Ch. 1991..2000

Chapter 1991

Everyone’s attention turned toward the entrance.

What is he doing here? Joan furrowed her eyebrows slightly.

“Joan.” Larry gradually approached her.

“Oh, who is this? What is he doing here at our supermarket?”

“That’s right. He is the assh*le that can’t keep it in his pants.”

The ladies began to make snide remarks. Obviously, Larry knew they were talking about him.

“What are you doing here?” Joan looked at him inquisitively.

“Something has happened to Lucius,” Larry whispered to her.

“What? How can that be?” Joan dashed out of the supermarket.

Behind her, her colleagues were all filled with concern.

“What happened?” Joan demanded to know.

Larry didn’t know either as he had just received a call from Lucius’ homeroom teacher.

Soon, their car arrived at the school gate.

“Hello, are you Lucius’ parents?” A young and beautiful teacher approached them and asked.

“That’s right. I’m his mom while he is Lucius’ dad. What happened to my son?” Joan grabbed onto the

teacher’s arms anxiously.

“Calm down. You will be able to see him soon. Your son is really extraordinary.” The teacher grinned

before leaving.

What’s going on? Now that we’re here after hearing something happened to him, why doesn’t the

teacher seem to be bothered?

“Dearest teachers and fellow students. How are you? My name is Lucius and the topic of my speech

today is ‘My Mom and Dad’.”

That’s Lucius’ voice!

Joan quickly turned around and followed the sound.

“Mrs. Norton, your son is really awesome. He is the first one to go up on stage,” the teacher highlighted

beside them.

Suddenly, Joan’s eyes were filled with tears.

Larry hugged Joan tightly as if to comfort her.

“Conflicts are inevitable once two people spend a long time with each other. My parents too are the

same. However, for some strange reason, they always make up a few minutes later. Not this time

though. It has already been two days, and yet, they have not made peace.” Just as he spoke, Lucius’

eyes darkened.

Very quickly, his speech ended and he was greeted with a round of applause.

“Finally, I would like to thank my parents for giving me their unconditional love and patience. I strongly

hope that they will reconcile as soon as possible.” With that, Lucius bowed deeply in Joan and Larry’s

direction.

Finally, Joan couldn’t contain her emotions. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she rushed to hug him.

“Alright, Joan, please maintain your composure. We are at the school after all,” Larry comforted her as

he gently patted her on her shoulder.

“Mom, Dad,” Lucius ran toward them the moment he came down from the stage.

“Forgive me for using such an inappropriate method in trying to get both of you here.” Lucius lowered

his head in guilt.

“Foolish child, it’s not your fault. You’re my son.” Joan’s voice was trembling when she hugged him

tightly.

“Come, Mr. Norton. Let me take a family picture for the three of you,” the homeroom teacher suddenly

suggested.

Joan quickly wiped her tears away and carried Lucius to face the camera.

“Mmm-hmm. Not bad. Here’s the picture, Lucius. If Mom and Dad quarrel again, you can show this

photo to them,” the teacher suggested with a smile.

Suddenly, both Larry and Joan smiled in response.

Lucius’ actions had caused both of them to feel guilty as they didn’t expect their conflict to have

affected their son.

Nevertheless, the matter between them was unresolved.

“Larry, I don’t want to drag on this any longer,” Joan plainly remarked.

“As for Lucius, we will hide it from him for the time being. When he is older…” Joan’s eyes were heavy

with sadness.

Is she that eager to divorce me? Just so that she can go and see Dustin? Larry clenched his fists as his

eyes filled with rage.

 

 

Chapter 1992

“Joan, tell me the truth. Why are you in such a hurry to divorce me?” Larry grabbed Joan’s hand tightly.

What a ridiculous question. Other than the child Gabriella is carrying, what other reason can there be?

Giving him the side-eye, Joan responded with a snort.

“What is it? Cat got your tongue? Do you need me to say it?” Larry snapped.

Fine. Just spit it out. I want to hear what you actually have to say.

“It’s because of Dustin, isn’t it? After our divorce, you can return to his side!” Larry glared at her.

Suddenly, Joan’s eyes burned with rage.

What is he thinking? Am I really that disloyal in his eyes? Balling her fingers into a fist, Joan’s eyes

were filled with contempt.

“Larry, you started this. Why don’t you reflect on your own mistakes instead of blaming them on

others?” She stared coldly at Larry.

