Ch. 2721..2730

Chapter 2721

Learning The Truth

Despite it all being a misunderstanding, the two of them had quite some conflicts in the past.

“All right, I get it, Abelyn! Sheesh, I can’t believe you’re still mad at me after so many years, and over

something so trivial too… Look, I apologize for whatever I have done to wrong you in the past, okay?”

Abelyn was a very petty person who held on to grudges, so it was only natural that she remembered

every little thing people did to wrong her.

Jessica on the other hand wasn’t one to sweat the small stuff and paid no heed to the trivial conflicts

they had in the past.

That was especially the case as she was a little impulsive in her ways which was the main reason

behind most of their conflicts.

Abelyn found herself unable to stay mad at Jessica when she saw how sincere she was with her

apology.

“Okay… I’m sure I must’ve been at fault as well back then, so I would also like to say I’m sorry…” she

said shyly while looking at her through the corner of her eye.

“Now that you two have made up, how about we all head inside and catch up?” Joan said happily while

pushing them into the house.

No problem is unsolvable as long as both parties are willing to communicate!

Just like that, the four of them sat down on the sofa in the living room.

The three girls then proceeded to dominate the conversation and rambled on endlessly with a complete

disregard for Dustin’s feelings as he struggled to participate in the conversation, but to no avail.

I can’t understand a thing they’re saying… Geez, women sure are a pain in the neck… Dustin let out a

sigh and shook his head.

“Why don’t you go make dinner, Dustin?” Abelyn pointed at the kitchen.

What? Did she just tell me to make dinner? Dustin was dumbfounded.

“What, you got a problem?” Jessica shot him a fierce glare.

“Okay…” he mumbled as he got up and slowly made his way towards the kitchen.

He decided to do as told as sitting there with them was pointless and boring anyway.

“Why didn’t you go home after returning to the country, Joan?” Jessica asked in confusion.

Joan gave them both an awkward look in response.

“She hasn’t made up her mind. Now, enough of that topic.” Abelyn responded on her behalf and waved

at Jessica to stop asking any further.

Make up her mind? About what? Also, why did she tell Abelyn but not me? Feeling upset at being kept

in the dark, Jessica shot Joan a cold glare.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go home after a while,” Joan said firmly with a smile.

“Larry knows you’re back, and he even has pictures of you shopping with Dustin.”

Joan froze upon hearing that. So Larry already knew…

“Caspian has been looking for you all over, Joan. You should come home and explain everything to

Larry. I mean, you and Dustin aren’t together, right?” Jessica added.

Of course! Dustin and I were never together to begin with!

“Why would she go home when Larry is going to marry Della?” Abelyn shouted angrily.

What? Since when is Larry marrying Della? Jessica frowned in confusion as she asked, “What are you

talking about, Abelyn? Since when is Larry marrying Della?”

Both Joan and Abelyn tensed up instantly.

Wait… What’s going on here? Does this mean that Della was lying about it the whole time? Abelyn’s

eyes lit up with surprise at the thought of that.

Although Joan had doubted the truth of Della’s words as well, she didn’t have enough confidence to

confront Larry about it, so hearing Jessica’s words made her feel incredibly relieved.

“So, you’re saying that Larry isn’t planning on marrying Della?” Abelyn asked to make sure.

“Of course, Abelyn! Larry doesn’t like Della at all, so why on earth would he want to marry her?

Besides… He only has eyes for Joan, so no other women stand a chance at winning him over anyway!”

 

Chapter 2722

You Two Are Way Too Intimate With Each Other

Abelyn was overjoyed to hear that and burst into uncontrollable laughter, smacking herself on the thigh

and rocking her head back and forth in the process.

Even Dustin who was busy making dinner in the kitchen stuck his head out in curiosity when he heard

her laughing.

Feeling a little shaken up by Abelyn’s sudden and strange behavior, Jessica pointed at her as she

asked, “What’s up with her, Joan? Did she hit herself on the head or something?”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about her!” Joan waved at her with a look of joy in her eyes.

However, that joy soon turned into concern when she remembered the crisis that Norton Corporation

was facing.

“What about Norton Corporation? Last I heard, the company’s development has bottle-necked…” she

asked worriedly.

Jessica gave her a reassuring wink and said, “Relax, Larry has his plans to resolve that crisis! On top

of that, he has me to help him out too!”

