Ch. 451..460

Chapter 451: Who Said I’m Scaring You?

While she was reading, the office door was pushed open, and Jaxson walked in. “Mr. President…”

When he saw Hazel in the office, he froze.

“You can also tell me what you want to say to him,” she said, grinning.

“I just want to give the President some papers that he needs,” Jaxson explained.

“I’ll give them to him when he comes back,” she smiled.

Jaxson didn’t hesitate. He put a portfolio on the desk. Joshua didn’t mind Hazel reading anything on his desk. Joshua wouldn’t keep any secrets from Hazel, so Jaxson didn’t think much about it.

After Jaxson left, Hazel put away the portfolio. She hadn’t thought of opening it, but she was curious when she saw the “Top Secret” on it.

She picked it up, opened it, and took out the papers inside.

She didn’t expect them to be informed about the Sloane family.

When she saw the letters clearly, she froze. Joshua… was actually investigating the Sloane family in private?

She should have been aware of that. How could Joshua, who was so clever, guess anything?

Joshua must have guessed everything when they went to visit Stacy last time and even understood why she took him there.

He had guessed his relationship with the Sloane family, so he investigated the Sloane family?

Even though he seemed to care nothing about them, he still hoped to find his biological family, didn’t he?

Her eyes turned deep as she put the papers away and sealed the portfolio.

She got up and stood directly in front of the French window. Standing here, she could have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Joshua was supposed to yearn for the family members in the heart, but with his personality, if the Sloane family had no intention of expressing goodwill, he wouldn’t get close to them.

If so, she should help him. The Sloane family’s attitude was too bizarre. Maybe she should figure out what had happened to make them treat Joshua like that.

She thought when the office door opened and Joshua came in.

Looking at her, who was lost in thought, he frowned slightly, came up behind her, and put his hand around her waist.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked in a low voice.

She came to her senses, her eyes flashing with panic. The next moment she calmed down and said, “I wonder if Simon would deliberately embarrass you if you ask him for Hanson.”

“Don’t worry,” said Joshua dryly. “Simon knows very well that Hanson isn’t worth a high price. It’s good for him to fall into Simon’s hands. He won’t behave himself until he suffers a little.”

“…” She was speechless. She had thought Joshua would say he would get Hanson back, but it turned out he was saying that Hanson wasn’t worth much. Did it mean that if Simon’s offer were too high, he wouldn’t save Hanson?

Alright, she was convinced. Hanson was really not worth their effort…

“By the way, Jaxson just handed a document,” she said. “I put it on your desk.”

Joshua stiffened slightly. It was a split second, but she perceived it.

Sure enough, it was Joshua who had asked Jaxson to investigate the Sloane family. In fact, he cared about his own identity in her heart. Perhaps, he was unwilling to face it just because of fear of being hurt.

“What document?” His eyes darkened a little.

She frowned a little. Joshua should have known what the document was. He might be sounding out if she had read it.

Then, she said quietly, “I don’t know. Do you want me to read it for you?”

Joshua gently rubbed her hair. “No need, I’ll read it myself later.”

Her fingers relaxed slightly. It looked like Joshua believed her.

It was not that she distrusted Joshua but that she knew him too well. Joshua’s attitude made it clear to her that he wasn’t going to get close to the Sloane family, however eager he was. Even if he knew she was going to the Sloane family, he would stop her.

But she had to do something for him. She didn’t plan to befriend the Sloane family. She just wanted to figure out if there was some misunderstanding between the Sloane family and Joshua and whether they were worth Joshua reuniting with them. She really didn’t hope the Sloane family was another Flores family.

She would not force Joshua to accept the Sloane family because he was the most important in her heart. But she would take the first step for Joshua.

Thinking all this over, Hazel suddenly turned and hugged him.

“Honey?” Joshua was surprised.

“Honey,” Hazel let out a sweet cry, “I’m looking forward to my party right now.”

If… she succeeded in inviting the Sloane family, it would be a happy surprise.

“I’ll make it a surprise.” A smile curved his lips. It looked like he had thought too much.

Her eyes grew deeper. She hoped to surprise Joshua, too.

***

In the evening, Hazel and Joshua returned to the Denmark Residence. Joshua was in a good mood and prepared to cook some dishes.

Hazel wanted to help, so she stayed in the kitchen, but her help only did a disservice to his cooking.

“Honey, go talk to mom and dad.” He suggested, helpless.

“What? Do you dislike me?” She looked at him in exasperation. “I’m just trying to help, and even if I don’t help, you can’t treat me like that….”

His eyes twinkled. He reached out and wrapped her in his arms. “How would I dislike you? It’s just that with you around, I’m distracted.”

“I don’t believe it,” she said, looking up at him. “Can I distract you by doing nothing?”

“Of course.” His eyes twinkled, and he whispered in her ear, “If you’re here. I want to… have sex with you in the kitchen. We haven’t tried it in this place yet, have we?”

Her cheeks went red instantly, and she felt her whole body was scorching.

Why was he always thinking of these things recently? She was shy and tried to push him away, but he held her tightly.

“You, you let me go.” Her voice was full of shyness.” I’ll just go outside. Don’t scare me that way anymore!”

“Who said I’m scaring you?” He bit her ear gently. “I mean it. When mom and dad go home, let’s try. Besides the kitchen, let’s try in the living room and the study room…”

She screamed. She hurried to push Joshua aside and ran toward the living room.

His mouth tilted upwards slightly at the corners as he watched her panic-stricken figure.

 

Chapter 452: What A Shame

Hazel rushed into the living room where Rachel and Harry were sitting on the sofa, discussing the details of the party.

Seeing her who suddenly ran, Rachel asked in amazement. “Hazel, aren’t you cooking with Joshua in the kitchen? Why is your face so red?”

“… The kitchen is a little hot,” Hazel said awkwardly. She couldn’t tell her parents that Joshua had made a pass at her, could she?

No… It shouldn’t be called ‘flirting.’ She knew when Joshua was joking and when he was serious. When he said having sex in the kitchen or the living room, she heard his expectations and desired deep down. He was serious.

If not, she would not have been frightened into escaping. Because she actually imagined such a scene with him while he said so… What a shame!

Hazel always felt she had been completely misguided by Joshua!

But there was no need for her to tell her parents about their little love affair. Otherwise, she would die of shame.

“Oh yes, you’re incompatible with the kitchen.” Rachel nodded. “I’m very thankful you survived.”

“…” Hazel was very speechless. This was her real mom as expected! If she wasn’t her real mom, would she make fun of her cooking like that?

“Rachel, don’t say so.” Harry whispered, “Don’t disbelieve Hazel.”

Hazel immediately looked at him with tearful eyes. Sure enough, the only dad was the best in the world. But Harry’s next words stop her moved tears.

“Hazel’s ability to protect herself is pretty good. The big question is whether the kitchen can be intact,” Harry added.

“…” Hazel’s eyes were filled with hidden resentment instantly. She was doubly mocked. She didn’t want to live such a life!

