Ch. 2501..2510
Chapter 2501
“Gabriella!”
As the man raised his volume, the woman went dead silent. What’s Larry doing here when he’s
supposed to be in his office?
Confused, she greeted him, “Hey, Larry.”
“Why are you here?” he asked without concealing his intention.
Gabriella replied in an ostentatious manner, “I’m here to catch up with Joan since we haven’t met in
such a long time.”
“Get out of my sight if you have no intention to tell me the truth!” Intimidated by the man, Gabriella
gaped at his words.
“Stay away from her because she’s not related to you! Otherwise, get yourself ready to face my wrath!”
He’s such a jerk! How can he be so cruel? Is it necessary to get so worked up over such a trivial issue?
I mean, I’m just here to catch up and play some mind games with her.
In an attempt to salvage her visit, she said, “Larry, aren’t you aware I have lost part of my memories?
The doctor told me to mingle around with my close acquaintances to regain my memories.”
“You know what? It’s better for you to turn over a new leaf without the memories you have lost!
Otherwise, you’re going to be upset by the things you have done.”
No! I must regain the part of memories I have lost! Perhaps! Joan was the b*tch behind my misery! To
begin with, she’s not even my biological sibling! What makes him think I’m going to let her off the hook?
Pointing in the direction of the living room, she asked, “Larry, I’m tired. Can I head in for a glass of tea?”
“Please make your way back at once because we don’t have any tea for you.” Immediately after he
made himself clear, he wanted to close the door.
Unfortunately, the woman had swiftly sneaked her way in before he could shut her out.
Staring at the man in front of her, she requested, “Just a glass of mineral water will do!”
It turns out everything is still the same, including the way the entire place is furnished! As she started
surveying the surroundings, Gabriella was overwhelmed by a sense of familiarity.
After Larry served her a glass of mineral water as requested, he instructed, “Get going the moment you
finish it!”
The woman asked with a sheepish grin, “Larry, do you miss me? I mean, it has been so many years
since the last time we meet.”
“Gabriella, if there’s nothing else, get going already because I need to make my way back to the office.”
“Alright, I’ll leave once I finish this. If you’re in a hurry, why don’t you head out ahead of me? I’ll get
Joan to show me the way out once she’s back.”
It seems like she’s determined to meet Joan in person, huh?
“Have I not made myself clear? You’re not welcomed here, and I forbid you from meeting Joan in
person! If you need help to regain your memories, go visit the professionals or someone else!”
Gabriella went dead silent and placed the emptied glass on the coffee table.
Out of the blue, she pounced on Larry, stating with an aggrieved look, “Larry, I miss you so much.”
“Move away from me!” The man yelled at her, yet she behaved as though she couldn’t hear him and
wrapped her arms around him with all her might.
“Gabriella, let go of me at once!” Irked by the woman’s behavior, he couldn’t take it anymore and tried
to shrug him off her by brute force.
However, his effort was to no avail because she got increasingly clingy the more he tried to shrug her
off.
“Larry, aren’t you aware of the affection I have for you? Why can’t you love me back? I really love you!”
What’s wrong with this shameless woman? She knows Joan is the only one I care about, yet she has
the audacity to confess her affection over and over again!
He couldn’t stand her anymore. Thus, he repeated himself in a callous tone, “Things will never work out
between us! Move away from me and get out of my sight at once!”
“No! I’m not leaving you! Larry, can we get married?” The moment she brought up the absurd request,
she kissed the man on his lips.
“Gabriella, please mind your manners!”
…
Wrapping her arm around Delilah’s arm, Joan asked, “Ms. Young, shall we go get ourselves some
pizza for dinner?”
Chapter 2502
Delilah answered, “Sounds like a great idea. Since it’s getting cold, let’s head over to a pizza joint with
a hearth.”
When Gabriella heard the voice of the duo, she pushed Larry to the couch and forced herself on him.
Larry couldn’t move away from her without touching her private areas.
“O-Ouch! I-It hurts! P-Please slow down!” The women in the yard exchanged glances, they sprinted
into the living room.
“Larry!” Delilah yelled with a look of disbelief.
Larry, who was rendered incapable of motion, muttered in return, “Ms. Young.”
Thrilled by the fact she had achieved her goals, Gabriella, who was on top of Larry, smirked when she
saw Joan’s expression.
“Joan, let’s head out and buy the ingredients we need for dinner.” Delilah dragged Joan out of the
house once she finished her sentence.
On their way out, Joan stared dead ahead in silence. Her frustration was written all over her face.
Delilah had been trying her best to console the upset woman, yet Joan couldn’t be bothered at all.
Suddenly, Delilah yelled, “Joan!”
Snapping out of confusion, Joan asked, “Huh? Ms. Young, what’s wrong?”
