold or got injured.

    Sure enough, Lysander asked, ¡°<b>Are </b>you <b>sure </b>you don¡¯t want to stay at the hotel for another day?¡±

    ¡°I can rest in the vige too,¡± said Josiah sincerely, appearingpletely unfazed by the fact that the vige didn¡¯t even have <b>a </b><b>bathroom</b>.

    Lysander didn¡¯t try to persuade any further, agreeing instead. ¡°All right, once the rain stops, we¡¯ll head back.¡±

    If he really couldn¡¯t bear it, he would have returned without her persuasion. She didn¡¯t want to make unnecessary efforts.

    CIL

    On the way back home, Josiah volunteered to drive. ¡°Let me take the wheel. My ankle is truly fine now. However, you, you¡¯ll be busy with the health center when we get back. If you

    don¡¯t take care of your injuries, who will the patients rely on?¡±

    Lysander thought this was really being made into a bigger deal than it should be. ¡°It¡¯s just a minor injury. let me handle it.¡±

    With a firm yet reasonable tone, Josiah expressed his unyielding stance. ¡°Even a minor injury is still an injury, and it needs to be taken care <b>of,</b><b>¡±</b>

    After a round of negotiation, they both agreed to coborate. Josiah took the lead for the first half of the journey, and Lysander took over for thetter half. By the time they reached the vige, night had already fallen.

    The surroundings were eerily quiet. If it hadn¡¯t been for the few lights shining from a nearby house, they might have thought they¡¯d stumbled into a deserted vige.

    Lysander looked at the road ahead, a slight frown creasing her brow as she said, ¡°Something¡¯s off. Usually at this hour, the vige children would be ying merrily, only returning home once their parents had prepared dinner. Why is it that today there¡¯s not a single one in sight?¡±

    Previously, there had been a bout of rain, but it had long ceased by the time they were on their way back.

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    Chapter 687 Unable To Restrain Himself

    <b>It </b>wasn¡¯t severe enough to keep the vigers indoors.

    Finished

    Josiah had a keen sense for anything out of the ordinary. He nced to the side and said in a deep voice, ¡°Our timing couldn¡¯t be better, some people just couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.¡±

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 Chapter 688

    Chapter 688 Coming After Me

    His gaze fell upon the several cars haphazardly parked in the middle of the vige road.

    This was the only slightly t main road around here. When Josiah first came to this ce, he was considerate enough to park his car at the entrance of the vige, where it wouldn¡¯t cause any inconvenience. However, the owners of the cars currently parked here evidently hadn¡¯t given it much thought.

    After clearly seeing the haphazardly parked cars that nearly blocked the entire road, Lysander had no choice but to park Josiah¡¯s car a bit further from the original spot. ¡°There¡¯s no other way,¡± she said. ¡°If we parked at the original spot, it would cause trouble for the vigersing in and out. Let¡¯s leave it like this for now<b>.</b>

    ¡°Maybe veer off a bit, one of the owners of the cars here are specificallying for me<b>.</b>¡± Josiah squinted, his

    eyes flickering with a hint of danger.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    A name shed through Lysander¡¯s mind, causing her to draw in a sharp breath. ¡°Dillon? He <b>arrived </b>so quickly?¡± she eximed.

    Although there had been no updates from the police yet, all the current signs pointed to one conclusion, they were undeniably connected to the body found in the pond.

    Dillon rushed over at such a critical moment, it was clear that he <b>had </b>already received the unfortunate news of his subordinate encountering Josiah here.

    Lysander recalled something that she had temporarily put to the back of her mind due to the aftermath of the crisis. ¡°There¡¯s something I need to tell you about the night you were fighting with the thugs¡­¡±

    She shared with him that she had called Tiffany.

    Josiah asked<b>, </b>¡°Did you call Tiffany just to save me?¡±

    SURFA

    His question was rather blunt, but he no longer had the luxury of being subtle or waiting for her to understand on her own. All he needed now was an answer.

    Perhaps Lysander wasn¡¯t as repulsed by himself as he had initially thought.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lysander replied, ¡°You were in imminent danger, and I¡¯m pretty sure those people are rted to the Lanister family. Who else could I have called if not Tiffany? I actually wanted to warn Dillon not to mess with me, but I didn¡¯t have his phone number.¡±

    With great effort, Josiah managed <b>to </b>suppress the urge to show his excitement in front of Lysander. However, the tumultuous emotions within him remained undiminished. Unable to entirely contain his joy, the corners of his lips twitched upwards as he said, ¡°All right, I understand.¡±

    If Lysander hadn¡¯t brought it up herself, he would likely have remained in the dark forever, never knowing that she too, could worry for him.

    Lysander thought he was expressing gratitude for the phone call, and responded nonchntly, ¡°But it seems that the call didn¡¯t really serve any purpose, they still tried to kill you.¡±

    Based on theter records, the thugs persisted in cornering Josiah for quite some time, only giving up when he managed to swim across to the other side of the <b>pond</b>.

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    Chapter 688 Corning After Me

    If Tiffany had really made an effort to contact them immediately, <b>things </b>wouldn¡¯t <b>have </b>escted to this point<b>.</b>

    ¡°No, your call was incredibly useful.¡± Josiah nced at the few cars, speaking softly. ¡°Since they¡¯ve alreadye to us, I have an idea<b>¡­</b>¡°

    Supported by Lysander, Josiah made his way into the health center, each step he took was unsteady, giving the impression he had suffered some serious injury.

    The nurses had initially gathered in the examination room, oblivious to the people in the courtyard. However, upon their return, they all started to emerge.

    The nurse who was closest to Lysander couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Dr. Thorne, weren¡¯t you supposed to be out

    Lysander quickly raised a finger, signaling subtly. She was merely making a show of supporting Josiah, but <b>in </b><b>reality</b>, he was still bearing his own weight.

    The young nurse quickly understood, and immediately stopped asking questions. Instead, she voiced her concern, ¡°Mr. Guerra¡¯s leg isn¡¯t in bad <b>shape</b>, is it? The doctor had suggested taking an X¨Cray when setting his bone earlier. Now it seems to have gotten worse.¡±

    The remaining two nurses quickly agreed and immediately went to fetch chairs for them to sit on.

    Lysander quickly took it, saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Why are you being so formal with us? You can¡¯t be on your feet for too long with that injury. Otherwise, it could lead toplications, and that would be troublesome. You must be careful to take care of it¡­¡±

    Not far away, Dillon and Tiffany watched as the nurses crowded around Lysander and Josiah the moment they returned. They felt indignant, but also feared that something major might have happened.

    The bodyguards nking them weren¡¯t the same thugs <b>who </b>had caused a ruckus earlier. They <b>had </b>all met Josiah before and were aware of his identity. At this moment, they were at a loss, turning their gaze towards their boss in confusion.

    The bodyguards were bullies at heart, only daring to flex their muscles in front of ordinary vigers. But when it came to influential figures, they all turned into cowards.

    Lysander gave <b>them </b>a sidelong nce without much reaction.

    The first one to greet her, a young nurse, leaned in and whispered softly. ¡°Dr. Thorne, these people im they¡¯re here for you. ine wouldn¡¯t let them in, but they wouldn¡¯t listen and insisted on waiting here. They¡¯re definitely up to no good, aware that you¡¯re from the city and probably trying to hush things up.¡±

    ¡°Is ine doing all right?¡± Lysander recalled the chief¡¯s age and his resentment toward these people, fearing that something might happen to the elderly man in his fit of rage.

    ¡°ine was so infuriated that his face turned red, and he was coughing incessantly. Dr. Vazquez, fearing something might happen to him, persuaded him to leave first. Oh, and the woman who had just given birth was taken home by her husband earlier. Now, it¡¯s just the few of us left in here. They heard that we came to provide support, so they <b>weren¡¯t </b>too arrogant.¡±

    The nurse spoke of Dillon¡¯s crew¡¯s behavior with a belly full of rage, wishing she could just grab the broom from the backyard and sweep these people right out the door.

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    16:43 Sat, 6 Jul

    Chapter 688 Coming After Me

    #Finished

    Lysander softly reassured, ¡°You all should head <b>back </b>to the dormitory first. I¡¯m enough to handle things here. You¡¯ve been holding up the fort while I was away these past few days. You deserve a good rest.¡±

    The nurse

    se expressed her concern, ¡°How could this possibly work? If we leave and they decide to take action, you won¡¯t have anyone to help <b>you</b><b>!</b>¡±

    Lysander raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you really think you, a young girl, can beat them?¡±

    ¡°I may not be able to fight, but I can certainly boost your couragel¡± The nurse patted her chest confidently. ¡°If things go south, I can take care of myself, don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Lysander confidently stated, ¡°They wouldn¡¯t dare harm anyone who came to help. Since it¡¯s Josiah who¡¯s injured, let him do the negotiating.¡±

    ¡°All right then, you guys be careful, shout if anything happens.¡±

    The nurses knew she never exaggerated, and so they reluctantly headed toward the dormitory, constantly looking back as they walked away.

    Given that Josiah himself was present, even if Dillon had the courage of a lion, he wouldn¡¯t dare to act out of line. However, the presence of the nurses might potentially hinder his performance.

    After all. Josiah¡¯s identity had not yet been revealed to the vigers.

    Josiah <b>was </b>close to them, perfectly positioned to hear their conversation. Immediately, he cast a cold look at Dillon.

    His gaze was devoid of any emotion, as if he had already figured out how to handle the situation.

    Tiffany still had her usual timid demeanor, her bright eyes filled with confusion and fear. If Lysander hadn¡¯t already ryed the phone incident to Josiah, they might have fallen for her act this time.

    This exquisite facade, much like a doll¡¯s, was indeed quite useful

    Compared to before, Dillon¡¯s mental fortitude had significantly deteriorated. His panic was evident to the naked eye. He irritably scolded the people who hade with him. ¡°It¡¯s all because of you useless lot. I asked you to solve the problems with the project, and what did you do? You¡¯ve messed everything up!¡±

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 Chapter 689

    Chapter 689 No Coincidence

    This <b>remark </b>was not only aimed at those around him but was also intended for Josiah to <b>hear</b>.

    #Finished

    Everyone around him was nodding in agreement, all bowing their heads in apology, but no one dared to approach Jesiah to speak. This sight made Dillon¡¯s blood boil with frustration, and he <b>cursed</b>, ¡°Useless fools!¡±

    Seeing no one around him that he could rely on, he had no choice but to muster up the courage and initiate a conversation. ¡°Mr. Guerra, what a coincidence. I didn¡¯t expect to run into you here.¡±

    Josiah sat steady andposed, not even bothering to lift his eyelids as he said coolly, ¡°Mr. Lanister, would know best whether this is mere coincidence or something you¡¯ve done intentionally.¡±

    He didn¡¯t ask any questions. He was simply recounting the facts calmly.

    The temperature around instantly dropped to freezing.

    Dillon was well aware of the situation, but precisely because of that, he couldn¡¯t <b>admit </b>it. His hands, hanging by his side, clenched nervously. With an almost ingratiating smile on his face, he said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, it¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s truly a misunderstanding.¡±

    you

    Josiah slightly lifted his eyshes, and with a thoughtful expression on his <b>face</b>, he said. ¡°Misunderstanding? Since you put it that way, I¡¯ll give you a chance to exin. I¡¯m quite curious. What kind of misunderstanding could lead you to take human life lightly in the vige? If I didn¡¯t know how to swim, I¡¯d probably be the second unidentified body in theke by now<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    The roots and stems of the lotus, entwined and inteced beneath theke, had grown from the thick mud. There couldn¡¯t have been a more ideal environment for hiding a body. By the time they found the previous victim, only a skeleton was left.

    Dillon started rubbing his hands together, ying dumb. ¡°Mr. Guerra, what do you mean by taking human life lightly? You know me. All I want is to conduct my business honestly and make money. I wouldn¡¯t dare to get involved in any illegal activities, let alone murder.¡±

    Tiffany, who had been hiding behind him for quite some time, cautiously stepped forward, wringing her hands as she carefully said, ¡°<b>Jose</b>, Lysa, you¡¯ve really misunderstood my father. He only found out about the incident when the police called him, and he has already personally cooperated with their investigation.¡±

    Lysander looked up, saying candidly, ¡°Ms. Lanister, do you remember what you said during that phone call? That night, we had quite a lengthy conversation.¡±

    ¡°Phone call?¡± Tiffany initially appeared deep in thought before finally showing an expression of sudden. realization. ¡°Lysa, you¡¯re talking about what happened the night beforest, right? It was reallyte, and I was super tired. I only caught a few things you said about Jose, and then I was too sleepy and fell asleep. When I woke up, I wanted to call you back and ask, but you didn¡¯t answer my call¡±

    She <b>was </b>certain that Lysander had not recorded their conversation, which gave her the audacity to lie through her teeth and bber nonsense. She was confident that Lysander wouldn¡¯t be able to produce <b>any </b>evidence to refute her, so much so that she almost permanently wore an innocent expression on her face.

    However, Lysander simply met her feigned innocence with a smile, as if she didn¡¯t take it to heart at all.

    verulenci, che <b>usc </b><b>cirificandu </b>more suture <b>than </b>I veanne who uni

    emart <b>individual </b>At the ver

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    The Charming Ex¨CWife:

    Chapter 689 No Coincidence

    This remark was not only aimed at those around him but was also intended for Josiah to hear<b>.</b>

    Everyone around him was nodding in agreement, all bowing their heads in apology, but no one dared to approach Josiah to speak. This sight made Dillon¡¯s blood boil with frustration, and he cursed, ¡°Useless fools!¡±

    Seeing no one around him that he could rely on, he had no choice but to muster up the courage <b>and </b>initiate a conversation. ¡°Mr. Guerra, what a coincidence. I didn¡¯t expect to run into you here.¡±

    Josiah sat steady andposed, not even bothering to lift his eyelids as he said coolly, ¡°Mr. Lanister, you would know best whether this <i>is </i>mere coincidence or something you¡¯ve done intentionally.¡±

    He didn¡¯t ask any questions. He was simply recounting the facts calmly.

    The temperature around instantly dropped to freezing.

    Dillon was well aware of the situation, but precisely because of that, he couldn¡¯t admit it. His hands, hanging by his side, clenched nervously. With an almost ingratiating smile on his face, he said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, it¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s truly a misunderstanding.¡±

    Josiah slightly lifted his eyshes, and with a thoughtful expression on his face, he said. ¡°Misunderstanding? Since you put it that way, I¡¯ll give you a chance to exin. I¡¯m quite curious. What kind of misunderstanding could lead you to take human life lightly in the vige? If I didn¡¯t know how <b>to </b>swim. I¡¯d probably be the second unidentified body in theke by now.¡±

    The roots and stems of the lotus, entwined and inteced beneath theke, had grown from the thick mud. There couldn¡¯t have been a more ideal environment for hiding a body. By the time they found the previous victim, only a skeleton was left.

    Dillon started rubbing his hands together, ying dumb. ¡°Mr. Guerra, what do you mean by <b>taking </b>human life lightly? You know me. All I want is to conduct my business honestly and make money. I wouldn¡¯t dare to get involved in any illegal activities, let alone murder.¡±

    Tiffany, who had been hiding behind him for quite some time<b>, </b>cautiously stepped forward, wringing her hands as she carefully said, ¡°Jose, Lysa, you¡¯ve really misunderstood my father. He only found out about the incident when the police called him, and he has already personally cooperated with their investigation.¡±

    Lysander looked up, saying candidly, ¡°Ms. Lanister, do you remember what you said during that phone call? That night, we had quite a lengthy conversation.¡±

    ¡°Phone call?¡± Tiffany initially appeared deep in thought before finally showing an expression of sudden realization. ¡°Lysa, you¡¯re talking about what happened the night beforest, right? It was reallyte, and I was super tired. I only caught a few things you said about Jose, and then I was too sleepy and fell asleep. When I woke up, I wanted to call you back and ask, but you didn¡¯t answer my call.¡±

    She was certain that Lysander had not recorded their conversation, which gave her the audacity to lie through her teeth and bber nonsense. She <b>was </b>confident that Lysander wouldn¡¯t be able to produce <b>any </b>evidence to refute her, so much so that she almost permanently wore an innocent expression on her <b>face</b>.

    However, Lysander simply met her feigned innocence with a smile, as if she didn¡¯t take it to heart at <b>all</b>.

    Tiffanu wara emart individual Ar the <b>venu </b>leser <b>she </b>was simificantly more serute <b>than </b>Ivcanna

    who wre

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    Chapter 589 No CoincidenceContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    merely presumptuous.

    Finished

    <b>Lysa</b>, why are you smiling?¡± ¡°Tiffany looked straight at Lysander, her mind racing. In the blink of an <b>eye</b>, she hade up with a brilliant solution to help Dillon out of his predicament.

    Lysander shed <b>a </b>smile, <b>but </b>her eyes remained undisturbed. ¡°Oh, nothing. I just feel <b>it¡¯s </b><b>a </b>waste for <b>you</b>, Ms. Lanister, to be here. Compared to being an obedient daughter, you¡¯re more suited for serious work. Who knows? You might even achieve something great.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tone was calm, devoid of any trace of sarcasm or mockery. Yet, Tiffany¡¯s face turned pale when she heard those words. If Josiah weren¡¯t there, Tiffany would have a go at Lysander.

    ¡°That night<b>. </b>I must admit, I was somewhat dazed when I heard what you said. But if you insist on me recalling, it¡¯s not like I can¡¯t remember anything. I remember you saying that Jose encountered <b>some </b>danger, but I had no idea where he was. You ended the call without telling me anything more. I was really helpless, wanting to assist but unable to¡­¡±

    With a pallid face, Tiffany lowered her head, mumbling <b>a </b>long string of words. Everything she said was cryptic, carefully edited by her to imply something.

    After hearing that, Josiah genuinely chuckled. ¡°Well, this <b>is </b>actually good news for <b>me</b>.¡±

    Just from listening to Lysander¡¯s casual tone, he could hardly picture her worrying about his safety. At that moment, Tiffany had filled in those gaps for <b>him</b>.

    Dillon wore a look of confusion, unable toprehend the source of Josiah¡¯s joy. However, noting the less gloomy demeanor than before, he quietly heaved a sigh of relief, saying. ¡°Indeed, Mr. Guerra. Tiffany still cares about you deeply. How could we possibly orchestrate someone to harm you?¡±

    While he was reluctantly smiling, he was filled with regret. Silently, he scolded everyone who was in charge of handling the situation.

    That evening. Tiffany had indeed promptly informed him about the situation. The only mey with his subordinates who were ipetent, failing even in such a simple task of silencing someone.

    Upon learning that his subordinates had unexpectedly crossed paths with Josiah, Dillon became unsettled. He was instantly on edge, like a cat on a hot tin roof. Without wasting any time, he was ready to make <b>a </b>phone call, ordering those thugs to stand down immediately.

    However, Tiffany stopped him and said, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s toote to stop them now. If Lysander could actually call me, it means that these people have already exposed you.

    Dillon became even more anxious<b>, </b>¡°What should we do now? The engagement has already been called off. Even if I swallow my pride, there¡¯s no guarantee I can salvage anything. M¨CMaybe we should visit the Guerra family. After <b>all</b><b>, </b>the value of such a long¨Cstanding rtionship shouldn¡¯t be underestimated.¡±

    Dillon was ready to try anything in a desperate plight.

    ¡°No way.¡± Tiffany immediately dismissed the idea. ¡°Dad, this is a great opportunity. Just think about it. Besides Josiah, who else is there in Guerra Group? If he was no longer around, you wouldn¡¯t have to nervously develop projects under Guerra Group¡¯s name. By then<b>¡­</b>¡±

    She didn¡¯t say much, but she had greatly enlightened Dillon. He immediately put down the phone he had picked up, letting events unfold on their own. It wasn¡¯t until dawn was about to break that he received a report from his subordinates saying that Josiah had simply disappeared<b>.</b>

    Way2/3

    Chapter 689 No Coincidence.

    Just like that, he had missed a hard¨Ctoe¨Cby opportunity.

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    Finished

    The more Dillon thought about it, the angrier he got. However, he didn¡¯t dare to let <b>a </b>single hint of his frustration show on his face. Instead, he just continued to deny any involvement.

    ¡°Ever since you publicly announced the dissolution of our families¡® engagement, I¡¯ve been in the dark about your whereabouts. How could I possibly know you would suddenly appear in this backwater ce? As for those who dared toy a hand on you, none of them belong to Riveron Corporation. I honestly don¡¯t recognize a single one of them.¡±

    Dillon wasn¡¯t afraid of Josiah confronting those people. By then, the gang of thugs had already <b>been </b>apprehended by the police. Even if <b>Josiah </b>wanted to bribe them into talking, it would require a considerable effort.

    Moreover, he <b>had </b>always been cautious, never directly interacting with these individuals. Instead, he simply transferred money to his subordinates to handle the responsibility.

    Lysander recalled the victimized university student Rhizone had mentioned before, as well as the unidentified individual who had been submerged at the bottom of a cold, darkke for over two months. A surge of indignation welled up from within.

    ¡°Mr. Lanister, <b>interact </b>with them.

    all you wouldn¡¯t know them. After all, you never needed to Money makes the world go round. I presume you believe that, too, right? If I¡¯m not mistaken, the reason it took you two days to find this ce was because you were busy cleaning up the mess.¡±

    Naturally, Dillon denied it and emphasized his own struggles. ¡°Ms. Thorne, you make it sound so easy, but I¡¯m a stranger in a foreign ce. As soon as I got the news, I rushed over here. However, Tiffany was worried about Mr. Guerra and insisted oning with me. I was <b>escorting </b>a young girl, so if you think I was slow, I have nothing more to say.¡±

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 Chapter 690

    Chapter 690 Injured And Resting

    #Finished

    Dillon immediately pinned the me on Lysander, making it seem as though she was the one who started the trouble.

    Josiah¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, and his expression had already turned sour.

    In a hushed voice<b>, </b>Tiffany quickly <b>said</b>, ¡°My father and I didn¡¯t intentionally dy for such a long time, Jose. The main reason is that I¡¯ve never been to the countryside before, and he was worried he wouldn¡¯t be able to take care of me properly. So, he called for some extra help from home, which is why things got a bitplicated.¡±

    The people who had gone there with her picked up on her subtle hint, hastily nodding in agreement.

    ¡°Indeed, Mr. Guerra. We can all vouch for it. Mr. Lanister and the youngdy have been particrly hardworking these past couple of days. They¡¯ve been on the move constantly, asking questions along the way. They¡¯ve never had to endure such hardship before.¡±

    ¡°Finding this vast mountain range was exceptionally challenging-¡±

    ¡°Did you really ask your way here?¡± Lysander asked, her expression slightly odd.

    Josiah¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but a silent scoff echoed in the depths of his heart.

    Sensing something was off. Tiffany tried to use her innocent girl¨Clike appearance to feign ignorance and get by. However, Dillon hastily admitted it because he was too eager to please Josiah.

    ¡°We did! If I knew those people, would I really need to struggle so much? Couldn¡¯t I just have them show me the <b>way</b><b>?</b>¡±

    Dillon didn¡¯t believe his subordinates would talk nonsense. As for the time of departure, it was true that he had set out <b>from </b>Harborbrook that very day. However, he had to deal with some <b>trouble </b>caused by the hired thugs along the way.

    By then, the family of that distressed university student would¡¯ve taken him to a nursing home with the money they had. There was no way to prove <b>otherwise</b>.

    ¡°Mr. Lanister, do you have any idea how long it takes for a person to find this <b>ce</b>, all alone and without any sense of direction? 1, a grown man, traveled day and night, and it took me a full three days,¡± Josiah suddenly said.

    Dillon was immediately taken <b>aback</b>. He hadn¡¯t expected that Josiah would actually disregard his <b>work </b>for a woman. Even at the time when he was most willing to make sacrifices for Lysanne, he had never gone to such lengths.

    Josiah cast a nce at Dillon. ¡°Mr. Lanister, if you think my efficiency iscking, you¡¯re wee to try driving yourself. You don¡¯t need a driver or any of your subordinates. You don¡¯t <b>even </b>need to go back to Harborbrook. Just try to drive to the nearby town.¡±

    Immediately. Dillon fell silent, no longer daring to bring up the events that happened on their way here.

    His subordinates, <b>gauging </b>the situation, also fell silent. They could hardly fathom that Josiah <b>had </b>personally embarked on a three¨Cday drive just to locate this secluded mountain vige. Unwittingly, they had made a fool of themselves by showing off in front of Josiah.

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    The atmosphere in the courtyard of the health center immediately plummeted.

    Finished

    Seeing that she could no longer rely on Dillon, Tiffany signaled him to stop talking. She then took the lead, hoping to smooth things over with her pitiful demeanor.

    ¡°Jose, regardless of anything else, the danger you encountered this time was indeed rted to Riveron Corporation¡¯s project. The entire <b>fault </b>lies with my father for not managing his subordinates properly. <b>On </b>his behalf. I apologize to you and Lysa. If it wasn¡¯t for this project, she wouldn¡¯t have been scared.¡±

    <b>As </b>Tiffany spoke, she bent in a bow toward them, intending to establish a moral high ground before anything else. However, the anticipated words of persuasion did not immediately ring in her ears.

    Not only Lysander but even Josiah didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries, telling her there was no need for such

    an act.

    They had already concluded that Dillon was the culprit in this series of troubles. As for the so¨Ccalled long- standing rtionship between the Lanister family and the Guerra family, it was likely obliterated the moment this fact was confirmed.

    Tiffany was truly unwilling to ept it. <i>If </i>Lysander hadn¡¯t meddled after that fool, Lysanne, <b>was </b>out of the picture, I would¡¯ve be thedy of the Guerra family and inherited the vast Guerra family fortune!

    Tiffany hung her head low, a sh of malice briefly flickering in her eyes. By the time she lifted her face <b>again</b>, it had morphed into <b>an </b>expression of tearful grievance. ¡°Jose, Lysa, my father truly didn¡¯t know anything. If you¡¯re still upset, I honestly don¡¯t know how else to exin it.¡±

    The way it <b>was </b>phrased made it sound as if they had been the ones bullying her.

    Josiah <b>had </b>long since stopped buying into this kind of talk. He simply stated, ¡°Since it¡¯s his matter, let him do the exining. No matter how much you say, it won¡¯t make a difference. As for the actual situation,pared to vague exnations, I prefer to believe in facts.¡±

    Once <b>those </b>words fell, Tiffany could no longer guilt trip them, no matter how <b>hard </b>she tried. The only way she could stand her <b>ground </b>was to prove that these matters truly had nothing to do with the Lanister family.

    As Lysander listened from the side, her <b>emotions </b>were aplex mix of feelings.

    Unexpectedly, Josiah really did as he said this time, choosing to believe in the words she <b>had </b>spoken before. It could be considered as <b>a </b><b>way </b>to make up for a bit of past regret.

    It was just a <b>shame </b>that it came a bit toote.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Tiffany was momentarily rendered speechless. She found herself at a loss for words regarding Dillon¡¯s matter. All she could do was hesitantly respond, ¡°All right, Jose. Let¡¯s wait for the results of the police investigation, <b>then</b><b>. </b>However, my father really is just working on a project here.¡±

    Dillon kept nodding, fearful that the more he spoke, the more mistakes he could make.

    Josiah returned to his previous expressionless demeanor. ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t see you out.¡±

    <b>Even </b>though he wasn¡¯t on his home turf, these people hade specifically for him. Naturally, he <b>had </b>the authority to show them the door.

    Tiffany clearly hadn¡¯t expected the conversation to end so abruptly. On their way there, she and Dillon

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    Chapter 690 Injured And Resting

    Finished

    were solely focused on how to deny any involvement. They hadn¡¯t anticipated his demeanor to be so icy. cold.

    ¡°Jose, why don¡¯t youe with us?¡± Tiffany nced around at the pitch¨Cdark surroundings, gingerly clutching Dillon¡¯s sleeve. ¡°On our way here. Dad and I passed through a town. The conditions there are much better than here. At least they have a hotel to stay in.¡±

    She thought if she could separate Josiah and Lysander, everything else would fall into ce. Even if she couldn¡¯t win his trust back, she could still gloss over the incident of the attack.

    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Josiah firmly <b>stated</b>, ¡°No need. I¡¯m injured and need to rest. I can¡¯t go.¡±

    Finally, Dillon found an opportunity to express his concern. He said excitedly, ¡°Mr. Guerra, that won¡¯t do. You need to take good care of your health. This cecks basic amenities. There isn¡¯t even an <b>air </b>conditioner in the ward. Come with us. Let¡¯s go to a major hospital for a check¨Cup.¡±

    Throughout the entire time, Lysander remained silent, simply observing the father¨Cdaughter duo¡¯s performance from the sidelines.

    Tiffany surveyed the dpidated outpatient department and the courtyard, which appeared particrly deste after nightfall. Subconsciously, she covered her nose, as if there was a truly unpleasant odor wafting through the air.

    Upon seeing Tiffany¡¯s expression, Josiah frowned and said, ¡°If you can¡¯t stand this ce, feel free to leave. Don¡¯t feel obliged to take me with you. I actually quite like it here.¡±

    Dillon, Tiffany, and even the others who went with them couldn¡¯t help but exchange nces upon hearing these words.

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    Chapter 691 Indebted To You

    Tiffany had been repeatedly snubbed by Josiah, which had noticeably soured her expression. She then managed to force a faint smile and said, ¡°Well then, Jose, we¡¯ll take our leave for now. We¡¯lle to see you again tomorrow.

    Following Josiah¡¯s thoughts, it would be best if they didn¡¯t bother him again. However, a significant event would happen the next day, and they surely couldn¡¯t do without them. Therefore, he simply acknowledged with a nonchnt hum.

    The group then left the health center in a bustling manner.

    The night sky after the rain was clearer than ever before. ncing up, one could almost mistake the not¨Cyet¨Cfull moon for aplete one.

    Lysander murmured, ¡°Unknowingly, I¡¯ve already spent a month here.¡±

    The day she first arrived, the moon in the sky looked just like that. Initially, she thought she was all alone, never expecting that Josiah would suddenly appear by her side.

    If she were to adhere to her past mindset, she would rather have a ghost to apany her than Josiah.

    Josiah seemed to see right through her thoughts and asked, ¡°If I¡¯m disturbing your moon viewing, I can stay in the consultation room. However, I¡¯m a patient now, Dr. Thorne. You should at least arrange a ward for me.¡±

    The dorm was for the girls. He <b>had </b>already once epted the nurses¡® favor. This time, he was content as long as he lived closer to Lysander. Moreover, if he stayed in the front yard, he would be able to detect any suspicious activity immediately.

    The way Dillon and Tiffany parted so swiftly, the situation surely couldn¡¯t have been that simple.

    Regaining herposure, Lysander replied, ¡°There are no wards avable, but I can arrange a hospital bed for you. A woman who just gave birth here has just been discharged, so if you don¡¯t mind, you could stay here for a few days. Don¡¯t worry. The bed has been properly cleaned and prepared.¡±

    In the eyes of a doctor, patients were not distinguished by gender. By the same token, hospital beds were not segregated by gender either, especially when the only patient requiring hospitalization at the moment <b>was </b>losiah

    Chapter 691 Indebted To You

    In response, he powered through and said, ¡°All right, then.¡±

    Finished

    Lysander looked at his expression, akin to that of a martyr, and couldn¡¯t help but shake her head in resignation.

    ¡°All right. I was just speaking off the cuff earlier. There¡¯s a folding bed in the front office, made up of a bedding set I bought from the town. It¡¯ll be fine for a temporary stay. Hospital beds are in such high demand that they need to be left avable during the day for the elderly and children whoe in for injections. I can¡¯t possibly offer you one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­¡± Josiah remembered the heap of items he had left in the car and hadn¡¯t had time to bring over. He stood up and said, ¡°You rest well. I¡¯ll make a trip back to the car.

    He had merely feigned severe injury in front of Dillon and Tiffany to gauge their reactions. After they had left, there was no need for him to keep up the act.

    Upon seeing him rise, Lysander naturally stood up and said, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll tag along. After all, those things aren¡¯t just for your use.¡±

    Even though it was a minor issue, it was still necessary to make things clear.

    Naturally, Josiah understood Lysander¡¯s intentions. With a bitter smile, he said, ¡°I thought that even if you couldn¡¯t forgive me, you could at least ept my efforts. However, it seems that¡¯s still not possible, huh?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before. What¡¯s in the past is in the past. I just don¡¯t want to owe others a favor.¡± Lysander calmly exined to him. ¡°Moreover, you¡¯ve already done more than enough for me. If this continues, I¡¯m afraid it might be a habit, which won¡¯t be beneficial for my future life.¡±

    Once something became a habit, it wasn¡¯t so easy to change it anymore.

