Ch. 2131..2140

Chapter 2131

Larry wouldn’t harm Jessica, but the same couldn’t be said for her father.

After returning home that night, Jessica sat on the sofa in the living room with a pensive look sprawled

on her face.

If Larry is serious about this, Dad will really be in trouble. Her eyes glinted coldly at the thought. She

immediately fished out her phone to call her father.

“Dad, I just met that guy Larry. You should hide. He’s looking for you.” Worry laced her voice.

“Jessica, why are you so stubborn? Didn’t I tell you not to come back? Anyway, don’t worry. He can’t

find me. He doesn’t even know where I am. How can he find my whereabouts? Even if he can, it’s

going to take him some time, but you…” The person on the other line sounded anxious as he trailed off.

Jessica let out a sigh. “Don’t worry about me, Dad. As long as you’re all okay, everything will be fine on

my end.”

The two chatted for a while before ending the call. Full of confidence again after speaking to her father,

Jessica walked to the windows with a spring in her step. As she gazed at the stars in the dark sky, she

began fantasizing about her future with Larry.

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the windows and warmed the room. The woman on the bed

turned over and reached out, only to find the space next to her empty again.

He still hasn’t come home. Joan sighed sadly.

Suddenly, Lucius’ voice rang loudly, interrupting her thoughts, “Mom, I’m going to be late. Can you

send me to school?”

Joan bolted upright in bed and hastily threw on some clothes. Without even applying makeup, she

dashed over to Lucius’ room.

“Mom, I overslept today.” The boy peered at the woman with pitiful eyes.

It’s all Caiden’s fault. He insisted on staying here till late last night to play games with Lucius. And now,

Lucius is going to be late for school.

“Have you packed your stuff, Lucius? I’ll send you to school.” Outside the door, a familiar male voice

reached their ears.

What the hell? Didn’t he go home last night? Why is he here again today? Joan quickly rushed out.

Surprise flashed across her face when she saw the man at the door.

Pointing a finger at him, she started, “Caiden. Didn’t you-”

“I’m ready, Caiden. C’mon, I’m gonna be late. We have to hurry.” Lucius interrupted Joan and directly

hopped into Caiden’s car.

“You little rascal. I knew you’d be late.” The man gently stroked the boy’s hair.

After getting into the car, he waved goodbye to Joan and drove away. The woman was left standing

there alone, unable to wrap her mind around things.

Why do I feel like I’m dreaming? Since when did the two of them become so close? She watched as

the car drove further and further, immersed in thought.

“Hey, is there something going on between you and Caiden?” Delilah came outside and asked softly

while rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

What? We’re just normal friends! A hint of worry appeared in Joan’s eyes.

“It seems like he’s trying to get close to Lucius, but it’s just an excuse to get close to you,” Delilah

muttered under her breath before trudging back into the house.

This situation left a bad taste in Joan’s mouth.

Delilah’s right. Caiden has been coming here too frequently. If this goes on, people will start to gossip. I

have to make things clear with him before it’s too late.

“Joan, your phone’s ringing!” Delilah called out from inside.

“Coming.”

“Joan, what took you so long? I’ve been calling you for ages.” Nancy, who had called, sounded

displeased.

“Oh, I was doing caught up with something. What’s up, Nancy? Why did you call me?”

“I wanna go shopping and buy some new clothes for my baby. Jory is so busy with work every day. He

doesn’t have time to accompany me. So, are you free today, Joan?”

Can I say no… I still have to help out in the supermarket. Many people there are asking me to go back.

 

 

Chapter 2132

Joan found herself in a tight spot all of a sudden.

Sensing her dilemma, Nancy quickly added, “Is this not a good time? It’s fine then. I’ll go on my own.”

“That’s not it, Nancy. I can join you, so just wait for me. I’ll come over as soon as I get ready.”

After a brief conversation, they hung up the call.

Joan would never allow Nancy to go out shopping on her own. She wouldn’t be able to live with herself

if something were to happen to the woman.

Soon, both of them arrived at the mall’s entrance. Nancy was brimming with excitement, but Joan

seemed troubled.

“Isn’t it too early to be shopping for your baby’s clothes?” the latter asked casually.

