Ch. 2401..2410

Chapter 2401

“It’s alright. I don’t feel like going there, and besides, I’m exhausted,” she murmured before heading

into her bedroom.

Over the last few days, she had been feeling rather tired. Something was bothering her and making her

feel uneasy, yet she could not figure the reason behind it. As such, she felt a little lost.

“Mom, are you feeling unwell?” Lucius entered her room and asked.

Looking at her son, she gently replied, “Nope, that’s not the case. What’s wrong? Is there anything you

need?”

To her surprise, the child commented, “I think you are unhappy, Mom.”

He sure warms my heart. With a smile, Joan stretched out her arm to caress the boy’s head.

She mused, “Why would I be unhappy when I have a precious son like you?”

Climbing onto her bed, Lucius excitedly whispered beside her ear. “Mom, I think Dad bought you a gift.”

Instantly, Joan’s eyes lit up, and she felt more energetic than before.

When did he come back?

“How do you know?” she questioned.

Tilting his head with a mysterious expression on his face, Lucius took a moment to ponder.

He finally said, “Mom, Dad loves you very much, so please play along.” Without giving away any more

details, he ran out of the room.

How old is he? I can’t believe he knows how to leave others with a cliffhanger.

“Joan? Come and have dinner!” Larry called out from the dining room.

Sure enough, he was home.

Despite feeling tired, Joan dragged herself out of bed.

As soon as she opened the door, she heard a scream, followed by the popping of balloons. All she

could see in front of her was petals, and it smelled wonderful.

What on earth is going on? Bewildered, she stared at Delilah and Larry, who stood before her.

“Mom, Happy Birthday!” Lucius appeared out of nowhere while yelling at the top of his lungs.

Following that, Larry pushed a cake cart towards her while singing a birthday song.

“Happy Birthday!” He exclaimed.

“Joan, Happy Birthday! Larry specially prepared everything for you,” Delilah explained.

At that point, Joan was overwhelmed by gratitude.

If not for Larry’s surprise event, she would have forgotten that it was her birthday today and went

through it like any other day.

“This is for you,” Larry sweetly declared as he leaned closer to her to clasp a necklace around her

neck.

Abruptly, a loud knock sounded at the door. The people in the house exchanged confused looks.

Logically speaking, no one would visit them at this hour.

“Who is it?” Delilah called out.

A man’s voice sounded, “It’s me!”

What is he doing here so late at night? Instinctively, Larry and Joan had their guards up.

“Is he here for you?” Delilah turned to Joan.

However, the younger woman was puzzled too. “I’m not sure either.”

“Ms. Young, I’m sorry for bothering you at this hour, but is Joan at home?” Caiden politely questioned

when Delilah opened the door.

“We are about to head to bed. What are you doing here?” Delilah queried.

“Isn’t it Joan’s birthday today? I have been quite busy recently and was not able to celebrate her

birthday earlier in the day. Therefore, I’m here to deliver her birthday gift,” Caiden revealed the purpose

of his visit.

How does he know that it’s her birthday? Deep in thoughts, the older woman said nothing.

“Joan, Happy Birthday!” He cheered before running straight to the living room where Larry and Joan

were.

“Caiden? Hello,” the child greeted.

“Oh, Larry, you are here too.” Caiden acknowledged the other man in the room before he turned to

pass Joan a box. “Here, this is a gift for you.”

To his dismay, Joan shrieked, “I don’t want it!”

Her sudden outburst scared Lucius.

Reading the situation in the room, Delilah whispered to the boy, “Lucius, come and have some cake

with me.” Then, she swiftly picked up the young boy and headed out of the room with the cake.

“Grandma, is everyone else not eating?” Lucius asked.

“They are not eating it, so everything is for you,” His grandmother tried to assure him as she hurried out

of the room and closed the door.

Chapter 2402

“I’m sorry, Caiden. I’m afraid I can’t accept your gift. Also, I think it will be best if we stop contacting

each other because I’ve already accepted Larry’s proposal, and we will be getting married soon,” Joan

announced while hooking her arm into Larry’s.

The man mentioned was taken by surprise, but he quickly regained his composure.

Playing along with her, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Well, Joan has

always been mine from the start. Caiden, you’d better watch yourself.”

“That’s impossible! Joan, stop lying to me. I don’t believe that Larry has proposed to you,” Caiden

roared.

