Ch. 2861..2870
Chapter 2861
Those words got Nancy to grin in secret.
The housemaid monitored Nancy for a long while before deciding that the latter would behave. The
former left after that.
That is one vigilant housemaid! Nancy turned around and scanned her surroundings to try to learn
something, but she couldn’t see any signs of Joan being there, no matter how hard she tried.
That’s strange. Is Joan really still staying overseas? That doesn’t seem possible either. Jake has
already sent out the wedding invitations, and the big day is right around the corner. How could she not
be back?
Wait, when I first barged into the living room, I think I heard the housemaid say something like Ms.
Watts… Hold on. Did they hide Joan away?
Oh my gosh, these people are so despicable. I can’t believe they would go as low as that! Looks like
Joan has no real power or authority under this roof.
Naturally, Jake had deliberately made things that way.
Joan looked out the window from her room. She yawned and stretched a little as a sense of sleepiness
ambushed her. She was about to turn around when she suddenly saw a figure on the first floor.
Huh… That’s strange. Why does that woman seem so familiar? I feel like I’ve met her before…
Joan stared at that woman for a long time, but she still couldn’t recall who Nancy was, so she gave up
soon after. She retired to her bed and closed her eyes.
“You can leave now. I just peeked, and no one is outside,” said the housemaid rudely after approaching
Nancy.
Wow, this woman is strict. She acts as if she is the owner of the house, thought Nancy. She pursed her
lips and looked utterly dissatisfied.
“Err, those men must be lurking somewhere near. I’m certain they haven’t left. Trust me. Look at the
state I am in. If they catch me again…” said Nancy. She deliberately trailed off to cry a little.
“Alright, alright, you can stay for two more hours, but you must leave immediately after,” said the
housemaid before she left.
Hmm… two hours. That’s enough for me to find Joan. Nancy tilted her head up, and an amused smirk
crept up on her lips.
Most houses were designed so that the master bedroom was on the second floor. As far as Jake is
concerned, Joan is already the lady of the house, so he must’ve gotten her a room on the second floor.
Staring at the open window on the second floor, Nancy grinned. She was strategizing a way to sneak
past the housemaids and go to the second floor.
Except these housemaids are too smart to fool. I will not be able to reach the second floor all on my
own. I will need some help from the others.
Upon coming to that conclusion, Nancy fished out the phone she hid in her sleeves and secretly texted
Larry.
“We have to help out now,” said Larry as he read Nancy’s text. Everyone else straightened their backs
and was waiting for Larry’s instructions.
It took less than five minutes for a few strange men to walk to them.
“We’re ready, Mr. Norton,” reported the strange man as he cracked his knuckles.
“Go on then. Be careful,” replied Larry. Soon after, the strangers armed themselves with weapons and
went to Jake’s villa.
Larry had already made things clear, so they would not hurt or kill anyone.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Inside the room, Joan was woken up by the urgent and loud banging on the door. Nancy, on the other
hand, grinned when she heard the knocking on the door.
Something is up. The housemaid went to the backyard before she hurried over to the front door a few
minutes later.
That’s strange. Shouldn’t her first instinct be to open the door? Why did she go to the backyard first?
Nancy frowned. She sensed that something was off.
“Hi, who are you looking for?” asked the housemaid who was pretending to be polite after she
answered the door.
“Did a strange woman come by just now?”
Ah, so they’re looking for the irritating kid who insisted on staying and hiding here… thought the
housemaid. Nancy was already out of the housemaid’s line of sight by then.
Chapter 2862
That irritating kid is smart. She hid away before anyone got close to her.
“Sorry mister, but no one came by earlier,” replied the housemaid hurriedly with a smile.
“Stop f*cking lying! My men saw her barge in with their own eyes. Hand her over now or we will crush
this place!”
The man sounded fierce and did not leave any room for negotiation whatsoever.
Where did that irritating kid go? The housemaid scanned the surroundings and felt rather uneasy.
“How about this, mister? I will go ask the others if they have seen any woman barging into the house.
I’ll get back to you later. Please wait here patiently,” replied the housemaid before she turned around
and left.
Looks like I will have to hand the lady over to them. The last thing I want is to trouble my employer.
“Hurry! Find that irritating kid and hand her over to them so that they’ll leave quickly.”
Nancy was hiding in the washroom at that moment and was sitting on the toilet while playing on her
phone. She looked so relaxed.
She had already guessed that those old hags would hand her over, so she was ready for them and hid
away before they could do so.
Joan exited the room and checked what happened on the ground floor. No one was around.
She got curious, so she hurried down the stairs and saw the vile-looking men waiting by the door.
