Ch. 2691..2700

Chapter 2691

Cry It Out

As soon as he reached the dining table, his phone began ringing.

Dustin glanced at the screen only to discover that it was an unfamiliar number. He hung up without

hesitation.

His phone rang three more times. Dustin finally answered out of exasperation, thinking that it was a

long-lost friend trying to keep in touch. He answered the call and put it on speakerphone.

“I want to speak with Abelyn.”

It was a man’s voice.

At once, all three of them were stunned.

Abelyn stared at Dustin’s phone on the table with shock.

She recognized that voice. It was her ex-boyfriend.

But why did he call Dustin? Abelyn was confused.

“What do you want?” Abelyn asked coldly as she helped herself to more pizza.

“What do you want?” the man on the phone asked savagely.

What a joke!

He has the audacity to ask me that? He was the one who suggested that they broke up and he was the

one who cheated. And now he’s here asking me what I want to do?

A scumbag will forever remain a scumbag. What a selfish man with no capacity for self-reflection

indeed!

“I do not want anything,” Abelyn answered firmly.

“Abelyn, I’ve already done everything. Perhaps you should stop being stubborn?”

The voice carried the hint of a threat.

Abelyn was not affected.

“There are no more possibilities when it comes to us. From now on, we shall part ways and never

contact each other again.”

At that, Abelyn hung up.

What a clingy piece of sh*t! Abelyn turned off Dustin’s phone and flung it on the couch, imitating

Dustin’s action earlier.

“That was your ex-boyfriend?” Joan asked with concern.

“Hmph, ignore him. Let’s get back to our meal!”

Abelyn poured herself another glass.

On the surface, she looked like she didn’t care, but in truth, her heart was pounding hard with anxiety.

At the sight of Abelyn’s red and drunken face before her, Joan felt a welling of pity for Abelyn.

Joan suddenly thought of Larry.

The incident between him and Della had not been made clear to Joan.

Though she trusted Larry’s character, she understood man’s desires even more.

“Abelyn, you don’t have to hold it in. If you feel like crying, just let it out. We won’t make fun of you for

it.”

Dustin placed a slice of pizza in front of her.

At last, Abelyn was unable to hold it in any longer. She sprawled on the dining table and wept.

It was awkward and tragic.

Joan had lost her appetite. She wiped her hands and gazed at Abelyn pouring her emotions out.

Joan understood that when faced with relationship trouble, nothing felt better than to have a good cry

over it.

At long last, Abelyn raised her head and wiped her tears. She looked a real mess.

“I’m awfully sorry to have caused a scene and interrupted our dinner together,” she choked as she

smoothed her hair and wiped her face.

“Nonsense. Here, have some water.”

Joan poured her a glass.

“What good will that do? As soon as the water goes in, out it comes from her eyes again…” Dustin

teased.

The two women suddenly laughed.

“Dustin, when did you become so witty?” Abelyn patted him on the shoulder as she reached for a

serviette.

“What are you talking about? I’ve always been witty. Not only am I extraordinarily handsome, but I also

excel in other areas as well…” Dustin smoothed back his hair and pointed his chin upwards with pride.

“Joan, what did you say earlier? You wanted baked chicken wings, didn’t you? We’ll have some of

those tomorrow.” Abelyn was in a much better mood. She was eating again.

What? When did I say that I wanted baked chicken wings? Joan studied the girl in front of her with

puzzlement.

“Abelyn, can’t you give me some compliments?” Dustin shoved Abelyn playfully.

Compliment him for what? His character? His abilities?

Just forget it!

“What qualities do you have that are worth praising? You’re just an ordinary being.”

 

Chapter 2692

The Intruder

Abelyn glared at him and went back to her pizza.

This was camaraderie at its finest. Dustin turned away to spare himself from looking at her.

Soon, dinner had ended. The three of them cleaned up and lazed around on the couch in the living

room. It was a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

“Abelyn, what do you plan on doing?” Dustin asked with concern after a burp.

What else could I do? Take it one step at a time, of course. I will definitely not get back together with

my ex.

“Abelyn, you’re really not going to…” Joan asked with a gulp from the side.

“No way in hell.” Abelyn interrupted her.

It appears that she really was hurt this time.

Never mind, I’ll just accommodate her.

A forced relationship will only lead to frustration and bitterness.

“What would you do if he comes looking for you?” Dustin asked her seriously.