    Lysander searched her heart and questioned herself inwardly. <i>If </i><i>I </i><i>hadn¡¯t </i>clung to the <i>memories </i>of my <i>failed </i>marriage <i>in </i>the past, perhaps <i>when </i><i>the </i><i>truth </i>was revealedter, the pain <i>wouldn¡¯t </i>have felt as <i>if </i>I was tearing my own <i>flesh </i>and blood.

    There was no need for further exnation because Josiah already had a clear understanding.

    ¡°I¡¯ve promised Mr. Thorne I¡¯ll do my utmost to take care of you, whether you ept me or not. If I can¡¯t even handle this minor matter now, wouldn¡¯t that make

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    Chaiter 693 Indebted To You

    me a person who breaks promises?¡±

    His tone was casual, yet his gaze fell into Lysander¡¯s eyes, brimming with an anticipation he couldn¡¯t hide.

    Fire:fed

    Getting someone who could remain ever so calm andposed to reveal such an expression was no easy feat.

    Lysander thought back to Josiah¡¯s past demeanor, and with a slight sigh, she said, ¡°I thought you would have given more consideration to the rtionship between your family and the Lanister family. With things having turned out this way, wouldn¡¯t it be difficult for Madam Susan?¡±

    Someone had to take care of these matters.

    After a moment of serious contemtion, Josiah exined the pros and cons, as well as the cause and effect of the situation.

    ¡°Friendship? I treated it as such, but they took it as a license tomit all kinds of crime, doing whatever they pleased under the banner of Guerra Group. For both public and personal reasons, I can¡¯t possibly let Dillon continue to wreak havoc like this.¡±

    Lysander understood his intentions and silently nodded in agreement.

    When Josiah saw that she had no objections, he half¨Cjokingly added, ¡°Actually, my mom wasn¡¯t too pleased about my impulsive decision to agree to an arranged marriage. Even though she didn¡¯t say anything, I could tell.¡±

    Lysander seemed lost in thought and said, ¡°Madam Susan really has a keen eye for people. She probably realized that Tiffany was no ordinary person a long time. ago.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing,¡± said Josiah seriously. ¡°She just likes you more.¡±

    His gaze burned intensely as he looked at Lysander.

    Unaware, Lysander averted her gaze and continued to walk away. ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Josiah thought she was going out to move things and quickly caught up with her, saying, ¡°I can go alone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m <b>not </b>trying to snatch with you.¡± Lysander paused to exin, ¡°I n to visit Mr.

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    Chapter 691 Indebted To You

    Alvarez¡¯s house. The nurse just told me that Dillon and his group insisted on entering the vige, which really upset Mr. Alvarez. He¡¯s getting on in years. I need to check on him to be at ease.¡±

    Without any hesitation, Josiah stated, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you. It¡¯s a good opportunity to deliver some of the items we bought from the town. Consider it a token of gratitude for Mr. Alvarez¡¯s warm hospitality earlier. Besides, we probably can¡¯t finish all those duck eggs ourselves.¡±

    Seeing that he had quickly grasped the ways of the world, Lysander naturally agreed and didn¡¯t forbid him from following along.

    By the time the two of them had gathered their things and arrived at ine¡¯s house, the sky had turnedpletely dark. The yard, unlike their previous visit, was no longerpletely visible but was instead secured from the inside with a doortch.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit apprehensive. ¡°Could they have already gone

    to rest?¡±

    Josiah was tall, so by merely standing on his tiptoes, he could easily peer over the courtyard wall. He saw the light on in the house and turned his face toward Lysander, saying, ¡°That¡¯s not the case. We can knock.¡±

    As he spoke, he rhythmically knocked a few times on the wooden door.

    Upon hearing themotion, the people inside the house didn¡¯t immediately open the door. Instead, they first approached the window to take a look outside.

    Josiah noticed their reactions and quickly said, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, Mrs. Alvarez, it¡¯s me, along with Dr. Thorne.¡±

    Anita finally breathed a sigh of relief, trotting over as she eximed, ¡°They¡¯re here! They¡¯re here!¡±

    As thetch was removed with a squeak, she warmly asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, Mr. Guerra, didn¡¯t you go to the festival of the deities? Howe you¡¯re back so soon?¡±Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

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 Chapter 692

    Chapter 692 More Greedy Over Time

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re worried about you guys!¡± Lysander noticed the lingering worry on Anita¡¯s face. As she walked into the house with Josiah, she asked concernedly, ¡°Is Mr. Alvarez doing all right? We¡¯ve heard about this afternoon¡¯s incident. Rest assured, those people have already left and won¡¯t be staying here tonight. As for the issues concerning theke and the vigend, a resolution will soon be reached. We won¡¯t let you live in fear as you did before.¡±

    In the midst of their conversation, ine, d in a coat, emerged from the inner room. Coughing, he said, ¡°I¡¯m d it¡¯s you guys. I heard some noise and feared those inhumane creatures had returned.¡±

    ine mentioned the big shots who had previously looked down on the vige, expressing only a few words of regret before letting it go. However, he had harsh words specifically for Dillon and his group, indicating that they had done something truly outrageous.

    Josiah¡¯s gaze narrowed, and he asked, ¡°I¡¯m interested in learning about the events that happened in the vige a while ago. Would it be all right to discuss?¡±

    ine only knew that Josiah was a big shot from the city, who was known for his generosity and kindness. However, ine waspletely unaware of his true identity. ine¡¯s emotions were incredibly mixed when he learned that Josiah wanted to lend a hand.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I know you¡¯re a good man. However, these people are not to be trifled with. It would be best if you keep your distance. What will you do if they decide to trouble you once you return home? I¡¯m a poor old man with nothing to worry about, but it¡¯s different for you.¡± ine said.

    Lysander felt a wave of emotion in her heart and gently uttered, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, you don¡¯t need to worry about us. He¡¯s a¡­¡±

    Lysander stole a nce at Josiah. Their eyes met, and a mutual understanding was reached before she continued, ¡°He¡¯s a businessman, too. He wouldn¡¯t let himself be manipted. Although I can¡¯t go into details right now, I assure you, once everything is over, you¡¯ll be informed.¡±

    ine and his folks were genuinely good people. Even if they found out that Josiah was the head of Guerra Group, they wouldn¡¯t necessarily misunderstand him. However, with so many people in the vige, there was no guarantee that Dillon wouldn¡¯t manipte or instigate them. This secret had to remain hidden temporarily.

    Josiah agreed, saying, ¡°If you¡¯re willing to trust me, could you please rify the situation a bit more? Rhizone did mention a few things while helping us escape, but after all, he¡¯s just a child. He was unclear about some things.¡±

    After a brief silence, ine and Anita exchanged nces, simultaneously letting out a long sigh.

    ine then said, ¡°It¡¯s a long story. You all better sit down first.¡±

    Lysander and Josiah settled themselves beside the only square table in the room, and before long, each of them had a cup of hot water at their disposal.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t intentionally hide the danger in the vige from you all. It¡¯s just that these people hadn¡¯t shown up for a while, and I thought they had given up. Unexpectedly, not only did they return, but they also escted their harm to others. Thankfully, you alerted the authorities in time and called for help.¡±

    With that, ine expressed remorse and apologized to them, saying, ¡°However, I must confess that I had my own selfish motives. I was afraid that if you knew the truth, you¡¯d be frightened off. The number of people willing to support our vige has been dwindling. If you were to leave, I truly wouldn¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    ine had served as the vige chief in this small mountainous vige for several decades. He was always held in high regard by the vigers, and he never anticipated encountering such significant trouble in hister years, truly leaving him at a loss.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Lysander could never bear to see elderly people showing sadness in front of her. Hence, she gentlyforted, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, I can understand how you feel. My visit tonight isn¡¯t meant to confront or question you, but because I believe you have a grasp of the situation, and I want to hear your perspective.¡±

    ¡°All right.¡± ine sat under the dim light of his own home, recounting the events that had transpired recently. The matter involving the university student and the identities Dillon and his group used to intimidate others was all as Rhizone had described. However, there were also things the young man was unaware of.

    ¡°Everyone in the vige depends on thatke for their livelihood, not just those living by the water¡¯s edge, but also us, who reside in the heart of the vige. However, sincest month, all the fish in the pond have died. The loss isn¡¯t just ours, but also of those in the nearby areas who rely on fish farming.¡± ine said.

    Jonah and Lysander silently walked through the events of the past, seeing those who had willingly given up their lives for the sake of the vige. The connection between these seemingly disparate events was finally bing clear. The poisoning of the water was not merely an ident but a deliberate act by those who sought control over the vige.

    Jonah recalled the poisoning theory and asked, ¡°Mr. Alvarez, would you suspect there was something wrong with the water?¡±

    ¡°Initially, no one suspected anything was amiss. After all, the lotus and lotus roots were flourishing. However, when the fry started dying off each time they were introduced, people began suspecting foul y. Someone from our vige collected water samples and sent them to ab, but unfortunately, something happened to him very quickly.¡± ine said.

    Despite his age, ine''s eyes reddened with emotion as he continued, ¡°I watched that child grow up. He was bright and passionate from a young age. If it weren¡¯t for my old bones holding me back, I would have gone with him. However, tragedy struck. When his family moved away, I was too ashamed to see them off.¡±

    Over time, ine regained some of hisposure and asked, ¡°Do you know where his family moved to? We might need him to testify in court.¡±

    Jonah, witnessing ine¡¯s distress, said, ¡°If you¡¯re willing, we want to save the people causing harm in the vige. Would you be willing to provide your assistance?¡±

    Having lived in the vige for many years, ine had grown ustomed to dealing with trouble. The severity of the situation and the willingness of the vige residents to stand up made him more hopeful of finding a solution to these problems.

    ¡°If ites to that, I will do what I must,¡± ine said with a sigh, the weight of his years evident in his voice.

    The couple of days that followed were filled with anticipation and fear, as everyone in the vige hoped for a resolution while bracing themselves for the potential fallout.

    Josiah said, ¡°We must bring this to court. We can¡¯t let them continue exploiting and harming the vige. They will only grow greedier over time.¡±

    ine pondered over his words for a long time, so long that the cup in Lysander¡¯s hand gradually grew cold. Finally, with a resigned determination, ine said, ¡°All right. Let¡¯s bring this to court. We¡¯ll just go all out against them. It doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m not getting any younger. I have to think about the children.¡±

    Anita also started to get excited. ¡°ine, I¡¯ve been waiting for you to say that. We¡¯ve all grown up by theke in this vige, and every household owns their ownnd. Why should we just hand it over to them for nothing? They keep talking about building a hotel. Who knows if they might end up draining theke?¡±

    Upon hearing these words, Lysander felt a tightening in her heart. ¡°Did they really say that? This is the west side, famously known for its water shortage. Having ake here is a rare luxury. If it were to be drained, it could potentially cause water supply issues for the nearby viges.¡±

    Josiah furrowed his brows instinctively and eximed, ¡°Did they say they wanted to drain theke?¡±

 Chapter 693

    Chapter 693 Do Great Things Silently

    The troubles within the vige were far greater than initially anticipated.

    After leaving ine¡¯s house, Josiah maintained a solemn expression, his gen slightly downcast. It seemed as if he was preupied with a matter of great importance.

    Lysander didn¡¯t <b>ask </b>him what he was thinking. ¨C just silently moved forward. No sooner had she taken a few steps than her phone began to ring

    Upon seeing that it was a call from Nieva, she couldn¡¯t help but pause for a

    moment.

    Regaining hisposure, Josiah asked with concern, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s just a call from Ms. Lionhart,¡± Lysander said. It had been a while since shest heard anything rted to Nieva. People won¡¯t show up unless <i>there¡¯s </i>something important. Besides, we¡¯re not close.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help thinking that Nieva was about to share some bad news with

    her.

    Lysander then pressed the answer button.

    Nieva¡¯s voice took on a rare seriousness. ¡°Dr. Thorne, would it be possible for you to help me look after my child for a while?¡±

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback. She nced at Josiah before withdrawing her gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve been away from Harborbrook recently. Perhaps-¡±

    ¡°Are you <b>also </b>away from Harborbrook? Ms. Collins said that Mr. Guerra is also not in Harborbrook. Are you two together?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    ¡°Are you guys on a holiday trip?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m here to provide medical support. As for him¡­ Ms. Lionhart, could it be that you have urgent matters to attend totely? I might be away for a while.¡±

    Nieva was unfazed. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can wait. I have something very important to do

    and I urt <b>ha </b>wall.

    I soundina decente

    ¡°Can we do this in perur tapos news he wont to mention t want

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    The next morning. Spanien

    <b>32</b>%

    <b>1413 </b>Mon <b>8 </b>Jul

    Chapter 693 Do Great Things Silently

    Not only did Carol, who had gone and returned, appear with apanying support doctors and volunteer teachers, but also several trucks loaded with medical supplies.

    Finished

    Even though Lysander had mentally prepared herself in advance, she was still taken aback by what she saw<b>.</b>

    This determination was undeniably intense.

    Carol walked straight toward Lysander and said, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, these are all tasks. assigned by Mr. Guerra. The team responsible for renovating the health center is just behind. Do you see any areas that need improvement?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve always beenpetent, so I trust your judgment.¡± Lysander shook her head, looking around as she asked, ¡°Where is Josiah? I haven¡¯t seen him since I woke up.

    Carol said with a smile, ¡°Mr. Guerra still has some matters to attend to personally. You can say your goodbyes to the vigers first or start packing up your luggage.¡±

    Lysander didn¡¯t have much to pack up. Shopping in the vige was quite inconvenient, so she left all the useful items for the nurses she lived with.

    The nurses felt a pang of reluctance, yet they understood that Lysander must have had significant reasons for leaving. Fearing their tears might betray their emotions, they refrained from saying any farewell words, opting instead to share a simple hug with her.

    By the time Lysander stepped out of the health center¡¯s main entrance, Josiah was already waiting for her. ine, Nilou, and Rhizone were standing right beside him.

    Nilou was a sweet girl, and she immediately rified the situation by saying, ¡°Dr. Thorne, my brother has already spoken to our parents. They¡¯re willing to let Rhizone and me go to the big city. They also want to express their gratitude for your efforts. This is a small token of their appreciation.¡±

    Immediately, Rhizone showed off the bundle and bag he was carrying. They contained mint leaves that had been dried at his home, arge packet of fresh lotus seeds, and numerous straw origami. The variety was even more than what had previously been seen at their house, gifts their father had woven throughout the night.

    ine gently patted the heads of the two children ca

    14:13 Mon, 8 Jul

    Chapter 693 Do Great Things Silently.

    Finished

    parents were afraid that shedding tears in front of their children would make it harder for them to leave, so they asked me to see you off. Dr. Thorne, Mr. Guerra, I¡¯m entrusting them to you from now on.¡±

    Lysander looked at Josiah with a hint of confusion.

    Josiah calmly said, ¡°The kids need to go to school. They can¡¯t stay here selling straw origami forever.¡±

    This was something that Lysander agreed with.

    Hence, she said to ine, ¡°Rest assured, as soon as the children are settled, I will inform you immediately. However, I apologize for breaking my promise to stay until the end of the year. Could you please ry this to the others?¡±

    ¡°No worries!¡± ine waved off her guilt. ¡°What are you even saying? You and Mr. Guerra brought us so many gifts we could hardly contain our joy. Everyone wanted to see you guys off, but I was afraid it would create a chaotic scene and make it difficult for you to leave. I had to persuade them not to. Please, don¡¯t give this a second thought.¡±

    They said their goodbyes, and Josiah silently watched from the side, not stepping forward to interrupt. It was only when Lysander resolutely turned around with the two childre that he stepped forward to help carry the luggage.

    Just like thest time, Lysander, along with Rhizone and Nilou, settled into the back seat. It wasn¡¯t until Josiah started the car that she asked in confusion, ¡°Isn¡¯t Ms. Collinsing with us?¡±

    ¡°The construction team and the support crew are unfamiliar with the vige¡¯s circumstances. They need someone to help coordinate. Also, the sampling work in theke requires supervision to proceed smoothly. Once Carol has dealt with these. matters, she will naturally return and regroup with <b>us </b>at Guerra Group.¡±

    Josiah aplished several significant tasks without making a sound.

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 Chapter 694

    Chapter 694 Multiple Emotions

    Having gone through turbulent times together, their difort in the car had significantly easedpared to before. Seeing his impressive skills, their eyes simultaneously lit up.

    ¡°Josiah, Mr. Alvarez and my parents said that you are a big shot from the city, exceptionally formidable. However, big shots rarely do things themselves. They usually just order others around. You are quite different from them.¡±

    Due to her experiences with Dillon¡¯s underlings, Nilou held a rather negative impression of the profession of being a big shot.

    Given that Josiah was taking them to study in Harborbrook, it was no longer feasible to conceal his identity. He admitted honestly, ¡°In fact, I am the CEO of Guerra Group. However, I have no knowledge of the vige affairs. If I hadn¡¯te here this time, I would probably have remained in the dark for a long time.¡±

    As soon as these words fell, the atmosphere in the car seemed to freeze instantly.

    Lysander observed the siblings¡¯ reactions, ready to step in and exin. However, before she could do so, Nilou, with her eyes wide and shimmering, said, ¡°Josiah, I trust you. You and Dr. Thorne are good people.¡±

    Rhizone was a boy of few words, so he merely nodded in response. However, his gaze was filled with unwavering determination.

    Relief washed over Lysander immediately. Throughout their journey, they engaged in numerous conversations about future aspirations and dreams.

    Upon reaching Guerra Group, Lysander asked Josiah about his ns. ¡°What are we going to do about Nilou and Rhizone when we visit Ms. Lionhart?¡± she asked.

    Nieva had received news of their return to Harborbrook that day and was already waiting for them in advance at Guerra Group.

    After some thought, Josiah said, ¡°They¡¯reing with us.¡±

    Nilou gazed at the towering skyscrapers outside the car window, her eyes filled with curiosity as she asked, ¡°Josiah, are you going to discuss a big business deal? Can wee along?¡±

    Feeling somewhat apprehensive, she held Rhizone¡¯s hand tightly, uncertain if they should get out of the car.

    Josiah smiled, gently ruffled Rhizone¡¯s hair, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The two children obediently nodded, each being led by her and Josiah into Guerra Group.

    Nieva was in the lounge with Aurora, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows, when she saw them arrive with two children. Her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Whose kids have you brought here?¡± she asked.

    Josiah softly replied, ¡°Mine.¡±

    ¡°Tsk! How could that be-¡± Nieva¡¯s face changed instantly. ¡°Have you been hiding your illegitimate children? They aren¡¯t even little kids!¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah looked at her, seemingly convinced, and let out a snicker. ¡°Just a joke. Why would I have such old kids?¡±

    Nieva ced a hand over her heart, letting out a sigh of relief. ¡°Well, it¡¯s hard to say. After all, you men don¡¯t have to go through nine months of pregnancy. The sudden appearance of a child isn¡¯t entirely out of the question.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Has Elio¡¯s mistress gotten pregnant?¡±

    Originally, Josiah¡¯s words were merely a jest, yet the color immediately drained from Nieva¡¯s face. Her fingers tightly entwined as she whispered, ¡°She¡¯s dead.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, both Josiah and Lysander were somewhat taken aback.

    Nieva gave a bitter smile. ¡°Suicide.¡±

    ¡°Why so sudden?¡±

    ¡°You suspect that I forced her?¡± Nieva gave a coldugh. ¡°No wonder I was the first one the police suspected when they arrived. But unfortunately, her death has nothing to do with me. She was Elio¡¯s mistress for a few years, but I knew about it all along. If I wanted to act, I wouldn¡¯t have waited until now.¡±

    ¡°What exactly happened?¡±

    ¡°Afterpletely losing his senses, he doesn¡¯t even care about my parents anymore. I¡¯m afraid he might harm the child, so I¡¯ve decided to leave the child here with you for a while. At the very least, if Elio loses control again, he wouldn¡¯t dare to cause trouble here.¡±

    Lysander instantly sensed something unusual. ¡°Is Elio nning to harm you? Can you ensure your personal safety?¡±

    Nieva chuckled softly. ¡°After all, I am the daughter of the Lionhart family. No matter how audacious he is, he wouldn¡¯t dare kill me, right? Don¡¯t worry. I just want to take my parents abroad for a while. They have always been supportive of Elio, thinking our rtionship was strong. They even saw him as a second son, to the point of entrusting him with thepany. However, Elio has now lost his senses. If they found out he had a mistress, they would surely confront him for my sake. I don¡¯t want things to escte.¡±

    Lysander quickly understood.

    As a daughter herself, she could deeply rte.

    Upon seeing Lysander¡¯s expression, Josiah said, ¡°Okay. Leave Aurora with me. You can take your parents abroad for a change of scenery without any worries. Elio is a smart man. Once he gets over this wave of grief, he¡¯ll know how to make the right choice.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, you¡¯re right. Initially, he abandoned the woman he loved to marry me for the sake of his family. Now that he¡¯s sessful, he¡¯s desperately trying to make it up to her. He always knows what to do and when to do it.¡±

    Lysanderforted, ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. Now that you have a child, when things settle down, focus on living a good life with your child and raising her.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± When Aurora was mentioned, Nieva instantly softened. ¡°I¡¯m not demanding anything now. I gave him thepany, I gave him everything. I even signed divorce papers a while back to give his first love a rightful ce. I knew this day woulde, but I never expected that girl would actuallymit suicide.¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°What did the police say? Has the forensic doctor reached a conclusion?¡±

    ¡°If it was indeed a suicide, did she leave any notes or diary entries? If there were any, wouldn¡¯t it prove your innocence? After that, Elio wouldn¡¯t be able to me everything on you.¡±

    At this point, Nieva lowered her head, a sense of destion washing over her, but above all, it was a feeling of helplessness that dominated. ¡°There¡¯s a suicide note. I proposed a divorce to Elio, but she felt that if we were to divorce, Elio¡¯s control over Lionhart Group would be illegitimate. She feared many would make life difficult for him, and everything he had worked hard for would go down the drain. Moreover, it would mean he would be separated from Aurora forever. She believed her existence forced Elio into this impossible decision, so she did it for Elio. That¡¯s why she¡­¡±

    Josiah let out a sigh. ¡°She is indeed a hopeless romantic.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve seen that girl before. She was quite adorable and genuine, simple-minded, and rather attractive. No wonder Elio couldn¡¯t forget her all these years. However, her death has be an evesting pain in Elio¡¯s heart. He¡¯ll never forget her in his lifetime.¡±

    Indeed, no one could ever forget the pure first crush that willingly chose to die for one¡¯s sake.

    Elio harbored feelings of love, pain, guilt, and even hatred in his heart.

    He harbored resentment toward himself and equally toward Nieva and Aurora.

 Chapter 695

    Chapter 695 The Last Straw

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    Finished

    ¡°All right, the kids are here. Let¡¯s not discuss this now,¡± Nieva said with augh. ¡°Where did you two manage to get these kids from, anyway? Did their parents give their consent?¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken with their parents. They are siblings. The older sister is named Nilou, and the younger brother is named Rhizone.¡±

    Lysander introduced Nieva to the siblings by saying, ¡°This is Mdm. Nieva and her daughter.¡±

    The voices of Nilou and Rhizone rang out in unison. ¡°Hello, Mdm. Nieva.¡±

    When Nieva saw the two adorable and polite children, she immediately went up to pinch Nilou¡¯s check. Turning to Rhizone, the boy who was carrying Nilou¡¯s bag, she said, ¡°You¡¯re so young and already helping girls carry their bags. What a little gentleman you are.¡±

    Rhizone shyly let out a softugh.

    Nilou noticed a delicate little girl sleeping in the baby stroller next to her, carved as if from jade and blushed with pink. She took out a straw origami and handed it over, saying, ¡°Mdm. Nieva, this is a gift for the baby.¡±

    ¡°So sweet! I thank you on behalf of the little girl,¡± Nieva said. When she mentioned Aurora, a fleeting sadness passed through her eyes.

    Lysander astutely noticed and expressed her concern, asking, ¡°You¡¯ve prepared so much stuff. Are you nning on having Aurora stay with us for a long time?¡±

    Right next to the baby stroller were piles of packages, all filled with baby products.

    Upon witnessing the situation, Josiah also realized the severity of the matter. He called someone in, then turned to Nilou and Rhizone, saying, ¡°y here for a while. If you need anything, just tell thisdy. I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡±

    The two children obediently nodded.

    After arranging for the staff to take care of the three children, Josiah and Lysander led Nieva into a small room on one side to continue their conversation.

    Once the children worn out of eight Ninus could

    longer hide the fatione etched

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    Chapter 695 The Last Straw

    #Finished

    on her face. She sank onto the couch, her hand instinctively rising to support her forehead. The cascading curls that fell around her face did little to conceal the faint shadows under her eyes.

    It was clear from her appearance that she hadn¡¯t slept well the previous night.

    Lysander always remembered their first meeting and Nieva¡¯s vibrant and cheerful. demeanor. Seeing her then, worn out to such an extent, was like looking at her past self, causing an involuntary tightening in her heart.

    Josiah suspected that the person who had pushed Nieva to this point was none. other than Aurora¡¯s

    father, Elio. In a deep voice, he asked, ¡°Are you really nning to take your parents abroad?¡±

    Nieva took a deep breath, sweeping her hair behind her ear. ¡°I knew I couldn¡¯t hide it from you.

    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll first send my parents abroad to settle down. As for Elio and I, due to the death of his first love, our issues have gone beyond what a divorce could resolve.¡±

    Lysander said, ¡°Didn¡¯t he leave his first love to marry you in the first ce? If there¡¯s anyone to me, it should be him for treachery. How dare he put the me on you and Aurora?¡±

    ¡°Because by then, he had already regretted his decisions, ready to abandon. everything and divorce me to return to that girl. However, I¨CI found out I was pregnant. I couldn¡¯t bear to get an abortion, so I decided to have the child.¡±

    Lysander choked up.

    Nieva added, ¡°With a child involved, everything changes. The girl might be rather traditional. If it was just a simple divorce, it would only mean two people parting ways. She might have reconciled with Elio. But with a child in the picture, she refused. She felt she couldn¡¯t tear apart someone¡¯s family or separate Elio from his daughter, so-

    ¡°That¡¯s why Elio harbors such resentment toward Aurora.¡±

    Nieva took a deep breath, wiping her face. ¡°What¡¯s done is done. There¡¯s no use in talking about it now. This child is my child, my own flesh and blood. I must protect her. As for Elio, he has been holding something back for a long time now.

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    Chapter 695 The Last Straw

    Finished

    The death of his first love is like the final straw that broke the camel¡¯s back. He¡¯s bound to take revenge.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s heart clenched in an instant. ¡°You¡­¡±

    ¡°His rage haspletely consumed his rationality. It needs an outlet. There¡¯s no escaping for me, but <i>my </i>parents and daughter can¡¯t be the casualties of his fury.¡±

    The progression was undeniably swift. Thest time they met at the resort, Elio was incessantly saying he had matters to discuss with Nieva. Yet, unexpectedly, things had escted to this extent in the blink of an eye.

    There was no greater sorrow than a heart that had given up. Through the bitter smile ying at the corners of Nieva¡¯s lips, Lysander saw the wounds that marriage had inflicted on her heart, leaving it scarred and battered..

    Lysander then asked gently, ¡°You merely gave birth to a child. It¡¯s not your fault. What right does Elio have to-¡±

    ¡°Objectively speaking, that¡¯s the case. However, human emotions are often subjective. Where there¡¯s favoritism, there¡¯s also hatred. A resolution between Elio and I is inevitable.¡±

    ¡°Is divorce not an option?¡± Lysander asked. ¡°Once you guys get a divorce, he will have no connection to the child. If he wants thepany, he can have it. He¡¯s achieved his goal. He¡¯s got everything he wanted. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±

    Josiah also stated, ¡°I can assist with the divorce process, whether it involves hiring awyer, notarizing property, or ensuring your personal safety along with that of your parents. It¡¯s crucial to have all these matters well¨Cnegotiated with Elio.¡±

    The Lionhart family had built their fortune in finance, and with Elio¡¯s involvement over the past few years, their prosperity had continued to rise. Therefore, when it came to matters of property, it was bound to be a tough battle.

    Nieva then stood up and solemnly revealed her intentions to Josiah and Lysander, saying, ¡°In summary, I¡¯m entrusting Aurora to you. As a single parent, juggling the care of my parents and Aurora is overwhelming. I wouldn¡¯t bother you unless it was absolutely necessary.¡±

    Lysander and Josiah nodded in unison. They didn¡¯t make any promises, but everything was understood without saying a word.

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    Only then did Nieva reveal a genuine smile. ¡°I¡¯ll be going, then. Once everything has settled down, I¡¯lle back for her. In the meantime, I¡¯m counting on you all to take care of her.¡±

    Before she left, she tiptoed over to the baby stroller. She bent down to gaze at her sleeping daughter over and over again. She wanted to give her a farewell kiss but feared <b>that </b>waking the child would make it too hard for her to leave. In the end, she simply blew her a kiss.

    Lysander stood by the baby stroller, her gaze dropping to the innocent little one who was oblivious to the imminent divorce of her parents. At that moment, Lysander¡¯s heart was filled with a sense of profound sadness.

    Sense

    Almost at the same moment as Nieva drove away, Aurora seemed to something and opened her eyes. Noticing her mother wasn¡¯t by her side as usual, she let out a cry.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Upon seeing that, Josiah adeptly picked Aurora up. Gently rocking the child, he asked, ¡°Do you still remember us?¡±

    Typically, such a young baby wouldn¡¯t be able toprehend anything, but upon hearing Josiah¡¯s voice, she miraculously stopped crying. She just wrinkled her delicate little nose, appearing somewhat bewildered.

    Seeing that his approach was effective, Josiah quickly softened his tone and continued to coax, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We will protect you.¡±

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    C

 Chapter 696

    Chapter 696 The Anonymous Letter

    When he returned to the office once more, his desk wasden with a heap of snacks.

    However, Nilou and Rhizone were still somewhat reserved, not daring to touch anything.

    Seeing them return, the siblings stood up and asked, ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, is this your child?¡±

    Josiah paused for a moment before responding with a simple hum.

    ¡°You two have a child? Dr. Thorne never mentioned it before.¡±

    Nilou used to help her parents take care of Rhizone when they were kids. Looking at Aurora¡¯s tiny face, she eximed, ¡°She¡¯s so adorable! My brother was never this fair when he was a baby.¡±

    A look of confusion crossed Rhizone¡¯s face. ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°Fool! How could you possibly remember things from when you were not even <b>a </b>year old?¡± Nilou was quick¨Cwitted and clever. Her unexpected remarks always managed to amuse people.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    Lysander returned with a smile, having prepared the baby form, and joined. Josiah in soothing Aurora.

    Aurora was quite familiar with their scents. Once the baby bottle was in her grasp, her crying naturally ceased. Her eyes, still moist with tears, quickly brightened up. withughter.

    Upon seeing the situation, Josiah tentatively attempted to sit down. However, the moment he barely touched the couch, Aurora crinkled her nose, letting out a whimpering sound.

    That was a sign that tears were about toe.

    In an instant, Josiah stood back up with Aurora in his arms. With one hand steadying the baby bottle and the other cradling her, he moved around the lounge with practiced ease and gentleness.

    Concidaring hie non<b>¨C</b>eton huetle before leaving the vige. I veander had no choice

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    Finished-

    Chapter 296 The Anonymous Letter

    but to say, ¡°Aurora has just left her mother and doesn¡¯t feel secure yet. It¡¯ll get better after a while. Let¡¯s take turnsforting her.¡±

    ¡°No need,¡± said Josiah in a gentle voice. ¡°You¡¯ll probably be busy soon. Right now, your main priority should be to rest and recharge.¡±

    The way he spoke made it sound as though he could just kick back and rx next.

    After he finally managed to coax Aurora into settling back down in the baby stroller, a video call from Carol came through.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯ve divided the sample into two parts. One has already been sent to a specialized testing facility, but it will take some time to get the results. I¡¯ve kept a portion for myself as well, just in case,¡± Carol said.

    Josiah nodded, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve always handled matters appropriately. I have nothing to worry about.¡±

    When he spoke, he deliberately kept some distance from the baby stroller so as not to let his businesslike tone affect Aurora¡¯s mood. Lysander had notmunicated with him in advance, but at this moment, she intuitively turned on the electric wind chime hanging in the baby stroller¡¯s sunshade to distract her

    attention.