“Too early? No, it’s not. He’s going to be born very soon.” Nancy stroked her belly affectionately, a

content smile stretching across her lips.

Seeing this, Joan broke into a smile of her own.

Nancy sure has changed a lot. She’s no longer as impulsive as before. Instead, she’s gentle and

thoughtful.

“You probably don’t know this, but the baby is my hope, my everything. I want him to come to this world

smoothly. I want him to grow up healthy and strong.”

She sure is happy. I’m glad. Joan patted her back softly. “He will.”

The two of them didn’t shop for too long because it wasn’t convenient for Nancy to walk around with

her big belly. Hence, they left the mall after she bought a few pieces of clothing and headed to a café

nearby.

“Joan, how are things between you and Larry?”

Just the usual. How else can we be? He’s working overtime every day and can’t make it home, while

I’m afraid of disturbing him. There’s really nothing I can do. Joan bowed her head as hurt flickered

across her eyes.

Forcing her lips into a small smile, she replied, “We’re alright. He’s just been busier than usual lately.”

“Hey, what a coincidence! What are you ladies doing here?” Dustin appeared in front of their table right

then.

“We came out to do some shopping. What about you?” Nancy inquired curiously.

“What else? I’m here for a market survey. The products in the supermarket are up to the mark, but I

was thinking of adding some new ones,” Dustin explained.

Then, he squinted meaningfully and observed, “No wonder Joan is being nagged by her friends at the

supermarket. She didn’t go to work. She’s here to accompany you instead.”

The atmosphere turned slightly awkward as the three of them carried on in a conversation.

Hidden in a corner not far from the café, a pair of eyes took in everything that was happening.

“Can we go now? It’s nothing but a simple gathering between friends,” Jaden whispered.

“I know. I just want to see what kind of people Joan is in contact with,” Caiden murmured back.

Jaden had to consciously stop himself from rolling his eyes. He’s head over heels in love with her.

That’s why he wants to know her inside out, but then what? Will she even appreciate him and his

efforts? Exasperated, Jaden turned his face away, unwilling to look at his friend.

When the two men arrived back at home, Caiden said after some deliberation, “Hey, help me look into

the background of those two people from earlier. Send all the information directly to me.”

Once a person fell too deep in love, it would be difficult to break free. Hence, Caiden’s behavior may

have seemed ridiculous to Jaden, but it was as simple as breathing to Caiden himself.

“Have you gone mad, Caiden? You need to get your sh*t straight and think this through. Joan has a

family. She’s living a simple and good life. Why do you insist on ruining it?” Jaden said impatiently, a

grim expression taking residence on his face.

Jaden had once heard about Caiden and Joan’s story, but he never expected his friend to be so

obsessed with her.

“What do you know? True love knows no bounds,” Caiden retorted.

This is ridiculous! It may be true love for him, but what about for Joan? Instead of wasting time, energy,

and money on her when she clearly doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, why can’t he just settle with being

friends?

“I’m done here. You’re on your own, but don’t go too far. If your mom finds out, Joan will be the one to

suffer.” With that, Jaden went back to his room.

 

Chapter 2133

That remark caught Caiden off guard. He’s right. Mom will never approve of my decision in pursuing

Joan, but what right does she have to meddle in my life? Since I was a child, all she and Dad ever did

was throw money at me. They never once showed genuine concern for me. Since they weren’t present

for my entire childhood, they sure as hell don’t have the right to dictate my life now!

Just then, Jaden came out of his room to add, “By the way, your mom wants you to go home for a meal

this week. She threatened to come straight here if you don’t. You better get your thoughts straight. I’ve

already done my part by delivering her message, but you can do whatever you want.”

Seated downstairs, Caiden’s lips curled into a sneer. Home? Do I even have a home to begin with?

“Tell her I’m not going home,” Caiden said in a clipped tone.

The resolve and animosity in his tone rendered Jaden inarticulate.

Forget it. It’s up to him!

In the quiet office, Larry was leaning back on the sofa while resting his eyes. Outside his office,

everyone was busy with their work. Larry’s devotion to the company boosted their confidence.

Naturally, they didn’t dare to slack when their boss was working overtime every day.

“Larry, why don’t you go home and take a nap? This isn’t the way to go. Your health is more important.”

Caspian studied the man with worry and distress written across his features.