“Don’t say that! I don’t want that to happen!” Abelyn aimed a kick at him.

“Abelyn, please behave in a ladylike manner!” Dustin teased to incense her.

“Ladylike? When have you seen me acting like a lady? What a joke.”

Joan failed to stifle her laughter.

Little did they know that Dustin’s words really did come true.

Abelyn’s ex-boyfriend arrived at Joan’s door the next day.

“Abelyn! Get out here! Let’s talk things through!” came a voice followed by a series of ferocious

hammering on the door.

Abelyn was in a deep and peaceful slumber, completely oblivious to what was going on outside.

Dustin had been awakened by the disturbance outside and groggily opened the door.

“Ah!”

Before Dustin got a good look at the man, he found himself being shoved to the ground.

“You piece of sh*t, how dare you steal my woman!”

Punch-punch…

The punches on his face had fully awakened Dustin.

“Who the hell are you?” Dustin yelled.

“Who am I? Take a good look!” the man bellowed with another punch.

Abelyn had been awakened by the commotion downstairs and got out of bed.

“What’s all that racket! Do you know what time it is?” she shouted in frustration through bleary eyes.

“Abelyn! You two are… living together!”

In a flash, Abelyn was completely awake. She widened her eyes with shock at the sight of the two men

brawling downstairs. Her jaw hung open in horror.

Sh*t, how did he find me? What’s he doing here? Abelyn sprinted downstairs to help Dustin up. She

dusted his shirt with apology in her eyes

“Are you alright? I’m sorry for putting you through this,” Abelyn apologized profusely.

“Abelyn, you godd*mn have another man?”

“Shut up, Brayden! Watch your filthy mouth. Get the hell out, I don’t want to see you!” Abelyn screamed

while she pointed at the door.

“You told me that you and he are just friends, but now you’re living together! Have you slept together?”

“Brayden, you’re f*cking insane! You cheated on me first!”

Abelyn lost it and let profanities fly.

“Abelyn.”

Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind.

“I’ve made some broth for the hangover. Here, have a taste…” Joan said as she emerged.

At the sight of the three people frozen before her, she felt awkward.

What is this? The atmosphere felt hostile.

Who is this stranger? Joan glanced at Brayden at the side. She smiled in greeting.

“You two have had too much to drink last night. Here’s some broth for the hangover…”

Joan placed the pot on the dining table.

“Please leave. We won’t be contacting each other again.” At that, Abelyn turned away from Brayden

and helped Dustin onto the couch.

 

Chapter 2693

Memory Loss

“I won’t let this go, Abelyn!”

Brayden stepped forward and pulled Abelyn into his arms. Abelyn struggled with all her might. She

looked weary.

Joan sensed Brayden’s hostility, In a flash, she stepped forward to attempt to talk some sense into

Brayden. However, Brayden had lost all rationality in his rage. No words could appease him.

“Sir, please calm down. We can talk things through. Do not act rashly!” Joan said with a hint of fear in

her eyes.

She was afraid that Abelyn would be hurt.

“And who the hell are you? Mind your own d*mn business!”

As Brayden turned to look behind him as he dragged Abelyn out of the door, Joan dashed forwards and

bit down hard on his arm. At the same time, she wrenched Abelyn out of his loosened grasp.

Thud!

Joan had been shoved into the wall by Brayden.

A trickle of blood flowed down from her temple.

Abelyn panicked.

“Joan!” Dustin cried.

Despite his bruises, he ran forward and lifted Joan up in his arms. A second later, he ran out the door

carrying Joan. At the sight of their disappearing figures, Brayden was stunned.

“You’d better pray that nothing happens to her. If she’s hurt, I’m not going to let you go!”

Abelyn’s voice was so cold that it caused Brayden to shiver involuntarily.

“Doctor, please help!” Dustin shouted as he barged his way through the hospital with Joan in his arms.

“Sir, please wait outside,” the doctor said as he pushed him gently out of the ward.

“Sir, let me tend to your injuries,” a young paramedic said gently as she ambled forwards.

“That’s not necessary.” Dustin’s reply was prompt but stern.

After depositing Joan in the doctor’s care, he bolted back to where he came from.

“How is she?”

Abelyn arrived, panting heavily.

“What do you mean? It’s all because of you! Why did you have to let that ex-boyfriend of yours come

over? Didn’t you hate him? Why is it so hard for you to have a clean break with him?”

