Ch. 2391..2400
Chapter 2391
“It’s nothing. Grandma asking you to give her a hand at the garden. That’s not necessary anymore. I’ll
be enough help,” Lucius answered as he skipped and hopped away.
Before Joan could give chase, Larry’s hand stretched out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her back into
his arms.
“Larry, stop fooling around. I need to go to the garden.”
“Lucius already said that you’re no longer needed,” Larry quickly refuted.
However, Joan was not in the mood for Larry’s pampering because of Dustin’s departure.
“Alright. I’ll go and do the laundry then,” she said as she flung Larry’s arm to the side and left.
Larry did not know why Joan was acting so cold, but he had a vague suspicion that it had something to
do with Dustin.
“Joan, what’s the matter with you?” Larry went straight at it.
He did not want to see her sad, nor did he want to see her in a bad mood.
“I’m fine.” The conversation they were having was awkward, to say the least.
At the office. “Larry. Now that Dustin’s gone, when are you and Joan remarrying?” Caspian asked
quietly.
His question made Larry stop what he was doing. Larry did not know the answer because Joan did not
give him a proper response.
That’s right. She has not agreed nor has she rejected his proposal.
“Why do you ask?” Larry questioned.
“Larry!” Jessica barged without any warning.
“What are you doing here?” Caspian was not too happy about seeing her. Jessica stopped in front of
him and inspected him for a moment, disdained. Why can’t I be here?
“I miss Larry!” she answered.
The sheer determination in her tone made Caspian feel like his confidence had been crushed.
“Nonsense!” Larry raised his head and took a glance at Jessica.
“It’s true though, Larry. I really miss you.” Jessica pouted.
“I’ll head out now,” Caspian spoke as he walked towards the door.
“Don’t! Why are you leaving when I just got here? How insulting of you!” Jessica quickly swooped past
Caspian and stood in front of him with her arms on her waist.
At the same time, a sense of irritation welled up in Caspian’s gaze. He could not bear to see the
woman in front of him acting all friendly with another man, even if she said Larry was her brother.
“He is just jealous,” Larry added from the side, and Jessica understood immediately.
“Caspian. Tell me the truth. Do you still like me?” She had no intention of beating around the bush,
asking him with a straight face.
“What are you talking about? I’m leaving now!” Caspian slipped past her, opened the door, and left,
leaving Jessica dumbstruck.
“Larry, why is Caspian angry?” She asked.
“You can go ask him yourself. Stop bothering me!” The air in the room instantly turned cold from the
roar.
Why is everyone so temperamental all of a sudden? Jessica walked around the office for a bit, feeling
confused, before quietly leaving.
After he was alone again, Larry put down his pen and took out his phone, staring hopelessly at Joan’s
phone number.
Back at the house, in the garden. Delilah asked, “Joan, are you not going to remarry Larry?”
“There’s no rush.”
Joan certainly wanted to remarry Larry. However, she somehow did not have the motivation to follow
through. To her, that was inevitable. It was just a matter of time.
“Are you alright? It feels like you’ve been in a bad mood recently,” Delilah continued.
“I’m fine.”
What’s actually going with this girl? Why does she always have a sour look on her face? Is it because
Dustin has left? And I thought she never like him?
“Joan, tell me the truth. Who would you choose between Larry and Dustin?”
“Larry, of course.” Joan raised her head and answered affirmatively.
Why does she look so sad then?
Chapter 2392
“Then, how are you feeling right now?” Delilah asked.
What does that mean? Everything’s perfectly fine! Without saying a word, Joan turned around and went
into the house after picking up a pot beside her.
“Joan!” An irritating voice came calling out to her at the door.
As soon as she turned around, Delilah just looked at her, astonished. “Are you two still in contact?”
No way! He’s the one that keeps pestering me.
“Ms. Young, Joan, I’m here to help.” Caiden hurried over and carried a flower pot towards the house.
“Caiden. Be honest. Why are you here?” Joan was straight to the point.
“Nothing much. I just thought I’d drop by for a visit.”
“I remember telling you not to visit me ever again,” Joan continued, making Caiden feel out of sorts.
He was not expecting such a cold reaction from her after not seeing each other for so long.
“Caiden,” Delilah intervened. “What Joan is trying to say is—as a man, you should be putting more
attention into your business.”
