Ch. 2381..2390
Chapter 2381
Back in the office, Caspian was curious. “Larry, how did you end up drinking with Caiden?”
They were arch-rival. Did they really go for a meal and drank together? This is unbelievable!
“We had a meal together, that’s all. Stop exaggerating.” Larry threw him a glance and said.
Two love rivals sat down for a meal together? Well, if that is not headline news, what is? Caspian could
not read Larry’s mind.
He changed the subject, pointed at a pile of documents on the table, and said, “The assistant just sent
these documents for you.”
Suddenly, Caiden entered the office and exclaimed, “Larry, let’s go for a meal!”
Caspian was perplexed by Caiden’s presence.
“No, I’m not going.” Larry rejected Caiden resolutely.
“Why? Are you going to ignore me?” Caiden mumbled as he walked over and sat down. Caspian was
so shocked.
Don’t tell me something strange happened between the two men last night? Is there a shift in Larry’s
sexual orientation? Caspian eyed Larry, hungrily searching for more juicy clues.
“Stop your nonsense. And you, stop speculating. There is nothing between the two of us,” Larry roared
in frustration.
He is so eager to clarify and brush it off! That means it is true! Caspian was convinced his guess was
right.
He was worried he would get influenced by these two men, so he tried to get away.
“Larry, I have something on. I’ll make a move first.” Caspian retreated hurriedly as he spoke.
I had better stay out of this. Even if I wanted to help him get over his confusion, I don’t think I will be
successful. It had always been me taking instructions from him. We had never reversed that role. Joan
would be a better candidate to help him in this matter.
“Your buddy seemed to have misread us,” Caiden remarked, unbothered.
“I am aware,” Larry said.
“Ain’t you worried there will be gossips about us?”
That will not happen.” Larry was confident.
He knew Caspian well. Even if he had privy knowledge into some gossips, he would keep it to himself.
He was never a blabbermouth.
“What are you saying? Larry and Caiden? How is that possible? Caspian, is there a misunderstanding?
Larry is straight!” Joan was defensive.
“I know, Joan. But that doesn’t mean Caiden is. If Larry is led astray by that jerk, we are in trouble,”
Caspian grumbled.
“Okay. You keep this to yourself. I will find out!” With that, she ended the call.
What mischief is Caiden up to? Fancy him seducing Larry! And what is wrong with Larry? Why is he
entertaining Caiden?
After being rejected by Larry, Caiden went home.
Jaden and Noelle were not in. An emotionally perplexed Caiden lay down on the sofa and mindlessly
flipped through the newspapers.
He did not expect he could hit it off and be buddies with Larry.
“Caiden, open the door!” Joan was outside the door.
Why is she here? She doesn’t have to be mindful of being seen with me anymore? Caiden had a
mischievous thought in mind, and he ran towards the door.
“My dear Joan, are you here to cook for me?” He looked at his watch and asked sweetly.
Cook for you? Dream on! Joan stomped into the living room and looked around. Thank goodness Larry
is not here.
“What are you looking for?” Caiden asked.
“Not looking for anything. I came for some clarification. What is happening between you and Larry?”
She went straight to the point.
“Nothing. We just clicked!” he shrugged and replied.
What he meant by clicked was they became friends.
However, Joan’s mind got the wrong cue, so she misconstrued that as they fell for each other. She
rested her hands on her hips and fumed.
Chapter 2382
“What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be happy we are no longer hostile towards one another?” Caiden posed
softly.
He must be crazy! She was in distress.
“Caiden Owens, you look like a normal guy. Why don’t you find yourself a girlfriend? Why do you have
to mess with my husband?” Joan growled.
Why can’t men have a good time together? Everyone thought it’s fine when women are close to one
another, but most frown at the news of how close some men can be.
“Stop meeting Larry from now on,” she demanded.
“Why?” he asked, baffled.
He has the audacity to ask me why? Is he really oblivious or is he feigning ignorance?
“I’ll whack you if I ever see you with Larry again in the future!” With that, Joan turned and left.
She is still so adorable! Caiden rued his unrequited love for Joan as he watched her disappear through
the door.