So, Della was lying about it all the whole time… Phew, I can finally stop worrying about this issue…

Joan let out a sigh of relief at the thought of that.

“Hey, stop laughing, Abelyn! You look like a freaking lunatic!” Jessica shouted while smacking her on

the shoulder.

“Oh, shut up! I just can’t help it when I think about how funny Della was! Hahaha…” Abelyn explained

helplessly while struggling to contain herself.

Oh, boy… Della’s really done it this time! She’s embarrassed herself to the point of no return!

“Don’t listen to Della, Joan! There’s no way Larry will ever marry her! He loves you and you alone!”

Jessica continued to defend Larry.

“All right, that’s enough, you girls! Come on, dinner’s ready!” Dustin called out impatiently as he served

up the food from the kitchen.

Abelyn ran over and hugged him tightly all of a sudden. “Wow, it smells amazing!”

“Hey! What are you doing, Abelyn? Stop it! They’re staring at us!” Dustin exclaimed shyly when he saw

Joan and Jessica giggling at them.

“They’re not outsiders or anything, so why are you being so shy about it? Besides, we used to do this

all the time, so why are you acting all flustered like some teen girl…” Abelyn grumbled as she slowly let

go of him.

Unable to withstand her incessant rambling, Dustin gave in and held his arms out as he said, “Fine, I’ll

hug you! Come on, bring it in!”

To his surprise, Abelyn refused his hug and pouted out of jealousy. “You know what? Forget it! You can

save your hugs for your future girlfriend or something!”

She was completely oblivious to the fact that she had started to develop feelings for Dustin, one which

exceeded that of friendship.

“Actually, you two make quite a great pair, so why don’t you two just date each other and make it

official?” Jessica said with a chuckle.

“Shut up!” Dustin and Abelyn snapped back at her in unison.

“We’re best bros for life!” Abelyn said proudly while wrapping her arm around his shoulder.

“Yeah, that’s right! Bros for life!” Dustin played along as well.

Oh, please… You two are way too intimate with each other to be bros! Jessica and Joan exchanged

glances with each other and grinned from ear to ear when they saw that.

Meanwhile, the directors of Norton Corporation were all seated in the meeting room with solemn looks

on their faces. Larry sat at the very center of the room and waited for them to speak up. The tension in

the room was so high that it felt as if the air had frozen from the cold looks in their eyes.

Eventually, one of the directors spoke up with a hint of dissatisfaction on his face, “What on earth are

you planning on doing, Mr. Norton?”

“I’m sure you are all aware of the situation that Norton Corporation is currently in, and I am able to

understand the reasons behind all of your decisions. However, as long as I am around, I will not allow

anyone to acquire this company…”

 

Chapter 2723

Call From Larry

Larry’s words were solemn and determined.

That was his bottom line. He could change his ways, and he could change his careers, but he would

never let Jake take over the company.

“Mr. Norton, M Group’s president hopes to take over Norton Corporation. It is our honor…”

Once again, another director started trying to persuade Larry.

“I’ll never sell my company. If you don’t want to stay here any longer, I can buy your shares from you.

I’ll buy them at the old market price. This is the best way, and the kindest I’ll be to you.”

Larry’s words made the other directors enter a heated discussion.

“Has he gone mad? The company’s about to shut down, but he’s still trying to buy our shares?”

“You’re right. He can’t have lost his marbles, can he?”

“Moreover, he’s trying to buy them with the original market price?”

Instantly, the office was in an uproar.

They were all old sly foxes. As long as they could still reap the profits, they cared not about who owned

the company.

“Mr. Norton, are you serious with what you’ve just said?” one of the directors snapped as he stood up

and stabbed a finger in his direction.

“Of course I am,” came Larry’s plain reply.

“Okay, deal.”

Thus, Larry obtained all the shares of Norton Corporation. Very well. As he looked at the directors in

front of him, a satisfied smile grew on Larry’s lips.

Meanwhile, in M Group’s office, Jake was at his table, flipping through his documents with a grave look.

“Mr. Wilson, I need your signature on this document.” The assistant then handed a document to Jake

when he entered.

“What’s the situation with Norton Corporation’s side?” Jake asked as he signed the paper.