How dare he doubt my relationship with Dustin? From the beginning, I have made it clear that we’re

only friends. Until now, he still uses this as an excuse to suspect me.

“You seemed to be enjoying yourself when Dustin was hugging you that day. Don’t think that I’m

unaware that Dustin has always been waiting for you,” Larry bellowed.

So what? Did I do anything to betray you?

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore. Whenever you are free, let’s just sign the divorce papers. After

that, you can move out,” Joan asserted coldly before turning to leave.

Any broken-hearted lady would always seek a clean breakup. Ideally, they would go their respective

ways and never see each other again.

She didn’t deny that she really loved Larry. It was just that she couldn’t control everything in life. Being

separated didn’t mean she no longer loved him. She just wanted him to be responsible for the child

Gabriella was carrying. After all, the child was innocent.

“How did it go? Did you manage to resolve it?” Dustin quickly asked.

Joan shook her head in silence.

It appeared that they had reached the end of their marriage. Sighing, Dustin felt that it was a waste.

Ring! Ring!

When Joan saw who it was, she quickly answered the call.

“Joan, are you free today? Let’s go out for a meal,” Nancy suggested softly.

“Sure.”

After setting the time and venue, they ended the call.

“Sigh, I’ll be heading out for a while.” Joan patted Dustin on the shoulder.

He gestured an okay sign to her.

In the café, Nancy was sitting in a corner, sipping coffee. When she saw Joan’s figure hurrying in,

sadness filled her eyes.

“Nancy.” Joan spotted Nancy the moment she entered the restaurant.

“Joan, you’re here.”

“How are you? Are you feeling any better?”

“Mmm-hmm, I’m fine. Joan, I heard about you and Larry. What happened? Do you need to go to such

extremes as to file for a divorce?”

Joan sneered. Just as expected, I suppose Larry must have called you to talk to me about this?

“We have crossed the point of no return,” Joan replied plainly.

What’s that supposed to mean? All this while, their love had survived everything, no matter how difficult

it was. Why is she giving up now? Curious, Nancy looked at Joan quizzically.

“Nancy, I have made my decision after giving it a lot of thought. I’m tired and no longer want to torment

myself. To be honest with you, Gabriella is carrying Larry’s child. On top of that, she has pestered me

many times to divorce him.”

“I’m sure you know by now how ruthless Gabriella is. She will never rest until she achieves her goal.

Instead of letting her repeatedly hurt me and the one I love, I figured it’s better that I let go. We won’t be

in each other’s way anymore,” Joan explained.

 

Chapter 1993

Larry had an affair? Nancy couldn’t believe it. In her mind, she was sure that Larry was not interested in

anyone but Joan, let alone Gabriella. Is there a misunderstanding?

“Joan, don’t be rash. We don’t know for sure if the baby Gabriella is carrying belongs to Larry. So, let’s

not make any hasty decisions,” Nancy quickly advised.

Ever since she had a child, Nancy had become a lot calmer and to a certain extent, gentler.

“If the child isn’t his, why is Gabriella being so persistent? Furthermore, both of them were together that

night.”

What’s wrong with Larry? Given what happened, how does he expect me to solve it for him? Nancy

looked conflicted.

However, Gabriella has been known to be insidious. She must have set up an elaborate scheme.

“Joan, you should wait a little longer. I’m sure the truth will be revealed soon.” Nancy held onto Joan’s

hands tightly.

What’s the use? Am I to wait for Gabriella to come and hurt me? Or perhaps for her to hurt Lucius and

Ms. Young?

I can’t allow any other innocents to be hurt further. Isn’t Ms. Brooks the best example?

Joan’s eyes flashed with an icy chill.

This marriage must end!

“I’m not waiting. I can’t afford to do it.” Just as she spoke, Joan stood up.

“Nancy, if talking about this is the reason you invited me out, then let me be frank with you. There is no

room for negotiation. Anyway, I still have work to do and have to leave first.” Joan turned and left.

Suddenly, her eyes were reddened.

Nancy took out her phone immediately and made a call.

“Hello, Jory? There’s something I need your help with…”

On the journey back, tears welled up in Joan’s eyes. Passersby who saw her looked at her as if she

was crazy.

“Sigh, did that lady just break up with his boyfriend?”