If I had met her before Larry did, would she have agreed to be my girlfriend?
Life can be boring and funny at the same time. Caiden turned to walk into the kitchen and made himself
busy.
Joan headed straight to Norton Corporation after she left Caiden’s place. In the office, Larry was
napping on his table.
He must have been drained out from the night before as he looked tired.
Joan took the blanket from the sofa and gently draped it over Larry. Unfortunately, she woke him
instead.
He rubbed his eyes and asked, “What brings you here?”
“I came to visit you.” She decided not to raise the subject about him and Caiden.
“Let’s eat out tonight, just the two of us,” Larry suggested.
That totally wiped out any doubts she had about this man.
He is absolutely fine!
“Sure!”
Larry and Joan had not visited Nancy since she gave birth to her daughter. If Nancy hadn’t called Joan,
she would likely have procrastinated.
“Is love a frivolous game to you? First, the two of you divorce, then you reconcile.” Nancy nagged at
Joan as she kissed her baby.
Joan was embarrassed. It was incomprehensible to her as well. Everything happened in a flash, and
the divorce ended even before it could sink into her mind.
“Oh, by the way, did Dustin contact you?” Nancy popped this question unexpectedly.
“No. I have not met him in a while.”
“He was ousted from Norton Corporation, so he must be devastated.” Nancy shook her head and
muttered.
Joan was surprised by Nancy’s revelations. The thought of what Dustin would do just to take over
Norton Corporation never crossed her mind. She could never imagine that he would even resort to
illegal means such as faking evidence.
She was puzzled why Larry kept her in the dark and quietly took on all the burden by himself.
“Stop wondering. Larry chose to divorce you as he wanted to protect you from being dragged down by
him. I’m glad everything is back on track now,” Nancy elaborated.
Although Dustin was Jory’s buddy, Nancy could not side with him as his conduct was abominable.
On the other hand, Joan was overwhelmed with guilt. Larry must be so emotionally distressed during
that ordeal, yet I was throwing tantrums at him.
“What happened then? How did Larry wrestle back and gained control of Norton Corporation? And how
did Dustin get ousted?” She desperately wanted to find out.
“Larry left the country for an extended period of time. I heard he was trying to find a sleeping
shareholder who had kept himself away from the business world. His efforts were not wasted, as he
managed to find him,” Nancy explained.
Joan knew Larry left the country, but she did not know he went away for Norton Corporation. She also
did not know the hardships he faced while he was overseas. Now that she was made aware, her heart
bled for him.
Chapter 2383
“Joan, you ought to treasure Larry. During his most difficult times, he chose to proceed with the divorce
in order to protect you. And he never gave up on you even after he got Norton Corporation back.”
She is right. I owe this man too much.
“Enough about that. Now, look at my daughter. Isn’t she adorable?” Nancy quickly changed the subject
as she was worried Joan would start crying if they continued talking about what Larry has gone
through.
She was aware that things had been tough on both Joan and Larry. They had been through so much
together over the years, but nothing had separate them so far. The only time they were apart was when
Joan went missing after the accident. Thankfully, destiny was in their favor, and their paths crossed
again.
“I’m sorry I could not send you my best wishes when you gave birth, as I was not well myself,” Joan
apologized softly.
“That’s alright. I totally understand. How is your health, Joan? I heard you went through surgeries. Are
you okay?” Nancy asked with concern.
“I’m fine now,” Joan assured her.
After having gone through lots of ups and downs in their lives, the two ladies had matured. Their topics
of discussion were no longer playful and carefree like before.
“Baby, Joan is here to see you!” Nancy was smiling as she interacted with the baby in her arms.
Joan was very pleased with the sight of Nancy looking blissed and elated.
She had finally become a mother and was no longer the wilful and unreasonable Nancy Barrymore.
“Joan, I realized a person would change after becoming a mother. I’ve learned so much from
motherhood,” Nancy said.
She was absolutely right. Women had an advantage when it came to taking on different roles. Many
could instinctively become wonderful wives and mothers without any guidance. It was easy to see how
they achieved that. Women were naturally more sensitive and nurturing; hence, they would make sure
everything at home was properly taken care of, so their kids and husband could enjoy a comfortable
life.