“It’s all quiet so far,” the assistant slowly said as he lowered his head. It seemed like he was not

stressed about it at all.

Wait. Jake abruptly snapped his head upward as anxiety filled his eyes.

He could sense that something was wrong somewhere, but he could not pinpoint what it was.

Norton Corporation has no news even though it’s been ages?

Jake then tilted his head to look at the ceiling, deep in his thoughts. Did something happen?

Finally, everything’s over, Larry thought, sitting on his office’s couch as he heaved a heavy sigh.

I’ll just need to focus on my fashion business now.

When he lowered his head to look at his watch, a look of anger and anticipation flashed across his

face. It’s been days since Joan contacted me.

As he continued to stare at his watch, Larry found himself hesitating. He wanted to call Joan, but he did

not want to give in to her.

After a long while of hesitation, he finally made the call.

Ding, ding, ding.

The phone on the table kept ringing.

“Joan, your phone is ringing!” Abelyn waved excitedly when she saw the name on the screen.

“Answer the call for me,” Joan shouted from inside the restroom.

Without hesitating, Abelyn picked up the call.

“Joan, where are you?”

It was a familiar voice traveling out of the speakers. Abelyn could hear the worry and yearning in

Larry’s voice.

“She’s in my house,” Abelyn said in a deliberately calm tone.

Her response dumbfounded Larry.

Who is she? Why is she picking up Joan’s call for her?

“Abelyn, what are you doing? Don’t use Joan’s phone!” That, however, was a voice Larry knew well. It

was Dustin.

Joan is with Dustin and Abelyn. I was right! She went to Dustin!

Smack!

Larry slammed his palm onto the table and it instantly reddened.

“Hush, you! Don’t interrupt me,” Abelyn yelled at Dustin, who was a distance away from him.

“Larry, listen to me. It isn’t like what you think it is…”

Chapter 2724

Explanation

Beep, beep…

Before Abelyn had finished her sentence, Larry had ended the call.

We’re doomed! Totally doomed!

“Damn it, Dustin. Why did you have to talk when you could’ve kept quiet?” Abelyn grumbled as she

smacked him.

What? What did I do wrong this time? Dustin could not help but frown at her words.

“Shut up when we’re on a call next time,” Abelyn reminded as she smacked his back.

Why do I have to shut up? Dustin could not comprehend why.

“Who was the one calling me just now?” Joan quietly asked as she exited the bathroom.

“It was your husband,” Abelyn replied.

“What?” Joan stiffened.

Then, she continued, “So, what did he say?”

“He hung up on the call right after hearing Dustin’s voice.” Abelyn then shrugged with an exasperated

expression

It was then Dustin took a few steps, about to flee from the scene.

“Where are you trying to go? Stand right there!” Abelyn huffed as she knocked his head.

“Stop it! I’m already not that smart. If you keep knocking it, I’ll lose all my intellect!”

Meanwhile, Joan took her phone and retreated to her room. After clicking into her contacts, she then

called Larry.

“Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable.”

He must be angry! Joan knew that Larry often refused to pick up calls when he was in a foul mood. In

fact, he would switch it off to stop the others from calling him.

This is terrible. Joan could only pace in her room, not knowing what she should do to salvage the

situation.

Jessica just said he received a photo of me with Dustin, and now he’s hearing Dustin’s voice when he

called me. It’s impossible for him not to get jealous.

After hesitating for what seemed like eons, Joan got dressed and went downstairs.

On the other hand, Dustin and Abelyn were still fooling around in the living room.

“Joan, where are you going?” Dustin anxiously asked from his position under Abelyn.

“I’m going to look for Larry,” came Joan’s calm reply.

“What?” Both Dustin and Abelyn turned to look at Joan in disbelief.

Simultaneously, the two asked curiously, “Why are you looking for him?”

“I’m going to explain to him about earlier. It’s fine. Continue what you’re doing earlier.” With that said,

Joan left the villa.

“I’ll send you there!”

“Don’t. This is about the two of them. Why are you trying to get involved, Dustin?” Abelyn groaned as

she continued to pinch and hit him.

Dustin had enough of it.

“Abelyn, that’s too much!” roared the man, his voice echoing in the house.

On her way there, a somber look was on Joan’s face. She was contemplating how she should explain

her relationship with Dustin.