“Who are you? What are you doing in my house?” asked Joan nervously. Anyone with a brain could tell
that those men standing by the door were not gentlemen.
“Butt out, we’re here for someone else,” roared the leader loudly.
“Ms. Watts, what are you doing here? You’re not supposed to stay here now. Please return to your
room,” informed the housemaid as she pushed Joan toward the living room.
I just took a nap. How did things change so drastically within that short time? What happened? Where
is Jake? Why isn’t he home yet?
“Ms. Watts, you should not be involved with things like these. Please return to your room.”
“No, you must tell me what’s going on now! I have the right to know,” demanded Joan loudly. She was
feeling too nervous at that moment.
That’s Joan’s voice! thought Nancy. She sprang up from the toilet right away.
Bang!
Her head accidentally hit the washroom’s door.
Ouch! Nancy rubbed her head a little. She was quick to get her phone out to text Larry.
Good thing I didn’t cause a racket when I hit my head. If that housemaid had heard me, things would
turn complicated. Nancy was excited as she watched her text being sent.
I finally found you, Joan!
Ring! Larry’s phone suddenly rang.
“Joan is in there,” blurted Larry excitedly.
Everyone around instantly cheered.
“Calm down, calm down! Get more men over quickly,” reminded Dustin.
Larry nodded. He immediately dialed a number and instructed, “Come here at once. Remember to
gather more people.”
This show is getting more and more exciting, thought Jessica as she looked at the villa some distance
ahead. She was excited as she shifted her hair and paid attention to everything that was playing out in
front of her.
Jake Wilson, do you really take us as fools?
Soon, another batch of men gathered at Jake’s villa’s entrance.
The housemaid in charge couldn’t handle it when she saw all the men there. She scolded, “You
useless pigs. How difficult is it to locate a person?”
“I’m sorry, mister, but I’ve interrogated everyone, and no one saw any woman barging into the place.
Maybe you should look elsewhere?” suggested the housemaid.
We have some men stationed in the backyard, but the intruders have way more men with them. If both
sides get into a battle, we will be the ones who will lose out.
“Is that so? Hah! I bet you’re lying. Boys, search the place!”
Chapter 2863
With a wave of his hand, the leader signaled the men behind him to charge into the living room.
Upstairs, chaos erupted.
The housemaid blew a whistle. Very soon, the staff members stationed in the backyard came forward.
“Oh, looks like you guys are already prepared!”
“That’s a given. Do you think we’ll let you despicable rats go without a fight?” the housemaid shouted
back.
“Show no mercy! This is our turf! Attack!” With a single command from the housemaid, the battle at
Jake’s villa spiraled out of control.
Nancy heard the ruckus coming from the yard. Quietly, she stepped out of the bathroom.
Sh*t, the fight has started! Though she was somewhat thrilled by the turn of events, she managed to
contain herself. No, this is not the time. I have to find Joan! But where is she?
“Joan!” Nancy made her way upstairs, calling Joan’s name.
The fact was, Joan had fainted and been taken elsewhere before the whole commotion started. It was
all the housemaid’s doing. In order to save time, the housemaid did not bother arguing with her and
made her swallow a pill instead, which resulted in her loss of consciousness.
Wait, something’s not right. This is her room, but she’s not in here. Where has she gone? As the fight
continued outside, Nancy went room to room in search of Joan. She checked the study and Jake’s
room, but the woman was nowhere to be found.
At last, she came across a locked cellar.
Without hesitation, she ran to the kitchen, picked up a random knife and began hacking fiercely at the
latch.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. There was nothing a woman would not resort to if it
could save herself and her loved ones.
“Ah!”
Nancy screamed. She had been reckless with the knife and had accidentally cut her finger. Blood
started dripping from the wound.
Nevertheless, she managed to destroy the latch in the end. She was lucky that Jake’s household came
equipped with the best knives money could buy.
She opened the door to find Joan leaning against the wall. She was asleep, and she looked awfully
pale.
“Joan! Joan, wake up! It’s me, Nancy!” She gently patted Joan on the cheeks as she shouted her
name, trying to probe a reaction, but Joan did not stir at all.
Left with no other options, Nancy decided to carry the unconscious woman on her back. The move
exhausted all her strength, but she eventually made her way out of the cellar. What now? It’s chaotic
outside, we can’t go out that way! Damn it! I guess I have to call Larry for help.
“Hey, Larry. I need help. It’s chaos out there. Joan might get hurt,” Nancy pleaded anxiously.
Larry hung up the phone after receiving her message. He put on the hat and mask he had brought with
him and barged into the place.
“Larry!” Caspian shouted.
They understood that, without Larry’s command, they were not to enter the villa to avoid making things
worse.