Dustin had a frightening look of rage on his face.

Abelyn hung her head in guilt.

That’s right, how did Brayden know where I was? And how did he get Dustin’s phone number? It was

all very strange.

“Is she alright?” Brayden asked apologetically as he arrived.

“Get lost!” Dustin snarled as he pointed toward the elevator nearby.

The three of them fell silent. The atmosphere between them was thick with tension, which wasn’t

helped by the stifling silence of the hospital around them.

Finally, the doctor emerged.

“How is she, doctor? Is she alright?” Dustin grasped at the doctor’s arm urgently.

“She is not in any serious condition as of right now,” the doctor explained helplessly. “But you had

better be prepared. She may experience some memory loss.”

Dustin’s eyes dimmed.

Even Brayden fell silent.

Abelyn gazed at the limp figure on the hospital bed as tears flowed down her cheeks.

Dustin entered the ward and stroked Joan’s hair gently. His eyes were full of tenderness.

Joan, you must be strong! He grasped her small hands as he shuddered.

“Dustin, I’m sorry,” Abelyn said as she stood next to him.

What good would an apology do? Can it make things better? Dustin sneered and ignored Abelyn.

“Get lost, both of you,” Dustin choked. “I don’t want to see any of you.”

Abelyn understood that Dustin must be feeling awful. She complied and quietly exited the ward.

“I will bear all of the cost for her treatment,” Brayden said confidently with a clap on his chest.

“Who the hell do you think you are? Brayden, you’ve not only hurt me, now you’ve hurt my friend…”

Abelyn was furious. Brayden was at a loss for words.

Chapter 2694

Loss Of An Old Friend

Brayden insisted that he didn’t do it intentionally.

“Abelyn, let me explain. I really did not expect things to go the way they did today….”

“What is there to explain? Your presence is a curse!” At that, Abelyn turned on her heels and marched

away.

Little did the pair know that Joan was already conscious.

They were not aware that Dustin was in on the plan that Joan had put together at that very moment.

“Why did you want to do that?” Dustin asked Joan in puzzlement back at the ward.

“You’ll understand soon enough,” Joan replied mysteriously.

I believe that my plan will work.

It was still a mess back in the country. Larry and Della’s news were still making headlines. After a

certain period, the public had already viewed them as a couple.

“Larry, something’s come up, but I’m not sure if it’s my place to tell you.” Caspian looked at Larry

hesitatingly.

“Speak. Stop beating around the bush,” Larry replied brusquely.

Recently, Larry’s mood was close to breaking point. He looked cool, but in reality, he was on edge all

the time.

His career had a downfall, as did his relationship. Some things were supposed to be within his control,

but the obstacles kept compounding until they became overwhelming.

“Mr. Lancaster from abroad had passed away,” Caspian mumbled as he looked down.

What?

Larry stood up hurriedly with a look of fear on his face.

Mr. Lancaster had died?

“Is this true?” Larry asked suspiciously.

“Yes, I’m afraid so,” Caspian answered wearily.

Larry unconsciously stepped back several paces as he felt the sky crashing down on him.

“Larry, are you alright?”

Caspian stepped forwards to support him but Larry pushed him away.

“I’m fine. I need a moment.” Larry waved his hand.

At the sight of Larry’s sorrow, Caspian felt pain in his heart and left Larry’s office.

“How was it? Did he take it well?” Jessica asked urgently with a nudge on Caspian’s arm.

“By the looks of it, not so much.” Caspian shook his head with a sigh.

How could he be well? Malcolm Lancaster was like a brother to Larry and was considered his final

lifeline. But now that he had passed away, Larry must be feeling awful.

Larry walked up to the window and lit a cigarette. He squinted at the view outside with a nervous

feeling.

Is all of this destined? He felt lost.

Thump!

Della threw open his office door, looking pleased with herself.

“Larry, what’s up with you?”

“What’re you doing here?” Larry asked without turning around. His attention remained on the cigarette

in his hand.

“Why are you smoking?” Della asked as she approached him.

“I’m not going to marry you,” Larry said coldly.

Della was taken aback but regained her composure.

It was easy said than done. Not unless he didn’t want his company anymore! Della placed her right arm

on his shoulder and attempted to press herself against him.

“You will marry me. How else are you going to save Norton Corporation?” Della breathed in his ear.

Larry turned and faced her with an expression of cold fury.

“Why are you doing this? Is this fun for you?” Larry gazed at her uncomprehendingly.

