Ch. 2071..2080

Chapter 2071

I naturally know that I can’t kill them, but I want them to be crippled at least! Jordan resolved.

After breaking the men’s arms and legs, the cars in front swiftly left the scene of carnage.

However, those who were left behind couldn’t lodge a police report.

“You must have suffered quite a few frights lately, but I promise it won’t happen again.” Larry hugged

the woman before him tightly.

Phew! That’s great! I don’t want to live a life of misery whereby the days crawl by anymore either!

“Was that man earlier your junior?” Larry then queried inquisitively.

“Yup. It so happened that he had just come back the other day…” Joan explained.

But why is it that I found the look in his eyes not quite right? Was I reading too much into things?

Larry pounded himself on the head in a bid to clear his mind.

“Mommy!” Lucius launched himself at Joan the moment they arrived home. As Delilah looked on at the

side, a rush of warmth suffused her.

It had only been less than a month, yet she felt as though an eternity had passed.

“Since you’re back, go and take a shower before changing. Then, we’ll have dinner together.” She

patted Joan’s back lightly.

Joan knew that Lucius and Delilah had been extremely worried about her throughout the past few days,

so she was truly thankful that she had returned safe and sound.

Dinner was a solemn affair. Lucius didn’t dare speak while Delilah kept mum; Larry merely buried his

head in his food. Thus, the atmosphere became rather awkward.

“What’s wrong with you all? Are you all not happy that I’m back today?” Joan murmured.

That was the exact opposite, for everyone had been scared witless previously.

“Mommy, you know what? Grandma and I couldn’t sleep in the past few days you’ve been away, afraid

that something might have happened to you…” Lucius mumbled, his eyes red-rimmed.

In a flash, tears welled in Joan’s eyes as well, for she hadn’t fared any better.

She almost couldn’t make it through those days and even entertained thoughts of giving up, but upon

recalling everyone at home, she forced herself to hold out until Caiden and Jaden showed up.

“It’s okay, for that’s all in the past. Look, I’m back now, aren’t I? Don’t worry.” She stroked his head.

After dinner, she went straight to the bedroom, perhaps too exhausted from her ordeal in the past few

days. Lying down on the bed, she gazed at the lonely crescent moon outside the window.

Ah well, that’s life. Regardless of whether it’s happy or melancholic, it’s all in the past. She then

gradually closed her eyes.

Click. Larry swung open the door lightly and walked in. As he stared at Joan, who was sound asleep on

the bed, distress flooded his eyes.

She has suffered much. He caressed her hair gently, his mood abruptly turning pensive.

Meanwhile, Jaden was playing video games on the sofa in the living room, looking exceedingly excited.

Caiden, on the other hand, was flipping through a magazine while snacking on some fruits.

“Well, what are you planning to do, Caiden?” Jaden asked out of the blue.

What kind of crappy question is this? It’s absurd! Caiden ignored him, merely continuing to read the

magazine in his hands.

“Hey, don’t ignore me! Say, Joan Watts is already married, so what’s your plan? Are you going to give

up?” Jaden pressed.

Caiden was stunned for a moment before he schooled his expression.

Who said I’m going to give up? She’s the first and only woman I’ve ever developed feelings for, so isn’t

it cowardly of me to just give up?

“We’ll see,” Caiden replied placidly.

“Well, just a word of advice from me. It’s despicable to ruin a marriage, so take it easy, Caiden.”

So what? Just because of that, I’ve got to give up the woman whom I love? How ridiculous! Hearing

that, Caiden’s eyes blazed with resentment.

“Shut up and play your game! Also, you’d be better served by considering the kind of girlfriend you’re

going to find, or your mother will coerce you into going on blind dates again.”

“Hello, is this Miss Gabriella Ward?”

“Yes, speaking. May I know who you are?” Gabriella’s voice was threaded with a hint of weariness.

Ever since she learned that those two women had returned home, she had been in a bad state.

“What? Why is my license being revoked? I went through all the legal channels when I registered…”

She sprang to her feet, irritation written in her eyes.

 

 

Chapter 2072

I’ve finally registered a small company abroad, and while the profits are measly, it’s still not bad for a

start. And now, they’re actually revoking my license? No, I can’t allow that to happen! Without this

meager trump card, I won’t be able to live a normal life!

“If you have problems with that, you can come over and run it personally. Your company’s performance

is now the worse in the entire city, so if you’re just going to let it be, we’ll have no choice but to revoke

your license.”

So, they’re telling me to go abroad, huh? Isn’t the meaning of this clear as day?

Gabriella hesitated for a moment before deciding to go abroad and manage her company. I’ve been

tiring out myself too much recently, and most importantly, I don’t have anything to show for it! That

b*tch, Joan Watts, is still alive and kicking! At the same time, she wanted to rest and take a break.