She knew that Caiden was a nice guy. He merely fell in love with the wrong woman. She understood
that Joan was only treating him so harshly because she wanted him to give up on her completely.
“I know, and I’ve been working hard,” Caiden answered.
Truth be told, he had been working extremely hard. He had sacrificed his free time on doing research,
persevering through all obstacles, and even gave up his traveling plans. All that happened because he
was motivated by the woman standing in front of him.
Caiden wanted to prove to her that he could stand his ground when he was being compared with Larry.
In fact, he wanted to show her that he was better than Larry.
“I heard that Dustin has left the country,” he suddenly brought it up.
His statement caught both ladies in front of him off guard as they just ended the topic a moment ago.
“That’s right,” Joan responded. Her answer excited Caiden immensely as he could finally confirm that
one of his love rivals had given up, leaving him with only one left.
Back then, he had to consider Joan’s marital status when he pursued her. But things were different
now, and he could finally compete with Larry openly.
“Joan, would you like to go out for dinner with me?” Caiden asked cautiously as he observed Joan’s
reaction.
“No, thanks.” It was an instant rejection.
Joan was never going to give him any chances, to begin with. The only she had in mind was how to
make Caiden give up his pursuit.
“Why not? It’s been such a long time since we last had a meal together!”
“Caiden Owens. Stop fooling around. Nothing will ever happen between you and me. Just leave. I don’t
want to see someone running over here with a knife.” Joan was absolutely ruthless with her words.
And that someone she was referring to, was Noelle. Noelle was a woman with a serious case of dual
personality disorder. She could be as gentle as a lamb for one moment and ferocious like a starved lion
in the next. Joan knew all too well how crazy Noelle could get, so she figured it was best to not
associate herself with Caiden, as well as the two Ford siblings.
“Don’t worry, Noelle and Jaden left for their hometown. No one will be bothering us,” Caiden remarked.
“Mr. Caiden!” Lucius appeared out of nowhere with his bag as he ran towards him.
“Lucius, do you miss me? Let’s go out for dinner tonight, okay?” Caiden turned away from the two
women and asked.
“Really? That’s great! Grandma, Mom, let’s go together!” the child exclaimed.
Eventually, Lucius’ persistence was able to sway Delilah and Joan’s decisions. They had their guards
up against Caiden, but no one could resist the excitement that emanated from Lucius’ eyes.
“Grandma, I want pizza!” Lucius exclaimed in Caiden’s arms.
Naturally, Delilah agreed since it was the child’s wish.
Soon enough, they arrived at a pizza joint nearby.
Chapter 2393
“Where’s Dad? Why isn’t he here yet?” Lucius asked.
As a matter of fact, no one informed Larry about the dinner, so it was unlikely that he would show up.
“Your father is busy today. He couldn’t make it,” Joan replied.
She knew about the grievance Larry had with Caiden, so she figured it was best not to inform Larry
about what was going on.
“Lucius, here you go.” Caiden proceeded to place a slice of pizza on the kid’s plate.
“Thank you!” Lucius accepted with a smile.
The mood of the dinner seemed to be very lively, but it was mostly due to Lucius and Caiden.
Meanwhile, both the women had awkward looks on their faces.
Then, Joan told them that she needed to go to the washroom, leaving her phone behind on the table.
Before she returned, it rang. So, Lucius took a look, picking up the call without a moment’s hesitation.
“Hello? Dad? Mom’s in the washroom right now.” He ate while he spoke.
On the other end of the line, Larry was surprised to hear the child’s voice.
He could also hear the hustling and bustling of Lucius’ surroundings. “Lucius, where are you?”
“I’m having pizza at the pizza joint with Mom, Grandma, and Mr. Caiden!” Lucius answered innocently.
There’s nothing wrong with eating pizza… but why is Caiden with them? A cold glint flickered in Larry’s
eyes.
“Did your mother drink any alcohol?” he asked.
“Nope. Grandma didn’t let her.” Lucius’ answer gave Larry some relief.
Caiden noticed what was happening and curled his lips.
That scumbag Larry is definitely jealous right now.
After that, the four of them continued their meal as though nothing happened, not knowing what Larry
was doing at the moment.
“Head down to the pizza joint and settle the bill for them,” Larry exclaimed in his office, stumping the
assistant beside him.