“Nancy, you are getting more beautiful by the day,” Joan praised. She meant both her beautiful face
and the inner beauty in Nancy.
“Nancy, what would you like to eat today?” Jory chirped as he walked in. He seemed to be in a good
mood.
“Joan is here.” Jory saw her and immediately went forward to greet her. However, the twinkle in his
eyes dimmed.
“The two of you have a good chat. I’ll make a move now.” Joan stood up and was ready to leave.
“Don’t go now! We were together every day and had run out of things to talk about. You stay and chat
with me!” Nancy grabbed her arms, refusing to let her go.
“Yes. Nancy had been looking forward to your visit. Since you are here, do stay a little longer.” With
that, Jory left the room instead.
“Ignore him,” Nancy dismissed as she took a glance at the door closing behind him.
Did they have a little tiff? Joan scratched her head and wondered.
“Did the two of you fight?” she asked Nancy.
“No, baby knows I can’t be bothered to fight with him, right? Mommy was just annoyed that Daddy
keeps secrets from me,” she said, obviously out of spite.
From the look of it, the two had some disagreements.
“You can confide in me if you want. It is not good to keep bad feelings bottled up. The tension will affect
your child too,” Joan remarked.
They fought over a small matter. Nancy was unhappy Jory knew about Dustin’s sinister plot against
Norton Corporation, yet he chose to keep quiet about it.
“It is normal for a couple to bicker, but don’t be too harsh on Jory. You had just given birth, and he had
to manage his company affairs as well, so it must be quite taxing on him.”
“Joan, what’s wrong with you? Why are you siding Jory instead?” Nancy pouted, upset.
Chapter 2384
She was not siding Jory. After she got to know the hardships Larry went through, she saw things
differently. Sometimes, it can be tough being a man.
“Of course not. I had your interest in mind. I felt so sad when I saw Larry drained by what happened
recently, so…” she hesitantly tried to explain.
She did not have to finish her sentence. Nancy understood where she was coming from.
“Joan, your phone is ringing.”
“Coming!” Joan responded as she came hurrying out from the washroom.
“Where are you? I’ll go and pick you up.” It was Larry.
“I’m at Nancy’s place. You don’t have to do that. Let’s meet at the restaurant.” She cared dearly for him
and wanted him to get more rest.
Joan was about to hang up when Larry cut in, “Just stay there. I’ll pick you up.” He hung up without
giving her a chance to object.
“What’s up? You have a date with Larry?” Nancy probed, looking at her inquisitively from the sofa.
“Let him court you like before. It’s good that you can enjoy the sweet ‘I’m in love’ experience again,”
she jested.
At this age? Romance is not a high priority after you have kids. To Joan, what was more important was
for the family to have a peaceful and happy life. Everything else was secondary.
“Hey, your precious is crying again. You’d better attend to her.” Joan directed her attention back to her
baby.
Nancy immediately picked up her baby and started pacifying her, “Mommy is here. It’s alright. No more
crying, my precious baby.”
“What? You are not kidding me, are you? Joan is back?” Dustin shouted in disbelief, his gaze fixed on
Jory.
He had been trying to find out about Joan’s whereabouts without success for a long time. It was a little
unreal when he suddenly heard that she was back.
“Yes, she is back. She came to visit Nancy yesterday,” Jory replied listlessly.
By this time, she would be aware of my unsuccessful attempt to take over Norton Corporation. Would
she hate me for that? Remorse and sorrow overwhelmed Dustin.
“Have a good chat and explain to her,” Jory patted him on his back and consoled.
Dustin knew Joan well. She valued integrity in a person and would despise him for the unscrupulous
move he made. Dustin dejectedly took out a cigarette and started smoking.
“Since when did you start smoking so heavily?” Jory was concerned. “Since the day Joan left.” That
was Dustin’s reply.
Jory could clearly see that Joan had a special place in Dustin’s heart all this while. His love for her had
never changed, be it before or after her divorce. His motivation to fight for Norton Corporation was also
her.
“They have not remarried. You still stand a chance,” Jory reminded him. The fact was, Larry and Joan
only had eyes for each other, and they would not let anyone into their hearts.