Throughout my entire pregnancy, I’ve been anxious and worried every single day. Now that the child is

gone, I don’t need to fret about Larry investigating the child’s biological father anymore. As for Joan

Watts, there’s no hurry since there’s plenty of time. Karma will definitely get her sooner or later!

After packing a simple luggage, she set out for the airport.

“Hello. Larry, Gabriella has left the country,” Caspian reported the latest news in a lowered voice.

What’s she planning now? Why did she suddenly go abroad? It can’t be because she’s looking to

escape judgment for the incident this time since we haven’t gotten any evidence.

“Caspian, find out why she went abroad as soon as possible.” After saying that, Larry hung up right

away.

But well, that’s a good thing. With her gone, Joan will be safe at least, and I don’t need to worry every

day.

“She established a small company abroad that has been doing extremely well. But something

happened to the company recently, and its performance plummeted. So, she probably went over to

handle things,” Caspian narrated the findings of his investigation.

Ah, so that’s why. She’s rather capable that she’s established a company abroad. Well, she’s

something else! But no matter the reason, there’ll be peace now that she’s gone!

“Please allow me to go out, my beloved husband. I just want to go out for some air. It’s been a long

time since I’ve been out, so I’m about to die of boredom here. Look, Gabriella has gone abroad, so she

naturally won’t do anything to us when she can’t see us,” Nancy beseeched coquettishly as she shook

Jory’s arm.

“Nope. Evil people always outnumber good people in this world, so don’t go out, Darling. Just put up

with it for a while longer for the sake of our baby, okay?” Jory cajoled softly as he kissed her forehead

gently.

In the blink of an eye, Nancy’s expression darkened as fury seized her.

She wasn’t the kind of person who could stay at home doing nothing, so she naturally couldn’t stand

being cooped up in the house, staring at the four walls.

“No way! I must go out. Otherwise, I’m not going to talk to you anymore!” As she said that, she turned

around and pouted.

Ah, she’s truly a pain in the butt! When will she be more mature?

“In that case, tell me who you’re wanting to meet.” Jory hugged her tightly.

“Joan, of course!” Nancy blurted.

What? Joan Watts again? No, it’s a definite no this time! I haven’t even settled the score with her for

the incident back then, so it’s a no-brainer this time!

“Nancy, you can go out and have fun, but you’re not allowed to meet up with Joan Watts. I’m telling you

loud and clear today that you’re not to contact her if you want to be with me. But if you want to be with

her, then I’ll just move out,” Jory declared coldly.

Whoa, he’s truly incensed! This is the first time I’ve ever seen him this irate, and it’s because of Joan.

“Uh… What’s wrong with you?” Nancy patted him on the back lightly.

If it weren’t for her, I would’ve long since had someone deal with Joan Watts!

“Hey, don’t be angry anymore. Why are you so angry when the incident back then wasn’t even her

fault?” Nancy drawled.

“Not her fault, you said? Think about the number of incidents that had happened ever since you get

acquainted with her. You’re now with child, so you should behave yourself. As the saying goes, it takes

two to tango. If she hadn’t given someone else the wrong idea, why would all those things have

happened to her?” Jory bellowed.

 

 

Chapter 2073

Fine, then. He’s not going to listen to reason right now, so I’ll just zip my mouth. Whirling around, Nancy

slowly walked over to the sofa at the side and flipped through a magazine silently.

All at once, guilt swamped Jory.

I shouldn’t have had lost my temper, much less directed my anger at my wife.

“Nancy, I was a bit worked up so now, so don’t take it to heart, okay? But I really hope that you won’t

meet Joan Watts anymore. We can just live our lives peacefully as we did in the past few days. Isn’t

that good?”

Even then, that’s not a reason to deprive me of my right to make friends!

Upon seeing her tormented expression, understanding instantly dawned upon Jory, and he knew that

she couldn’t accept that. Never mind, then. I’ll just let her do whatever she pleases.

“You know what, Jory? Before I had gotten divorced from Caspian, Joan was already aware of our

relationship. However, she kept it a secret for me…” Nancy started recounting the past.

“When I cried, it was her who kept comforting me. And it was also her who drank all night with me when

I was sad. I’ll die without her, you know? But now, you actually want me to cut all contact with her!”

She was both earnest and peeved as she spoke. In truth, Jory didn’t know all this, nor had he ever

considered it.

“I’m sorry, Nancy. I shouldn’t have given you an ultimatum earlier. I really didn’t know that the two of

you had been through so much together. Rest assured that I’ll never again force you to choose

between us anymore, okay?” He gently stroked her cheek.

He knew that she was a person who attached great value to relationships, and he wasn’t an

unreasonable person either, so he now understood her friendship with Joan after all she had imparted.

Knock, knock, knock…

“Ah, you’re really here! I went over to your house earlier, but the housemaid said that you’ve gone out. I

just knew that you’d be here! I brought you this soup I boiled, so drink it while it’s hot. It won’t taste

good if it has cooled.” Joan walked in as she spoke.