“Nancy, let me do it.” Larry carried Joan into his arms and rushed out of the building. By the time Jake’s
housemaid realized what had happened, she only managed to spot Nancy’s silhouette as they ran
away.
“What happened? Is she alright?” Dustin inquired about Joan.
“Let’s get out of here!” Larry bellowed.
In less than a minute, the gang crowding the villa’s entrance quickly retreated. Larry’s men who had
been in the building gradually dispersed as well.
In spite of the fight between the two parties, the property was not damaged in the slightest.
The housemaid sat on the steps, giving herself a minute to catch her breath. The whole ordeal left her
in dismay. Then, as though she had recalled something important, she rushed to the cellar, only to find
it empty.
“Joan, wake up. I beg you, please say something. It’s me, Larry,” the man kept calling her name as he
tried to shake her awake.
Feebly, Joan shook her head. Then, she slowly opened her eyes and took in her surroundings.
Isn’t he the man in my dreams? Joan abruptly sat up, startled. It just dawned on her that the man from
her dreams turned out to be real.
“Who are you? Where am I?” Joan surveyed the people around her. She was shivering.
I guess she has really forgotten about me. As Larry reached a hand out to wipe the sweat from her
forehead, he sighed. He whispered to her, “Joan, don’t you remember? I’m Larry. Have you truly
forgotten about me?”
Somehow, the disappointment in his eyes made her heart ache.
So he’s Larry!
“Joan, it’s great to have you back. We all miss you so very much. You can relax now. With us here, no
one will ever harm you again,” Nancy excitedly called out to her, patting herself on the chest.
Chapter 2864
Who’s harming me? I’m doing fine.
Joan slowly got out of bed, tidied up her attire, and walked towards the window a trace of guilt set in
her eyes. If Jake finds out that I’m actually with another man, he’ll be furious! No, I have to hurry back!
“I’m sorry, guys. I really don’t know any of you. You must have mistaken me for someone else. Now, if
you don’t mind, I have family waiting for me. I’m leaving now.” With that, she picked up her coat left
aside and headed towards the exit.
Larry quickly stepped forward and blocked her way. He gazed into her eyes affectionately, despite
being startled by her reaction. “Joan, can’t you see? I’m your husband! I’m your one true love! Think
hard, Joan. Jake’s not the one for you.”
Slap!
Joan slapped Larry painfully on the cheek.
No one saw it coming, so they were all shocked when it actually happened. Caspian immediately led
Jessica and Dustin out of the room. He figured the newly reunited couple needed some space to
themselves.
Strangely, even though she was the one who caused it, Joan felt heartbroken at the sight of Larry’s red
and swollen face.
No! Jake’s the one I’m marrying. That is an irreversible fact! The invitations have been sent out. I can’t
be dilly-dallying like this. Otherwise, Jake will suffer the humiliation!
Whoever this person was, and regardless of how he was related to her in the past, she would not get
involved with him anymore. Other than that, she was determined to draw a line with those people
outside, and vowed never to have any contact with them again!
“You’re Larry, right? Please get your people in line and tell them not to trouble me anymore! I’ll be
marrying Jake soon, so I’ll appreciate it if you don’t disturb us.” With that said, Joan got on her feet to
leave.
“Joan!” Larry hugged her tightly from behind, refusing to let her go.
This embrace… It feels familiar. Why is that though? Joan stopped struggling, allowing him to hug her
like that. Sometime later, Larry turned her around so that they were both looking at each other squarely
in the face. His deep-set eyes conveyed all the affection he had for her. Gently, he took her hand in his.
“Joan, I know you’ve suffered a lot out there. It’s my fault I haven’t been by your side. But you’re finally
back. Please don’t leave. I will find some way to help you restore your past memories.”
“No!”
Two words forced Larry to hold his tongue and swallow his words.
“Larry, I don’t care about whatever that happened in the past, or whatever we once were, alright? I
want everything to end here.”
She spoke so firmly and cruelly that Larry’s heart practically broke into two.
Bang! Caspian stomped into the room.
“Joan! Don’t you have any ounce of conscience left? Don’t you know? Larry hasn’t been himself since
you disappeared. He cares about nothing else because he’s constantly thinking about you. He
searched high and low for you. He even climbed a mountain alone! At one point, Norton Corporation
had almost fallen into his rival’s hands because of you!”
In the end, Caspian could not take it anymore. He could not stand by and watch his dear friend bear
the brunt of Joan’s accusations. He could not bring himself to see Larry and Joan get separated again.
Caspian’s little speech only confused Joan even more. What does Norton Corporation have to do with
me? So what if he’s been looking for me all this time? I didn’t ask him to do that!