“Besides, what happened to you? Weren’t we doing fine before this? Why are you acting like this all of

a sudden?” He pressed on.

Suddenly? I’ve always been like that.

“I’ve repeated myself countless times, but you are just so stubborn. It’s impossible for anything to

happen between us! I’m simply an ordinary woman, and I would hate to get involved in someone else’s

drama. With that said, please watch your friends properly,” Joan seethed.

Immediately, Caiden understood what she meant.

Someone must have visited her before me!

“Tell me, who came to look for you? I will explain to them that everything is my fault, and I will bear all

the responsibility. Don’t worry, Joan. I will not let them harm you in any way,” Caiden asserted.

Besides Larry, Joan did not trust the words of any other men.

“Forget it. If you continue to pester me, I will leave here once and for all,” the woman threatened as she

glared at the unwelcome visitor.

Hearing what she had said, Larry froze.

Where would she go? He felt anxious.

She can’t just leave! Instinctively, he held onto her hand tightly. That gesture prompted Joan to look to

the man beside her. Realizing that he was worried, she smiled at him to assure him that everything

would be alright.

“Do you have to go to such extremes?” Caiden asked.

“Yes, that’s who I am, and this is my true self.”

That’s impossible! She was never like this. Still, Caiden shook his head in disbelief, with tears glittering

in his eyes.

“I was never a good girl, and I don’t care about what others feel. I’m unreasonable, ruthless, have a

bad temper, and definitely not your cup of tea. Whatever you’ve seen in the past was just a front I’ve

put up,” Joan snarled.

Caiden gave up finally.

It was not because she embodied the characteristics she mentioned but because she did not even

spare him a chance.

“Caiden, please leave. My wife is clearly unhappy right now,” Larry interrupted.

Taking one last glance at the woman before him, Caiden left reluctantly.

Bang! The door slammed shut.

Feeling weak, Joan collapsed onto the sofa.

She just spouted a string of cruel words that she could never bring herself to say.

At the same time, Larry could understand how she was feeling, and it made him certain that there was

really nothing going on between Caiden and her.

“Are you okay?” He sat beside her and whispered.

“I’m okay. Was I too harsh earlier?” Joan groaned with her eyes closed while leaning back on the sofa.

“No, it seemed natural, and you did well,” Larry replied.

“Larry, I’m tired,” she whined. Then, she crawled into his arms with sadness in her eyes.

He knew how exhausted she was. Patting her back, he tried to give her some comfort.

It seemed like it had been a long time since they had been in such close contact with each other.

“Joan, I’m sorry,” Larry apologised after some time.

Meanwhile, the woman was still in his embrace. She blinked a few times as though deliberating

something.

It did not take much for her to realize what he was referring to.

Moving closer towards him, she murmured, “It’s okay.”

“Do you hate me?” Larry spoke in a deep voice.

Chapter 2403

Do I? Nope! She only felt disappointed and heartbroken, but she never hated him.

“No, I don’t.”

Gently planting a kiss on her forehead, Larry uttered, “I will not push you and will always be waiting for

you. When you want to get married, I can organize a wedding then. Does that sound okay?”

She was afraid that she would have to go through another divorce with Larry again in the future if they

got married.

Despite that, she nodded without a word.

In the corner of the house, Delilah overheard their conversation, and her lips curled into a smile.

They have finally made up.

“Grandma, would you like to have some of this? It’s really yummy,” Lucius exclaimed.

“Sure. You can leave me a small slice,” Delilah gladly replied.

As for Caiden, when he returned home, he sat in his living room without turning the lights on. Curling

up on his sofa, he looked dejected.

Joan, why did you have to pick Larry of all people?

After mulling over his heartbreak, he went into a recluse. He locked himself in the study and did not

bother paying attention to whatever happened outside.

“Jaden, did something happen to Caiden? It’s been a long time since he started looking like the world

owes him something,” Noelle questioned worriedly.

Of course, she wanted to see how Caiden was doing, but the latter warned that he would break ties

with anyone who disturbed him.

“Leave him alone for now. He will be fine after a few days. Instead of wasting your energy and time on

him, you should take care of yourself first. His mother has already started preparing for his marriage,”

Jaden reminded.

At that moment, Noelle felt crushed.

Even after so many years, she still could not hold up against another woman from a better background

than her.