She only glimpsed Nancy’s head from outside the office, but she didn’t notice that Jory was still

hugging her.

“Oops, sorry for intruding! Nancy, remember to drink it while it’s hot, okay? I’ll just place it here.” After

saying that, she quickly left and closed the door behind her.

“See? That’s my good friend and the person whom you asked me to cut off all contact with!” Nancy

huffed resentfully.

“Joan?” A familiar male voice rang out behind Joan.

“Oh, what a coincidence, Caiden!” Joan greeted.

Ever since they had gone their separate ways back then, they hadn’t met each other again. Besides,

they didn’t have the other’s contact information.

“Thank you so much for the other day. Oh yes, are you free today? I’ll treat you to a meal,” Joan offered

smilingly. That’s the polite thing to do, after all. Moreover, we’re even former schoolmates.

“Sure! Is this a convenient time for you? But I’ll treat you instead.” Caiden chuckled.

The two of them then set out, chatting and laughing all the way to a restaurant.

“I heard that Gabriella Ward has gone abroad,” Caiden remarked in a seemingly nonchalant manner.

“Yup. Speaking of that, it’s rather surprising that she left so suddenly.” There was a trace of lingering

fear in Joan’s eyes.

Caiden knew that she had suffered quite a bit because of Gabriella.

At times, I really don’t understand why Larry Norton didn’t protect her well and take good care of her. I

can tell that she loves him very much, but I can’t see how much he actually loves her.

“You’re married despite being so young, Joan?” he deliberately commented as he took a sip of coffee.

“Yeah. Our journey has been extremely complicated, but it’s all good now. There seem to be no

obstacles standing in our way anymore.” Joan flashed him a smile after wiping her mouth.

Now that Gabriella has left, we can finally have some rest! Little did she know that the man in front of

her would be the next obstacle.

“Do you really love Larry Norton that much? I’ve heard of his exploits in the past,” Caiden intentionally

noted.

In reality, he had never heard of any exploits. Instead, he was making it up on the fly.

“I heard that he had dated many women in the past and even gotten someone pregnant…” Upon

hearing that, Joan was stunned for a moment.

 

 

Chapter 2074

Hmm… he must be speaking of Gabriella. But the child isn’t Larry’s!

“That’s not true. Larry is very loyal, so he’ll never date others casually. The child Gabriella was

pregnant with then actually wasn’t Larry’s…” Joan explained solemnly, her demeanor serious.

At that moment, Caiden understood that she truly loved Larry to the point of no return.

As they shot the breeze, the atmosphere turned a touch awkward. Caiden had initially planned to bring

up some negative news about Larry before her, but he had never expected her to trust Larry that much.

“Oh, why don’t we take a photo together, Joan?” Caiden proposed out of the blue.

The two of them then made the peace sign and took a few photos together, both looking joyful in them.

“I just came back, so there are a lot of things I’m not familiar with, Joan. I’ll probably be needing your

help quite a bit in the future.”

“No problem. Don’t worry, okay? If there’s anything I can help in the future, just ring me up,” Joan

avowed as she patted herself on the chest lightly.

There was nothing wrong with that remark, but it gave Caiden the opportunity to implement the next

stage of his plan.

After they were done eating, they both went home separately. Caiden offered to drive Joan home, but

she declined.

As a married woman, she naturally knew that she should minimize contact with other men.

The sky gradually darkened, and a few stars appeared overhead. It was extremely quiet. As a breeze

brushed past, a cool sensation followed. All of a sudden, elation infused Caiden. He hadn’t been that

excited in a long time.

“Hey, what’s wrong with you? Why are you smiling to yourself?” Jaden thumped him on the back as he

suddenly popped out.

“Couldn’t you have made some noise? Were you trying to give me a heart attack?” Caiden groused

lowly.

Whoa, there’s something going on with him! Something must have happened! Jaden promptly rushed

forward and stared at him curiously in an attempt to see through him.

“God, this is too much! Stop following me around!”

“Then, tell me what happened today that had you in such high spirits!” Jaden demanded as he

munched on some fruits.

“Nothing. I’m busy, so don’t bother me.” As Caiden said that, he went into the study.

Gah! How could he have treated me like that? That’s so dismissive! I told him everything in the past,

yet he’s now keeping secrets from me!

Jaden plopped down on the sofa and started scrolling through his cell phone lazily.

“Oh my God! You’re amazing to have gotten so far with her, Caiden!” the man on the sofa suddenly

shrieked.

However, Caiden didn’t answer him, his eyes fixated on the codes on the screen of his laptop.

“Hey, tell me how you did it! You’ve never dated in the past, no? And what’s your relationship with that

senior of yours now?” Jaden questioned at the door of the study as he browsed through Caiden’s

Facebook.