“But,” Rachel said apprehensively, as though she had remembered something, “Can Joshua… cook?”

“He can, and he’s a great cook!” Without hesitation, Hazel started complimenting her husband.

“Why don’t we believe it when the words come out of your mouth?” Rachel was skeptical. Harry agreed with her.

“I’m telling the truth!” Hazel said firmly and confidently. “Don’t worry, I’m a terrible cook, but I’m a real foodie.”

Rachel and Harry laughed and ignored her words. After all, how could such a rich young man like Joshua cook when he didn’t need to cook with his hands normally? Hazel must love Joshua too much.

Suddenly, Hazel’s phone vibrated. She took out her phone. It was a text message.

“Grandpa Sloane is going to the Imperial Capital Exhibition the day after tomorrow.”

Hazel’s eyes grew dark slightly.

To keep Joshua from noticing, she asked Sharon to have someone find out Grandpa Sloane’s whereabouts. She didn’t expect that she could really make it.

The day after tomorrow… Time was really urgent. It seemed that she ought to find a way to go to the exhibition, too.

Hazel opened a web page and searched the Internet for information. The exhibition had been published in the newspaper. She thought for a bit and had an idea in her mind.

A moment later, she went to fetch today’s newspaper. She flipped through a few pages. When she found the one mentioned in the exhibition, she left it on the table.

Harry enjoyed reading the newspaper. After a while, he picked it up.

Hazel didn’t worry because Harry had been reading newspapers very carefully, and he was a very literary man at heart even though he was a doctor. He was very interested in film, painting, music, and other artistic things. Once he knew about the exhibition, he would not want to miss it.

Sure enough, moments later, Harry muttered, “… Art Tour… Exhibition…”

“Dad, what are you talking about?” Hazel asked, pretending she was curious.

“Nothing…” He put away the newspaper with somewhat regret, but it was quickly snatched away by her.

“You want to go to the art exhibition?” she asked. “Go ahead, dad. You seldom have leisure.”

“But your party….” He was hesitant.

“I still have Joshua preparing for my party.” Her heart felt warmed. “Well, I’ll go with you. Are you going, mother?”

“I’m not interested.” Rachel shook her head. “You two can go.”

Hazel had been feeling it amazing. Harry and Rachel had very few interests in common, but their relationship had never been anything but sweet, and they were deeply attached to each other.

Soon, Joshua got the meal ready and asked them to eat together.

When they arrived at the dining room, Rachel and Harry were surprised to see the food at this table.

In fact, they had been prepared to pretend to praise him for Hazel no matter what Joshua cooked, whether the dishes were delicious or not.

But now… At least the food looked very beautiful and smelled great. The only thing left was the taste.

Sitting down at the table, Rachel asked in disbelief, “Joshua, did you really cook all this yourself?”

“Of course!” Hazel said in anger, “Mom, what do you mean? Didn’t we see clearly in the living room just now? He’s alone in the kitchen!”

Rachel gave her a speechless look. “I’m just too surprised. Why the rush? Would I get your man wrong?”

“…” Hazel’s hidden resentment increased. However, hearing ‘your man,’ her mood became good somehow.

She secretly held out her hand to hook Joshua’s finger.

Joshua’s mouth tilted upward slightly at the corner. He took her white palm backhand, the tip of his finger rubbing her palm.

A numb sensation came over Hazel, whose whole body shuddered suddenly. She unconsciously tried to withdraw her hand, but he held it tightly.

She looked at him sheepishly, only to see him casually say to her parents, “Mom, dad, have a taste and see if the food tastes good.”

He said solemnly, but his fingertip still rested in her palm, gently circling.

She only felt the numb sensation become stronger. She suddenly regretted it. She should not have deliberately seduced Joshua with these little movements under the table. Instead of seducing him, she was made to pass by him, also, in front of her parents.

Now Rachel and Harry were still shocked by Joshua’s cooking skills. Although they had a lot of dissatisfaction with Joshua, Joshua’s score in their hearts was getting higher and higher as they spent these days together.

They picked up the dishes in front of them and ate them slowly as if they were gourmets.

 

Chapter 453: His Cooking Level Is Excellent

Soon there was a look of disappointment on Rachel’s face.

Hazel couldn’t help laughing in secret. She knew Rachel well. Rachel was disappointed not because Joshua didn’t cook well, but because he cooked so well that she couldn’t find any fault.

“How’s that, huh?” Hazel asked, begging for praise.

“Well…” Rachel was not a good liar. Even though she didn’t want to, she still told the truth. “Not bad.”

“My mom’s ‘not bad’ means great!” Hazel happily interpreted.

Rachel glared at Hazel unhappily but agreed.

“Thanks, mom.” A smile played on Joshua’s lips. The more recognition he got from the Crowe family, the more satisfied they would be with him. Even if he did marry Hazel, he should please his father-in-law and mother-in-law because the Crowe family was really nice to Hazel.

Rachel gave a slightly uncomfortable ‘mm,’ but Harry was a lot more honest. He said, “Joshua, you’re a good cook. This is definitely the chef level, right? Yummy, yummy! But I always feel like I’ve tasted it before.”

In an instant, Hazel was embarrassed. Because Harry and Rachel indeed had tasted a meal, Joshua cooked.

During Christmas, Joshua went to the Crowe family’s house in private and cooked a meal for Hazel. Harry and Rachel happened to return home in advance, Hazel had no choice but to hide Joshua in her bedroom.

Although that memory was a little awkward, it was also a little sweet, but if her parents knew that… Hazel could imagine the storm they were about to face.

“Delicious dishes taste the same, doesn’t it prove that Joshua’s cooking level is excellent?” Hazel explained with a little guilty. She had no idea whether they would accept the explanation or not.

“Is it?” Rachel was suspicious.

Sensing Hazel’s slightly stiff fingers, Joshua knew what she was worried about.

He opened his mouth calmly. “Dad, mom, when will my elder brother come?”

“Cough, cough…”

The atmosphere at the dinner table became a little weird. Hazel knew that Joshua was changing the subject, but she was also shocked.

This time only Harry and Rachel came. Ronald didn’t. He had been working hard on his business since he met Joshua. Joshua understood Ronald, who was afraid that the Crowe family would not be strong enough to help Hazel in the future, so he worked so hard to give Hazel a secure backing.

But what really made them shocked was Joshua calling Ronald ‘elder brother’ in such a serious way, which really refreshed their worldview.

“Well…” Harry said uncomfortably, “Ronald’s, in fact, younger than you.”

“He’s Hazel’s elder brother, so he is also my elder brother,” Joshua said quietly.

This was a reasonable statement, so they did not know how to refute it. Hazel was still a little amused but was very touched.

After all, it was because Joshua liked her that he recognized and respected her family members.

Of course, Harry and Rachel knew that, so they were more and more satisfied with Joshua.

“He has work to do these two days. But don’t worry, he’s not going to miss Hazel’s party,” Harry said.

Joshua nodded.

Led by Joshua, Rachel and Harry forgot about what had happened.