“Don’t worry. I’ll catch a few winks here. How are things going with the foreign manufacturer?” Larry

queried in a weary voice.

“I haven’t been able to contact their boss yet. Apparently, he’s a very difficult person to get in touch

with. It appears that he rarely returns to the country, but don’t worry. I’ll utilize all our connections to find

him,” Caspian reassured.

It’s already been so long, yet there’s still no news about the foreign manufacturer. The domestic

manufacturers are disappearing without a trace, one after another. If this goes on, it’ll only be a matter

of time before Norton Corporation faces a severe withdrawal of shares.

“Find him as soon as possible. Once you do, I’ll fly over immediately. Look for his assistant or perhaps

his relatives; anyone who’s affiliated with him,” Larry ordered while massaging his temples.

He was probably too exhausted. After giving Caspian some instructions, he fell dead asleep on the

sofa. He didn’t even hear his assistant knocking incessantly on his door. Left with no choice, the

assistant could only open the door without his permission. She quietly walked over to his desk and

placed the documents in her hands there. Then, she picked up a blanket and covered him with it.

The assistant sighed softly. It must be really hard on him.

Outside the office, no one criticized Larry for sleeping during work hours because they knew that he

hadn’t gone home for a good night’s sleep in a very long time.

“Miss, you can’t go in there. Mr. Norton is busy,” the assistant exclaimed, blocking Jessica’s way.

“Busy or not, I have something to discuss with him!” Jessica snapped.

“Miss, if you could just wait here until he’s done with his work before going in.” There was a plea in the

assistant’s tone.

After all, she had been working as Larry’s assistant for quite a long time. Hence, she knew him as a

person quite well. She was merely concerned about her boss. Apart from dealing with all kinds of

problems, he also had to face doubts from many shareholders.

“I already told you that I’m here to discuss business matters with Mr. Norton. Don’t try to stop me.”

Jessica shook away the assistant’s hand and strode forward, only to be blocked by the woman again.

What the hell? Does this assistant have a thing for Larry or something? Why else would she be so

adamant on stopping me? Jessica shot a cold glare at the assistant.

Faced with her chilling gaze, the assistant subconsciously backed away a few steps.

In the end, she decided to come clean. “Miss, you really can’t go in there right now. Mr. Norton has

been working overtime recently. He’s tired. He’s currently sleeping in his office, so can you wait until he

wakes up before going in?”

She knew this woman would make a scene just like how Gabriella had done in the past if she didn’t tell

the truth.

This was how such women were. Once provoked, they could very well go off the deep end. Some of

them looked virtuous and docile, but that was only because they hadn’t reached their tipping point.

Once they did, even their boyfriends and family wouldn’t be able to stand in their way.

“Oh. Well, why didn’t you say so? I thought you were intentionally stopping me from entering because

you had a crush on your boss or something.” Jessica sized up the woman in front of her.

 

Chapter 2135

Things weren’t supposed to turn out this way. I merely wanted to find that manufacturing company’s

boss through his daughter, then communicate with him about our collaboration. How did the situation

escalate to this point instead?

“Larry, are you okay?” Caspian barged in right then, concern written on his face.

“I’m fine. Just a little tired. Do you have any news for me?” Larry raised his head, slightly bleary-eyed.

“Yes. It’s about that foreign manufacturing company. The boss is currently on vacation. I haven’t been

able to find out where exactly, but they did mention something about the sea…”

Larry bolted up from his seat.

Good. As long as there’s news, there’s hope. Be it on sea or land, every vacation has an itinerary.

Someone definitely has access to it. They’re only unwilling to disclose that information. It looks like I’ll

have to take matters into my own hands.

“Got it. Book a flight for me,” Larry ordered.

I’ll get an audience with that foreign manufacturer, no matter what it takes.

“By the way, I saw Ms. Zimmer earlier,” Caspian began, fishing for information.

“Yes, she came and left,” came Larry’s nonchalant answer, which got Caspian frowning slightly.

And? What did she say and do? That was Caspian’s real concern.

“Larry, don’t you plan to give up on the Zimmer manufacturing company?”

In truth, Larry had long since wanted to do so, but before successfully forming a partnership with the

foreign manufacturer, he couldn’t cut off all ties with the Zimmer manufacturing company. Even though

he knew it was pointless of him to hold on.