Damn it, why is he so irritating? Is he going to keep bugging me unless I explain things to him?

“Oh, goody! Hurry up and teach me! Your methods are simply too amazing! You’ve just met her once,

yet you’ve already started dating her…” Jaden entirely ignored the dour mood of the man before him.

Meanwhile, at Delilah’s house, Lucius was doing his homework in the room while Delilah was cooking

in the kitchen. Larry, on the other hand, was sitting on the sofa, scrolling through his cell phone.

However, the brows of the man on the sofa gradually scrunched together. “Joan?” Larry called out in a

low voice.

“What is it?” Joan leaned against his shoulder.

“Did you have lunch with that junior of yours today?” Huh? How did he know that? This is really

strange.

“Don’t make it sound as though he’s so much younger than me. He was just a year below me,” Joan

chided.

“Don’t change the subject.” Larry pinched her petite face.

“Yup. I took Nancy some chicken soup today, and I happened to bump into him on my way back. I

didn’t get to thank him after he’d saved me the other day, so I offered to treat him to lunch. But in the

end, it was still him who footed the bill,” Joan murmured evenly with her head lowered.

 

 

Chapter 2075

Gosh, this silly woman definitely doesn’t know that he has a crush on her! After all, a man’s feelings for

a woman are evident at a single glance. That junior of hers certainly has an ulterior motive of some

sort.

“You’ve got to be careful in the future. I’m afraid that that junior of yours will pester you,” Larry reminded

as he dropped a gentle kiss on her hair.

That’s impossible! We’ve never interacted much in the past, and we won’t be contacting each other all

that often in the future either!

“Look, you’re reading too much into things again. He doesn’t have any interest in me when he’s a top

student. Furthermore, he knows that I’m already married,” Joan muttered.

Those are two different things. Regardless of whether she’s married, it’s not a deterrent to a person’s

true desires. Moreover, I can tell that Caiden Owens is a very tenacious person.

“Anyway, just…”

“Alright, that’s enough talking. Dinner is ready, so let’s eat!” Delilah interrupted Larry even as she rolled

her eyes at him.

Meanwhile, Joan didn’t take Larry’s words to heart either. She then went into Lucius’ room.

“It’s dinnertime, Lucius!”

“Hey, when are you going home, Caiden? Your mother phoned me,” Jaden offhandedly remarked in the

living room.

Ever since they came back, Caiden never once went back home. He was either busy with his coding or

racking his brains to set up a chance encounter with Joan every day.

“I’m rather busy these days, so I’ve got no time to go back home,” Caiden replied tersely beside him.

Busy? What’s he so busy about every day? He’s got a large-scale business in his family, yet he isn’t

interested in taking over. Instead, he insists on doing some lame coding! I really can’t figure out what

he’s thinking! Jaden heaved a sigh.

“I don’t care. Just make time to go back home for a visit these few days! Otherwise, I’ll tell your mother

about Joan Watts.”

“Don’t you dare!” Caiden threatened, his head snapping up at once.

Oh wow, he’s really angry! It looks like Joan Watts is indeed an effective threat!

“Then, go home for a visit. I’m sure Mr. and Mrs. Owens miss you greatly after not having seen you for

so many years,” Jaden continued.

In truth, Caiden’s relationship with his parents was strained. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone against

his father’s wishes back when he studied abroad and majored in his preferred course of computer

programming instead of business administration as his father demanded.

He had lived with his grandparents ever since young, so his parents were never present during his

childhood. It was only when his grandparents passed away did he went back home. By then, he was

already in college, so he was merely staying in the dormitory every day despite having “moved back

home”.

“Say, it’s been so many years, so why don’t you let the past go? They’re your parents, after all,” Jaden

mumbled cautiously.

They were good friends who grew up together, so he understood Caiden’s circumstances. Hence, he

always put up with his occasional outbursts, no matter how bad they were.

He knew that Caiden wasn’t malicious at heart but simply rather obstinate at times. And that was also

why he had always been worried that he would be hung up on Joan.

“That’s my business. It has nothing to do with you,” Caiden countered in a mild voice.

Good God, he has truly lost his mind! It’s none of my business? What has he been taking me for

throughout the years?

“Well, if you continue saying such things, I’m not going to be bothered with you anymore.” As Jaden

said that, he got up and headed to his own bedroom.

Sometimes, he really wished he could just lay into Caiden. Not only did he always go off tangent, but

he also had a bad temper.

Slam! The bang of a door slamming shut had Caiden jolting.

The cell phone beside him was ringing incessantly, but he showed no signs of answering it. He

remained buried in his work as though everything else in this world, save coding, had nothing to do with

him.

“Good God, can you please pick up the call, Caiden Owens? It’s really driving me out of my mind! Your

mother keeps calling me, asking whether you’d gone missing or fallen sick! In fact, she’s calling even

more frequently than my mother…” Jaden groused in a near shout.

