Ch. 2021..2030

Chapter 2021

“What happened?” Larry hissed.

What else happened? If not for you having an affair, why would all these things happen? You betrayed

Joan, but you won’t even divorce her.

“Joan told me Ms. Young was in the garden earlier, but it’s been almost a day since then. She hasn’t

come back. When I went to the garden, Ms. Young is nowhere to be found,” Dustin explained.

What? Ms. Young keeps a low profile, and she’s nice. If it’s nothing major, she wouldn’t bother herself

with it. Why is she missing?

“Have you call the cops?”

“I did, but they can’t find her either,” Dustin responded. Then, Dustin watched the other man’s reaction

carefully.

With the way he’s panicking, it seems like he hasn’t come to the conclusion that Gabriella is the one

behind this. But I’m not sure if my guess is right.

“Larry,” Dustin said after a moment of silence.

Larry slowly turned around to look at the other man gravely.

“Say, do you think it’s possible that Gabriella did this?” Dustin carefully suggested.

He wanted to see what reaction this man would have upon hearing those words. Is he really biased

toward her after she became pregnant? At that thought, Dustin sneered.

“Why would she kidnap Ms. Young?” Larry threw a perplexed look at the man.

Is he kidding me? Has he not realize what kind of person Gabriella is after so long? She’s a woman

who’ll take revenge on whoever wrongs her. Ms. Young chased her out of the house yesterday, so how

can she not be angry about that? What a joke!

“To her, everyone around Joan, excluding you, are her enemies. Isn’t that right?” Dustin voiced as he

strode toward Larry.

He’s right. Gabriella’s not someone who’s easy to deal with.

In the room, Delilah was yelling, “What are you trying to do? Who are you?”

The man sneered as a dark look crawled onto his face.

“The one who’s going to kill you.”

Hearing that, a cold glint flashed past Delilah’s eyes.

I don’t know who he is, so why is he trying to kill me? The elderly woman’s curiosity was piqued as she

gave the man a once-over.

Since neither of us has crossed paths with each other, why are you trying to kill me?

“I’m not the one who bears a grudge against you. Don’t you know who you’ve crossed?” The man was

chewing on a piece of gum as he shot her a glare.

In response, Delilah lowered her head and tried her best to figure out what happened.

She had been living in the village for many years, and she had always been nothing but helpful. The

villagers all liked and respected her, so she could not think of someone who would wish to kill her.

Although the villagers rarely strayed far from their homes, they knew about the dangers of the world

outside the village. Therefore, they cherished their friendships. There’s no way they would do

something as horrible and shameless as this.

No. It can’t be them.

“Who told you to come after me? Even if I die, I want to die knowing who did this to me,” Delilah gritted

out.

What use is it for you to know that? The man slapped her hard.

“Keep dreaming. If you can’t figure it out yourself, you can keep up with the guessing in hell,” the man

rejected immediately.

How cruel. Delilah tensed as she kept her gaze on the man.

I’ve been hiding this for years. Am I going to reveal it today? She tensed her jaw.

When she was younger, to protect herself, she had practiced all forms of martial arts. As she hailed

from a wealthy family, she had been in various types of training classes and competitions. It was only

fate that had brought her to the village.

Delilah tried to conceal every part of her past life, hoping that she could start anew. Thus, it had been a

long while since she had combated someone else. So what if I’m old now? Am I an easy target just

because I’m old? Delilah scoffed as she rolled her shoulders.

Then, she yelled, “Hey, I want to go back!”

 

Chapter 2022

Hearing her shout, the man spun around to glance at her suspiciously. Has this old wench lost her

mind?

“What? Do you want to go home? Which home? The home in hell?” Right then, the man burst out

laughing.

He’s too much! Delilah ambled toward the man, her eyes fixed on him the entire time.

“I’ve given you a chance. Let me out. This will be the last time I’ll say this. Otherwise, don’t blame me

for showing you no mercy,” Delilah whispered.

What can she do? She’s got one foot in the grave. I can’t believe she’s threatening me now. She’s

better off reminiscing about her sweet past with the time she has left. The man shook his head and

sighed.

“Ten minutes. That’s all the time I’m giving you. You can tell me whatever last words you have,

especially about your assets. That’s really important,” the man muttered, smirking.