“You don’t have to be disappointed. I will find a better guy for you.” Jaden patted his sister’s shoulder

and grinned.

But I only love Caiden. How can I forget about him after I’ve held a torch for him for so many years?

Noelle sighed, with a hint of regret in her eyes.

Boom! Suddenly, the study’s door was thrown open, and Caiden emerged from the room.

“Is everything done?” Jaden asked on purpose.

“Yes, it is,” Caiden confirmed.

Perhaps because Joan had rejected him, his productivity had skyrocketed.

“Okay, we shall celebrate tonight?” Jaden suggested.

“I will give it a miss because I want to rest.” With that, Caiden stretched his back and headed straight to

his bedroom.

Noelle watched Caiden, who was on the second floor, from the living room. She wanted to say

something but swallowed her words when she heard the door close.

“You should head home in case you disturb him,” Jaden advised.

How can he be siding with someone else? Noelle shot her brother a begrudging look.

On the level above them, Caiden looked at an oddly familiar number. He hesitated.

She hates me, so why should I still bother her?

Huh… I shall let her do whatever she wants! Frustrated, Caiden threw his phone on the sofa beside

him and plopped onto his bed with his eyes closed.

“Did he come over to look for you recently?” Delilah asked Joan out of the blue.

“No,” Joan responded.

When did he become so well-behaved overnight? This is not like the Caiden’s style. Delilah tilted her

head, deep in thought.

“When are you planning to marry Larry then?” Delilah shot her another question.

Taking a deep breath, Joan muttered, “I don’t know.” She looked out at the blue skies as she tried to

relax.

“Are you tired?”

“Nope.” Joan smiled.

Delilah knew how the younger woman was feeling. As a fellow woman, she knew the sudden divorce

was a big blow to Joan. Naturally, the latter would be more cautious about entering into the same

marriage for a second time.

Chapter 2404

“Joan!” She was startled by that familiar voice.

Even when Delilah heard it, she unconsciously took a few steps back.

“What are both of you busy with? Joan, I’ve been trying to reach you for a long time. Why didn’t you

contact me?” Gabriella marched in and stated in a loud voice.

All Joan wanted to do was bury her head in the sand like an ostrich that instant. She was too distraught

by this woman to face her calmly. Every time they met, Joan could only recall the time where she was

kidnapped and abused.

“Gabriella, what are you doing here?” she stammered, feeling uneasy.

“I came here to see you. What’s wrong? Have you been doing well recently?” Gabriella asked.

Didn’t she lose her memories? Why would she think of me suddenly? Suspicious, Joan looked at the

assistant standing beside Gabriella.

“Ms. Ward’s memories are starting to come back,” the assistant explained.

Does it mean that Gabriella remembers whatever she has done to me in the past? If she remembers

everything, won’t she plot against me again? Fear ran through Joan’s veins.

Gabriella was a clever individual and would never let someone else take advantage of her.

“Gabriella, have some water.” Delilah waved the visitor over.

Watching Delilah’s actions, Joan was somewhat dumbstruck.

Since when is she so polite? I thought she hated Gabriella.

“That’s enough. She has already lost her memories, so you shouldn’t agitate her further. If she recalls

all the evil deeds she had done to you, I’m afraid you won’t be living in peace anymore,” the older

woman clarified while nudging Joan.

Regardless, she will recover her memories sooner or later!

“Gabriella, why do you have the time to stop by our place today?” Delilah pointed out in a gentle and

welcoming tone.

By now, she had already left the past behind her and could be nice to the woman before her. However,

if Gabriella did get her memories back and continued to attack Joan, she would not sit idly either.

“I have wanted to visit Joan for quite some time now, so I decided to drop by when I heard she’s living

here. Joan, I can’t even remember the last time we met, and I miss you,” Gabriella cooed.

These words did come from her heart, only because she had not recalled all the nasty deeds she had

done to Joan. She was unaware that Larry and Joan were once married too.

“Yes, I should feel honored that you are here,” Joan awkwardly responded.

Sure, I feel so honored. I’m speechless at this point.

“Joan, is there something wrong? Are you feeling unwell? In my memories, you were never like that in

the past. Why are you so quiet?” Gabriella persisted.

What else can I say when I’m facing someone as ruthless as you? Joan could only chuckle.