 

 

Chapter 2076

Upon hearing Jaden’s complaint, Caiden snagged his cell phone and hit redial.

“Hello. Don’t call Jaden anymore, for he’s very busy.” That action of his stunned Jaden, who was a near

distance away.

“When are you coming home, Caiden? I haven’t seen you in a long time. Why don’t you come home,

and we’ll have dinner together?” The woman’s voice quivered slightly.

In the many years he had gone abroad, he had never once come back home. Even when he was in

college, he rarely did so. If one were to consider carefully, he had spent less than a month at home

ever since he was born. She had never realized that in the past, but when she later regretted it,

everything was already too late.

In Caiden’s memories, his grandparents were the entirety of his world, not his parents.

“I’m quite busy these days, so maybe later. Also, don’t call Jaden anymore.” After saying that, Caiden

promptly hung up.

True enough, he was a person who suffered from a severe lack of love besides being prone to shutting

out others around him. Back then, it took Jaden almost two years before he finally won him over.

“Um… I went a bit overboard earlier, so don’t take it to heart, okay?” Jaden mumbled embarrassingly

as he dragged his feet over.

“Okay. I’m hungry, so make me some noodles.” Caiden didn’t even raise his head while speaking.

That was exactly the kind of person he was. He never got angry, and he seldom had any outbursts. But

if he really grew enraged one day, it would truly be a nightmare to rein in.

“Alright, I’ll get to it right away.”

Conversely, Jaden’s experience was far happier than Caiden’s. He was born in a happy though

ordinary family. Despite not having much money, life was peaceful and sweet.

His family had been neighbors with Caiden’s grandparents, so they often played together when they

were young. Later, his parents even regarded Caiden as their own son. He had a sister, and she was a

little fangirl of Caiden’s. She had always followed them around until the two of them went abroad.

“Oh yes, my sister called and said that she wants to treat us to a meal!” Jaden declared loudly from the

kitchen.

“No thanks,” Caiden instantly declined.

He knew all too well that the girl never stopped chattering, so he had no interest in meeting her.

“Ah well, we’ve just gotten back, so why don’t we have a gathering? We’re a family, after all,” Jaden

muttered.

That was true in a sense. After all, Caiden always went over to his house to eat, while Jaden and his

sister often came over for snacks. Thus, the two families truly appeared more like a family.

“You go ahead. I’m very busy,” Caiden answered.

Hah! He merely doesn’t want to see Noelle!

“What a crappy excuse! Busy? In that case, I’ll just tell my sister that you’re deliberately avoiding her,”

the man in the kitchen deliberately threatened.

Knock, knock, knock… Out of the blue, the sound of someone knocking on the door rang out.

“How dare you tell someone else about my whereabouts, Jaden Ford!” Caiden glowered at him sternly.

He hated being disrupted, so he didn’t tell anyone his address.

“No, I didn’t!” Jaden denied it at once, but who else could it be other than him?

“I don’t care. You’ve got to handle it yourself. Also, forget about the noodles.” As Caiden said that, he

went upstairs with his laptop.

When the person outside heard movement inside, the knocking became all the more urgent. “Who’s

there?” Jaden bellowed in displeasure.

“It’s me, Jaden!” A woman’s voice drifted into the two men’s ears.

All at once, Caiden sprinted into his room and locked the door.

“Why are you here?” Jaden, on the other hand, quickly opened the door.

“What were the two of you doing that it took you so long to open the door? Wow, it smells good in here!

You’re the best brother to cook for me upon knowing that I’m coming!” Noelle exclaimed as she

sashayed in despite having been griping the previous moment.

I didn’t cook for her! That’s for the high and mighty Caiden Owens, okay?

“Hey, stop eating! You’re a girl, so you’ve got to watch your weight…”

“Why should I do so? I’m not doing that! Oh yes, where’s Caiden? Why don’t I see him?” Noelle

promptly asked.

 

Chapter 2077

“Uh… Well, he…” Jaden hesitated as he didn’t quite know what to say.

“Caiden! Are you not home? I’m Noelle! I’m here to visit you!” Noelle shouted at the top of her lungs.

In the room, Caiden was currently lying on the bed and huddled tightly under the covers.

Dear God, may she leave quickly! He had both his hands clasped together, and his gaze was earnest. I

really can’t afford to cross this girl! After all, something bad always happens every time she’s there!

He still remembered that he took swimming lessons when he was young. He stood beside the

swimming pool for a long time, not daring to go in. In the next moment, Noelle kicked him into the pool,

and he almost drowned back then.

During their schooldays, she always slacked off without completing her homework. When questioned

by the teacher, she claimed that her brother tore them up. And the worse thing was, she said that her

brother was Caiden Owens! As a result, the teacher went to his house and berated him severely…

There had been countless bizarre incidents that he never wanted such a thing to transpire again. Even

for his return this time, he had considered it for a long time before he finally made up his mind.