Soon, her car came to a stop outside Norton Corporation. Without delaying any second, she headed

straight to Larry’s office.

“Why are you here?” Larry asked, his tone glacial.

His tone and voice betray him. He’s obviously jealous.

“I’m here to see you,” Joan enunciated as she walked toward the couch by the side.

At that moment, Joan was excited, but she was keeping her emotions under control.

“What’s there to look at? It’s not as if I’m handsome,” was Larry’s apathetic reply.

Oh? He’s angry. Joan then turned to look at the man and smiled.

“Don’t be mad. I’ll explain it to you,” she hummed.

If he had to be honest with himself, Larry’s foul mood had dissipated the moment Joan stepped into the

office.

Now, all he wanted to do was to be in her warm embrace.

However, the second he thought about the photos she had with Dustin, anger burned in his chest

anew.

Despite knowing what she was talking about, Larry cleared his throat and queried, “What are you going

to explain?”

Chapter 2725

Wait For Me

“Dustin and I have been living in Abelyn’s villa. He sold his house…”

She explained herself in great detail, fearing that the person in front of her would misunderstand again.

“Larry, I actually wanted to contact you a long time ago. I was just afraid that I would distract you. You

know, Norton Corporation only got to where it is today because you persevered and worked for it

yourself. I don’t want you to just…”

Eventually, she still could not help but express the concerns she had held in her heart.

“Silly girl!” Larry said as he stood up and pulled Joan into a tight hug.

“I can still solve all of Norton Corporation’s problems even without Della. I just need time,” he replied

gently, kissing her forehead.

Right. He’s Larry after all! A trace of joy flickered across Joan’s gaze.

“You can finally come back now,” he said heartbrokenly as he gently stroked her hair.

As he had not seen her in a long time, resultantly, he only felt love for her then.

“Go back to work. I’ll head home first,” Joan said, then she turned around to leave.

Suddenly, Larry pulled her into a tight hug, reluctant to let her go.

“Stay with me a little longer.”

He then rested his head on her collarbone, relishing her presence.

“Okay, stop it. There’re a lot of people watching,” Joan muttered embarrassedly as she pointed to the

employees outside the office.

“We’re in a relationship. Isn’t it normal for us to be intimate?”

“We haven’t remarried yet,” she reminded him.

Bang!

The office door was suddenly forcefully opened.

“Whoops, I’m sorry. It looks like I’m at the wrong place,” Jessica said, turning around to leave.

Then, as if she were grabbing onto her last lifeline, Joan shouted, “Jessica!”

The woman in question awkwardly turned back to look at the couple who were still acting intimately.

There was a trace of envy in her gaze.

“Didn’t you have something to discuss with Larry? I won’t disturb you then.” As Joan struggled out of

Larry’s grip, she looked at Jessica pleadingly.

“There’s no hurry. The most important thing is whatever’s happening between you two,” she replied

amusedly, breaking into a smile.

“Stop it, Larry. Do your work,” muttered Joan coquettishly as she pounded against his chest.

“Go home first then. Wait for me in the room.”

He then lifted her chin with his index finger as he gently nibbled her cheek and gave her a lustful look.

“Stop that,” she replied embarrassedly. Then, she immediately left the office while blushing madly.

Jessica never stopped smirking as she looked at Joan go.

“Congrats, Larry,” she said as she walked over to the sofa.

“Why are you here? You’re such a spoilsport,” he said displeasedly in a low voice and shot her a look.

Huh, he even dislikes my presence now? She pouted, feeling wronged.

“When it comes down to it, you actually have to thank me. But since we have such a strong

relationship, I’ll accept a monetary gift of one hundred thousand,” she said leisurely as she tidied her

clothes.

Wow, is this daylight robbery? She expects me to give her one hundred thousand?

Jessica looked at him with anticipation in her eyes, waiting for his response. I’m sure one hundred

thousand is peanuts to him!

Instead of responding to her request, Larry said, “Anything else? If not, you can leave now. I still have a

lot of work…”

“Don’t take it to heart!” Jessica interrupted.

Then, she continued, “How’s your clothing business going? Do you need my help? Also, Jake seems to

be up to something recently. You’d better be careful. He won’t let you and Joan off so lightly,” she

reminded.