Dustin looked out of the window and sighed wearily. He knew Joan would not marry any other man
even if she divorced Larry. And Larry would ultimately marry her again.
“It’s not going to work,” Dustin despondently replied.
Jory felt sorry for the disheartened Dustin.
The greatest weakness of his buddy was his stubbornness. Once he set his heart on someone, he
would not give up easily.
“Are you going to meet her?” Jory was curious.
Of course! I still stand a chance so long as she and Larry are not married. He still harbored a faint
hope.
“She is at the park. Do you want to go there to take a look?” Dustin turned around to look at Jory, gave
him a smile, then hurriedly went out.
Yes, he was heading out to meet her! Joan was seated on a bench in the park and staring into the sky.
She could not understand why Dustin was picking on Larry and undermining Norton Corporation.
“Excuse me, could you please kick the ball over to me?” Her thoughts were interrupted by a little kid’s
shout.
Joan looked down and saw a football next to her. The earnest look in the kid’s eyes reminded her of
Lucius.
Chapter 2385
“Sure!” She extended her right leg and gently kicked the ball back to the little kid. Dustin was watching
her from afar.
That was why he fell for her. She was kind, innocent and he loved her loving and gentle interactions
with kids.
“Joan.” She was in a terrible mood when she heard that familiar voice calling out to her. Should I ask
him about his attempt to sabotage Norton Corporation? He should be feeling remorseful, right? For a
moment, she was lost for words when she faced him.
“Why are you here alone?” Dustin asked tenderly. “I just wanted to take a breather. What about you? It
has been a long time. How are you?” Joan returned.
“I’m fine, but I missed you.” He was direct.
Joan was taken aback and speechless. She sidestepped and changed the subject. “I heard business at
the supermarket was slow recently.
She did not have to hear that from anyone. Dustin was in such a sad state, and that said it all. “Still
manageable. What about you? I heard you went on a vacation. Are you feeling better after the trip?” he
asked with concern.
“I’m fine.” The park was eerily quiet as they exchanged pleasantries awkwardly.
Joan was contemplating whether or not to ask him about Norton Corporation, while Dustin was also
pondering if he should confess to her what he did to the Nortons. They were both mulling over the
same subject but did not dare to bring it up.
It took him much effort to win her over as a friend. Dustin desperately hoped he will not lose her respect
over the Norton Corporation incident.
“Are you okay?” Joan gently asked. “I’m fine. What can go wrong?” he replied with a forced smile.
“Dustin, don’t you have anything to tell me?” Joan finally could not suppress herself and pointedly
asked him. There should be no secrets between friends, especially between old friends like them.
Dustin hesitated, and his expression clearly showed his sense of guilt. She knew, after all. Heck!
Rather than letting her imagination run wild, I might as well come clean.
“Yes, I have a confession, Joan. You may think I am evil, but you cannot deny the fact that I love you. I
wanted to win you over from Larry and marry me. I wanted to destroy Larry, to crush his confidence…”
He was brutally honest and direct. Joan thought she was mentally prepared for anything he threw at
her, but his words still gave her the shudders.
“Why? I thought we were friends? Why did you do this to me? Don’t you know when you destroy Larry,
you are destroying me at the same time?” Joan did not mince her words as well.
He wasn’t surprised she said that as he could see it coming. Her heart was filled with love for Larry,
with no place left for him.
“Why are you so cruel?” Dustin brooded. Joan was bewildered. She did not know what wrong she had
done to him. Or, how she had offended this man.
“Dustin, I hope you remember that you are my savior and friend,” she offered.
“Then?” he asked.
“And, that’s all we can be.” That was her reply. As expected, she was resolute.
And true enough, he had no place in her heart. The saddest part was, he had spent so many years
waiting for her.
“I always wanted to maintain a good relationship with you, but you keep trying to put us in trouble,”
Joan continued.
“Joan, you know I can never co-exist with Larry!” It would be a miracle if two love rivals can get along
peacefully. “Fine. This is the end then.” With that, she stood up to leave.