“Gabriella, do you want to stay for dinner?” Delilah offered.

At once, Joan snapped her head towards the older lady in shock. What the hell is she doing?

“Sure, Ms. Young. Can we have fish?” Gabriella chirped without hesitation.

Both of them are really doing whatever they want. Exasperated, Joan looked at the moon outside the

window and sighed.

Actually, Gabriella’s current state made her seem more approachable. If she remained like that in the

future, it might not be a bad thing.

“Joan, can you get some groceries from the supermarket?” Delilah called out from the kitchen.

Gabriella hurriedly added, “I’ll accompany Joan there!”

In fact, Delilah’s intentions were simple. She wanted the two ladies to spend time together, but

whatever happens next would be up to their fates.

Chapter 2405

“Ms. Young, why are you doing this?” Joan hissed.

Gabriella was not just anyone. She was vicious, sly and did everything she could to reach her goal.

Joan could not be bothered to waste her time on someone like that. Furthermore, they had nothing to

do with each other anymore.

“Well, this could be the chance to patch up your relationship with her. Who knows, she might never

make your life difficult again in the future after getting along with you now,” Delilah reasoned.

However, Joan was sure that such an outcome was too idealistic.

Gabriella was not like them. Even if someone managed to touch her heart for a split second, she would

forget about it as soon as there were better offerings elsewhere.

At least Caiden had not come to look for Joan, and Jake had been lying low. Therefore, Joan felt more

at ease. Yet, she did not know that complications would occur later on.

Days had passed since. “Ms. Young, I’ll head to the mall now!” Joan informed the older lady.

“Sure. Please be careful on the way there,” Delilah acknowledged.

Since Larry had been rather busy at Norton Corporation, and Nancy had been occupied with her

babysitting duties, Joan chose to head to the mall alone.

The streets were as lively as ever and were bustling with people.

As she headed there, she saw many office workers among the crowd. It seemed like they were rushing

elsewhere, but there was a hint of joy on their faces. Is that happiness from the thought of heading

home? Otherwise, do they have plans to go for a sweet date after work?

How nice. It seems like nothing has changed. Soon, Joan reached the mall.

“Mrs. Norton, it’s been a while. What do you need? Do you want to get a tie for Mr. Norton? We have a

new design that just came in today,” the staff at the shop pointed to a shelf.

Hearing the staff’s suggestion, Joan slowly walked towards the shelves filled with branded goods.

Hmm, Larry does need a new tie. Holding up a blue tie, she studied it.

Nope. I think black will be more suitable for him.

“Excuse me, could you bring me a shirt?” Joan requested.

Although she was no longer married to Larry, she was already used to shopping for his clothes.

After a long time at the mall, she finally left.

It was dark outside, and she felt a light breeze against her skin, but she did not feel cold.

“Joan!” As she was about to leave for home, she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

Instantly, everyone turned their attention towards her.

She saw several balloons before her and petals falling from the sky, emitting a fragrant floral scent. A

toy airplane flew towards her and circled her head.

Next, Caiden emerged from the crowd and walked towards her. With a tap on his phone screen, the toy

hovering in the air landed on his hand.

Then, he knelt on one knee and pulled out a ring from the toy airplane. He held it up towards the

woman standing in front of him.

Joan softly gasped. What is he doing? Is he trying to propose to me? How is this acceptable?

Embarrassed, Joan fussed, “Caiden, get up quickly!”

“Joan, will you marry me?” Ignoring her complaints, he proposed.

“Caiden, you’d better get up this instant! There are so many people here. Aren’t you embarrassed?”

Joan grumbled as she tugged on the man’s arm.

“I’ll only stand up if you say ‘yes’ and allow me to put this ring on your finger. Otherwise, I will kneel

here forever,” Caiden insisted.

Is he crazy? I’ve already rejected him, yet he doesn’t want to let me go! She felt so anxious that tears

were forming in her eyes in desperation.

“Caiden, if you don’t stand up, I will leave first. I don’t care how long you’ll have to kneel here.” With

that, Joan turned to leave.

“Joan! Marry me!” The man yelled relentlessly.

“Marry him! Accept him!” the passersby cheered passionately around them.

Who the hell are these people? Can’t they tell how uncomfortable and embarrassed I feel?

Chapter 2406

“Are you not going to leave?” she glared at the man on his knees before she spat, “Fine! I’ll leave then!”