“Mr. Norton, which pizza joint are you referring?”
Larry raised his head and looked towards the assistant for a bit before taking out his phone and dialed
in a number. At the same time, he gestured for him to leave the office.
“Hey, Caspian. Take a trip to the pizza joint… “
Caspian had been by Larry’s side for a long time. Thus, he knew everything that went on with Larry and
Joan.
Soon, it got late, but Lucius was still very much indulged in the lively atmosphere.
“Lucius, it’s time to go. You have school tomorrow,” Joan reminded her son.
“It’s alright Mom. I’ve done all my homework.”
Meanwhile, Delilah was getting anxious as she looked at the moon outside.
“Let’s go home, Lucius. It’s getting late,” she spoke. Lucius had never gone against anything Delilah
said in the past. But this time, he was clearly unhappy about it.
“It’s okay.” Caiden patted him on the shoulder. “We can always come here again in the future.” After the
lot dilly-dallied for about half an hour, they finally left their seats.
“The bill please,” Caiden called out to a waiter
“Table six, right? It’s already paid for,” the manager answered, confusing Caiden.
When did that happen? Did Joan pay for it?
He turned around and looked at her. “Didn’t I tell you it’s my treat?”
“I never said I was going to pay for it,” Joan replied.
With that, their heads turned towards Delilah, who was just beside them.
“It’s definitely not me. I’m only here for the free food and drinks,” Delilah explained as soon as their
gaze met.
Everyone was looking at each other with, suspicious.
“Could it be Dad by any chance?” Lucius asked out of the blue.
That’s impossible! Larry was never here!
“Excuse me, can you help me check who was it that paid for our meal?” Caiden asked the manager.
Chapter 2394
“It was a Mr. Caspian.”
It really was him!
Caiden’s blood boiled as soon as he heard that name.
God dammit! Who knew he’d do something like this!
“Alright then. Since Larry has paid for it, let’s go home!” Delilah exclaimed and walked out with the
child’s hand in hers.
“I’m sorry, Joan. I didn’t know… “ Caiden was at a loss for words.
In fact, he was not the only one who was surprised. Joan was also astonished that Larry would do
something like that.
“Dad!” Lucius suddenly called out outside the pizza joint.
He gave Joan quite a shock. What time is it? Why is he here?
“Lucius, did you have fun?” Larry greeted gently and picked him up.
“I did! It would have been even more fun if you were with us.” Lucius was elated.
“Alright. Let’s go then. Oh, and thank you for accompanying them, Mr. Owens,” Larry said after getting
Lucius into the car.
“You’re welcome,” Caiden replied in a clipped tone.
“We’ll be on our way then,” Joan said before she headed towards the car.
Looking at them all happy made Caiden extremely jealous, giving off a cold vibe.
“You came just at the right time, Larry,” Delilah praised him in the car.
Larry smiled and gave Joan a side-eyed stare while driving.
“You’re amazing, Dad. You actually knew where we were!” Lucius exclaimed.
Of course! I’m Larry Norton! There’s nothing I can’t do.
“Where have you been, Caiden?” Noelle shouted from the living room with a coquettish tone.
Caiden eyes widened, dumbstruck. “Why are you here?”
He was sure that she and Jaden left for their hometown. Why did she come back?
“I came to see you of course. Do you miss me?”
“That’s not going to happen, so you better stop wasting your time on him,” Jaden said as he came
down the stairs.
“Jaden! Can’t you give me some encouragement instead!”
“He’s just stating facts,” Caiden chimed in.
Caiden had lost count of the times he rejected the woman in front of him, but Noelle was relentless.
She kept on thinking that, Caiden would be moved by her relentless pursuit one day. She did not know
that Caiden’s heart had no room for anyone else besides Joan.
“Joan!” A loud greeting stunned her in place.
“Huh? Don’t you remember me?” Jake ran towards Joan.
No way! It hasn’t been that long, right? He looked at Joan attentively, waiting for her response.
“I remember you. But what are you doing here?” Joan asked in a soft voice.
“I’m here to look for you.” Jake smiled.
He’s joking, right? What does he want with me? At that moment, a vague uneasiness slowly crept up of
Joan.
“Am I not welcomed?” Jake asked.
He was unwelcome, but Joan was worried that he might be there to cause problems.