“Have you heard me or not?”
It was evident Joan’s response had irked Delilah. In spite of being aware of the things going on in
Joan’s mind, Delilah knew sulking wouldn’t help when the incident had occurred. Instead, she thought
Joan should pull herself together and think of a proper solution to resolve the issue.
Grinning, Joan replied, “Haven’t you said we’re having pizza for dinner? Shall we go get the
ingredients?”
Huh? What kind of joke is this? She was the one who brought up the suggestion of having pizza for
dinner!
Nonetheless, Delilah decided to play along with Joan and showed her the way to the supermarket.
“Alright, let’s go.”
The supermarket market was packed. It was a lively scene, yet Joan wasn’t in the mood to purchase
the things they needed at all. Delilah gave up on trying to talk some senses into her and proceeded to
purchase the things they needed on her own.
Out of nowhere, a familiar voice of a man could be heard, asking concernedly, “Is something bothering
you?”
When Joan turned around and saw the man behind her, she gaped at his presence. Dustin! Hasn’t he
made his way abroad?
The man stretched his arms in anticipation of the woman’s hug. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you glad I have
returned? Are you still mad at me?”
He’s such a jerk! How dare he show up in front of us out of nowhere when he has left us without saying
anything?
The emotions Joan had been suppressing came flooding out because the man in front of him might
have brought about Larry’s misfortune, yet he was the one who had saved her when she needed help.
“Since when have you returned?” Joan walked over and threw a punch on his chest, interrogating the
man instead of returning the favor to hug him.
Dustin answered, “I have rushed over to visit you the moment the plane touches down.”
He had made his way back because he was certain Della wouldn’t give up on Larry just yet.
“Where’s Larry? Why hasn’t he tagged along with you?”
“After dealing with all sorts of things, he’s currently taking a break at home,” Joan replied with a
diffident look.
She had no intention to tell him the things that had occurred between Larry and Gabriella. To be
precise, she was ashamed to share it with an outsider.
“How are you, Joan? Is everything fine?”
“Things are fine on my end.”
Instead of blaming Dustin for the misfortune he had brought upon Larry, she engaged in a casual
conversation with him.
Once Delilah approached the duo, she asked, “Dustin? Why are you here?”
“Ms. Young,” he greeted her in a courteous manner.
She tapped on the young man’s head and reprimanded, “Instead of showing up unannounced, you
should have gotten in touch with us beforehand!”
Dustin rebuked, “It’s part of my plan to give all of you a surprise.”
Delilah stared at Dustin in the eyes after taking a peek at Joan. She thought something was odd about
the duo.
Chapter 2503
She had her doubts because his return seemed more than a mere coincidence.
“Where’s Lucius? Is he fine?”
When Joan heard Dustin’s question, she answered, “He’s doing great!”
In the end, Dustin made his way to Delilah’s place as though it was the natural thing to do.
Meanwhile, the saga in the living room continued. The man yelled hysterically, “Gabriella, get the hell
out of the house immediately!”
Caressing her hair, Gabriella asked rhetorically, “Larry, why are you shouting at me when I just want to
have some fun with you?”
“Haven’t I made myself clear enough? Get out of my sight immediately! I don’t want you anywhere near
Joan as well!”
Gabriella clenched her fists with all her might when she found out he had been yelling at her because
of Joan again.
She started emanating a menacing aura and rebuked the man at the top of her lungs, “Larry, aren’t you
aware of Joan’s true colors? You’re willing to forsake everything for her, yet she’s having the best time
of her life with your foe!”
Unaware of the things Gabriella had mentioned, Larry was utterly dumbfounded. What does she mean
by Joan is having the best time of her life with my foe?
“See? I bet you’re not aware of the truth, aren’t you? The woman you love wholeheartedly is having a
great time with Dustin! If you don’t believe me, why don’t you give her a call?”
Gabriella’s provocation was part of the plan she had devised with Dustin.
While making her way into the living room, Joan asked, “Care to join us for a meal? We’re having pizza
for dinner.”
She thought the shameless duo would have long departed after they were caught red-handed.
Surprisingly, they were still in the living room. Hence, things ended up getting increasingly awkward
amongst them.
Marching towards the man, Gabriella raised her volume and asked, “Oh? Isn’t this Dustin? Since when
have you made your way back?”
He winked at her and denoted, “I have just reached a few hours ago.”
“Does that mean Joan is the first person you meet once you’re back? It seems like you’re serious about
this friend of mine, huh?” Gabriella placed her arm over Joan’s shoulder with an eerie smile.
Larry was taken aback by Dustin’s presence as well. He couldn’t figure out the reason Joan had invited
Dustin to their place when she was aware they weren’t on good terms.