“It’s fine. Leave it for now. Our focus should be on that foreign manufacturer,” Larry answered.

Caspian finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was too late to salvage his relationship with Nancy, so he

didn’t wish for anything to come in between Larry and Joan again.

“Have you looked into it?” Tucked in a corner, a woman exuded a dangerous aura as she glowered at

the man across her.

The man handed a paper bag to Jessica, saying, “Don’t worry, miss. All the information is here. You

know you can trust me.”

“Good. This is your reward. Don’t breathe a word about this to anyone.” The man shuddered slightly at

her menacing tone.

“So… This is Joan Watts. I have to admit, she’s really pretty.” In the living room, Jessica flipped through

the documents in her hands, mumbling to herself.

Meanwhile, the woman she had investigated was trimming some branches in Delilah’s garden.

“You must be tired, Joan. Why don’t you take a break?” Delilah wiped the sweat off her brow and urged

the woman not far away.

“It’s fine. I’m not tired at all. I can’t believe they suggested offering potted plants as gifts to the

customers in conjunction with the event at the supermarket. What were they thinking?” Joan grumbled

under her breath.

It was the same every year, so Delilah had already grown accustomed to it. Everyone in the village

liked plants very much. Meanwhile, Delilah treated her garden as a sacred land, forbidding outsiders

from trespassing.

Hence, they took advantage of the supermarket’s event to put in a request to the department leaders,

proposing to give small potted plants as gifts. Such a proposal would surely increase the supermarket’s

profits. Being people-oriented, the department leaders naturally approved their request.

“How’s it going? Almost done with the trimming?” Dustin asked loudly just as he pushed the door open.

At the sight of this man, a trace of discontent surged in Joan’s heart.

“It’s all your fault. If you didn’t give your consent, Ms. Young wouldn’t have to sacrifice so many plants

of hers.”

Dustin froze for a moment but swiftly regained his composure.

“It’s not like I had much of a choice. The customers put in a request. I couldn’t refuse them, could I?”

Dustin shrugged his shoulders, displaying a helpless look.

“It’s alright. I’m already used to this anyway. Besides, these potted plants were meant to be given away.

I never allowed the others to come into the garden because I was afraid they didn’t know how to

appreciate the plants. Seeing as they’re so eager now, I’m sure they’ll take good care of these potted

plants. Don’t worry, Joan,” Delilah waved a hand and reassured.

 

 

Chapter 2136

Suddenly, a knock on the door came before someone called out from outside, “Excuse me, is Joan

Watts here?”

Joan furrowed her brows at the unfamiliar voice before making her way to the door.

“You are?” She peered suspiciously at the well-dressed woman in front of her.

“Hi, my name is Jessica Zimmer. I’m a close friend of Larry’s.”

Is it really that simple? Joan scrutinized the woman as doubt crept into her heart. If she’s really just a

friend of his, why would she come all the way here?

Something doesn’t seem right. There must be something going on between this woman and Larry.

“How may I help you?” Joan tilted her head curiously at the woman, a trace of wariness gleaming in her

eyes.

A cautious woman, I see. Jessica sneered. Too bad for her because one way or another, I’m going to

make Larry mine! So what if she’s his wife? I always get what I want.

Jessica forced her tone to stay polite as she asked, “Well, I actually want to talk to you about

something. Is that alright?”

There was basically nothing to talk about between two women who didn’t know each other unless it

was about a man. Besides this, Joan couldn’t think of anything else.

“Sorry, but I’m quite busy now. I don’t have time for a chat,” she rejected bluntly.

She didn’t want to waste time on insignificant people, nor did she want to hear unpleasant news

regarding Larry.

“Really? Aren’t you the least bit concerned about your husband’s matters? I heard Norton Corporation

has been facing a huge crisis recently. If it’s not resolved, the company will shut down soon.” Jessica

casually picked her nails, feigning disdain.

She was actually a little bit nervous on the inside. After all, this was the first time she had gone as far

as approaching a man’s family.

“Fine. Give me a moment while I get changed.” With that, Joan went over to Delilah.

Leaning down, she whispered to Delilah, “Ms. Young, I’m going out for a while. I have some matters to

handle.”