 

Chapter 2726

Why Are You Here

He raised his head to look at her, smiled, and nodded gently.

He knew that Jake was not someone he wanted to provoke and that he was a person who always

avenged his grievances.

After they chatted briefly, Jessica then left his office.

Soon, the sky turned dark. Perhaps because he had met Joan, Larry started to pack up to leave very

early on that day.

Hiss…

Just then, the door was gently pushed open.

“Caspian?” said Larry without looking up.

Most employees had already gotten off work by that time. Except for Caspian, no one else would head

back to the company after ending work.

“It’s me,” a bitter voice rang out.

Instantly, Larry stopped whatever he was doing and looked up.

“Why are you here?” he asked bluntly.

What else? Of course I’m here to provoke you! Jake rubbed his hands together, his expression full of

evil.

“Are you happy now that Joan’s back?” he asked, sounding mysterious.

What’s that got to do with him? Larry snorted coldly and ignored him as he continued to organize his

belongings.

“I have something else to do. Bye,” said Larry as he turned to go.

“Larry!” Jake suddenly shouted fiercely, his tone cold.

Larry instantly stopped in his tracks as if he were waiting for something.

“Are you sure you know exactly what Joan’s been doing recently?” he said, a hint of playfulness in his

tone.

Larry then turned around, looking at him questioningly. What could she have done? She definitely

wouldn’t do anything to harm others.

Jake continued, “Where’s Della? Where did she go? How is she now? Are you really not the least bit

concerned? Would you still turn a blind eye if Joan had set her up?”

Immediately, alertness and anxiety flashed across Larry’s eyes.

What does he mean? Does Joan have something to do with Della going abroad?

“Did you know that Della almost died? Joan did that to her!”

Upon hearing his words, Larry was stunned.

“Don’t talk nonsense! Joan wouldn’t harm her even if she were overseas!” he shouted.

He knew that Joan would never do anything against her conscience.

“Do you really think Joan’s a good person? You’re wrong then! You probably still don’t know about what

she did abroad…”

Jake spoke so eloquently and confidently that Larry almost believed his words.

“You’d better go home and ask her about what exactly she did to Della. Also, she’s probably very clear

about what kind of dangerous situation Della’s in right now.”

For some reason, Larry felt very anxious then. Did Joan really do something stupid? He clenched his

fist, trying to suppress his emotions.

“By the way, you’re really amazing! Congrats on getting Norton Corporation into the fashion industry,”

said Jake as he clapped his hands and walked out of the office.

Larry suddenly felt very lost and confused.

He knew nothing about what Joan previously did overseas. Moreover, he did not expect that Della had

directly gone to Joan.

Everything seems a little too coincidental.

Lost in thought, Larry stared into the dark sky outside and sighed, his expression sad and hurt. If Joan

really hurt Della, what should I do?

Ring, ring, ring…

All of a sudden, his phone rang.

He immediately picked up after glancing at the caller’s name.

“It’s getting late, Larry. When are you coming back?” Joan asked.

“Go to bed first. I’m working overtime tonight. Recently, the company…” he said helplessly, looking for

an excuse.

Working overtime again? As Joan stared at the phone in her hands, her eyes dimmed with

disappointment.

Is he purposely avoiding me? Upon having that thought, her heart skipped a beat as her breath

seemed to stop. She wanted to say something else but did not know what to say.

 

Chapter 2727

Keep Your Wife In Line

“Don’t overwork yourself then…” she said.

The pair exchanged a few more simple words before hanging up.

I have to figure some things out first. Larry placed his phone on the table then lit a cigarette as he

pondered.

A long while later, he picked up his phone again and gave Della a call.

“Hello?” Her voice sounded rather weak.

He blew out a puff of smoke then asked softly, “Where are you?”

“The hospital,” she replied calmly, as if nothing had happened.

Upon hearing her reply, his body unconsciously trembled.

“Why are you in the hospital?” he asked, testing the waters.

“I was harmed by someone. My body’s not feeling good,” she replied plainly. However, anger had long

risen in her heart. Damn you, Joan! I’d never have become like this if it weren’t for you!

“Harmed by who?” he asked. He put out his cigarette as he waited for a reply.

“Aren’t you asking the obvious? Just tell me why you’re looking for me,” she said impatiently.