Dustin pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. “Could you give me another chance, please?” His
pleading was so heartfelt and ardent that she nearly succumbed. “Let go of me!”
Chapter 2386
“Dustin, are you out of your mind? Let go of me!” Joan shouted.
She never expected him to behave so disrespectfully towards her.
“Joan, can you please leave with me?” Dustin buried his face in her neck and begged.
His breathing was heavy and rapid. She knew he was aroused.
“If you want to keep our friendship, then let me go this instant,” she barked coldly.
Unfortunately, he was not interested in being her friend. He had always seen her as his better half, or
even his wife!
“I’ve pinned for you for too long. I do not wish to wait any longer,” he cried out.
Who asked him to wait? From the start, I have made it clear that it was impossible for anything to
happen between the two of us!
“Dustin, I am not going to repeat myself. If you continue to behave like this, I will not show you any
mercy!” Joan had a glint of menace in her eyes as she warned him.
“No, I am not letting go!”
Ouch! Dustin let out a scream. Joan bit into his arm with all her might.
“From this moment, we shall not meet again. Don’t come looking for me, and we will take it as we have
never met before.” Joan turned and stormed off after leaving him these harsh words.
What a ruthless woman! How cruel of her! Dustin was left standing there with his fist clenched,
disgruntled. He could not understand how Larry was superior to him. He could not understand why
Joan was so besotted with that jerk! They are divorced, and she is single now, yet she refuses to give
me a chance.
That is so unfair!
Thump! Dustin waved his fist and hit the tree next to him. Blood oozed out between his fingers, but he
could not feel any pain.
No pain could compare to the heartache he felt at that moment.
The phone in his pocket had been ringing non-stop, but he was too devastated to notice it. After a long
while, he finally snapped out of his distress and answered the call.
“How did it go? Is everything okay?” Jory’s voice was filled with concern.
“I failed.” Dustin replied feebly.
Joan was the only woman he had ever loved. Since she came into his world, he had no place in his
heart for any other woman. Unfortunately, she had already taken someone else into her heart.
Jory was seated at a corner table of a cafe, sipping on his coffee, waiting for someone.
Soon, a sullen man walked in.
“Leave!” Out of the blue, Jory uttered this. Dustin lifted his head to look at him, puzzled.
“Joan is not interested in you. It made no difference whether she was still married or divorced. You
knew where you stand, Dustin, so please stop this foolish act,” Jory implored.
Yes, indeed, he was foolish! Foolish enough to pin for that woman for so many years.
“But I can’t let go of her,” Dustin cried, wretched. Why couldn’t he just let go? She has Larry, and she is
contented.
“You should pursue your own happiness and stop wasting your time and efforts on Joan,” Jory
continued to persuade him.
He hated to see his best buddy wallowing in sorrow over this unrequited love.
Moreover, it was a pointless one-sided obsession. He had been in denial and refused to acknowledge
the reality.
The two men had a long chat. The sky was dark when Dustin shuffled out of the cafe, crestfallen.
His only weakness was Joan. He would do anything to win her over, to save their relationship.
Unfortunately, his dream shattered because of Larry.
It was sad that life played cruel jokes on Dustin, but he got used to all the lemons thrown at him. As a
man, he could only suck it up and bear with everything.
Chapter 2387
“Where have you been?” Larry asked gently as he saw Joan walking into the living room. He actually
saw what happened in the park.
“I went out for a stroll,” Joan answered.
She did not talk about what happened between her and Dustin because she did not want to annoy
Larry.
“Where did you go?” He probed.
“The park.” There was no explanation, so Larry looked towards Joan, waiting for one.
Nevertheless, Joan said nothing and went straight to her room.
Is she in a bad mood because she feels guilty? Or is it something else?
“Dinner’s ready!” Delilah announced from the dining room.
“Coming!” Lucius exclaimed as he hurried out his room.
“Where’s Joan? Is she still out?” Delilah asked.
As though she heard her, Joan shouted from her room, “I’m skipping dinner!”
What happened here? Did something happen between her and Larry? Delilah’s gaze shifted from
Joan’s room to the man in front of her as suspicions filled her mind.
“She’s just a bit tired today,” Larry quickly explained.