    After Carol finished her report, she didn¡¯t hang up. Instead, she lowered her voice and added, ¡°Mr. Guerra, aside from the water sample, I¡¯ve made another discovery. Someone has ced something in our car.¡±

    Nilou, being particrly observant, noticed that Carol seemed to be on the verge of discussing something crucial with Josiah. Taking the initiative, she pulled Rhizone along and said, ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne, Rhizone and I will go outside and y for a while.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Josiah said softly. ¡°What I¡¯m about to discuss rtes to theke in the vige. If you¡¯re interested, stick around.¡±

    He was a man of his word, trulymitted to nurturing these two children.

    Not only was Nilou intelligent, but she was also bold. Hearing his consent, she truly decided to stay and kept Rhizone with her.

    From a young age, Rhizone always listened to Nilou¡¯s words. Even though he felt somewhat confused in this unfamiliar ce, he still followed ben

    Chapter 66 The Anangmists Letter

    Finished

    To alleviate their nervousness, Lysander deliberately sat down next to them, and they all listened together.

    Carol said, ¡°It¡¯s an envelope. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s inside, but I have a hunch that there¡¯s a significant reason behind the sender¡¯s efforts. It seems to be a matter of great importance, so I refrained from opening it on my own initiative.¡±

    Josiah brought his phone closer for a better look, his cyebrows deeply furrowed.

    The envelope was small, but if it was meant for poisoning or intimidation, stuffing a few razor des inside would have been sufficient.

    Lysander recognized it immediately and said, ¡°There¡¯s an elementary school in the vige, Hope Elementary School. The test papers they use are repeatedly printed. on this type of paper. I¡¯ve seen elementary school students at the health center doing their homework while receiving an IV drip.¡±

    Upon learning that this letter was most likely from a viger, Josiah said, ¡°Open it.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Carol, with the video rolling, confidently tore off the tape on the spot.

    What fell out were two ordinary sheets of paper, folded together, densely filled with words. The handwriting was very neat, but there was no signature, neither at the beginning nor at the end.

    Nilou had only started elementary school, and she was still learning to read and write. As for Rhizone, he had just begun learning the alphabet. Even if they huddled close together, they couldn¡¯t understand a thing. Hence, they patiently waited for Lysander and Josiah to finish reading and then exin the situation to them.

    Having spent countless hours perusing medical literature, Lysander had developed. the skill of speed reading, processing the information even faster than Josiah. ¡°It seems to be about some insider details rted to this case,¡± she said.

    Carol also took a moment to read and nodded in agreement. ¡°The letter is anonymous, but what the writer wants to convey seems to be true. The overall situation aligns with what Rhizone and Mr. Alvarez have previously discussed. However, it appears the writer does not want to reveal their true identity, likely out of fear of retaliation.¡±

    3/5

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    added ¡°Tallim never prasemally did anything wring from start in funds He only arounged fors adwordinates to 40mins Ford Geo formats proces, if he was willing to gory, there was a high likelihood that his bondin would agree to take the me?

    ¡°Mr Guerra, should we investigate who wrote letter? Carol and

    Josiah said, ¡°Now you He¡¯s privg to the invade scoop: If taillon¡¯s subordinates found our could spadl danges Besides, 11 think I know who he is¡±

    it

    1 yender was puzzled. ¡°What? Yourdor

    ¡°Yes. He¡¯s the torcher who volunteered to teach in the vige,¡± said jouah. ¡°I¡¯ve seen his handwriting before, and this should be <i>his</i>

    Lynde scrutinized the contents of the letter once more.

    Through the screen, the wind intermittently blew the letter paper into a chaotic dance. With considerable effort, Lysander managed to read through it, word by word, sentence by sentence.

    ¡°Hemmer be talking about the incident involving the university student who died at the bottom of theke¡±

    Unable to contain her curiosity, Nilou asked, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you referring to the university student from our viger The adults say that he¡¯s disabled now and has lost his sunity. Wasn¡¯t it due to a car ident?¡±

    She had a bit more knowledge about the matter than Rhizone

    ¡°The car ident is merely a ruse¡± Josiah ryed the content of the letter to the siblings in a softened voice<b>, </b>saying, ¡°The letter states that the only university student who left your vige did not let everyone down. He even managed to find awyer willing to help However, just as he was about to return, he chanced upon agil being borussed by a hooligan in the vicinity. He stepped in and saved her The youngdy was terrified when she encountered such a situation and pleaded for him to escort her home. He agreed, but on the way, they were ambushed by mother gang of thugs. They attacked him and pushed him onto the road, injuring his leg and head post before he lost consciousness, he heard the thugs calling the girl Ms. Lamister¡±

    Before this letter surfaced, nobody had any idea that a young woman had been involved in this matter At the same time, no one knew the young <b>woman </b>who had

 Chapter 697

    Chapter 697 Just Think Of It As Keeping Me Company

    Instantly, Lysander felt a chill run down her spine. She couldn¡¯t help but think back fearfully to thest look Tiffany gave her before she left.

    The letter abruptly ended at the part where the university student met with an ident. The sender emphasized at the end that these were all messages the student had managed to send him before falling unconscious. As for the cell phone, it was destroyed in the ident on the same day, so he couldn¡¯t provide any evidence, but he swore to heaven about its truth.

    Regarding the matter of the university student from the vige, Carol had already arranged for someone to investigate upon Josiah¡¯s instructions. They finally received some notable results.

    ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Guerra, he began, ¡°I¡¯ve gathered some information. He was discovered shortly after the incident. The thugs who attacked him have turned themselves in. However, they all im that they were stopped by him from harassing a girl, which they couldn¡¯t swallow, hence the retaliation. The girl¡¯s privacy is well¨Cprotected, no one knows the true identity of the girl involved. The police handling the case did everything by the book. However, those thugs were t broke, they couldn¡¯t afford to pay any damages. So, their only option was to serve time. As for the victim, a college student¡­ his life, along with his entire family¡¯s, ispletely ruined.¡±

    Upon hearing the oue, everyone in the room fell silent.

    In the end, it was Josiah who first voiced his stance. ¡°Arrange for him to receive treatment at the best hospital. The expenses, just like the aid provided to the vige, will be taken care of from my personal ount.

    He had always been a person who clearly distinguished between public and private matters. Before the official development of the project, all the money came from his personal ount.

    Josiah never looked down on anyone just like he did in the past. However, that was simply because, aside from those close to him, he was indifferent to everyone else,This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    It seemed that his hardships in the vige were not in vain. He had witnessed the fickleness of human nature and gained a deep understanding of the helplessness and grievances of those at the bottom of the socialdder.

    As they were engrossed in <b>their </b>conversation. Aurora was happily amusing herself

    1/5

    that the baby yored and buck listo tras

    In a wish to guy cried du baby to the her gendy patting her fark el camitously wining the serious conversation without missing a beat

    However, sontcone swiftly rapped on the office door

    *Comte in

    The cound of the secretary¡¯s voice echoed from outside the doo, sounding moulded as they ryed the message ¡°Mi Guerra Mr. Lanister and Ms Lanister have anived The reception formed them that you don¡¯t see anyone withoun an appointment regardless of who they are. But they insist <b>on </b>barging in

    Turany was once engaged to Josiah In addition, Riveran Corporation had a business partnership with Guerra Group

    Orimary employees truly found themselves in a bind when faced with such a

    situation

    By now Josiah had learned to empathize with the hardships of others He didn make things difficult for them simply saying. Arrange a meeting room for them. Til be there shortly

    The employees outside the door, feeling as if they¡¯d received a royal pardon. immediately left

    Josiah took a deep breath, suppressing the chill in his eyes I didn¡¯t expect them to arrive so soon. It seems I¡¯ve underestimated this Dillon

    Lysander had a subtle premonition. She had always assumed that at most, Tiffany was just a particrly meticulous gul, but that was only toward Josiah

    However, unexpectedly, she was also involved in Dillon¡¯s scheme

    How much did she really know about what Dillon had done in the past?

    Holding the baby in his arms, Josiah wood up and said. ¡°I need to meet with them. Do you want toe with me?

    Niton and Rhizone harbored a particr distaste for Dillon and Tiffany. Yet, for the sake of preserving their vige, they were willing to meet with the Holsting

    hat Tams in It As Reptone Me Company

    her younger brother¡¯s hand, Nilou dered with a maturity beyond her years, ¡°If they lie. I¡¯ll stand up for our vige!¡±

    ¡°All right, but remember to look out for yourself,¡± he cautioned. ¡°With me around, there¡¯s no need for you to directly confront them.¡±

    Nilou nodded, her understanding seemingly tinged with confusion.

    With the baby in his arms, Josiah instinctively turned to Lysander. ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡±

    Lysander asked, ¡°Do you think I should go?¡±

    On a grander scale, it was a matter between Guerra Group and Riveron Corporation. On a more personal level, it was about Josiah and Tiffany. Her position was awkward. It wasn¡¯t appropriate for her to get involved, yet it wasn¡¯t appropriate for her to stay out of it either.

    ¡°Just apany me, okay? You were with me when we met themst night. Now, there are two more. No, actually three. But it¡¯s all right, the more the merrier. After all, there¡¯s strength in numbers.¡±

    Carol didn¡¯t join in the fuss, instead she said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, I¡¯ll hang up now.

    ¡°All right, you¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    Dillon was quite displeased with the conference room. He looked critically at the employee pouring him tea. ¡°Does Mr. Guerra know you¡¯ve arranged for us to meet here?¡±

    The secretary simply offered a smile, staying silent. After serving the tea, she left

    the room.

    After she left, Tiffany quietly reminded Dillon, ¡°Dad, this is Guerra Group. Be careful with your words. Everyone here could be Josiah¡¯s ears. Haven¡¯t you noticed their attitude toward us haspletely changed?¡±

    ¡°Guerra Group has never been short of rooms. In the past, when you sought him out, you¡¯d always be ced in the lounge of the office suite. But now? If I¡¯m not mistaken, this is the most ordinary conference room, reserved for those they wish to dismiss quickly.¡±

    4 Kiette e Chupeny

    more humble stance Josiah is currently suspicious of you, but hecks solid proof. As long as you maintain a modest deineanor, he can¡¯t do anything to you

    After pondering for a moment, Dillon nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right, as always. Tiff, I really owe you for all the help you¡¯ve given me these past few years.¡±

    ¡°It was only right for me to help you.¡±

    Tiffany appeared quiet and reserved. Yet, beneath this facade of an innocent little girl that no one would suspect, she had managed to uncover quite a few secrets.

    Dillon had always relied on his daughter. When he heard that there was a chance Josiah might not continue to coborate with him, his expression instantly turned frantic.

    But in the next moment, Tiffany made a silencing gesture.

    Before Dillon could evenpose his startled expression, the conference room door was pushed open from the outside. Then, his expression came into y.

    Josiah was seen cradling an infant, not even a year old, in his arms. Apanying him were two children, both around ten years of age. If Lysander hadn¡¯t been there as well, the scene could have easily been mistaken for a daycare.

    Without knowing whether he was indifferent or genuinely unaware of any issue, Josiah directly pulled Lysander to sit down opposite them.

    Upon seeing their adversary who had once wronged their family, both Nilou and Rhizone cast aside their difort. The two quickly upied the closest single- seater sofa. their eyes intensely fixed on Dillon and Tiffany.

    Dillon was momentarily taken aback, but he didn¡¯t pay them any mind. Instead, he went straight into the opening remarks he had prepared in advance.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, about the matter you mentionedst night, I¡¯ve thoroughly investigated it. Indeed, I am to me. I failed to maintain strict control over my subordinates, focusing solely on pushing forward with the project and neglecting their behavior. If I <b>had </b>known earlier that these individuals had the audacity to intindate others. I definitely would not have employed them.¡±

 Chapter 698

    Chapter 698 Digging Deep To Uncover The Truth

    He skillfully sidestepped the weightier issues, not uttering a single word about the poisoning and the harm done. As for the unidentified body that had yet to be identified, it was brushed off as easily as a stone thrown into the water.

    Tiffany¡¯s mood shifted faster than flipping throug book, her eyes reddening in the blink of an eye. She stood up, timidly pleading on his behalf. She was so fragile that it seemed like a gust of wind could knock her over.

    ¡°Jose, I admit that my father is indeed in the wrong this time. However, he¡¯s only trying to push the project forward and expand thepany¡¯s business. Even though I don¡¯t fully understand the ins <b>and </b><b>outs </b>of business, I can clearly see how anxious he is. He is so dedicated to finding a perfect location for the vi development that he didn¡¯t even return home.¡±

    Josiah barely lifted his eyes, showing no intention of looking at her directly. Most of his attention was focused on the baby cradled in his arms. The child felt very close to him, even daring to y with his buttons.

    THE

    This softened his tone somewhat. So, the good ce you found turns out to be someone else¡¯s home? I¡¯ve already sent the water sample for testing. You should be well aware of the implications of poisoning, Mr. Lanister¡±

    Such a lukewarm attitude was the most dangerous.

    Just as Dillon was about to panic. Tiffany subtly tugged at his sleeve. At first nce, it was like a frightened little girl seekingfort from her father. However, he took it as a cue and quickly regained hisposure.

    On the way to Guerra Group, Tiffany had already discussed with him the potential scenarios they might encounter, even <b>going </b>as far as preparing countermeasures.

    This seemingly delicate and harmless daughter of his was actually the true backbone of Riveron Corporation in recent years.

    With a heavy heart. Dillon managed to feign a look of regret as he apologized to Jogah Mr Guerra understand that no matter what I say now you might not believe me, given what has already transpired I¡¯vee to terms with it, <b>and </b>I beheve that whoever made the mistake should face the consequences¡±

    As he spoke he even made a phone call right in front of Josiah. After a brief

    zerokowatile. Ne deruded family name and then home a rating only a

    thank you¡± lingering in the air.

    Josiah was toonguid to ask questions, he simply watched his performance with an unchanging response to his act.

    As expected, Dillon didn¡¯t wait for him to speak. He took the initiative to exin everything he had done earlier.

    Mr. Guerra, after much consideration, if the water quality is indeed. ompromised, it could spell disaster for several nearby viges. It¡¯s a matter of utmost importance that requires thorough investigation. Therefore, I contacted the police officer whose number I had previously saved, and informed him about the project manager I had assigned and the situation at hand.¡±

    The name that Dillon had just mentioned was the person he had appointed to oversee the vi project. This individual was considered a veteran within Riveron Corporation

    The underlings couldn¡¯t shoulder the me, but the one in charge was certainly qualified to bear it.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah finally met his gaze, a chill settling in his eyes as he asked. ¡°Mr. Lanister, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going a bit too far in trying to clear your name?¡±

    Dillon looked utterly bewildered. ¡°What do you mean by that, Mr. Guerra?¡±

    Tiffany was afraid that his feigned ignorance would push Josiah too far, so she spoke up in a timely manner. Jose, please don¡¯t be angry. My father is also upset about making this decision. But when you do something wrong, you have to pay the price. If that mister really did condone the poisoning, then he deserves to be in jail

    In just a few words, not only was Dillonpletely exonerated, but she had also somewhat defended the person in charge. At this rate, by the end of the investigation, the main culprit could very well turn out to be the thug who sprinkled the poison

    As for the real culprit, they would only have to shell out a small sum before raking

    in a fortune.

    Lysander had initially nned to ignore Tiffany. However, since she was already here hearing her gloss over the issues with such cating words, she couldn¡¯t help

    feel undigree on behalf of the victimized vigers She promptly gave her a piece of het mind

    Ms. Lamster, this pertains to your father¡¯s business affairs. You¡¯re not privy to the abrails, so how can you be so certain in your conclusion?¡±

    Without any solid evidence at hand, she had no choice but to lightly reprimand Tiffany for now.

    Tiffany had already revealed her true self to Lysander, so she was not flustered at all at this moment. Instead, she pointed the finger at her <b>and </b>said, ¡°Ms. Thorne, in terms ofpany management, I am indeed not as good as you. I heard that you had temporarily managed Thorne Constructions and Energies before, unlike me. who couldn¡¯t help my dad at all¡­¡±

    With an innocent look on her face, she continued to ask, seemingly oblivious to the implications. Ms Thorne, if it¡¯s <b>not </b>too much trouble, could you teach me? Maybe once I¡¯ve learned, it won¡¯t be solely up to my dad to shoulder the burden.¡±

    Without any hesitation, Lysander rejected the proposal. ¡°You¡¯d better ask Mr. Lanister, it will be quicker¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    After a long wait Tiffany finally heard a phrase she could use to her advantage. With <b>an </b>innocent look <b>on </b>his face, she expressed her thoughts,

    Dad tried to teach me, but I never quite got it. My college major didn¡¯t touch on any of this, and I didn¡¯t have a mentor like you did with Jose. He guided you every step of the way. I heard Mr. Thorne returned to thepany, was it because you went to the countryside to help out?¡±

    These two matters were unrted, but the way she expressed it, it oddly seemed as if they had be cause and effect

    Lysander let out a soft sigh, cutting straight to the point, she asked, ¡°So?¡±

    Running thepany was never her desire in the first ce. She was merely returning to do what she does best at the moment.

    Tiffany took a half step back as if frightened, her voice soft and weak as she exined Ms Thorne, you¡¯ve misunderstood I wasn¡¯t using you of anything I has fought that save you ve only recently returned to the Thorne family, there might be some things you¡¯re not used to ver only wanted to remind you Mr and Mes Thorne are well respected figures in their circle They were overjoyed when

    som

    de you tveryone knew that the rightful heiress of the Live faunty hart returord Wed shinuch we¡¯d be able to meet you soon but unexpectedly you slipped awn to the countryside without a worst. You¡¯re probably aware that sett people love to gossip about others in their leisure time I¡¯ve heard some have been speaking ill of you behind your back, saying youck manners that you don¡¯t carry the grace of ady of stature, even going as far as to say you¡¯re beneath

    She spoke cautiously, stopping just at the right moment, observing the expressions. of Lysander and Josiah as if she was afraid of offending them

    Naturally, Josiah knew that the person Tiffany was about to mention was Lysanne his expression suddenly darkening

    Lysander, however, didn¡¯t seem to mind at all. ¡°If you want to say that I¡¯m not as good as Lysanne you can just say it. After all, in some aspects, truly do feel

    I

    inferior

    This attitude was somewhat beyond Tiffany¡¯s expectations.

    Surprisingly, it was Josiah who reached his limit first, asking. ¡°Who told you these things

    Tiffany <b>had </b>her countermeasures ready in advance. She spoke in a pitiful tone ¡°They were some women I ran into at a party earher I don¡¯t even know them. just hung around for a bit before leaving

    Which gathering are you referring to Josiah was determined to get to the

    bottom of this.

    L5K

 Chapter 699

    Chapter 699 Turning Oneself In

    Tiffany subconsciously clutched at her sleeve. Her nails dug into her palm, but she was oblivious to the pain. Herrge, clear eyes flickered with hesitation as she asked. ¡°Can I refrain from speaking? Would that be inappropriate?¡±

    After listening for a while, Nilou was not entirely clear on ne specifics. Yet, when she spoke, her voice was crisp and full of conviction. ¡°Excuse me, Miss, weren¡¯t you the one who brought up this matter first?¡±

    She was a genuine child, any words she spoke could be chalked up to the innocence of youth.

    In a corner unnoticed by others. Tiffany cast a disgusted nce at the whitewashed shoes of Nilou. But when she truly looked at her, she didn¡¯t forget to put on a smile that suggested she was fond of children. ¡°What¡¯s <b>your </b>name, little one? You¡¯re quite adorable.

    As she spoke, she reached out, intending to touch Nilou¡¯s cheeks. However, her attempt was mercilessly avoided..

    Nilou immediately moved behind Lysander, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me.¡±

    Observing the disheveled appearance of the child and the way she had disregarded Tiffany, he immediately chided, ¡°Where did this childe from? She has no manners at <b>all</b>. Was she brought from the countryside?¡±

    His disdain for the two children was clearly evident.

    Lysanne, fearing that Nilou and Rhizone would be upset, promptly took their small hands into hers and defended them with neither servility nor arrogance. ¡°Mr. Lanister, these two children are under my care. It¡¯s not your ce to discipline themContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Dillon couldn¡¯t keep a straight face anymore

    He had always considered himself the equivalent of a respected father¨Cinw in the outside world, often basking in the ttery of others. But now, after being humiliated by Lysanne, he couldn¡¯t hold in his temper anymore.

    Jostali gave him a look and questioned. ¡°Mr. Lanister, are you really telling me you don¡¯t know them!¡±

    When Hill Besponded to festas question, his expression changed stantly. He wore a y ang mite, saying, Mr. Cuere, how could I possibly know two kids from the untry side?¡±

    Based on his understanding of Josiah, he was certain that these two children must have been brought by Iysanne on her own initiative Josiah was a person who was entirely focused on business profits, how could he possibly engage in such aborious and thankless task?

    The words that followed from Josiah, however,pletely took him by surprise

    ¡°They live by the pond, locals who are born and raised in the vige The fact that you don¡¯t even know shows that the preliminary preparations for this project <b>isn¡¯t </b>thorough enough. In my opinion, it might be best to <b>call </b>it quits. Better to cut our losses <b>now </b>before the project has even started.

    He spoke the words with an air of nonchnce, but his tone left no room for negotiation. This was a clear demand for Dillon to abandon the vi project and to stop meddling in the affairs of the vige.

    If backing <b>off </b>could guarantee his safe retreat, Dillon would have endured the pain and epted it. However, reality was likely not that simple.

    Since Josiah had brought the two children from the vige to his side, it was evident that he wanted to settle scores with him!

    Recalling the fate of those who had offended Josiah, Dillon felt a chill run down his <b>spine</b>. Swallowing his pride, he pleaded. Mr. Guerra. <b>I </b>admit I¡¯ve messed up this time But could you possibly spare me this once, considering the good rtions our families shared in the past, and let me enjoy my twilight years in peace?¡±

    Josiah slightly raised an eyebrow, but didn¡¯t say a word.

    ¡°My wife died young, and I was left with only one daughter, Tiff. She was pampered and coddled from a young age, so much so that she even feared speaking to strangers If I were to be brought down by my own people, what would be of her

    As he spoke, he rubbed his eyes, nearly breaking down in tears in front of Tiffany. It was as if he was on the verge of putting on a show of deep father¨Cdaughter

    affection

    If he hadn¡¯t shed tears, his words would have been more convincing

    219

    In contrast, Tufan was much quicker to get into character. ¡°Jose, Em begging you

    pinas no hold this against my father this time? He truly didn¡¯t know auling before, it¡¯s not his fault for being unaware. Besides, we will definitely find

    waypensate the victims in the future

    Tears streamed down her face as she spoke to Nilou and Rhizone. ¡°Little ones, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll find a way to <b>make </b>it up to the vigers. If my father can¡¯t manage it, I¡¯ll find a way¡­¡±

    Sometimes, tears could <b>also </b>be a weapon

    Lysanne had no desire to be involved with the Lanister family anymore. At that moment, she lowered her gaze, focusing solely on Aurora, Nilou, and Rhizone to shield them from any potential harm.

    Upon hearing someone crying, Aurora didn¡¯t show any intention of joining in. Instead, she simply looked up in confusion.

    After listening quietly for a moment, Josiah unexpectedly called over the secretary who was stationed nearby. ¡°Olivia,e over here a moment¡±

    Dillon and Tiffany thought he was going to change his <b>mind</b>, so they both held their breaths and waited intently

    Yet all he said was, ¡°Bring in a cushion.¡±

    The staff in the secretary¡¯s office all worked under Carol. Their understanding of Josiah might have been limited, but their work ethic was beyond reproach. They immediately fetched a cushion for him.

    ¡°Here, Mr. Guerra¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t <b>take </b>it, instead, he pointed toward Lysanne, indicating for her to pass

    Hover

    Larsanne¡¯s expression shifted slightly, unsure of what game he was ying.

    Did he expect her to use the cushion for self¨Cdefense?

    Surety Unilon wouldn¡¯t reson toying a hand on her in Guerra Group

    Cv was quite observing the provide all

    o

    Dir way doh quicker to get into character Jose Fm begging you. Can you p?ease not hold dass against my father this time? He truly didn¡¯t know anything before, it¡¯s not his fault for being unaware. Besides, we will definitely find

    way topemate the victims in the future

    Tears streamed <b>down </b>her face as she spoke to Nilou and Rhizone ¡°Little ones. don¡¯t worry We¡¯ll find a way to make it up to the vigers. If my <b>father </b>can¡¯t manage it. I¡¯ll find a way.¡±

    Sometimes, tears could also be a weapon.

    Lysanne had no desire to be involved with the Lanister family anymore. At that moment, she lowered her gaze, focusing solely on Aurora, Nilou, and Rhizone to shield them from any potential harm.

    Upon hearing someone crying, Aurora didn¡¯t show any intention of joining in Instead, she simply looked up in confusion.

    After listening quietly for a moment, Josiah unexpectedly called over the secretary who was stationed nearby. ¡°Olivia,e over here a moment.¡±

    Dillon and Tiffany thought he was going to change his mind, so they both held their breaths and waited intently.

    Yet all he said was, ¡°Bring in a cushion.¡±

    The staff in the secretary¡¯s office all worked under Carol. Their understanding <b>of </b>Josiah might have been limited, but their work ethic was beyond reproach. They immediately fetched a cushion for <b>him</b>.

    Here, Mr. Guerra

    Josiah didn¡¯t take it, instead, he pointed toward Lysanne, indicating for her to pass it over

    Iysanne¡¯s expression shifted slightly, unsure of what game he was ying.

    Did he expect her to use the cushion for self¨Cdefense?

    Surely. Dillon wouldn¡¯t resort toying a hand on her in Guerra Group.

    Olivia was quite observant, she promptly ced the cushion behind Lysanne¡¯s Watt Ms Guerra, would you like to try it this way? If it¡¯s notfortable, Leth

    sisther and

    The form Mix Guerra hadpletely baffled everyone present

    Only Josiah Nilou, and Rhizome, maintained their usualposure.

    Tsanne looked at Josiah with a questioning look. What was he up to?

    This wasn¡¯t the original n.

    ¡°The couch in this conference room is made of rosewood, it¡¯s too firm. Sitting for a long time can cause back pain, you should use a cushion.¡±

    ¡°1¨CI¡¯m fine, my back doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Go ahead and use it.¡±

    Then, with a wave of his hand, he signaled for Olivia to leave.

    Olivia <b>gave </b>a slight nod, obediently stepping out. However, she lingered not too far away, waiting to be summoned.

    The quality of the secretaries at Guerra Group was indeed high. Carol had already proven to be highlypetent, and Olivia seemed to be another capable assistant

    During this time, Tiffany did nothing but sob, unable to utter a single coherent word.

    Upon witnessing Josiah¡¯s deliberate ignorance toward them, Dillon felt a sense of impending doom.

    ¡°Um. Mr. Guerra¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lanister, considering our age difference, you¡¯re my elder. I don¡¯t want to make this situation any uglier than it has to be Why don¡¯t you turn yourself in?¡±

    Dillon¡¯s face instantly turned sour ¡°Mr. Guerra, even the police haven¡¯t said anything yet Have you already decided I¡¯m guilty?¡±

    ¡°Whether you re guilty or not, you should know better than anyone else, I don¡¯t need to decide that for you. However, if you¡¯re unwilling to turn

    have

    choke n to uphold rustice and

    Yet, for Josiah, this was already quite a significant progress.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you raise your standards and expect more from me he said gently. ¡°You don¡¯t have to justify things from my perspective or be overly forgiving

    He stared into Lysander¡¯s eyes as if searching her soul. ¡°Tiffany might have been Dillon¡¯s strategist all along. It¡¯s a long story. Dillon approached me out of the blue for a partnership, even proposing a fake engagement with Tiffany to solidify our alliance. You were distant and cold toward me then. I wanted to gauge your reaction if I were to proceed with the engagement, so I¡­

    Josiah calmlyid it all out, telling Lysander about everything that had gone down between him and Tiffany, including why he had initially gotten more involved with Riveron Corporation. ¡°I agreed to help Dillon¡¯s business through what was supposed to be a tough time, and to reassure you¡­ that you wouldn¡¯t suspect me anymore, I went along with the idea of Tiffany and me pretending to be engaged. Looking back, it feels like a trap from the start.¡±

    ¡°You really went all out, didn¡¯t you?¡± His words rendered Lysander speechless.

    Josiah looked somewhat weary. ¡°I regretted it almost immediately, but ending an engagement isn¡¯t something you can rush. That¡¯s why I waited until I got back from my business trip to make it official. Speaking of which, I hadn¡¯t nned on taking her with me initially. Dillon was the one who asked me to look after her.¡±

    It appeared Tiffany had a hand in every incident that had urred.

    Meanwhile, Aurora, oblivious to their conversation and uninterested in it, had already fallen asleep in Josiah¡¯s arms, seemingly soothed by a luby. Josiah gently ced her back into the stroller.

    After hearing everything that had happened, Lysander had a sudden idea. ¡°I think I have a n. We might be able to trace their involvement.¡±

    Josiah immediately looked up. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Use your charisma as bait, Lysander suggested.

    Josiah¡¯s instincts immediately alerted him that he might not be on board with her suggestion

    ¡°Think about it. Tiffany has done a lot and made significant sacrifices for you If she¡¯s trying to gain something from <b>you</b>, she¡¯ll inevitably let her guard down.¡±

    Sade that

    Lysander exined.

    ¡°I beg to differ,¡± Josiah countered swiftly. ¡°I think Tiffany simply wanted to be Mrs. Guerra. If she¡¯s truly behind Dillon, then she must have been the driving force behind Lanister¡¯s business growth over the years. But now it¡¯s evident she used Guerra Group to elevate her family¡¯s status, possibly withrger ambitions in

    mind.¡±

    There was some truth in this line of thinking as well.

    Lysander pondered, ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. But that would imply you hold even greater value to her, right?¡±

    Josiah knitted his brows.

    After listening to their extensive conversation, Olivia had gathered her thoughts. She turned to Josiah with a contemtive expression. ¡°Mr. Guerra, Mrs. Guerra does have a valid point. Tiffany¡¯s sharp¨Cminded. We might need to consider making some sacrifices to catch her off guard.¡±

    For a moment, Josiah felt a pang of confusion, questioning Olivia¡¯s allegiance. Despite noticing his puzzled expression, Olivia persisted in persuading him. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you should leverage your charm while you still have it,¡± she urged. ¡°After all. Tiffany is just a young girl. She can¡¯tpel you to do anything. If you don¡¯t want it, there¡¯s nothing she can truly do to you.¡±

    What she said made sense, but Josiah felt it was not the right time to use that strategy.

    With a long sigh, Josiah turned to Lysander and posed the question. ¡°Do you truly want me to do that to Tiffany? There¡¯s no reason <b>to </b>push me to another woman even if you refuse to ept me.

    After a moment of contemtion, Lysander replied, ¡°I can see you¡¯ve changed a lot since you came back. You can now empathize with others struggles and understand their perspectives. So, I wonder if you¡¯d be willing to make a sacrifice to help the vigers protect their homes?¡±

    ¡°I think there are better ways to gather evidence against the Lanister family Josiah wasn¡¯t sold on the approach. ¡°My involvement might not actually lead to any solid results: Tiffany¡¯s intentions toward me might not just be about romance¡±

    Genuine affection would never reveal itself throud Jan

    * So what dive demoty starlet w stani

    Pole ingetal y me pot deny this petite wit

 Chapter 700

    ¡°My wife died young, and I was left with only one daughter, Tiff. She was pampered and coddled from a young age, so much so that she even feared speaking to strangers If I were to be brought down by my own people, what would be of her

    As he spoke, he rubbed his eyes, nearly breaking down in tears in front of Tiffany. It was as if he was on the verge of putting on a show of deep father¨Cdaughter

    affection

    If he hadn¡¯t shed tears, his words would have been more convincing

    219

    In contrast, Tufan was much quicker to get into character. ¡°Jose, Em begging you

    pinas no hold this against my father this time? He truly didn¡¯t know auling before, it¡¯s not his fault for being unaware. Besides, we will definitely find

    waypensate the victims in the future

    Tears streamed down her face as she spoke to Nilou and Rhizone. ¡°Little ones, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll find a way to <b>make </b>it up to the vigers. If my father can¡¯t manage it, I¡¯ll find a way¡­¡±

    Sometimes, tears could <b>also </b>be a weapon

    Lysanne had no desire to be involved with the Lanister family anymore. At that moment, she lowered her gaze, focusing solely on Aurora, Nilou, and Rhizone to shield them from any potential harm.