Little did he know that Della and Jake had joined forces to take him down.

“Because I love you. And that is a good enough reason.”

Della’s reply was so firm and determined that Larry had no words to refute her.

“Please leave. I’m very tired and would like to rest.” Larry turned around and strode to the couch.

Chapter 2695

Introspection

Della knew that Larry had been exhausted recently. She did not attempt to stop him.

“Think long and hard about our marriage. I hope to receive a favorable response from you.”

At that, Della strode out of Larry’s office.

A favorable response? Larry chuckled at the thought of that. Soon after, he fell asleep on the couch.

Della exited Norton Corporation but did not head home. Instead, she made her way over to M Group.

At that moment, Jake was sitting in his office awaiting Della’s return.

Soon after, they met, each appearing very excited.

“How was it? Are you satisfied?”

Jake stood up as Della emerged to place his right arm on her shoulder playfully.

“Very satisfied.” Della batted her eyelashes at him.

“It’s a pity. If you’re not into Larry, I would pursue you!” Jake heaved a sigh and put on a regretful look.

“Yeah, right! You’ve always liked Joan!” Della reminded him.

No, he didn’t. He loved Faye, and he hated Joan. Jake clenched his fists as his eyes gleamed

menacingly.

That b*tch had suddenly disappeared! Even Larry didn’t know where she is!

“That’s right. Do you know where Joan currently is?” Jake asked as he cleared his throat in

anticipation.

“No idea.” Della shook her head.

She had never bothered herself about Joan.

“Why? Are you looking for her?” Della eyed Jake curiously.

“Of course.”

Jake sat down on the couch with a nonchalant look on his face.

“You can send people to look for her,” Della suggested.

But the problem was, where would I even begin looking? Jake felt uneasy in his heart.

It has been a long time and he still couldn’t manage to locate her. He felt nervous and lost.

Or perhaps there was more than hatred in his feelings towards Joan.

“Jake, do you really hate Joan?” Della asked suspiciously.

Jake was stunned.

It was a thought-provoking question.

Jake had always thought that he hated Joan’s guts. Now that she’s missing, he felt panicky.

He couldn’t explain how he was feeling, so he dealt with it by suppressing his desire for Joan.

It has to be hate! He could only hate Joan!

“What do you think?” Jake retorted coldly.

He had told Della once before about him, Faye, and Joan. But he had exaggerated some elements in

his story, leading Della to believe his love-turned-hatred tale.

Human behavior was difficult to predict because it was overly fragile.

“It looks to me that you do not hate her. What you’re feeling is love, and not hate. You missed her,”

Della said frankly.

“Shut up!” Jake shouted, causing Della to jump in fright.

“Leave me in peace.”

Could it be that I had guessed correctly? Della studied the expression of the man before her, in an

attempt to confirm her hypothesis.

People were strange sometimes. One moment they could be enamored by a person, and the next, all

they could feel towards them was pure hatred.

But in the end, one could not lie to themselves.

Love is always there, no matter how old time has become.

Jake had finally confessed to himself that he could not forget about Joan. She was the one that he

loved all this time. He came to that conclusion after mulling over it alone for a long time in his office.

“Mr. Wilson, I found her,” Jake’s assistant said at once upon entering.

“Where is she?” Jake spun around with a glint of hope in his eyes.

“Ms. Watts is abroad,” the assistant said.

“Book me a ticket.” In a flash, Jake had decided what he wanted to do.

He was going to track her down and ask her to her face who will she choose.

 

Chapter 2696

Joan Steals The Show

Her answer would undoubtedly be Larry, but that was what she said before.

Jake was well prepared. He felt that the possibility of Joan choosing him was greater than ever. Unless

she wanted Larry to go broke.

Back at the ward, Joan lay on the hospital bed with a convincing look of pain on her face.

“Ouch, it hurts! It really hurts! Please be gentle!”

Her acting was first rate.

Abelyn and Brayden felt guilty at the sight of her. Brayden hung his head low and did not dare meet

Joan’s eyes.

“Joan, how are you feeling now? Do you want me to summon the doctor?” Abelyn asked in concern,

looking conflicted.

“No need, I’m fine now.” Joan waved her hand and answered feebly.

“It’s Brayden, is it?” Joan looked at him with a weak smile.

Brayden looked up at once with guilt in his eyes.