“Dad, why’s Mom tired?” Lucius asked with a soft tone.
Larry patted Lucius head. “Your mother is a little busy recently.”
Is that so? I didn’t hear anything about any event happening at the supermarket, though. Despite the
thought in mind, Lucius lowered his head and went on with his meal.
Meanwhile, Delilah added more food to his plate. “Eat up, Lucius. Your exams are coming up soon, so
you need all the energy you can get.” She attempted to change the subject.
“It’s been freezing recently. Don’t forget to put on more clothes,” she continued.
On the other hand, Joan was standing at the window in the room, looking out at the pitch-black sky, lost
in her thoughts.
Besides Larry, Dustin was another person she trusted the most. She felt heartbroken to think that
Dustin would treat her like that.
“Joan. What happened between you and Dustin?” Nancy called Joan on the phone.
“Why did you ask?” Joan responded with a question of her own.
“Jory told me that Dustin is leaving soon. I think he said he was going overseas.”
Is it because of what happened? The thought made Joan shudder as her heart sank.
Is our friendship going to be over, just like that?
Right then, Larry opened the door. “What’s wrong? Are you really not eating?” he asked.
“I’m not hungry.”
Hearing that, Larry’s heart ached as he looked at the fatigued expression Joan wore on her face.
“Did something happen?” he asked deliberately, trying to get Joan to come forward.
“It’s nothing,” Joan muttered.
That was very straightforward. What is she trying to hide? Larry scanned her from head to toe like he
was anticipating something more.
“Joan, did you forget something?” Larry asked out of the blue.
Joan was caught off guard as she did not know what the man in front of her was referring to.
“Not that I know of,” she denied. Larry figured she was not going to tell him anything no matter what,
but he continued probing.
“Did Dustin contact you recently?”
“He did.” Joan’s answer was brief. Having said that, there was no more follow-up as Joan left the room.
What is she trying to hide? Larry looked at the woman from upstairs, flustered.
“Mom, Grandma kept some food for you in the kitchen,” Lucius’ voice echoed from the living room.
“Alright. Got it.” Joan replied immediately.
The next morning, Larry woke up early and headed to the company. Delilah worked in the garden, and
Lucius went to school, so Joan was the only one left in the house.
After what happened between Dustin and her, Joan decided to quit the job at the supermarket. Hence,
she sent Dustin a text informing him that she would no longer go to work.
At the supermarket. “Mr. Silverman, are you really leaving? We’ll all miss you,” an employee said as
she cried.
Chapter 2388
“That’s right, Dustin. Things will come to pass. You don’t have to go abroad. Moreover, what’s going to
happen to us if you leave?”
“Mr. Silverman, please don’t go… “
Truth be told, Dustin seemed cruel and merciless sometimes, but he treated the employees in the
supermarket extremely well. Not only was their pay two times higher than the workers in the other
supermarkets, but he would also organize gatherings for them frequently. Because of that, everyone
listened to him and was reluctant to see him leave.
“Alright now! Be happy. I’m not dead and I’ll be fine, so don’t worry about me,” Dustin responded with a
smile as he looked around.
He was looking for Joan, but she was not there. She’s still angry at me! Why won’t she forgive me!
“Mr. Silverman, let’s get together tonight, shall we? We’re going to miss you!” an employee proposed
out of nowhere.
“Yeah! Mr. Silverman. Let’s have a meal together, take it as a farewell party!” a girl chimed in while
wiping away her tears.
What happened right there made Dustin feel warm inside.
Of all the things he had done in the past, working in this supermarket was the one thing that he never
regretted.
“Alright then. You guys go tidy everything up. We’re getting off early today,” Dustin announced before
heading to his office.
Will Joan come tonight? I doubt it. She must really hate me now. Dustin rested his head on the desk.
His silhouette was that of an exhausted man.
In the end, he needed to let go and disappear for a while.
Jory told him to go traveling more often so he could meet different people and see something different.
Maybe he would meet the one true love that he had been waiting for in his long-awaited travels.
Soon after, everyone was done with their tasks. So, Dustin went ahead and brought them to a
restaurant nearby. It was the most luxurious restaurant there with a great ambiance. They would
always go there for all the gatherings.
