Ch. 1461..1470

Chapter 1461 She Likes You

Every day, when Timothy saw Asel rushing over to hug Johanna, wishing her a good morning and pleading with Johanna for a cuddle but was ignored by Johanna, he felt very upset.

Asel didn't know anything. She thought her mother didn't want to pay attention to her. Gradually, she stopped asking Johanna for hugs.

If that continued, Timothy was afraid that Asel would start to dislike Johanna.

After several hours of bustling in the kitchen, the three men successfully prepared a lavish annual feast.

Amanda handed Asel a drumstick while she held another, eating with her little mouth smeared with oil. She praised her father and Cooper's superb cooking skills as she ate.

Pretending to be upset, Timothy said, "I also put effort into cooking. Aren't you going to praise your Uncle Tim?"

"Which dish did you make, Uncle Tim?"

Timothy pointed to the dish of steamed chicken with edamame. Although Armand was the one who cooked it, he was the one who had shelled the edamame and prepared the chicken.

Therefore, rounding off, he considered that dish made by him.

She scooped up some more edamame with her spoon, and after finishing, she expressed her confusion, "Huh? Why does it taste just like the way my dad makes it?"

"We use the same kitchen utensils to cook the dishes," said Timothy without changing his expression.

The edamame was cooked until it was tender and without much seasoning. Paired with the chicken, it tasted very delicious. Timothy thought that Asel, now that she had teeth, could eat this kind of dish. He scooped a few spoonfuls into her bowl.

"Thank you, Daddy!" Asel said, happily munching on the soft and tender edamame.

Once the edamame in the bowl was finished, Asel stood up from her baby chair on her own, reaching out with a spoon to dig into the plate of steamed chicken with edamame.

She dug into the edamame with her spoon several times, and when she finally scooped up a spoonful, she was thrilled to the core.

Asel extended the spoon toward Johanna, seemingly wanting to offer her the spoonful of edamame. Seeing her mother engrossed in her meal and not paying any attention to her made her feel a bit disheartened.

She pouted in grievance, retracting her small hand.

Seeing the aggrieved look on his daughter's face, Timothy felt a pang in his heart. He gently cooed, "Asel, you're doing great. You can even pick up your own food now. How about giving this spoonful of edamame to Daddy, okay?"

"All right then." Asel scooped a spoonful of edamame into Timothy's small bowl.

Timothy kissed her on the cheek, "Thank you, Sweetie."

Her grievances surged quickly, but they also disappeared just as fast. Cheered up by the funny faces made by Amanda, Asel immediately forgot the slight of being ignored by her mother.

After finishing the annual feast, Sally also returned. They took the children to the garden to set off fireworks.

It was well past ten in the evening by the time the grand fireworks display concluded.

Genevieve wanted to let Timothy and his wife stay for the night, but Timothy politely declined. He drove Johanna and Asel back home.

After returning home, Timothy took Asel to the bathroom for a bath.

Asel was splashing excitedly in the bathtub, showing no signs of tiredness at all.

Timothy pinched her little cheek, "Sweetie, don't you usually get sleepy by ten? Why don't you want to sleep yet today?"

"I have to wait until twelve o'clock," said Asel.

"Why?"

Asel stubbornly refused to tell her father, shaking her head.

Timothy imagined that after Asel and Amanda have their fun at Swallow Garden, they would surely fall asleep as soon as they hit the bed.

He dressed Asel in her pajamas and dried her hair before carrying her out of the bathroom. "Would you like to sleep with Mommy tonight, Asel?" he asked.

Asel pursed her lips. "Mommy doesn't like me."

"How could that be? Mommy loves Asel the most." Timothy kissed Asel's cheek. "It's just that Mommy has been sick recently and doesn't feel like talking much. Asel, you should talk more with your mommy and keep her company. I'm sure she will get better."

Asel nodded, seemingly understanding yet not quite.

Chapter 1462 Song

When Timothy finished her bath and came out, she thought Asel had already gone to sleep. To his surprise, she was still lying on the bed, her round eyes fixed on Johanna, who was reading a book.

It seemed like she had tried to talk to her mother, but her mother still ignored her.