“I’m sorry, but I’m not the person you’re looking for. Or rather, I don’t intend to recall the past. I’m very
happy being with Jake right now; thus I don’t need your blessings. I don’t care about what you think!”
Joan declared fiercely.
Joan’s gone mad! How can she say something like that?
Jessica stared daggers at the stubborn woman. Gosh, you’re so adamant about following Jake to the
ends of the world! Is that it? Larry clenched his fists tightly as tears welled up in his eyes.
“What if… there comes a day, when you manage to regain your memory and regret your decision to
marry Jake? What happens then?”
Larry’s question managed to stump Joan, but only for a moment. She hesitated but soon came up with
a response that drove her point home, “No, I won’t have any regrets, because it’s my decision. No one
forced me to do it. I know better than anyone else how Jake treats me!”
Chapter 2865
She’s still so stubborn! Larry turned around, closed his eyes, and drew in a deep breath. “Fine. Let her
go!”
“Larry!” Irked, Jessica shouted at him.
“I said, let her go!”
Not only had Larry’s response surprised Joan, but it left the others stunned as well.
He’s really letting me go! Somehow, Joan actually felt a tinge of disappointment.
“Rest assured, I won’t tell Jake about this,” she promised them before walking off.
Larry originally wanted to bring her home and slowly help her recover her memories. But now it
seemed that was not what she wanted. Nevertheless, he would never force Joan to do something she
refused to do.
“Larry, are you crazy? That’s Joan! That’s the one you’ve been looking for all this time! And you’re just
going to let her marry Jake?” Caspian rushed to Larry and yelled at him. To Caspian, his action was
absolutely questionable.
“I respect her decision,” Larry spoke slowly and in a flat tone.
Larry had nothing to prove, but he was willing to believe that even if Joan really did lose her memories,
she would not marry Jake so easily! Now that Joan had met him, Larry was actually willing to wait for
her to clear all doubts she had over Jake, and then return to him soon after.
She will! I’m sure she will! She just needs some time! With that, Larry turned to leave.
The others standing at the doorway looked on helplessly as he walked away.
If it was only Joan who refused to come back, perhaps they might still have hope to turn things around,
but if Larry had also given up on her, then they had nothing to talk about.
Caspian sat on the sofa, frantically scratching his head in an attempt to appease the frustration he had
been bottling up.
On the other hand, Larry headed straight to the company. Now that he had met Joan, and knew that
she was safe and sound, that was enough for him. He would let time deal with everything else.
Bang! The door to his office was forcefully kicked open.
“Larry! Have you lost your mind?” Della rushed in and snapped at him, her face darkened to several
shades of gloomy gray.
Larry had long gotten used to her over-the-top reaction, so he just ignored her. He presumed she must
have gotten wind of the rescue mission.
He merely scoffed at her and continued to review the paperwork.
“You’ve actually sent your men to break into Jake’s villa and take Joan away! Do you realize what
you’ve just done?” Della cried out, concerned.
Of course, she would be worried about Larry. That was expected. Jake would know about the break-in
sooner or later and, given his character, he would surely not rest until he had had his revenge!
“This is none of your business, Della. Chill,” Larry responded, his tone ice-cold.
How does he have the gall to say that? Isn’t he afraid that bast*rd Jake will get even with him?
Della went to sit down on the nearby sofa. She needed some peace as she tried to cool herself down.
She knew that Jake would come for Larry sooner or later. When that happened, she feared that the
man she was talking to would not even know how to save himself!
Larry seemed to care little about his predicament. He would just face up to what was coming since
there was no way to avoid that, therefore he allowed Joan to go free!
“You should go into hiding quickly. Jake would be coming after you pretty soon,” Della cautioned him in
a low voice as her body trembled.
What’s there to hide? As far as I’m concerned, I have no reason to do so! Jake’s got nothing on me.
That man’s not going to stir trouble so recklessly. The best he can do is issue some more threats.
Furthermore, Joan said that she won’t tell Jake about what we’ve done.
“Sir, you can’t go in there.”
“Buzz off! Do you dare to stop me? Do you know who I am?”
A feud broke out in the lobby and quickly descended to awkwardness.
“Sir, you don’t have an appointment. You can’t go in without one. Besides, Mr. Norton is currently in a
meeting with someone else…” The front desk bowed his head as he explained to the uninvited guest in
a flustered manner.
Chapter 2866
With a forceful shove, Jake sent the receptionist sprawling to the corner. Blood trickled down the ends
of his lips.
Larry, let’s see how you’re going to talk your way out of this! Jake rolled up his sleeve and made his
way up the building.
Eventually, he came to Larry’s office and let himself in. “Oh, I see that Mr. Norton is as busy as usual.