“Hey, where’s Joan? Is she not here yet? Quick. Give her a call,” a woman said.
“I did. She said she had something going on, so she won’t be able to make it,” someone responded.
What is this girl doing? How could she miss such an important occasion! Dustin’s leaving, but she’s
acting like it’s not a big deal?
“Hey! Joan. What’re you busy with? Get over here right now!” A plump woman shouted at the phone.
“I have things to attend to, so I won’t be able to make it.” Joan was discreet as it was just an excuse.
She just did not want to see Dustin.
“Come on. Don’t tell me you don’t know how Dustin feels about you. Everyone in the supermarket
knows that he worked at the supermarket because of you! On top of that, he has done so many things
for you! Even if you don’t like him, you should still have the common courtesy of bidding him farewell,
right?”
Her statement left Joan speechless at the other end of the line. Joan did not know what she could say
to refute the woman since none of them knew what happened between the two of them.
“Alright now. Just come here quickly. Don’t make me go there and drag you out personally,” the woman
said before ending the call.
At that moment, Joan was staring at her phone with a perplexed expression. She was lost all of a
sudden.
What should I do? Joan could not forgive what Dustin did to her and Larry just yet. But he’s leaving
soon!
She hesitated for quite some time before finally making up her mind, walking out, and headed straight
towards the restaurant.
Back at the restaurant, the private room Dustin and the lot were in was livelier than ever. Everyone was
smiling, glasses clanging around as they toasted and mingled. No one was thinking about how it was
Dustin’s last night in the country and how they may never get to see this man again.
Chapter 2389
The door opened all of a sudden, and Joan walked in.
She took an awkward glance at Dustin, then she smiled at everyone.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Joan said as she approached the table.
“What do we do to latecomers?” One of the older women raised her hand out of the blue.
“She has to drink!” Everyone answered simultaneously before bursting out into a fit of laughter.
Seriously? Joan looked at what was going on in front of her, backing away instinctively.
“I am not feeling well today, so… “
“So you should drink even more!” a young man exclaimed. As soon as those words came out of his
mouth, the mood in the room was heightened to the next level.
“I’ll drink for her!” Dustin immediately stood up.
Joan was astonished by the man in front of her. Her face blushed as she was at a loss.
They just got in a fight not long ago, but Dustin had offered to help her resolve the situation.
“Huh? Are you worried about Joan, Mr. Silverman? Why don’t you worry about me instead? I look good
too, right?” A young lady sauntered towards Dustin with narrowed eyes and a glass in hand.
“Stop that! You should just go and enjoy your drink!” A young man came along and pulled the lady to
the side.
“It’s alright,” Joan spoke. “I’ll drink.” She picked up a glass and started drinking.
“Cool! Alright, guys. Get the drinks ready! She has two more to go!”
Watching how Joan down the drinks worried Dustin.
He knew that she was greatly disappointed with him and did not want to pay him any heed.
“Okay! One more! One more!” The other employees were cheering Joan on.
Soon, she lost count of how much she had and got drunk.
“Joan, wake up. Don’t sleep here.” Dustin patted her on the shoulder.
They got her really drunk.
“Mr. Silverman, Joan is drunk. You should send her home.”
Everyone in the supermarket knew that Larry and Joan were divorced. They were hoping that Dustin
could get together with her, so they made sure to create some alone time for the two.
“Yeah, Mr. Silverman. We should be going home too. It’s late. We’ll leave Joan in your care.”
It did not take long before everyone left, leaving only Dustin and Joan behind.
He slowly approached her and uncovered her face under the strains of hair, caressing it with a strange
expression on his face. The longing and love he had for her welled up inside him.
“Larry… “ The woman on the sofa mumbled.
All she thinks of is Larry even in her sleep. Dustin was rather helpless when he heard that.
He once thought that Joan would notice his existence as long as he stayed by her side and secretly
protected her. Lo and behold, she had finally noticed him, but it was time to say goodbye.
Dustin was both scared and disappointed. He truly had no idea what he should do to attain the
woman’s heart.