Timothy came over and took the book from Johanna's hand, turning off the bedside lamp next to her. Johanna knew it was time for bed, so she flattened her pillow and lay down on the bed.

After climbing into bed from the other side, Timothy tucked Asel in, "Asel, it's time for bed."

Asel shook her head. "I'm going to wait until twelve o'clock."

Timothy didn't understand why she was so fixated on staying up until midnight. He brought over a small plush sheep, attempting to coax Asel to sleep.

However, after all the coaxing, Asel's eyes were still wide open.

Asel hugged her fluffy white sheep tightly. Her voice was soft and childlike as she spoke. "Daddy, I want to listen to a song."

"Will you go to sleep obediently if I sing?" Timothy rubbed Asel's cheeks, chuckling softly. "All right then, what song would my Sweetie like to hear?"

"I want to hear the song Daddy used to sing for Mommy," said Asel.

Timothy couldn't sing. In the past, it was always Johanna who sang for him. But now, Asel insists on hearing him sing.

He remembered a song that Johanna liked and softly hummed, "We can't promise each other tomorrow, so I will hold you tight as if I'm about to lose you..."

The song's melody was rather low, and Timothy's voice was deep and resonant. Even if he wasn't perfectly in tune, it was still incredibly pleasing to the ear.

As Johanna was about to fall asleep, the faint sound of a man's deep singing reached her ears. She didn't open her eyes, but her slender fingers tightly clung to the blanket.

Asel's eyelids drooped, then reluctantly opened again, seemingly getting lulled to sleep by her father's singing.

After Timothy finished singing, he saw Asel with her eyes closed and assumed she had fallen asleep. Suddenly, the digital alarm clock on the bedside table started to beep.

The first faint chime of the New Year could also be heard from outside the window.

Asel was also startled awake. She put her small hands together on her chest and closed her eyes again. Her chubby cheeks were rosy, and a solemn expression spread across her petite face.

Timothy asked with a smile, "Sweetie, are you waiting until midnight to make a New Year's wish?"

After making her wish, Asel nodded happily.

"Can you tell Daddy what New Year's wish you made?"

Asel pursed her lips and said seriously, "Amanda said that if you tell others your wish, it won't come true, so I can't tell Daddy."

"Daddy won't ask anymore," Timothy said with a smile, kissing her forehead. "Be good. Go to sleep."

Asel obediently hummed in agreement.

Suddenly, something came to her mind. She crawled over to Johanna with her tiny body, carefully planted a kiss on her mother's cheek, then burrowed back into the quilt.

After a long while, Timothy raised his hand to brush away the strands of hair on Johanna's forehead, gazing deeply at her peaceful sleeping countenance.

He then embraced his wife and daughter in his arms.

Timothy was usually busy with work, so his biological alarm clock woke him up quite early. The next morning, he woke up to find that both Asel and Johanna were not around.

That day was the first day of New Year, and Asel had already made plans with Amanda to go to the amusement park.

Timothy went to the bathroom to freshen up and change his clothes. He planned to have breakfast and then take Asel to Swallow Garden. Johanna didn't like crowded places, so he could stay at home and keep her company.

As he was deep in thought, he descended the stairs. Before he even reached the bottom, he noticed someone sitting at the dining table.

The woman's back was slender and delicate, draped in a beige knitted shawl. Her black hair was lazily tied up, looping twice and hanging down her back. Half of her fair neck peeked out from between her hair.

Just her silhouette was a feast for the eyes.

Chapter 1463 Let Your Dad Hold You

Asel sat on the chair across from Johanna. Each time Johanna fed her a spoonful of soup, the little girl quickly gobbled it up, her little face full of happiness and joy.

Seeing Timothy on the stairs, Asel waved at him. "Daddy, good morning!"

Timothy muttered an acknowledgment haphazardly, striding towards the dining table. He stood beside Johanna, dropping his gaze to look at her.

After shutting herself off from the world, Johanna showed no interest in anything beyond her personal bubble, nor did she pay any attention to Asel. Yet, that day, she took the initiative to feed Asel breakfast.

Timothy tentatively called out, "Darling?"

Johanna looked up at him, her gaze lingering on his face briefly before saying, "Sit down and eat first. The pumpkin soup today is quite good."

Timothy reached out to touch Johanna's forehead.