How dedicated!”
Wary of his presence, Della was rather alert and rose defensively from the sofa. She ran to him and
maintained a stern glare, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. He must have come with ill intentions!
Damn b*tch! How long has it been? I see you’re still sickeningly loyal to Larry, huh! Jake glanced at her
with a look of pure disdain.
“What are you doing here?” Larry asked him directly without even looking up to greet his visitor.
Are you playing dumb? You’ve arranged for two groups of people to sabotage my villa, taking Joan
away in the process. My, you’ve really gone to great lengths with that plan of yours! Jake looked
around, his gaze flashing menacingly as he rubbed his hands together.
“You seem pretty busy, Mr. Norton. I wonder, how do you plan to compensate for the injuries you have
incurred on my housemaid?” Jake hinted at him in a cynical tone.
Hmm? Is he trying to trick me into confession? Larry lifted his head to look at the man standing not too
far away from him, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes.
Well then, I have all the time in the world. How about a little mind game?
“Pardon me, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Firstly, I don’t know where your villa is. Secondly,
I certainly didn’t send anyone to beat up your housemaid,” Larry answered flatly.
I doubt Joan would’ve arrived at Jake’s villa by now. So, if my deductions are correct, Jake shouldn’t
have known that I’ve gone to fetch Joan, which means all that stuff he said just now was nothing but a
test. Larry eyed him scornfully, then proceeded to type away on the keyboard.
What a shameless man! He’s obviously the one behind it, but he refuses to admit what he’s done!
Larry, you certainly know no shame!
“I didn’t think the great Mr. Norton is one to shirk responsibility. No wonder your ex-wife has been
reluctant to remarry you,” Jake remarked, beating about the bush.
A single sentence was enough to ruffle Larry’s feathers. If Jake had not come into their lives, there
would not have been as many conflicts and issues between Joan and himself! When it came to malice,
Larry could barely compare with this bast*rd standing in front of him!
Della had a bad feeling as she witnessed the two men face off each other, but she was not sure how to
mediate the situation. She did not want a fight to break out between the two men.
“Hey, look at that. It’s getting late. Why don’t we continue the discussion tomorrow? It’s no use getting
riled up over it, right?”
“Shut it!”
The two men shouted at her simultaneously.
Della had had enough. Flustered, she secretly swiped to unlock her phone and sent a message to
Caspian. No matter what happened, she would always side with Larry, because she refused to see her
loved one get hurt.
“Larry!” Caspian arrived swiftly after receiving Della’s message.
“Ho? Such loyal mate, to have come to your aid so swiftly,” Jake commented from his position on the
couch. He shot Della a dirty look.
Da*n you, woman! You’re getting good at calling for reinforcements, aren’t you?
“If you have nothing else to tell me, I suggest you leave,” Larry said as he pointed towards the door.
What a joke! We aren’t finished here, bast*rd. And I’m not leaving until we’re done! Jake rose and
slowly made his way towards Larry. His body language reeked of intimidation.
“Larry, you have some explaining to do. Tell me, where is Joan now?” the man shouted at him, his
voice tinged with anger.
Larry turned around and looked out the window. Deep down, he was quite delighted because
everything was going according to his plan. He stroked his chin and actually grinned in satisfaction.
“Aren’t you getting married soon? What’s this? You can’t keep tabs on your bride-to-be, so you are
taking it out on other people, is that it?” Larry put it bluntly on purpose because he wanted this bast*rd
to know what humiliation felt like!
Chapter 2867
I’ll make sure you won’t live your happily ever after. Not now, not ever!
Bang! There was a bang on the door again. This time, it was Joan who barged in, gasping for breath.
“Joan?” Jake stared at the woman in front of him with a look of surprise.
Larry was perplexed by Joan’s sudden arrival too, but he firmly believed that Joan would surely not
betray him.
In a panic, Joan shot a glance at Larry, who stood a short distance away, before turning to face the
man in front of her. She grinned.
“Why did you come here, Jake? I’ve only gone out for some fresh air. Just look at you. What’s there to
fret about?” Joan interrogated Jake as she suppressed her emotions.
No! You’re lying! Jake gazed into her eyes as she blinked at him. He thought he could see through her,
find out what she was hiding.
Larry was pleased to see Joan making her presence in his office. A satisfied smirk spread across his
face. She was still Joan, the woman he knew and loved. She was still the kind, sweet Joan who tended
to put others before herself.
“Joan, tell me. Is it him? Is he the one who’s been mistreating you? Is he the one who kidnapped you?”
Jake pointed at Larry while demanding an answer from Joan.
Larry knew exactly how Jake would react, so he was not surprised at all. Instead, he got back to his
desk and continued his work as though nothing happened.