Delilah got ahead of everyone and stated, “Larry, Dustin is here because he needs accommodation for
the night. We have asked him to join us for dinner as well.”
“Oh! If that’s the case, can I stay for dinner as well? The more, the merrier, right?” Gabriella looked at
Joan in the eyes and asked.
Joan took a deep breath and raised her volume in return. “You’re right! The more, the merrier! I believe
we’re going to have a blast enjoying our pizza!” How generous of her!
“Joan, come over here!” After Larry delivered his instruction, he made his way back to the room ahead
of her.
On the other hand, she behaved as though she hadn’t heard him and made her way into the kitchen
instead. Larry was irritated because Joan started preparing the ingredients for dinner and dismissed his
instructions and presence.
“Larry, since Joan is occupied, why don’t you keep me company?” Gabriella leaned over once she
brought up the request.
“Stay away from me!” He ended up pushing her away with all his might.
Dustin, who was on the couch, continued watching the television as though their interaction had
nothing to do with him.
Larry approached him and asked, “Why are you back?”
“Why do you care?”
“Why don’t you tell me the things you’re up to?”
Out of the blue, Dustin leaned over and looked at Larry in the eyes, asserting in a serious manner,
“What else could it be? I have always been up to the same thing.”
He didn’t bother to conceal his intention at all. Therefore, Larry was conscious of the things Dustin was
up to.
The shameless Gabriella approached the duo and asked, “What are you guys talking about?”
“It has nothing to do with you. Move aside and get out of our way,” Larry deadpanned his reply.
“Since when have you become such a grumpy man, Mr. Norton?” Dustin asked in a sarcastic manner,
pretending to be shocked.
Chapter 2504
Delilah interrupted the bickering bunch and announced, “I want all of you to keep your mouth shut once
Lucious is home! This is my home! If anyone tries anything silly, I will chase them away without
showing any mercy!”
Just cut it off and give me a break already! They’re so annoying! After she glanced at the trio in the
living room, she stomped her way into the kitchen and helped Joan to prepare the ingredients for
dinner.
“Is Lucius coming back from school?” Dustin muttered to himself.
When Larry heard him, he denoted in a callous tone, “That has nothing to do with you because he’s my
son.”
What’s wrong with this man today? Why won’t he stop picking on me? Dustin gazed at Larry in
confusion.
On the other hand, Larry had long ruled out the possibility of the series of incidents being part of
Gabriella and Dustin’s plan.
It wasn’t much of a challenge for someone as intelligent as him to tell those weren’t mere coincidences.
Nonetheless, afraid Joan would misunderstand him again, he decided to keep his thoughts to himself.
When Lucius returned, he greeted Larry and sprinted in his direction. “Dad!”
“Hello, Lucius.” Dustin greeted the little boy.
The little boy returned the favor, greeting him with a bright grin, “Mr. Dustin? Since when have you
returned? It has been such a long time! I miss you so much!”
“I have returned to visit you because I’ve missed you too!” Dustin stretched his arms in an attempt to
hug the little boy.
Without a second thought, the little boy sprinted toward Dustin, indicating he hadn’t been lying when he
said he missed him.
The curious little boy directed all sorts of questions at Dustin. “Mr. Dustin, how’s everything abroad?
Has anyone tried picking on you? Have you starved yourself?”
Larry was jealous again because Lucius seemed to be on better terms with Dustin. Why does it seem
like they have a better relationship?
Gabriella approached Larry again, offering in a coquettish manner, “Larry, allow me to keep you
company!”
“Stop touching me!” Larry repeated himself in a callous tone.
Dustin had a great time sharing his experience with Lucius, whereas Larry had to stop Gabriella from
approaching him. Delilah and Joan, who were in the kitchen, had no idea of the things going on in the
living room.
In the end, Lucius seemed to have noticed something was wrong. He moved away from Dustin and
returned to Larry’s side.
He asked, “May I know what you’re trying to do? Why have you wrapped your arms around my
father’s?”
The embarrassed Larry shrugged her off immediately.
She continued putting on an innocent front and asked, “What do you mean? Can’t I wrap my arm
around your father’s arm?”
Lucius got worked up and yelled, “No! My mother is the only one who’s allowed to do that!”
How old are you again? Are you trying to defend your mom when you’re just a brat?
“Oh, your mother isn’t going to be mad because I’m a close friend of your father. If you don’t believe
me, why don’t you ask her?” Gabriella pointed at Joan in the kitchen and beckoned the little boy over.
After Lucius glanced at his mother in the kitchen, he had his eyes glued to the woman next to her father
with a doubtful look.
I’m sure she’s trying to steal Dad away from Mom!
He marched into the kitchen and asked his mother, “Mom, who’s that woman over there? Is she a
friend of yours?”