“It’s nothing. I just wanted to ask when you’d be back.”

Go back? Why should I? What would I do back there? Watch you and that woman be affectionate? Or

let myself be left alone with no one to care about me? What a joke!

“I don’t want to go back. Otherwise, when I really lose my life, I won’t even know how it happened,” she

said, her voice mixed with some helplessness and inquiry.

Did Joan really hurt her? Larry clenched his fist tightly, feeling very uneasy. He was hollow-eyed and

felt exhausted by the situation.

“How are you now?” he asked worriedly.

Of course, his concern was merely that of a friend’s.

“You don’t need to care about me. Just keep your wife in line!”

Her words left Larry feeling very uncertain.

“Della, tell me. Was it actually Joan who harmed you?” he asked anxiously.

“Why don’t you ask her? Will she dare to tell you the truth? Even if I speak the truth, you won’t believe

me anyway. Am I wrong?” As soon as she was done, she immediately hung up the phone.

I clearly don’t have any place in his heart, but he still acts as though he cares about me. Della pounded

on the hospital bed as she pressed her lips together. Her eyes started to well up with tears.

I’m clearly countless times better than Joan, but he gave me up for that woman!

Meanwhile, Larry, who had just been hung up on, looked at his phone as he was lost in thought.

Why did you do such a stupid, silly thing, Joan? He stared out the window, sighing with a look of

helplessness on his face.

After a long time, he then slumped onto the table and closed his eyes…

The next day, sunlight shone through the windows into the office, bringing warmth.

Larry stretched as he woke up, yawned, then massaged his temples in an attempt to wake himself up.

“You’re awake?” Joan suddenly greeted softly as she walked in.

“Hm? Why are you here?” he asked, surprised to see her.

He hoped that she was not the person who harmed Della.

“You were working overtime last night. I was afraid you’d be hungry, so I made you breakfast,” she

replied gently, placing the food on the table.

Larry was touched by her actions.

As usual, she’s so kind and considerate. But why would she do that to Della? He was still unable to

figure it out.

“Have you eaten?” he asked caringly.

“Yeah. You should eat,” she replied with a smile.

Without raising his head to look at her, he ate, then asked testingly, “When you were overseas

previously, did you go through everything by yourself?”

Why’s he suddenly asking me this? Although she raised her head at that question, Joan did not look

directly at him.

 

Chapter 2728

What Exactly Do You Want To Say

If I said that I was always together with Dustin, would he get angry? Forget it. I’d better tell the truth.

He’ll find out sooner or later anyway.

“No, I was always with Dustin and Abelyn,” she replied carefully, fearful that he might misunderstand

her.

Larry paused, then nodded without any expression on his face.

“That’s all? There was only the three of you?”

Yeah. If not? Who else would there be? Oh right, there was Della, but we only met her by accident, so I

probably don’t need to say that.

“Joan, you know that I love and trust you a lot.”

He spoke with a neutral and calm tone.

I know! I’ve always known how you felt about me. It’s just that sometimes, I do waver.

“Did Della find you?”

Larry placed his breakfast down on the table, carefully studying the person in front of him. There was a

look full of blame in his eyes.

“Yes,” she replied simply. It was a fact after all.

“Then? What happened after that?” he asked.

Then the three of us escaped! No, wait. What does he mean? If he’s asking out of concern for me,

why’s he speaking in such a tone? He’s clearly interrogating me right now.

“What exactly do you want to say, Larry?” she asked directly.

Joan was not one to beat around the bush and did not like to play tricks with others. She was someone

who got straight to the point and would not avoid the topic.

“Why did you hurt Della?”

He gave off a cold aura, causing her to unconsciously move back a little. However, her stepping back

was seen as a guilty confession in Larry’s eyes.

So he’s actually suspicious of me. How ridiculous! She sneered. Does he actually suspect that I hurt

Della? I’m already very thankful as long as she doesn’t come to find trouble with me. Why would I harm

her for no reason?

“I believe you didn’t do it on purpose, right?”

Larry’s voice was small and weak. He seemed extremely reluctant to admit that she had been involved.

Looking at her beloved, Joan continually shook her head. There was disappointment in her gaze.

Larry. My ex-husband. My future husband.

“There’s nothing for me to explain. I still have something on. Goodbye,” she said, then turned and left.