What an animal. I can’t believe he’s planning to get my assets too. He’s really lost his marbles for

money.

“So you’re not going to let me go?” Delilah questioned.

For a moment, the man was taken aback by the vicious look in her eyes. However, he managed to

recompose himself quickly.

“What are you trying to do? What can an old woman like you do? What will you do if I don’t let you go?

Are you going to hit me? You? What a joke. I’d say you—”

Smack! A punch rammed toward the man, so quick that the man did not even have the time to react.

Instantly, he collapsed on the ground, in immense agony.

“Y-You f*cking wench! How dare you hit me!” the man screeched, jabbing his finger at her.

So what if I did? Goodness me. That feels great. It’s been so long since I’ve hit someone. I really am

getting rusty at this. After the punch, Delilah dusted her hands.

“What’s wrong? Did you think I’m the kind to take things lying down? Yes, while it’s true that I keep a

low profile at most times, it doesn’t mean I’ll relent at all times.” With that said, Delilah kicked him and

turned to leave.

“Stop! You’ve got to pay for my medical fees!” the man on the ground screamed.

Is he trying to be funny? He should be glad I’m not suing him for giving me psychological trauma. How

can he be that shameless to ask me to pay for his medical fees?

“How is it? Have you found her? Where did Ms. Young go?” Joan asked in a shaky voice.

Dustin, who was beside her, gently patted her shoulders. “Don’t worry. We’re doing our best to look for

her. She’ll be fine. It’s okay.”

When Larry saw the two interacting, the light in his eyes dimmed.

Lucius ran toward Dustin and hugged his leg, asking, “Mr. Dustin, did something happen to Grandma?

I’m so worried about her.”

Larry averted his eyes.

Have they already chosen Dustin instead?

“No. I can’t just sit here. I have to look for her,” Joan blurted out as she moved, about to leave the

house.

“Who are you going to look for? Aren’t I right here?” came Delilah’s loud voice.

Joan’s eyes lit up as her heart finally lowered from her throat to her chest.

“Ms. Young, where did you go? You scared me!” Joan gripped the elderly woman’s hands with her own

shaking ones.

“I’m fine. You can rest assured now.” Delilah smiled then patted Joan’s shoulder.

None of them knew that the elderly woman was well-versed in martial arts; there was no one in the

world who could lay a finger on her. The man from earlier, by then, had fled the scene on all fours.

“Ms. Young, we tried looking for you in the garden earlier, but we couldn’t see any signs of you.

Moreover, you didn’t pick up Joan’s call. You’ve frightened her,” Dustin quietly stated.

“I… I went out for a moment, and I lost my phone. I think I dropped it on my way there. I’m fine now,”

Delilah lied.

She did not want the few people in front of her to worry, especially Joan and Lucius. Moreover, she had

come out of the incident completely unscathed. The one who wanted to harm her had to try harder than

that.

 

 

Chapter 2023

“Ms. Ward, the mission failed,” the man mumbled dejectedly on the phone.

“What? How can you possibly fail? Could you not even deal with an old woman?” Gabriella roared.

Damn b*tch. I haven’t even begun to list all your faults but you’re already shouting at me? The man

coiled his fists and clenched his jaw.

“Ha! Why don’t we talk about why you didn’t tell me about how that woman knew martial arts?” the man

fumed.

Gabriella promptly fell silent. She’s that powerful? Fury flashed across her eyes.

Damn it. It’s getting harder and harder to deal with everything. What the hell? The man then informed

her about the incident before the call ended.

As he had not completed the assigned task, Gabriella only paid for his medical fees.

Bang!

The door flew open.

The woman on the couch jumped in fright and whipped her head toward the doorway.

“Lars.” Gabriella sprinted toward him, arms spread out for a hug.

It had been a long time since he visited her. He’s here to see the baby and me! Gabriella was

understandably excited.

However, Larry shouted, “Gabriella Ward!”

His tone was not a friendly one. She frowned.

He’s not here just to visit me. Nevertheless, Gabriella was quick to plaster on a smile.

“Sit, Lars. Have some tea. Are you here to visit our baby? Our baby’s fine. Don’t worry.” At that,

Gabriella carefully rubbed her stomach.

When Larry saw her intentional act, he sneered.