“What is going on? The lady doesn’t seem happy,” someone from the crowd commented.

Another one responded, “I don’t know why she’s acting like that. That guy is so romantic, and she

should feel blessed.”

“Women these days have a problem. They don’t know how to cherish good men.”

“Joan!’ Caiden grabbed her arm, unwilling to let her go.

“Can’t you please give me a chance? I really like you,” he pleaded.

“Say ‘yes’ to him!” The crowd chanted repeatedly.

“Caiden, how many times do I have to repeat myself? Why can’t it get through to you? You and I are

merely friends and we can never be lovers, much less a married couple. Why are you so insistent? Are

you trying to drive me insane?” Joan did not hold back and roared at him.

However, the man was not going to give up easily. “But you won’t even give me a chance, so how do

you know we are not compatible with each other? We can try it out by spending more time together. I’m

sure there will be a day where you’ll fall in love with me. After all, we can nurture feeling for each other

over time.”

He might be right, but she could no longer make space in her heart for any men other than Larry

anymore. If not because of that, why would she fall out with Dustin?

“Forget it. I don’t want to reason with you. I’ll get going.”

Without hesitation, she flung his arm away and walked off.

“Ah!” She heard a sharp scream from behind her, and she stopped in her tracks immediately.

“Hey, wake up! What happened?”

“Mister, are you alright?”

“Send him to the hospital now!” Hearing the commotion, Joan quickly turned on her heels and ran back

to the man who was now unconscious.

“Caiden, wake up! Please don’t scare me!” she hollered while slapping Caiden’s face.

“Please call the ambulance!”

In the hospital, Caiden was lying on the bed with his eyes closed. Connected to an IV drip, he looked

dishevelled and haggard.

“Doctor, how is he? Is he okay?” Joan anxiously asked.

“Everything seems fine. He is just worn out and needs a good rest,” the doctor reported.

“Uh…” The patient turned on his side and watched the woman standing by the door.

She hasn’t left. Turning his head towards the window, Caiden looked lost.

Joan did not accept him even after he begged her earlier. It seemed like he really had no place in her

heart.

“Alright, I got it. Thank you, doctor,” said Joan while heading into the room.

“You’re awake. Are you thirsty or hungry?” a woman worriedly asked.

“What are you doing here?” he coldly retorted.

“Caiden, can you be more mature? You are already an adult, yet you went around acting like a three-

year-old child,” Noelle chided as she moved closer to him.

This stupid girl is always mocking me! Annoyed, Caiden turned his back on her so he did not have to

face her.

“What? Did you really think that she would accept your proposal? What a joke!” Noelle taunted.

“Get out!” the patient coldly demanded as he raised his voice.

He sure has a bad temper. Noelle looked at him helplessly.

“Caiden, we have been together for so many years. Even if you dislike me, do you have to be so

fierce?” she complained.

Indeed, he was always rude towards her because he did not want her to pester him.

“Leave now. I don’t want to see you,” Caiden sighed while waving his hand at her.

Is he openly shooing me away? Can’t he even show me any sympathy?

“If I leave, what will you do? Joan has already left,” Noelle stated.

In fact, she forced Joan to leave. She had countless reasons to humiliate Joan, but the latter could not

care less.

Chapter 2407

“Has she left?” Caiden looked around in bewilderment.

“What’s wrong? Do you want her to accompany you? Don’t you remember that she has a lover?”

Noelle sneered.

Yes, she has Larry! The expression on Caiden’s face darkened, and he did not seem as hopeful as

before.

He used to dream about living a blissful life with Joan, yet that unsuccessful proposal changed

everything. In the end, she couldn’t see things from his perspective and there was no way she would

end up together with him.

Meanwhile, Lucius was in the living room, calling out to Delilah, “Grandma, isn’t that Mom?”

The older woman hurried out from the kitchen and sat beside the little boy, with her eyes fixated on the

television screen.

Sure enough, it was an image of Caiden proposing to Joan. There were many people there, and

everyone was cheering. Even the atmosphere seemed romantic.

“Grandma, why would Caiden propose to Mom?” Lucius sternly grumbled while turning to face Delilah.

Clearly, he was unhappy.

“Well, perhaps Caiden was playing a joke on your mom,” Delilah tried to find an excuse.