Delilah looked at Joan, then at Jessica who was just a distance away. For some reason, the woman felt

slightly unsettled.

“What’s wrong? Is she causing you trouble? Is it because of Larry? Joan, no matter what happens, you

will always have our support. You just need to follow your heart,” Delilah replied firmly while patting

Joan’s shoulder.

At present, everything was uncertain. Hence, before she verified the relationship between Larry and

Jessica, she would refrain from acting rashly. However, she had a feeling that this woman wouldn’t give

up on Larry without a fight.

“Alright, I know. I’m leaving now. Dustin, help Ms. Young trim the plants.” Joan passed the tool in her

hand to the man standing nearby.

The restaurant was relatively quiet. Perhaps due to the rainy day, there were very few patrons. Even

the music lost its former elegance and turned somber instead.

“Ms. Zimmer, did my husband upset you in any way?” Joan went straight to the point.

Though, I have a feeling that she’s the one who’s been clinging to him and not the other way around.

Joan clenched her fists under the table in an attempt to remain calm.

How can this woman be so calm? Shouldn’t she be afraid? Jessica sipped on her coffee to hide her

surprise. It seems like she has quite a strong mentality. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. This is the

woman Larry fell for after all.

“Well, you see. My father is Norton Corporation’s biggest manufacturer. He’s been working with Mr.

Norton for many years. A while ago, my father terminated their contract for some reason. No one

knows where he is now, and Mr. Norton seems to be very desperate to continue collaborating with my

father.” Jessica paused abruptly after that sentence.

Joan raised an eyebrow. And? What’s she trying to say? Is she trying to imply that Norton Corporation

won’t be able to continue operating without her family?

How absurd. There are so many manufacturing companies in the world. I doubt her father’s

manufacturing company is the best. As far as I know, Larry has only been keeping in touch with the

Zimmer family as a precaution, when in fact, he’s been searching for a bigger business partner at the

same time.

 

Chapter 2137

It seems like this woman still doesn’t know about it yet. Joan pouted, smartly choosing to remain silent.

“As you know, I am my father’s only daughter. He loves me a lot, and he would do anything for me,”

Jessica said deliberately. She guessed Joan was willing to sacrifice her own happiness for Norton

Corporation.

At this point, Joan understood that the woman was offering a cooperation deal in exchange for Larry.

She shook her head internally, for she knew Jessica would be disappointed. To Joan, there were

countless manufacturers in the world, yet there was only one Larry.

If the worst came to the worst, and Norton Corporation really went into insolvency, they could still stage

a comeback and rebuild their former glory. Hence, she was prepared for the worst that could happen.

Yet, no one knew what Larry had churning in his mind.

There were too many uncertainties in the future. No one knew for sure if he could reach the

cooperation deal that he looked forward to most.

“Ms. Zimmer, I think you’ve got something wrong. I’m not familiar with the company’s matters since

Larry has always been the one in charge of them,” Joan said coldly.

Does she really think she can put me off easily? Hmph! She has underestimated me! Jessica put down

her spoon. She straightened up and looked at Joan sternly, her eyes burning with anger.

“I know you’re not in charge of Norton Corporation’s business matters, but do you know how busy Mr.

Norton is? He doesn’t even have the time to have a proper meal. Every day, he works until midnight,

and he can only catch a few winks in the morning. You don’t deserve to be his wife! You can’t give him

any support, but I can. Not only can I take care of him, but I can also get him more collaboration

opportunities and prevent the Norton Corporation from getting into hot water. Joan Watts, if you really

love him, you should give my words some thought. I still have something that I need to attend to, so I’ll

be going now.” With that, Jessica grabbed her purse and left the restaurant.

Joan’s eyes dimmed as she looked in the direction where Jessica had left in a huff.

She knew Larry had been very busy recently, so it was understandable if the latter didn’t come home at

night. Yet, she had never thought he was overworking himself. At that instant, she couldn’t help feeling

guilty. Jessica was right. I don’t deserve to be Larry’s wife when I don’t even know what my husband is

going through.

She quickly fished out her phone and made a call.

While waiting for the call to get through, she tried to calm herself down. Her voice was trembling as she

asked, “Are you still in the office?”