Still lying about how the baby is ours, I see. Let’s see how long she can keep this up. Once the baby is

born, we’ll do a paternity test. Everything will be revealed by then. However, what he could not stand

anymore were the things that the cruel woman was doing to Joan.

He could not bear to see Joan hurt nor upset.

“Tell me. Was it you?” Larry questioned.

This jerk. How can he ask me this without any hint of hesitation?

Yes, that’s right. It’s me. So what? What can you do if I refuse to admit it? Gabriella sneered back.

“Lars, what are you talking about? What do you mean by was it me? Of course I was the one to make

this tea,” she said, changing the subject.

He only has that she-devil in his mind! When has he ever think about me? Never. He has never thought

about me! Even a tiny bit of concern from him would make her day, but he was a miser; he only gave

his love to Joan. Gabriella scowled.

This is such a joke. She’s not as pretty as me, and neither is she as rich as me. She’s nothing but an

ordinary woman, but she’s the only one in Larry’s heart!

“Drop the act, Gabriella. Everyone knows what kind of woman you are. Even if you refuse to admit it, I’ll

find evidence for what you’ve done. Also, you should tell your baby’s father to start owning up.

Otherwise, once the baby is born, you’ll be a single mother,” Larry uttered in a glacial tone. “Karma is

waiting for you around the corner, so you should know when to stop. I’ve been gathering evidence, so

don’t assume you’ll get to escape the law. I’m sure you know who you’ve hurt and what you’ve done.”

With that said, Larry left.

The moment he did, the woman collapsed onto the couch. Her eyes blankly stared at the ceiling, lost in

her thoughts.

How did he find out about this? I’ve destroyed all the evidence. I’ve stopped contacting those

assassins. How did he figure this out? Fear danced across her eyes.

 

 

Chapter 2024

No. That’s not it. Maybe he’s just trying to test me. Maybe he knows nothing. After collecting herself,

she made a call.

“Hey, come over. I need you,” Gabriella anxiously demanded.

However, the individual on the other end of the line fell silent.

“Who are you? Why are you calling him?” A high-pitched female voice traveled into her ears.

At that moment, Gabriella’s mind went blank.

What? Why is a woman picking up the call?

Gabriella swiftly hung up before making the call again, thinking that she had gotten the wrong number.

“Hey, spit it out. I’m starting to get annoyed from your continuous calls,” the other woman hissed

impatiently.

He’s forgotten about me; he’s found a new woman!

Thud! Gabriella threw her phone on the ground.

She then slumped on the couch as tears began to brim in her eyes.

Men are useless, Gabriella thought as a brutal look crawled into her tearful eyes.

“Hey, bro, there’s some weird girl who was calling you earlier. I asked her what’s the matter, but she

refused to say anything. Call her back later, okay?”

“Who was it?” the man shouted from inside the bathroom.

“I don’t recognize her voice, but her name in your contacts is…”

Oh no. It’s Gabriella! Oh no, oh no. She’s going to misunderstand. The man hurriedly washed off the

suds and wrapped himself in his towel before walking out.

“Wow, your body still looks as amazing as ever!”

“Shoo! Hurry up and go to work. Stop messing around all day.”

When the man checked his phone, he realized his sister was speaking the truth—there were two calls

from Gabriella. A delighted smile grew on his lips.

“Gabriella, did you call me?” the man whispered into his phone.

“Yes, but forget it,” Gabriella snarled.

When I needed you, you’re with some other women. Why are you calling me when I don’t need you

anymore?

“I was showering earlier. That’s why I didn’t hear my phone ring,” the man hastily explained.

Gabriella narrowed her eyes.

What the man had not explained to her was that his sister had been the one to pick up the phone

earlier.

Hence, Gabriella ended the call after saying, “It’s fine. Bye.”

The man panicked.

Despite that, he thought, She must be jealous, but that’s good. She should feel a little stressed about

our relationship. At that thought, the man smiled. Unbeknownst to him, Gabriella had decided to cut off

her ties with him.

Stupid man. It’s all lies when he says he only loves me and me only. What a load of rubbish when he

said he’ll protect and take care of me for the rest of my life. Now? Now he’s with some other woman.

He ditched me!

Gabriella balled up her fists, infuriated and upset.