The question had put her in the spot because the little boy was still in the dark about Larry and Joan’s

divorce.

“Grandma, did Mom and Dad argue?” Lucius continued.

“Silly boy, what are you saying? Why would they get into an argument?” Delilah comforted the child

while patting his head.

Unfortunately, Lucius was not satisfied with her answer and did not think that Caiden was just pulling a

prank.

That was the truth anyway.

At that time, Larry was analyzing several things on his computer, with his face scrunched up in

concentration.

“Larry!” Suddenly, Jessica ran towards him. She was panting.

Confused, Larry questioned, “What happened?”

“How are you doing? Are you okay?” She blurted out.

What is she going on about? What would happen to me? I’m just going through an ordinary day of my

life.

“Tell me what is going on. If not, please leave,” Larry ordered.

He knew that she rushed into his office for a reason. There must be something important that had

occurred.

It looks like he is unaware of the incident. Sighing, Jessica looked at the man sitting at the desk.

“Nothing. I only wanted to see you. Are you hungry? Do you want to get something to eat? I will get it

for you,” she hurriedly covered up.

Suspicious of her behaviour, Larry raised his gaze towards Jessica.

She is not acting like herself. Why is she being so weird?

“I’m not hungry,” he stated before turning back to his computer screen.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was a little odd in the office outside.

“Look at this. Isn’t that Joan?”

“Oh, it is! Isn’t that Mrs. Norton?”

“I can’t believe the young master of the Owens family proposed to Mrs. Norton. He even did it in front of

a crowd!”

Several women were gossiping about the most recent news in a corner, with disbelief written across

their faces.

On the other end, Jessica frowned. She hesitated to tell Larry about the public proposal that Caiden

organized. Sitting on the sofa, she tightly clasped her hands together. Nervous, she did not dare to

speak to Larry.

“What on earth happened?” the man asked.

As Jessica deliberated over whether to tell him about the matter, she heard a crash.

Crash! She saw the mess before her.

Larry’s eyes were glued onto the screen, and he looked murderous.

“Larry, are you okay?” Jessica whimpered.

“Are you here to tell me about this?” Larry turned his laptop to her and hissed.

The screen showed the scene where Caiden got down on one knee.

Chapter 2408

The photos or video clips of the news were plastered over the internet.

“Larry, calm down. That isn’t like what it seems,” Jessica quickly tried to calm him down.

What else can that mean? Are they acting? I don’t think Joan ever wanted to be an actress.

“Forget it. You don’t have to explain more,” Larry uttered.

Caiden, that bas*ard! How dare he do something as low as this? He slammed the table with lasers

shooting from his eyes.

“Well, at least Joan did not accept it. Besides, Caiden was never going to win her over in the first place.

You should know that she only has eyes for you,” Jessica rambled.

They are two separate matters!

“Mr. Norton, some of our partners called, and they requested to have a meeting with you,” his assistant

rushed into his room and announced.

Why do they have to be so keen on meeting me at a time like this? Larry frowned and looked out of the

window, thinking about what to do.

“What time do they want to meet me?”

“Tonight,” the assistant reported.

Are they that anxious? Is this because of the project? Larry mulled over it.

“Okay, go ahead and prepare for the meeting tonight. Please reschedule the engagements on my

schedule for tonight to tomorrow morning,” Larry instructed.

He was so overwhelmed with work that he did not have the time to deal with Joan’s matter.

Whatever, I’ll let him do things his way. I believe I’ll still be able to capture Joan’s heart regardless.

“Don’t stand there like a wooden doll. Just get back to work,” Larry ordered Jessica.

“Alright. If anything happens, let me know.” Uh, why would I call her?

“Joan, what exactly happened?” Nancy anxiously demanded over a call to Joan.

What else can it be? Of course, Caiden went crazy. Joan’s gaze darkened.

“Nothing. Everything is over,” she assured.

She was deceiving herself to think that everything was in the past. At this point, she did not know if

Caiden had given up yet.

“Joan, everything that has happened might be in the past. But what about his feelings for you? What is

your opinion on this, and what does Caiden have in mind? Don’t you understand what is involved? The

Owens family is reputable, and you have to resolve this matter as soon as possible,” the person on the

other line advised.

Nancy was right. Keith did put a lot of importance on the Owens family’s image, and he would never

allow his son to do anything that might tarnish their reputation.