Nowadays, people were not what they seemed to be. A lot were cruel and merciless yet disguised it
under a facade of kindness.
Joan already had a lot on her plate with Caiden and Dustin, so she did not want another man to cause
her more trouble.
“Why are you here? Is there something you need?” Joan got straight to the point.
Anyone could hear that she was not pleased to see that man from the way she spoke.
“I’ll be living here from now on.” Jake smiled.
Suddenly, Joan’s mind went blank. It was like she was struck by lightning out of nowhere.
“Is that so?” she muttered.
She was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say to the man before her. Happy? I can’t tell him that
because I’m definitely not. But I can’t say I’m sad either! That’d be too much!
Chapter 2395
“Since it’s your first day here, I’ll treat you to a meal.” Joan finally mustered up a reply.
No matter how she put it, there was no reason she should not show some common courtesy, especially
if they were to become neighbors.
“Sounds good!” Jake immediately accepted her invitation. He was dying to grab any opportunity to
spend time with her.
The two of them went to have a simple meal together at a restaurant nearby before going their
separate ways.
As far as Joan was concerned, it was better to distant herself as soon as possible.
Jake, on the other hand, was already planning in his head on how he should approach her.
“Caiden! Your mother wants you to go home and have dinner!” Jaden shouted from the living room.
“I’m not going.” Caiden’s answer was swift and decisive.
“You have to go back tonight. Aren’t you being too cruel? She has been hospitalized for so long but you
never visit! You’re her son and you’ll regret it if something really happened to her!”
Bam! Jaden slammed the door and left.
“Caiden, you should really go home and see how your mother is doing,” Noelle advised.
Having heard what she said, Caiden raised his head and stared into the sky outside the window. There
was sympathy laced with the hint of hatred in his eyes.
That’s true… I’ve not gone home once since I came back. Am I too ruthless… Fine, I’ll go back. What’s
the worst that could happen?
After Caiden made up his mind, he went home.
“Caiden! You’re back! I’ve missed you so much!” A woman hurried over with a smile, welcoming her
son.
Nevertheless, his response was brief and quiet.
From afar, it looked like the living room was rather lively.
Huh? Why are there so many people? Caiden looked around and was surprised.
“My friend came to visit, so I figured I might as well ask them to join us,” Olivia explained.
Is that really all there is to it? There was a flash of doubt in Caiden’s gaze.
“Come, you’re just in time. Dinner was just served,” Olivia told him and dragged him straight into the
dining room.
“Let me introduce my son, Caiden.”
His father, Keith, sat at the side and stared at Caiden with a stern look on his face. He’s most probably
mad at me for not coming home for so long…
“Let’s eat.”
However, as soon as Caiden sat down, an awkward silence ensued.
It was because he did not greet his father, Caiden even ignored the lady on the side, as well as her
daughter.
In fact, Caiden knew that his mother was indirectly setting him up for matchmaking. I’m not stupid!
“Here. Yelena. Have some of your favorite pork ribs. Try it out.” Olivia proceeded to place a piece of
meat on the young lady’s plate.
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need for that.” Olivia took a glance at Caiden and whispered, “We’re all family here.”
With that, the shy young lady blushed.
“I’ll let Caiden take you out for a walk when we’re all done eating,” Olivia continued.
“I still have things to do, so I’m leaving as soon as we’re done here.” Caiden denied bluntly, making it
more awkward.
“I’m sure your things can wait. It’s not often that Yelena gets to visit us, so please spend some time with
her,” Olivia spoke into his ears.
“Don’t we have a butler? I’m sure he knows the place more than I do.” Caiden replied nonchalantly
while working away on the food on his plate.
“It’s alright, Mrs. Owens. Caiden’s a busy man. So I would rather not bother him and walk around on
my own,” Yelena quickly interjected.
Olivia wanted to say more, but she felt embarrassed and held her tongue.
After that, the meal went on, unpleasant as it may be because Caiden constantly refused his mother’s
requests and propositions. Caiden did not like others planning out his life. So, he absolutely hated that
the family would butt in and pick out a wife candidate for him.
It was clear that Yelena was also a victim of the messed-up marriage arrangement their families abide
by.
“Caspian, how is Jessica now? Better?” Larry asked, sitting on the sofa.
“She’s fine. It was a just a bump.”