It's not feverish, and her eyes weren't vacant but very clear when she looked at me earlier.

Johanna had been lost in her own world for the better part of the year. After trying various methods but failing, Timothy had given up, thinking they would continue living like that.

Unexpectedly, Johanna emerged from her bubble without any warning.

Seeing Timothy continue standing there, Asel reached up and tugged at his sweater. "Daddy, Mommy asked you to sit and eat."

"All right." Timothy pulled out the dining chair next to Johanna.

Asel and Johanna had come down half an hour earlier, so Asel was already full from Johanna's feeding. "Mandy said we're going to the amusement park today. Mom, are you and Dad coming?"

Johanna's voice was gentle and calm. “I'll go if you want me to accompany you."

"Yay! Great!" Asel cheered excitedly.

During breakfast, Timothy kept glancing at Johanna. He wanted to say something, but Asel was even more eager to talk to Johanna, constantly pulling at her and chattering non-stop.

After finishing the meal, Johanna went upstairs, put on a coat, and picked a beret for Asel.

Asel hadn't been close to her mother for a long time. After leaving the house, she wanted Johanna to hold her. Feeling the little arms circling her leg, Johanna's body stiffened for a few seconds.

Johanna bent down and said, "Asel, you've grown so big that I can't carry you anymore. Is it okay if your dad carries you?"

Asel nodded, then turned around and threw herself into Timothy's arms.

Over at Swallow Garden, Genevieve and the others were getting ready to pick up Asel. Unexpectedly, just as they stepped out, Timothy's car arrived.

He also brought Johanna along.

The rims of Genevieve's eyes turned red when she spotted Johanna finally stepping out of her own world. She went up to the latter and held her tightly.

Asel ran over to Amanda, excitedly telling her that she made a wish in the early morning of the new year, and it came true, for her mother's illness was cured. It was simply miraculous.

Amanda raised her eyebrows with pride as she asked, "Aren't I impressive?"

"Yeah, Mandy is the best!"

Lucian's gaze darted between the two girls. One had an incredibly smug expression, while admiration was written across the other's face. He didn't know what to make of the situation.

Amanda was bold for blowing hot air, and Asel dared to act as she said, blindly trusting her.

During the New Year, the amusement park was filled with children. Joy was in the air everywhere. The moment the kids walked past the entrance, they were like wild horses running unbridled, rushing towards wherever seemed the most fun.

Genevieve tasked the kids to Armand and Timothy, then went to find a place to rest with Johanna.

While conversing with Johanna, Genevieve keenly noticed that the former wasn't as lively as before despite stepping out of her own bubble. She had become gentler and quieter.

However, it was still great that she was willing to step out of her own world.

The kids were tuckered after playing until three in the evening. Once gotten in the car, they were so tired that they fell asleep immediately.

Before getting in the car, Genevieve offered, "Let's have dinner at my place tonight."

"Maybe next time." Johanna brushed the strands of hair from her cheek, smiling gently. "Asel has played all day and is exhausted. I want to chat with Timothy as well."

Chapter 1464 I Can Only Accompany You This Far

Genevieve studied Johanna's impassive face as if realizing something.

She walked up to Johanna and embraced her, whispering, "Jojo, your willingness to return shows that you still care for this world. Whatever you choose to do, I will support you."

"I know." Johanna returned her hug.

Upon returning home, Timothy carried Asel to the bedroom. When he came down, he saw Johanna packing all the fashion design books stacked on the living room's carpet into a cardboard box.

He thought Johanna had finished reading them and wanted to pack them up, so he went over to help her tidy up.

Timothy asked, "Darling, what would you like to eat tonight?"

"I'm fine with anything."

Johanna took the books from his hand and placed them into the cardboard box. Once done with the packing, they sat on the couch, and a housekeeper brought over two cups of coffee.

Johanna lifted the cup to her mouth and took two sips before abruptly saying, "Timothy, let's part ways."

Timothy was still thinking about the dishes Johanna liked, planning to instruct the housekeeper to prepare them, so he didn't quite catch what Johanna said and turned his head to look at her in surprise.

"Darling, what did you just say?"

"I hope you can live the life you love," Johanna repeated, looking at him.