All men are the same. They’ll leave after sleeping with the woman. With a sneer, the woman then shut

her eyes.

Knock, knock.

The knockings outside the house were rapid and urgent, but Gabriella was already asleep in the living

room.

“Open up, Gabriella! I’m here. Weren’t you looking for me earlier?” the man shouted from outside.

Not known to the two, Caspian was watching them from afar.

“Larry, that man’s here again, but Gabriella isn’t opening the door this time.”

He finally appeared again. Larry’s lips curled.

With this man around, everything will be sorted out.

“Keep a close eye on him and find out who this man is,” Larry commanded.

Only after a long while of knocking, then did Gabriella groggily went to open the door.

“Why did you keep knocking on the door? Didn’t you realize that I’m sleeping? You’re annoying,”

Gabriella complained.

 

 

Chapter 2025

The man awkwardly scratched the back of his head and mumbled, “Gabriella, you were asleep? I’m

sorry. Did I disturb your rest?”

Right then, Gabriella sobered up.

Wait. Why is he here? Didn’t he use to call me before he comes?

“Wait. How long have you been standing here?” Gabriella hastily surveyed her surroundings with

anxious eyes.

“Quick! Come in.” She dragged him in.

Darn it. No one’s following him, right? Gabriella had found out that Caspian was following and

investigating her for some time. It’ll be over for me if Caspian finds out about this man. Thus, Gabriella

scurried to the balcony and looked downwards.

Good. There aren’t any cars that I don’t recognize downstairs. She heaved a sigh of relief at that

revelation.

“Didn’t we agree that you won’t come over unless you call? What if something happens because you

break that rule? What’s wrong with your brain?” Gabriella punched the man’s chest.

Hold on. I should be angry at him. Almost immediately, Gabriella strode toward the couch and lay

down.

How shameless is he to come to me? She scoffed.

All men are playboys and dishonest people, including this one.

However, Larry was the only exception. He had loved Joan for so many years, and not once had he

ever thought of giving up on her. In fact, she was the only person he would ever think of.

At that moment, Gabriella found herself feeling envious of Joan. Even though the latter had no money,

talents, nor intellect, she had a man who loved and took care of her without ever thinking of giving up.

“Gabriella, I missed you,” the man whined as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

Ever since Gabriella was pregnant, the two only met in secret. They could not hold hands in public nor

go on dates. It was fine in the beginning, but as time passed, the man grew agitated.

“Don’t touch me!” Gabriella flung his arm off her.

What’s the matter with her? Why is she angry? The man studied her carefully, confounded by her

strange behavior.

“What’s wrong? Are you in a foul mood today? Come, let’s have a walk.” With those words out of his

mouth, the man moved to pull her to a standing position.

“I’ve told you not to make me mad! You disgust me,” Gabriella shouted.

Her words made the man freeze.

What? It’s true that I look like some playboy, but I’ve never laid a finger on another woman other than

her. To take care of Gabriella, the man did not even visit bars and other entertainment venues that he

usually went to. But now she’s saying I disgust her?

“Gabriella, what are you trying to say? I called you earlier, but you seemed to be in a bad mood. I

thought you were feeling unwell, and that’s why I rushed to your place, hoping to be able to do

something for you. How can you treat me in this way? That’s right. I love you; I really do. But I’m a man,

and I have my dignity too. I’m nice to you, but that doesn’t mean you can treat me horribly for that,” he

bellowed.

How can he sound so righteous after messing with another woman? Who gave him the right to?

Gabriella turned grim when she heard his loud volume.

“Don’t you already have someone else? What a joke. Why are you here when you can’t even resolve

your own problems?”

What the hell? What does she means by someone else? Why don’t I know about it?

“Gabriella, did you make a mistake? I don’t have anyone else. Ever since you were pregnant, I haven’t

been in touch with any other women,” the man explained as he tapped her shoulders.

Liar. Why can’t he just admit it? Maybe I’d have forgiven you if you were honest. But even now, you’re

still lying to me.

He’s the same as all other men!

“Gabriella, I think I need to explain something to you. When I was showering, my sister was the one to

pick up the call, so don’t dwell on that,” the man voiced as he scratched his head.