Chapter 2396
Jessica got drunk last night and went to the washroom in the dark. She ended up tripping and fell to the
ground. If it were not for Caspian’s timely arrival, there was a high chance that she would still be lying
on the floor.
“You should check on her more often. She’s a girl after all.”
“Am I not showing enough care for her? Larry, do you know that she’s the one torturing me every day?”
Caspian was having none of it.
Jessica had been making things difficult for him of late, and he was emotionally exhausted by it.
“Aren’t all women like that? She’s just trying to get your eyes on her.” Is that so? She could’ve just told
me, though!
“Mr. Norton, here is the document that you have requested!” The assistant came in.
“Leave it there,” Larry ordered without raising his head.
“Women are very fickle animals,” Caspian remarked.
“Just go to the hospital and send her my regards. I don’t think I’ll be able to head over. Things are
getting busier recently.”
Hearing that, Caspian instantly turned around and left the office.
“Where’s Larry?” Jessica asked directly. “Why doesn’t he come to visit me?”
“Larry’s really busy, so he asked me to come in and check on you,” Caspian explained as he placed the
fruit basket on the table.
“How could he do this to me? I am hospitalized, for goodness sake! But is he busy?” Jessica pouted as
she was discontent with Caspian’s explanation.
“Stop it already. It’s not that serious. You don’t even have a broken rib nor a fractured leg.” Caspian
was very blunt.
Can’t you be a tad bit more thoughtful? You je*k! Jessica stared at Caspian without saying a word.
“So, how was it?” Jaden asked when he saw Caiden.
Truth be told, he knew about Yelena and how Olivia wanted Caiden to marry her from the start. From
the outside, it might have looked like he was not on his sister’s side, seeing that he was pushing
Caiden towards Yelena. But the fact was that Jaden knew Noelle and Caiden would not work out and
that the Owens family was way out of Noelle’s league.
“Did you know that Yelena was going to be there?” Caiden questioned.
“Yes, I knew, Mr. Caiden Owens. Your mother asked me to convince you for your own good. What
happens next is all up to the two of you to decide.”
Jaden sighed. He was certain that Caiden only had Joan on his mind, so he knew that Yelena being
there made would make no difference. Caiden would never pay her any heed.
“You knew that I love Joan, so why did you do something like that?” Caiden continued.
“Does it matter? If you really love Joan, things won’t change no matter how many ladies you meet,”
Jaden answered.
He was absolutely right. Love was never such a fickle matter.
“Don’t you ever do anything like this again. I hate it… “
Caiden’s remark instantly softened Jaden’s heart.
Throughout the years, Caiden only had Noelle and Jaden by his side. He knew how Noelle felt about
him, so he naturally put some distance between them. Jaden, however, was like a brother to him at this
point.
“Caiden, you shouldn’t be afraid of going for those blind dates. Nothing will happen even if you go since
love is not something one can force. So you might as well treat it as putting up with your parents.”
He really knows his way around both parties. Caiden gave him a side-eye glare and said nothing.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
It’s definitely not Noelle since she just left. Who could it be then? Both Caiden and Jaden looked
towards the door alarmingly, bewildered.
“Is Caiden here?”
It was the sweet voice of a lady at the door. That voice was captivating enough that it made Jaden’s
heart raced for a bit.
“Who’s looking for you?” Jaden asked.
“I think that’s Yelena. Let me hide in the room, and you just tell her that I’m not here!” Caiden turned tail
towards the stairs.
“No, don’t you do this to me!” Jaden caught his arm just in time. “This is your problem, so you handle it.
I’m not getting involved.”
Chapter 2397
“Come on, man. I think Yelena is actually quite beautiful. Her figure is superb, and she even has a nice
personality. She’s definitely up your alley.” Caiden remarked as he flung Jaden’s hand off, hurrying
upstairs.
Seriously? I’ll have to take a look then.
“Hi there. Caiden’s not here right now,” Jaden said while he opened the door. As soon as he did, he
froze in place.
The woman in front of Jaden emanated a noble elegance—an exquisite face, pearly white skin, and
hair as dark as night with a model-like figure. This is definitely up my alley!
“Hello,” she greeted him with a smile.
“Hi! Come in and have a seat.” he quickly welcomed her in. Yelena looked around and walked in
bashfully.
“You’re here looking for Owens, right?”