    Upon hearing someone crying, Aurora didn¡¯t show any intention of joining in. Instead, she simply looked up in confusion.

    After listening quietly for a moment, Josiah unexpectedly called over the secretary who was stationed nearby. ¡°Olivia,e over here a moment¡±

    Dillon and Tiffany thought he was going to change his <b>mind</b>, so they both held their breaths and waited intently

    Yet all he said was, ¡°Bring in a cushion.¡±

    The staff in the secretary¡¯s office all worked under Carol. Their understanding of Josiah might have been limited, but their work ethic was beyond reproach. They immediately fetched a cushion for him.

    ¡°Here, Mr. Guerra¡±

    Josiah didn¡¯t <b>take </b>it, instead, he pointed toward Lysanne, indicating for her to pass

    Hover

    Larsanne¡¯s expression shifted slightly, unsure of what game he was ying.

    Did he expect her to use the cushion for self¨Cdefense?

    Surety Unilon wouldn¡¯t reson toying a hand on her in Guerra Group

    Cv was quite observing the provide all

    o

    Dir way doh quicker to get into character Jose Fm begging you. Can you p?ease not hold dass against my father this time? He truly didn¡¯t know anything before, it¡¯s not his fault for being unaware. Besides, we will definitely find

    way topemate the victims in the future

    Tears streamed <b>down </b>her face as she spoke to Nilou and Rhizone ¡°Little ones. don¡¯t worry We¡¯ll find a way to make it up to the vigers. If my <b>father </b>can¡¯t manage it. I¡¯ll find a way.¡±

    Sometimes, tears could also be a weapon.

    Lysanne had no desire to be involved with the Lanister family anymore. At that moment, she lowered her gaze, focusing solely on Aurora, Nilou, and Rhizone to shield them from any potential harm.

    Upon hearing someone crying, Aurora didn¡¯t show any intention of joining in Instead, she simply looked up in confusion.

    After listening quietly for a moment, Josiah unexpectedly called over the secretary who was stationed nearby. ¡°Olivia,e over here a moment.¡±

    Dillon and Tiffany thought he was going to change his mind, so they both held their breaths and waited intently.

    Yet all he said was, ¡°Bring in a cushion.¡±

    The staff in the secretary¡¯s office all worked under Carol. Their understanding <b>of </b>Josiah might have been limited, but their work ethic was beyond reproach. They immediately fetched a cushion for <b>him</b>.

    Here, Mr. Guerra

    Josiah didn¡¯t take it, instead, he pointed toward Lysanne, indicating for her to pass it over

    Iysanne¡¯s expression shifted slightly, unsure of what game he was ying.

    Did he expect her to use the cushion for self¨Cdefense?

    Surely. Dillon wouldn¡¯t resort toying a hand on her in Guerra Group.

    Olivia was quite observant, she promptly ced the cushion behind Lysanne¡¯s Watt Ms Guerra, would you like to try it this way? If it¡¯s notfortable, Leth

    sisther and

    The form Mix Guerra hadpletely baffled everyone present

    Only Josiah Nilou, and Rhizome, maintained their usualposure.

    Tsanne looked at Josiah with a questioning look. What was he up to?

    This wasn¡¯t the original n.

    ¡°The couch in this conference room is made of rosewood, it¡¯s too firm. Sitting for a long time can cause back pain, you should use a cushion.¡±

    ¡°1¨CI¡¯m fine, my back doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±

    Josiah said, ¡°Go ahead and use it.¡±

    Then, with a wave of his hand, he signaled for Olivia to leave.

    Olivia <b>gave </b>a slight nod, obediently stepping out. However, she lingered not too far away, waiting to be summoned.

    The quality of the secretaries at Guerra Group was indeed high. Carol had already proven to be highlypetent, and Olivia seemed to be another capable assistantContent rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    During this time, Tiffany did nothing but sob, unable to utter a single coherent word.

    Upon witnessing Josiah¡¯s deliberate ignorance toward them, Dillon felt a sense of impending doom.

    ¡°Um. Mr. Guerra¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Lanister, considering our age difference, you¡¯re my elder. I don¡¯t want to make this situation any uglier than it has to be Why don¡¯t you turn yourself in?¡±

    Dillon¡¯s face instantly turned sour ¡°Mr. Guerra, even the police haven¡¯t said anything yet Have you already decided I¡¯m guilty?¡±

    ¡°Whether you re guilty or not, you should know better than anyone else, I don¡¯t need to decide that for you. However, if you¡¯re unwilling to turn

    have

    choke n to uphold rustice and

 Chapter 701

    Chapter 701 Pursuing Her Again

    Lysander nodded. ¡°You speak first.¡±

    Finished

    Whether she agreed or not still depended on how reasonable his demands were. If he tried to push his luck, she naturally couldn¡¯t give in.

    Josiah simply said, ¡°Take the child and move back home. I¡¯ll be worried otherwise.¡±

    He was referring to the Guerra family¡¯s old house.

    For Lysander, the Guerra family¡¯s old house was a familiar ce.

    Now, the n was for her to return home with Nilou, Rhizone, and Nieva¡¯s baby. This was primarily to ensure her safety.

    Even if Dillon truly harbored ill intentions, he would certainly not dare to do anything if they were at the Guerra family¡¯s old house.

    Josiah was worried that Lysander would refuse, so he added, ¡°I can stay in the guest room, and you and the baby can have the master bedroom upstairs. Oh, and you can visit Mr. Thorne and Mrs. Thorne whenever you want. They miss you a lot.¡±

    He had nned everything meticulously.

    Without any reason to refuse, Lysander agreed, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Reading the room, Archer immediately arranged for a driver to transport the items from their car back to the Thorne manor.

    Josiah still felt disappointed. However, considering this rapid progress, he continued to strategize.

    A phone call came through.

    Tiffany didn¡¯t ask Dillon to intervene any longer. Instead, she personally called Josiah.

    He didn¡¯t want to answer, but recalling the promise he had made, he still picked up the phone.

    Josiah did not speak first.

    1/5

    Tiffany wanted till she <b>could </b><b>no </b><b>longer </b>bear the silence<b>. </b>¡°Jose, are <b>you </b><b>still </b><b>angry</b>?¡±

    Josiah asked calmly. ¡°Is your father feeling better now?<b>¡±</b>

    <b>Feigning </b>sincerity was far from his forte. To ensure the act wouldn¡¯t fall <b>apart </b>too <b>soon</b><b>, </b>he knew that he might make mistakes if he spoke too much. Hence, he tried his best to keep things concise and clear.

    Tiffany had already returned home. Seeing Dillon busy calling his subordinates and instructing them to ce the me on some thugs, she realized she couldn¡¯t rely on him. So, she took the initiative and reached out to Josiah herself.

    She was ready to risk it all in hopes of saving Dillon.

    ¡°Much better. Jose, I want to apologize on behalf of my father. My apology extends also to the vigers. So, could you meet me tonight at the private restaurant you took me to before? We can eat and chat there.¡±

    This was one of the few ces where they had shared memories.

    Tiffany knew the ways of the world well, yet managed to maintain an air of innocent naivety.

    Josiah was clearly irritated by this. ¡°Just say whatever you have to say over the phone.¡±

    Lysander gently tapped him when he said that.

    His brows furrowed instantly.

    He understood what she meant.

    Now that he was asked out for a meal, it was the perfect opportunity to charm Tiffany with his handsomeness.

    Tiffany suggested, ¡°It¡¯s quite crowded on your side. There are some things that aren¡¯t suitable to be discussed in public. Why don¡¯t we head to the private restaurant? It¡¯s more private there. Whatever you want to know, I¡¯ll have my father tell you everything. Is that okay?¡±

    Josiah nced at Lysander again, noting her intense gaze. He agreed through gritted teeth, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll see you tonight then.¡±

    2/5

    FARE OF

    If he wanted a cwin resolution, this was indeed a golden opportunity. <b>He </b>chose to

    o with the flow

    Furthermore, based on the implications in Tiffany¡¯s words, it seemed that Dillon would also be attending.

    With the presence of a third person, he felt slightly more at ease.

    prese

    The day seemed to fly by Josiah juggled between caring for the baby and catching up on some backlog at the office. Meanwhile, Lysander took Nilou and Rhizone to the nearby mall, picking up new clothes and household essentials.

    By the time they had finished all these tasks, it was already time to meet Dillon and Tiffany

    Lysander saw the look of sorrow and indignation on Josiah¡¯s face, as if he was being led to his execution. She couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°You can¡¯t go like this. The moment you show up, it will be clear that you¡¯vee prepared. Tiffany is so vignt. No matter how you look, she might still suspect you.¡±

    Charming her using Josiah¡¯s handsomeness might sound like a simple n. However, when it came to the moment of execution, it might prove to be quite challenging.

    Josiah suggested to Lysander, ¡°Why don¡¯t youe with me? Having you by my side as my anchor, I¡¯ll be more confident in handling this act.¡±

    After much difficulty, he was finally able to sit down and have a peaceful meal and conversation with Lysander. He really didn¡¯t want any more misunderstandings- not even the slightest bit.

    Without a second thought, Lysander rejected the idea, ¡°If you were to bring me along, Dillon and Tiffany would surely keep their mouths shut tight.¡±

    Josiah replied confidently, ¡°Otherwise, I can bring a camera and record everything for you in real time.¡±

    Without anyone else needing to remind him, he was in a hurry to prove his abstinence.

    Upholding this virtue was what he was supposed to do.

    Josiah was a man of action. He was about to make a call to arrange for the

    3/5

    quod in its crit Maah, take me with you. I Pluse ten viins start spouting

    tadiene idea. There te mart and quick¨Cwitted. Having her could

    Peppes Portifedd 1 yearcher der duct is for him

    Bestub huntly had a bride seletant, to hy wat nes longter moving alone. Even though The was arill reductant, he could at least power through the meeting.

    Niloy was a schide child. After sitting in the car with Lysander twice, she quickly learned how to open and close the car door. The only time she seemed a bit unway was when she saw the private restaurant, which was decorated to seem like a garden.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Josiah patted her head gently andforted her, ¡°Just stay by my side. Don¡¯t worry about anything else.¡±

    As he gazed at Nilou, he couldn¡¯t help but imagine what his and Lysander¡¯s daughter might have looked like.

    Had none of that happened, in ten years¡® time, he could be holding hands with a daughter Nilou¡¯s age and going out for dinner as a family.

    ¡°Thank you, Josiah.¡± Nilou was not only sweet with her words, but also sharp in her observations. She asked, ¡°Josiah, Dr. Thorne and you aren¡¯t really husband and wife, right? I¡¯ve always felt that you two seem familiar, yet overly polite with each other. It¡¯s odd.¡±

    Back in the vige, Josiah and Lysander didn¡¯t bother to clear up the misunderstanding to avoid any trouble. However, they didn¡¯t admit to it either.

    Josiah gave a bitter¨Csweet smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to figure it out. Dr. Thorne and I¡­ We were once married. We¡¯re divorced now, but it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m trying to win her back.¡±

    Nilou hade to understand the meaning of divorce. She thoughtfully nodded.

    Dillon and Tiffany took their meeting that night very seriously. In order to exploit their past rtionship with Josiah, they even chose the same private room as before. Looking out from the vintage window, they could clearly see the lotus leaves in the pond.

    4/5

    The vent held a we charm for those who had <b>spent </b>years living in the city

    Afer pursonally seeing the vast lotus pond in the vige. Josiah found such an smilical veit extremely dull and cramped. He lost interest and averted his

    Having grown up by the pond, Nilou couldn¡¯t even bothered to look at the scenery She sat down obediently by Josiah¡¯s side.

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 Chapter 702

    Chapter 702 She Is A Very Important Person To Me

    Dillon and Tiffany hadn¡¯t expected him to bring a young girl along. Their expressions betrayed a moment of surprise. However, given that they needed his help, weiher dared to show their displeasure.

    Tiffany could tell that Josiah was likely transferring his guilt over his deceased daughter onto Nilou. Even though she actually looked down on this country bumpkin, she still pretended to look approachable.

    Jose, this little girl is really adorable. Can I take her out to y for a while<i>?</i><i>¡±</i>

    A vige child hasn¡¯t seen much <i>of </i><i>the </i><i>world </i><i>before</i>. <i>A </i><i>few </i>sugar¨Ccoated words <i>are </i>enough <i>to </i>win her over.

    Upon thinking about it, Nilou dered decisively, ¡°If you want to go out and have fun, feel free to go on your own. I don¡¯t want to <i>go</i><i>.</i>¡±

    Tiffany often acted innocent and naive like a little girl. Now that she was face¨Cto- face with a genuine little girl, she was caughtpletely off guard.

    Taking advantage of the situation, Josiah skipped the pleasantries and said, ¡°Kids get hungry easily. Since we¡¯re all here, let¡¯s eat first.¡±

    Dillon knew that a private conversation with Josiah was not going to happen. Unable to think of any other way to send Nilou away, he had no choice but to pass the menu over.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, Tiff mentioned that both of you had dined here before and found these dishes quite to your liking. We¡¯ve gone ahead and prepared them for you. Would you like to add a few more to the order?¡±

    Josiah seemed distracted as he replied, ¡°Whatever. Anything goes.¡±

    After ncing at Nilou, he added, ¡°Let¡¯s include a dessert. Kids love desserts.¡±

    Dillon noticed that Josiah¡¯s attitude toward Tiffany was friendlier when Lysander was not around. Thinking that Lysander was the reason for Josiah¡¯s previous change<i>, </i>Dillon was determined to convince him by using Tiffany.

    Surprisingly, there was less talk about theke project.

    ¡°Mr Cuerra I¡¯m so old that I¡¯m practically one foot in the grave What¡¯s the noint

    <b>1/5</b>

    h he is A Very important Parede To Me

    Finished

    of amassing all this wealth? It¡¯s all for Tiffany, my child. If I don¡¯t leave her with some assets, I wouldn¡¯t be able to rest easy even in death¡­¡±

    This marked the beginning of a new strategy¨Cying the victim card.

    If Josiah hadn¡¯t known Dillon¡¯s true nature, he might have been moved by Dillon¡¯s seemingly sincere love for his daughter. But now, things were different.

    Each time he thought about how Tiffany had deliberately crafted those words to target his vulnerabilities, he felt a chill run down his spine.

    His vulnerabilities were nothing more than something to be exploited in Tiffany¡¯s

    eyes.

    Josiah maintained a poker face throughout.

    Dillon still nned to y the victim, but this move was no longer of any use.

    Even after he spoke for a long time, Josiah remained unyielding. Feeling a bit disheartened, he stood up and said, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯ve pretty much finished our meal. I¡¯m going to use the restroom.¡±

    A thought crossed Josiah¡¯s mind. He nced sideways at Tiffany just in time to catch her giving Dillon a look.

    Without any change in his expression, he subtly averted his gaze and gave a slight nod. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Dillon left the private room.

    Beforeing, Tiffany had made a deliberate effort to dress up. She was well aware of her strengths. Thus, she had a natural makeup look to entuate her beautiful features, focusing only on adding blush to the tip of her nose and the corners of her eyes. Coupled with heryered dress, she looked just like a doll that had stepped right out of a disy window.

    ¡°Jose, let¡¯s go outside and wait for Dad together.¡±Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    She gently bit her lower lip and walked over with an uneasy expression. Just as she was about to grasp Josiah¡¯s arm, a nging sound echoed by her ear.

    Nilou, who was sitting next to Josiah, said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I identally knocked over the cake.¡±

    2/5

    Finished

    The entire te of blueberry forest cake fell onto Tiffany¡¯s light¨Ccolored dress. <b>Her </b>meticulously coordinated outfit was ruined. She was in no state to meet anyone, let alone spend time with Josiah alone.

    Tiffany¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°You¡­

    ¡°Nile didn¡¯t do i ton purpose. You¡¯re older than her, so you won¡¯t hold a grudge against her, right?¡±

    Tiffany gritted her teeth. ¡°Yeah, of course not.¡±

    a day. I¡¯ll <i>go </i>and

    Josiah said. ¡°Since your father doesn¡¯t want to talk, let¡¯s call it a day. I¡¯ll settle the bill.¡±

    Jose¡­ Tiffany called out to him.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I heard your employees calling Lysa Mrs. Thorne today. Are you two together now?¡±

    Josiah replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you already know this? Why are you asking the obvious?¡±

    ¡°But didn¡¯t you two get divorced? Did she¡­ Did she go back on her words?¡±

    Josiah¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Whatever decision she makes, that¡¯s her business. Let me make one thing clear to you. Whether we¡¯re together or not, she is someone very important to me. If you harm her, it¡¯s as if you¡¯re harming me. D you understand?¡±

    Tiffany remained silent.

    He rose to his feet. ¡°Nilou, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Meanwhile, Lysander was strolling down the road near the Guerra family¡¯s old house while pushing the baby stroller.

    The residential area was beautifullyndscaped, with charming mini parks scattered everywhere. Come nightfall, there was an abundance of streetmps lighting up every corner. Furthermore, with 24¨Chour security patrols in the vicinity, the safety of the area was well assured.

    When Susan saw Lysander bringing Rhizone and the baby over, she was so

    3

    15:14 TUG shi

    Chapter 202 She is A Very important Person to Me

    Finished

    overjoyed that shepletely forgot about her own son. It wasn¡¯t until <b>they </b><b>were </b>halfway through the wee dinner that she remembered to ask about <b>Josiah¡¯s </b>whereabouts.

    Of course, Lysander couldn¡¯t admit that he was dining with Tiffany and exploiting his handsomeness. She had toe up with an excuse on the spot. ¡°He has some work to handle. It will take him a while before hees back with Nilou.¡±

    Rhizone was a quiet person who was especially tight¨Clipped. While he was always polite, he never spoke more than necessary, especially when it came <i>to </i>matters he shouldn¡¯t discuss.

    Believing Lysander, Susan immediatelyined, ¡°Josiah¡¯s always busy with work. But why did he involve the child too?¡±

    ¡°Nilou is quite clever. She possesses a natural talent for business. It seems that Josiah wants to nurture this in her.¡±

    Lysander was not good at lying. Worried that this excuse might be too weak, she changed the subject by bringing up Aurora.

    ¡°By the way, Madam Susan, Ms. Lionhart has some matters to attend to, so she has to stay outside for a while. As Aurora is too young, it¡¯s difficult for her to bring Aurora around. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to impose on you with her for some time.¡±

    Susan had always dreamed of having a little baby in the house. Looking at the adorable child in Lysander¡¯s arms, she quickly said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s no bother at all! I¡¯m home alone all day, with only Eleanor forpany. It wouldn¡¯t be a problem even if you stayed forever.¡±

    As she spoke, she attempted to reach out and cradle Aurora. However, no sooner had she touched Aurora, a loud cry rang out. Aurora was unhappy and had burst

    into tears.

    Noticing that Aurora¡¯s face had turned red from crying, Susan felt her heart ache. ¡°This is my fault. Such a young baby is bound to be scared of strangers. I shouldn¡¯t have hugged her during our first meeting. It¡¯s no wonder she¡¯s frightened.¡±

    Lysander was somewhat taken aback.

    Aurora was not at all shy in front of her and Josiah, even though they were strangers. When she first met Nieva, thetter had daringly entrusted her with Aurora.

    4/5

    Could it be that furora has be <b><i>timid </i></b>because Nieva isn¡¯t <i>around</i>?

    The <b>thought </b>crossed Lysander¡¯s mind. She couldn¡¯t help but feel upset <b>for </b><b>Aurora</b><b>. </b><b>Wanting </b>Aurora to adapt to the new environment as quickly as possible and to have a good night¡¯s sleep, Lysander took her out for a stroll in the baby stroller.

    Aurora was not afraid of the dark. In fact, she was quite fond of the scenery. As Lysander pushed the baby stroller along the path, Auroraughed happily, her eyes crinkling. She was gazing at the night sky and chuckling heartily.

    Just as they were about to turn back, Lysander caught a glimpse of a figure swiftly dodging out of sight from the corner of her eye.

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 Chapter 703

    Chapter 703 Someone Is Watching You From Behind

    This bulvelut we spend he abruptly, donned a baseball cap to avoid

    day¡¯s Net Wise pounding with fear. She

    pected that the person was a

    ilber Bowie, with wel evidence, she did not dare to call the police. Creating a fale sluts minor ice. The real trouble would be if she alerted the culpeh prematurely

    If he had went someone to kidnap the child¡­

    Lysander started to take a detour, deliberately heading towards the brightly lit areas where the security guards were stationed. The person following them started to keep a distance, but still maintained within a range where they could still be sighted.

    As she was contemting whether to head straight home, Rhizone appeared at the crossroad ahead. He rushed over and called out, ¡°Dr. Thorne, you left something behind! Grandma Susan asked me to bring it to you!¡±

    Holding a milk bottle, Rhizone rushed over to Lysander. He lowered his voice as he said, ¡°Dr. Thorne, someone is watching you from behind.¡±

    Rhizone was young, but his strength and courage were astonishing. His presence here was a source of reassurance for Lysander. She whispered to him, ¡°I know. This person means trouble. We should head home as soon as possible before he notices us<b>.</b>¡±

    Stalkers were afraid of being discovered. Seeing that Lysander had another child apanying her, the stalker became even more cautious, afraid of targeting the wrong person.

    Rhizone followed Lysander closely with one hand resting on the baby stroller, always ready to protect Aurora. He didn¡¯t dare to let his guard down until they reached the entrance of the Guerra family¡¯s old house.

    Once they got home, they were safe.

    Only then did Lysander dare to turn around. However, as if knowing that the cover was blown, the stalker immediately fled in a car, leaving behind no clues.

    It was Rhizone who spoke un ¡°Dr Thorne I¡¯ve been keening an eve on him for

    1/4

    Charter Someone is Watching you from Behind

    you. The license te number <b>is</b><b>¡­</b>

    Although his memory was not as goodpared to Nilou¡¯s, it was quite

    Finished

    impressive whenpared to his peers. He only needed a nce to remember the license te number.

    By the time Josiah returned home, Rhizone had already been bathed by the housekeepers. Josiah entrusted Nilou to Eleanor and immediately went to see Lysander.

    If he didn¡¯t see her soon, he would no longer have the energy <i>to </i>keep up with the scheme of charming Tiffany.

    With some effort, Lysander had finally managed to coax Aurora to sleep. She was gently patting Aurora¡¯s back, hoping to help thetter sleep more soundly.

    Upon hearing the sound of the door being pushed open, she didn¡¯t even have time to determine the identity of the neer. Instead, she immediately gestured for the person to remain silent.

    The heavy curtains were closed, with only a dim nightmp left on by the bedside. Its soft glow was cast upon her face, lending her an almost ethereal and serene

    aura.

    Josiah suddenly felt a warm current flowing across his heart. He stood by the bedside and observed them quietly for a while before changing into his lounge clothes in the adjacent room.

    After he saw Lysander interacting with the baby, his exhaustion was instantly swept away. If he could ensure that her life could be as peaceful and blissful as it was at that moment, he was willing to continue using his charm as bait.

    Everything was worth it.

    Once Aurora drifted off to sleep with a smile lingering on her face, Lysander beckoned Josiah over, indicating she had something to discuss with him privately.

    Josiah was shocked to hear that she and Aurora had been followed. ¡°Rhizone memorized the license te number. I don¡¯t have the resources or connections to investigate this, so I can only ask you to look into it. If it really has something to do with Elio, we need to be extra cautious.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have someone look into it immediately.¡± Josiah couldn¡¯t stand any

    214

    15.1This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Chapter 703 Someone is Watching You From Behind

    mistakes or threats, especially those that would threaten Lysander.

    Roughly half an <i>hour </iter, <i>he </i>received the results of the investigation.

    ¡°The license te number belongs to a manager working at Riveron Corporation. It has no connection to Elio.¡±

    Lysander looked at Aurora, finally feeling at ease. She half¨Cjokingly said, ¡°Seems like your strategy to charm her with your looks is progressing quite swiftly. They¡¯ve already sent someone to monitor me after a meal.¡±

    Although Josiah felt worried, he said gently and firmly, ¡°Give me some time. I¡¯ll sort everything out as quickly as possible.¡±

    At this point, Tiffany had be like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, eyeing them intently. If they continued to y by the rules, they risked being unexpectedly bitten.

    Josiah made a silent resolution. He gently told Tiffany, ¡°You should <i>go </i><i>to </i>sleep first. I¡¯ll stay here for a while. If Aurora wakes up, I¡¯ll call you immediately.¡±

    It was the Aurora¡¯s first time sleeping there, so it was only natural for her to kick up a fuss during the night.

    Lysander was physically and mentally exhausted. She had also taken a hot bath before putting Aurora to sleep. Feeling relieved after hearing what Josiah said, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

    Josiah gently covered her with a nket before sitting by the bed and watching over her with a soft, tender gaze.

    Susan was still worried about Aurora, so she made a special visit to check on them before she went to sleep. Seeing Josiah gazing at Lysander and Aurora with such warmth and tenderness, she couldn¡¯t help but say softly, ¡°Had you not insisted on causing such a fuss back then, the girl sleeping next to you now would have been your daughter.¡±

    Josiah had always insisted that the child he and Lysander didn¡¯t get the chance to have was a girl. Over time, Susan came to believe him too. From time to time, she would express her sorrow for her granddaughter who had passed away prematurely.

    Upon hearing this, Josiah felt as if he¡¯d been stabbed in the heart. Yet, as he looked

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    Drame, 2016umetne t Watching you train Behas

    at the serene <b>scene </b><b>before </b><b>him</b>, he softly <b>replied</b>, ¡°<b>There </b><b>will </b>be <b>a </b>time <b>in </b><b>the </b>future.

    The following morning, while Lysander and the children were still deep in <b>sleep</b><b>, </b><b>he </b><b>had </b>already arrived at the office to prepare the documents needed for <b>the </b><b>day</b><b>.</b>

    After Carol arrived at thepany, the first task was to convene an impromptu meeting. He summoned all the management staff who were still in Harborbrook.

    In the past, urgent situations like these always involved thepany¡¯s future. operations. Everyone present at the meeting sat upright, barely daring <i>to </i>breathe.

    Josiah was acutely aware of how precious time was. He promptly signaled Carol to distribute the printed documents to everyone present.

    ¡°Riveron Corporation¡¯s businesses have a high degree of substitutability. Our previous coboration had already ended. Rather than allowing them to distribute the benefits, it would be better to negotiate with several otherpanies. For instance, Everhart Corporation is fully capable of producing simr products. I have already selected potential partners for consideration.¡±

    He had worked through the night to devise this n. As his intent was to stifle any potential opposition, he had even thought about his backup ns. He was confident that even an immediate termination of the partnership with Riveron Corporation would not impact Guerra Group¡¯s operations.

    This decision, however, dide quite unexpectedly.

    Someone cautiously objected, ¡°Mr. Guerra, we¡¯ve always had a harmonious working rtionship with Riveron Corporation. Wouldn¡¯t abruptly cutting ties stir up rumors? The stock market is about to open soon. If news gets out, it can have repercussions.¡±

    ¡°You make a valid point.¡± Josiah nodded expressionlessly. ¡°Let¡¯s issue another statement then, dering that ourpany will no longer coborate with

    Riveron Corporation in any capacity. As for the reason, a follow¨Cup statement will be released noter than this afternoon.¡±

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    What he did was even more ruthless than anticipated. Hepletely eliminated the problem.

    Upon seeing his unwavering demeanor, others dared not question him even if they harbored doubts.

    That afternoon, word spread within the industry about Dillon being taken away by the police.

    Those who had previously been worried about Josiah acting impulsively all breathed a sigh of relief and began to praise his decisive actions.

    ¡°True to his reputation, Mr. Guerra is always well¨Cinformed. Had he not severed the partnership and issued a statement that morning, anyone associated with Riveron Corporation would have been in deep trouble when the news of Dillon¡¯s alleged involvement in a poisoning murder spread.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Guerra didn¡¯t air everything out during the meeting. He really did the Lanister family a favor there<b>¡­</b>¡±

    Olivia navigated through the bustling office area before knocking on the door of Josiah¡¯s office. After receiving permission, she reported, ¡°Mr. Guerra, Tiffany has arrived and is currently waiting at the reception desk. She insists on seeing you. before she leaves.¡±

    As Dillon was taken from his home by the police, the likelihood of him getting off <b>scot</b>¨Cfree was practically nonexistent.

    To outsiders, Riveron Corporation seemed to be on the brink of disaster after losing its backbone. Consequently, Tiffany¡¯s status as the heiress of the Lanister family was naturally devalued. She maintained her public image and simply decided to wait for Josiah in the lobby of Guerra Group.

    This ce was a hive of activity, with each passerby able to catch a glimpse of her. Among them, there were those who couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sympathy for her frail and pitiful appearance.

    After listening to Olivia¡¯s recount, Josiah said seriously, ¡°I underestimated her in the past. She¡¯s willing to stake her own dignity as a bargaining chip. If she truly devotes herself to challenging me, I might be in for a headache.¡±

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    The situation was a bitplicated, but not particrly challenging.

    Finished

    Olivia asked, ¡°Mr. Guerra, do you wish to see her, then? I¡¯ve already inquired about her intentions. She said she panicked and was unsure of how to save Dillon, which is why she thought of seeking your assistance.¡±

    Josiah¡¯s brow twitched slightly, as he caught onto the crux of the matter in these

    words.

    He felt that if he wanted to help her out, he had to make some preparations. Perhaps the opportunity to uncover evidence was just within reach. He had a vague feeling that things were going too smoothly. But in order to put Lysander at ease as soon as possible, he still said in a deep voice, ¡°<b>I¡¯ll </b>give a heads up and then apany her to the police station.¡±

    Olivia couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Mr. Guerra, you¡¯re bing more and more like a married man. Whenever you go out with another woman, you always make sure to call Mrs. Guerra first.¡±

    Josiah was quite pleased to hear this. ¡°This is exactly how it should be between her and me.

    The call connected swiftly.

    Josiah let out a soft sigh, exining the current situation. ¡°In any case, there¡¯s a good chance I¡¯ll find the evidence I need on this trip to the police station, so I probably won¡¯t be able toe back for dinner. Could you let Mom know?¡±

    The way he spoke was as if a husband who came homete wasining to his wife about working overtime.

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll let Madam Susan know,¡± Lysander responded without much thought. ¡°Actually, I was nning to visit my mom and Michelle, so I probably won¡¯t be back earlier than you.¡±

    Without a second thought, Josiah asked, ¡°Are you bringing the baby along?¡±

    Lysander helplessly said, ¡°Of course. The baby is probably still afraid of strangers and won¡¯t let Eleanor or Madam Susan hold her. I can¡¯t just leave her at home, so I have no choice but to bring her, Nilou, and Rhizone along. We¡¯ll just treat it as a pic.¡±

    Josiah painted this scene in his mind and said gently, ¡°All right, once I¡¯ve sorted

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    out the troubles here, I¡¯lle to pick you up. It¡¯s about time I paid Mrs. Thorne a visit.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    The two of them chatted a bit more about matters concerning the kids before. finally ending the call.

    Josiah found himself longing to meet with Lysander. When he appeared before Tiffany, he seemed to glow with renewed vitality.

    Seemingly oblivious to his unusual demeanor, Tiffany rushed over to him as soon as she saw him, clutching at his clothes. She began to sob, recounting the day¡¯s

    events.

    ¡°Jose, what should I do¡­ The police took my dad away. They said it was for an investigation. I have no idea how to find awyer. Could you possibly help me, at least apany me to see him?¡±

    orThis content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Josiah moved a bit stiffly to put some distance between them, his voice steady as he said, ¡°Stop crying. Don¡¯t you want to meet your dad? Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tiffany was crying uncontrobly, clutching onto his sleeve. In front of all the employees in the lobby of Guerra Group, she said, ¡°The police came from the town. They mentioned something about jurisdiction and that they had to take the case back to their side. They must have taken Dad there¡­

    For the time being, Josiah couldn¡¯t afford to openly quarrel with Tiffany. He reluctantly let her clutch his sleeve. Upon catching sight of the nearby employees out of the corner of his eye, he quietly suggested, ¡°I¡¯ll drive you. We can talk in the

    car.¡±

    He had boldly ended the coboration with the Lanister family in the morning. If he was involved with Tiffany in the afternoon, there would likely be rumors.

    Those higher¨Cups who were notmitted in the first ce were bound to waver<b>.</b>

    The situation within Guerra Group was different from that of Thorne Constructions and Energies. It was rife with internal factions, which included many old¨Ctimers who had worked under his father. When he was present, they would naturally regard him as the leader. However, behind his back, they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to stir up trouble.