“Yes. What’s wrong? Is everything alright at home?” Larry asked worriedly.

Hearing the man’s voice, Joan almost burst into tears.

She quickly reassured him, “No… Everything is fine. Umm… I’m going to your office later to bring you

some food and clothes.”

Pleased, the man on the other side of the line curled his lips into a smile.

He was contented as long as Joan still remembered and cared about him.

The two chatted for a while before one of them hung up.

Joan looked up at the sky, trying to hold back her tears. Then, she left for home after having collected

herself.

Sometimes, God loved messing around with those couples that were deeply in love by throwing all

sorts of misunderstandings and obstacles in their way.

Later that day, while busying herself in the kitchen, she received a phone call. A lady with a sweet voice

asked over the phone, “Hello, are you Caiden’s family?”

Family? I’m Caiden’s friend. Joan was confused.

“No. I’m his friend. I think you’ve got the wrong person.”

When she was about to end the call, the nurse quickly explained, “We’re calling from Clear Hospital.

Mr. Owens got into an accident and was admitted to our hospital. You’re his friend, aren’t you? We

need you to come to the hospital and sign the consent form.”

Hearing that, I was slightly bewildered. But I don’t know Caiden’s family’s contact number. Where the

hell is Jaden? Right! Jaden! He must know how to contact them.

Not losing any time, Joan put down the knife and gave Jaden a call.

 

 

Chapter 2138

“Sorry, the number you have dialed is unavailable…”

Damn it! I can’t reach him when I need him.

Just then, Joan’s phone once again rang.

“Are you guys really Mr. Owens’ friends? None of you are reachable when he needs you most. I don’t

care who you are but come to the hospital immediately. I need you to sign the consent form,” the doctor

demanded coldly and hung up.

A moment earlier, she thought it was only one of Caiden’s tricks. Yet, it seemed like there was really no

one with him.

She looked at her cooking halfway done in the kitchen and then at her phone. Eventually, she made up

her mind and rushed out of the house.

In the hospital, Caiden was lying on the bed with his eyes closed, receiving IV therapy. Joan watched

anxiously as the nurse adjusted the IV tube.

“Miss, when will he wake up?” Joan asked.

“I’m not sure.” Then, the nurse started grumbling, “None of his family nor friends answered our calls,

except for you. Still, you dallied to come to the hospital. This concerns the patient’s life. Who’s going to

be responsible if anything happens to him? You or the hospital?”

Feeling embarrassed for being petty-minded earlier, Joan kept her head down. She fixed her eyes at

the unconscious man who was lying on the bed, steeped with guilt.

How could he be so careless when he was driving? At the same time, her mind was occupied by the

phone call with Larry earlier. Feeling agitated, she unwittingly wrung her hands.

She had promised to bring Larry food and clothes, yet the phone call from the hospital threw her plan

astray.

Caiden, wake up! She clasped her hands and prayed.

Meanwhile, Jessica was talking with a doctor in the corridor of the hospital. “Alright. Thank you, doctor.

I will be mindful,” she said compliantly.

The doctor once again reminded her, “Ms. Zimmer, you should avoid consuming cold food items or

drinks, or it might have a toll on your body.”

“I got it. Send my regards to your mom.” With that, Jessica left.

The woman had a knack for getting easily sick when the seasons changed. It was a chronic condition,

which she had gotten used to over the years.

Just then, Jessica heard a familiar voice, “Miss, when did he get admitted?”

Isn’t that Joan’s voice? Jessica walked forward gingerly, following the direction the voice had come

from.

In the ward, the nurse answered, “A few hours ago. If his family came earlier, we wouldn’t have left him

untreated for so long.”

Jessica was shocked to hear that. Family? Did I hear it correctly?

She moved closer to the ward and saw a man lying on the bed. The man looked unfamiliar, yet he

didn’t seem to be an average man to her.

Well, well, I’ve indeed underestimated Joan. It turns out she has a secret lover! Poor Larry still doesn’t

know his wife has cheated on him! Upon that discovery, a cold glint flashed across her eyes.

Larry was busily going through the documents. For some reason, he looked rather happy as he did so.

Just then, a woman sashayed her way into the office in high heels and commented, “It seems like

you’re in a good mood today.”