“Yes, is he not here?” Yelena look towards the second floor.
“Sorry to say. He had something going on today, so he’s not here.”
“Do you know when he will be back?” she probed.
“I’m not sure about that. He’s usually quite busy. Can I know why you’re looking for him?” Jaden asked
in return.
“I just got back from abroad and was wondering whether he could show me around.” Yelena lowered
her head, blushing.
I see! Jaden looked at her and his lips slowly curled into a grin.
Maybe I should do that instead?
“Never mind him then. I can give you the tour too.” Jaden spoke softly.
“Huh?” Yelena looked doubtfully at the man before her with an odd look on her face.
“It’s okay if you don’t feel like it,” Jaden immediately added.
“That’s not it. I’m just worried that I might be taking up your time,” Yelena replied awkwardly.
He was Caiden’s friend, after all. She did not want to get on his bad side.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jaden assured. “Shall we leave now?”
Yelena hesitated for a brief moment and took a look around one more time before nodding. Why is he
so persistent? She secretly let out a sigh, unhappy.
…
“I heard that the Owens family and the Slone family are forming a tie through marriage.” Caspian was
on the sofa.
“I know,” Larry responded.
There were only a few companies that were well-known in the industry. The Norton Corporation, being
at the top, had the most resources and was the fastest-growing corporation. The companies owned by
the Owens and the Slone family were next on the list. Thus, it would be a massive hindrance if they
came together.
“Larry, what are you planning to do about it?” Caspian asked.
“Let’s wait and see.”
Is he not the least bit worried? Caspian was quite puzzled.
However, Larry was certain that Caiden would never marry the daughter of the Slone family. Even
though he and Caiden had little chance to get to know each other, Larry could tell that Caiden only had
eyes for Joan. And that he would not give up so easily. Hence, they formed an agreement over a dinner
they had to compete on equal terms.
Having said that, their friendship still persisted.
That was why Larry was very confident, even after hearing the so-called surprise. He was certain that
Joan would definitely choose him.
“Hello? What do you have in mind?” Larry asked through the phone.
Caiden, on the other end of the call, instinctively knew what he was talking about. He grinned as
though he was amused by the chemistry they had.
“I have rejected it.” I knew it. Larry smiled as Caiden’s answer reassured him even further.
“Why would I marry someone and let you have Joan so easily?” Caiden added.
“I thought you were about to give up,” Larry said deliberately.
That’s impossible! I’d never hand over a girl I like as easy as that! Caiden gritted his teeth, upset with
Larry’s statement.
“Alright then, that’s all. I just wanted to know whether you gave in.” With that, Larry ended the call. He
got his answer.
“Where did Caiden go? It’s already this late. He should be back by now, right?” Yelena asked anxiously.
Chapter 2398
Why is she so eager to see him? Jaden’s face darkened.
“He should be back, I think. He has been really busy, though,” he answered Yelena.
“Let’s go back to check on him,” she responded immediately.
Jaden was reluctant, but Yelena was surprisingly stubborn even though she looked nice and thoughtful.
After they reached, Yelena quickly asked, “Is he back yet?”
“Doesn’t seem like it.” Jaden went upstairs to check.
She’s a stubborn one, for sure! It doesn’t seem like she’ll leave without seeing Caiden.
“Where is his room?” Yelena’s question came out of the left field.
Huh? What’s she up to? Is she going to go in? You’re kidding me. This is way too awkward!
“Umm… It’s that one.” He pointed to a room upstairs.
“But mind you, Caiden doesn’t like others going into his room without his permission,” Jaden added.
But he was ignored as Yelena sneered and went up the stairs.
Is this woman crazy? Jaden immediately cut her off.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to his room!” Yelena said it as clearly as possible.
Her tone indicated that she had already assumed ownership of the place. Jaden was absolutely
puzzled. Where did she get the gall to answer like that?
“Caiden is not here. Maybe you should try your luck next time,” Jaden was getting agitated.
“It’s okay. He doesn’t need to be here. I only wanted to see how his room looked like,” Yelena
answered with a smile.
Just what kind of oddball is she? Who would ever go into someone’s room on the first visit?
“But he really hates it when people go into his room. Even me.” Jaden was doing all he could to hold
her off.
“But we’re different. I’m his future wife!”