“I don’t know. She looks really sad.”

“Sigh. What a pity…”

At that moment, she was oblivious to the comments being made around her. The only thing that filled

her mind was Larry’s image and the divorce.

Ring! Ring!

“Hello, Joan? Are you alright? Where are you now?” Dustin sounded haggard.

“I’m fine. I’m on my way back now.”

However, little did she know that he was somewhere behind, watching her quietly.

“What? You want me to investigate Gabriella?” Jory looked at Nancy in disbelief.

Since when did she take an interest in Gabriella? In his mind, Gabriella wasn’t a person to be trifled

with.

“Jory, Joan is going to divorce Larry and I heard Gabriella is carrying Larry’s baby. But, I don’t

believe…” Nancy explained.

But what does this have anything to do with me? At that moment, Jory’s gaze darkened. He had never

wanted to interfere with the personal lives of others, especially that of Larry, who was Dustin’s love

rival.

“Nancy, let’s just mind our own business. As for the problems of others, they will sort it out themselves.”

Jory hugged Nancy tightly.

However, Joan and Larry aren’t just ordinary friends.

“If you won’t investigate, I will.” Just as she spoke, Nancy stood up and left.

“Fine, fine, I’ll do it. Don’t be angry. It’s bad for the baby.” Jory was left with no choice.

After being pregnant, her temper had toned down significantly compared to last time. Nevertheless,

whenever it flared, no one was able to stop her still.

Ring! Ring!

While Gabriella was reading some magazines in the living room, the man beside her handed her phone

to her.

Why is he calling? Gabriella furrowed her eyebrows in curiosity.

Ever since he returned the Norton Corporation subsidiary that she painstakingly acquired, she had

never stayed in contact with the man. But right then, he was calling her on his own accord.

What does he want? Gabriella sneered.

“Hello, Mr. Synder, how are you?” Gabriella greeted him in a curious tone.

 

Chapter 1994

She wouldn’t mind if Jory ended the call the moment he heard her voice. In fact, that was what she

desperately hoped for.

When Jory heard how strange she sounded, he tried his best to suppress his emotions.

“Ms. Ward, when are you free? Let’s meet over a meal.” Jory got straight to the point.

As to what it was about, Gabriella would only find out once she met him.

“Wow, Mr. Synder, I’m surprised you are inviting me out for lunch. All this while, you never had time to

do so given how busy you are. Unfortunately, I’m unable to make it as it’s inconvenient for me to move

around now. I’m sorry,” Gabriella replied with a contemptuous tone.

She actually rejected me! Jory’s eyes darkened.

“Oh, is that so? And here I was thinking of working with you on a project I have. Since it’s not a good

time, then let’s just forget about it.” With that, Jory ended the call.

Ever since Gabriella came back from overseas, she had become a lot more hardworking. Her decisive

actions in the business world were no lesser than that of a man. Jory was puzzled as to what caused

her to change so much in such a short time.

“Did you say project?” Gabriella’s eyes suddenly sparkled.

Since there’s a project involved, I’m definitely interested. As long as a profit can be made, I don’t care

who my partner is. Gabriella’s lips widened into a smile.

“It’s too difficult to explain over the phone. Let meet someplace and have a meal together,” Gabriella

suggested.

Since she had invited him, Jory would look petty if he held a grudge for how she treated him earlier.

“Sure.”

After exchanging pleasantries, both of them ended the call.

The stocks that Gabriella invested in had tanked while the projects she was working on hardly yielded

any profit. Hence, she needed to solicit a few more projects to beef up her financial situation.

“Gabriella, who was that?” the man beside her asked.

“Oh, it’s just one of my business partners,” she plainly replied.

As she wasn’t feeling too good recently, the man stayed over often to take care of her. In fact, she

didn’t resent his presence at all.

She didn’t like employing maids as she wasn’t one to place her trust on outsiders.

“Sigh, I need to go out for a while. When you leave, don’t forget to lock the door,” Gabriella instructed.

“How did it go?” Nancy looked at Jory in anticipation.

“Don’t worry. Gabriella is no longer the hedonistic woman she used to be. The best way to tempt her

now is by using projects.” Jory pulled Nancy into his tight embrace.

“Do you feel better now?” He stroked her hair gently.

She did. Jory had never disappointed her before.

“It’s been a while, Ms. Ward.” Jory took a sip of his coffee inside the café.