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    Even after the engagement was called off, Dillon audaciously continued to use his identity as Josiah¡¯s father¨Cinw to deceive others. Undeniably, it had something to do with these people.

    Tiffany¡¯s face was flushed from crying. A cold glint shed in her downcast eyes when she heard those words. But when she looked at Josiah, she still appeared soft and vulnerable. ¡°Jose, I have no choice but to trouble you now¡­¡±

    Josiah was somewhat impatient, his face devoid of expression as he led her outside.

    No sooner had they got into the vehicle and left than the chatter began at the reception desk.

    ¡°Did I see that right? Wasn¡¯t that the youngdy of the Lanister family, all teary- eyed just now? I thought Mr. Guerra had severed ties with them. Howe they¡¯re in contact again?¡±

    ¡°Could it be that the two families had a falling out, but the two of them didn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t be. Weren¡¯t the engagement already¡­¡±

    A few people were engrossed in their gossip when Olivia appeared in the lobby and suddenly stood next to them. With an impassive expression, she asked, ¡°Is the attendance list for the coordinating team ready?¡±

    Due to the sudden announcement by Guerra Group to sever their partnership with the Lanister family, the subsequent business had to be handed over to another partner. The list of potentialpanies willing to take over was already finalized. A reception for them was scheduled to take ce at thepany within the next few days.

    Startled, the receptionist quickly reassured Olivia, ¡°It¡¯s already been printed.¡±

    The employee, who was just engaged in a heated conversation, hastily took the document and turned to deliver it.

    Olivia managed to stop the rumor before it spread, yet she couldn¡¯t shake off her unease<b>. </b>She nced in the direction where Josiah and Tiffany had left together, feeling an inexplicable sense of apprehension.

    Before leaving, Carol had repeatedly cautioned her to be particrly wary of the father¨Cdaughter du¨® from the Lanister family.

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    With Josiah terminating their coboration, she reckoned there would be more trouble brewing ahead.

    Driving from Guerra Group to the town¡¯s police station was much closer than going directly to the vige, yet it still took at least <b>a </b>couple of hours.

    Having driven back and forth once<b>, </b>Josiah had a pretty good grasp of the route. He didn¡¯t even need to use the GPS when he got into the car. He started the engine and was ready to head toward the freeway.

    Tiffany observed his icy demeanor toward her. Using her tears as a cover, she hurriedly climbed into the passenger seat.

    Josiah paused in his actions, his eyes narrowing slightly.

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    Unaware of the situation. Tiffany fastened her seatbelt and choked out, ¡°Jose, I¡¯m a bit cold. Could you roll up the car window?¡±

    As she spoke, she clutched her arms tightly, shivering as if she was freezing.

    In another half an hour, the sun was due to set. Tiffany was dressed particrly lightly. It seemed she had rushed out from home in a hurry.

    Josiah rolled up

    ¡°What?¡±

    the car window all the way and said, ¡°Move to the back.¡±

    Josiah wasn¡¯t sure if she was genuinely clueless or just pretending to be. He said. straightforwardly, ¡°You can¡¯t sit here. Move to the back.¡±

    This time, Tiffany understood. She obediently unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door to move to the back seat.

    Josiah started the car and locked the doors. Instantly, the interior of the vehicle.

    became a secluded little space, cut off from the rest of the world.

    Tiffany raised her hand to wipe away her tears, and after a while, as if just remembering, she pulled out a tissue from the small bag she was carrying. She unfolded it and held it in her hand, dabbing at her cheeks from time to time.

    The tissue was scented, causing Josiah, who had an exceptionally keen sense of smell, to furrow his brows in difort and be increasingly indifferent toward Tiffany.

    With a choked sob, Tiffany subtly moved her hand, tightly clutching the tissue, toward the driver¡¯s seat. At the same time, she softly asked, ¡°Jose, will my dad ever get out¡­

    2

    Josiah stared straight ahead and casually said, ¡°It depends on the police. investigation.¡±

    The air inside the car seemed to grow stifling as the windows were tightly shut.

    Josiah turned on the air conditioning, hoping to make the atmosphere a bit more bearable. However, as time passed, he found himself sumbing to an

    <b>unprecedented </b>level of evhian Fuen when he had hean tiralecel coarching for

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    Chapter 205 You Cannot Sit Here

    Lysander, going from vige to vige, he had never felt this worn out.

    Íê:37%Á¿

    Finished

    Tiffany had been watching him with a timid expression all along. Seeing him slow down after exiting the highway and the twilight gradually taking over the evening glow, she suddenly expressed her concern. ¡°Jose, are you tired?¡±

    Josiah maintained hisposure and said, ¡°No.¡±

    in

    Tiffany noticed his sparing use of words, but it didn¡¯t discourage her. She nced at the two bottles of mineral water ced in thepartment between the driver¡¯s and passenger seat and softly said, ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    ¡°Get it on your own.¡± Josiah was desperate to meet Dillon, hoping to find the father¨Cdaughter duo¡¯s weaknesses under the pretext of helping him find awyer. Unfortunately, his mind was so foggy at that moment that he simply couldn¡¯t keep his focus on Tiffany anymore.

    Josiah had never seen the true face of Tiffany. In his fatigue, he had let his guard down around her.

    By the time the vehicle exited the ramp, the sky had already turned pitch ck.

    Tiffany unscrewed the bottle of mineral water and discreetly poured the powder hidden in the tissue into it. Then, under the cover of the night, she began to the bottle.

    shake

    The colorless, tasteless powder dissolved instantly upon contact with water, swiftly leaving no trace behind.

    Tiffany returned the bottled water to its ce, subtly swapping the positions of two bottles while striking up a conversation with Josiah. ¡°Jose, your eyes are all shadowed. You shouldn¡¯t push yourself so hard. I can drive too. How about I take over, and you take a break?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I can do it. Really, trust me.¡±

    Josiah raised an eyebrow, ncing at her through the rearview mirror. ¡°You know the way?¡±

    Tiffany fell silent.

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    ¡°I¡­ I can check the GPS.¡±

    #Finishes

    Josiah¡¯s fingers yfully tapped on the steering wheel. ¡°All right, your turn to drive.¡±

    The <i>roads </i>in <i>this </i>vicinity <i>are </i><i>all </i>mountainous, riddled <i>with </i><i>numerous </i>forks. <i>Moreover</i>, the <i>uracy </i><i>of </i><i>the </i><i>rural </i><i>navigation </i><i>system </i>is questionable at best.

    <i>If </i><i>Tiffany </i><i>can </i>really <i>navigate </i><i>urately </i>to the vige, <i>then</i>¡­

    Josiah pulled over to the side of the road. ¡°You take over from here. I¡¯m going to rest in the back seat for a bit.¡±

    Even when resting, he didn¡¯t want to be too close to Tiffany.

    A flicker of a smile passed over Tiffany¡¯s face as she reassured, ¡°Jose, I¡¯m a very steady driver. You don¡¯t have to worry about sitting in the passenger seat.¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t be bothered toe up with a more detailed excuse. going to take me down with you, are you?¡±

    You¡¯re not

    Tiffany¡¯s hand tightened around the hem of her dress at her side, and she looked uneasy. ¡°All right, you should rest first. Once we arrive, I¡¯ll wake you up.¡±

    ¡°The car has GPS.¡±

    With that, Josiah got out of the vehicle and headed toward the back seat. He didn¡¯t forget to take the mineral water bottle he <b>had </b>previously opened. After taking <b>a </b>few sips to soothe his throat, he closed his eyes to rest.

    Tiffany turned down the volume of the GPS, a chilling aura emanating from her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Jose. I¡¯ll drive carefully,¡±

    Suddenly, Josiah felt an overwhelming wave of fatigue wash over him. In no time at all, his consciousness sumbed to the boundless darkness.

    When Josiah regained consciousness, the view outside the car window had be so unfamiliar that he dared not acknowledge it.Content rights belong to N?velDrama.Org.

    Perhaps it was due to a lingering thought in his heart, he woke up unexpectedly just before he was about <b>to </b>fall into a deep sleep. Even though his mind was still groggy, he instinctively sensed that something was amiss.

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    ¡°Where are we¡­¡±

    Finished

    Josiah felt an unprecedented weakness, devoid of any strength in his body. All he could muster was to ask this question.

    Tiffany hadn¡¯t expected him to wake up before they reached their destination. Even her silhouette visibly radiated panic. She abruptly hit the brakes, narrowly avoiding veering off the road, and steered the car up a slope.

    This brief jolt sent Josiah lunging forward, giving him a <b>clear </b>view of the nearby road conditions.

    Driving from the city center to the town required navigating a narrow, old suburban road. However, the area wasn¡¯tpletely deste as there were streetlights and factories set in remote locations. It wasn¡¯t as if it was a ce rarely visited by people.

    Josiah asked coldly, ¡°Where are you taking me?¡±

    He was so drained he couldn¡¯t even lift a finger, yet his imposing aura remained undiminished. This icy demeanor gave Tiffany quite the scare.

    Tiffany had an exceptional mental fortitude. Seeing that he was only talking and had no intention of grabbing the steering wheel, she immediately realized that the drug she had slipped into his drink was working. Without a hint of panic, she calmly replied, ¡°Of course, we¡¯re going to see my dad. He¡¯s still waiting for us to rescue him.¡±

    Josiah stared at her without taking his eyes off her.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to town. You had the GPS on, so there¡¯s no way you

    could have gotten lost. This means you must have deliberately taken the wrong route.¡± He coolly exposed her n.

    There couldn¡¯t be any other possibility.

    Tiffany looked at Josiah¡¯s emotionless face in the rearview mirror and pursed her lips. ¡°Jose, do you really not trust me? After all, you¡¯ve watched me grow up.¡±

    She had met him even before Lysander did. However, he had never truly paid attention to her.

    At that moment, it was as if all pretenses had been dropped.

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    Josiah denied Tiffany any further respect and said bluntly, ¡°Do you really think <b>I </b>can still trust you?¡±

    After getting the answer, Tiffany couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. ¡°I was just joking with you. Why are you taking it so seriously? I mistakenly passed a junction due to a navigation error. I¡¯m currently figuring out how to turn back

    In the rearview mirror, her gaze was sharp and clear, evidently devoid of any trace of amusement.

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    hapter 706 I Was With You All Along

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    Josiah didn¡¯t squander his time engaging with Tiffany, taking a few deep breaths to recover a bit of his strength. As soon as he regained some energy, he immediately checked his pocket. Seeing his phone was still there, he quickly dialed his. emergency contact.

    He had long since set Lysander as his emergency contact.

    Beep-

    The call went through, but no one picked up.

    ¡°Sorry, the person you¡¯re trying to reach¡­¡±

    As Josiah heard the mechanical voice in his ears, he suddenly found himself understanding Lysander¡¯s feelings in the past.

    So this is <i>how </i><i>it </i><i>feels </i><i>when </i><i>someone </i><i>doesn¡¯t </i>pick <i>up </i><i>the </i><i>phone </i>¨C a <i>profound </i><i>sense </i>of loss and disappointment.

    Tiffany drove steadily toward the destination she had in mind, all the while observing Josiah¡¯s actions. However, she had no intention of interfering in the slightest.

    Everything was unfolding ording to her n.

    When Josiah made his third call, Tiffany said in a chillingly sweet voice, ¡°Jose, Lysa won¡¯t be answering your calls.¡±

    Josiah suddenly felt a chill run through his body. ¡°What¡­ what have you done to her!¡±

    ¡°How would I know? I was with you all along.¡±

    Josiah was fully aware that anything he said at this moment would y right into. her ploy. Ignoring herpletely, he dialed Laura¡¯s number.

    When Lysander had spoken to him on the phone, she had mentioned that she would be taking the baby to visit Laura and would wait there for him to pick them up. It seemed now that he might have to break that promise, but he asked for nothing else<b>, </b>only hoping that Lysander was still safe.

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    Chapter 706 1 Was With You All Along

    This time, the phone call was finally answered.

    Finished

    Several months had passed, and Laura¡¯s mood had significantly calmed since she had left the city. When she saw Josiah¡¯s iing call, her first reaction was to worry about Lysander. ¡°Mr. Guerra, has something happened to Lysander? She¡¯s been gone for over two months, and I can¡¯t help but worry.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she with you?¡± Josiah¡¯s throat tightened with anxiety. Before he had made the call, he hadn¡¯t bothered to check the time. But now, looking at the sky outside, his heart pounded like a drum, and he feared something might have happened to her.

    Laura seemed oblivious to the situation. ¡°Why would Lysander be here by my side? Tell me the truth, have you run into some trouble? I¡¯ve already lost my husband; I can¡¯t afford to have anything happen to my daughter too.¡±

    Anyone with ears could have detected the panic in her voice.

    Josiah steadied his emotions, trying his best <b>to </b>maintain a light tone. ¡°She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s just returned to Harborbrook and mentioned wanting to visit you. I was just checking if she had arrived yet. I suppose I¡¯m just being overly anxious. It¡¯s perfectly normal that she wouldn¡¯t have arrived in such a short span of time.¡±

    ¡°Did you say Lysander has already returned?¡± Upon hearing that her eldest daughter wasing to see her, Laura was too delighted to even notice the slight oddity in Josiah¡¯s tone.

    The phone call ended amidst the ensuing pleasantries.

    Josiah tucked away the gentle respect he had shown toward Laura and sharply questioned Tiffany, ¡°You drugged me and deliberately drove me to such a remote ce. What exactly do you want to do? Commit murder to silence me? Dillon sure has guts.¡±

    Tiffany was aware of her physical disadvantage, so she had been fully prepared from the start. She replied in a sharine¨Csweet voice, ¡°Jose, I just want to be with you. There¡¯s no need for you to be so angry. I won¡¯t harm you.¡±

    Pausing briefly, she went on, ¡°Even now, I still remember the things from our childhood, how kind you were to me back then. So, I decided a long time ago that I would take you to a ce where no one knows us. We could live a good life together, just like when we used to y house, creating a happy family. You really like children, don¡¯t you? You don¡¯t have to worry about that. <b>I¡¯ll </b>give you plenty of our own kids, so you won¡¯t have to take care of others¡® children anymore. We-¡±

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    Josiah was chilled to the bone as he heard this. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Stop the

    car!¡±

    The path on either side grew increasingly secluded, and the light was fading <b>so </b>much that it was almost impossible to see one¡¯s hand in front of their face.

    The thought of Lysander and the baby left Josiah without a shred of hesitation. He swiftly opened the car door and lunged out onto the road.

    When Lysander arrived at the Thorne residence, Laura was already waiting for her at the gate. Seeing that she didn¡¯t return alone but brought with her three children, Laura¡¯s eyes lit up with delight.

    ¡°Lysa, Josiah just called me and said you¡¯d be visiting me tonight. I thought if you were to bring anyone, it would be him. I didn¡¯t expect three children. Whose kids. are these?¡±

    Nilou had a charming personality, and without needing Lysander¡¯s introduction, she immediately understood Laura¡¯s identity. Hence, she greeted warmly, ¡°Hello, Grandma Laura.¡±

    Rhizone was not fond of speaking, but he still lifted his face politely and called out. a greeting.

    Laura gently patted the heads of the two children, responding with a warm smile, ¡°Hello to you two too. Come on in quickly. It¡¯s so cold outside, so let¡¯s not stay in the yard any longer.¡±

    The Thorne residence had already been tidied up, looking clean and neat.

    Lysander was still thinking about Josiah¡¯s phone call as they made their way back to the house. She sinctly exined to Laura about the children¡¯s background first. before asking, ¡°Mom, you mentioned earlier that Josiah called. Did he say anything<b>?</b><b>¡±</b>

    ¡°He didn¡¯t say much, just asked if you¡¯ve arrived yet. He¡¯s probably worried about your safety,¡± Laura said, oblivious to anything amiss.

    Lysander knew Josiah¡¯s temperament better than anyone else and didn¡¯t believe he would call Laura without a good reason. She immediately pulled out her own phone to check, only then realizing that she had been so busy taking care of the

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    Chapter 7061 Was With You All Along

    children on the way that she hadn¡¯t even heard it ring.

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    Finished

    Looking at the timeline, Josiah had called her first before he reached out to Laura.

    Immediately, Lysander pressed the redial button.

    ¡°The user you¡¯re trying to reach has turned off their phone¡­¡±

    Before the automated customer service could finish speaking, she decisively hung up the phone.

    ¡°Josiah would never turn off his phone unless he was in some kind of trouble.¡± Lysander recalled the words Josiah had shared with her, her heart suddenly sinking.

    Laura noticed that her mood was off and asked with concern, ¡°Could something have happened to Josiah? It¡¯s only been a couple of days since things have quieted down¡­¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    ¡°Mom, it¡¯s not as serious as you think. Maybe his phone just ran out of battery. I¡¯ll go check on him. Could you please look after the kids for a while?¡± Lysander said lightly, trying to ease Laura¡¯s worries.

    Laura had a soft spot for children, so naturally, she didn¡¯t mind at all. Noticing that the baby was still asleep in the stroller, she gently and quietly wheeled it into the house.

    Nilou was especially considerate, voicing her assurances without needing any prompting from Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne, Rhizone and I will take good care of Grandma Laura and Aurora. You can go find Josiah without any worries.¡±

    Lysander nodded, preparing to turn and leave. But just then, there was a knocking on the courtyard door. Two police officers had arrived.

    Upon seeing the police at her doorstep, Laura was immediately overwhelmed with anxiety. Having spent most of her life as a housewife, she had always relied on Maverick to handle major issues at home. She was utterly clueless about how to deal with this situation.

    Luckily, Lysander stepped forward first to inquire, ¡°Officers, who might you be looking for?¡±

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    The two police officers appeared unfamiliar and were not the ones Lysander had seen by theke before, yet they recognized Lysander immediately upon seeing her.

    ¡°You¡¯re Ms. Lysander Thorne, right?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing. There have been some new developments in the case of the body found in theke a while back. We went to the Guerra family¡¯s old house, but you weren¡¯t there. We were told you hade here. Our investigation has uncovered some new information, and we need you toe to the station to provide a statement. Would you mind apanying us to the police station?¡±

    The tone of the police officer was quite polite.

    Lysander was torn between Josiah, who had left with Tiffany, and abandoning the case at hand. All she could think of was to resolve the issue as quickly and methodically as possible. ncing at the police car parked outside, she agreed without a second thought, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    The night was thick, and the incessant alternating red and blue lights atop the patrol car inexplicably stirred a sense of unease and confusion.

    Nilou hastily led Rhizone to chase after Lysander. ¡°Dr. Thorne, let us <b>go </b>with you. At the time of the incident, Rhizone and I were at the scene. We might be able to assist. Besides, we¡¯ve never ridden in a police car before.¡±

    It wasmon for children to show interest in police cars, but no one realized that it was actually just an excuse she hade up with on the spot.

    After giving it some thought, Lysander agreed. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go together then.¡±

    She was just about to take the hands of the siblings when one of the officers firmly refused, saying, ¡°No, they can¡¯te along.¡±

    His colleague subtly nudged him in the ribs, a gesture so slight yet it didn¡¯t escape Lysander¡¯s peripheral vision.

    The figure of the speaking police officer seemed vaguely familiar, as if Lysander

    <b>had </b><b>seen </b>him somewhere before <b>but </b>where exactly was it

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    For a moment, Lysander couldn¡¯t remember.

    Noticing the tension in the atmosphere, the other police officer attempted to mediate. ¡°Here¡¯s the thing, Ms. Thorne. These two kids are too young. Their testimonies won¡¯t be credible, so taking them along won¡¯t do any good. It¡¯s probably best to leave them at home.¡±

    Foldhed

    As he spoke, he bent down, intending to pat Rhizone and Nilou on their heads. However, they skillfully dodged his gesture, leaving his hand awkwardly hanging in mid¨Cair.

    Rhizone exined earnestly, ¡°Officer, have you forgotten? I was the one who swam to the bottom of theke and discovered the remains. I¡¯m a very good swimmer, and no one else is more qualified to exin the situation that day.¡±

    In response, the police officer seemedpletely taken aback, as if he had no recollection of the event at all.

    The police officer who initially turned the siblings away voiced his impatience, ¡°Ms. Thorne, we¡¯re pressed for time. Could you please stop hesitating? This is a homicide case, so bringing the children along will only cause trouble.¡±

    They both skillfully avoided discussing the matter that Rhizone had brought up, instead focusing their efforts on urging Lysander to leave.

    Lysander quietly observed them, noting that both of them had full police insignial on their uniforms, and the parked p¨®lice car outside looked quite authentic.

    After a moment of contemtion, she said, ¡°Could you all please wait a bit longer. for me? I need to make sure my children at home are settled before I leave.¡±

    As she spoke, she gently took hold of Nilou and Rhizone¡¯s hands, one in each of hers. Once they crossed the threshold, she immediately began to whisper instructions to them.

    ¡°Something seems off about these two officers, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m overthinking things. That¡¯s why I¡¯m entrusting Grandma Laura and Aurora to you two for now. Here¡¯s the phone number of the Guerra family¡¯s driver. Once I leave, contact him immediately and head back to the Guerra family¡¯s old house together.¡±

    Lysander dared not dy for too long. She quickly scribbled down a series of numbers, then turned to Laura, who was standing by the baby stroller, and said hastily, ¡°Mom, Nilou and Rhizone are reliable kids. If they ask you to go with.

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    them<b>, </b>just go.¡±

    To put it simply, she really didn¡¯t have the time to exin.

    Laura trusted her daughter and solemnly agreed to her request.

    After ensuring the well¨Cbeing of those important to her, Lysander was able to apany the two slightly suspicious police officers without any lingering worries. She chose to sit in the back seat of the police car.

    Finished

    In case of danger, at the very least, she had the option to escape by jumping out of the car.

    Only after the police officers had escorted Lysander away did they finally show

    TWO signs of rxing. The one in the passenger seat even pulled out his phone, his fingers swiftly dancing across the screen as he typed away.

    The Thorne residence was located on the outskirts of the city, so it wasn¡¯t particrly remote. Even if one really wanted to go further into the mountain to the vige, one would still have to pass through a residential area.

    Seizing the opportunity, Lysander initiated a conversation with the two police officers<b>.</b>

    ¡°Officers, you mentioned earlier that there¡¯s been a development in the case. Have you confirmed the identity of the deceased? When I found out about the remains in theke, I was genuinely terrified/After all, just the morning before yesterday, we were rowing in that veryke.¡±

    She indeed arrived near theke in the morning, but it wasn¡¯t until the afternoon. that she went boating with Josiah.

    If these two were truly police officers working on the case, there was no way they wouldn¡¯t have known this. However, the response to Lysander was, ¡°Why are you asking so many questions? I¡¯ll tell you when we get there.¡±

    The sudden shift in attitude practically confirmed the suspicion Lysander harbored.

    Lysander calcted the time. By now, Laura and the children should have already met up with the driver from the Guerra family.

    And so, she could fully focus on making a n to extricate herself.

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    ¡°There isn¡¯t anyone else in the car; would it hurt to reveal a bit in advance? When <b>I </b><b>was </b>in the vige, I never heard of anyone missing. I¡¯m extremely curious about the identity of the deceased.¡±

    ¡°<b>It¡¯s </b>simply not possible. That¡¯s just the rules,¡± he stated firmly.

    ¡°All right, <b>I </b>won¡¯t ask about that anymore. In theke¡­¡±

    Lysander pretended to be actively providing clues rted to theke, striking up a casual conversation with these two fake cops.

    The two of them observed her. Not only did she not show any suspicion, but she also seemed to genuinely believe in their police identities. Consequently, they unconsciously let their guard down, revealing their true colors without any pretense.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Before long, the police car pulled up near the residential area. The two of them, fearing a run¨Cin with real police officers, turned off the siren just a few minutes after setting off, under the guise of not wanting to disturb the residents.

    The one thing that was never in short supply near the residential area was small shops.

    Lysander looked toward the pharmacy ahead and said, ¡°Could you possibly stop up ahead? When I was fleeing earlier, I identally twisted my ankle. Although it¡¯s not a serious injury, it hasn¡¯t fully healed. In my haste, I forgot to bring the analgesic balm.¡±

    ¡°You really are a handful.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, but you¡¯re the police, surely you can¡¯t expect me to limp all the way to the station to cooperate with your investigation?¡±

    The faux policemen had no idea of the extent of her injuries and were unaware that she had only suffered minor scrapes. To prevent her from discovering their ignorance about the real situation, he simply went along with what she was saying. ¡°All right, all right. Just go ande back quickly.¡±

    They parked their car in front of the pharmacy, assuming that would put all their

    worries to rest.

    Unexpectedly, Lysander was quite familiar with the area and had slipped away through the back door. They waited in vain for her to appear, growing increasingly

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    frustrated. By the time they started looking for her, she had already circled to the opposite side of the street and had taken pictures of them in their police uniforms,

    After nightfall, there were police patrols in the residential area.

    Lysander quickly saved the photo and, without wasting any time, headed toward a crowded area. Spotting a patrolling officer, she directly intercepted him and said, ¡°I need to report a crime. Someone is impersonating a police officer by wearing a uniform.¡±

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    polier uniform? Faking a police uniform is against thew!¡±

    ¡°Exactly, and they might even use the police uniforms to engage in other criminal

    ¡°Take me there, quickly!¡°

    The real cop, without any dy, followed her back to the vicinity of the pharmacy.

    The two impostor cops had lost Lysander and were as frantic as cats on a hot tin roof. By the time they thought of running, it was already toote.

    Lysander had already formed a hunch about their identities. After discussing the situation with the police who had arrested them, she left. She hailed a taxi to return to the Guerra family¡¯s old house, and on the way, she hastily called Susan.

    On one hand. Josiah was missing. On the other, there were people willing to impersonate policemen regardless of the consequences. These two incidents happening so closely together made it impossible not to connect them.

    Susan practically picked up the phone immediately.

    ¡°Lysander, how are you? Are you safe now? Nilou and Rhizone have already briefed me on the situation. Your mother and Aurora are also here now. Everyone was really worried about you and Josiah, but neither of you could be reached.¡±

    She spoke swiftly, her voice brimming with worry.

    With an apologetic tone, Lysander said, ¡°Madam Susan, I didn¡¯t intentionally ignore your calls. The situation was critical earlier, and I was afraid of alerting the enemy, so I purposely set my phone to silent mode. But it¡¯s all right now. Those two fake policemen have been taken away.¡±

    The sound of Susan sharply inhaling could be heard from the receiver.

    Both Nilou and Rhizone were children of measured words. When recounting events, they didn¡¯t exaggerate or embellish the facts. Hence, all she knew was that the police Lysander encountered were somewhat suspicious, but she had no idea of the true extent of the danger involved.

    <b>¡°</b>Were those two <b>cone </b>really <b>imnoctore</b>? They <b>had </be nervel I veander von

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    shoulde home as soon as possible. We can figure this out together. It¡¯s too dangerous to be alone at a time like <b>this</b>. Ah, why is it that we can¡¯t reach Josiah just when we need him the most¡­

    Susan was worried about Lysander¡¯s safety and persistently urged her to return quickly.

    Lysander inquired about Laura and the others¡® situation, learning that everyone was doing well. Assured there was nothing to worry about, she exined in a gentle voice, ¡°Josiah¡­ has some important matters to deal with. Once he¡¯s finished, he¡¯ll definitely get in touch with you.¡±

    Susan was no longer young, and she also suffered from high blood pressure. If she were to find out that Josiah had disappeared along with Tiffany, it could seriously upset her.

    Lysander had no other options, so she could only reassure her first by saying, ¡°Impersonating a police officer is a serious matter. I¡¯ll return once it¡¯s resolved.¡±

    ¡°All right, just make sure you don¡¯t stay up toote. You¡¯re still young, and it wouldn¡¯t be good to ruin your health.¡± Susan noticed it was nearing midnight and couldn¡¯t help but add an extra word of caution.

    Even during the times when Josiah was most engrossed in his.work, he would still make a phone call home whenever he had to pull an all¨Cnighter.

    It had been a long time since something like this had happened, wheremunication was cut off without a word.

    Throughout the entire ordeal, Lysander maintained <b>a </b>cool andposed demeanor, which prevented Susan from noticing anything unusual. However, she knew she couldn¡¯t return to the Guerra family¡¯s old house for now. So, she told the driver, ¡°Could you please change the destination? Take me to Guerra Group.¡±

    The driver, with nothing else to do, teased, ¡°Workingte again, huh?<b>¡±</b>

    Lysander absentmindedly responded with a hum.

    She meticulously pondered over the ces Josiah could have possibly visited with Tiffany. Since she couldn¡¯t figure out what might have urred after his departure, her only option was to first head over to Guerra Group <b>to </b>assess the situation.

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    As it was approaching midnight, it was likely that only the security and on¨Cduty staff remained in thepany.

    Lysander¡¯s spection was quickly debunked.

    After Josiah and Tiffany had departed, Olivia had been patiently waiting in the office for their return. However, instead of the anticipated arrivals, she found herself dealing with an unexpected influx of unwanted guests.

    First, everyone in the business department was moring to meet with Josiah. Then a director with considerable tenure from the board of directors personally went to the finance department to audit the ounts. Finally, even the manager who had been in charge of liaising with the Lanister family¡¯s business affairs was kicking up a fuss.

    These individuals held different positions and belonged to various departments, the onlymonality being their association with the Lanister family.

    Olivia had been working with Carol for quite a while and was well ustomed to the true colors of these people. Without even batting an eye, she could guess what they were up to.

    Rather than beating around the bush, she decided to have the secretarial department staff guard the door <i>of </i>Josiah¡¯s office. Meanwhile,.she arranged for these individuals to wait in the conference room.

    When Lysander appeared beneath the office building, she had already gleaned some clues from the brightly lit top floor. mediately, she masked her concern and deliberately said to the receptionist, ¡°I¡¯m here to pick up something I left during the day. Is Olivia from the secretarial department around?¡±

    The receptionist caught on to what she meant and immediately passed on the message to Olivia discreetly.

    Olivia personally went downstairs to fetch Lysander.

    The two of them exchanged the information they currently held while in the elevator.

    ¡°If Mr. Guerra really encountered an unexpected situation, he would definitely find a way to transmit information outward. But now, even Tiffany, who left with him, has disappeared without a trace. I tried to contact Riveron Corporation, but after Dillon was taken away, everything there descended into chaos.¡±

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    Olivia had already done everything she could. Exhausted and worn out, she said, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, I¡¯ve reached out to Carol. She said the matters in the vige have not been fully settled yet. At the earliest, she would only be able to return by tomorrow morning, and by the time she reaches thepany, it would probably be evening. Right now, thepany is in such a state of chaos, yet there isn¡¯t even anyone to take charge<b>¡­</b>

    Lysander said seriously, ¡°Just say what you want to say!¡±

    She had to tackle these issues one at a time. The priority now was to sort out the mess in thepany.

    Olivia promptly exined the purpose and origin of the people she had temporarily gathered in the conference room.

    ¡°The moment <b>it </b>passes midnight, it¡¯ll be the agreed¨Cupon day for the money. transfer with the Lanister family. However, Mr. Guerra has already announced the termination of their partnership and was in search of a new coborator. Logically, apart from the penalty for breach of contract, thepany shouldn¡¯t need to pay a single cent more. Yet, the person previously in charge of the project doesn¡¯t agree.¡±

    ¡°What right does that person have to disagree when Josiah has already announced that?¡±

    Olivia continued, ¡°Well, he was the one directly in charge of the project. Most likely, his own interest is at stake here. What¡¯s more, it seems like the others are colluding with each other and ganging up to start causing trouble. They¡¯re insisting that the announcement was made after the coboration was finalized, which means the partnership is still valid.¡±

    Lysander frowned upon hearing this. ¡°It¡¯s clear that they¡¯re trying to take advantage of the time difference. But why on earth would someone from Guerra Group stand up for the Lanister family? It¡¯s almost certain that the project manager has ulterior motives. However, it doesn¡¯t make sense for others to get involved. I suspect someone from thepany is colluding with them, which is why they already know that Josiah can¡¯t show up.¡±

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    Previously, the management knowledge Lysander had acquired to take over the Thorne Constructions and Energies suddenly came in handy.

    Of course, Josiah was indeed a good mentor when it came to business matters. He frequently used his ownpany as a case study to teach Lysander. Now, she could quickly grasp the current situation and find a way forward.

    Olivia¡¯s gaze toward Lysander carried a hint of admiration.