 

 

Chapter 2026

That was his sister? The light in Gabriella’s eyes returned immediately. No wonder she sounded like

that.

“It’s fine.” Gabriella dusted her hands.

Good. Everything’s solved. She then stood up and walked toward the kitchen, her mood much better

than before.

The man quickly stopped her and pushed her toward the living room. “What would you like to eat? I’ll

make it for you. It’s tough for you to cook now, so just sit here for a while.”

For a moment, it felt as though the man was Gabriella’s husband.

Stop. The one I love is Larry. I can’t change my mind. She clenched her fists, determined.

“Ms. Young, is there someone targeting you?” Joan asked softly.

Delilah did not respond.

Her lack of response was a silent agreement, and Joan knew it.

It seems like Gabriella is targeting the people around me now. Joan balled up her fists until her

knuckles were white.

Noticing her action, Lucius quietly queried as he held her hand, “Mom, what’s wrong? Are you

unhappy?”

Joan only ran her fingers through his hair and gave him a small smile.

Maybe Lucius is the only one who can comfort me now.

“Mom, I have a question for you,” the boy voiced with a disappointed expression.

Then, he continued, “Are you going to divorce Dad soon? Also, who’s that woman to Dad the other

day?”

No one wanted them to divorce, especially Lucius. After all, he had just gotten a complete family.

Joan’s heart sank.

Should I tell him about it now? Our relationship eventually will come to an end. A trace of melancholy

darted past her eyes.

“Lucius, if Dad and Mom are separated one day, will you be upset?” Joan inquired.

To her surprise, Lucius’ eyes lit up instead.

“Mom, I just want you to be happy. You can do anything as long as you’re happy.” Lucius then hugged

her, hoping that his embrace could give her strength.

His actions moved her.

That’s right. I still have many people who love me in this world. Who cares about men when I have my

son?

“Thank you, Lucius,” Joan whispered.

Creak. Someone quietly opened the door.

He’s the only one who’ll open the door so carefully. Joan’s brows knitted.

When will he move out? He can’t possibly keep staying here now that we’re about to divorce, right? As

Joan gritted her teeth, she decided to have a talk with the man.

“It’s getting late, Lucius. Why don’t you go to bed?” the woman mumbled as she kissed the boy’s

forehead.

Glancing between Joan and Larry, he nodded understandingly before running back to his room.

“Larry, let’s have a talk.”

About what? The divorce? I don’t want to divorce you. There’s nothing between Gabriella and me.

“Joan, there’s really nothing between Gabriella and me. Don’t doubt my words because I’ve never done

anything to wrong you,” Larry swore.

Nevertheless, Joan only sneered in response.

Is he still trying to fool me even at a time like this? How can he not know what he has done? She

averted her face, not wanting to see him any longer.

“Why won’t you believe in me? The baby in Gabriella isn’t mine. I’m telling you the truth. We’ve found

the man today. Soon, the truth will be out. I’ll show you the father of her baby,” Larry said to her.

His words stunned her.

Is he truly speaking the truth? The baby in Gabriella isn’t his? Joan stared at him skeptically.

But Gabriella loves Larry so much. Why would she have another man’s baby? At that though, Joan

hesitated. Should I trust him or not?

 

Chapter 2027

Could I be mistaken?

“Larry, if you wish to prove your innocence, you may. I’ll give you some time, but remember, once

you’re out of time and you can’t explain yourself, I will see you at the Civil Affairs Bureau,” she said

viciously.

If there is a need to find any evidence, this amount of time would be sufficient. She turned around

slowly and entered her room.

“Joan.” With a forceful tug, she fell into his arms.

Larry sniffed at her hair greedily.

“Let go of me,” Joan demanded in a low voice for fear of waking Lucius who was sound asleep.

“We haven’t had a good chat in a long time,” Larry said as he tightened his grip around her waist.

That was true; they haven’t been together peacefully for a long time. Sadness washed over her eyes.

Why couldn’t I try to spend my days with him in peace? Things did not go as planned with the number

of obstacles in their way.

If it were not due to love, anybody would find it impossible to be tolerant like that. But Larry had

someone else. That someone was Gabriella. Joan was unable to bear it any longer.

“Joan, I love you. I do not want to divorce you,” Larry said mournfully.