“Yes indeed, Mr. Synder.” Gabriella rubbed her stomach on purpose.

“I see that you’re pregnant. Congratulations,” Jory remarked deliberately.

Feigning bashfulness for a moment, she quickly regained her composure.

“It’s just a pity it doesn’t have a father,” Gabriella commented on purpose.

I had better change the subject before she has any bright ideas.

“How can you say it doesn’t have a father? Come, Ms. Ward. This is the contract for the project. Why

don’t you take a look?” Jory placed the document in front of her.

As they were discussing business, Jory knew he had to show his sincerity. Or else, she might see

through his ruse.

“You are really bold, Mr. Synder,” Gabriella remarked as she went through the document.

He is being overly generous for no reason. Since when did he think so highly of me—to hand me such

a lucrative project?

“How about it? What do you think?” Jory asked.

He was confident that she would sign the contract. After all, any self-respecting businessman would not

let go of an opportunity like that.

“Mr. Synder, I have a question. Why did you choose me? You must know that there are many other

domestic companies who are dying to partner with you.” Gabriella stared at him warily.

 

Chapter 1995

Just as expected, she really is cautious. Jory sneered.

“I’m sure you know that we have partnered with many domestic companies before. However, this

project’s focus is on expanding into the international market. I’m aware that you own an excellent

company overseas. Although its scale isn’t big as of now, I believe it has the potential to be

developed…” Jory tried to hide his agenda.

If not for Nancy’s request, who in the world would want to work with her? She is both cruel and

ruthless. Sooner or later, she will break the rules of the business world. Hence, it is better not to even

touch her with a ten-foot pole.

“I see. It seems you have come to the right person. I am connected to many famous companies

overseas.”

Jory snorted in response.

She really thinks that I need her help.

“Alright, Ms. Ward. If you are agreeable, we can then discuss the details…”

What’s there to discuss? Isn’t this all there is to it? Gabriella gave him a puzzled look.

“This contract is just the first step. After that…” Jory then held back his words.

His objective was to interact more with Gabriella via the different projects so that he could get closer to

the truth.

However, he had significantly underestimated her intelligence.

“Larry, something strange has happened recently. Jory and Gabriella are working on a project

together,” Caspian reported warily.

Larry suddenly put his pen down and looked out the window.

I suppose it’s Nancy’s idea?

“Alright, you may go now.” Larry waved his hand.

He appreciated what Nancy had done for his and Joan’s sake.

Ring! Ring!

Is it him? How is it possible? Suddenly, Larry’s eyes darkened.

“Mr. Norton, I have something to tell you.”

“Alright, I’ll be right over. You don’t have to come.” Larry ended the call and walked out of the office.

Soon, his car stopped at the entrance of the clinic.

“What happened?” Larry looked at the man anxiously.

Lonnie was hesitating and feeling helpless at the same time. He recognized that Larry was a good man

—upright and loyal, while Joan was kind and generous. Both of them were a match made in heaven.

He just didn’t understand how Larry could be involved with someone as cruel as Gabriella.

“Mr. Norton, I heard about what happened to you. I just want to reveal some things to you.” Lonnie

looked at him sternly.

Could it be that he is still hiding something from me? Larry looked at Lonnie inquisitively.

“Gabriella used to be the person Mr. Newman loved the most. She used him to hurt Joan but failed in

the end. After that, she requested me to help her but I declined. Logically speaking, Mr. Newman

should have recovered after receiving treatment in the hospital for such a long time. But until now,

there’s still no news of him. Therefore, there can only be one explanation. Gabriella must be somehow

controlling him and his subordinates,” Lonnie explained.

Larry had heard about something of this sort but never expected it to be as Lonnie had described.

Perhaps, he was simply too busy with work to have given it much thought.

“Therefore, I hope that you can reconsider before making a decision. Joan is a really good woman.”

Lonnie patted him on the shoulder.

Larry was his benefactor after all. Hence, he didn’t want Larry to do anything the latter might regret.

Although he had not been in a relationship before, he had seen the pain and helplessness Mr. Newman

suffered. Hence, he understood the anguish of losing the woman one loved.

“I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll definitely find out the truth. As for Gabriella, I am honestly not sure if the

child she is carrying is really mine. After all, I was really drunk that night.” Larry’s gaze darkened.