“Caiden!” Noelle lifted her head and screeched in the living room.

At that, Caiden covered his ears and held his breath, afraid that the slightest movement would get him

busted.

“Caiden Owens, if you don’t come out, I’ll storm upstairs!” Noelle roared unyieldingly.

“Good heavens! What are you doing? Caiden isn’t home, so stop yelling. It’s no use even if you scream

yourself hoarse since he can’t possibly appear before you immediately.” Jaden patted her on the

shoulder.

“Where did he go, then?”

“I don’t know. Who knows where he went when he’s always going and coming as he pleases?” Jaden

shrugged as he spoke.

Hmm? He’s always going out? Don’t tell me he’s dating? That’s unlikely, no? Does he have a girlfriend

now? No, that’s impossible! He’s mine, so how could he have possibly been stolen by some other

woman?

“Jaden, answer this honestly. Does Caiden have someone else out there?” Noelle stared at the person

before her coldly.

Pfft! Water spurted out of Jaden’s mouth upon hearing that.

“Jeez, can you please be more circumspect in your speech? Why did you phrase it as ‘having someone

else out there?’ He’s not married, so it’s normal even if he dates,” he hastily clarified.

“No way! What would become of me if he dates?” Noelle was a tad panicked at that moment.

Well, what does the matter of him dating or otherwise has to do with her?

“That’s his freedom, okay? Noelle, tell me how you’ve been these few years. Have you gotten yourself

a boyfriend?” Jaden clutched her arm.

Hah! A boyfriend? I’ve been waiting for Caiden for so many years just so that we can continue where

we left off back then when he returns one day. And now, he actually has another woman out there. How

dare he?

“No! Argh! I’m so pissed! Why didn’t you tell me when Caiden started dating?” Noelle plopped down

onto the sofa huffily, her expression as dark as charcoal.

Is he really my biological brother when he doesn’t even tell me such an important thing?

“Gosh, what’s wrong with you? Wait… Noelle, don’t tell me you have feelings for Caiden?” Jaden

abruptly turned serious.

“Are you an idiot, Jaden? I’ve had feelings for him for many years.” Noelle’s voice quivered slightly.

God, this is bad! This is really bad! What should I do now? Caiden has feelings for that senior of his, so

she’s probably going to be hurt. No, I should really make things clear to her.

“Ah, just forget about it, okay? Caiden already has someone whom he likes, and he has had feelings

for her for many years. So, you should just give up,” Jaden advised with a sniffle.

Instead of waiting around for Caiden to reject Noelle, it’s better for me to tell her beforehand to avoid

any awkwardness between them down the road.

“Who is she? It’s that senior of his, yes?” Noelle asked out of the blue.

Huh? How does she know about Joan Watts? Jaden eyed her suspiciously.

 

 

Chapter 2078

Has this sister of mine become a bloodhound that she actually managed to sniff that out?

“I’ve noticed something off about it back when he was in college, and sure enough, it’s that senior of

his!” Noelle’s gaze turned vicious. “Eh, but I heard that she’s already married.”

I couldn’t have made a mistake there. She even has a child now, and her relationship with her husband

is very close. I initially thought that Caiden would give up, but never had I expected things to be so

complicated.

“Alright, just leave well enough alone, okay? You know full well the kind of person Caiden is. No one

can stop him from doing something he wants to do. Anyway, don’t fret about it. Just go about your own

business. As for Caiden, stop having any ideas about him. I’ve reminded you of this, so don’t do

anything stupid!” Jaden urged after taking a sip of water.

No, I’ve got to seek that woman out! I want to find out what exactly she thinks about Caiden!

“I’m leaving, Jaden.” As Noelle said that, she spun on her heels to leave.

“Where are you going? It’s late, so hurry up and go home!”

“That has got nothing to do with you, so just mind your own business!” As Jaden stared at the

retreating back, he shook his head and heaved a sigh.

This sister of mine has something in common with Caiden—once they get something into their heads,

they’re unstoppable! No one would be able to change their minds.

“Has she left?” Caiden queried in a whisper as he poked his head out.

“Yes, she has…”

“Oh yes, tell Caiden that I’ve been over for a visit when he comes back!” Without warning, Noelle came

back.

At that, Caiden hurriedly closed his room door. Leaning against the wall, he inhaled deeply.

Damn it, why did she come back? Was she trying to give me a heart attack?

“I’m leaving, and there’s no need to see me off.” Cutting Jaden off, Noelle then left.

Gah! She’s a woman, so why do I feel as though she’s even more manly than me? Jaden thumped his

head in frustration.

“Well, she has left, so come down and eat your noodles!” the man downstairs hollered.

Phew! She has finally left! Upon hearing that, Caiden removed his cap and mask, followed by his

jacket. Then, he slowly opened the door and peered around before stepping out cautiously.