In an instant, her eyes were wet. Divorce was something that happened as a last resort.

Slam! Suddenly, the door was flung open.

“Oops, sorry for bothering you,” Delilah said apologetically and proceeded into her own room.

Larry hurriedly let go of his grasp on Joan and rearranged his emotions.

“Ms. Young, have you eaten?” Joan yelled loudly.

“No, I haven’t, but I’m not hungry. You two carry on,” Delilah called back.

Joan flushed crimson.

I did not do anything indecent, why should I be feeling embarrassed?

Larry’s phone rang and he hastened to answer the call after a glance at the screen.

“Larry, I’ve found something. The man actually did appear at the bar before…” Caspian said urgently.

So it was him! Larry clenched his fist as a smirk of satisfaction appeared across his lips.

The things that Gabriella did would leave a trail!

Larry’s eyes flashed with coldness.

“I’ll head over at once. Do not let him out of your sight. We must find evidence of what he did at the bar

that night and who he’d met. It’s of critical importance…” Larry instructed Caspian.

After a brief conversation, Larry hung up.

“What is it?” Joan asked in a low voice when she saw him frown.

“Joan, what’s it going to be? You won’t leave me for the rest of your life?” Larry kissed her forehead

gently.

What is he talking about? No matter what, a proper investigation had to be done. But with Larry’s

reaction, it seemed as though the child in Gabriella really did not belong to Larry. But how can he

explain what happened at the bar that night? Joan stared curiously at the man before her.

“I’m going out for a bit and I might be late. Don’t wait up for me,” Larry said as he picked up his coat

and departed abruptly.

“Tell me, what is going on between you and Gabriella?” Larry said fiercely as he cornered the man. His

eyes flashed like the glint of steel.

He really did not believe that this man had nothing to do with her.

The man glanced at Larry and looked quickly away in fright.

Why should I tell him? he thought. Gabriella loves him, of course, she wouldn’t want me to betray her.

Forget it. I won’t say a thing.

“Mr. Norton, what are you talking about?” the man answered cautiously. “I am just a friend of

Gabriella’s.”

Lies. He knows what he did. Looks like I have another difficult fellow on my hands.

 

Chapter 2028

“You’d better tell me the truth,” Larry warned him coldly. “Or else I will crumble your family’s standing

within this city.”

The man was frightened by his threat.

It didn’t matter what happened to me, but please, not my family.

“Mr. Norton, Ms. Ward, and I really are just ordinary friends,” the man answered with a look of false

helplessness. “No matter how much you threaten me, there’s nothing more I can tell you.”

D*mn it! Larry thought. He’s not going to tell the truth, is he? Alright then. Larry fished his phone out of

his pocket and dialed a number.

“Hello? Yes, I recall there being a shop on Jennen Street… yes, a clothing store… yes, that’s the one.

Look for someone to…”

The man broke down in fright. “Please, Mr. Norton, I’ll talk! Don’t harm the shop!” he begged with a

scream.

Finally! Larry faced the man coldly.

Why do they always choose the stick despite being offered the carrot?

“I was friends with Gabriella in the past, but one day she became pregnant and had me go over to her

house often to care for her. She said that the man who had knocked her up did not want to be

responsible. She also said that I was her only friend…” the man stammered in explanation.

Larry clenched his fists tightly and glared at the man before him in resentment.

D*mn it, he’s lying! That was not what Larry wanted to hear. He’s bloody lying to my face!

“If you’re not going to tell me the truth, I swear I will raze your family’s shop to the ground. I’m warning

you not to test me. Now, last chance. What is the nature of your relationship with Gabriella?” Larry

bellowed.

At last, the man who was trying to buy time for himself broke down completely.

“I’m her besties!” he shouted in a panic.

What a joke. Gabriella has a male best friend? I don’t believe that for a second. She was always careful

with whatever she did, how could she let a man with no blood relations with her remain by her side?

“Caspian, destroy that store. There will be no more consideration.” Larry hung up and walked out of the

room.

“Mr. Norton, please! You can’t… She and I have nothing…” the man howled in dismay.

But it was no use. Larry was already out of sight and earshot.

The man was left alone in the room with bloodshot eyes.

Oh Gabriella, my family’s business is ruined because of you. What about you? He looked up to gaze at

the ceiling, trying to will the tears back in from where they came.