That was also something that Caiden was aware of and why he had kept to the rules thus far.

Nevertheless, his proposal was clearly an act out of desperation.

He thought that Joan would at least consider his feelings if he knelt in front of her in a romantic setting.

To his dismay, she was rational and stuck to her beliefs.

“I know. Don’t worry, I will sort it out.” Joan sighed.

She knew that she would have to face some pointless hurdles soon.

“Does Larry know about it? Have you explained it to him?” Nancy asked.

“No, but I do intend to explain to him.” Following that, they chatted for a little while before they ended

the call.

If she did not clarify the matter to Larry in time, the damage would have been done.

“Caspian, is Larry in?” Joan probed.

“He is in his office,” Caspian replied, sounding as though he was upset with her.

Joan did not take notice of his tone and walked straight to Larry’s office.

At that time, Larry was discussing the details of the project with the other directors.

Watching the heated discussion inside the room, Joan chose to wait outside.

After what seemed like an eternity, Joan fell asleep on the sofa outside. As Larry did not notice the

woman’s presence, he headed straight to his office after sending his guests away.

Chapter 2409

“Mrs. Norton, wake up,” one of the staff members came up to Joan suddenly and patted her on the

shoulder as she called out softly.

“Oh, I dozed off…” Joan mumbled as she rubbed her eyes.

“Where’s Larry? Is he still busy?” Squinting her dopey eyes, she asked directly.

“The clients have left. You can go in now. It’s a little too cold out here,” the staff member answered with

a smile.

Looking at the busy scene in his office, Joan became hesitant all of a sudden.

Forget it. I can tell him at night! She then turned around and left Norton Corporation.

Should I go to the hospital?

On the roadside, Joan looked at her phone and dithered.

I wonder how Caiden is doing now.

What Noelle said to her previously when she chased her out of the ward sounded very awful, but it

made sense. If I go to the hospital now, isn’t it as good as giving him false hopes again? But if I don’t

go, it would make me look heartless!

This is a world where strange things happen every day. It’s also a society in which moral standards are

trending downward and human nature is getting more complex by the day. Looking up at the sky, Joan

heaved a sigh.

It was said that those who liked looking at the sky were lonesome people. That was somehow true as

Joan was indeed feeling a little desolate in that instance. In fact, she had a lot of friends whom she

could confide in, but at that particular moment, she just didn’t feel like telling anyone of her grievances

and helplessness.

Her phone had been buzzing for some time in her bag and finally, she picked it up.

“Joan, where are you?” It was Caiden’s voice from the other end.

“I’m outside. What’s the matter?” she asked.

“Considering my current situation, aren’t you going to come over and look after me?”

But isn’t Noelle at the hospital?

“Noelle will take good care of you, I believe her,” as soon as she said that, she was ready to end the

call.

“Why are you such an ingrate? If it wasn’t because of you, do you think I would have overworked to this

extent? And if it wasn’t for you, would I have come up with so many creative ideas?”

Caiden hadn’t seen this woman for many days, and he was exceedingly anxious and irritated. Hence,

he spouted some unkind words on purpose to trigger her.

“Caiden, calm down!” Abruptly, Joan shouted.

“How am I supposed to take it easy? I’ve been abandoned by the woman I love most in this world, and

here I am, lying on the hospital bed without anyone to look after me…” Caiden said in an aggrieved

tone.

“How about Noelle? Where is she?” Joan asked.

“She has already gone home, and she’s a busy woman!”

What’s with this girl? How can she not keep her promise? Joan was rather tense and worried, and

soon, she showed up at the hospital.

“I brought you lunch,” she handed the lunchbox over to the man lying on the hospital bed as she said

that.

“You’re finally here. I miss you so much,” Caiden said kittenishly.

Is this another trick? Joan looked around her in suspicion. She looked a little doubtful.

“What are you looking for?” Caiden asked.

“Nothing, why don’t you enjoy your lunch?” Little did she know that Noelle had actually gone to buy him

lunch as well.

“When is Noelle coming back?” she asked straightforwardly.

“I don’t know, maybe tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. Perhaps she won’t ever come back

anymore,” Caiden murmured.

Joan was a little surprised at his answer.

Noelle had always been very fond of Caiden. Of course, she wouldn’t leave him just because of such a

trivial matter. Nevertheless, why had she disappeared just like that?