“Your sister is too scary! God, I really can’t take it!” he groused.

Good heavens! There’s actually someone in this world who can scare him, huh? That’s rather

astounding!

“Help yourself. It’s fresh from the oven.” Jaden placed a bowl of noodles in front of him.

“Okay, thanks. Aren’t you going to eat as well?” Caiden lifted his head and looked at him seriously.

After a moment’s hesitation, Jaden hurried over to the living room.

“Actually, the noodles in your bowl are my leftovers…” After saying that, he immediately dashed into his

room while chortling away.

Noelle had always been a woman who was bold and lived with no regrets. She had long since been

perturbed about Caiden having feelings for Joan, but she then let it go when Caiden went abroad, and

Joan got married. However, she had never expected him to still have designs on Joan now.

People claim that time can extinguish one’s feelings, especially a crush that has never seen the light of

the day. But why hasn’t that shameless guy, Caiden Owens, changed after so long?

“Why are you so anxious? Here, I’ve gotten it for you. Remember to treat me to a meal next time,

okay? I’ve got something to do, so I’ll be leaving first.”

“Sure, no problem! I’ll definitely treat you to a meal!” Noelle flashed the person a smile.

Staring at the slip of paper in her hand, she whipped out her cell phone at once and dialed the number

without an ounce of hesitation.

“Hello. Is this Ms. Watts? Joan Watts, I mean,” she asked in a low voice.

“Hello, Joan speaking. May I know who you are?” Sure enough, it’s her! Noelle’s lips curved into a

smirk.

“Good morning, Ms. Watts. I’m Noelle Ford, Jaden Ford’s sister. There’s something I’d like to ask you,

so I wonder if it’s convenient for us to meet.” She was exceedingly polite and gentle as she spoke, not

betraying the slightest hint of the true feelings within her.

After so many years, she was now an expert in schooling her emotions.

 

Chapter 2079

Upon hearing Jaden’s name, Joan searched her mind for a moment before she finally recalled him.

Since he once helped me, I naturally can’t decline. And this is his sister, so it’s probably fine.

“Sure. Why don’t you send me the location? I’ll go over right away.”

The two of them then exchanged some pleasantries before hanging up the phone. Noelle stood rooted

to the spot, a chill emanating from her.

I just want to see what exactly is so good about Joan Watts that Caiden has been thinking about her

night and day all these years!

“I’ll be going out for a while, Ms. Young!” In the living room, Joan pivoted and headed out after saying

that.

When Delilah heard that, her guard abruptly went up.

“Where are you going, Joan? It’s not quite safe out there nowadays, so try to stay home as much as

possible.”

“It’s okay, so don’t worry, Ms. Young. Gabriella has gone abroad, purportedly to handle some business

matters. Thus, she won’t be back for the time being,” Joan replied with a soft chuckle.

Delilah merely knew that Gabriella had gone abroad recently, but she had no idea why she did so. In

that case, we can really enjoy peaceful days henceforth.

“Alright, then. Have a good time out there, but remember to stay safe.” She then turned around and

went back to the kitchen.

She knew that Joan had been cooped up in the house for a long while, so it was indeed time for her to

go out for some air.

Ah, it’s been such a long time since I’ve been out in the open! Joan raised her head to the sky with her

eyes closed as she breathed in the fresh air.

The air in the village is the best! Excitement imbued her.

She didn’t drive, planning to walk to the entrance of the village and hail a cab instead.

As she gazed at the flowers and plants around her while walking, she found it all endearing.

The flowers in Ms. Young’s garden are probably doing well, no? Subsequently, she righted a clump of

grass that had been trampled by the roadside.

Meanwhile, Noelle sat in a corner in a café as she waited for someone with a stack of documents in her

hands.

Indeed, it was information about Joan in the recent years.

Hah! This woman is really something else. She actually stole her best friend’s husband! At that,

Noelle’s eyes glinted with a vicious gleam. Since she already has a husband, why is she still pestering

Caiden? Or is it merely one-sided on Caiden’s part? No, I should be too reckless in this matter. It’s

better to get to the bottom of it first.

All of a sudden, an elegantly dressed woman pushed open the door and walked in. Well, she must be

Joan Watts, yes? Sure enough, she’s outstanding and stunningly beautiful with a superb figure to boot.

It seems that her personality is nice, too. Also, her countenance merely manifests the beauty of time

without any flaws.

“Hello! Over here!” Noelle swiftly waved a hand at Joan.

When Joan spotted her in the corner, she instantly hurried over.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting,” Joan apologized.

In truth, she wasn’t late. Rather, it was Noelle who was early.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Noelle Ford, Jaden’s sister. I’ve heard all about you,” she declared, cutting right

to the chase.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Joan Watts,” Joan answered with a smile.

She doesn’t look as though she’s a cunning person, but I just don’t understand why she asked me out.