Delilah once told Lucius not to judge a book by its cover. Hence, Lucius, who was aware that Gabriella
had always been up to no good, decided to give her another chance after she lost her memories. Little
did he know Gabriella was slowly regaining her memories.
Joan replied in a gentle manner, “Lucius, can you stop poking your nose into adults’ businesses and
finish up your homework before dinner?”
The little boy figured out the meaning behind her words immediately. After all, he had always been
relatively mature as compared to his peers. Therefore, he was way more sensitive to others’ emotions.
“Mom told me she’ll spare you two minutes with Dad because you’re on good terms with him. However,
please move away from him after two minutes. Otherwise, I’m going to be jealous.” The little boy
finished his sentence in a playful manner.
Chapter 2505
Delilah ended up chuckling when she came across the scene while making her way out of the kitchen.
“How have you brought him up? Have you taught him those as well?” Delilah leaned over and
whispered in Joan’s ear.
How am I supposed to teach him something of sorts? Maybe he’s born street smart? Joan glanced at
those in the living room and shook her head.
She muttered to herself in return, “God knows who’s the one behind this?”
Gabriella scratched her head in confusion. She asked, “Two minutes? Lucius, don’t you think that’s way
too short?”
“Nah, since Dad has his own family, he’s not even supposed to have another woman next to him under
ordinary circumstances.”
Gabriella was stupefied and at a loss for words to defend herself. He’s such a cunning brat! I guess he
must have taken after his mother!
“Alright, that’s two minutes. Lucius, let’s head over and finish your homework before dinner.” Larry got
up from the couch and brought the little boy back to his room.
In the end, Dustin and Gabriella were the only ones left in the living room. Sitting on the couch, they
whispered to one another.
Gabriella asked, “Don’t you think you have shown up earlier than you’re supposed to?”
“Weren’t you the one who asked me over?” Dustin answered with another rhetorical question.
“Well, I guess we know one another pretty well, huh?”
Who the heck wants to know you well? If it weren’t because of Joan, I wouldn’t have wasted my time
and make the trip back.
The woman asked, “When are you going to leave?”
“I’m not sure because it depends.”
The duo went on and on, catching up with one another without any signs of awkwardness at all.
Delilah stared at the duo in the living room and asked Joan, “Have Gabriella and Dustin always been
so close?”
Once again, Joan answered with another question. “Ms. Young, are you sure you’re not overthinking
things? Haven’t they always been close to one another?”
“It’s time for dinner!” Shortly after they heard the announcement, everyone showed up in the dining
room.
As Delilah had a relatively cramped dining room, it could barely accommodate those who were there
for dinner. They ended up squeezing next to one another.
Lucius said, “Mommy, I want the lamb pizza!”
“Alright.”
Although they weren’t on good terms with their guests because of the conflicts that had occurred in the
past, that didn’t stop Joan from preparing a feast.
Suddenly, Lucius demanded, “Dad, can you get Mom a slice as well?”
Larry was conscious of the things Lucius was up to. Thus, he grabbed the opportunity and served Joan
a few slices of pizza as instructed.
Meanwhile, Gabriella’s face puckered in irritation because she was jealous of how Larry served Joan.
Unwilling to give up just yet, Gabriella requested in a coquettish manner, “Larry, can you serve me a
slice of vegan pizza?”
Larry looked at her in the eyes and asked in a sarcastic manner, “Are you handicapped or what?”
Delilah and Lucius tried their best to resist the urge to laugh, yet Gabriella noticed the slightest change
in their emotions.
She decided to try her luck once more. Hence, she asked, “Lucius, can you serve me a slice of pizza?”
“Sure!” Lucius agreed without a second thought, but when he was about to reach her plate, he dropped
the pizza to the floor.
Immediately, he apologized with a pitiable look, “I’m so sorry, but I guess the pizza is a stubborn one!”
Gabriella’s expression darkened almost instantly.
This damned brat! How dare he try to humiliate me? He must have taken after Joan’s shameless
character!
In spite of the vicious thoughts she had in mind, she put on a calm front and replied as though it wasn’t
a big deal, “It’s fine, Lucius.”
Throughout the entire meal, those with a hidden agenda did a great job concealing their respective
hidden agenda.
Once they finished their meal, Larry glanced at his watch and noticed it was getting late. Thus, he
urged those uninvited guests to leave them alone.
“Larry, can you send me home? I’m afraid to make my way back since it’s so dark.” Gabriella brought
up her request and took a peek at Joan with the corner of her eyes.
Larry pointed at Dustin who was a few seats away. He suggested, “Why don’t you get Dustin to send
you back since he’s here?”
Chapter 2506
Oh? Has this always been part of his plan?