After talking for a while, Hazel mentioned that she would take Harry to the art exhibition. Joshua asked, “Do you want me to accompany you?”

“No, no need, you have so much on your plate.” Hazel directly said no. She was going to meet Grandpa Sloane, and of course, Joshua couldn’t be there.

Hazel and Harry arrived at the art center early on the day of the art exhibition.

After arriving, Harry was fascinated by paintings, Hazel made up an excuse to leave and went straight to look for Grandpa Sloane.

Soon, Hazel saw Grandpa Sloane standing in front of a painting. She sighed. He was alone, and perhaps no one expected this gray-haired old man to be the master of the Sloane family.

Hazel frowned slightly.

According to Joshua’s survey data, she has learned about the Sloane family.

The Sloane family was a well-established family with a deep foundation, but more than twenty years ago, the family was so weakened by a civil disturbance that it fell apart and collapsed.

Oddly enough, the Sloane family survived eventually and got even stronger than before. However, Grandpa Sloane cleaned up the family and made it more low-key.

Over the past two decades, the Sloane family had long been out of sight but was still a colossus that others did not dare to provoke.

“Mr. Sloane.” Pondering for a bit, Hazel used a distant and polite address. She was also afraid that she might incur his dislike by being too friendly.

Hearing this, Grandpa Sloane turned and looked a little complicated when he saw it was Hazel calling his name.

Hazel felt a bit amazed. If she was right, when Grandpa Sloane saw her… he had a pleasant surprise?

But in a flash, his expression turned so cold and dramatic that Hazel thought it was just a delusion.

“I came to accompany my father to the art exhibition today. I didn’t expect to meet you here. What a coincidence!” She smiled, putting out feelers.

“Father?” Grandpa Sloane seemed surprised.

There was a shocking flash in Hazel’s eyes. If Grandpa Sloane didn’t care about her at all, he shouldn’t be surprised at this address.

He would not have been surprised by her saying ‘father’ unless he had also investigated her and Joshua, knew that she was the Denmark family’s lost daughter, and knew that her biological parents had been dead for years.

Hazel was excited by this discovery. If that turned out to be the case, Grandpa Sloane and Joshua wouldn’t be as deadlocked as she had thought!

“My adoptive father,” she explained. “My adoptive parents are just as good to me as— my parents were to Joshua.”

He looked strangely pleased, but the next moment he put on an indifferent face.

“Miss Crowe, I’m not interested in this. Please leave me alone while I look at the painting.” Grandpa Sloane turned his head and said awkwardly.

Hazel was amazed. She could sense he wanted to hear it, but why did he insist on driving her away?

 

Chapter 454: Why On Earth Was That?

This was too weird. Hazel couldn’t help frowning as she couldn’t figure it out.

Grandpa Sloane was very concerned about Joshua but insisted on refusing to reunite with him. Even though obviously he wanted to listen to the things related to Joshua, he still wanted to drive her away.

Why on earth was that?

Hazel’s fingers tightened; she didn’t want to give up like that.

If the Sloane family simply hated Joshua and didn’t want to reunite with him, she would definitely say nothing. But now, it was clear that Grandpa Sloane cared about Joshua very much, but he deliberately distanced himself from them because of some reason unknown to them.

He and Joshua both had each other on their minds, and they internally wanted to reunite with each other, but they distanced themselves from each other, which really made no sense. She must help.

“Mr. Sloane,” Hazel said, taking out an invitation and handing it to Grandpa Sloane. “He has prepared a dinner party for me, and I’d like you to come.”

“Don’t bother…” Grandpa Sloane looked hesitant at the invitation. However, it seemed Hazel didn’t hear his refusal and thrust them into his hand.

Helplessly, he looked at the invitation in his hands. Although he looked hesitant, he had no intention of throwing it on the spot.

Hazel was sure of her thoughts. It was not that Grandpa Sloane didn’t want to know Joshua. It was just that there ought to be a skeleton in the cupboard.

Grandpa Sloane’s expression became more complicated. He looked down at the invitation in his hand. Suddenly, his face went cold, as if he had thought of something. “I don’t have time to go that day. I won’t go.”

With that, he thrust the invitation back into her hand. “Miss Crowe, if you don’t take it back, I’ll have to throw it away.”

Hazel furrowed her brows slightly. She was a little surprised at Grandpa Sloane’s explicit refusal.

The invitation would be of little use if he persisted in refusing to come. She wasn’t going to push him because if she pushed him too hard, it might backfire and make their relationship worse.

So now she must change the way.

After Grandpa Sloane returned the invitation, he directly turned around to walk away from Hazel.

“Mr. Sloane…” She hurried to catch up.

He played a little. “Miss Crowe, could you leave me alone as I look at paintings? Silence is needed here.”

Hazel nodded, helpless. “Fine, I won’t bother you.”

Sure enough, she didn’t say a word after that, but she followed him wherever he went.

With a little tail behind him, Grandpa Sloane was very helpless. He was upset, but it didn’t hurt his feelings for Hazel.

He knew what Hazel wanted to do. He rejected Hazel not only because he couldn’t reunite with Joshua but because he wanted to see what Hazel could do for Joshua.

Hazel kept silently following Grandpa Sloane. He was both happy and frustrated. He even hid in the men’s room. But when he came out, she was still at the door.

“Miss Crowe, would you stop following me!” Grandpa Sloane said crossly.

“Mr. Sloane, you get me wrong.” Hazel winked innocently. “I was just looking at the art exhibition. I didn’t expect that I’m going the same way as you.”

“…” He was speechless. This girl was really smart. She was such a good girl that she was indeed worthy of Joshua. As a matter of fact, he knew a lot about them. Joshua’s caring about Hazel made him also care about her. Now Hazel also proved that she deserved Joshua’s love.

But all of a sudden, his eyes darkened a little.

No matter how much he liked them, he couldn’t have anything to do with them, let alone reunite with them.

It was for their own good.

His heart hardened a little at the thought.

“Miss Crowe, would you please stop being so cheeky? As an old man, I can’t stand your making trouble. And there’s nothing our Sloane family can do to help your Denmark Group,” he said, pretending to be indifferent and deliberately suggesting that Hazel approached him with a business purpose.

Hazel’s eyes glistened as she couldn’t help but sigh. Grandpa Sloane was really a very gentle person. Even if he wanted to stab her to drive her away, he did not have the heart to say any harsh words.

Perhaps Joshua inherited gentleness from the Sloane family.

“Thank you, sir.” she smiled.

Grandpa Sloane was at his wits’ end. Why could this wench admit that she herself was thick-skinned?

Though he was more moved, he knew that he could not go on softening. With a cold snort of anger, he walked to the door without hesitation.

“Mr. Sloane…” Hazel hurried to follow him.

But he ignored her, went straight out of the art center, and got into the car, deciding to leave directly.

Hazel was a bit worried. Although due for some reason, Grandpa Sloane cared deeply about Joshua, he decided not to recognize him as his grandson.

If she let him, who had become alert, go this time, it would be hard for her to see him again!

She didn’t want to see it that way. It looked as if she had no choice but to gamble!