Joan looked at the man who claimed to be her husband. For some reason, she felt upset. Why isn’t he
standing his ground anymore? Perhaps, if he had not let her go that time, she would not have returned
to Jake again.
No! Joan, get yourself together! In your time of weakness, it’s Jake who stuck by you. It was Jake who
took care of you! Joan closed her eyes and pinched her arm forcefully in an attempt to calm herself
down.
“Jake, let’s leave this place. I don’t know him. And no, he didn’t hurt me,” she said, her voice quivering.
How’s that possible? My subordinates told me that this is all part of Larry’s plan! So why is Joan lying to
my face? Has she recalled anything? If so, then why does she claim that she doesn’t recognize Larry?
Jake suddenly felt a headache coming and promptly stormed out of the office.
At that moment, Joan turned around to face Larry. A swell of emotions surged in her heart, which was
odd. She had only met the man twice; yet, there seemed to be some sort of familiarity between them.
“Joan! Let’s get out of here!” Jake barked at her.
“Coming!”
Larry watched Joan go, and when her shadow vanished from sight, he put down the file he had been
holding and sank into deep thought.
Della watched the whole thing unfold from the side.
She refused to believe that Larry would not take any action once he met Joan again. She also refused
to believe that Joan, after seeing Larry again, would have zero feelings for the man she once loved.
If her instinct was correct, this was all a trap.
Della rose and approached Larry, suspicion flashing across her eyes.
“You two have met before, haven’t you?” she framed her question cautiously.
Her words stunned him, albeit briefly. Larry was quick to resume a composed expression as he
continued to sign some paperwork.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” came Larry’s reply, void of emotion.
Hmm! He’s playing dumb again! Who does he think he is? Am I a three-year-old kid? He’s pretending
that the conversation just now didn’t happen! He’s totally underestimating me!
“Ms. Duff, you can leave now. Larry’s busy. He’s got lots of company matters to deal with,” said
Caspian.
Damn it, Caspian! You’re just the same. Burning bridges now, are we? I was the one who called you
here, and now you want me to leave?
Della glared at him, apparently not pleased with the feedback she got. Caspian cared little for her sharp
gaze and her negative emotions. He just wanted to get her out of here as soon as possible.
Suddenly, the atmosphere turned ominous. Della shot a wary glance at Larry before stomping away on
her high heels.
Chapter 2868
“Larry, are you alright? Did Jake do anything to you?” Caspian went up to Larry and asked in a worried
tone.
Larry merely shook his head without saying anything. He shut his eyes and massaged his temples,
trying to cool down.
He was just worried that Joan would suffer in silence if she stayed with Jake, despite knowing very well
that Jake would never mistreat her. But, at the same time, the man could never fulfill her emotional
needs.
On the other side of town, Jake had returned with Joan. He proceeded to have a breakdown in the
living room, venting his frustrations at her. “Joan, why did you have to lie? Why did you have to defend
that son of a b*tch?”
Joan cleared her throat and focused on keeping her cool.
“What are you talking about, Jake? What’s your deal with Larry anyway? I have just gone out for a
walk, and I come back to hear that you have gone to pick a fight at Norton Corporation,” she lied
through her teeth.
Sometimes, she could not get it into her head why she had to hide her little meeting with Larry from
Jake. But she had always been one to work things out by the seat of her pants. She was very sure of
herself in that aspect.
Slam!
Enraged, Jake slammed his fist on the desk. His hand instantly reddened from the impact. The action
freaked Joan out. She instinctively backed away from the man, her nerves getting the better of her.
Why would he burst into a rage over this man called Larry? Her curiosity piqued as she studied the
man in front of her. It seemed like he had a grudge against Larry.
Joan went up and sat next to him. She even poured him a cup of tea.
“There you go. Drink some tea. Calm down. I’m sorry, I just wanted to go outside and have some fun.
Don’t get mad, okay? I promise I won’t do that again,” she apologized to him, her head hung low.
Back at the office, Larry had something serious to tell Nancy. “For the time being, Nancy, please don’t
step out of the house. In fact, it’s best for you to leave the country for a while.”
Why’s that? Nancy stared at Larry, puzzled. She could not wrap her head around his instruction.
“Jake will want to get to the bottom of this, and he will not rest until he gets what he wants,” he
reminded her kindly.
So what? I have my family and Jory’s influence to back me up. I don’t think Jake will come after me that
easily.
Larry had a hunch that, knowing how arrogant and self-centered Nancy was as a person, she would
not easily obey his orders to stay away from Jake.
No, I have to tell Jory the truth.