A few hours later, Joan had met up with Jessica for some drinks. “What happened to you?” Jessica

asked worriedly with an anxious gaze.

For some reason, she could feel that something had happened between the couple again.

“I’m fine,” Joan replied resignedly as she sipped on her alcohol.

How would I even explain this? It’s been so many years, but he’s still doubting me. How laughable! She

then downed the entire glass.

“Joan!” Suddenly, Jessica snatched the glass from her hands.

When Joan looked up at her with a bitter look in her eyes, Jessica was surprised.

“Give it to me!” Joan said fiercely, without a trace of warmth in her tone.

“No!” Jessica replied firmly. I need to figure out what happened between them. I have to!

“Tell me, did Larry hurt you?” she asked carefully, patting Joan on the shoulder.

So what if he did? Can she even help me to deal with him? Joan snorted coldly, her expression

disdainful.

“It’s got nothing to do with you,” she said, then picked up a bottle of wine and drank directly from it.

Is she crazy? She’s drinking directly from the bottle!

“Stop drinking!” Jessica yelled displeasedly as she tried to grab the bottle in Joan’s hands.

“Shut up! I called you so that you’d drink with me. You’re not here to stop me from drinking!” Joan

glared coldly at her.

 

Chapter 2729

Drink Till We Drop

Jessica was stunned upon seeing the state that she was in.

She had never seen Joan ruin herself in such a manner before. Furthermore, she had never seen her

so dispirited. What exactly happened? Puzzled, Jessica stared suspiciously at her.

“Joan, tell me what exactly happened between Larry and you,” she said gently as she stroked Joan’s

hair.

Uncaring that there were others around her, Joan suddenly cried, “That idiot actually suspects me! I

feel so upset!”

Instantly, Jessica understood. It looks like something really happened between them.

Without any further hesitation, she then took out her phone and called Larry.

“What’s going on, Larry? Joan just got back, but you’ve already made her upset? Why are you always

so petty? All she did was hang out with Dustin for a few days…”

Jessica had spoken very rudely and with a bad attitude. As a result, Larry became stunned by the

situation.

“What are you saying, Jessica?” he asked suspiciously in a blunt tone.

“I said that you’re too narrow-minded. Joan and Dustin are merely friends. Do you have to interrogate

her like that every day…”

Clearly, before she even fully understood what happened between the couple, she had made her own

assumptions and called him.

Therefore, he knew that she had wronged him and did not continue the conversation any further.

“Okay, I still have a lot to deal with here. I’ll talk to you later,” he replied before hanging up the phone.

Who does he think he is? He’s so rude! She scowled as a flicker of coldness flashed across her eyes.

Turning back to Joan, Jessica raised her glass and said, “Cheers, Joan! Tonight, I’ll drink with you as

much as you want!” Then, she downed the entire glass.

Looking at how enthusiastic she was being, Joan smiled. “I knew you were loyal! We’ll drink till we drop

tonight!”

Just like that, in one corner of the bar, the two women continuously shouted, drank, sang, and

complained…

No one else understood their bad mood at that moment, and no one went over to have a drink with

them.

“Don’t be angry with Larry. He’s just impulsive sometimes. Don’t mind him…” said Jessica as she

hiccupped.

Joan sneered as she studied Jessica’s expression. She looked a little drunk.

“Who cares about him? I’m so happy right now. Why should I think unhappy thoughts…”

Then, they started another round of drinks.

Unknowingly, a long time had passed before both women were so drunk that they slumped onto the

table and closed their eyes.

When they next woke up, it was already the next day. Joan rubbed her eyes, feeling very tired.

“Wake up, Jessica,” she said, gently nudging her awake.

“Don’t touch me. Let me sleep a little longer,” she muttered impatiently, shaking off Joan’s arm.

Outside, the sun had long risen.

Looks like we went a little too crazy again yesterday! Joan tidied her clothes as she waited for her

friend to wake up.

A long while later, Jessica finally stretched and yawned, slowly opening her eyes.

“It’s morning,” she murmured tiredly.

It was morning a long time ago! Joan then glanced over at her with a serious expression. “Come on,

let’s hurry home,” she said, about to pull Jessica away from the bar.

“Don’t. Why are you so anxious? Let me rest for a while,” said Jessica, as she moved to lie on the sofa

leisurely.