Grandpa Sloane sat in the back seat, looking complicated and sad. Hazel and Joshua were both good kids, but he couldn’t reunite with them at all.

“Where are we going, old master?” the driver asked.

“Leo, go home,” Grandpa Sloane said sadly.

The driver turned the car around and began to accelerate.

Suddenly, a figure quickly rushed out from the roadside, making a lunge for the car!

Grandpa Sloane saw the scene very clearly. His eyes widened, and the next moment he shouted in panic, “Leo, stop! Quick!”

Hazel bit her lip tightly. Staring at the car running in front of her, she felt cold sweat on her back.

Just now, in order to stop Grandpa Sloane, she went straight to stop the car! She knew it was very dangerous, but she had to take the risk for Joshua!

Grandpa Sloane’s car stopped in front of her, not even a centimeter from her body.

Feeling the heat emitting from the car, Hazel felt a twinge of fear after it.

Sure enough, she made the right bet— Grandpa Sloane wasn’t a heartless person.

But… even if the car didn’t hit her, she wasn’t going to let him go.

The next moment she screamed and lay on the ground.

Alright… That was the only way she could think of to badger Grandpa Sloane; that was faking an injury.

The thought of her doing something like this made her so ashamed that she wanted to dig a hole and hide!

“Miss Crowe, are you fine?” asked Grandpa Sloane, getting out of the car in a hurry.

Chapter 455: You Gave An Invitation?

Watching Grandpa Sloane’s caring face, Hazel felt guilty.

He really cared about her, but she deceived him in this way.

However, she bit her lips slightly and held back the guilty in the heart. She must struggle to ease the Sloane family’s relationship with Joshua.

“No, I’m not fine!” Her eyes turned to look somewhere else, wandering. Then she gritted her teeth. “I have a headache, my arms ache, my legs ache… It hurts all over anyway.”

“Leo, help Miss Crowe go into the car and take her to the hospital!” Grandpa Sloane said nervously.

“I…” Guilty came over her heart again, but in the end, she didn’t change her mind.

Soon enough, Grandpa Sloane sent her to the hospital, where he required doctors should perform an exam on her whole body. Even if the doctors repeatedly tell him that Hazel was fine and very healthy, he didn’t believe it and insisted that the doctor examine her a few more times.

The doctors and the driver were very dissatisfied with Hazel, deciding that Hazel was deliberately trying to fake an injury and bluff him.

In the ward, looking at Grandpa Sloane wearing a worried face, Hazel could not continue to pretend.

She couldn’t resist saying to him. “Mr. Sloane, I should be fine. Rest assured…”

“The car almost hit you, and you fell. How could you be fine?” He said thoughtfully, “Don’t worry, Miss Crowe. I’ll get them to take the exam again to make sure you’re not injured.’

Hazel felt her nose hurt slightly as she would like to cry. She sensed the sincerity of his concern for her. He knew she faked an injury on purpose, but he was still worried that she might get hurt in that kind of dangerous situation. This kind of relationship was like a grandpa to a granddaughter. It was because he really loved her as a junior that he was so nervous.

“I’m really fine,” she explained helplessly, “but… I feel a little dizzy. I can’t remember things very well. Well, why don’t you ask me some questions and help me remember them?”

With a complicated face, Grandpa Sloane looked at Hazel on the hospital bed. How could… this girl so sensible?

He could tell that Hazel tried to fake an injury, but she was doing that just because she tried to keep him. The girl… was even willing to risk her life for Joshua. How could he not be moved by her devotion to his grandson?

Besides, she knew their Sloane family’s relationship with Joshua and sensed that he didn’t want to reunite with Joshua, but until now, she had not forced him by telling the truth directly, nor blamed him for his heartlessness. She even sympathized with him, who desired to understand his own grandson, and allowed him to ask what he wanted to ask in this way!

Joshua was so lucky to meet such a nice girl.

Grandpa Sloane’s heart, which he had intended to harden, finally softened. Hazel tried so desperately that he couldn’t bear to let her down. With a wave of his hand, he beckoned the doctor and the driver to leave first.

“Hazel….” He lovingly called her name. “You gave me an invitation….”

She took out the invitation. “Is that it?”

“Mmm.” He nodded and stretched out his hand to take the invitation and directly put it in his pocket.

Hazel’s mouth was wide open. Did Grandpa Sloane accept the invitation to mean he would be present that day?

“You, you will go that day?” she asked, her eyes delighted.

He was a little bit reluctant, but eventually, he hardened his heart. “… I’m really busy that day, but I’ll send you a gift.”

Hazel’s eyes dimmed. It looked as though he just loved her but still did not change his mind.

“Then ask me a question.” She smiled quietly. Since he had his own insistence, then she could do nothing but stop when it was time. It was better to take things easy.

Grandpa Sloane was somewhat embarrassed. He knew what Hazel wanted. When he really refused to be present, he was a little ashamed.

Taking a deep breath, he finally asked, “Hazel, who is preparing the party for you?”

“My husband, Joshua Denmark,” she replied sweetly, with a faint smile.

“Husband? Are you married?” he asked, shocked.

Joshua and Hazel didn’t widely publicize they had gotten the marriage certificate. After all, Joshua’s plan was to arrange the wedding after he threw a party for everyone to know who Hazel was and that she was approved by Denmark Group.

As a result, their marriage was known only to them and the Crowe family, and even the directors of Denmark Group didn’t know that.

“Yeah,” Hazel laughed more sweetly. “Just the other day, when I graduated….”

Hearing her speak, Grandpa Sloane felt a little guilt somehow. It was already bad enough of him not to reunite with Joshua. Now that Joshua was married, he didn’t give him many gifts. He couldn’t even be present. As a grandfather, he was really… incompetent.

It looked like his gift to Hazel would have to be more precious.

“And what kind of man… is your husband?” Grandpa Sloane asked sadly, “How has he been these years?”

Hazel calmly told him everything she knew.

When he heard that Joshua was raised in an orphanage, even though he had found out all this to begin with, he couldn’t help wailing. When he learned that Joshua had been searching for Hazel since his adoptive parents died, he couldn’t help marveling. Hearing that the Flores family shamelessly used Joshua’s guilt to impersonate his family members, he couldn’t help feeling a surge of anger. Later, he felt extremely gratified to learn that the two of them had gone through various hardships and finally got married.

Especially when Hazel praised Joshua with pride, he also felt honored.

What a wonderful child! He was the grandson of his Sloane family.

But he was also that man’s child…

Because of that person, they couldn’t even reunite with Joshua while meeting him face to face.

But as long as he knew that Joshua was alive, it was great. Furthermore, he had grown into such a sagacious mature man with his own business and family. Even if they never reunite, as long as he knew that Joshua lived a good life, he was very happy.

The more they talked, the better they got along with each other. However, when Hazel gave her phone a casual look, she was shocked to see so many missed calls!

All those calls were from Joshua! Her face paled at once. When she nearly got hit, she was so scared that she dropped her phone. Did the phone break down at that very moment?