    ¡°Mrs. Guerra, if Mr. Guerra were in the office now, I wouldn¡¯t have anything to worry about. But before Tiffany took him away, she deliberately put on a tearful show in the main lobby on the first floor. Now everyone knows he hasn¡¯t returned yet. All I can do is guard that door,¡± said Olivia.

    Lysander¡¯s brow twitched as she replied, ¡°The coboration fund is not a small amount. To ess such a sum, one must have Josiah¡¯s signature or seal. I don¡¯t believe they would dare to barge in blindly.¡±

    That would be far too brash of the culprits.

    As they spoke, the elevator reached the ground floor.

    Olivia opened the elevator door, leading Lysander to the conference room where a heated argument was in full swing. Only after she listened to themotion inside did she quietly ry a few pieces of information to Lysander.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything against those higher¨Cups. Everyone in there ranks above me. There¡¯s even one who¡¯s a major shareholder, Seth Camacho. Rumor has it that he used to be at the beck and call of Mr. Guerra¡¯s father. Regardless of any true. achievements he may have, Seth is still an experienced board member who has put in hard work. I can only use Mr. Guerra¡¯s name to keep them in check for the time being

    ¡°All right, thank you.¡± Whatever Lysander could hear through the door was already giving her <b>a </b>splitting headache. However, Olivia managed to persuade everyone to enter the conference room, which undoubtedly exhausted much effort.

    With a bitter smile, Olivia said, ¡°I¡¯m just doing my job. Ms. Collins gave me a lot of instructions before she left, but judging by the situation, I doubt even <b>she </b>could have controlled this crowd. It seems only Mr. Guerra can handle this <b>situation</b><b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

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    Lysander tried dialing Josiah¡¯s number again, but there was still no answer.

    After taking a deep breath, Olivia suggested, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, at this point, no one else but you is powerful enough to persuade them.¡±

    Lysander understood Olivia¡¯s words all too well and sighed. ¡°I can only give it <b>a </b>shot, but I can¡¯t guarantee it¡¯ll work.¡±

    A momentter, Lysander pushed open the door to the conference room and entered without a word.

    Thepany¡¯s executives squabbling over profits were hardly more dignified than the customers haggling at the farmer¡¯s market. Hearing the door open, however, they all turned to look in unison.

    The room, which was just bustling with a cacophony of voices earlier, suddenly fell eerily silent.

    Henry, who had never met Lysander, was naturally unaware of her identity. He directed his irritation toward Olivia and barked, ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this? Why did you bring a stranger here?¡±

    Olivia was a trusted aide to Carol, and Carol, in turn, served the same role to Josiah.

    In Carol¡¯s absence, Olivia could, to some extent, represent the CEO¡¯s administrative power.

    Calmly andposedly, Olivia announced, ¡°This <idy </i>is not some stranger Mrs. Guerra, our CEO¡¯s wife.¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused quite a stir.

    but

    What¡¯s <i>going </i><i>on</i><i>? </i><i>Mr. </i><i>Guerra </i><i>has </i><i>a </i>wife? Didn¡¯t <i>he </i><i>just </i><i>break </i><i>off </i>his <i>engagement </i><i>to </i>the <i>Lanister </i><i>family¡¯s </i><i>young </i><idy</i>? <i>Could </i>it <i>be </i><i>the </i>other woman from <i>before</i><i>?</i>

    There had always been a rumor circting in the industry that Josiah was once married but was now divorced. As for the mysterious Mrs. Guerra, her identity had never been revealed publicly, not even until the time they parted ways.

    Those close to Josiah did know of Lysander¡¯s identity, but they were extremely tight¨Clipped and had never leaked a single word about it to anyone

    else.

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    Olivia¡¯s announcement now confirmed these rumors.

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    Lysander took everything <b>in </b>stride. When it appeared the crowd¡¯s shock had worn off somewhat<b>, </b>she nonchntly pulled out a chair at one end of the long meeting table and took a seat. ¡°Nice to meet you all for the first time. My name is Lysander Thorne. If you¡¯ve been paying attention, you might have heard of this name,¡± she said.

    A board director with greying temples was the first to react, ¡°You! Y¨Cyou¡¯re the biological daughter of the Thorne family, the one who has only recently been acknowledged.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡± Lysander didn¡¯t deny his im.

    ¡°No wonder Mr. Guerra¡¯s stance toward Thorne Constructions and Energies changed so drastically. I didn¡¯t know there was such a story involved. To be linked with both daughters of the Thorne family-¡±

    The one speaking was a colleague sitting beside Henry. He was suddenly elbowed, which caused him to promptly cut off his sentence.

    Lysander cast a casual nce over them and spoke in a measured tone. ¡°The reason I¡¯m here is to protect my interests, not to listen to you all gossip about others¡® private lives.¡±

    Henry raised his hands in mock surrender and replied, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, I didn¡¯t say anything. Don¡¯t look at me like that.7

    The employee who misspoke caught on to the gravity of his mistake. Hel swallowed his embarrassment and apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Guerra. I merely made an offhandedment with no intention of gossiping about your marriage to Mr. Guerra. It was just that I had heard some rumors earlier iming that you two were already divorced.¡±

    His implied meaning was hardly concealed in his apology to Lysander.

    While Lysander¡¯s expression remained unchanged, her heart tightened slightly. This group of people far surpassed those employees in Thorne Constructions and Energies who had given her a hard time, be it in terms of work ability or professional experience. Subduing them was indeed no easy task.

    At this point, she had no other choice but to use Josiah as a cover, leveraging his influence to intimidate others. There simply were no other options left for her.

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    Lysander kept her tone as casual as possible to make the situation seem like a trivial matter. Still, it was clearly not the right time to discuss their previous. divorce. The main priority was to stop the transfer of funds.

    Lysander dered, ¡°As I¡¯ve already mentioned, my visit to the Guerra Group today is solely to protect my interests. I¡¯ve been married to Josiah for three years, and we didn¡¯t have a property notarization. Therefore, I¡¯m entitled to half of the profits made by thepany during these three years.¡±

    Upon hearing these words, the director and Henry were instantly taken aback. They certainly hadn¡¯t anticipated such a disruption to the matter at hand, let alone one in the form of staking a im on Guerra Group¡¯s wealth.

    Henry, who assumed at first nce that Lysander wasn¡¯t well¨Cversed in financed, sneered and began to patronize her.

    ¡°If you really were in a legal marriage with Mr. Guerra for three years, then you indeed have a share in the marital assets. But now that Mr. Guerra isn¡¯t here, who can prove that?¡±

    A sudden realization dawned on Henry as he scratched his chin. He used, ¡°Are you trying to wrangle away a fortune from thepany while Mr. Guerra¡¯s absent?¡±

    Lysander gave a softugh.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to rush to withdraw this money right now,¡± she said, ¡°but I want it to remain in Guerra Group¡¯s ounts. Once Josiah returns and signs off on it, I¡¯ll take the money. Until hees back, no one should even think about touching it.¡±

    She didn¡¯t have an advantage in business¨Crted knowledge, so she strategically avoided her shorings and came up with a new battle n.

    Previously, the executives who had been relentlessly pressuring the finance department to bypass Josiah and proceed directly with the remittance process. were now exchanging nces, unable to utter a single word.

    One of the frustrated board directors reprimanded Lysander, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, we¡¯re discussing business matters here<b>. </b>If you don¡¯t allow anyone to touch thepany¡¯s funds right now, what if this causes a major issueter on?¡±

    In his desperation, he attempted to use thepany¡¯s future to pressure her.

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    Lysander looked at the wall clock calmly and replied, ¡°It¡¯s currently one fifteen in the morning. I¡¯m quite curious as to what kind of major event would require a fund transfer at this time. Has Riveron Corporation suddenly moved overseas and now requires a time difference for their transactions?¡±

    Olivia quickly seized the opportunity to back her up. ¡°There¡¯s no time difference, of course, but some people can¡¯t afford to have their deeds seen in the light of day, so they must carry them out sneakily at night.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

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    Chapter 710 What Have You Done To Her

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    After observing the situation, Seth had a pretty good idea of what was happening.

    Henry piped up, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, I see some truth in your words, but after all, you and Mr. Guerra are divorced now. He¡¯s not here at the moment, and all we have is your side of the story. What if he returns to find no payment made, potentially damaging thepany¡¯s reputation? How would we handle that?¡±

    Henry had been counting on the kickbacks to cover the losses. Now, he was unable to get in touch with Dillon, and the Lanister family had redirected their funds. If he couldn¡¯t secure the partnership with Riveron Corporation, his misdeeds were bound to be exposed.

    Lysander nced at him, her gaze indifferent and emotionless.

    ¡°I heard from Olivia,¡± she began, ¡°that you¡¯ve been in charge of the coboration with Riveron Corporation. Now, it¡¯s clear that there are issues with the Lanister family, yet you¡¯re so eager to rush the finance department to transfer funds to them. Aren¡¯t you afraid that thepany¡¯s money will just go to waste? Remember, part of that money is mine.¡±

    She was well aware that the funds in Guerra Group¡¯s public ount had nothing to do with her. Even Josiah might not have free ess to it. However<b>, </b>to thwart their ns, she had no choice but to feign ignorance.

    Henry¡¯s expression changed instantly as he flew into a rage. ¡°Have you ever worked at Guerra Group? If not, on what grounds do you keep saying there¡¯s something wrong with me?¡±

    With a nonchnt demeanor, Lysander said, ¡°I didn¡¯t exactly say that. I was just making a reasonable inquiry.¡±

    The tension in the conference room had escted to a point where it was no longer possible to continue arguing. The atmosphere was as tense as a drawn bow ready to snap at any moment. It was Seth who first decided to soften his stance. He said, ¡°Mrs. Guerra, there¡¯s no need for you to get upset. Isn¡¯t it just a disagreement over the fund transfer? Why don¡¯t we both take a step back and wait until Mr. Guerra returns to discuss it further?¡±

    He was clearly trying to dy things, unsure of when Josiah would return. As for Lysander, it was impossible for her to always stay at thepany.

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    At worst, he¡¯d handle the matter when she wasn¡¯t around.

    Seth shot Henry a knowing nce, hinting for thetter to follow his lead.

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    Henry understood his intentions implicitly. Just as he was about to speak, however, he saw Lysander take the lead and stand up.

    She replied, ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s wait for Mr. Guerra to return before discussing things further. However, I must take his belongings with me. Olivia, could you ask a few of the youngds to lend a hand?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡±

    Before Henry and Seth could react, Lysander immediately beckoned Olivia and headed straight to Josiah¡¯s office. When they left, they not only brought Josiah¡¯s usual workptop but also his seal and some documents.

    They had taken almost everything except the tables and chairs.

    Several board directors wanted to stop them but found no justification. All they could do was exchange helpless nces, watching wide¨Ceyed as Josiah¡¯s seal and documents were taken away.

    Upon witnessing the situation, the staff from the finance department scattered promptly like a flock of startled birds. Only a non¨Cfinance employee who had arrived with them was left standing, bewildered. After a good long while, he cautiously asked, ¡°So, are we still transferring the money?¡±

    ¡°How can we transfer the funds without Mr. Guerra¡¯s seal?¡± Henry asked Seth, fear creeping up his chest. ¡°Should we just go ahead and-¡±

    Seth responded to him, ¡°What does this matter have to do with us? I need to make a phone call.¡±

    Meanwhile, Josiah, oblivious to his whereabouts, opened his eyes in pain.

    Before he lost consciousness, all he managed to see was the dizzying whirl of the road beneath him. Then, in the hazy glow of the oing car¡¯s headlights, he sumbed to unconsciousness. The effect of the drugbined with the impact from crashing on the road left him unconscious for a considerable amount of time.

    The first thing that came into view was an unfamiliar ceiling.

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    The room was spacious, yet the furnishings were notably sparse. He seemed to be in a suburban vi, far from the city center. As for a window on one side, although it appearedrge, it had been preemptively sealed shut from the outside with steel bars.

    Upon seeing Josiah awaken, Tiffany, who had been keeping vigil by his bedside, gently smiled and said, ¡°Jose, you¡¯re awake.¡±

    Josiah tried to move his arm, realizing that although he had regained some

    mov

    strength, he could only it slightly. A n began to form in his mind as he stared at Tiffany with a cold gaze, ¡°What kind of drug did you give me?¡±

    Tiffany had changed into a doll¨Clike outfit. She propped her chin on her hands and replied sweetly, ¡°I had no choice but to do this, Jose. You couldn¡¯t see my worth before, so I brought you here. After we spend more time together, you¡¯ll realize how good I am for you.¡±

    <i>Could </i><i>a </i><i>sane </i><i>person </i><i>even </i><ie </i><i>up </i>with <i>this </i><i>logic</i>?

    With a gaze as deep and unfathomable as a bottomless abyss, Josiah asked, ¡°Where is this ce?¡±

    He was a grown man. As long as he stayed resolute and kept his silence, Tiffany would be absolutely helpless against him. Ironically, the people he truly needed to worry about were the ones away from here.

    I <i>wonder how </i><i>Lysander¡¯s </i><i>doing</i>.

    ¡°Here?¡± Tiffany fiddled with thece on her dress, her words vague yet suggestive. ¡°It¡¯s a great location. We definitely won¡¯t be disturbed here,¡± she assured.

    Josiah paused for a moment, his voice cold as he spoke to Tiffany about their unfinished business. ¡°If you¡¯re keeping me here, are you not nning to save your father?<b>¡±</b>

    The words were spoken as calmly as if there was indeed room for negotiation.

    Tilting her head in deep thought, Tiffany said, ¡°Of course, I want to rescue my father. After all, he hasn¡¯t done anything wrong. But Jose, lying isn¡¯t right. You never really nned on/saving him, did you?¡±

    Finding this house hadn¡¯t been easy for her, so there was no chance it could have been bugged. That¡¯s why she felt safe enough to utter a few truths.

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    ¡°Jose, you can rest easy here. <b>I </b>will take good care of you. As for my father, as long as you stay away, this issue will soon be resolved. Once everything outside is taken. care of, he will naturally join us. Then, we will all be one family, and no one wille to disrupt us anymore,¡± Tiffany added.

    Josiah took a deep breath, his voice turning icy cold. ¡°What¡¯s your n then? There are so many people in the vige. Can you really keep all of them quiet?¡±

    Tiffany answered, ¡°Of course not. But, Jose, they¡¯re human, after all. Be it intimidation or temptation, either by offering a bribe or making an example of one to warn the others, something will always work.¡±

    ¡°Making an example out of someone?¡± Josiah continued sternly, ¡°What else do you n to do? Drown someone in a pond or turn them mentally crippled just like that college student?¡±

    Tiffany whined, ¡°Come on, Jose, don¡¯t be upset. Those people are just in ungrateful. All I wanted to do was to develop that area and provide them with an opportunity to leave their mountain vige. If not for me, they¡¯d probably spend their entire lives in the mountains. Their stubborn refusal to move is simply a ploy to squeeze more money out of me. But if I were to give in to every household¡¯s demands, can you imagine the cost? These people only respond to force, not reason. A little show of power, and they¡¯ll quiet down.¡±

    ¡°So, that was all your idea,¡± Josiah said in realization.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t I a better fit for a leader than Lysa?¡± Tiffany asked innocently, pouting her lips. ¡°Jose, when I take over Riveron Corporation <b>in </b>the future, will you show me the ropes too? I¡¯m certain I¡¯m a faster learner than Lysa. Her brain can only understand medicine. When ites to scheming and plotting in the business world, she¡¯s no match for me.¡±

    Josiah demanded fiercely, ¡°What about Lysander? What have you done to her?¡±

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    Chapter 711 A Car ident

    Tiffany clutched at her chest, taking a half¨Cstep back as though frightened. Yet, a fake smile remained on her face. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong. Jose, it¡¯s just the two of us now. Can we not mention others, please?¡±

    She simply could not take in what others had to say, appearing entirely engrossed in her own world.

    ¡°It was supposed to be just the two of us when we went to Apex City thest time, but Lysa insisted on tagging along. I know you went to see her that night, and I know you spent the night together. I didn¡¯t sleep a wink. My mind was filled with thoughts of spending an entire night with you when the opportunity arises¡­¡±

    Just like that, the night passed in a stalemate.

    Lysander had hardly rested her head on the table and dozed off for a few hours. when she woke up, visibly distressed. She looked around the old house¡¯s deserted living room, uneasiness gripping her heart.

    When she arrived in the early hours of the morning with Josiah¡¯s things, Susan had still been awake. <i>If </i><i>he¡¯s </i>still <i>missing </i><i>today</i><i>, </i><i>it¡¯ll </i><i>probably </i><i>be </i>impossible <i>to </i><i>conceal </i>that <i>he </i><i>might¡¯ve </i>encountered some dangerous situation any longer.

    Nilou had just finished freshening up when she noticed that Lysander was awake. She walked over and tugged at the hem of thetter¡¯s shirt, asking, ¡°Dr. Thorne, are you worried about Josiah?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Instinctively, Lysander wanted to deny it and make up a more suitable excuse. However, none came to mind. In the end, she diverted the conversation and asked, ¡°Why are you up so early? Why don¡¯t you go and sleep a little longer? Everyone is exhausted afterst night.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried you might need help with something. Rhizone mentioned that he thinks the fake cop fromst night closely resembles the person who had followed you and Aurora,¡± Nilou answered, disying her keen observation.

    In truth, Lysander shared the same sentiment. It was just that shecked evidence <b>to </b>support her suspicions. The thought that the seal had been stored safely in the study gave her a slight sense of reassurance about the situation, but whenever she recalled the unusual behavior of those in the conference room, a chill would run up her spine.

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    Eleanor had prepared quite avish spread for breakfast, yet of all those seated at the table, only Aurora appeared to have an appetite.

    As for Lysander, she barely had any appetite and only forced down a few bites to keep her strength up for the day ahead. When it was time for her to leave, Aurora seemed to sense something and burst into loud cries.

    ¡°Wahhh!¡±

    Laura and Eleanor rushed over to soothe Aurora. One cradled and rocked her gently while the other patted her back to help burp her, worried the baby might choke after having just finished her milk.

    However, not only did Aurora¡¯s cries show no signs of stopping, but they grew even louder. Her little face turned red, and she looked as though she was about to run out of breath.

    Susan noticed Aurora kept stretching her small hand in Lysander¡¯s direction and said worriedly, ¡°She seems particrly fond of Josiah and you. Last night, she only fell asleep after crying herself to exhaustion. What are we going to do today? Lysander, maybe you could head over to Guerra Group a littleter?¡±

    Left with no choice, Lysander had to halt her steps and take Aurora to soothe andfort her.

    Nestled in her arms, Aurora miraculously stopped crying. She rubbed her eyes while sniffling with one tiny hand holding tightly onto Lysander¡¯s hair, refusing to let go.

    Lysander¡¯s heart melted. She wanted to bring Aurora along to check on the situation at Guerra Group but was unsure how to take her out.

    <i>With Josiah </i><i>missing </i><i>and </i><i>the </i><i>driver </i><i>off </i><i>looking </i><i>for </i>him as <i>per </i>Olivia¡¯s instructions, <i>I¡¯ll </i>have <i>to </i><i>drive </i><i>myself </i>if I want to go to <i>the </i>office<i>. </i>But <i>Aurora¡¯s </i><i>still </i><i>so </i><i>little </i><i>and </i><i>unable </i>to <i>even </i><i>sit </i><i>in </i><i>a </i><b><i>car </i></b><i>seat</i>, so bringing <i>her </i><i>along </i>would <i>be </i>impossible.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, let me try. I used to carry Rhizone when I was little,¡± Nilou piped up as she pulled Rhizone forward, guessing Lysander¡¯s dilemma.

    Susan and Laura had already witnessed how intelligent and dependable the siblings were. Seeing that the pair was willing to follow Lysander to look after the baby, they felt at ease as they helped load the baby stroller and other baby supplies into the car.

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    Nilou and Rhizone sat in the backseat holding Aurora, one on each side. This arrangement allowed Lysander to drive without any distractions.

    The day passed without mishap.

    Although the project manager stormed into the office several times, every time, he was either turned away by Olivia or had Lysander cast the doubt back onto him. He could do nothing but leave with a scowl on his face.

    Lysander exhaled deeply. Her sense of foreboding had not subsided. Instead, it had only intensified.

    After a long and excruciating wait until the end of the work day, she chose to drive herself instead of using Guerra Group¡¯s driver.

    Olivia had taken a team to Riveron Corporation to investigate Tiffany¡¯s whereabouts, and she could not trust anyone else in thepany.

    Nilou and Lily spent the entire day by Lysander¡¯s side. Without needing any instructions from her, one carried Aurora while the other pushed the stroller, following Lysander and getting into the car.

    On the way home, Lysander finally felt slightly more rxed. After passing the busiest road in their journey, she nced at the three kids in the rearview mirror and said in a relieved tone, ¡°Aurora is very picky about people. She won¡¯t let my mom and Susan hold her, but I didn¡¯t expect her to be so well¨Cbehaved now.¡±

    After receiving such praise, Nilou joked with a smile, ¡°This just goes to show that Aurora has taken a liking to you. It was you who ced her in my arms this morning. Otherwise, she might not have let me-

    Halfway through her sentence, a loud bang suddenly rang out from ahead.

    Lysander managed to hit the brakes just in time, narrowly avoiding a collision with the car that had stopped in front of them.

    Nilou and Rhizone, sitting on either side of Aurora, shielded the baby so that she did not get jostled. Then, almost as though on cue, the pair poked their heads. through the gap between the two seats in the front.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    <b>Up </b>ahead, they saw that two cars had bumped into each other. It did not seem serious, but the two car owners involved in the ident looked rather agitated.

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    Lysander¡¯s heart had nearly jumped out of her chest, and she was gripping the steering wheel tightly. Just as she was about tofort the children, an immense force knocked her to the side.

    Her seatbelt dug into her neck, making it difficult for her to breathe. Even so, she subconsciously lunged toward the back. Bracing herself against <b>the </b>pain, she stretched out her arms to shield the children from the impact of the car rolling

    over.

    A van hade unexpectedly from the side, seemingly out of control, and flipped. over the car they were in.

    In an instant, the world seemed to spin.

    Lysander¡¯s head thudded against the back of the driver¡¯s seat, but she dared not pass out. She struggled to unbuckle her seatbelt and managed to crawl into the back seat despite her dizziness.

    Rhizone was strong and quick to react. The moment the car was hit and overturned, he promptly pulled Nilou and the baby carrier out of harm¡¯s way. Thanks to him, they were spared from the scattered debris that could have caused further injury.

    ¡°Wahhh!¡±

    Although Aurora was not hurt, she was extremely startled. Hence, her cries were much louder than usual.

    Noticing that Lysander had trouble moving and looked as though she was injured, Nilou hastily checked on Aurora and said reassuringly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Everything is okay. She¡¯s fine. She¡¯s just very scared and can¡¯t stop crying.¡±

    She attempted to soothe Aurora, but no matter how hard she tried, it was to no avail. Aurora was crying so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.

    Beside herself with worry, Lysander asked, ¡°How are you and Rhizone? Are either of you hurt?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± the siblings answered in unison.

    ¡°Okay. Just hang in there a bit longer. I¡¯ll figure out a way to call the police.¡± Lysander¡¯s phone had been flung under the passenger seat. She tried to retrieve it, but it seemed stuck and would not budge. She exerted a little more force, and a

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    Meanwhile, a crowd was gathering on the street, including the two car owners who had been arguing just a short while ago.

    ¡°How are the people inside? Can they hear us talking?¡± one asked.

    ¡°The driver who caused the ident is utterly despicable. They actually did a hit- and¨Crun! Forget about taking responsibility, he didn¡¯t even bother to check on the situation,¡± anothermented.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that and call the police already.¡±

    When Lysander heard them talking, a glimmer of hope sparked within her. She interjected anxiously, ¡°I¡­ I have children in my car. Can you rescue them first<b>¡­</b><b>¡±</b>

    <i>Josiah¡¯s </i><i>whereabouts </i><i>are </i>still a mystery, <i>and </i><i>the </i><i>driver </i><i>who </i><i>caused </i><i>the </i><i>ident </i><i>has </i>fled <i>the </i>scene. <i>It¡¯s </i>hard to rule <i>out </i>the possibility <i>that </i>Tiffany<i>, </i><i>fearing </i><i>her </i><i>hostage </i>would <i>disobey</i>, colluded with those <i>who </i>want to destabilize Guerra <i>Group </i><i>to </i>intimidate me. <i>Rushing </i>to <i>call </i><i>the </i><i>police </i>at this point <i>will </i><i>only </i><iplicate </i><i>matters </i><i>further </i><i>and </i><i>work </i><i>against </i><i>our </i><i>favor</i>.

    The passersby were very understanding, and someone immediately responded, ¡°All right. We¡¯ll think of something right away. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, everyone!¡± Even as Lysander spoke, she did not just sit back and wait for others to rescue her. Instead, she exerted all her strength in an attempt to pry open the car door that had twisted out of shape from the collision.

    The van hade prepared, deliberately targeting the unupied passenger seat. No one was seriously hurt, but there was a deep dent in the car door.

    They were sending a warning that if Lysander continued meddling in the affairs<b>, </b>there was no telling what might happen next time.

    The passersby who came to their aid were all eager to help. Several people tried to pry open the car door for a while, but when they saw it would not budge, they decided to fetch some tools. Working together, it took them some time to finally crack open a small gap.

    Upon seeing that, Lysander gently nudged Nilou. ¡°Among us, you¡¯re the slimmest and most nimble. You should go first.¡±

    Nilou was <b>aware </b><b>that </b>time was of the essence She hastily grabbed the car door and

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    used both her hands and feet to squeeze out through the opening.

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    Since Lysander was an adult, moving around after the ident was the most<b>. </b>challenging for her. Nheless, she endured the difort and pain all over her body and passed the crying Aurora out to someone. She also did not forget to give Rhizone a hand.

    After the children were rescued, she finally let out the breath she had been holding, and she felt a sharp pain.

    Seeing that, the passersby who were helping did not give up but persisted in prying the car door open with tools.

    Meanwhile, Nilou mimicked what Lysander had done to calm Aurora until the baby¡¯s cries finally grew softer.

    Calming babies was not Rhizone¡¯s forte, so he assisted the passersby in prying open the car door. Once the opening was wide enough for an adult to pass. through, he promptly reached in to pull Lysander out.

    ¡°Dr. Thorne, give me your hand¡­ I¡¯m not strong enough. Wait a moment. I¡¯ll ask everyone toe and help¡­¡±

    The passersby who had been so kind just moments before were now watching from the side. Instead of going to help Rhizone, however, they waved to someone in the distance.

    Slowly and quietly, the van that had lost control earlier pulled up nearby.

    Before Lysander could even emerge, the expressions of the two car owners involved in the fender bender suddenly darkened. Then, they picked up Nilou and Rhizone without warning and headed straight toward the van.

    The two were only children and were no match for an adult¡¯s strength.

    Nilou had Aurora in her arms and was even more powerless to resist. With a scream, she was thrown into the van.

    Rhizone struggled fiercely, but the person who was holding on to him was obviously well¨Cprepared and much stronger, promptly knocking him unconscious and hauling him into the vehicle.

    The next moment, the van sped off, leaving Lysander behind.

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    It was not a particrly remote road, yet by some stroke of bad luck, the car <b>she</b>

    as in had been hit with so much force during the ident that it had broken through the guardrail and plunged directly into the vegetation on one side, making it difficult for anyone to spot it once it was dark.

    And now, the only person who remained at the scene was <b>a </b>so¨Ccalled ¡°good Samaritan¡± who had turned hostile.

    No sooner had she crawled out of the car than she hurt her arm again. There was no way she would stand a chance against a grown man. Looking around and noticing that the surveince cameras¡® line of sight had been obstructed beforehand, she cut to the chase and said, ¡°Let the three children go, and we can talk.¡±

    The man studied her carefully, his intentions far from friendly as he queried, ¡°You¡¯re Lysander Thorne, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Observing that he seemed to have an ulterior motive, she surmised that the children taken as hostages would not be harmed in the short term. She maintained herposure as she answered, ¡°That¡¯s me. If it¡¯s money you¡¯re after, name your price.¡±

    ¡°I need you toe with us.¡± He reached out to grab her, then started dragging her toward another car with a firm and unyielding grip.

    He meant to separate her from the kids.

    She braced herself against the car door, unwilling to let the chance to get help slip. away. However, her phone was still in her car, and no other vehicles were passing by. All she could do was try her best to buy some time.

    ¡°I can do as you say, but you must exin everything first. Otherwise, I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± she said. <i>If </i><i>these </i><i>people </i><i>truly </i><i>wanted </i><i>to </i>kill <i>me</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>could¡¯ve </i>made <i>their </i><i>move </i><i>just </i>now<i>. </i><i>But </i><i>they </i>didn¡¯t<i>. </i><i>That </i><i>means </i><i>there¡¯s </i><i>still </i><i>room </i><i>for </i>negotiation.

    The borate scheme was clearly set up to target Lysander. Her breaths came in quick gasps <b>as </b>she braced herself against the car door with her free hand, refusing to get in the car no matter how much the man and his aplice tried to force her.

    The pain radiating from her wrist was bing increasingly intense, and she felt as though her wrist was on the verge of dislocating. Despite that, she did not let go. Instead, she gritted her teeth against the pain, tore off a button from her sleeve,

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    and tossed it into the car.

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    The man saw Lysander¡¯s face turn pale from pain, yet he refused to let go of her hand, fearing that something might go wrong at such a critical point.

    After all, their aplices were still stuck at the police station!

    ¡°We didn¡¯t seek you out with any other intentions. We simply wished to persuade Mr. Guerra to be more cooperative. Since he didn¡¯t respond to friendly

    persuasion, naturally, we had to resort to a tougher approach. As for who¡¯s behind. all this¡­ you¡¯ll find out once you get there<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    As <i>expected</i><i>, </i><i>they </i><i>don¡¯t </i><i>know </i>Josiah¡¯s whereabouts.

    She widened her eyes. ¡°You-¡±

    Her voice trailed off suddenly. Sensing that she let her guard down for a moment, the man seized the opportunity to pick up the tool they had used to pry the door open and aimed it at her neck.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    His aplice swiftly dragged her into another car, and they fled the scene as quickly as possible, leaving the overturned car there for others to clean up the

    mess.

    While in a dazed and confused state, Lysander felt a pang of intense pain. She felt groggy, and the pain in her nape was so severe that her neck seemed as though it was about to snap off.

    The thought that it would be easier to let herself lose consciousness than endure such torment shed across her mind, only to be reced by images of the children and Josiah the very next moment.

    They¡¯re still waiting <i>for </i><i>me</i><i>!</i>

    Lysander had to muster all her willpower to wake up from her dazed state, only to find herself in a dimly lit warehouse. She blinked, trying to make out her surroundings, but it was too dark.

    She guessed that it was probably nighttime already.

    Ropes bound her hands and feet, and although she was not blindfolded, she could not deduce her exact location just by studying her surroundings. As for shouting for help, that was utterly out of the question.

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    <i>The </i><i>fact </i><i>that </i><i>these </i><i>people </i><i>dared </i>to <i>bring </i><i>me </i><i>to </i>such a <i>ce </i><i>is </i><i>a </i>clear sign <i>that </i><i>there¡¯s </i>absolutely no <i>one </i>around <i>here</i><i>.</i>

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    As she racked her brains for a solution, an oily voice rang out from a corner. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake.¡±

    Then, the light flickered on.

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    Lysander had been in the darkness for too long, so when she was suddenly exposed to the blinding light, she instinctively squinted. Once her eyes had adjusted slightly, she found herself facing a few individuals who looked like thugs.

    The people who had previously kidnapped the children were not here.

    Lysander asked hoarsely, ¡°Where are the kids?¡±

    The person standing at the forefront appeared to be the leader of the thugs. His gaze carried an unsettling

    from head to toe. ¡°Thoseaziness as he tilted his head and sized up Lysander

    three brats are safe and sound somewhere else. We¡¯re here to keep youpany. As expected of the woman who caught Josiah¡¯s eye. You¡¯re quite a beauty. But those three kids can¡¯t all be yours with Josiah, right? <b>It¡¯s </b>hard to tell from your figure.¡±

    The remark he made was rather crude, causing the thugs beside him to burst into uproariousughter.

    What fate would a young and beautiful woman meet if she fell into the hands of a gang? When Lysander thought

    throat tightened instantly of the reports she had seen in the social news, her

    In times like these, the only option was to cope with shifting events.