What a fool! Since when does a drunk person still have the energy to make love? Lonnie walked up to

Larry and gazed at him intently.

 

Chapter 1996

“Mr. Norton, if you are not sure, you can run a test.”

What does he mean? What kind of test? Larry gave Lonnie a puzzled look.

“Based on my understanding, a drunken man won’t have the ability to make love to a woman. Hence,

you can try and get yourself drunk,” Lonnie explained in a serious tone.

Although it was a dumb idea, Larry found it to be extremely practical.

“Larry, what do you think?”

Larry’s eyes lit up all of a sudden. I’m so stupid. Why didn’t I think of this in the first place?

“This is both the easiest and fastest way. Also, what about the security feeds in the nightclub? The

ones which show you entering and leaving. You need to check them too.”

Suddenly, Larry realized he had missed a ton of details.

As expected of someone that roams the underworld.

After chatting a little while longer, Larry left the clinic.

Although Lonnie had fully recovered from his wounds, he continued to stay at the clinic because

Gabriella was still searching for him. She had wanted to kill him to prevent him from talking. The doctor

there understood his predicament and arranged for him to help out with simple errands.

“Hello, Caspian? Check the security feeds of the nightclub I went to,” Larry explained as he walked.

Caspian was puzzled.

Haven’t we gone through them? They clearly showed Gabriella helping Larry into the room.

“Alright, I understand.” Caspian ended the call.

He believed in everything Larry was doing.

“Larry, this is the security footage from the other day. You can take a look at it.”

Larry stared intently at the screen, worried that he would miss out on something important. He was

sure that he would be able to find a clue from the video.

“Hey, Larry, something here feels strange,” Caspian suddenly commented.

Larry too felt it.

“Rewind it to the beginning,” Larry coldly instructed.

The last time they watched the footage, they only saw Larry entering the nightclub and Gabriella

helping him into the room. However, he didn’t finish watching the video then. After being reminded by

Lonnie, Larry suddenly remembered that someone seemed to have entered the room after he left.

“What’s wrong?” Larry demanded.

“Mr. Norton, someone seems to have edited out this portion of the video,” the supervisor remarked

softly.

Just as expected, we have found a flaw!

Bam! Larry slammed his fist onto the wall, causing blood to ooze out from his fingers.

Gabriella, I didn’t expect you to be so careful. Larry let out a frosty glare.

However, as the nightclub was crowded then, it would be impossible to check the patrons one by one.

“Larry, what do we do?” Caspian asked anxiously.

“Let’s find the scene from where the security feed was restored.” Larry returned his focus to the screen

and continued to stare at it.

When Gabriella walked out of the room, she even turned to the camera and smiled, flashing a victory

sign.

Damn it!

Larry was infuriated.

“Mr. Norton, calm down. I will comb through all the security footage from that night. If we can narrow

down the timing, it will be easier to look for it. I’m just worried that person was waiting in the nightclub

the whole time until someone gave him a call. In that case, we will need to take a much longer time to

search,” the supervisor explained.

That’s right. Given how sly Gabriella is, she will definitely use a crafty method to hide the person’s

identity.

However, Larry was puzzled as to how Gabriella’s methods became so meticulous that every detail

was taken care of.

Did she receive some form of intelligent guidance while she was overseas?

Ring! Ring!

“Hello, Lars, where are you now? Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner together,” Gabriella

suggested coquettishly.

Larry let out a mischievous grin. Sure, I’d be glad to have dinner with you…

 

Chapter 1997

“Sure.” Larry ended the call.

Meanwhile, Gabriella was jumping in joy.

Did I hear wrongly? Larry actually agreed to have dinner with me? Can it be that Joan has brought up

the divorce with him? Gabriella sneered while her eyes let out an icy glare.

Joan oh Joan, it appears that you have lost your charm. In the end, Larry has chosen me.

Looking out the window, Gabriella clenched her fists while emitting an intimidating vibe.

When the man beside her saw how happy she was, his heart sank. He knew that Larry must have

agreed to her request. In this world, is Larry the only one that can make her happy? The man couldn’t

help but sigh.

In the end, I am nothing but a tool. But I really love her.

In the restaurant, the dim candlelight, soothing music, intoxicating red wine, and mesmerizing scent of

flowers, simply made for a warm and romantic environment. Gabriella took a sip of red wine as she

looked excitedly at Larry.