 

Chapter 456: Did She Hear That Right?

Apart from this, she couldn’t find any reason why her phone didn’t ring.

She hurried to call Joshua. The phone was answered quickly, and she asked nervously, “… Honey, I didn’t hear your call just now. Why do you call me?”

Joshua was silent for a while before speaking quietly, “We’ll talk about it when we meet.”

She felt a jolt in her brain. What did Joshua say? Talk about it when they met?

Did she hear that right?

She was about to say something, but his phone had been directly hung up.

She was even more confused. Why did Joshua hang up before she told him where she was?

Suddenly, she had a bad feeling! Could it be…

“You’d better leave, Mr. Sloane,” she said, hurried.

“What happened, Hazel? Is something wrong?” Grandpa Sloane asked in astonishment. Hazel looked so flustered that he couldn’t leave her alone.

“I can’t make it clear for a moment,” she hurried to say. “Joshua may be on his way…”

Before she could finish the sentence, the door of the ward was flung open, and Joshua came in with a chill all over.

“Why, why are you here?” She was helpless and panic-stricken.

She should have known that. Joshua was so nervous about her safety. Since he made that call, he must have looked into her whereabouts.

If she knew this would happen, she should have brought Crystal with her today. But because she wanted to be alone with Grandpa Sloane, she had deliberately sent Crystal away.

Now, what should she do?

Joshua was still misunderstanding the Sloane family. He would not be kind to Grandpa Sloane. If the two of them fell out and their relationship got worse, wouldn’t she become the culprit?

Joshua gave Grandpa Sloane a look. In a moment, he understood what had happened. The next moment, his eyes fell straight on Hazel.

He strode over and asked thoughtfully, “Did you get hurt?”

“No, no, I’m fine!” she replied quickly.

The next moment, he furrowed his brows, curled his finger, and flicked it on her forehead.

“Ouch!” She cried out in pain and looked at him, wounded.

“Why didn’t you call me when you were hit by a car?” His eyes appeared helpless and worried. “Do you know how worried dad was when you suddenly disappeared from the exhibition? I couldn’t get through to you on the phone. When I got the monitor, I saw you get hit by a car. You’re trying to scare me to death, aren’t you?”

In an instant, she felt very guilty. She wanted to keep Grandpa Sloane so much and get in touch with him, but she forgot how worried her parents and Joshua would be.

Moreover, there was Simon around. Presumably, Joshua thought that Simon had taken her away or that she was in some danger when she couldn’t answer the phone. How worried would Joshua have been at that time?

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, catching his fingers gently. “I won’t worry you like this again.”

He sighed helplessly, apparently disbelieving this sentence very much.

“You can’t be so unreasonable, Sir!” Leo, the driver of Grandpa Sloane, had been guarded outside the ward. When Joshua stormed in, he, of course, followed with concern. Hearing Joshua’s words, he felt very dissatisfied.

He, who had been extremely dissatisfied with Hazel, said directly, “It was this lady who has rushed out from the roadside. It was clear I didn’t hit her, but she lay down herself. I think she’s clearly up to no good, wanting to fake an injury on purpose. How short of money she is….”

“Leo, shut up!” Grandpa Sloane’s face darkened. Although Leo was helpless, he didn’t dare to say much anymore.

Joshua’s eyes became cold all at once.

Of course, he could guess that Hazel did it on purpose, but even if she did, he could not bear to hear anyone speak ill of her.

“Does Mr. Sloane mean Joshua Denmark’s wife, the real owner of Denmark Group, risked her life for a little bit of money?!” he asked in a deep tone which was with an undisguised chill. “Mr. Sloane, I need an explanation!”

Momentarily, Hazel was worried. That was what she feared. She wanted to ease the relationship between Joshua and the Sloane family instead of aggravating the misunderstanding. Now Joshua even ignored the driver and directly aimed at Grandpa Sloane!

Joshua cared a lot about people he cared about, but if others really annoyed him, he would be merciless! She didn’t want to see Joshua fall out with the Sloane family.

“No, it isn’t…” she hurried to say.

But before she could finish the sentence, Joshua even covered her mouth directly. “Be good, you almost had an accident. Don’t say too much, or you’ll get tired easily.”

She glared at him helplessly. How could talking make her tired? Obviously, he didn’t want her to talk at all!

She struggled to free herself from his hand, but she was directly hugged by him instead, and her arms were also tightly wound by him!

She felt hopeless somehow. It was clear Joshua was trying to make trouble. Grandpa Sloane had deliberately distanced himself from him. Now their relationship was bound to get worse!

She looked anxiously at Grandpa Sloane. She didn’t know what was on Grandpa Sloane’s mind as he nodded. “You’re right. It was I who almost hit Miss Crowe this time, and I should make it up to both of you.”

She was confused. She had thought they would fight, but Grandpa Sloane actually compromised?

Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and she understood.

Grandpa Sloane wanted to thank her, so he did so. He even gave up the chance to fall out with Joshua and directly accepted Joshua’s aggressive question.

All of a sudden, she felt warm. She really didn’t want to see such a kind old man wounded. What was worse, he was questioned by his own grandson, who he cared about.

But Joshua was still clapping his hand over her mouth, and she couldn’t speak in the least. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind.

Joshua was also a little surprised, but he only paused for a moment before saying coldly, “Grandpa Sloane, I think you should also know that Denmark Group is not necessarily worse than the Sloane family. Hazel and I won’t necessarily pay attention to your so-called compensation. If we did accept it, it would confirm Hazel was faking an injury to deceive you. If you really feel guilty, I just hope you won’t…”

Before he could finish the sentence, he felt a warm, soft touch on his fingertips.

 

Chapter 457: Put Me Down

Joshua slightly relaxed his grip as he felt a little helpless somehow.

The little girl was sure he had no resistance to her, so she… licked his fingers at such a time?

He paused for just a moment, and Hazel freed herself from him and pushed his hand away.

This was a tricky situation. As long as Joshua was around, he wouldn’t give Grandpa Sloane any face, so now she must take him away to prevent him from saying anything hurtful to Grandpa Sloane.

“Joshua, this is a misunderstanding,” she said, grabbing his wrist and taking him straight out the door. “Let’s go home. Let’s go, go! I’m fine.”

Joshua’s eyes turned a little deeper, but she eventually took him away.

At the door, she thought of something and turned her head. “Don’t worry, Mr. Sloane. In fact, Joshua isn’t like that… Ah!”

Before she could finish the sentence, she was picked up by Joshua around the waist.

“Put me down!” she said shyly.

“Aren’t you in a hurry?” Joshua cocked an eyebrow slightly.

He understood her thoughts, so he allowed her to take him away. But he wouldn’t allow her to continue being kind to the Sloane family. This was all about him and the Sloane family, and he didn’t want her to be wounded because of them.

Hazel was helpless, but she had to let him carry her out of the hospital.

Watching them leave, Grandpa Sloane felt very complicated in the heart.

He saw Joshua’s distant attitude toward him. This was what he wanted, and he should have been glad to see that, but he still felt a dull ache in his heart.