“Yes, that’s me. I’m really sorry…”

Wow, he was capable of an apology! Abelyn turned to stare at Brayden in amazement. Is he really

going to turn over a new leaf? Or is he putting on a show of remorse? Abelyn doubted.

“Brayden, you are a man! You must be responsible for your actions and be willing to let go when the

time is right. Abelyn is a great girl, and she deserves a man who truly loves her…”

Joan exaggerated her speech on purpose.

“I know. I used to be an *sshole and did not treasure Abelyn. But I regret that now. I can’t live without

her…”

That’s utter nonsense! Abelyn rolled her eyes at Brayden but said nothing.

“You need to respect Abelyn’s wishes,” Joan said before she was interrupted by a coughing fit.

It goes without saying that a man should respect women!

I know that now. I will respect Abelyn’s decision.” Brayden gulped and mopped the sweat on his brow.

“Abelyn, I’ve thought it through. I was immature back then to have hurt you and your friend. I take

responsibility for my actions and I hope you can forgive me. If you really do not wish to see me again, I

will respect your choice and wish you well…”

Brayden’s speech was so sincere that even Joan was moved.

Dustin felt touched too by the scene before him. He had thought that Brayden was not going to give up

on Abelyn easily. But it seemed like Brayden was finally willing to let go.

Of course, the credit should go to Joan.

“Ms. Watts, I’m sorry for being so reckless…”

Perhaps he sensed that Abelyn was not going to change her mind this time, or perhaps it was due to

Joan’s injury that Brayden had already bought a ticket to return to the country.

Abelyn gazed at the sky through the window and felt a wave of melancholy. She did not know why she

felt hurt. Perhaps it was due to the strange and trying circumstances of her life.

“Alright, it’s fine now. All of this will pass,” Joan said urgently.

All of what was experienced will be a part of history over the passage of time.

The pain, sorrow, and confusion that one faced would seem like a joke in the future.

At the sight of Abelyn’s sadness, Joan hurriedly revealed the truth about her false injury.

“Joan, you’re horrible! You even managed to dupe me,” Abelyn laughed as she smacked Joan on the

shoulder forcefully.

“You know now, don’t you? See, Brayden is gone. Nobody will bother you now.”

Joan glanced at Abelyn helplessly. It was clear that Abelyn still loved Brayden but was suppressing her

true emotions.

Or maybe Abelyn was really hurt? Joan looked away and spared no further thought on the matter.

 

Chapter 2697

Moving On

“By the way, I’m discharging this afternoon. Let’s get together for a drink after that,” Joan said to Abelyn

as she gave her a wink, with a look that was full of anticipation.

“Sure, that sounds great!” The two women gave each other a high five and were very excited.

“It’s not a good idea to be drinking right after you are discharged. What if it aggravates your condition?”

Dustin said with concern as he entered the room.

However, he knew that the two women would not pay any attention to his words. As such, he could

only try his best to take care of them.

Dustin had been trying all means to make Joan his. But he found it strange that he had suddenly lost

the feeling of urgency to do that.

“Has he really left?” Dustin asked Abelyn, feeling very worried.

“Brayden said that he won’t look for me again,” Abelyn replied but was unable to hide the

disappointment in her eyes.

Perhaps, that was for the best!

A man who was disloyal for no apparent reason did not deserve to be forgiven. Abelyn knew Brayden’s

character very well. He was one of those men with extremely bad self-control. If it happened once, it

would definitely happen the second time. To prevent herself from suffering further, it was probably wiser

to make a clear cut as soon as possible so that both parties could properly move on.

“Has Brayden thought it through?” Dustin asked suspiciously.

“Who cares? The point is he will never look for me again,” Abelyn replied as she ran forward and

happily linked arms with Joan.

The corners of Dustin’s lips curled up into a contented smile as he gazed at the figures of the two

women in front.

It seemed like some only needed an instant for enemies to turn friends. It also seemed like some only

took a moment for lovers to become strangers.

Well, life was unpredictable and full of surprises!

“Wait for me!” Dustin immediately ran towards them.

“We’re going to the supermarket. Do you want to come along?” Abelyn shouted from in front excitedly.

“I’ll come and help to carry your loots while you girls shop! Isn’t that the role of a man?” Dustin replied

while beaming cheerfully as he caught up with the two women.

“Dustin, you should get yourself a girlfriend soon! What are you waiting for?”

The air became still in an instant.

Why does she have to rub it my face?