“Larry, have you been very busy lately? Look at you, you seemed to have lost a lot of weight.” Gabriella

reached out her hand to touch his cheeks.

When Larry avoided her hand, it suddenly caused her to feel awkward.

“It’s alright. I’m just a little busy.” Larry put a piece of steak in his mouth.

“Lars, you have to take better care of yourself.” Gabriella’s heart pained to see him like that.

“Gabriella, do you remember how much I have drunk at the nightclub that night?” Larry carefully

probed.

Suddenly, Gabriella’s gaze turned cold.

Why is he asking this all of a sudden? What a party pooper. And to think we finally got to share a meal.

“Erm… I forgot. Why do you ask?” She threw the question back at him.

“Oh, actually, I just went to the hospital for a checkup and the doctor commented that my stomach

wasn’t well. Hence, he advised me to cut down on my drinking. Therefore, I just want to know what my

threshold for drinking is so that I can set my limits.” Larry smiled on purpose.

So, that’s why. Gabriella heaved a sigh of relief.

Is she feeling sensitive about it? Or else, why does she look so nervous? It seems that’s the limit of her

emotional capabilities. Larry sneered.

“That day… I have really forgotten. I can only remember the table filled with bottles…” Gabriella

commented half-heartedly.

It doesn’t matter how many bottles there are. The more he drank the more drunk he became. Who

knows how many bottles there really were? Gabriella continued to eat her steak.

Meanwhile…

“Joan, are you hungry? Do you want to have dinner?” Dustin patted her on the shoulder.

“How can we eat? Can’t you see how much work there is? Besides, why did you give them the day off?

Now, only both of us are left here doing the work. We still need to wait for the goods to arrive…” Joan

complained.

Dustin laughed in response.

Given that she was in the mood to argue with him, it meant that she had forgotten about Larry, at least

for now.

“If you really feel tired, you should take a break. After all, I didn’t ask you to come,” Dustin mumbled.

It was true that he didn’t do so. However, she couldn’t bear to see him do everything while she did

nothing at all.

In the end, she was still a loyal friend.

“Stop talking to me. I have no time for jokes.” Joan gently pounded her own shoulders.

Dustin smiled at her as this was his plan after all. He had wanted to exhaust her with work so that she

wouldn’t be able to think of that fool, Larry.

However, both of them didn’t expect to run into the very people they didn’t want to meet, doing

something they didn’t want to see in such a large city.

“Joan, are you alright? Let’s just go.” Just as he spoke, Dustin pulled her away.

“I’m not leaving!” Joan shoved his hand away as her eyes glared at the restaurant nearby.

Both of them were smiling happily. Larry looked chivalrous while Gabriella was dressed to the nines.

Furthermore, there was no one around, creating a quiet and romantic atmosphere for them.

 

Chapter 1998

From the looks of it, they really looked compatible with each other.

Tears welled up in Joan’s eyes.

Liar! You big fat liar! Despite saying till death do us part and declaring to love me forever, you have

begun dating Gabriella before we have even completed our divorce. Are you that desperate?

Joan sniffled as she tried to calm herself down.

“Alright, stop watching. Let’s go home.” Dustin hugged her tightly.

He was aware of how sad she felt. Even though she had initiated the divorce, she was still devastated

by what she saw.

“Dustin, I wasn’t seeing things, was I?” Joan suddenly asked.

How am I to answer her? Dustin hesitated for a moment before choosing to remain silent.

“Come, let’s go home.” She dragged Dustin to leave.

Back in the restaurant, Larry wasn’t aware of what was going on outside. His focus was on trying to get

more information from Gabriella.

The matter has to be resolved sooner or later.

“Lars, what’s wrong with you today? Why do you keep asking me strange questions?” Gabriella

probed.

Did he notice something? That shouldn’t be the case. My plan was water-tight.

Larry stared at Gabriella inquisitively. His first few questions were elementary and didn’t yield much

information. But his final question was the key to revealing everything. Although he still needed to

validate it.

“Gabriella, do you still remember the scar by my back? Recently, I cut myself with something sharp,

causing the wound to split open. Therefore, I need to apply some medication on it. As Joan has been

ignoring me and pestering me for a divorce, I wonder if you could…”

“I can. Not a problem at all,” Gabriella exclaimed quickly.