“Is something the matter that you asked me out today, Ms. Ford?” she asked without beating around

the bush.

She didn’t think that Noelle merely asked her out for a cup of coffee. If that were truly the case, then it

would be really dishonest of her.

“Well, I’m going to get right to the point, then. Jaden, Caiden, and I grew up together, so our

relationship is very close. Thus…” At that, Noelle paused for a moment and took a sip of tea while

stealing a glance at the woman sitting across from her.

Hmm? This is strange. Why is there no reaction from her? Shouldn’t she be jealous when I mentioned

the three of us growing up together? But why don’t I see a single hint of chagrin in her eyes? Contrarily,

there’s a wealth of calmness and curiosity.

However, Joan merely smiled as she waited for her to finish her utterance.

“Thus, I like Caiden. Although he has always regarded me as a sister, I’ve been regarding him as a

man.” Noelle was extremely blunt in her words.

 

 

Chapter 2080

All at once, puzzlement swamped Joan. What has she liking Caiden has to do with me? If she likes

him, she should just pursue him! Or could it be that she asked me out to give her some suggestions?

Well, I really hope not. At that thought, she nervously took a sip of coffee.

Hah! She’s finally nervous! Joan Watts, you’re scared at long last, huh?

“Um… How would you like me to help you, Ms. Ford?” Joan questioned out of the blue.

Huh? Noelle was momentarily taken aback at her question. What on earth is going on here? I’m here to

declare war, okay?

“No, I mean… Don’t you have anything to say about that?”

Joan couldn’t quite get her meaning, so she looked at her dubiously with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

“I mean, don’t you have an opinion about that?” Noelle pressed further.

Hmm? This is really weird. How is it my business whether they date? Why are young people nowadays

making relationships so complicated?

“What kind of reaction are you anticipating from me?” Joan asked in a murmur, for she truly couldn’t

figure out the thought processes of the girl before her.

“Aren’t you angry?” Noelle urged.

“I’m already married, Ms. Ford. I have a husband and a child, so I naturally don’t pay much attention to

other people’s love lives. Besides, Caiden and I are merely schoolmates. I’m very grateful to him for

having saved me, so I’ll definitely help him to the best of my ability if he ever requires my help. As for

his love life, I don’t think I should interfere in that. What do you think, Ms. Ford?”

From what she said, she doesn’t seem to have much interest in Caiden. That’s great! I’m more than

happy about that!

Noelle inwardly rejoiced, feeling very much relieved.

“I agree. Um… I mainly asked you out today to make your acquaintance…” she murmured awkwardly.

In all honestly, Joan had already guessed her motive when she mentioned that the three of them grew

up together. But I just don’t understand why she would say all that to me when I’m a married woman,

thus I can’t possibly have any romantic entanglements with Caiden.

“Sure. I’m glad to make your acquaintance,” Joan replied smilingly for courtesy’s sake.

Ah well, never mind. I’ll just keep my questions to myself. Anyway, everyone knows that I’m married, so

there’s no need for me to explain anything.

That was the sum of their conversation, and they both returned home respectively.

“Did you go out earlier?” Joan saw Larry the moment she stepped into the house.

“Yup. I went to meet someone,” she replied softly.

Hmm… Who did she meet? Could it be that junior of hers? Sitting on the sofa, Larry’s brows were

creased deeply and his expression dour.

“It was Jaden’s sister, not that junior of mine,” Joan hastily explained.

Hearing that, Larry instantly burst into laughter. But why did Jaden Ford’s sister seek her out?

Ever since Caiden and Jaden saved Joan and Nancy, he had scrutinized all the information on them

both, so he was extremely familiar with their backgrounds.

Jaden’s Ford’s sister is bold and feisty, while Joan is gentler in nature. So, why would the two of them

get together?

“Were you acquainted with her previously?” He eyed the woman in front of him skeptically.

“Nope. I just got acquainted with her today. She suddenly rang me up and said she wanted to consult

me about something. Seeing as she’s Jaden’s sister, I went over. It turned out that she’s rather

adorable.” Joan snuggled in his arms.

“Why did you she ask you out?”

“She said she likes Caiden. I have no idea why she suddenly told me all that since it doesn’t seem to

have anything to do with me. What could I have said when dating is a personal matter between them?

Speaking of that, it was truly bizarre.” Joan hugged the person in front of her tightly in a bid to steal

some warmth from him.

Goodness, she’s really dense! Why can’t she tell that Caiden Owens has feelings for her? Noelle Ford

must have sought her out this time to declare war but swallowed the words she had prepared

beforehand upon realizing that she doesn’t have any interest in Caiden Owens.

Well, well… Caiden Owens is a complication. Since Noelle Ford did that, it’s proof enough that he

intends to pester Joan. In that case, I’ve got to be careful.

“Mom, why isn’t Grandma home yet when it’s already so late?” Lucius suddenly ran out of his room.