“Stop it, Jessica. You should hurry home. Caspian will be worried,” Joan reminded her.

So what? I just have to explain it to him clearly. Acting as if she had not heard anything, Jessica closed

her eyes again, enjoying a rare opportunity for relaxation.

 

Chapter 2730

Mistrust

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

As Joan was about to go, Jessica held on to her arm firmly.

“Joan, don’t go. Accompany me for a while more,” requested Jessica brazenly.

“Stop playing around. You should go home.”

“What’s the hurry? We have more than enough time. Look!” Jessica pointed to the watch on her wrist.

A look of excitement appeared on her face.

“So, what’s up with you and Larry?” She continued the topic of discussion from last night.

“Larry and I? We’re fine, don’t worry. There’s really nothing going on between us at the moment.”

Joan was kind of speechless at Jessica’s enthusiasm toward her. Why is she so interested about my

affairs with Larry?

“Come on, Joan. Let me take you home,” said Jessica. She started to pull on Joan’s arm to get her to

leave the nightclub.

“I don’t want to go home!” Joan suddenly cried out in agitation.

Jessica was taken aback by her unexpected outburst. Where does she intend to go if she doesn’t want

to go home?

“You should head back first. I’d like to take a stroll on the beach…”

“I’m coming with you!” Jessica hastily interrupted Joan before she could finish her sentence.

Joan stared at her for a few seconds. She didn’t say anything and turned to leave without waiting for

Jessica.

Pulling herself together, Jessica immediately ran after Joan and followed her.

Holy cow! Larry must have done something that greatly upset Joan! The more she thought about, the

more uneasy and worried she felt.

After some time, the two women arrived at the beach.

“Joan, your alcohol tolerance is getting better.” Jessica purposely started a conversation to get Joan

talking.

She only knew that Joan was troubled because of Larry. However, she didn’t know what exactly went

on between them as Joan didn’t tell her anything.

“Is it?” Joan replied absent-mindedly. She was gazing at the nearby sea.

“Joan, if you think of me as a good friend, you can tell me all about it.” Jessica offered with sincerity.

She genuinely wanted to help Joan ease the pain that she was feeling. Joan turned to look at her. A

smile slowly formed on her face, there was a hint of comfort in her eyes.

“Della was hospitalized. Larry suspected that I hurt her,” Joan answered impassively.

Upon hearing this, Jessica’s expression hardened. What does Joan have to do with Della’s

hospitalization? Besides that, didn’t Della already leave the country some time ago?

“Della isn’t here,” reminded Jessica with a serious face.

“The reason she went overseas previously was to find me. I was with Dustin and Abelyn at that time…”

Joan took a trip down memory lane, which brought up painful memories. She wanted so much to forget

that period of torment. She wanted to stay away from Della as far as possible. However, the reality was

always cruel.

“And then? Larry suspected that you were the one who hurt Della?” Jessica exclaimed with disbelief.

Her voice instantly shot up a few octaves.

“That’s right.”

Just what is going on with Larry? Why is he doubting the person he loves right now? Joan finally came

back after an arduous journey. And this is what he’s up to now?

On top of that, Della was always the one bullying Joan. Joan never did her any harm at all!

Larry must have lost his mind! He isn’t even clear about the situation, and he started to suspect Joan

blindly!

“Let’s go, Joan. Let’s confront Larry about this!” She started dragging Joan away.

“I’m not going back!” Joan stated bluntly. Anger coated each word that she uttered.

Jessica could fully understand that she was deeply chagrined at that moment.

“Joan, you need to clear the air and resolve the misunderstanding,” advised Jessica, wanting to help

Joan resolve her issue.

“There’s no need to do so. If he truly knows me and my character, what’s there to explain? I am utterly

heartbroken that he did not trust me at all.”

Her frustrated rant was tinged with sadness and disappointment.

Seeing the shattered look on Joan’s face, Jessica’s heart went out to her. She quietly took out her

phone and dialed a number without hesitation.

“What’s up?” Larry asked in a lazy and tired voice after picking up the call.

“What do you mean what’s up? Larry, what kind of a man are you? You couldn’t protect the woman you

love. Now you even have the audacity to suspect her!” Jessica shouted furiously over the phone

without reserve.