“Do you still remember the scar?” Larry let out a mischievous smile.

“I do. How can I forget? That night, I even stroked it for a long time as it pained my heart to see it,”

Gabriella murmured shyly.

At that moment, Larry knew the truth.

There is no scar on my back at all. So how can she even remember it so vividly?

I guess it must be another man that she remembers.

Larry snorted.

Ring! Ring!

When Larry saw who was calling, he quickly answered.

“Alright, I understand. Hmm…”

“Gabriella, there’s something at work I need to deal with so I have to take my leave. Do you want me to

send you or are you fine going home yourself?” Larry asked softly.

After all, he had to make sure his act was perfect. Or else, she would definitely suspect something

given her intelligence.

“Lars, you should go on ahead. I’m fine by myself,” Gabriella replied with a smile.

“Alright.” Larry turned and left.

“Hey, Lars, come over to my place tonight after you finish your work. I’ll help you apply your

medication.”

Larry left without a response.

Women really love to make assumptions.

“Hey, Larry, what’s wrong with you today? Why are you drinking so much liquor?” Ms. Young looked at

him with concern.

Should I call Joan? Delilah took out her phone and started making the call.

“No, Ms. Young, don’t call her.” Larry snatched her phone away.

He really is a loyal man, but why is he doing this? Delilah shook her head and sighed.

Forget it, I’ll just let him be.

For the whole night, Larry sat at the table drinking while Delilah watched him from the sofa, just in case

anything happened. The situation continued until he fell asleep, sprawled on the table.

The next day, sunlight shone through the windows and brought with it a gentle warmth. Larry rubbed

his eyes and stretched himself.

“Are you awake?” Delilah anxiously asked.

“Ms. Young, you’re up early.” Larry yawned.

“What do you mean up early? I stayed up the whole night,” Delilah grumbled.

Initially, she assumed she could sleep once he had passed out from drinking too much. But he ended

up shouting Joan’s name the whole night instead.

 

Chapter 1999

“By the way, Ms. Young. What did I do last night?” Larry looked at her in anticipation.

What sort of question is that? Delilah looked at him quizzically. For a drunk man who could barely walk,

what else can you do?

“You didn’t do anything other than yelling Joan’s name,” Delilah plainly replied.

Suddenly, Larry’s gaze darkened.

“What else? Didn’t I do anything else? Such as standing up, returning to my room, or even going to the

toilet?”

What a joke. You barely had any strength. How can you even go back to your own room?

“No, you didn’t do anything at all. All you did was sprawl on the table, sleeping. You didn’t even have

any energy left.”

So that’s how it was! At that moment, Larry’s eyes lit up.

In that case, nothing happened between Gabriella and me that night. However, I still need evidence to

prove it. A cold glint flashed in Larry’s eyes.

When he realized he could finally explain himself to Joan, a triumphant smile emerged on his face.

“Hey, Ms. Young, where’s Joan? Has she gone to work?”

“She didn’t come home last night. She said she was busy with something.”

Didn’t return for the night? Suddenly, sadness filled his eyes.

Is she together with Dustin? Has she really fallen for him? Larry clenched his fists as his eyes burned

with rage.

“Alright, you should go home now and rest. After pulling an all-nighter, you deserve some good rest.”

Dustin gently patted Joan on the shoulder.

“Alright, you be careful too. Bye!” Joan waved.

Before she came in, Larry heard their conversation outside.

Just as expected, they were together last night.

“I’m back,” Joan exclaimed the moment she entered the house.

“Where did you go?” Larry asked coldly.

Looking at the face she hadn’t seen in a while, all Joan felt was sadness. Not wanting to engage him,

she quickly entered her room.

“Work,” she declared loudly before slamming the door shut.

Do you take me for a fool? To believe that you’ve been working at the supermarket for the whole night

together with him? Suddenly, Larry was filled with rage.

Bam! He forcefully kicked the door open causing Joan to open her eyes in fright.

“Joan, what did you do last night? Who were you with? Was it Dustin again?” Larry demanded angrily.

Is he mad? He doesn’t have the right to question me at all!

“Larry, I’m really tired now. Whatever it is, let’s talk later.” Joan covered herself with her blanket.

Suddenly, Larry jumped onto her.

“What are you trying to do?” She glared at him, shocked by his reaction.