“Why are you here again?” he asked coldly.

What is with this unwelcoming attitude? Hmph! Wait till he finds out about his wife who cuckolded him!

Then he’ll know he should treat me better.

Ignoring his question, Jessica placed a lunchbox in front of him. “I bet you haven’t eaten lunch. Here,

I’ve prepared this for you.”

“I don’t need it,” Larry rejected without even sparing a glance at her.

Tsk tsk tsk! Look how he turned me down. He made it look like I’m begging him to taste my food.

Regardless, Jessica put on a good front as she went to sit on the sofa and flipped the documents on

the coffee table.

With feigned casualness, she asked, “Don’t tell me you’re still waiting for your dear Joan?”

Hearing that, Larry paused in his pen. With a serious expression, he looked up at the woman sitting not

far away.

“Yes. I’m waiting for my wife,” he stated firmly.

 

 

Chapter 2139

“You shouldn’t wait anymore. She won’t come. Who knows what she’s doing behind your back?

Perhaps she’s busy with her dirty deeds.” Jessica had gone too far, yet she was totally unaware of

herself being rude.

Sitting behind his desk, Larry was pulling a long face. The man was obviously angry at her rude

remarks.

He uttered bluntly, “Ms. Zimmer, I hope you think twice before you say anything. Don’t you think you’re

too unmannerly for a lady who comes from a respectable family?”

He hated it when people bad-mouthed Joan. She might have done something wrong, yet no one but he

had the right to criticize her.

Disregarding his warning, Jessica continued to provoke him, “What, you still don’t know about it? Didn’t

she tell you that she’s busy taking care of another man? Oh, Larry, she doesn’t have the time to bother

about you.”

What is she talking about? There are no other men at home. Well, Lucius is still a boy.

Larry rose to his feet. “What are you trying to say?”

“I see you’re mad. It seems like she didn’t tell you, huh? I’d better not get myself involved in this. I’m

leaving now.” With that, Jessica left Larry’s office.

What’s going on? Where is Joan? What is she doing right now? Didn’t she promise to come to my

office?

Feeling worried, Larry made a call to Caspian. “Caspian, I need you to go and look for Joan,” he

ordered coldly.

Meanwhile, Caspian felt unsettled when he received the order. Did something happen to Joan?

The man’s features were laced with worry as he drove his car to carry out the instruction.

After hanging up, Larry called Joan more than ten times. To his disappointment, the woman didn’t

answer any of his calls.

Gloom veiled his face as he hurled his phone onto the sofa. There was a murderous look in his eyes.

Meanwhile, in the hospital. The nurse shoved a small plastic bag full of medicine into Joan’s arms.

“Here, this is the patient’s medicine. Three times a day according to their dosages. Come and look for

me when he finishes them.”

Just then, the man lying on the bed called her softly, “Joan.”

Hearing his voice, Joan turned around and walked closer to his bedside.

“Do you feel better now?” she asked with her voice full of concern.

After all, Caiden had saved her life before. She couldn’t help feeling worried about him when he got

injured.

“Joan, why are you here?” Caiden asked feebly, though there was a hint of smugness shining in his

eyes.

“The doctor called me, saying he couldn’t contact any others on your contact list, so he asked me to

come to the hospital. You shouldn’t move around. Tell me what you need, and I’ll help you with it.” With

that, Joan made Caiden lie down on the bed when the latter tried to sit up.

“I need some water,” he requested. “I haven’t drunk any the entire night.”

“Alright, I’ll go get some warm water for you. Wait here, and don’t move around,” Joan once again

reminded him before walking out of the ward.

“Arghh— “

Outside the ward, a patient holding a thermos flask ran into her. At that instant, Joan’s arm was scalded

by the hot water, causing a small area of her skin to blister almost immediately.

The patient immediately apologized, “Oh no, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it.”

“It’s fine,” Joan said with suppressed emotions.

Having seen everything that had happened, Caiden bellowed at the patient, “Hey, are you blind? Watch

where you’re going! Didn’t you see someone walking in front of you?”

Then, the man struggled to get down from the bed and slowly made his way toward Joan.

“Are you alright? Does it hurt a lot?” he asked worriedly. His heart ached to see the painful blisters on

her arm.