Dustin took a side-glance at Abelyn and walked straight into the supermarket.

Joan, who was beside, looked at Abelyn with an awkward expression and walked slowly into the

supermarket too.

“Joan, I want to eat this. And this too!” Abelyn requested as she pointed at the seafood excitedly. She

had been smiling ever since they entered the supermarket.

“Abelyn, aren’t you trying to lose weight?” Dustin walked over and reminded her.

“Why would I do that? I don’t have a boyfriend anyway,” Abelyn replied placidly.

It seemed like Abelyn had indeed moved on. Joan looked at the woman in front of her thoughtfully and

a glint of relief flashed across her eyes.

Women did not need men anyway. Besides, a quality woman like Abelyn would definitely have tons of

quality men going after her.

“You shouldn’t eat that. I think you’ve really put on some weight recently,” Dustin mumbled in a

concerned tone at the side.

“Hey, Dustin, does what I want to eat got anything to do with you…?” Abelyn glared at Dustin’s back as

she grumbled.

It was a comical scene to behold as the two bickered with each other.

Actually, they are quite compatible with each other. That thought occurred to Joan suddenly as she fell

into a daze observing the interactions between Dustin and Abelyn.

“Hey, Joan! Come over. Who do you support?”

“Joan, you better think carefully before you answer. Don’t forget who your benefactor is,” Dustin

threatened with a serious look on his face.

“Um… Actually, this sliced meat looks pretty appetizing,” Joan merely said as she walked away,

pretending that she was never brought into their argument.

As such, Dustin and Abelyn started bickering all over again. Joan couldn’t help but laugh as she

watched them.

Suddenly, Joan’s phone rang. She took out her phone from her bag and answered the call without

looking at who the caller was.

Chapter 2698

Heartbreak

“Joan?”

It was Della’s voice coming from the other end of the phone.

Why would she call me? Joan wondered as a feeling of uneasiness rose inside her.

“What’s the matter?” She asked without beating around the bush.

“I want to invite you to my wedding. I hope that you can be my bridesmaid,” Della replied casually, but

Joan was momentarily stunned as a barrage of questions ran through her mind.

She’s getting married? Who is she getting married to? Where will her wedding be held? When is she

getting married?

“Sorry, I’m quite busy recently. I don’t think I’ll be able to attend your wedding,” Joan rejected straight

away after she snapped out of her shock.

No matter who Della was marrying, Joan did not feel that they were close enough for her to attend the

woman’s wedding.

At best, they were just acquaintances. Besides, Joan did not have the intention to strengthen their

friendship any further. She was not magnanimous enough to become good friends with her love rival.

“That’s such a pity. Larry has specially asked me to invite you to our wedding,” Della replied in a

strange tone, sounding disdainful.

Larry? Is she marrying Larry? At that instant, tears welled up in Joan’s eyes.

“Sorry, I gotta go,” Joan ended the call immediately after saying that.

So, Larry has really chosen her! So, he has really abandoned me! Joan felt like a fool, waiting patiently

for him to give her an explanation.

Feelings of grievance welled up in her heart at once and all she could think of at that moment was

Larry’s face.

“Joan, hurry up!”

A loud and crisp voice sounded behind Joan, calling out for her. However, Joan did not seem to have

heard it.

“Joan?” Abelyn called out again, testing waters.

However, Joan still did not seem to have any reaction.

What’s wrong with her? Why does she look so distracted? Abelyn put down the items she was carrying

and approached Joan slowly.

When she reached Joan, she realized that the woman was crying.

“Let’s go back now!” Abelyn took the items away from Joan’s hands and put them aside. Then, the two

women left the supermarket together.

Dustin continued browsing the displays in the supermarket for a while before he realized that his

companions were already nowhere to be seen.

“Hello, did you happen to see two very beautiful women… “ Dustin asked the cashier as he placed his

purchases on the counter.

“Oh, they left. They had left quite a while back… “ The cashier replied politely.

Huh? When did they leave? Why didn’t they inform me that they were leaving? Dustin wondered as he

scratched the back of his head, feeling puzzled.

On the way back, there was no conversation between the two women in the car. Even though the air

was very still, the atmosphere was not awkward at all. Joan turned her face towards the window and

gazed at the passing scenery. She wasn’t in the best of mood. Abelyn looked at her friend quietly

feeling worried, but did not dare to ask her anything.