    Lysander noticed their relentless teasing and flirtatious remarks, yet they didn¡¯t dare to truly touch her. She was certain they had their reservations. Deciding to y deaf and dumb, she acted as if she hadn¡¯t heard a thing.

    Right then, a thug approached her. He smirked and suggested, ¡°Boss, all this talking is pointless. Since she¡¯s Josiah¡¯s woman, why don¡¯t we just¡­¡±

    Everyone else had been eyeing Lysander with interest. They were eager not to miss the opportunity.

    A timid one among them asked, ¡°What <b>if </b>Josiah finds out? If he retaliates, we might not even know how we die. I heard that someone who offended him before vanished without a trace<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    <i>Outrageous </i>rumors <i>can </i>asionally <i>prove </i><i>useful</i>.

    Taking advantage of the situation. I veander straightened un leaning against the

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    wall behind her. At the same time, she desperately tried to fray the rope with her nails. Due to her professional habits, she always kept her nails polished and neat, never expecting that it would hinder her at this moment.

    Even after grinding her nails to the point of breaking, she couldn¡¯t manage to fray the rope even slightly.

    The leader, however, was already leering, saying, ¡°Look at you all, scared over a mere woman. Ms. Lanister already stated that once we¡¯re done, we¡¯ll toss her into the sea to feed the fish. If Josiah can¡¯t find her, how will he know we¡¯ve touched her? Are you all scared? Then let me go first to set an example for you!¡±

    As he spoke, he reached out, intending to touch Lysander¡¯s face.

    Lysander caught a whiff of the smoke emanating from him, almost making her

    nauseous.

    Suppressing her urge to vomit, she asked, ¡°Can the Lanister family give you money?¡±

    Both were smokers, yet the scent on Josiah was merely a faint trace of tobo, entirely different from this person.

    Upon hearing Lysander mention the prospect of making a fortune, the leader abruptly halted his actions. His eyes lit up as he asked, ¡°Are you nning to offer us money? That could work. If you can name a reasonable price, we might be able to negotiate.¡±

    Lysander was well aware of the maniptive nature of these people, who would exploit any sign of weakness. She knew full well that showing any fear would make her an easy target. Maintaining herposure, she took a deep breath and asked casually, ¡°The Ms. Lanister you just mentioned is Tiffany Lanister, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    The leader said impatiently, ¡°What does this have to do with you? Let¡¯s just talk about money. Don¡¯t bring up anything else.¡±

    Lysander asked again, ¡°You must already be aware of Dillon¡¯s arrest, right? To be frank with you, the cooperation between Guerra Group and the Lanister family has ended. The reason <b>I </b>offended Tiffany is that I blocked the payment Guerra Group was making to Riveron Corporation. They previously spent a fortune on developing a tourist resort, throwing billions into it. Not to mention Tiffany, even Dillon doesn¡¯t have much money left now.¡±

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    These words wouldn¡¯t fool anyone knowledgeable, but they were enough to intimidate a few thugs willing to break thew for money. Indeed, as soon as she. finished speaking, a wave of discussion erupted among them.

    Compared to the unpredictable and often troublesome allure of women, money was far more tangible and reliable.

    ¡°Boss, do you think Ms. Lanister is just fooling us around? She only gave a small deposit of the agreed amount. What if she backs out after we¡¯ve done all the work?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that when someonemits a crime, their assets get frozen. Is Mr. Lanister actually broke now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we all end up taking the me for the Lanister family. My friend, following Mr. Lanister¡¯s orders, went to some godforsaken ce to do some dirty work. He was told it was just about poisoning some fish. But then, dead bodies started showing up in the water, and he was left holding the bag.¡±

    ¡°Jail timees with its own price!¡±

    ¡°Right, it¡¯ll cost extra¡­¡±

    Silently, Lysander listened to the hushed discussions of the thugs, fully understanding the dire situation she was currently facing.

    These individuals held no loyalty toward the Lanister family. In essence, they were merely hired by Tiffany for money. As people would risk their lives for wealth, coaxing them to betray Tiffany wouldn¡¯t be too challenging.

    Lysander steeled her nerves and began to sow discord. ¡°You all are unfortunate souls, living on the edge, all for the sake of earning a bit more money. If you end up taking a life, even if the masterminds behind the scenes are Dillon and Tiffany, you¡¯ll still be aplices. In the end, not only will you fail to get the money, you¡¯ll lose your freedom as well. It¡¯s a loss all around.¡±

    People are naturally inclined to seek benefits and avoid harm. When she voiced. out these words, themotion among the thugs below grew even louder.

    The leader was on the verge of losing his mind due to the incessant chatter of his underlings. Hearing her speak, he first rebuked them, ¡°If you want money, then all of you shut up!¡±

    They immediately fell silent.

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    Lysander could see that he still held some sway over his subordinates. She continued, ¡°Since you¡¯ve managed to capture me and bring me here, it¡¯s clear you know who I am. How much did the Lanister family pay you? Do you think the Thorne family can¡¯t match their offer?¡±

    What she said made a lot of sense<b>.</b>

    The leader mused, ¡°Ms. Lanister promised us a million, and she has already paid a deposit of five hundred thousand.¡±

    This time, Tiffany was surprisingly generous.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t help but feel relieved that she had sought out an unrestrained thug, rather than someone even more sinister and malicious.

    ¡°A million may sound like a lot, but when divided among so many of <b>you</b>, is it really that much per person? Oh, and the ones currently watching the kids should get a share too, right?¡±

    This was merely a casual inquiry, yet it yielded unexpected results.

    The leader was seething with anger. ¡°Those guys are nothing like us. They are Ms. Lanister¡¯s bodyguards. They don¡¯t need to share their earnings with us. All the fun and games are theirs, but when ites to the dirty and tiring jobs, it¡¯s always us who get stuck with them!¡±

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    Chapter 714 I Will Be Waiting For You

    I didn¡¯t <i>realize </i>there <i>are </i><i>conflicts </i><i>between </i>them.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

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    Lysander pondered for a moment, the idea in her head bing clearer and clearer. ¡°Write a ransom letter right now and send it to Thorne Constructions and Energies. I am the only daughter of the Thorne family. My parents will agree to it.¡±

    The leader, upon hearing her speak in such detail, visibly wavered in his resolve.

    ¡°The Thorne family¡­¡± He clearly had a greater desire. ¡°Can the Thorne family immediately produce three million in cash?¡±

    In truth, Lysandercked confidence, but at that moment, all she could do was nod and say, ¡°Of course.¡±

    The thugs¡® eyes widened in disbelief when they heard the figure of three million. Their leader, in particr, could already envision luxury cars and beautiful women beckoning to him. However, he wasn¡¯t a leader for nothing. He wasn¡¯tpletely brainless. Warily, he asked, ¡°What if the Thorne family reports us to the police?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re worried, you can take the money first before letting me go. They won¡¯t call the police out of concern for my safety.¡±

    A thug whispered into his ear, ¡°Boss, don¡¯t forget, she¡¯s not just the only daughter of the Thorne family. She¡¯s also Josiah¡¯s woman!¡±

    The leader pped his forehead. ¡°Then¡­ we can ask Josiah for another three million! That will make it six million in total!¡±

    ¡°Could the Thorne family¡¯s wealth everpared to that of Josiah? If the Thorne family coulde up with three million, then Josiah would surely have toe up with five¡­ No, he¡¯d have toe up with ten million!¡±

    Another one chimed in, ¡°But Josiah is with Ms. Lanister. How are we supposed to ask him for money? If we call him now, Ms. Lanister will definitely find out¡­¡±

    The leader was so obsessed with money that hepletely missed Lysander¡¯s subtle probing. He cursed under his breath, ¡°D*mn it, <b>not </b>a single one of these rich folks is honest. They keep the most valuable stuff for themselves while we, who risk our lives, are left with nothing!¡±

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    Lysander felt a slight relief in her heart.

    It <i>seems </i><i>that </i><i>Josiah </i><i>is </i>indeed with <i>Tiffany</i>. <i>At </i><i>least </i><i>his </i><i>life </i><i>is </i><i>secure</i>.

    She said. ¡°Then you could ask the Thorne family for a bit more. Although they might not be able to give a lot, an extra million or two shouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem.¡±

    The leader turned around, his gaze sweeping over her. ¡°<b>I </b>need to take something from you as proof, don¡¯t I? How else are they going to believe you¡¯re with us?¡±

    ¡°Boss, should we consider chopping off one of her fingers?¡±

    ¡°Have you lost your mind? Don¡¯t you understand who she is? Josiah did everything for her, even lived in that godforsaken backwater, covered in dirt for days on end! If you so much as harm a single finger of hers, Josiah will lose it, and you won¡¯t even know what hit you when you¡¯re dead!¡±

    <i>If </i>they want <i>to </i><i>gain </i><i>the </i><i>Thorne </i><i>family¡¯s </i><i>trust</i>, it¡¯s <i>indeed </i>essential <i>to </i><i>have </i><i>something </i><i>that </i><i>can </i>prove my <i>identity</i>.

    Lysander said, ¡°You can remove the buttons from my sleeve. My family has seen me in this outfit before.¡±

    The leader was skeptical yet hopeful, swayed by the prospect of three million. He sent his most clever subordinate to deliver the message. However, just as he was about to depart, the leader had a change of heart and raised his demands. ¡°Wait a minute, I¡¯ve reconsidered. We should give them a chance to negotiate. Let¡¯s ask for six million instead.¡±

    ¡°Boss, do you think we should still ask Guerra Group for money? If the Thorne family can¡¯t provide this much, won¡¯t we be at a loss? This is our one and only chance to strike it rich in our lifetime!¡±

    The leader seemed unwilling to back down, gritting his teeth. He tore another button from Lysander¡¯s shirt and handed it to him. ¡°Then go and ask for it! Josiah isn¡¯t around, but his secretary who has been with him for several years should have. some authority. Ask for as much as you can!¡±

    ¡°Should I just ask for ten million, then?¡±

    ¡°The starting price is ten million; the lowest is five million. Tell her, if she doesn¡¯t give us the money, her boss¡® wife¡¯s life won¡¯t be guaranteed. Once Josiah returns,

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    there will be a reckoning<b>!</b>¡±

    ¡°All right, all right, I get it. I¡¯m going right now!¡±

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    Watching the thug walk away with the buttons, Lysander let out a deep sigh.

    The Thorne family was likely capable of providing the money, but on Guerra Group¡¯s side, with Carol absent, Olivia¡¯s authority was limited. Five million was probably out of the question.

    It was uncertain whether Olivia was sharp enough to establish contact with Josiah.

    Since theirst phone conversation, almost a full day and night had passed. She wondered if he had figured out a way to extricate himself from the situation. She had done everything within her power; all that¨Cwas left was to leave things up to fate.

    Meanwhile, Josiah seemed to have sensed Lysander¡¯s predicament. His hand trembled inexplicably, shattering the cup that Tiffany insisted on handing him.

    Water mixed with shards of ss was scattered all over the ground.

    With great patience, Tiffany rose to her feet and said, ¡°Jose, this is already your third ss of water. You¡¯re not behaving well.¡±

    She was constantly by Josiah¡¯s side, seemingly intent on making him yield to her will.

    Something was added to every ss of water.

    From the start, Josiah had never shown her any kindness. The effects of the drug had significantly faded over time, but it was still not enough to restore his strength to the point where he could escape from there.

    From time to time, footsteps could be heard from downstairs. He had once seen Tiffany instructing the bodyguards outside the room while he feigned unconsciousness.

    Those people were his greatest obstacle.

    <b>As </b>he pondered, Tiffany poured him a fourth ss of water, cing it before him. ¡°Jose, my patience does have its limits. If you don¡¯t drink this ss, then Lysa might just¡­¡±

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    Josiah said coldly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to constantly use Lysander as a threat against me. You want me to drink this ss of water? I¡¯ll drink it, then<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Tiffany watched as he drained the ss of water in one gulp. Yet, her face didn¡¯t hold much joy. She scoffed, ¡°Just as I thought, only mentioning her seems to

    work.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m your target, not Lysander. Whatever you want to do,e at me.<b>¡±</b>

    Tiffany sighed with a hint of regret. ¡°Jose, you¡¯re truly a good man. First, it was Lyss and now it¡¯s Lysa. Any woman who captures your heart is truly fortunate. But why can¡¯t I be one of them? What do Ickpared to them?¡±

    ¡°Is there any water left?¡±

    Tiffany was somewhat taken aback. ¡°You want another drink?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    Tiffany chuckled. ¡°Sure, if you want to drink, then have as much as you want.¡±

    Tiffany turned around to pour some water.

    He swiftly picked up the shattered ss from the ground, subtly tucking it into his sleeve.

    Tiffany had poured some water and turned around to hand it to him. ¡°Jose, the corner of your mouth is so dry it¡¯s turning white. Drink some water and then make sure to rest well.¡±

    Josiah couldn¡¯t muster any strength in his body, but for the moment, there were no other reactions.

    If it was just aphrodisiac, there wasn¡¯t really anything to be afraid of.

    With a sense of determination, Josiah picked up the ss of water and took several sips. Handing it back to her, he simply said, ¡°Get out.¡±

    Tiffany had already nned everything in her heart, not minding his rather unpleasant attitude. ¡°Jose, I can leave now, butter, I¡¯ll be waiting for you to beg me toe back in.

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    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>Charming </i></b><b><i>Ex</i></b><b><i>¨C</i></b><b><i>Wife</i></b>

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>715 </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>Like </i></b><b><i>Me</i></b>

    <b><i>She </i></b><b><i>turned </i></b><b><i>off </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>lights </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>left </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>room</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>room </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>once </i></b><b><i>again </i></b><b><i>shrouded </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>darkness</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Several </i></b><b><i>minutes </i></b><b><iter</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>found </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>consciousness </i></b><b><i>starting </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>blur</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Unlike </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>debilitating </i></b><b><i>effects </i></b><b><i>brought </i></b><b><i>about </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>aphrodisiac</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>began </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>involuntarily reminisce </i></b><b><i>about </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>past </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>Lysander</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>+5 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>In </i></b><b><i>Josiah¡¯s </i></b><b><i>mind</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Lysander </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><i>longer </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>cold </i></b><b><i>figure </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>after </i></b><b><i>their </i></b><b><i>fallout</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>smiling </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>sweetly</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>reminiscent </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>wonderful </i></b><b><i>times</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>once </i></b><b><i>shared </i></b><b><i>after </i></b><b><i>their </i></b><b><i>marriage</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>This </i></b><b><i>scene </i></b><b><i>stirred </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>heat </i></b><b><i>within </i></b><b><i>him</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>sparking </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>yearning </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><ifort</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

    <b><i>D</i></b><b><i>*</i></b><b><i>mn </i></b><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>! </i></b><b><i>What </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>added </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>water </i></b><b><i>was</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>never </i></b><b><i>anticipated </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>go </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>far</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>swiftly </i></b><b><i>clenched </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>shards </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>ss </i></b><b><i>hidden </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>sleeve</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>pain </i></b><b><i>jolting </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>reality</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Only </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>kind </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>agony </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>help </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>ovee </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>effects </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>drug</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Apanied </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>creaking </i></b><b><i>sound</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bedroom </i></b><b><i>door </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>opened </i></b><b><i>once </i></b><b><i>again</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Tiffany</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>having </i></b><b><i>changed </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>clothes</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>appeared </i></b><b><i>beside </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bed</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>She </i></b><b><i>leaned </i></b><b><i>over </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>whispered </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>ear</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Jose</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>must </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>feeling </i></b><b><i>quite </i></b><b><i>ufortable </i></b><b><i>now</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>aren¡¯t </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Men </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>who </i></b><b><i>truly </i></b><b><i>capture </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>heart</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>rare </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>find</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>given </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>much </i></b><b><i>thought</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>believe </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>child </i></b><b><i>must </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>an </i></b><b><i>exceptional </i></b><b><i>father</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Otherwise</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>genes </i></b><b><i>aren¡¯t </i></b><b><i>good</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>won¡¯t </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>worthy </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>being </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>child</i></b><b><i>.¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>breathing </i></b><b><i>rapidly</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>avoiding </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>gaze </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>What </i></b><b><i>do </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>think </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>child </i></b><b><i>is</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>product </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>breeding</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>A </i></b><b><i>child </i></b><b><i>should </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>embodiment </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>two </i></b><b><i>people¡¯s </i></b><b><i>love</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Otherwise</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>their </i></b><b><i>life </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>bound </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>tragedy </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>can¡¯t </i></b><b><i>bear </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>look </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b><i>on</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Tiffany</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>however</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><ipletely </i></b><b><i>unfazed </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>this</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Seeing </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>eyes</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>tightly </i></b><b><i>closed</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>giving </i></b><b><i>off </i></b><b><i>an </i></b><b><i>air </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>absolute </i></b><b><i>rejection</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>said </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>confusion</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>There¡¯s </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><i>need </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>make </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>sound </i></b><b><i>so </i></b><b><i>unpleasant</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>just </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><ibination </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>superior</i></b>

    <b><i>140</i></b>

    <b><i>Bnce</i></b><b><i>:</i></b>

    <b><i>01 </i></b><b><i>Coins</i></b>

    <b><i>1 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>715 </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>Like </i></b><b><i>Me</i></b>

    <b><i>thousand </i></b><b><i>times </i></b><b><i>better </i></b><b><i>than </i></b><b><i>those </i></b><b><i>two </i></b><b><i>siblings</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>+5 </i></b><b><i>Pears</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><i>desire </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>entertain </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>peculiar </i></b><b><i>logic</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>forcefully </i></b><b><i>drew </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>piece </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>broken </i></b><b><i>ss </i></b><b><i>across </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>palm</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>creating </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>gash</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Then</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>clenched </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>hand </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>fist</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>allowing </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>nails </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>tear </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>own </i></b><b><i>flesh</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Although </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>only </i></b><b><i>taken </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>few </i></b><b><i>sips</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>potent </i></b><b><i>drug </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>water </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>underestimated</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>determined </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>make </i></b><b><i>things </i></b><b><i>irreversible</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>A </i></b><b><i>fierce </i></b><b><i>malice </i></b><b><i>shed </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>her</i></b>

    <b><i>eyes</i></b>

    <b><i>when </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>saw </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>unwilling </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><iply</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>casually </i></b><b><i>pulled </i></b><b><i>open </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>outer </i></b><b><i>garment</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>revealing </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>shirt </i></b><b><i>specifically </i></b><b><i>prepared </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>match </i></b><b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>style </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>dress</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>If </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>means </i></b><b><i>having </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>child</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>can </i></b><b><i>pretend </i></b><b><i>I¡¯m </i></b><b><i>Lysa</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Upon </i></b><b><i>hearing </i></b><b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>name</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>such </i></b><b><i>an </i></b><b><i>awkward </i></b><b><i>situation</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>couldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>help </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>soften </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>expression</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Lysander</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b>

    <b><i>He </i></b><b><i>silently </i></b><b><i>recited </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>name</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>entire </i></b><b><i>being </i></b><b><i>seemingly </i></b><b><i>ready </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>lose </i></b><b><i>itself </i></b><b><i>within </i></b><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Seeing </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>move </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>effective</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>hastily </i></b><b><i>ced </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>hand </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>chest</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>deftly </i></b><b><i>unbuttoning </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>shirt </i></b><b><i>while </i></b><b><i>whispering </i></b><b><i>seductively</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Josiah</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>am </i></b><b><i>Lysander</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>¡­ </i></b><b><i>hmm</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>If </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>do</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>hold </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b>

    <b><i>She </i></b><b><i>bore </i></b><b><i>no </i></b><b><i>resemnce </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>Lysander</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>only deception </i></b><b><i>possible </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>dark</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>lights </i></b><b><i>off </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>curtains drawn</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>where </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>mere </i></b><b><i>piece </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>clothing </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>blur </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>lines </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>reality</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>opened </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>eyes </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>driven </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>some </i></b><b><i>unseen </i></b><b><i>force</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Inside </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>sleeve</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>shard </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>ss </i></b><b><i>shifted </i></b><b><i>slightly</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>its sharp </i></b><b><i>edges </i></b><b><i>sinking </i></b><b><i>deep </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>flesh</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>intense</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>piercing </i></b><b><i>pain </i></b><b><i>jolted </i></b><b><i>him </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>consciousness</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Lysander </i></b><b><i>would </i></b><b><i>never </i></b><b><i>do </i></b><b><i>such </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>thing</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Even </i></b><b><i>when </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>believed </i></b><b><i>their </i></b><b><i>marriage </i></b><b><i>still </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>chance</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>never </i></b><b><i>once </i></b><b><i>took </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>initiative </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>this</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Lysander </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>subtle </i></b><b><i>smile</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>voice </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>called </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>name </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>more </i></b><b><i>crisp </i></b><b><i>and clear</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Bnce</i></b><b><i>:</i></b>

    <b><i>14</i></b>

    <b><i>1 </i></b><b><i>Coins</i></b>

    <b><i>1 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>84</i></b><b><i>%</i></b>

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>715 </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>Like </i></b><b><i>Me</i></b>

    <b><i>+5 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Josiah</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Didn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>say </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>liked </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>? </i></b><b><i>Why </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>doing </i></b><b><i>anything</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>moved </i></b><b><i>closer</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>instinctively </i></b><b><i>reaching </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>hold </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>hand</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Touch </i></b><b><i>me</i></b><b><i>¡­ </i></b><b><i>Ah</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>she </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>abs</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>hand </i></b><b><i>gushing </i></b><b><i>blood</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>held </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>shard </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>ss</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Just </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>thought</i></b>

    <b><i>to </i></b><b><i>seed</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>moment </i></b><b><i>before </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>wa</i></b>

    <b><i>about </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>lie </i></b><b><i>down</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he</i></b>

    <b><i>pressed </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>ss </i></b><b><i>against </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>neck </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>forcefully </i></b><b><i>stabbed </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>in</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>clutched </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>neck </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>pain </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>yelled</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>What </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>holding </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>hand</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>exerted </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>bit </i></b><b><i>more </i></b><b><i>force</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>causing </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>sense </i></b><b><i>danger </i></b><b><i>before </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>slowly </i></b><b><i>spoke</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Have </i></b><b><i>your </i></b><b><i>people </i></b><b><i>bring </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>car </i></b><b><i>over</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>or </i></b><b><i>else </i></b><b><i>you¡¯ll </i></b><b><i>die </i></b><b><i>right </i></b><b><i>here</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><ipletely </i></b><b><i>defenseless</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Her </i></b><b><i>beautiful </i></b><b><i>dream </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>shattered</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>fit </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>hysteria</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>dered</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Fine</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>let¡¯s </i></b><b><i>both </i></b><b><i>go </i></b><b><i>down </i></b><b><i>together</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>No</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>only </i></b><b><i>one </i></b><b><i>who¡¯s </i></b><b><i>going </i></b><b><i>down</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>noticed </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>words </i></b><b><i>did </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>summon </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bodyguards </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>realized </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>might </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>intentionally </i></b><b><i>sent </i></b><b><i>everyone </i></b><b><i>else </i></b><b><i>away </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>facilitate </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>good</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>moment </i></b><b><i>earlier</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>This was </i></b><b><i>truly </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>case </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>divine </i></b><b><i>intervention</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Even </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>drugged</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>wasn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>much </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>challenge</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>man</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>after </i></b><b><i>all</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>With </i></b><b><i>decisive </i></b><b><i>action</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>knocked </i></b><b><i>Tiffany </i></b><b><i>unconscious </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>left </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bed</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>then </i></b><b><i>staggered </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>feet </i></b><b><i>and</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>speed </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>muster</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>made </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>escape </i></b><b><i>from </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>ce</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>bodyguards </i></b><b><i>wouldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>gone </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>long </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>return </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>any </i></b><b><i>moment </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>check </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>things</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Hence</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>didn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>dare </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>waste </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>single </i></b><b><i>second</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Despite </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>limbs </i></b><b><i>still </i></b><b><i>feeling </i></b><b><i>weak</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>forced </i></b><b><i>himself </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>stay </i></b><b><i>alert </i></b><b><i>under </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>painful </i></b><b><i>stimtion</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>By </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>time </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>drove </i></b><b><i>back </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>Guerra </i></b><b><i>Group</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>steering </i></b><b><i>wheel </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>already </i></b><b><i>smeared </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>blood</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Olivia </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>just </i></b><b><i>received </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>ransom </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>preparing </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>go </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>bank </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>transfer </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>money </i></b><b><i>when </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>bumped </i></b><b><i>into </i></b><b><i>Josiah</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>who </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>just </i></b><b><i>clumsily </i></b><b><i>tumbled </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>driver¡¯s </i></b><b><i>seat</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>eximed </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>excitement</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Mr. </i></b><b><i>Guerra</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>finally </i></b><b><i>back</i></b><b><i>¡­</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Bnce</i></b><b><i>:</i></b>

    <b><i>1 </i></b><b><i>Coins</i></b>

    <b><i>14 </i></b><b><i>+</i></b>

    <b><i>1 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>715 </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>Like </i></b><b><i>Me</i></b>

    <b><i>about </i></b><b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>situation</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>+5 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b>

    <b><i>Olivia </i></b><b><i>handed </i></b><b><i>over </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>replied</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Mr. </i></b><b><i>Guerra</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>should </i></b><b><i>we </i></b><b><i>call </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>police</i></b><b><i>?</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>No.</i></b><b><i>¡± </i></b><b><i>Trembling</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>took </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>button </i></b><b><i>from </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>envelope</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>His </i></b><b><i>voice </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>hoarse </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>confirmed</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>indeed </i></b><b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>button</i></b><b><i>.¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Olivia </i></b><b><i>hastily </i></b><b><i>exined</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Mrs. </i></b><b><i>Guerra </i></b><b><i>went </i></b><b><i>missing </i></b><b><ist </i></b><b><i>night</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Ms. </i></b><b><i>Lionhart¡¯s </i></b><b><i>daughter</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Nilou</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>Rhizone </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>also </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>car </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>time</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>However</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>time </i></b><b><i>passersby </i></b><b><i>discovered the </i></b><b><i>overturned </i></b><b><i>car </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>side </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>road </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>reported</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>police</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>four </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>them </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>already </i></b><b><i>disappeared</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>There </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>also </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>button </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>found </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>car</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>contents </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>ransom </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>only </i></b><b><i>lead </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>moment</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>tightened </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>grip </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>button</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>suddenly </i></b><b><i>sensing </i></b><b><i>something </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>off </i></b><b><i>through </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>touch</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>button </i></b><b><i>felt </i></b><b><i>somewhat </i></b><b><i>sticky </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>touch </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>tainted </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>something </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>couldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>easily </i></b><b><i>washed </i></b><b><i>off</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>brought </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>button </i></b><b><i>up </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>nose </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>took </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>sniff</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>realization </i></b><b><i>forming </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>mind</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>He </i></b><b><i>instructed </i></b><b><i>Olivia</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>Give </i></b><b><i>them </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>five </i></b><b><i>million </i></b><b><i>requested </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>have </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><b><i>from </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>secretarial </i></b><b><i>department </i></b><b><i>handle </i></b><b><i>it</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>need </i></b><b><i>you </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>find</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>someone </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>analyze </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><iposition </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>substance </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>this </i></b><b><i>button </i></b><b><i>immediately</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>clue </i></b><b><i>given </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>us </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>Lysander</i></b><b><i>.¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Lysander </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>smart </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>shrewd</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>wouldn¡¯t </i></b><b><i>waste </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>efforts </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>fruitless </i></b><b><i>tasks</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Before </i></b><b><i>long</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>warehouse </i></b><b><i>located </i></b><b><i>in </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>old </i></b><b><i>suburban </i></b><b><i>factory </i></b><b><i>district</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>leader </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>practically </i></b><b><i>bursting </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>excitement </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>he </i></b><b><i>looked </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>newly </i></b><b><i>received </i></b><b><i>message</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>This </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>real </i></b><b><i>money </i></b><b><i>we¡¯re </i></b><b><i>talking </i></b><b><i>about</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>can¡¯t </i></b><b><i>believe </i></b><b><i>how </i></b><b><i>easily </i></b><b><i>we </i></b><b><i>got </i></b><b><i>our </i></b><b><i>hands </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>five </i></b><b><i>million</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Thanks </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>money</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>treatment </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>improved </i></b><b><i>slightly</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>At </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>very </i></b><b><i>least</i></b><b><i>, she </i></b><b><i>now </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>chair </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>sit </i></b><b><i>on</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>ropes </i></b><b><i>around </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>feet </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>untied</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>However</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>hands </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>still </i></b><b><i>firmly </i></b><b><i>bound </i></b><b><i>behind </i></b><b><i>her</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>even </i></b><b><i>tied </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>chair </i></b><b><i>itself</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>I¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>said </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>before</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>instead </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>sticking </i></b><b><i>with </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>Lanister </i></b><b><i>family </i></b><b><i>who </i></b><b><i>are </i></b><b><i>already </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>dead </i></b><b><i>end</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>you¡¯d </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>better </i></b><b><i>off </i></b><b><i>looking </i></b><b><i>out </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>yourselves</i></b><b><i>.</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>Bnce</i></b><b><i>: </i></b><b><i>14 </i></b><b><i>+</i></b>

    <b><i>0</i></b>

    <b><i>Chapter </i></b><b><i>715 </i></b><b><i>Do </i></b><b><i>You </i></b><b><i>Like </i></b><b><i>Me</i></b>

    <b><i>for </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>long </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>possible</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>+5 </i></b><b><i>Pearls</i></b><b><i>:</i></b>

    <b><i>The </i></b><b><i>thugs </i></b><b><i>looked </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>if </i></b><b><i>she </i></b><b><i>were </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>living </i></b><b><i>gold </i></b><b><i>mine</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>leader </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>brutally </i></b><b><i>frank </i></b><b><i>as he </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>only </i></b><b><i>sent </i></b><b><i>over </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>button</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>agreed </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>five </i></b><b><i>million </i></b><b><i>without</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>second </i></b><b><i>thought</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Seems </i></b><b><i>like </i></b><b><i>you¡¯re </i></b><b><i>pretty </i></b><b><i>important </i></b><b><i>to Josiah</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>All </i></b><b><i>right</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I¡¯ve </i></b><b><i>changed </i></b><b><i>my </i></b><b><i>mind</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>Five </i></b><b><i>million </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>not </i></b><b><i>enough</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>It </i></b><b><i>has </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>be </i></b><b><i>ten </i></b><b><i>million</i></b><b><i>!</i></b><b><i>¡±</i></b>

    <b><i>These </i></b><b><i>people¡¯s </i></b><b><i>greed </i></b><b><i>had </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>fed </i></b><b><i>by </i></b><b><i>an </i></b><b><i>unexpected </i></b><b><i>windfall</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>They </i></b><b><i>wished </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>could </i></b><b><i>rely </i></b><b><i>on </i></b><b><i>Lysander </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>seize </i></b><b><i>all </i></b><b><i>of </i></b><b><i>the </i></b><b><i>Guerra </i></b><b><i>family¡¯s </i></b><b><i>wealth</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>but </i></b><b><i>for </i></b><b><i>a </i></b><b><i>short </i></b><b><i>while</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>neither </i></b><b><i>dared </i></b><b><i>nor </i></b><b><i>would </i></b><b><i>they </i></b><b><i>attempt </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>touch </i></b><b><i>her </i></b><b><i>again</i></b><b><i>.</i></b>

    <b><i>Lysander¡¯s </i></b><b><i>desire </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>see </i></b><b><i>Josiah </i></b><b><i>had never </i></b><b><i>been </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>intense </i></b><b><i>as </i></b><b><i>it </i></b><b><i>was </i></b><b><i>at </i></b><b><i>that </i></b><b><i>moment</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>She </i></b><b><i>slowly </i></b><b><i>exhaled </i></b><b><i>and </i></b><b><i>said</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>¡°</i></b><b><i>All </i></b><b><i>right</i></b><b><i>, </i></b><b><i>I </i></b><b><i>can </i></b><b><i>continue </i></b><b><i>to </i></b><b><i>help </i></b><b><i>you</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>But </i></b><b><i>ten </i></b><b><i>million </i></b><b><i>is </i></b><b><i>too </i></b><b><i>much</i></b><b><i>. </i></b><b><i>The </i></b><b><i>ransom </i></b><b><i>letter </i></b><b><i>has </i></b><b><i>to </i></b>

 Chapter 716

    ?Chapter 716 A Clue

    The leader, distracted by the thought of the five million he believed was already his, let his guard down around Lysander. When she offered to guide them in writing a ransom letter, he agreed without a second thought, "All right, but no tricks. If you step out of line, we''ll still follow Ms. Lanister''s orders, do her bidding, and take her money!"