So when Nancy got back home, she displayed a different reaction when Jory suggested a trip
overseas. “What did you say? Did I hear that right? Are we really traveling abroad?” In the living room,
Nancy was so ecstatic when she heard the good news that she screamed in surprise. It had been a
long while since the couple had gone on a vacation on their own. She wanted so much to spend some
free time with him, to set out on an adventure where they could go anywhere they wanted and do
anything they pleased.
“Alright, I hear you. Now, go pack your things. We’re leaving first thing tomorrow,” Jory said before
heading upstairs. Nancy was a simple-minded woman. She might not be able to guess that the so-
called trip had been arranged to get her as far away from Jake as possible.
Speaking of Jake, he had other plans. Back at his villa, his housemaid handed a photograph to him.
“Sir, here’s the photo of the woman you asked for.”
Jake studied the woman in the photo. She looked oddly familiar. I think I’ve seen this girl somewhere
before! He closed his eyes as he tried his best to recall the past.
It’s her! He finally remembered.
Her name was Nancy, of the Barrymore Group. Da*n it! The audacity of that woman! Just because she
has the Barrymores and Jory to protect her, she thinks I don’t have the guts to go after her! Is that right
now? What a joke!
Outside, the sky had darkened. A lone crescent moon announced its presence in the night sky. Jake
gritted his teeth. He was furious. He swore he would have his revenge! Larry and Nancy are working
together! They must have plotted everything!
The next day, Jory brought Nancy to the airport at the break of dawn. By the time Jake arrived at Jory’s
villa, the couple had already vanished.
Da*n it!
Bam! Jake slammed his fist on the steering wheel, the impact causing his body to shake ever so
slightly.
In the office, Larry heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that Jory and Nancy had made it out of the
country.
Chapter 2869
In the beginning, it had been because of the Barrymores and Jory’s influence that he asked Nancy to
put up an act. If Nancy were to be harmed in any way because she had been dragged into this ordeal,
then he could not live with the guilt.
“Larry, there’s nothing to worry about. They have successfully boarded the plane,” Caspian assured
him.
Indeed, he was quite pleased to hear that, but that did little to put him at ease.
Jake was a formidable foe, and he could really hold a grudge. Larry worried that the man would still go
after Jory and Nancy after the two returned from their trip.
That bast*rd will do anything and stoop to any level to get what he wants! Larry knew that much.
Ring! Ring! The phone on the sofa rang.
It was an unknown number. Without hesitation, Larry put his phone on speaker mode.
“Hi, Mr. Norton. Come have a meal with me?” Jake’s voice sounded over the phone.
Gosh, what’s he up to now? Instantly, Larry tensed up. “I’m busy. I don’t have the time to entertain you,”
he said, with a mind to hang up right after.
“Come on, don’t be like that. Just so you know, I have a gift for you,” Jake added. “Come to the
restaurant where you used to bring Joan on dates. I’ll be waiting.”
Jake hung up the phone first.
What gift can he possibly have for me? It has to be an excuse! And why must he pick that restaurant,
out of all places? Larry clenched his fists. The whole thing felt off.
Whatever, it’s just one meal. Besides, what can he do to me in broad daylight? Larry packed his stuff,
got ready and left the office.
“Larry, let me get some of my men…”
Larry cut in before Caspian could finish, “There’s no need for that.” Since Jake had requested to meet
him first, it would be quite petty of him if he had arranged for backup or an ambush.
Soon, Larry arrived at the restaurant in his car.
“What business do you have with me?” he muttered as he walked towards Jake.
Jake cast Larry a disdainful look, his eyes filled with contempt, as he took a sip of his coffee. Well,
surprise, surprise. You came after all!
“This is for you!” Jake tossed a red card his way.
This is… a wedding invitation? Larry flipped through it. Sure enough, he found Jake’s and Joan’s
names on the card. He did not expect that one day Jake would actually hand him the wedding
invitation.
“Joan and I are getting married. This is an invitation for you. I hope to receive your blessing. I know that
you’ve found out about Joan being alive a long while back. Quite a remarkable feat, Larry! You are
most certainly not the average Joe,” Jake went on casually with such calm and conviction that Larry
could not get a read on him.
Why is he so calm? This isn’t like him at all! While Larry was looking at Jake, Jake was observing the
man sitting opposite him as well. Something felt off. Does he know that I know he knows?
Larry hung his head low as he examined the card in his hands. He might seem calm on the surface, but
deep down he was swirling with emotions.
Actually, he was afraid and terrified of the possibility that Joan would really agree to marry the man who
stole her from him. Hence, he decided to take a gamble. If he won, then Joan would return to his side
on her own accord, but if he lost, then he would have to crash the wedding!
Of course, that would only be used as a last resort.