Besides, even if he couldn’t recognize him as his grandson, Grandpa Sloane still wanted to be nice to him.

Back in the car, Joshua held Hazel tightly in his arms, refusing to let her go. Sensing that the atmosphere was not right, the driver wisely lowered the bulkhead between them.

Looking at Joshua’s dark face, Hazel hurried to fawn on him. “Honey… This is a real coincidence… When I was at the exhibition, I just wanted to come out and buy something, and I didn’t pay attention to the car…”

Hazel had a headache.

It was really hard for her to lie through her teeth like that. And she really couldn’t convince Joshua with such a fake excuse.

She believed that Joshua had guessed her thoughts and knew that she had done that deliberately to get close to Grandpa Sloane.

Even so, she could not admit it.

The cold in him now almost froze her. If she involved the Sloane family in it, Joshua would blame them for everything.

“Mmm,” Joshua whispered.

“Oh?” She looked at him, feeling it was weird. What did Joshua’s reply mean? Did he believe her?

His eyes grew a little deeper as he watched her surprised expression. “I would believe whatever you say.”

Even if she deliberately approached the Sloane family, it was for him. He wouldn’t be mad at her because she cared about him.

Hazel’s eyes softened, and she intimately wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned against him.

“Actually…” After a moment’s hesitation, she finally said, “I think Mr. Sloa…”

Joshua’s eyes twinkled slightly. The next moment, he pinched her chin and kissed her hard on the lips.

He didn’t release her until she was out of breath.

“Let’s forget what happened today,” he said, his eyes dark. “Don’t mention it again. Honey, whatever you misunderstand, I want you to understand that you are all I need.”

She was complicated in the heart. Joshua was making it very clear that he didn’t want to be entangled with the Sloane family. If she mentioned it again, Joshua would really get angry.

But… was Joshua really not caring about the Sloane family at all? She didn’t think so.

Her eyes darkened slightly, but she decided to steady Joshua first and figured out why the Sloane family didn’t want to reunite with him. And even if it was just her guess before, when Grandpa Sloane faced Joshua, she was absolutely sure that he didn’t have any aversion to Joshua.

She kissed his lips of her own accord and said earnestly, “I see. Joshua, I will always be there for you.”

Joshua’s eyes flickered. Hazel was avoiding his questions. Her answers did not amount to a yes. Was this girl so eager to want the Sloane family to reunite with him?

She was so stubborn that she wouldn’t give up. She would definitely do something else. Since he couldn’t stop her, he would have to stop the Sloane family from contacting her. Of course, he couldn’t allow Hazel to continue at will.

“Honey, we have an important meeting in the Denmark Group tomorrow. Why don’t you come with me?” he said quietly.

Hazel looked at him with hidden resentment. “Can I not go? I’m also very busy with Joshua-Hazel Pictures.”

“You’ve got Sharon at Joshua-Hazel Pictures.” He said seriously, “Now that you are on shaky ground in the Denmark Group, you need to show up more and let the directors know you are not a pushover.”

He turned on his computer and opened some files. “These are some files of the directors’ information. You’ve met them before, but it’s always good to know more about them.”

“I have you…” Her eyes became more unhappy. Was Joshua trying to make her a workaholic?

“Denmark Group is yours,” he said earnestly. “Hazel, there’s no telling what’s going to happen in the future. If I am around you, you can at least deal with it yourself without being panic-stricken.”

“Alright…” She reluctantly agreed. She had always been unable to refute his reasons.

The next day, Joshua really took Hazel to a meeting at Denmark Group.

Hazel reluctantly went there. Before they entered Denmark Group’s hall, a woman abruptly rushed over.

Before she could approach, the building’s security guards, who had been well, surrounded her and stopped her. Obviously, they were very experienced in dealing with such situations.

Hazel was shocked. She took a closer look and was speechless momentarily. It was no other than her old acquaintance. It was Katie Shawn, whom she had met twice.

She looked embarrassed to be stopped so easily. But when she saw that the person standing next to Joshua was Hazel, who had made her suffer twice, her eyes were filled with anger.

The next moment, ignoring her embarrassment at being stopped, she shouted, “Master Denmark, please give me five minutes. I want to talk to you about the joint project of Denmark Group and the Shawn family.”

Joshua walked Hazel straight into the hall as if he didn’t hear her.

 

Chapter 458: She Must See Joshua

Hazel couldn’t help looking back and saw Katie’s face, which was white as a sheet.

Hazel had unspoken criticism in the heart. Joshua was really… heartless! He didn’t give Katie any face at all. He seemed to be completely unaware of her presence, which was the most hurtful.

After all, Katie must have come prepared if she dared to shout that she needed five minutes.

As they walked into the elevator, Hazel asked curiously, “Denmark Group and the Shawn family are working on a project?”

“Denmark Group works with a lot of companies,” Joshua said. “It wouldn’t be surprising if the Shawn family is working with us on one of our projects.”

“Oh…” She nodded.

“But soon, the cooperation would stop,” he said softly.

“… You want her to have no excuse to haunt you, don’t you?” she said, looking at him speechlessly. “Do you need to do that for just a trifle?”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“What if she makes up some other excuse?” she asked.

“Then she’ll lose more,” he spoke with a calm expression.

Alright! Hazel was thoroughly convinced.

However, the Shawn family and the Denmark Group were not of the same level. Even if the cooperation was withdrawn, Denmark Group would have no impact because Denmark Group could find other companies to cooperate with at any time. But it would be a different story to the Shawn family.

Hazel understood this and thus didn’t say anything more.

***

Katie was not qualified to enter Denmark Group, so she could only stand outside the building of Denmark Group. The security guards dutifully stopped her from coming near.

She kept fawning over the security guards, but they were all professionally trained and were not moved by her sweet words.

She bit her lip in annoyance. The thought of Hazel going in and out with Joshua together made her blood boil.

In fact, until today, she hadn’t known that the person she had offended repeatedly was Denmark Group’s recently recognized daughter Hazel Crowe. Katie kept thinking that she was just Joshua’s shady mistress.

“What’s the relationship between that woman and… Master Denmark?” Katie couldn’t resist asking.

That woman? The security guard was in a daze and then stared at Katie, speechless. She wasn’t talking about Hazel, was she?

Seeing that the guard did not answer her, Katie clenched her teeth and said, “Hunk, I know you are also in a dilemma. How about this? You tell me that, and I promise you that I will not enter the Denmark Group, okay?”

The guard hesitated and then spoke, not wanting to spend too much time with Katie. “She’s the President’s assistant.”

The guard wasn’t wrong. Although Hazel’s status had changed, she still held the position of the President’s assistant, and even her work ID had not changed.

When he told Katie this, he was actually slighting her over.

But Katie was angrier. She immediately scolded Hazel countless times from the bottom of her heart. This little fox was really sly as she stayed with Joshua as an assistant. How scheming!

“Why don’t you leave?” The guard looked at her unhappily.