Sneering in a vicious manner, Dustin looked at Larry and said, “I don’t mind sending Ms. Ward home,
but I’m afraid she’s not willing to leave with me.”
Gabriella wrapped her arm around Larry’s arm and requested, “I don’t want anyone else to send me
home!”
Lucius couldn’t stand it anymore. He rushed over and said, “Dad, I still have a lot of unsolved
questions. Can you show me the way to solve them?”
“Sure,” Larry answered without hesitating.
“Larry!” Gabriella continued begging in a coquettish manner.
“What’s wrong with you? Are you telling me you can’t walk yourself home when I, a little boy, can walk
myself home in the dark?” Lucius directed the rhetorical question at Gabriella in a scornful manner.
All of a sudden, silence fell when everyone heard him because the little boy’s remark made her seem
overly pretentious.
Gritting her teeth, she had no choice but to play along with him. “I guess you’re right, Lucius. Actually,
it’s not that much of a big deal.”
Larry was thrilled because the little boy turned out to be significantly smarter than he thought. He
caressed his son with a proud grin.
Halfway through their session, Lucius put his pencil aside and confronted his father in a petulant
manner. “Dad, what’s going on between you and that woman?”
Although he was aware his parents had filed for divorce, he had been anticipating the day of their
reconciliation. Unfortunately, a few variables seemed to have gotten in their way.
“You need to stop minding the adults’ businesses.”
How am I supposed to stop when that woman has the guts to express the affection she has for you in
front of us? If I don’t do anything, it’s the end for our family!
“Dad, as a man, you need to bear the consequences of your actions. Have you forgotten the things you
once taught me?”
Since when has he turned into such a busybody? I’m well aware of the consequences of my actions,
okay?
Larry assured his son with a determined look, “You know what? You need to stop being a worrywart
because things will turn out just fine between your mother and I. It has always been and will always
remain the same into the near future.”
His father had always been a man of his words. Thus, Lucius stopped doubting him because he had
faith in his father.
Lucius added, “With that being said, I think she’s quite a nasty foe that’s going to be a pain in the ass.”
His father was conscious of that much. Hence, he had been brainstorming the proper way to get rid of
her once and for all. The thing that mattered the most was Joan’s opinion of him. He was afraid Joan
had misunderstood him once again.
“Dad, I think you should head over and explain everything to Mom.”
After Larry heard him, he walked out of Lucius’ room. His son didn’t need any guidance from him—it
was merely an excuse to get him out of the tight spot.
Meanwhile, Delilah was the only person in the living room. Sitting on the couch while enjoying the show
on the television, she was relatively poised.
Larry asked her after he returned to the living room, “Ms. Young, where’s Joan?”
“I think she has tucked herself in and called it a day.”
After he opened the door of Joan’s room, he saw her sleeping soundly on the bed. A few seconds later,
he sneaked his way into the room and joined her in bed, holding her in between his arms.
“Move away from me!” When Joan raised her volume, Larry did as instructed and inched away from
her.
He ran his fingers through her hair and asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?”
The irritated Joan demanded, “Stop touching me!”
He knew she was annoyed and wondered if he should consider himself lucky or not. Since she was
annoyed, it would indicate she still cared about him and couldn’t be bothered by Dustin’s return.
Unfortunately, the fact that she was annoyed also implied she was jealous and didn’t have faith in him.
“Joan, can you listen to me? It’s not what you think it is. Gabriella has deliberately—”
She interrupted him and said, “You don’t owe me an explanation. I need to sleep because I’m tired.”
The dejected man felt bad because he wasn’t even given the chance to explain himself.
The next morning, Joan was roused from her sleep earlier than her usual schedule. She headed over
to the garden without having her breakfast.
After Larry woke up, he rubbed his eyes and surveyed the surroundings. Since she was nowhere to be
seen, he asked, “Ms. Young, where’s Joan?”
Chapter 2507
Delilah replied in a petulant manner, “She has long departed way ahead of you.”
A few seconds later, she asked, “What’s wrong? Have you guys not patched things up yet?”
“She asked me to leave her alone because she needed to sleep.”
Joan, who was bored, started trimming the flowers in the garden as though the flowers were the ones
at fault. After Delilah showed Larry the way out, she stood at the entrance and yelled, “What are you
doing, Joan? Stop ruining my garden!”
She snapped out of confusion and felt bad for damaging Delilah’s garden.
At a loss for words, Joan stuttered, “M-Ms. Young, I’m so sorry. I-I didn’t mean it.”
“Instead of causing me more trouble than you already have, why don’t you give me a break and head
back to your room for a nap?”
Dustin approached them and offered with a smile, “Allow me to take care of it.”
“What are you doing here? I don’t need your help.” Delilah turned him down without a second thought.