Gabriella’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and hurriedly picked up.

“Larry came to me. I think he suspects you. Be careful,” the man choked.

What’s going on? Why did Larry look for him? What else has he discovered?

“What did he come to you for? What did he say to you? Or what did you say to him?” Gabriella

demanded in a panic.

What else could he say?

She forbade him to say anything. Of course, he wouldn’t disobey her.

“Don’t worry, I said nothing. I just told him that we’re besties and that I always care for you, nothing

else. Besides, our family business is ruined.” The bitterness in the man’s voice was apparent over the

phone.

What is the meaning of this? What does his family’s business have to do with Larry looking for him?

“Tell me again what happened to your family’s business? What did Larry do?” Gabriella demanded.

The man told her everything. He was down in the dumps.

That d*mn Larry! How could he stoop so low to commit despicable acts like blackmail?

Gabriella clenched her fists.

But what else could she do? Isn’t this the man that she loves? No matter what Larry did, her anger at

him would only last a brief moment before she forgave him.

“Alright, don’t you worry. I wouldn’t let you bear any of the losses. I will take responsibility for your

family’s shop. Why don’t you clean yourself up and let me arrange for you to have a new shop? I won’t

mistreat you, but you mustn’t overthink about unnecessary things.” At that, Gabriella hung up.

 

 

Chapter 2029

That sentence was obvious. It meant the both of them, which was impossible.

They said I am cruel? Yes, I am cruel. They said I am righteous? I am righteous as well. The man could

not understand why Gabriella liked that Larry asshole. There were so many corporation presidents

around, as well as many heirs to great fortunes. But why did she have to choose him out of all of them?

“Larry, what are we going to do? He’s still not telling the truth,” Caspian asked. He was anxious too,

with his clenched fists and wild eyes.

This concerned Larry’s entire future. If it was not handled properly, there was a chance of a divorce

between him and Joan.

Caspian suddenly felt the fragility of marriage. Large conflicts could begin with a misspoken word or a

misinterpreted incident. What’s more, Larry was framed for such a serious matter.

For someone who has never committed any wrongdoings in his life, it would undoubtedly feel awful

when all of a sudden everybody started thinking that he was a sinner.

“This will be an uphill battle. Not to worry, we’ll deal with it slowly. Let’s wait and see what Gabriella

would do next,” Larry said, his eyes narrowed fiercely.

“What has Dustin been up to?” Larry asked suddenly.

He hated it when Dustin approached Joan when he has nothing to do. She belongs to me alone! Larry

clenched his fist at that thought.

“He’s always at the supermarket as some supervisor,” Caspian replied in a low voice. “He looked busy

recently, and so does Joan. She’s always taking on extra shifts. It could be due to the weather.”

D*mn Dustin. Opportunistic scumbag! It was too bad that even if Joan did decide to divorce me, she

wouldn’t go for Dustin. Larry understood her thoroughly. If she did like him, she wouldn’t wait that long.

Larry smiled with satisfaction.

He trusted that Joan would wait for him. Though there were misunderstandings that had created a rift

between them, it would easily be resolved by explaining.

“Larry, tonight…”

“No need to work overtime tonight, Caspian. Go on home.” Larry strode out of the office.

“Larry, there’s a very strange matter,” Larry blurted.

“Speak,” Larry commanded in a low voice.

“Gabriella opened a fashion boutique shop. I think she has handed it over to that guy.”

That b*tch has some tricks up her sleeve! Larry’s gaze dimmed. I wonder how long would Gabriella

draw this out for?

Little did he know that Joan had something huge in store for her in the not too distant future.

“Mom, are you tired? You look rather haggard,” Lucius said.

Joan jerked out of her reverie and composed herself.

“It’s nothing. Maybe I am a little tired,” she said as she caressed Lucius’s hair.

She wasn’t tired; she was thinking about Larry and Gabriella.

“Hey Joan, you’re living it up here.” A familiar voice came from behind her.

What was she doing back here again? Was she here to gloat?

“Get lost, you’re not welcome here,” Lucius shouted and stood in front of Joan protectively.

This little tyke is so brazen to speak to me like this! He clearly has no manners. Gabriella walked slowly

forward and stopped in front of Lucius.