Finally, the two women arrived back at Joan’s place and they entered the house together.

“Was that because of Larry?” Abelyn asked with a frown and was looking angry.

Joan did not reply. She merely sat down on the sofa and lowered her gaze.

“Don’t worry. If Larry has really hurt you, I will not let him get away with it!” Abelyn declared furiously as

she clenched her fists tightly.

Abelyn hated men who hurt women most, regardless if it was physically or emotionally.

“Tell me, is it Larry?” Abelyn squatted down and looked up at Joan, waiting for her answer.

Joan finally spoke after a long while.

“Abelyn, this is my private matter. I can settle it myself. Please don’t worry.”

How is she going to settle it? Is she looking at a reconciliation? Or is she intending to break up with

him? To Abelyn, it had to be one of those two options.

She knew how much Joan loved Larry. As such, she did not want to see Joan giving up on herself

because of her heartbreak. She knew very well how painful a breakup was and understood how it felt

to be betrayed. Naturally, she would not want Joan to experience everything that she had gone

through.

However, Joan had already experienced all of those.

Chapter 2699

More Than Meets The Eye

“You girls are too much! How can you leave me alone at the supermarket? You could have at least

informed me that you are going back first… “ Dustin mumbled as he opened the door and headed

towards the kitchen.

“Look! I’ve even gotten drinks for you girls!”

The two women did not hear a single thing the man said as they looked at each other wordlessly in the

living room.

Feeling that something was off, Dustin immediately walked out of the kitchen.

“What happened?” Dustin asked as he wiped his hands on his shirt and walked towards Joan.

“Did you just cry?”

Dustin took a look at Joan and glanced at Abelyn.

“Abelyn, what did you do to her? Be honest, did you bully Joan?” Dustin interrogated Abelyn as he

picked her up and threw her on the sofa.

“Dustin! What on Earth was what? Why would I bully her? Larry was the one who bullied her!” Abelyn

adjusted her clothes as she protested.

Huh? How is that possible? It didn’t make sense to Dustin that Larry would hurt the woman as he was

aware of how much he loved her. Dustin turned around and sat beside Joan, attempting to comfort her.

“Joan, what happened? Tell me, I’ll stand up for you… “ Dustin said, looking anxious.

“He’s getting married,” Joan said calmly, with her lips trembling slightly.

“Who are you talking about?” Dustin asked, feeling confused.

“Dustin, are you stupid or what?” Abelyn scolded as she picked up a pillow from the sofa and threw it at

Dustin.

“Larry and Della are getting married,” Joan’s head hung low and said weakly.

Dustin suddenly understood the situation.

Wait, that doesn’t seem right. Why would Larry marry Della? The woman he loves is Joan! Dustin

immediately straightened his back, feeling alert.

“What’s going on?” Dustin asked cautiously as he turned to look at Abelyn, who was sitting next to him.

Abelyn shrugged, expressing that she had no idea what happened as well.

“Joan, did you quarrel with Larry? Is he just playing a bad joke on you… “ Dustin said as he tried to

comfort the woman.

“Della was the one who informed me about it. She called to invite me to their wedding and even asked

me to be her bridesmaid,” Joan replied as she sniffed, trying to hold back her tears and looking very

lost and dejected.

“What?” Abelyn exclaimed as she bolted up from the sofa.

“She asked you to be her bridesmaid? How shameless can that Della get? Not only did she snatch

your man away, she even has the audacity to invite you to their wedding? She must be crazy!” Abelyn

yelled furiously, with an expression that was filled with disgust.

“You’re not allowed to go! Joan, I am telling you, I’ll look down on you forever if you go!” Abelyn pointed

at Joan and shouted sternly.

There must be more than meets the eye. Dustin fell into deep thought as he clenched his fists and tilted

his head.

Joan had kept her head low, looking extremely dispirited. Tears continued streaming down her cheeks,

landing on her dress.

Dustin could feel his heart aching as he sensed the suffering of the woman in front of him.

Previously, he had thought that he would be happy if Joan and Larry broke up, excited even. However,

seeing how pained the woman he loved was after losing the man she loved, all he could feel was

heartache and sympathy.

So, that was how it felt to truly love someone.

“Joan, don’t be too upset first. It doesn’t seem like a simple matter. Maybe it isn’t as bad as you think.

We should investigate the matter thoroughly… “ Dustin tried his best to comfort the woman.

After all, apart from trying to comfort her, there was nothing else he could do.