She wasn’t particularly irked by his presence, but she had to make certain tough decisions for the sake
of Larry and Joan’s relationship.
“What’s the matter, Ms. Young? Have you gotten sick of me?” Dustin directed the question at Delilah in
an attempt to pull her leg.
Truth be told, he was conscious of her concerns, yet he chose to keep mum about it.
Delilah stared at Joan who happened to be nearby and answered, “Considering the number of ladies
that have a thing for you, that’s the last thing I would do.”
On the other hand, Larry felt lightheaded because he had to deal with Gabriella and Della while trying
to patch things up with Joan.
Caspian asked, “Larry, what exactly are you up to? Don’t you know you can’t possibly leave it as it is
forever?”
The man behind the table buried his face in his hands because he was equally confused. Actually,
Caspian knew his friend was in a tight spot, but things might spiral out of control soon should he fail to
take things in hand as soon as possible.
“Della has made herself clear you’re the only one she desires.” Caspian reminded his friend.
Della has refrained from approaching Joan in person because she wants Larry to make up his mind.
Unfortunately, Larry will never leave Joan.
Since Larry remained silent throughout the entire conversation, Caspian asked again, “What about
Gabriella? Why has she returned?”
All of a sudden, Jessica barged into the office and yelled, “Larry!”
Larry looked at the woman who was at the top of her lungs and said, “Can you mind your volume?”
His response took Jessica by surprise.
What’s wrong with him? Have I done anything wrong? Is that possible when I have just shown up?
Since when has he gotten so grumpy? Staring at the grumpy Larry with her brows arched in confusion,
she asked Caspian, “What’s going on?”
Caspian tapped on her shoulders and said, “Larry is trying to decide on his next best course of action.
If there’s nothing else you need, try not to get in his way.”
She glared at him in return and reprimanded him, “I’m not trying to get in his way, okay? I’m just
worried about him!”
Judging by his look, I think it has something to do with his relationship with all those women around
him! Jessica clapped her hands and rushed over to Larry’s side, sizing his expression up over and over
again.
“Larry, who’s the one you have in mind?”
What the heck? Isn’t it obvious? Joan is the only one he cares about! In fact, the affection he has for
her will never waver!
“Stop annoying me!” Larry yelled in return.
“Larry, can you mind your manners? I have been pretty polite, yet you’re behaving as though I’m here
to pick a fight.” Jessica turned around and tucked her arms, indicating she was frustrated for real.
He asked in return, “What brings you here today?”
“Oh! I’m just here to visit you because the fortune teller tells me you’re going to face some real
challenges soon! I decided to drop by and see if it has something to do with your relationship problem!”
“Stop pulling my leg because it’s not funny!”
Since he had resolved most of the ongoing issues of the company, he could finally take charge of his
relationship with his loved ones. He was conscious he couldn’t afford to offend the three women
involved in the saga, especially Della.
Chapter 2508
Chapter 2508
“What’s bothering you? Why don’t you patch things up with Joan if you’re serious about her? Please tell
me you’re not trying to be romantically involved with all of them at once!” In order to guide him to make
the right choice, Jessica tried provoking him.
He found her words reasonable, yet he had yet to figure out the proper way to deal with Della and
Gabriella.
“Although Joan is no match for Della in terms of looks and capabilities, you can’t lie to yourself because
Joan is the only one you care about. If that’s the case, why don’t you be frank with her? Meanwhile, it’s
a piece of cake to get rid of Gabriella. Just turn her down without holding back. You know what? All of
these are nothing more than trivial issues, yet you have turned it into a big deal because you won’t stop
overthinking!”
Larry begged to differ because the world would be a better place if they were as simple-minded as she
was.
“You need to stop blurting out such nonsense because you’re not even aware of the actual situation.”
Caspian nudged her and told her to keep her mouth shut.
“I’m pretty sure both of you are going to consider my idea naïve again. Is that really the case? Why isn’t
it the other way round? Chances are you guys have been thinking too much!”
Perhaps Jessica was right. Perhaps things might end up in a different way should he hold his ground.
He just had to prepare himself for the potential consequences of his decisions and actions.
Once Larry made up his mind, he said, “Jessica, let’s head out for a meal! Consider it a treat from me!”
Jessica turned around and stared at Larry with a frown.
“What? Are you trying to tell me you’re not up for a free meal? If that’s the case, I’ll head out without
you.” He walked out of his office after he enunciated his reply.
Jessica yelled and went after him, “Hold on, Larry! I’m coming!”
Stuffing the pizza into her mouth, she said, “Larry, you’re such a reliable man! I can’t believe you have
brought me to a pizza joint just because I’m craving it!”
Halfway through their meal, Larry asked, “How’s everything going these days? Do you need any help?”