“Hunk,” Katie sneered. “I did not enter the Denmark Group. I’m standing in the street now. Aren’t people allowed to stand here?”

“You…!” The security guard was furious. This woman actually played word games with him. Yes, she said she wouldn’t enter, but she didn’t say she would leave.

“Then you can just stand here!” The security guard glared at her angrily, showing no sign of backing down.

Katie was very triumphant in the heart. She certainly saw it as her victory.

Now, as long as she stood there waiting, she believed that Joshua would see her sincerity.

Suddenly, her phone rang.

She frowned unhappily. But when she saw the name on the screen, she directly answered the phone.

Katie wore a fake smile and said sweetly, “Grandma…”

But before she could finish the sentence, she was interrupted by the voice on the other end. “Katie, what’s wrong with you?! Have you offended someone? Your father called and said Denmark Group has just withdrawn its cooperation with our Shawn family! Don’t you know how important this cooperation is to our Shawn family?! How on earth did you work? How could you screw this up….”

Katie’s face changed dramatically. She understood quickly. All this must be done by Joshua!

That man was actually so heartless that he stopped the cooperation with the Shawn family so quickly?

Now, she was scolded by her grandmother. No, now she must pass the buck. She couldn’t admit that it was her fault.

“Grandma, are you mistaken? How can it be because of me?” she said in a wounded tone, “You can think about it; I didn’t get a chance to offend Denmark Group, did I? However, isn’t my elder sister with Master Isaac? However, she has always been dull, and Master Isaac doesn’t like her. We all know that he wanted to break off the engagement long ago. Is it possible that he is ashamed of doing that himself, so he just asked his good friend Master Denmark to warn our Shawn family?”

On the other end, there was silence. Grandma Shawn held back her anger and said, “What you say is very reasonable. I think it is your cursed sister’s fault!”

“Grandma, don’t worry.” Katie, who was delighted, added, “I will think about it, and I will figure out a way to save it.”

“You must figure out ways, my dear granddaughter,” Grandma Shawn enjoined before hanging up.

Hanging up, Katie could not help cursing, “This old woman! You’re so old, but why don’t you die?! You aren’t capable, but you’re always bossy. If you weren’t such an old fool, would I have to please you? When I marry Joshua, I’ll take ‘good care of you!”

After swearing and venting his anger, Katie waited at the gate of Denmark Group with a sullen face. Now she must wait.

She must see Joshua!

***

After attending the meeting with Joshua, Hazel walked past the secretary’s office when she heard people laughing inside; it sounded as if they mentioned ‘gate.’

She turned and walked in. “What are you talking about?”

Hazel used to work as Joshua’s secretary, so she had a good relationship with these secretaries. But because her identity had changed so much and her position was so high now that they could only look up to her, they were more or less reserved in the face of her.

Hazel talked to them for a while, and they told her what had happened.

Only then did she realize that Katie was still waiting downstairs at Denmark Group.

 

Chapter 459: Shall I Have Her Driven Away?

The security guard who stopped Katie complained to his colleagues helplessly. Since then, the fact that Katie waited downstairs at Denmark Group had spread among employees at Denmark Group.

Hazel’s lips twitched.

It seemed Katie planned to keep waiting to let Joshua see her sincerity to “impress” him in this way.

After that, Hazel returned to the President’s office.

Joshua came back ahead of her.

“Where have you been?” he asked in surprise.

“The secretaries’ office,” she said, looking at him darkly. “I heard an interesting story.”

“What?” He cocked an eyebrow slightly.

Since she deliberately mentioned it, it meant that this was by no means trivial.

“There’s a person down there at Denmark Group waiting for you.” Hazel came up behind him, put her hands directly on his shoulder, and said with jealousness, “Are you touched?”

Feeling the pressure on his shoulder, he looked back at Hazel’s jealous face and smiled slightly. “No.”

Hazel looked relaxed, but Joshua put his palms on her arms the next moment and pulled her into his arms with strength.

“Shall I have her driven away?” he whispered.

Joshua loved Hazel’s expression when she was jealous. He knew clearly that Hazel was jealous because she cared about him.

Hazel intended to nod but suddenly paused.

She really hated Katie. When they met for the first time, Joshua had clearly told Katie that she was his wife, but Katie actually repeatedly pestered him, apparently determined to steal him away and act as a mistress.

Such a brazen woman really challenged her patience. This time, she didn’t want to let Katie go so easily. Now that she dared to have her eye on her man, she would teach the woman a lesson!

“No need, don’t drive her away.” Hazel’s mouth tilted upwards slightly at the corners. “It’s 38 degrees Centigrade out there. Since she wants to wait, let her wait.”

“It’s up to you.” Joshua smiled slightly.

As long as she was happy, Hazel could play any way she wanted. Even if she went too far, he would help her deal with the mess.

***

Waiting downstairs, Katie felt her whole body was in a state of prostration in the sun, even her back was covered with sweat.

She had planned to find a shady place to hide, but the security guards drove her away to the sun without hesitation.

She felt so miserable that she wanted to give up at any moment. But she had been waiting for so long, if she could not show Joshua her sincerity, she would have waited in vain.

But it was so hot…

Suddenly, Katie saw a group of people running in her direction.

She looked surprised. At first, she thought it was just her illusion, because after all, the Denmark Group was next to her, and it was more likely that they came here for the Denmark Group.

Having said that, she suddenly found that these people were here for her. Not only that, they were holding various kinds of cameras and other equipment. They were actually reporters!

Before Katie understood what was happening, the reporters surrounded her and even took pictures of her.

“You’re Miss Katie from the Shawn family, aren’t you?”

“I heard you’ve been waiting here for Master Denmark for over four hours, right?”

“Are you waiting for him to make a chance encounter?”

“You should know that Master Denmark and Hazel Crowe have gone public with their relationship. Are you doing this in a bid to be the mistress?”

“I heard that your mother also used to be a mistress. Are you planning to do the same?”

***

Listening to the questions in succession, Katie’s brain went blank!

Why did these reporters show up here out of the blue?

Why did they know who she was? How did they know she had waited so long? And why did they see her as a mistress?

The next moment, she put her hands over her face and did her best to push her way through the crowd, but the reporters completely surrounded her, and she had no way out.

She became more flustered. She couldn’t leave, so she had to think of other ways. She shouted, “Stop it! Don’t shoot! I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m just here to cooperate with the Denmark Group!”

“Miss Shawn, we have consulted the Denmark Group. The Shawn family and Denmark Group have no cooperation at all. Your reason just doesn’t hold water! Will you please answer our questions truthfully?”

Katie’s face turned pale. These people… clearly aimed at and embarrassed her on purpose! Who caused it? It must be her! Without hesitation, Katie thought of Hazel and was more furious.

Now, no matter how she explained it, no one would believe her. Then she hardened her heart and said, clenching her teeth, “You’ve got the wrong person. I’m not Katie Shawn…”

With that, she deliberately threw a certificate on the ground.

Some reporters quickly picked it up and snapped pictures of the name “Callie Shawn” on it.

“Give the certificate back to me!” Katie pretended to snatch it back.