“I’m fine. You shouldn’t get out of bed. Don’t worry. It’s nothing serious.” With that, Joan helped Caiden

to the bed and made him lie down.

At that moment, Caiden couldn’t help feeling dejected when she tried to stay strong and hide her injury

from him. She was always considerate, and she wouldn’t afford him the chance to take care of her.

 

 

Chapter 2140

I’d rather her show her weakness or whines in front of me. Why must she always put up a tough front?

A trace of disappointment appeared in Caiden’s eyes.

Or, will she only show her soft side in front of Larry?

In fact, Caiden had guessed it right. Larry was the one and only person to whom Joan would vent all

her emotions. Likewise, she felt free to show her melodramatic side in front of that man.

Suddenly, Caiden’s head snapped up. He then asked an unexpected question, “I have a question. Do

you mind me calling you by your first name?”

Joan hesitated for a brief moment, but a composed expression soon appeared on her face.

“Of course not,” she replied with a hint of awkwardness.

Actually, only her friends and family got to call her by her name. Caiden, on the other hand, was only

one of her many juniors in university back then. Yet, since they had graduated, she was no longer his

senior, so she had no justified reason not to let him call her by her first name.

“Joan, didn’t you go home last night?” Caiden asked.

In fact, not only did she not go home, she didn’t even get to sleep the entire night. The nurse said there

had to be someone to take care of Caiden and constantly check on him. Since she was the only one

here with him, she needed to stay up all night.

“No, I stayed here last night.” Then, she asked, “Are you hungry? I’ll go buy you some food.”

For some reason, Caiden suddenly brightened up, his eyes shining with joy. “I’m craving a croissant,”

he uttered smilingly.

He was happy as long as Joan was there with him.

Soon after, the woman grabbed her purse and left the ward. Caiden watched as Joan’s figure vanished

from sight. He succumbed to his curiosity when he took her phone, which was on silent mode, from the

bedside table.

As expected, there were a lot of missed calls from Larry.

Larry Norton must be worried sick. That’s what I want – to make him anxious and wait in agony! Caiden

clenched the blanket at the thought of the other man.

The weather was nice that day. On the busy street, most of the passersby had coffee or sandwiches in

their hands. They were having their breakfasts in a hurry while heading to their respective destinations.

It took Joan a long time to finally find a bakery.

“Two croissants, please,” she ordered politely.

“Alright. Here you go.” The bakery owner handed her the brown bag with the croissants.

All of a sudden, he exclaimed, “Ah, it’s you! It’s been a long time, isn’t it?”

Do I know him? Joan tried to recall the man, but her effort was in vain. The man’s face and voice didn’t

ring a bell with her.

“It’s been years since I last saw you. You still look beautiful. I bet you don’t remember me, huh? Before

this, I owned a coffee shop instead of this bakery. Do you remember? The coffee shop where you and

Ms. Barrymore frequented?”

“Ah, I remember it now! It’s nice to see that you’re running your own bakery. I see you have a lot of

customers here,” Joan commented smilingly.

“Yes. It’s more profitable to run a bakery. Besides, the location is more strategic here. How are you and

Mr. Norton doing?” the bakery owner asked.

Joan didn’t know how to answer that simple question. Recently, it was hard for her to meet Larry since

the latter spent most of his time working overtime in the office.

Nevertheless, she gave the bakery owner a put-off answer. “We’re fine. Thanks for asking. I got to go

now, see you!”

As she was leaving, the bakery owner called out from behind, “Alright. Get going already. Do come to

my bakery next time!”

Actually, Joan didn’t recall knowing the bakery owner or the coffee shop that he mentioned earlier.

Have I not recovered all my memories yet after the car accident? Joan felt panicked at the thought.

Fortunately, she still remembered all her loved ones.

On her way back to Caiden’s ward, Joan looked bothered. Frustration was written all over her face.

Just then, a doctor approached her and asked, “Ms. Watts, what’s wrong? You don’t look too well.”

“Huh? Um… Well… I didn’t wear my coat, and it’s a bit cold outside,” Joan explained.

“Do you feel cold? I can lend you my coat…”

Before he could finish his words, Joan was quick to reject him, “There is no need. I was just out buying

breakfast. It will not be cold in the hospital. I’m fine, doctor.”