“Do you not love me anymore? Have you fallen in love with Dustin?” Larry grabbed her arms in rage.

What a joke! If I were interested in Dustin, I would have fallen for him a long time ago. Isn’t it strange

for him to feel jealous?

“I…”

Suddenly, Larry gave Joan’s sexy lips a kiss. He did it so forcefully and unforgivingly. Joan struggled to

push him away but her efforts were futile.

How long has it been since I last kissed her?

Despite the familiar scent, he felt she was different this time.

Slap!

A slap landed on Larry’s face.

It was followed by Joan’s furious glare.

“Larry, scram!” With a forceful push, she shoved him aside.

What is he trying to do? How dare he kiss me after sleeping with Gabriella?

This is despicable and terribly unbecoming of him!

“Joan, I…” Suddenly, Larry was stumped.

 

Chapter 2000

Before he could finish, Joan had left for the garden.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” Lucius yelled aloud.

“Oh, isn’t it time for school?” Joan knelt and tousled his hair.

“It’s the weekend today. Have you forgotten?” Lucius gave Joan a quizzical look as if he sensed

something was wrong.

“Oh, I forgot as I’ve been very busy recently. Come, let’s go to the garden to see Grandma.”

“What about Dad?”

Suddenly, Joan’s gaze darkened. Soon, he will no longer be your dad.

“He still has a lot of work in the office. Let’s go on without him.” Just as she spoke, Joan led Lucius

away.

Left alone in the house, Larry began to regret his actions.

Was I being too impulsive just now?

He knew that Joan resented such advances. However, he still committed the mistake nonetheless.

“Grandma!” Lucius yelled loudly in the garden.

“Hey, why are you here?” Delilah sounded delighted.

“Oh, has Larry drank the soup to cure his hangover?” Delilah asked Joan.

He was drinking? Joan furrowed her eyebrows slightly.

“Last night, he downed a lot of liquor. I wanted to call you but he stopped me. In the end, he fell asleep

at the table.”

At that moment, Joan’s felt a wrenching pain in his heart.

Foolish man. Does he think he can drink his problems away and not let me know? Joan’s eyes were

suddenly filled with sadness.

“Mom, look, the flower is withering…”

“Larry, are you alright?” Caspian asked in concern.

The only thing that filled his mind right then was Joan’s face.

“Go on out first. I need to be alone for a while.” Larry felt a throbbing pain in his head as he massaged

his temple.

The scar and his state of drunkenness were enough to prove that nothing happened between Gabriella

and him. However, the security footage is lost. Larry’s gaze darkened.

“Joan, if you feel troubled, why don’t you go travel to ease your mind.” Delilah gave Joan a concerned

look.

“Really? Grandma, can we go overseas?” Lucius blinked as he looked at both women curiously.

Ever since he was born, he had never left the village, let alone the country. When she saw how

enthusiastic and anxious Lucius looked, Joan smiled faintly.

“Tell me, do you want to travel overseas?” She knelt down and looked at him intently.

“Mmm-hmm.” Lucius nodded with conviction.

“Alright, once I have settled my work at the supermarket, I’ll take you overseas, alright?” Joan tousled

his hair.

“Hurray! I’m going to travel!” At that moment, Lucius jumped in joy.

Actually, there was no need for her to deal with work as Dustin was around. All she needed to do was

to take leave from him before she left.

“Oh? You’re going overseas?” Dustin leaned by her ear and asked softly.

Does this mean she wants to forget everything?

“That’s right. I want to take Lucius to travel,” Joan replied with an awkward expression.

She didn’t want to see Larry for the time being as she wanted to avoid being dragged into his problem

with Gabriella. All she wanted right then was for him to sign the divorce agreement.

“I want to go too,” Dustin suddenly suggested.

Joan was stunned.

What are you going for? It’s not like you have any emotional problems to run away from. Furthermore,

the supermarket is very busy recently. How can it function without you? Joan gave him an inquisitive

look.

“What is it? Do you not want me there? Fine, forget it. I was even thinking of helping you guys carry

your luggage.” Dustin made a pitiful and helpless face.

“Mr. Dustin, are you really coming together with us?” Suddenly, Lucius ran out and asked loudly.

It’s not a bad idea for him to help carry our luggage, although he isn’t as handsome as Dad. Thereafter,

a mischievous smile emerged on Lucius’ face.