Johanna had no idea how long she had been stuck in her daze. When she grew tired, she finally emerged from it and saw Timothy and Asel.

She even remembered the horrific details that tore her apart, leaving her bloody and battered.

Waking up in the morning and seeing Timothy soundly asleep, Johanna remembered the bits and pieces of their life together over the years. Suddenly, she felt a deep sense of regret.

She regretted involving Timothy in her scheme to take revenge on her mother.

He was a free spirit and romantic, while she wasn't the kind of woman who could give him everything he wanted. Their personalities were too different, which was why they could never truly be together despite being married for years.

Seeing the solemnness on her face, Timothy felt a bit nervous. "Darling, I love my life with you and Asel. I was wrong before and deserved to be blamed. I shouldn't have put so much trust in a housekeeper." He tightly grasped Johanna's hand. "Darling, can you give me another chance? I love you. I'm willing to prove it in whatever way you need.

Johanna let him hold her hand. Her voice was gentle and calm. "I've seen everything you've done for me over the years, and I know you love me."

"Why did you say something like that, then?" Timothy asked.

He leaned in, wrapping his arms around Johanna, and gently kissed her lips. “Darling, I know you've suffered a lot before, and I'm aware of my many shortcomings. I can change—”

"No need." Johanna shook her head.

She gently pulled his hand from her cheek and softly said, "Timothy, my decision to part ways with you has nothing to do with anyone or anything else. I can only accompany you up to this point. I can't be with you on the remaining journey of your life from here on out."

Timothy's lips moved slightly.

Johanna added, "I hope we can part on good terms and live our separate lives rather than forcibly staying together for the sake of a child, only to end up loathing each other."

Timothy looked into her gentle yet distant eyes, and after a moment, he asked, "Do you think you'd be better off if we were to part ways?"

Johanna muttered an agreement.

Timothy didn't know how long he had waited to see her finally stepping out of her own world, but to his surprise, she wanted to part ways with him at the very next moment.

He could prove that he truly loved her and that he wasn't putting up with her just for the sake of Asel. Yet, he could also see the weariness in her eyes.

"Okay, if you want to part ways, then let's do it," said Timothy.

He rather part ways with Johanna, allowing her to live a normal life, than have her shrink back into her bubble, spending her days in a daze.

Chapter 1465 Divorce

Johanna moved closer and gently hugged Timothy. However, Timothy reached out and held her tightly in return.

Once Timothy let go, Johanna took off her wedding ring. She had always worn it, so the ring left a faint mark on her finger.

She placed the ring on the table.

Seeing the toys on the crawling mat, Johanna thought of Asel, who was sound asleep upstairs. That was the child she had carried for ten months, her most beloved child.

She wanted to take Asel with her, but she couldn't.

She couldn't hold Asel, couldn't kiss her. Every time she saw Asel, she would be reminded of her other child, and the despair welling up from the bottom of her heart threatened to drown her.

Johanna pursed her lips, whispering, "Let Asel stay with you. If one day you get a girlfriend-"

"Johanna, I only agreed for us to live separately. I didn't agree to a divorce," Timothy interrupted her.

Johanna said helplessly, "Let's not play word games."

"I'm not playing word games with you," Timothy rubbed his temples, speaking calmly to Johanna. “It's fine if you want to live your own life, but divorce is not an option. The law stipulates that it's not recommended for parents to divorce when their child is under two years old. Before, you kept ignoring Asel, not holding her. She was very upset, thinking that her mother didn't like her anymore. Later on, Asel didn't even dare to get close to you."

Johanna remained silent, her eyes cast down.

Timothy spoke again. "You've recovered now. Asel was overjoyed because you accompanied her out to play today. How do you expect me to tell her we're divorced, that you don't want her anymore?"

"I'm not abandoning her," Johanna said, "I just can't afford to take care of Asel."

"Since you love Asel, we shouldn't divorce..." He glanced at the wedding ring on the table before resting his gaze on Johanna's face.

He said softly, "Johanna, I've agreed to all your requests. Can you also consider Asel? Even if you decide to move out, you should answer when Asel calls you, and you should come and spend time with her every weekend."

In the end, Johanna was persuaded by Timothy and agreed.