What! Caiden has never agreed to go out with her, to begin with! So Jaden took in a deep breath and
tried to talk some sense into the lady in front of him.
“Miss. Please. Caiden would be upset if he found out what you’re doing right now.”
“No, he won’t. He’s going to be really happy, for sure,” Yelena said as she pushed Jaden aside and
marched forward.
“What are you guys going on about?” Caiden opened the door all of a sudden.
“You’re home!” Yelena shouted excitedly as soon as she saw him.
“Can I help you with anything?” Caiden grunted.
Why is he suddenly so cold? Yelena was a little disappointed.
“I just wanted to come and see you,” she responded in a soft tone.
“Alright then. You saw me. Now you can leave.”
Bam!
Caiden slammed the door as soon as he finished, leaving Yelena rooted in place with an indescribable
expression on her face.
She was at a loss all of a sudden. Meanwhile, Jaden was surprised to bear witness to what went on.
He did not expect Caiden to be this ruthless.
“I’ll take my leave then!” Yelena’s voice was trembling, and she left.
For some reason, Jaden’s heart ached a little as he watched the girl leave.
It looks like she really likes Caiden… Jaden let out a sigh and shook his head.
Back with Joan at her house. She was relieved to see that Jake had been caught up with his work after
he moved in.
“Joan, who’s that man?” Delilah, in the garden, asked.
“Which man?” Joan did not quite understand.
“The handsome man who came and looked for you the other day. Who is he?” Delilah pressed on.
In an instant, Jake popped into Joan’s head.
“He’s a friend I met during my travels,” she answered softly.
However, Delilah had a hunch that Jake was hiding something.
“You should be careful.”
Joan’s hands froze for a brief moment after hearing that.
“Okay.” She snapped back into reality.
Caiden was busy with work as well recently. So, he could not visit Joan, which she was glad about.
Chapter 2399
That being said, she had no idea what was about to happen.
The Slone family was not a small family, to say the least, and their family business was doing really
well. In fact, Yelena returned for the sake of taking over the company and to assist her father, relieving
some workloads off him.
“Give this person a call and let her send some flowers over.” Yelena, in the office, passed her assistant
a business card. “Make sure she personally sends it over.”
Within a short moment, Delilah received a call and asked for Joan’s help.
Joan accepted without a moment’s hesitation since it was Delilah asking for help.
“Hi there.” Joan arrived at the reception counter of the Slone Enterprise not long after. “This is the
bonsai you ordered. Where do I put it?”
“Miss Slone’s office. Head up to the thirteenth floor,” the receptionist answered without looking.
Shortly after, Joan arrived at the thirteenth floor carrying the bonsai.
“Come in!”
A woman’s voice came from the office.
“Hi there. This is the bonsai you ordered.” Joan smiled at the woman on the sofa.
The woman slowly stood up and approached her, emanating a chilly vibe.
Why does she look so aggressive? Joan lowered her head slightly as she was a bit intimidated.
“So you are Joan Watts?” Yelena asked.
How does she know my name?
“Yes, I am.”
Yelena smiled as she looked at Joan. What a delicate-looking woman she is.
“So, you’re the woman that Caiden has been pursuing?” she probed.
Huh? Why is Caiden involved all of a sudden? Oh lord. Don’t tell me, is this one of that jerk’s tricks? At
that instance, Joan became alerted, focusing all her attention on the woman in front of her.
Let me see what’s up your sleeves, Miss Slone.
“So you’re a florist,” Yelena exclaimed as she turned around, walking boastfully towards her desk.
“I will leave the plant here and take my leave,” Joan put the flower pot down and headed straight for the
door.
I don’t care what Caiden is to her. I’m definitely not going to get involved in this!
“Wait a minute!” Yelena shouted.
“I need to know. How deep are you guys into this relationship?” she added.
“We’re just friends. That’s all. I’m sorry, I’ll be taking my leave now.”
However, before Joan could leave, Yelena quickly got close, cut her off, and stood right in front of her.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m not doing anything. Just awfully curious about the woman that captivated Caiden’s heart of steel!”
Yelena replied with a chilly tone.
Oh… she is jealous.
“I’m not interested in Caiden at all. He’s entitled to his own thoughts and wishes, but they are none of
my business,” Joan muttered with an indignant expression.