Smack!

Joan was stunned.

“Why do you look so surprised? Your kid is rude and you don’t seem to care, so I took care of it for

you,” Gabriella said viciously.

Is she insane to pick a fight with a child?

“Gabriella, get the hell out of here!” Joan shouted in a rage.

“Does it still hurt, Lucius? Let me see.” Joan knelt in front of Lucius and examined his cheek where

Gabriella had struck him. Her eyes were full of tenderness.

“I’m fine, Mommy. It doesn’t hurt, don’t worry.” Lucius smiled bravely.

Gabriella stood to the side and glared at both of them with disdain.

What is she doing pretending that the boy is hers biologically?

 

Chapter 2030

“What are you waiting for? I told you to get lost! If you don’t I’m reporting you to the cops for

trespassing,” Lucius glared at her fiercely.

Ha! This little sh*t knows what trespassing is! Maybe Joan had taught him that, Gabriella thought as

she gazed at the pair of them coldly.

“Joan, when are you going to resolve your issue? I’m waiting to get married, you know,” Gabriella

sneered.

So she is trying to rush my divorce with Larry, Joan thought. What an impatient b*tch. But Larry did

mention that he had evidence to prove that he has nothing to do with this woman and that he needed

some time.

Perhaps I should trust him and wait. Joan clenched her fists tightly.

“You have no business snooping in what goes on between me and Larry,” Joan said coldly. “You had

best keep your nose to yourself.”

What did she mean? She’s not going to get a divorce? Or is she buying time? Gabriella felt a surge of

rage.

This b*tch did not honor her word! She’s even capable of such a despicable act!

“Unacceptable. Joan, you need to make a clean break of it and divorce Larry!”

She knew that Larry had to deal with some company matters that night, as well as to entertain a foreign

client at midnight. He wouldn’t be able to come home to sleep. Besides, Delilah spent all her time in her

garden recently. As a result, only she and Lucius were in the house.

“Gabriella, what do you want to do? If you want us to divorce so badly, you should tell Larry to bring me

the papers. I’ll sign them on the spot and you two can get married tomorrow. If you’re unsuccessful,

then you should stop harassing us,” Joan said calmly.

“Mommy, I don’t want you to divorce Daddy!” Lucius said suddenly.

Gabriella glared at the boy and wanted nothing better than to aim a kick at him to teach him a lesson.

This little sh*t is always interfering with her plans! Gabriella glared at Lucius with an ugly look on her

face.

“Don’t you waste your energy, Daddy and Mommy are definitely not going to separate,” Lucius shouted

as he took a step toward Gabriella.

She raised her arm again with the intention of hitting him but Joan leaped forward and grabbed

Gabriella by the elbow. In her death grip, she stared Gabriella down with murder in her eyes.

“Gabriella, if you’re here trying to stir up trouble, I apologize but we are busy today and do not have

time to entertain you. I would like to ask you to leave.” At that, Joan led Lucius into the room.

“Joan, I’m not done talking to you!” Gabriella was furious.

That b*tch has the audacity to disrespect me!

So, you’re patient, are you? I’m not going to leave here today. Let’s see who’s more patient. Gabriella

threw herself down on the couch.

She had completely forgotten about her motive for visiting; her mind was consumed by how to go

against Joan.

Joan’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen and hastily picked up.

“Joan, I’m very busy today,” Larry said. “I still have to meet a project director tonight. I won’t be coming

home tonight. Have a good dinner, call me if you need anything,” Larry’s voice sounded weary.

Joan had wanted to tell him that Gabriella was at their house, but at the sound of Larry’s tiredness, she

felt her heart soften.

I can deal with this myself.

Gabriella was stubborn and difficult. Joan did not know what her next step would be.

“Mommy, that woman hasn’t left, you can’t go out yet.” Lucius gripped Joan’s hand tightly, as if afraid

that if she went out to the living room again, Gabriella would bully her.

But the truth was that Joan really was being bullied and harassed by Gabriella all this time.

“That’s all right, Lucius,” Joan said. “Hurry on to sleep; you still have to go to school tomorrow. Don’t

you worry about that woman, I’ve got this. We used to be good friends in the past.” Joan pinched his

cheek affectionately to comfort him.