“Alright, I shall respect every decision that Joan makes,” Larry said flatly, his narrowed eyes looking out
the window.
No, he must have some kind of plan! Jake glared at Larry, his eyes filled with suspicion.
“Relax, I’ll definitely attend your wedding. If there’s nothing else you have to say, then pardon me. I
shall take my leave.” With that said, Larry rose from his seat and turned to leave.
“Hold it right there! You’re the one who arranged for Nancy to leave the country, aren’t you?” Jake fired
a question at him.
Larry gave him a side-eye. How ironic! Of course, you’ll want to ask about that.
“It’s not like you don’t know what Nancy’s like. Seriously, when she sets her mind to do something, who
can stop her? You can’t possibly think that I can tie her down,” Larry said the line on purpose.
Chapter 2870
Indeed, if she wants to take a vacation overseas, no one can stop her. If she wants to look for Joan,
then no one can stop her too. Also, if she wants to sabotage the wedding, she’ll most definitely do
whatever it takes to snatch Joan away from Jake’s clutches! This is just the beginning!
Larry took a moment to fix his attire before stepping out of the restaurant.
But both he and his team were clueless as to where Jake and Joan’s wedding ceremony would be
held. They only knew that the ceremony and the banquet would take place in different cities. The
wedding invitation only stated the venue of the banquet.
That was troubling indeed.
Some time had passed since the impromptu meeting with Jake. Larry and Dustin had come together to
figure things out. “Any news about Jake these days?” Larry asked the other man a serious question
from where he sat on the sofa.
Dustin tilted his head as he thought hard about it, his expression was indecipherable.
“I just find it odd that we haven’t heard anything related to Jake for a while now. It’s like he’s not even
doing anything,” Dustin replied Jake as he stroked his chin, confusion swimming in his eyes.
That’s definitely not a good sign! He’s about to get married, and yet there’s no news about him? Or
could it be that this is all going according to his plan?
Larry turned away to look out at the lighthouse a short distance away. He sank into deep thought.
“Did you check whether Jake’s been flying out of the country in the past few days?” Larry suggested as
though an epiphany had struck him.
For a brief moment, Dustin froze. That’s right! How can I have forgotten about that? He ran out of the
office soon after.
Just as Larry had expected, Jory and Nancy were having the time of their life while traveling abroad.
But, their journey was disrupted when they came across an important piece of information.
“Hurry up! I want to go back!” Nancy yelled, with little regard for Jory’s feelings about the whole thing.
Have you gone nuts? We’ve just barely got out of the country and now you want to go back? Weren’t
you the one who’s been egging to travel overseas? It’s just been a few days and now you’re crying to
go back. Why are you doing this, Nancy?
“Nancy, stop fooling around, will you? It’s not every day we get to have a vacation like this, you know?
Look, we finally have time for ourselves! Can you just calm down and enjoy the next two weeks?” Jory
tried to persuade her as he ran his fingers through her hair with great tenderness.
It had been a while since he could have some alone time with the love of his life, so it was a given that
he had been looking forward to the trip. As a matter of fact, he ought to thank Larry for the wonderful
opportunity!
“No, I simply can’t!” Nancy cut him off before he could even finish what he had to say.
“Jory, I promise you. We’ll do this again some other time! But right now, we really have to get back!
There’s an emergency!” Coyly, she pleaded as she tugged on her husband’s arm. She chose her words
carefully because she did not want to set him off.
You’re being really difficult, Nancy! You’re the one who asked for a vacation, and now you’re
demanding to go back! Did I owe you something in a past life or what? Why do you have to torture me
like this? Jory sighed and turned the car around.
Wait, something’s not right. Did she say there’s an emergency? What could be so urgent?
All of a sudden, he slammed the brakes.
“Nancy, can you tell me why you’re in such a hurry to go back? What’s the emergency?” Jory turned to
question his wife, confusion painted on his face.
“Argh, just step on it, will you? I’ll tell you when we get on the plane!”
Could it be related to Larry and Joan? Jory’s eyes dimmed. Larry, you owe us big time! Just so you
know, my wife and I have sacrificed a lot for the sake of you and Joan! So, next time we meet, you
really must find some way to make up for us!
Without further ado, Jory hit the gas, and the car sped along the highway.
“What? You and Nancy are coming back? Haven’t I made myself clear? You absolutely cannot come
back just yet. There’s no way that bast*rd Jake is going to let Nancy off the hook!”
Over the phone, Larry sounded extremely anxious. What the hell is wrong with you, Nancy? You’ve just
been away for a few days and now you’re hurrying back?
Thud!
Larry barely finished his sentence when, all of a sudden, Jory and Nancy barged right into his office.