Meanwhile, Joan’s phone in her bag had been ringing. It was obviously Larry. Looking at the name on
the screen, Dustin’s expression darkened.
“Joan, wake up. Larry’s calling you.” He gave her a light shake, but Joan was out cold.
After quite some deliberation, Dustin crouched down and carried Joan on his back before leaving the
restaurant.
“Larry, Joan’s not back yet. Could she be in trouble?” Delilah looked towards the sky and asked softly.
She was quite worried.
“I’ll go look for her!” Larry exclaimed, grabbing his coat and headed out.
Having said that, Larry saw a familiar face not far away right after he left the house.
Why are these two together? Why is she on his back? Larry froze on the spot, exuding a murderous
aura.
Chapter 2390
Damn it, Dustin! How much more brutal can you get? First, you tried to destroy Norton Corporation and
my career Now you’re trying to take Joan away? It looks like everything’s planned out!
“Joan Watts!” Larry roared, staring at the man and woman that were approaching the doorstep.
Joan jolted on Dustin’s back but quickly resumed her unconscious state, closing her eyes once again.
“She’s drunk,” Dustin explained. So? You’re the one that made her drink so much.
Larry was certain that Joan was not the sort that would easily drink outside. She knew how low her
alcohol tolerance was. There was only one explanation for her being in her current state, and it was the
doing of the despicable man in front of him.
“What happened here?” Delilah came out to help Joan into her room. “Why did she drink so much all of
a sudden?”
While Delilah moved Joan to her room, Dustin was in the living room. He took a glimpse at Joan’s room
before looking at Larry. Then, he shrugged with a smile on his face and got ready to leave.
“I heard you’re leaving the country?” Larry spoke. His voice was unnaturally loud.
“That’s right.” Dustin’s answer was brief yet firm.
“I hope you’ll behave yourself,” Larry added. Dustin snickered when he heard that, immediately leaving
the living room.
Truth be told, he had been behaving himself all those years. Now, Dustin only wanted to live his life
without being shackled by rules and etiquette. We don’t live that long. It’d be a shame if I don’t enjoy
life while I’m young. I don’t want to have only painful memories to remember when I’m old.
Dustin responded with a “Thank you” and left without looking back.
The next day at the airport. Dustin was alone with his luggage, taking in his surrounding for the last
time, trying to remember everything in this city. He could still see Joan Watts’ silhouette, engraved at
the back of his head.
“Have a safe trip!” Jory exclaimed as he popped out in front of Dustin from nowhere.
Jory, his one and only buddy, was the only one who came to send Dustin off.
Dustin made it clear with the employees that the farewell dinner was their last meeting. He did not want
them to come to the airport as it would only make things more sorrowful.
“Thanks. You take care too,” Dustin replied, smiling.
“Will you still come back?”
Jory’s question was something Dustin had to ponder about. He never actually gave it any thought.
Dustin was really exhausted. He did not want to continue living for someone else but his own life
instead.
Joan, on the other hand, was staring blankly into the blue sky.
Eventually, a plane flew by in her view. It was the plane Dustin was on.
Then, Larry came along and wrapped his hands around her. “What’s wrong? Something happened?”
he asked softly.
“It’s nothing,” the woman answered in a similar tone.
Larry knew she had something on her mind as it was written all over her face. Why are you still denying
it? He raised his right hand and gave Joan a light pinch on the face. It was an endearing gesture laced
with some of his anger.
He was angry at her for not being truthful to him, but he would also forgive anything she did out of the
love he had for her. After all, Dustin has left.
“Joan. Let’s get married!” Larry rested his head on her shoulder.
The statement stumped Joan and snapped her back into reality, straightening her clothes.
“Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden?” She was a bit embarrassed.
The question seemed redundant to Joan. But then, Larry kissed her forehead, making an effort to show
her his affection.
He never wanted the divorce in the first place, so it was only normal for them to remarry.
“Mom… “ Lucius suddenly came in.
He was astonished to see what was going on.
“I’m sorry. You guys continue,” he said awkwardly, with a nosy expression.
“Lucius!” Joan broke free from Larry’s embrace and exclaimed.
“What is it? Do you need anything?”