“Everything’s fine, but if you have some extra income at your disposal, feel free to invest in my
business. Well, it’s not like I’m trying to force you into submission or something.”
Larry was glad Jessica had made up her mind to start up a bookstore of her own. He wouldn’t mind
topping up his investment after investing a fortune in the initial phase.
“Have you made up your mind? How’s everything going?”
She replied with a determined look, “Yes! I’ll try my best to be the largest bookstore chain in the
country!”
Great! This is the Jessica I knew!
When Della showed up in the office, she asked, “Where is he?”
Caspian replied, “He had headed out for a meal.”
Huh? Why is he out for a meal at such an odd hour? Upon a simple glance at her watch, Della’s brows
furrowed in confusion.
She added, “Has anyone else joined him?”
“M-My girlfriend…”
Della responded with a smile and was about to leave because she had never once considered Jessica
a love rival.
Caspian stopped her and asked, “Ms. Duff, may I know the reason you’re head over heels in love with
Larry?”
“Well, it’s love at first sight.”
Della was never afraid of sharing the affection she had for Larry with others because she deemed it
necessary to stay true to herself and the values she upheld in life. Be it her relationship or her career—
she would choose to have them out in the light.
“Aren’t you aware the woman Larry cares about is someone else?” Caspian reminded her.
“I’m well aware of that, but since they have filed for divorce, don’t you think it’s a fair match between
us?”
She didn’t bother to conceal her upcoming plan at all. Perhaps her bold character had something to do
with her identity as the heiress of a renowned family.
When she caught him sighing, she asked, “Do you think I don’t deserve Larry?”
Is that a joke? In terms of wealth, background, and fame, Larry is the one who doesn’t deserve her!
Nonetheless, those weren’t what love is made of because the thing that matters the most in a
relationship is the affection that the couples have for one another.
“Nah, I just think Larry is still going to choose Joan over you.”
Oh? I guess we’ll have to wait and see! No matter what’s in store for me, I’ll face the outcome of my
decision with storm and fury! Nonetheless, I believe I can win him over one day!
“Nope! Time will prove you wrong!” Shortly, she walked out of the office.
Chapter 2509
She thought if she work hard, she would succeed just like how things worked in the corporate world.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case in terms of relationships. Some men would pay no heed to other
women the moment they fell in love with the one.
As Joan had been pretty indifferent these days, Larry was on pins and needles.
Slouching against the couch, Caspian couldn’t wait to know the latest update. He asked, “Larry, is Joan
still mad at you?”
“Mmm…”
Jessica interrupted their conversation and asked, “Has Joan figured out Ms. Duff’s presence?”
“No.”
Jessica couldn’t help but feel anxious on Larry’s behalf when she heard him. She offered, “Shall I talk
to her?”
Larry murmured his reply, “You can always drop by and keep her company if you’re free.”
Numerous variables and unforeseen circumstances would be associated with a relationship. As a
fellow woman, Joan had a huge tendency to overthink things as well.
Delilah tapped on Joan’s shoulder and queried, “Why are you spacing out again?”
Joan replied with a sheepish grin, “Ms. Young…”
“Alright, you need to give yourself a break and head out for a stroll if you have nothing else to do.”
I guess she’s right!
After she bade farewell to Delilah, she walked out of the garden.
Truth be told, she felt dejected because things had taken a drastic turn for the worse when she thought
the best was about to come.
“Ms. Watts?” When Joan heard another woman’s voice behind her, she turned around and looked at
the woman closing in from afar.
She couldn’t recall being acquainted with her, yet the woman seemed to be aware of her identity.
Joan asked in return, “Are you talking to me?”
“Are you Ms. Watts, Joan Watts?” Della repeated her question.
How did she know my name? ”Hi, I’m Joan. May I know—”
Della introduced herself, “I’m Larry’s friend. To be precise, I’m his girlfriend.”
Excuse me? Has Larry been having an affair with more than one woman behind me?
As she was dumbfounded by the presence of the woman in front of her, she asked, “May I know what
brings you to me?”
“Can I have a few minutes with you?” Della brought up her request.
What does she want to talk about with me? Larry? Or perhaps she wants to talk about me? ”I’m so
sorry, but I’m afraid that’s impossible because I have quite a lot of things on my schedule. If there’s
anything you wish to talk about, please approach Larry instead. I’ll respect his decision.”
When Joan was about to leave, Della got in front of her and repeated herself in a callous tone, “This is
something I have to sort out with you.”
Since Della was exceptionally persistent, Joan had no choice but to cave in to her request. “Alright.”
“Ms. Watts, please have a taste of the tea. I made it myself” Della handed over the cup of tea to Joan.
“Thanks.”
I’m sure she’s an exceptional woman, isn’t she?