“Caiden, here you go. It’s your favorite meatloaf!” Out of the blue, Noelle called out cheerfully as she

barged in.

For a moment, both women were stunned.

Why is she here again? Didn’t she agree to leave Caiden alone previously? Glaring at her furiously,

Noelle was exasperated.

Joan understood at once that it was all an act that Caiden had put up!

“I still have other matters to attend to, so I better get going.” With that, Joan was about to leave.

“Stand right there,” all of a sudden, the man in bed yelled.

Chapter 2410

“Don’t go. You’re not the one who’s supposed to leave,” Caiden added.

“Joan, I’ve asked you to come today because I want to clarify something with you. I don’t like Noelle.

Don’t try to push me to this woman. Also, Noelle, the only feeling I have for you is the feeling of an

elder brother to his little sister, and there’s absolutely nothing else. Please behave yourself in the

future.”

His tone was so serious and stern that it gave Noelle who was at the side a fright.

“Fine, I’ll make myself clear as well then. Caiden, I don’t care who you like. It has nothing to do with me

whatsoever. Hence, don’t contact me ever again in the future!”

Such ruthless remark coming from Joan alongside a strong aura of resolution hurt the feelings of the

man in bed deeply. Nevertheless, Noelle who was standing on the side was truly excited with her

declaration.

Great. That’s exactly the effect that I wish to see! With a gloating look on her face, Noelle had her eyes

fixated on Joan who was standing across from her.

“Joan, do you really want to let go?” Caiden asked all of a sudden.

The question itself was illogical. I’ve never even held onto anything. What is there to let go of?

“Caiden, if you agree, we can still be friends. But if you don’t, it’s fine. I’ll choose to leave this city,” Joan

answered in a simple yet direct manner.

She couldn’t bear with it anymore. All she wanted was to lead a peaceful life.

No way! I can never let Joan disappear from my sight!

“Is it true that you don’t like me at all?” Caiden who was still lying in bed asked pitifully as he looked at

Joan eagerly.

Isn’t that obvious? If she has any feelings for him, why would she have treated him in such an

indifferent way? Noelle snorted, and she was utterly out of sorts.

“There is only one man whom I love, and he is Larry. It has always been him all along and he will be

the only man I’ll ever love!” With that, she left the ward straight away.

The tension in the ward was so thick you could cut it with a knife. At that point in time, Caiden felt as

though he had been swamped with bitingly cold water, and he couldn’t stop quivering.

He thought he should have been used to Joan’s rejection by then and that he would be able to maintain

his emotional stability. Nevertheless, his heart still ached terribly when he was turned down once again,

much to his surprise.

“Caiden, Joan doesn’t love you at all. Why are you so stubborn?” Noelle splurted out on purpose.

She knew Caiden was a very faithful man, but she also thought that he was in love with the wrong

person.

“It’s none of your business,” Caiden answered atrociously. He was still as vile as ever. Without saying

anything else, Noelle ran out of the ward.

At that time, Delilah was still engrossed in tending the plants in the garden. Therefore, Joan went

straight there as she was afraid that Delilah wouldn’t be able to do everything on her own.

“Joan, what’s the matter with you today?” Delilah asked softly from the side.

Oh, no. I must look miserable now, but I shouldn’t let Delilah worry about me.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” answered Joan.

Fine? That’s nonsense. The heavy-hearted way she looks never lies.

“Now now, anything that upsets you, you can just spout it out. Don’t let it eat you up,” Delilah urged

softly.

Joan didn’t say anything but remained silent. They spent a long time in the garden. Little by little, night

fell. When the two women were done tidying up and were ready to get home, a few strangers barged

into the garden out of nowhere.

“You’re Joan?” A sturdy man asked aloud in an overbearing manner.

“Yes, I am. How can I help you?” Joan asked.

“Well, your appearance is not bad indeed. Our chairman wants to see you,” the man replied in an ill-

mannered way.

Who the heck is their chairman? Joan tilted her head thoughtfully and plunged into deep contemplation.

As far as I remember, I don’t seem to know any chairman from other corporations.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know any chairman. You must have mistaken,” Joan replied.

“Just come with us. What a load of bullsh*t!”

With such a rude and crude attitude, one could almost be certain that the ‘chairman’ behind them was

certainly not some kind soul.