    No one would ever find money too hot to handle, especially considering that no matter how much they acquired, they had to share it with others.

    Lysander''s n wasn''t one to be abandoned halfway. Despite the nervousness in her heart, her face was a mask of calm. "With so many of you watching me, how can I possibly y tricks?"

    Wild that you know that¡±

    The leader had just picked up the pen with his left hand when he suddenly paused.

    Lysander noticed that and asked, ¡°Can I start speaking now?¡±

    ¡°Hold on The leader suddenly started to think. ¡°The police can do handwriting identification, right? If they ultimately determine that I wrote it, wouldn¡¯t I end up in jail anyway?¡±

    After some thought, Lysander said, ¡°Let me write it myself, then. Besides, they¡¯ll recognize my handwring at a nce.¡±

    would save them the trouble of having to prove to the Guerra family that she was still alive.

    The leader¡¯s heart leaped with joy. Figuring that Lysander wouldn¡¯t be able to escape on her own, he handed her the pen and paper directly, then stood by and watched her write, ensuring she didn¡¯t sneak in any clues

    In reality, such worries were entirely unnecessary, as Lysander couldn¡¯t see outside no matter how hard she tried. Her gaze was constantly fixed on the four walls around her. Not to mention figuring out her exact location, she wasn¡¯t even sure if she was still in Harborbrook.

    The only hope she had was pinned on this letter.

    She swiftly penned down the letter and handed it over to the leader.

    The leader gave it a once¨Cover, confirmed there were no issues, neatly folded it, and handed it to his underling

    The errand runner was the same man as before, and with familiarity bred from repeated encounters, he left to deliver the ransom letter.

    Two hourster, Olivia returned with the results of the analysis on the substance found on the button. Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.

    Josiah took the report handed over by Olivia and furrowed his brows. ¡°Machine oil?¡±

    ¡°Yes. We¡¯ve checked. It¡¯s indeed machine oil, and there are some metal fragments mixed in. They likely originate from a metal processing factory or perhaps a scrap yard.¡±

    ceping

    ¡°Keep investigating. Even if we can¡¯t pinpoint an exact location, we need to narrow down the range as much as possible¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Olivia wasted no time in taking care of this matter.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    Meanwhile, a doctor who had been summoned by Olivia earlier handed Josiah a ss of water. After epting it, Josiah drained the ss in one gulp.

    The family doctor gently suggested to him, ¡°Mr. Guerra, the sedative will take effect shortly. It can, to a certain extent, counteract the effects of other drugs in your system. However, your external injuries are quite severe. The bandaging is only a temporary solution to stop the bleeding. It would be best if you went to the hospital to get stitches.¡±

    The wound in the palm of his hand was quite deep, appearing particrly gruesome. Despite being wrapped in severalyers of gauze, it was still seeping blood, severely limiting his movements.

    Taking a deep breath, Josiah asked, ¡°Do you know how to stitch?¡±

    The family doctor paused for a moment before responding, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Josiah nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. Please tend to my wounds quickly.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± The family doctor couldn¡¯t help but question his own hearing. ¡°Mr. Guerra, I only brought a simple medical kit with me. I can¡¯t administer anesthesia.¡±

    The thought of threading a needle through flesh without even using an anesthetic was enough to send shivers down anyone¡¯s spine.

    Josiah himself was utterly nonchnt about it. ¡°I know, but it doesn¡¯t matter as long as I can get stitched up. I have important matters to attend to. I can¡¯t afford to waste time in the hospital.¡±

    The family doctor had no choice but to grit his teeth and carry on.

    Once the wound was stitched up, Josiah was drenched in cold sweat from head to toe, his clothes clinging to his body.

    Olivia returned, handing over the newly received ransom letter. ¡°Mr. Guerra, Mrs. Guerra should be safe for now.¡±

    With a slight tremble in his fingertips, Josiah took the letter. At a nce, he recognized Lysander¡¯s handwriting. He then read the letter carefully.

    It read: Don¡¯t hand over the money this time. Instead, find a way to buy us some time. im that the amount is toorge and we need time to gather the money. Then, arrange for a vehicle. I¡¯ll head over to the abandoned industrial zone in the east.

    ¡°In the east?¡± Olivia had found dozens of warehouses, each in different directions. He hadn¡¯t expected Josiah to directly determine the search direction.

    ¡°Time is of the essence. I¡¯ll exin everything when I get back, Have someone from the secretarial department stay at thepany and prioritize finding the children. Their safety is paramount.¡± With that, Josiah carefully tucked the letter into his pocket.

    They had been married for, three years, and he and Lysander had missed out on much. Regardless of their willingness, many things had already be habits, deeply ingrained into their very marrow.

    For instance, his understanding of Lysander¡¯s handwriting and writing habits.

    Finished

    Lysander, having read numerous literature reviews and written countless medical papers herself, was well- versed in conventional writing. However, the punctuation in this ransom letter was exceptionally chaotic. The word ¡°cast¡°, indicating the location of the ransom drop, was jarringly followed by an excessive amount of punctuation marks.

    Josiah instinctively felt that this was a clue she had left behind.

    Ever since he disappeared, Olivia had personally led a team to search for Tiffany¡¯s whereabouts. Although they hadn¡¯t made much progress, this was the only lead they had. As a result, most of the manpower had been dispatched there. Even though some had returned, their efforts were like a drop in the bucket.

    Josiah didn¡¯t wait for them. He immediately arranged for everyone who could make it to help search in the industrial zone.

    ¡°Mr. Guerra, the target area is vast. Perhaps you should wait in the car first,¡± the bodyguard suggested, noticing his paleplexion. Since his appearance, he hadn¡¯t taken a moment to rest, and the bodyguard was genuinely concerned about his health at this crucial moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Josiah was too worried about Lysander¡¯s safety to dare let his guard down for even a moment. ¡°We have no knowledge about the kidnappers. Moving together with such arge group can potentially alert them. From this point on, we need to split up. The moment anyone found something, they are to contact me immediately.¡±

    After he had given his orders, he immediately set off for the factory building ahead.

    The clues passed on by Lysander were extremely limited, merely providing a vague direction. He figured that any ce using oil must undoubtedly have machinery. After he surveyed numerous abandoned factories, his gaze fortuitously fell upon a warehouse.

    This industrial zone had once thrived. The reason business owners moved away was because they found better locations. As a result, taking the old machinery with them was deemed uneconomical. They preferred to find a ce where they could store it for free.

    ces where machine oil was needed weren¡¯t just limited to the workshop but also included the warehouse where the machinery was stored.

    Josiah shifted his focus, beginning to meticulously inspect each warehouse. Even those that were locked weren¡¯t a barrier for him. He managed to pry them open using tools like pliers and crowbars that he found nearby.

    Over on the other side, the lookout stationed at the warehouse rooftop was in a state of panic as he rushed over to the gang leader. ¡°Boss, we¡¯ve got trouble. Someone¡¯sing!¡±

 Chapter 717

    Chapter 717 Take You Home

    Finished

    Lysander sat in the chair, gripping the armrests on either side of her. After she escaped the confines of the ropes, this was the only thing she could hold onto.

    If the people outside were there for her, she would immediately find a way to make amotion.

    It was clear that the ten million was out of reach. Upon realizing this, the thugs were likely to revert back to Tiffany¡¯s side, putting her in danger once again.

    When he heard someone was approaching, the leader¡¯s first instinct was to flee. However, the thought of the money he hadn¡¯t yet secured kept him from panicking entirely. Composing himself, he turned to his subordinates and instructed, ¡°Take this woman along!¡±

    As soon as he said that, Lysander stood up, picked up the chair, and hurled it toward him.

    The leader hadn¡¯t expected that this cooperative hostage would suddenly fight back. He was caught off guard and knocked to the ground on the spot.

    Lysander turned and ran, heading straight for the staircase furthest from the thugs.

    After the thug responsible for keeping watch had left, there was no one left upstairs.

    From her observations, she noticed that there was another staircase on the second floor leading outside.

    The thugs werepletely taken aback by this sudden turn of events. Some of them scrambled to help their leader, while others, a bit more astute, knew that if Lysander managed to escape, none of them would get away. They quickly chased after her.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    In the midst of the chaos, the warehouse door was abruptly kicked open from the outside.

    Upon discovering that the lock hanging on the door was not tightly fastened, merely looselytched, Josiah knew he was on the right track. When he heard the chaotic noise emanating from within, he couldn¡¯t even be bothered to wait for the time it would take to pick the lock and open the door. He simply barged in with brute force<b>.</b>

    In an instant, the sunlight from outside illuminated the dimly lit warehouse.

    Having already escaped to the second floor, Lysander merely lowered her head and unexpectedly came face to face with Josiah. The sudden encounter caused both their hearts to tighten, as they hadn¡¯t anticipated meeting in such a tense moment.

    When the leader had taken on this job from Tiffany, he had seen a picture of Josiah. Immediately, he cried out, ¡°He¡¯s Josiah Guerra. If he gets out alive, we¡¯re all finished!¡±

    The thugs thought about the money they had just received. They didn¡¯t want to earn money only to die without spending it. So, for the moment, they didn¡¯t care about the possible danger. They quickly shifted their focus and rushed toward Josiah, surrounding him.

    From her vantage point, Lysander clearly saw his state at that moment.

    Josiah was in a state ofplete disarray. His coat was nowhere to be found, and his light¨Ccolored shirt was

    erly unkempt. The cor of his shirt, liberated from the constraint of a tie, <b>was </b>flipped up on one side. Upon closer inspection, there were traces of blood on it. It <b>was </b>the blood fro

    Chapter 717 Take You Home

    Finished

    As for the wound that was wrapped in gauze, it had already split open during his relentless running, continuously seeping blood.

    The urgent care provided by the family doctor had some effect on controlling the wound, but it couldn¡¯t stop him from seeing finding Lysander as the most important thing at that moment. If it weren¡¯t for the stitches done in advance, he might have worsened his injury by now.

    Lysander¡¯s eyes suddenly welled up with tears, expressing both worry and guilt as she asked, ¡°Are you alone?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t have time to wait for others, so I came here by myself first.¡±

    Lysander anxiously said, ¡°But there are so many of them. What can you possibly do by yourself?¡±

    Are <i>you </i>marching to <i>your </i>doom <i>all </i><i>alone</i><i>?</i>

    Josiah remained stoic. ¡°I¡¯m here to take you home.¡±

    He scrutinized her meticulously<i>, </i>noting that aside from the dust she had rubbed onto herself, she was unharmed. Only then did he shift his icy gaze toward the approaching thugs.

    Perhaps it was due to her underestimation of Lysander that Tiffany had only arranged for a group of average thugs to guard her. However, they did have the advantage in numbers. If he wanted to take Lysander away without a single hair on her head harmed, it would likely still require some effort.

    ¡°I¡¯m offering you two choices. Take the money you already have and leave. I won¡¯t hold past grudges. Alternatively, you can take a risk and try your luck. But remember, as long as I¡¯m still here, you won¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    As Josiah spoke, he casually lifted his gaze toward the group of thugs. Despite his severe injuries and his paleplexion, the aura of authority he carried was still intimidating.

    Meanwhile, while their attention was all focused on Josiah, Lysander seized the opportunity to silently rush up to the second floor. She managed to escape outside, using the staircase built on the side of the outer wall.

    Although Josiah didn¡¯t say it outright, she understood everything when their eyes met.

    He had arrived in haste, but she anticipated that others would be there soon as well. Instead of waiting helplessly inside, she decided it would be better to quickly venture out and seek assistance.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t rested for a full day and night, not even taking a moment to eat or drink. She was physically drained, running purely on fumes. It was her unwavering determination to save Josiah that kept her going, driving her

    h the outside of the warehouse.

    If she ventured a bit further, she might just encounter the person who came with Josiah.

    Lysander gritted her teeth, persevering. Upon hearing footfall echoing from around the corner, she quickly called out for help, ¡°I¡¯m here! Hurry up and save Josiah¡­ He¡¯s in the warehouse ahead¡­¡±

    Her voice was hoarse, her throat dry as if she had swallowed a burning coal, but she still managed to muster all her strength to raise her voice to its highest.

    Upon hearing the sound, the person quickened their pace and walked over.

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    Hope ignited in Lysander¡¯s heart. She believed they were on the brink of rescue. However, her expression froze the moment she got a clear look <b>at </b>the neer¡¯s face.

    The person who appeared before her eyes was none other than Tiffany.

    It was <b>a </b>rare sight <i>to </i>see Tiffany not dolled up to the nines. After she had dropped the pretense, she seemed somewhat eerie. Strangely enough, her makeup was meticulously applied, with the color of her lipstick being exceptionally vivid.

    She was a far cry from her usual image of being a docile and adorable doll.

    Lysander looked at the towering bodyguards trailing behind Tiffany, fully aware that with her energy nearly depleted, escape was impossible. She took a half step back, buying herself some time, and asked, ¡°Tiffany, we have no grudges against each other. Why are you doing this?¡±

    ¡°Lysa, how can you say that? Your very existence is the biggest mistake. If it weren¡¯t for you, Jose would have definitely married me by now. I could have had many children, and the Guerra and Lanister families would have united as one. Everything would have been mine. It¡¯s all your fault.¡±

    Tiffany waved at her bodyguards, indicating them to seize Lysander. Only then did she sneer and instruct, ¡°However, I¡¯vee to realize that forcing things doesn¡¯t make them better. Might as well have some fun while you all are here.¡±

    Lysander listened to her chilling tone, feigning anger as she retorted, ¡°Even without me, Josiah can never have a child with you. Your womb is congenitally underdeveloped. With the current medical technology, it¡¯s simply untreatable!¡±

    This <b>was </b>the painful secret that Tiffa

    ad always wanted to hide.

    If she showed her anger here, the people who hade searching with Josiah would surely notice.

    A wild glint shed in Tiffany¡¯s eyes, but she quickly regained herposure and asked, ¡°Are you trying to pick a fight with me, deliberately stalling for time while waiting for backup?¡±

    Lysander¡¯s provocation strategy had failed.

    Tiffanyughed confidently and said, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m as naive and foolish as Lyss? If I were in her shoes, I certainly wouldn¡¯t have ended up like her. She is ridiculously stupid.¡±

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 Chapter 718

    Chapter 718 I Love Lysander

    Lysanne had been missing for a long time.

    Contrary to her confident appearance, Lysander was at a loss. Seeing that Tiffany wasn¡¯t falling for her tricks, she instantly felt a wave of cold sweat in her palm and was momentarily out of ideas.

    The bodyguard was already dragging her toward the warehouse.

    Seizing the moment, Lysander asked, ¡°What have you done with the children? The youngest girl is the granddaughter of the Lionhart family. If anything happens to her, the Lionhart family won¡¯t let you go!¡±

    She couldn¡¯t escape, but at least she had to ensure the children¡¯s safety. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t rest in peace even in death.

    Tiffany had no connection with Nieva and knew nothing about the Lionhart family¡¯s situation. When she heard Lysander mention Aurora, a flicker of cruelty crossed her face.

    <i>Had </i>I known <i>the </i><i>child </i>was so <i>valuable</i><i>, </i>I <i>would </i><i>have </i><i>kept </i><i>her </i><i>tightly </i><i>in </i><i>hand</i><i>. </i><i>What </i><i>a </i><i>waste</i>.

    Lysander read the answer in Tiffany¡¯s brief moment of regret and asked calmly, ¡°They have been rescued, haven¡¯t they?¡±

    Everyone was smart. There was no need to spell things out.

    Tiffany stopped responding to Lysander and walked straight toward the warehouse.

    Lysander tried to warn Josiah, but her mouth was stuffed with a towel.

    It seemed Tiffany wasn¡¯t nning to throw her into the sea to feed the fish, as the previous leading thug had threatened.

    Inside the warehouse, Josiah was already fighting the thugs. Once he confirmed Lysander had escaped, he showed no mercy.

    His moves grew increasingly harsh. In no time, two thugsy motionless on the ground.

    Seeing the situation escape. The others

    ¡®e a turn for the worse, the leader abandoned his underlings and made a hasty surprised to see someone as gentlemanly as Josiah fight so fiercely. They fled faster than they had fought.

    Josiah had no intention of pursuing them and turned to find Lysander.

    Tiffany and her men blocked his way at the warehouse door. Her eyes glinted with malice <b>as </b>she smiled sweetly, like a doll in a horror movie.

    ¡°Jose, that punch really hurt,¡± sheined, pretending nothing had happened.

    Josiah felt no guilt. ¡°If I had known you were so relentless, I wouldn¡¯t have held back.¡±

    The situation had been critical, and he had been drugged. His priority had been to escape. If not for that, he wouldn¡¯t have given Tiffany another chance to cling to him.

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    Chapter 719 I Love Lysander

    She stepped aside, signaling the bodyguards to push Lysander forward.

    Finished

    Lysander couldn¡¯t speak. She tried to struggle, but the bodyguards held her down, sending searing pain through her right arm, previously injured in the car ident.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Josiah¡¯s heart ached as he looked at Lysander and asked Tiffany.

    Lysander shook her head gently, trying to indicate she was fine, but the sweat on her forehead betrayed her true condition. Dehydrated after a day and night, she needed medical attention.

    Tiffany¡¯s eyes were dark and void of light.

    ¡°Jose, do you really love her?¡± she hissed, no longer hiding her jealousy. ¡°Have you forgotten how much you used to love Lyse? You left her for Lyse!¡±

    These hidden pains wereid bare in front of them by a stranger.

    Lysander couldn¡¯t speak, only letting out a low whimper of agony.

    Josiah was firm. ¡°The past is the past. It wasn¡¯t meant to be. Now, Lysander is the one I love. Tiffany, let it go.¡±

    He spoke of love with calm certainty.

    Lysander hadn¡¯t expected to hear those words in such a situation. Her heart was a tumult of emotions.

    Tiffany¡¯s voice turned shrill with hysteria. ¡°You say you love her? I don¡¯t believe it. You can¡¯t even recognize your feelings. How am I not better than her? I am more adorable, I understand you better, and I know how to make you happy.¡±

    Her questions were filled with obsession.

    After a day and night of captivity, Josiah saw her true nature. He retorted, ¡°Tiffany, I have a pet dog. It is cuter than you and knows how to make me happier.¡°.

    From the beginning, he never truly intended to marry Tiffany.

    Tiffany paused, then

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    The warehouse¡¯s dark depths seemed toe alive in that moment.

    Lysander felt a chill, a strong premonition of something terrible, a feeling shest experienced just before the car ident.

    Josiah gave her aforting yet sorrowful look, then turned coldly to Tiffany. ¡°Tiffany, don¡¯t make another mistake.¡±

    His men would find them eventually, but he needed to keep Tiffany talking, stalling her actions.

    Tiffany seemed to sense something and asked, ¡°Jose, are you nning to call the police on me? That¡¯s too cruel. But it is okay. I have my ways. Not only will I be fine, but my dad will also be home soon.¡±

    Lysander¡¯s tongue was pressed down by the towel. Unable to speak. she whimpered in protest.

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    Chapter 718 I Love Lysander

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    Josiah scrutinized Tiffany, looking for signs of bluffing, but eventually conceded. ¡°I underestimated you.¡±

    She might indeed be able to downy the poisoning and the unidentified bodies in the vige.

    Tiffany drawled, ¡°There¡¯s still time to change your mind, Jose. I am willing to give you another chance because I truly love you.¡±

    Josiah sneered, ¡°You don¡¯t understand what love is<b>.</b><b>¡±</b>

    Tiffany¡¯s smile became more innocent as curiosity crept up her features. ¡°That¡¯s what you say. I won¡¯t miss this opportunity. Jose, you said you love Lysander, right? If you faced danger, would you save her?<b>¡±</b>

    ¡°Of course,¡± Josiah answered without hesitation, his gaze unwavering.

    Tiffany nodded thoughtfully. ¡°I almost forgot. You came alone to save her. So I should ask differently. If only one of you could live, what would you do?¡±

    Lysander felt a chill. ¡°Tiffany, what are you nning?¡±

    ¡°Are

    scared, Lysander?¡± Tiffanyughed. ¡°Yes, you are unsure if Jose would choose you in a life¨Cor- death situation.¡±

    Josiah replied matter¨Cof¨Cfactly, ¡°I would choose her to live.¡±

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 Chapter 719

    Chapter 719 At Least One Of Us Must Survive

    When these words were spoken, Lysander seemed to understand something. She looked at Tiffany incredulously.

    Finished

    Tiffany happened to be looking at her. A malicious glint appeared in her eyes as she asked, ¡°This is truly touching. But words are just words, and I need some proof. Do you know what is most abundant in this warehouse?¡±

    As she spoke, the bodyguards had already brought Lysander to the innermost part of the warehouse and securely bound her to a chair, using chains instead of ropes.

    Josiah¡¯s expression hardened, and he instinctively stepped forward. ¡°Let her go!¡±

    Tiffany intercepted him, looking keenly interested. ¡°Jose, you better stay here. Otherwise, <b>I </b>can¡¯t guarantee what I might do. I might identally strangle Lysander to death.¡±

    She gestured toward Lysander, her tone disturbingly casual.

    Worried that this madwoman might truly harm Lysander, Josiah clenched his fists at his sides, barely restraining his urge to attack. Blood dripped from his fingertips.

    Tiffany nced down and asked curiously, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that hurt?¡±

    Josiah had no interest in wasting words with her. Seeing her attempt to inspect his injuries, he promptly blocked her, his eyes filled with unmistakable disdain.

    Time ticked by.

    The chains binding Lysander caused her intense pain, and she could barely maintain a seated position on the chair. When the bodyguard finally removed the towel from her mouth, she erupted into a fit of violent coughing.

    Josiah cast a pained look in her direction.

    Seeing the difference in how he treated her and Lysander, Tiffany couldn¡¯t help but say unhappily, ¡°Jose, it seems you really hate me. n when you realized Lyse¡¯s true nature, you never looked at her with a sharp gaze. I wonder how Lyse is doing in the orphanage. She came from there, so it is like going home. I think your idea was great, so I n to follow it. I heard Lysa had amnesia after almost drowning as a child?¡±

    Josiah gritted his teeth and demanded, ¡°What exactly do you want?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious. I just want you to make a choice,¡± Tiffany exined with a gleeful smile. ¡°Since Lysa nearly drowned once, she must fear water. So, I thought I would give her a warming experience with fire.¡±

    Her tone was light, as if she wasn¡¯t talking about burning someone alive. She pped her hands and stepped back. ¡°How fun.¡±

    As she reached the warehouse door, she tossed a lighter into a pile of boxes by the wall. mes quickly engulfed the old items and machine oil stored there.

    Josiah was close to the door and could have escaped, but he did not.

    Lysander watched him run toward her, panic in her voice. ¡°You need to go! It is pointless now! One of us

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    Chapter 719 At Least One Of Us Must Survive

    <b>All </b>grudges vanished in the <b>face </b>of the growing mes, reced by a desperate urgency <b>to </b><b>survive </b><b>together</b>.

    <b>Tiffany </b>watched the fire coldly, her lips pursed, waiting for Josiah to give up.

    Finished

    <b>¡°</b><b>No </b>one can love another more than themselves<b>. </b>That¡¯s impossible<b>,</b><b>¡± </b>she said confidently. ¡°It is human nature. No one can defy it.¡±

    <b>The </b>burning <b>of </b>the machine oil was rapid, and the smoke billowing out from the door was already quite suffocating<b>.</b>

    <b>The </b>bodyguards behind Tiffany coughed but did not dare move without hermand. They covered their mouths and noses, puzzled.

    <i>Is </i><i>Josiah </i><i>really </i><i>going </i>to <i>give </i><i>up </i><b><i>his </i></b><b><i>chance </i></b>to <i>escape </i><i>for </i>a <i>woman</i><i>?</i>

    They couldn¡¯t understand it.

    The fire quickly consumed the cluttered items blocking the doorway. Even if Josiah wanted to turn back now, he couldn¡¯t get out.

    ¡°Jose<b>, </b>you are really not leaving?<b>¡±</b>

    Josiah red at her coldly. ¡°Tiffany, stop while you still can. Don¡¯t make a mess that no one can clean up.¡±

    ¡°But you don¡¯t want to be with me, Jose<b>. </b>Unlike Lyse, I am not stupid. If I can¡¯t have you, <b>I </b>will destroy us both.¡±

    The bodyguards caught on and began dousing the warehouse entrance with gasoline<b>, </b>nning to burn the ce down entirely. Even if the police investigated, they wouldn¡¯t find evidence against them.

    Tiffany stepped outside, looking back at the raging fire.

    Undeterred by the mes<b>, </b>Josiah rushed to free Lysander from the chains.

    ¡°Ms. Lanister<b>, </b>everything¡¯s taken care of.¡±This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .

    They had already once put into practice the method of destroying bodies and erasing <b>traces </b>in the mountain vige.

    Tiffany turned away coldly. ¡°Forg

    A stubborn man is <b>useless</b>. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Inside the warehouse, Josiah finally freed Lysander from thest chain.

    <b>After </b>the chain ttered to the ground, they supported each other, heading for the unburned staircase.

    Thick smoke hindered their <b>vision</b><b>.</b>

    Josiah coughed violently but kept a steady grip on Lysander<b>. </b>Blood soaked through her <b>sleeve</b><b>, </b>but she made no sound, pulling him toward higher ground.

    Finally, they reached the <b>staircase </b>clinging to the outer <b>wall</b>, breathing in fresh air. Below, the warehouse <b>was </b>a <b>sea </b>of mes<b>, </b>and the stairs leading down were destroyed.

    Lysander coughed. She felt the <b>heat </b>intensifving but oddly <b>wasn¡¯t </b>afraid. Half¨Cioking, she said. ¡°<b>I </b>did not

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    Chapter 719 At Least One Of Us Must Survive

    expect to die with you in the end¡±

    Josiah smiled bitterly, ¡°Are you sad? You once had an abortion to avoid seeing me again, but now we are dying together<i>¡±</i>

    ¡°It is pointless to talk about it now. The children are safe, I have no regrets. If we die here, we will be with Dad and our child. I just hope Mom and Michelle won¡¯t be too sud¡±

    Lysander knew this was impossible. The pain in her heart was immense,

    ¡°Mdm. Laura will be heartbroken¡± Josiah said, looking up. He suddenly had an idea but needed to speak before acting, ¡°Lysander, if we make it out, take Mdm. Laura and Michelle to the old house. My mom is lonely. If you could stay with her, she¡¯d be happy, Mr. Maverick and Mrs. Thome have missed you?

    Lysander frowned slightly. ¡°How will we get out?¡±

    Ignoring her question, Josiah continued, ¡°Olivia told me you took the seal home. That¡¯s good. You can retrieve the items I kept in the bank safe. There is a document that will be useful¡±

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 Chapter 720

    Chapter 720 I Will Never Forgive You

    Finished

    He rambled on for quite a while, even bringing up the legal advisor. ¡°You should meet with Mr. Peter Hudson along with Olivia. He will help you sort everything out¡­¡°.

    Suppressing her anxiety, Lysander interrupted, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about this now. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s in your safe deposit box, and I don¡¯t know Mr. Peter Hudson. The fire is so intense, so someone is bound to call the police. Once we are out, you can handle these matters yourself.¡±

    Lysander gazed into the distance, feeling uncertain.

    Themotion here should have attracted nearby people, but none of Josiah¡¯s men had shown up. They were probably unable to at the moment.

    The bodyguards Tiffany brought were not numerous but highly skilled, making them difficult to take down individually.

    Josiah seemed to realize this too. He looked at Lysander as if trying to memorize her features and said hoarsely, ¡°I have an idea. The fire started from below. We can go to the roof to buy time and wait for

    rescue.¡±

    Lysander followed his gaze upward.

    The overhanging caves were still some distance away.

    Josiah grabbed her hand and crouched down. ¡°We can¡¯t waste any more time. You go up first.¡±

    He let Lysander step onto his shoulders and then lifted her up.

    Knowing she couldn¡¯t lift Josiah, Lysander did not argue. Once she was up, she immediately clung to the edge of the caves and stretched out her hand to him. ¡°Quick! Give me your hand, I will pull you up!¡±

    Josiah did not reach out. Instead, he stood up and looked at her with aplex expression.

    ¡°Lysander Thorne,¡± he called her by her full name for the first time, his voice catching slightly. ¡°Keep climbing. The higher you go, the safer you will be.¡±

    Lysander froze, waving her hand in the air. She then realized that Josiah had known all along that he wouldn¡¯t be able to get up.

    The idea of pulling him up was just a ruse to get her to escape alone.

    A buzzing sound filled Lysander¡¯s head. She heard herself speak in a panicked voice, ¡°I can reach your hand. Don¡¯t give up, let¡¯s try.¡±

    Josiah shook his head gently, his hands hanging at his sides, never making a move to reach up. He only spoke when he saw her tears start to fall. ¡°My hands are injured, and it is toote. The fire is too intense. If you don¡¯t go, we will both die.¡±

    Even in this dire moment, he did not want Lysander to feel guilty.

    ¡°I am sorry. I once promised I would never leave you, that I would die after you. Now it seems those words were premature. I am sorry. Go now!¡±

    12:34 Sat, 13 Jul

    Chapter 720 I Will Never Forgive You

    The mes had already reached outdoors.

    Finished

    The tform at the top of the stairs where Josiah stood creaked under the heat, ready to copse at any moment, but he remained calm, having epted his fate.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t forgive me, but don¡¯t forget what I told you. I made a will a long time ago. The things I left are for you and my mom. If you can, please take care of her for the rest of her life. I am sorry, Lysander.¡±

    Lysander clung to the eaves, shaking her head and reaching out to him desperately, but her vision blurred as the smoke she had inhaled began to take its toll.

    At some point, Josiah¡¯s voice fadedpletely, reced by the sound of sirens.

    Lysander was awakened by Josiah¡¯s voice.

    She knew clearly that she was lying on the roof, but it felt like she¡¯d been sleeping.

    Josiah appeared. He was impably dressed, his suit crisp and hair neat, but his expression was unusually gentle. He said to her, ¡°Lysander, I am sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I¡¯ve heard enough of it. You did nothing wrong this time as you saved me,¡± she replied.

    Suddenly, Lysander felt her body and soul separating. Her body was heavy and immobile, while her soul seemed to float.

    She never expected such words toe from her mouth.

    Josiah indeed stopped apologizing. Instead, he silently looked at her, as if he would never see her again if he closed his eyes.

    The surroundings blurred, leaving only the two of them.

    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t say what you don¡¯t like,¡± Josiah said, taking her hand. She did not shake him off this time.

    Lysander¡¯s fingertips trembled. ¡°I am not ming you. Say what you need to.¡±

    The thought appeared out of nowhere in her mind, that people tend to speak kindly when they were on their deathbeds.

    Josiah¡¯s voice grew distant. ¡°I¡¯ve said everything I needed to. I have no regrets. Take care of yourself. Maybe find a good husband, someone unlike me this time. Goodbye.¡±

    The farewell was so soft it was almost inaudible. But it was this word that woke Lysander from her dream.

    The air smelled of disinfectant.

    Everything was stark white.

    The first thing she asked upon opening her eyes was, ¡°Where¡¯s Josiah? Where is he?¡±

    Laura and Susan, who had been keeping watch by her bed, immediately looked over.

    Both surprised and overjoyed, Laura wiped her tears. ¡°Lysa, you are finally awake¡­¡±

    12:34 Sat, 13 Jul ti

    o

    Chapter 720 1 Will Never Forgive You

    Finished

    Susan had something to say <b>as </b>well, but no sooner had she opened her mouth than she broke down in tears, bowing her head low.

    The atmosphere in the room <b>was </b>somber.

    Realizing no one <b>was </b>answering her question, Lysander felt a chill run through her heart.

    ¡°Is Josiah¡­¡±

    She couldn¡¯t finish the question.

    The scene in her dream was too real, as if Josiah had truly said goodbye, even though she hadn¡¯t agreed to let him go.

    Ignoring the IV in her hand, Lysander stumbled out of bed to find out what happened. Laura and Susan rushed to stop her, their tear¨Cfilled eyes saying it all.

    Josiah was most likely dead.

    Lysander felt numb, her vision blurring. ¡°I want to see him.¡±

    Eve

    ting by the pond for the police to retrieve bodies hadn¡¯t felt this hopeless. This time, he had died

    to save her.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org.

    Nothing can repay such a life<b>¨C</b>saving debt. He escaped death, but she was left to live with it.

    Susan, barely able to stand, tried tofort Lysander. ¡°Don¡¯t be too sad. The police are still looking for him. When they arrived, you were unconscious, so they brought you back first.¡±

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