“Miss Katie, according to an informant, I heard that you have repeatedly framed your sister Callie Shawn in this way. Is it true?” a reporter suddenly asked.

“What nonsense?” Katie covered her face and shouted in exasperation, “No! I’m exactly Callie Shawn!”

Refusing to give up, the reporter began to give examples. “A year ago, at the Shawn family’s dinner party….”

Katie’s face became uglier as she listened to past stories. Worse still, no matter how hard she tried to hide, some people tried to take pictures of her face!

No, she would be ruined if it continued! This time, apparently, someone was after her!

Katie couldn’t stand it anymore. She pushed away from the reporters frantically, trying to get out of the crowds this way!

There was confusion among the reporters. Katie’s hand hit countless cameras and people. Many cameras fell to the ground.

Many reporters were furious. “How can you break my camera?”

“Yeah, how do you hit people?”

Just then, someone gave Katie a retaliatory push, and she fell on her face.

“No! No shooting!” Katie bellowed feebly, but she ended up covering her face awkwardly as she pushed her way through the crowd.

Hazel stood at the window of the President’s office. She could clearly see everything downstairs.

She couldn’t help but tsk and look at Joshua in surprise. “You really don’t know how to show tenderness toward a woman.”

It wasn’t her idea. Her original intention was just to let Katie bask and suffer.

But Joshua directly called the media and kindly provided ‘revelations.’

 

Chapter 460: It Will Satisfy You

Downstairs, Katie had fled in a panic, but naturally, the media would not let her go so quickly. They followed her closely behind.

Katie hadn’t had much contact with the press, but she did have contact. Because of the relationship of her identity, she had been a noble lady in front of the media. As for the fact that she was a mistress’s daughter, she had always kept it a secret.

Besides, the events of the Shawn family were basically decided by Grandma Shawn, whom Katie usually tried hard to curry favor with, so other members in the Shawn family dared not say much about it outside.

Now, however, Joshua let out the secret and exposed Katie’s worst fears to the public.

Hazel could even imagine lots of shady secrets of the Shawn family would be revealed by the media with Joshua’s ‘consent.’ After all, the secrets of this kind of wealthy family were the most popular topic of conversation after dinner.

Either way, that was good. Katie was so busy with the media that she shouldn’t have much energy to pester Joshua anymore.

Joshua looked at Hazel at the window and smiled. “You want me to show tenderness to a woman?”

“Don’t you dare! “Hazel said angrily, turning around.

Joshua laughed and rubbed the tip of her nose. Her deep star eyes were full of deep affection. “Honey, I would only show tenderness to you.”

Hazel smiled. Just now, she just said that casually. She didn’t really like Katie Shawn.

“It’s just two days before the party,” she said with a twinkle in her eye. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

“It will satisfy you,” Joshua said meaningfully.

***

Soon, the day of the party came. The party was held in Denmark Group’s hotel with top-class security.

Joshua took Hazel to the hotel before the party, where he had prepared a special dressing room for her.

The world’s top team he had brought in spent the whole afternoon helping Hazel style. After that, Hazel changed into a dress that Joshua had prepared for her.

It was a snow-blue dress made especially for her, with a beautiful train studded with countless diamonds. The dress on him made her look like a princess coming out of a fairy tale.

Joshua was waiting for her. His eyes narrowed as he saw her walk out of the fitting room.

“Does it look good?” she asked shyly, her heart pounding.

Joshua got up from the sofa without a word, walked up to her, and directly took her hand.

“Honey, let’s go home,” he said earnestly.

“Huh?!” She looked at him in astonishment. There was a flash of panic in her eyes. “Is the dress ugly? Or which part of it is improper…”

“No, it’s very pretty, and it fits you very well.” There was a flash of fire in his eyes, and he sighed uncontrollably. “But you’re so beautiful that I’d like to lock you up for the rest of your life and let me appreciate your beauty alone.”

She came to her senses and smiled shyly. It turned out that it was Joshua’s possessiveness.

Looking at the desire in his eyes, her heart was sweet. She didn’t know what Joshua would do if the situation continued.

“I am yours, to begin with…” she whispered coyly.

Joshua’s mouth tilted slightly upward at the corners. Her words satisfied him greatly. He leaned over her a little passionately, but before he could kiss her lips, she put her hands against his chest.

“I sweet talk to you. Stop playing now,” she said, holding back her coyness in the heart. “Has the party begun? You go to find my parents and my brother first. I’m afraid they won’t be used to the occasion…”

“… Good.” He sighed reluctantly. “I’ll pick you up later.”

“Mmm.” She nodded.

After he left, the makeup artist continued to help her put on ornaments.

Beautiful diamond necklace, earrings, bracelet, and so on. Joshua had prepared a whole outfit to match this dress.

After that, she left the dressing room for the party without waiting for Joshua.

***

The party was downstairs and had begun for a while. Katie helped Grandma Shawn walk into the hall, fawning on the guests with a fake smile on her face.

She had had a really bad life these days. The Shawn family was being chased by the paparazzi, and her whole identity was revealed. It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought of paying to silence the reporters, but it didn’t work at all.

Now her image had plummeted, but she knew her only chance of turning it around was to grasp Joshua’s heart firmly. As long as she could be with Joshua, nothing would matter.

Therefore, she tried her best to curry favor with Grandma Shawn and blamed all her mistakes on Callie, so Grandma Shawn didn’t change her mind to bring her to the party.

But Katie didn’t expect her friends to show up too! It left Katie furious and confused. Those women weren’t even qualified for this party, so they buttered her up like that before.

But now, they treated her as if she was the plague, and they all ran away without waiting for her to ask questions.

Furthermore, what made her even angrier was that she saw Callie also came and that she was accompanying Grandpa Anderson. As Isaac’s fiancée, Callie was certainly qualified to be here. Also, she didn’t even have to get Grandma Shawn’s permission, making Katie feel pretty unhappy.

“Katie,” Grandma Shawn said, “I think that Childe Flores is quite good, and so is Childe Lynch….”

Katie came to her senses. She looked at Grandma Shawn, surprised. According to what she said, she was planning to arrange a commercial marriage for her? And all those men Grandma Shawn had talked about were so ugly and fat. She didn’t want to take a second look at them.

She said quickly, “Grandma, I’m still young…”

“Young?” Grandma Shawn sneered. “Do you think you still can find an excellent husband after all this?? The people who can attend the party are not ordinary. It’s an honor for them to take a fancy to you. Do you think you have another choice?”

Katie’s heart was filled with bitter anger. No wonder the old lady was willing to bring her here. It turned out she had thought she was of little use and wanted to sell her for a good price before it was too late.

“Grandma, these people are nice, but they’re not the best choice, are they?” Katie clenched her teeth.

“Oh? Who do you take a fancy to?” Grandma Shawn asked sarcastically.

“Don’t you think that person is the best choice?” Katie said in a deep tone. She was willing to risk everything. Things had come to this point. She must be with Joshua as soon as possible, even if she might have to use all kinds of dirty tricks.