After their conversation, Johanna went upstairs to pack her things. Timothy followed her into the bedroom. "Johanna, you're going to stay here on the weekends from now on. There's no need to move all your things out."

"I'll just bring two sets of clothes when I come over during the weekends," Johanna said.

Timothy noticed that no matter what he said, Johanna would disregard it. Efficiently, she packed all the important items, ready to move out at any moment.

Asel was completely oblivious to what had happened between her mother and father. After waking up, she clung to Johanna. Usually, she preferred eating on her own, but now she insisted on being fed by her mother, one bite at a time.

Timothy was feeling downcast, with little to no appetite.

After eating, Timothy saw Johanna playing with Asel in the living room. He picked up his car keys and headed out.

He stepped into the private room of the club. Just as he finished his glass of iced whiskey, the door was pushed open again. Armand walked in with a coat draped over his arm.

Timothy picked up an empty glass from the table and poured some wine. "I thought Genevieve wouldn't let you go out during New Year."

"She didn't want me to come out, but knowing that you were the one who called, she insisted I come over." Armand hung his coat on the rack and sat down on the sofa beside him.

Armand said, "She asked me to keep an eye on you so you don't drink yourself to death."

"Your wife's tongue is quite sharp, isn't it?" Timothy said helplessly, "I'm just in a bad mood and wanted to have a few drinks, that's all.”

Armand picked up his whiskey and took a sip, catching a glimpse of his gloomy face from the corner of his eye. "After Johanna recovers, she seems to have become much gentler. She can't even argue with you like that."

Timothy bitterly smiled and said, "I'd rather she hit me or vent her anger at me."

Chapter 1466 No Issues

Timothy took a sip of whiskey, one hand resting on his forehead, his eyes lowered to the marble pattern on the floor. "She said she didn't want us to be together just because of the child, only to end up resenting each other. Even if we didn't have a child, I would still love her. Does she think I treat our marriage as a game?"

"Isn't that the case?" Armand leaned back on the couch and asked in a deep voice, "You knew what Johanna's intentions were from the start, yet you married her for fun."

Timothy said, "You keep talking about the past, but people always change. Also, Armand, could you stop poking at my wounds?" He turned his head to look at Armand in displeasure. "Speaking of the past, did you marry Genevieve with pure intentions? Didn't you have an ulterior motive too? I'm far better than you. I didn't hurt Jojo as much as you did," Timothy emphasized, "Just look at all the things you've done."

What Armand did in the past was indeed inexcusable, and he couldn't refute it.

To be honest, if it weren't for Genevieve's love for him and her tendency to be soft-hearted, she would have left with Jack without a second thought. Armand wouldn't have stood a chance then.

Timothy was sipping his drink, all the while recounting to Armand the conversation he had had with Johanna after he returned home in the afternoon.

Armand listened quietly.

He was afraid that if he drank too much and went home, Genevieve would despise him. So, he stopped after the third glass.

After Timothy explained the whole story of her separation from Johanna, Armand finally spoke. "Actually, neither of you was wrong. She felt she couldn't stay with you any longer and didn't want you two to torment each other, so she proposed to separate. You, considering her health, also chose to let go. "Why don't you be more carefree, like you used to be?" Armand picked up a bottle of mineral water, unscrewed the cap, and filled a glass to the brim.

Timothy looked at him with confusion. "What do you mean?"

Armand pointed to the wedding ring on his hand and said, "You might as well divorce Johanna according to her wishes. Given your personality, it's not like you can't live without Johanna. There are plenty of women who like you."

Timothy's face instantly darkened after he heard that. "Armand, I asked you for advice, not to persuade me to get a divorce. Did Genevieve put you up to this because she has a problem with me?" Timothy became increasingly irritated as he spoke, rolling his eyes at Armand. "There are many women who like you too. Scarlette grew up with you, so why don't you divorce Genevieve?"

Armand sipped his water, smiling without saying a word. He had only uttered a remark, but he didn't expect such a big reaction from Timothy.

It seemed his words truly provoked Timothy.

Armand leaned his broad back into the sofa, speaking in a low voice. "The doctor who previously helped Genev with hypnosis is still at the military hospital. If you need, I can have her contact you."