Joan suddenly stood up and went back to her room silently. Laying on her bed, she gazed at the stars

outside the window, feeling extremely disappointed.

She did not understand why Larry would marry Della. She also did not understand why he would break

his promise of protecting her forever.

Was that just a lie? Do all men really just think with the part below their belts?

The more Joan thought about it, the more absurd she felt. She had loved Larry for so long, but he had

merely treated her as a tool! Even though she wasn’t by his side anymore, he could still look for other

tools to fulfill his needs.

Chapter 2700

Solution

Forget it, he can do whatever he likes!

Joan slowly drifted off to sleep eventually.

Meanwhile, at the Norton Corporation, Caspian was pacing around anxiously in Larry’s office.

“Larry, you have to think of a solution quickly!”

Is there really a solution? It was all planned! Larry sighed as he walked towards the sofa and lit up a

cigarette.

“The headlines on the newspapers are too eye-catching. It was reported that you’re marrying Ms. Duff.

They even wrote that Ms. Duff has loved you all these while… “ Caspian remarked continuously,

sounding obviously displeased.

So what? Larry let out a cold snort. As long as he refused to cooperate, there was nothing Della and

Jake could do.

“Book me an air ticket. I need to leave the country,” Larry instructed placidly as he heaved a long puff.

Why is he travelling out of the country? Is he running away? Caspian wondered as he was curious

about what the man had in mind.

That’s impossible! Larry isn’t so irresponsible!

“I’m attending Mr. Lancaster’s funeral. I’ll take the chance to discuss business opportunities with his

brother.”

Without replying, Caspian immediately walked out of the room to book an air ticket for Larry.

After Malcolm passed away, the situation overseas had changed. As a result, the cooperation between

the companies was also hanging on a thread.

Larry had a cold expression and a desolate look on his face. He looked extremely worn out.

Even though he felt helpless at times, he knew that he was unable to change the current situation.

Within the country, Della and Jake had joined hands against him, while overseas, Malcolm had passed

away. Moreover, Joan had left the country as well. All those factors added together had caused Larry to

feel suffocated.

The man wondered when he could stop fighting so hard.

When he thought carefully about everything that happened in the past, there was nothing that he had

achieved without fighting hard for it.

Regardless if it was romance or career, even though he was tested time and again, he could not back

down.

“Larry!” Jessica suddenly barged into the office.

“Joan already knows about it,” Jessica spoke hesitantly.

Larry was momentarily stunned as he looked away for a second, before composing himself again.

“Della was the one who called to inform her about it,” Jessica alerted Larry.

Indeed, it’s that woman.

“Larry, what’s your plan? I can help you.”

Larry was suddenly lost in thought as he looked at Jessica. He knew that perhaps, Jessica was the

only person who could help him at the moment!

“I’m going abroad for a while. Look after the company for me with Caspian. Just remember not to get

into any trouble. This is a sensitive period for everyone in the Norton Corporation… “ Larry explained

patiently.

“Larry, why don’t I accompany you overseas?” Jessica suggested right away.

“No need!” Larry rejected resolutely as he walked out of the office.

Jessica looked around the room and sighed, as sorrow filled her heart.

To her, Larry was family, and Norton Corporation was her home! Now that Larry was in trouble, she

could not just sit around and do nothing!

Soon, Larry got his air ticket and headed to the airport at once.

The plane landed in less than four hours’ time. However, what was different from before was that no

one was there to pick him up. As such, Larry hailed a cab himself to travel to Malcolm’s funeral.

“Wow, who’s this?” Matthew exclaimed in disdain when he saw Larry.

“Mr. Matthew, I’m here to see Mr. Lancaster off his last journey,” Larry explained as he entered the

premises.

“I’m sorry. Since you’re a foreigner, you are not allowed to come in,” Matthew said harshly as he

stopped Larry from entering while having a contemptuous look on his face.

Have things gone ugly so fast? How realistic! Larry looked at the man and retreated a few steps

awkwardly.

However, Matthew was actually looking forward to seeing Larry. More accurately, he wanted to see

Larry bowing down to him.

He could never forget how Larry treated him previously and he was determined to return the “favor”

tenfold!

“I’m very touched that Mr. Norton had traveled all the way here to send my brother off. However, since

my brother is no longer around, I’ll be taking over the company. As such, I will be gradually terminating

our cooperation with Norton Corporation… “