Back then, Joan was living a peaceful life. It was a happy life until Caiden came barging in, causing her
trouble after trouble.
“Is that so? But Caiden always liked you.”
“But I don’t like him!” Joan shouted decisively.
She actually doesn’t like Caiden! Joan’s reaction gave Yelena the relief that she desperately needed.
So, it has always been a one-sided affair…
“Miss Slone, is there anything else you would like to know?” Joan was getting impatient.
She did not want to waste too much time on this.
“That will be all. You can leave now. Oh, and remember what you said today,” Yelena let Joan off the
hook.
Hearing that, Joan immediately left without a moment of hesitation.
If you like Caiden, just go after him, and confess to him! Why am I dragged into it? Joan was annoyed
by what just happened.
Everyone thought there was something special going on between Caiden and Joan. So all those that
liked Caiden would find some way to mess with Joan. At first, there was Noelle. Then, Yelena. It looks
like I really have to be on high alert from now on.
Chapter 2400
Caiden Owens, how do you keep getting women to fall for you! What are they thinking when they fall in
love with someone like you? Joan exited Slone Enterprise as fast as possible.
“How was it. Did you reach the recipient?” Delilah asked.
“Don’t worry. Mission accomplished,” Joan answered with a victory pose.
“Did you get to meet Miss Slone? Why did she ask for you to deliver the bonsai personally?” Delilah
suddenly recalled.
“I did meet her. She was another one of Caiden’s admirers,” Joan replied nonchalantly.
Delilah immediately understood the implications.
It looks like things are going to get rough!
“It’s alright. You only need to stop contacting Caiden. If that doesn’t work out, you should remarry Larry
as soon as possible. Your other option would be to hide somewhere for a while,” Delilah proposed.
Why do I need to hide, though? I didn’t do anything wrong! Joan pursed her lips as she disagreed with
Delilah’s opinion.
“I heard Gabriella went to Lucius’ school,” Delilah shifted to another topic.
Her statement made Joan sat up straight, looking towards her with a serious expression. There was
fear in Joan’s eyes.
“What was she doing there?” Joan asked.
“Don’t worry. She had amnesia and lost most of her memories. She didn’t recognize Lucius. She was
only there to do some charity,” Delilah assured.
Joan had heard about Gabriella’s amnesia from Larry in the past. But she did not know if things were
still the same after so long.
“Relax. The child is fine, and everything is moving along swimmingly.” Delilah patted Joan’s shoulder
and comforted her.
That being said, Joan was still worried that Gabriella would one day remember everything and made
things difficult for Lucius.
“Mom!”
Lucius appeared all of a sudden.
“Oh? Why are you back so early today?” Joan caressed Lucius’ hair.
“There are no classes this afternoon. Everyone attended a seminar,” Lucius answered happily.
“Is that so? What did the teacher say at the seminar then?”
Lucius went on to explain the content of the seminar about road safety. “Oh! And I saw the lady from a
long time ago,” he added.
Is he talking about Gabriella? Joan pulled him tightly into her arms, and shivered a little.
“What did the lady do?”
“Nothing much. She was talking with the principal most of the time. She seemed to have enjoyed it. I
don’t think she remembers me.”
So it’s true… Joan was relieved after hearing what Lucius said, and the tension in her eased.
“Okay then. Now go wash your hands,” Joan reminded.
“See? I told you everything’s going to be fine!” Delilah boasted.
Joan quietly nodded.
Sometimes, Joan would get extremely worried. She was afraid that people would get hurt because of
her, especially Delilah and Lucius.
“Mom! Your phone’s ringing!” Lucius shouted.
“I’m coming!”
“Where are you now?” It was Larry. “Are you at home?”
“Yeah, I’m home. What’s up?” Joan responded in a soft voice.
“Would you like to go catch a movie tonight?” Larry continued.
What’s this? Is this a date? That’s so unnecessary! We’re adults now and we have a long way to go.
“No, thanks. I want to spend some time with Lucius.” Joan answered.
Larry was astonished to hear that, even though he had mentally prepared himself for it.
“What’s wrong?” Delilah came in.
“It’s nothing. Larry just wanted to go watch a movie.”
Silly you. Why did you reject him? This is a wonderful opportunity!
“Just go. I’m here, so you don’t have to worry about Lucius,” Delilah said to her.