"That's right. How could I have forgotten about that doctor?" Timothy's eyes lit up. The past events have dealt Johanna a severe blow, so much so that she couldn't bear it and shut herself away in her own world for a long time. Now, she's willing to step out of her self-imposed isolation. With the aid of the doctor's hypnosis, can she possibly forget those painful memories and get better?

Before Timothy could enjoy a few minutes of happiness, Armand said, "Timothy, from your statement, I noticed that Johanna was able to express her thoughts when she spoke to you clearly. Her desire to separate from you is not because of those incidents but because of issues in your relationship."

"We have no issues. I deeply love Johanna, and she loves me too," Timothy said. "She's probably upset because I considered aborting the child without discussing it with her."

Back then, he was afraid that Johanna would overthink, so he decided to arrange for her abortion secretly.

Chapter 1467 Do You Understand

Armand knew that no matter what he said, Timothy wouldn't listen. He would only think it was Zephyr's fault and the fault of that servant who was blinded by money.

Armand didn't try to persuade him further. Instead, he said, "A hypnotist can help Johanna forget some things, but have you ever considered that if Johanna wants to completely cut ties with you, the hypnotist might just make things worse."

Timothy understood what he meant by that. He thought of Johanna's calm and gentle eyes and suddenly doubted if that was the right thing to do. I've seen what Genevieve looked like under hypnosis, but Genevieve is different from Johanna. Genevieve has always loved Armand. Even when she began to forget him, she would instinctively lean toward him and rely on him. Johanna used to love me, but what if she forgets me after being hypnotized and no longer loves me?

Originally, Johanna's calm statement in the afternoon about leading separate lives was already distressing enough for Timothy. He wouldn't dare let Johanna try this kind of hypnosis that had a one-in-ten chance of backfiring.

He couldn't bear the thought of not Johanna not being a part of his and Asel's life.

Armand saw the struggle on Timothy's face, and after a moment, he said, "Johanna wants to break up with you, not because she doesn't love you. Do you understand?"

Timothy let out a sigh, looking at him blankly.

"Weren't you always changing girlfriends before? You should have a wealth of emotional experience, so why are you so foolish?" Armand raised his hand to rub his brow. "Whatever I say, you just don't understand."

Timothy said, "The only thing that matters in a relationship is if it brings you joy. There's no need to be too emotionally invested. Just like with Lottie. We can all see that Jerry has given her so much, but she's unwilling to invest her emotions in Jerry." He continued, "She only sees Jerry as a boyfriend. If they have a disagreement, they break up. In no time, she finds a new boyfriend and continues to live happily and carefreely."

The difference between dating and truly loving someone was immense.

Timothy had experienced several romances in the past, but they were just that. Only later, through Johanna, he came to understand what true love was.

Armand said, “Johanna mentioned breaking up, but she didn't say you couldn't go find her.”

Seeing the phone light up on the table, the man picked it up and glanced at it. Then, he stood up from the couch. "Go and try to get yourself involved in Johanna's life. Make use of your strengths."

Timothy was no fool. He understood immediately with just a hint from Armand.

Seeing Armand take his coat from the hanger, seemingly about to leave, Timothy also put down his wine glass. "I can't drive well after drinking. Armand, could you give me a lift?"

"I drank too." Armand glanced at him. "My wife has come to pick me up."

"Can't you take me back home?"

"No, because she refused to fetch you." Armand turned around and walked out of the private room. "Let the club staff take you home."

Timothy muttered quietly from behind, "Your wife is really petty."

He admitted that his excessive trust in the servant led to an unexpected incident involving Johanna. As a result, Genevieve was displeased with him, showing him a cold face every time they met.

He had no idea how long Genevieve was going to hold that grudge.

Timothy returned to the mansion well past eleven. The housekeepers had all gone to sleep, leaving only a warm yellow light glowing in the entrance hall.

He hung his coat on the rack and headed upstairs to the bedroom.

Asel seemed very happy that her mother was willing to pay attention to her. She decided to sleep with Johanna that night, tightly holding onto Johanna's arm with both her tiny hands. Her chubby cheeks seemed adorable.

Timothy saw Johanna's head about to slip off the pillow, so he adjusted it for her, then sat down by the bed.