As she started sizing Della up, she got envious all of a sudden because the woman had a great figure
and could carry herself in an elegant manner.
In other words, she seemed like the perfect match for Larry. After Joan took a sip of tea, she lost
herself in a train of thoughts.
“I’m aware about your plans to remarry. In fact, I know you have been keeping in touch with him after
the divorce. However, I won’t give up on him just yet. Please don’t blame me for being frank, but I knew
he was the one the moment I saw him.”
I guess I can’t blame you for being frank because he seems to be the one at fault for being overly
handsome for his own good.
Joan stopped holding back and confronted Della, “What exactly are you up to? Do you want me to give
up on him?”
“Actually, it’s the other way round. I hope we can compete fair and square.”
Are we really competing over a man?
“I don’t think that’s necessary because Larry is capable of making up his mind. He has the right to
make the decision. As I have mentioned, I’ll respect his decision.”
I won’t blame him for not choosing me at the end of the day because that’s just the way things work. It’s
not necessary for me to force him into submission if the affection we have for one another isn’t mutual
anymore. Relationships can’t be forced. And that’s the truth.
Chapter 2510
Della held her chest high and asked, “What if he chooses me at the end of the day? Are you going to
be upset?”
Joan answered the confident woman’s query, “It’s inevitable to be upset, but time will heal. One day, I’ll
move on from him and our relationship.”
She was determined to move on from him should he choose to put an end to their relationship. No
matter how deeply in love she was, she wouldn’t try to force things her way. Others might consider her
a heartless woman, but she was a firm believer of those who truly loved her would never hurt her.
“Great! I hope you won’t try anything silly like other women out there when the day comes!”
What kind of joke is this? I may not be a match for you, but I can still uphold my promise!
“Don’t worry. If Larry chooses you at the end of the day, I’ll leave both of you alone,” Joan enunciated
her reply.
They carried on with the conversation in a calm and collected manner as though it wasn’t a big deal at
all. Things were never awkward between them.
Caspian, who was in Larry’s office, urged when it was time to get off work, “Larry, it’s about time for you
to head home.”
“Alright.”
On his way home, Larry made up his mind to tell Joan about everything going on between Gabriella
and him once he was back.
The moment he stepped into the foyer, he asked, “Ms. Young, where’s Joan?”
She replied, “She’s not back yet.”
Where could she be? Upon a simple glance at his watch, Larry noticed it was already late in the
evening. He reached for his phone and made a call, yet he couldn’t get through to her.
He asked anxiously, “Ms. Young, has Joan mentioned anything prior to her departure?”
“Huh? She’s just out for a stroll. I think she’s going to be back soon.”
In the meantime, Joan was lying on the beach, enjoying the gentle breeze and the sound of the waves
with her eyes closed.
Dustin approached her and asked, “Aren’t you heading back yet?”
Joan replied, “Nah, I don’t feel like heading back.”
“Why don’t you inform them that you won’t be heading back? Otherwise, they’re going to be worried
about you.”
Joan turned around and looked at the man next to him. She picked up her phone and scrolled through
the contact log.
She came across Larry’s contact number, yet she ended up calling Delilah. “Ms. Young, I won’t be
heading back today.”
Irked, Delilah asked, “What? Where are you going to sleep tonight?”
“I’ll take good care of myself and return once I gather my thoughts.”
Is she spending the night elsewhere again?
Concerned, Larry asked, “Ms. Young, has something happened to Joan?”
“What could happen to her? You’re the reason she has run away from home again!” After Delilah
finished yelling at Larry, she returned to her room and banged her door shut.
Dustin asked, “Aren’t you afraid that Larry will get suspicious again if you spend the night away from
home?”
“I don’t know.”
Is he in a position to question me when he has yet to explain his relationship with Gabriella and Della?
On top of that, we’re not related in any way because we have filed for divorce!
Dustin asked, “When are you guys going to get married again?”
I don’t think that’s possible because of all the things that have occurred over the past few weeks!
Joan massaged her temple and said, “I have no idea.”
The man next to him responded with a smirk.
“Don’t you think it’s great to remain single? You get to do whatever you want whenever you want!”
I guess he’s right because it’s not half bad to live a life without any restrictions, but I don’t think that’s
possible for me anymore.
She asked him in return, “What are your plans?”
“To be honest, I don’t really have any plan in mind.”
What the heck? Is he seriously telling me he doesn’t have a plan for his future? Staring at the man next
to her with her brows arched in confusion, she had a hard time comprehending his words.
Suddenly, he added, “I’ll think of something sooner or later.”
The duo ended up spending the night on the beach until dawn break. They talked about everything
under the sky over the long night.
Smiling, Dustin brought himself up and offered, “Alright, I guess it’s time to go home. I’ll give you a
ride.”