He didn't do anything, just lowered his gaze to look at her, delicately tracing the outline of her face with his eyes. He thought about how they had unknowingly been through seven years together.

Asel was almost two years old now.

Timothy was reminded again of the conversation he had with Armand when they were drinking just a while ago.

After a long while, he leaned down and gently placed a kiss on Johanna's forehead.

Chapter 1468 Help You Move

The next morning, after feeding Asel breakfast and dropping her off at Swallow Garden, Johanna returned home to pack the remaining items.

Timothy said, "I'm free today as well. I'll help you move your stuff."

Johanna wanted to say something, but Timothy beat her to it. "Johanna, we're just living separately, not becoming enemies. I also want to see if the place you're living in is safe."

"All right." Johanna didn't refuse any further.

Johanna packed her belongings into five large cardboard boxes. Timothy selected a Mercedes SUV from the garage, which was just the right size to transport those boxes to her new place in one trip.

On the way to the residential area, Timothy glanced at the woman in the passenger seat. "Johanna, what do you want to do in the future?"

"I'm not sure yet," Johanna replied, "I want to take a good rest during the festival these few days."

Timothy hummed in agreement. "Could you spend more time with Asel these next few days? After she falls asleep at night, I can bring you back. I'm afraid she won't be able to adjust if you suddenly disappear. After the New Year festival, I'll tell her you're busy with work, so she won't overthink things," he added.

"Okay." Johanna couldn't afford to raise Asel, not that she didn't love her. She also hoped to spend more time with the child.

The car quickly arrived at the Maple Forest residential area.

While visiting the amusement park yesterday, Johanna mentioned to Genevieve that she was considering buying an apartment. Genevieve then recommended several real estate consultants from high-end residential areas on WhatsApp to Johanna.

Johanna added the real estate consultant for the Maple Forest property. After chatting for two hours, she placed a booking for a condominium.

At the north entrance of the Maple Forest residential area, a real estate consultant in professional attire was waiting. Upon seeing the license plate number sent by Johanna, the consultant led the way in a golf

cart.

After arriving at the condominium, the real estate consultant helped them move the cardboard boxes from the car.

The party entered the apartment and headed toward the elevator. Just as they did, the elevator doors opened, and a delicately pretty girl, hand in hand with a woman, stepped out from inside.

Upon seeing Timothy, Jessica halted. "Timothy, what are you doing here?"

"My wife has moved in here," said Timothy. He knew that Charlotte had arranged a new place for Johanna, but he didn't expect it to be in Maple Forest.

Jessica saw Johanna next to him, wearing a coat and looking indifferent. She then greeted Johanna.

Johanna gave a slight nod.

Timothy exchanged a few words with Jessica. As he was about to enter the elevator with his box, Jessica called out to stop him. "Timothy, do you know where Lottie has gone?"

Although Charlotte loved to have fun and used to wander around the world, she would always stay at home during the New Year holidays. Moreover, she had promised Sasha that she would have the annual feast with her.

Unexpectedly, Jessica lost contact with Charlotte two weeks ago.

Jessica asked the man who insisted on staying at their home to take care of Sasha, but that man simply responded that Charlotte had gone abroad to have fun with her boyfriend. Even if Lottie were traveling abroad, she wouldn't go for several days without answering my phone calls or replying to my messages, right?

At first, Jerry only sought Armand's help. Timothy was also busy, so he was unaware of what had happened recently.

Timothy said, "I'm quite familiar with her boyfriend. He treats Lottie really well. You know how Lottie loves to have fun. Sometimes she's hard to reach. I'll give her boyfriend a call in a bit."

"All right, I appreciate your help."

Timothy was familiar with Charlotte. Jessica felt much more at ease, knowing Timothy was acquainted with Charlotte's boyfriend.

Johanna's condominium, which she purchased, was on the sixteenth floor. It was beautifully decorated and had excellent natural lighting.

The property consultant sent a video to Johanna yesterday, and after seeing the actual house today, she was even more satisfied. She was preparing to transfer the remaining balance.

Chapter 1469 Is She Up To No Good

Seeing the situation, Timothy quickly brushed Johanna aside, swiftly swiped his card, and completed the house purchase procedures with the real estate consultant.

By the time Johanna finished brewing the tea and brought it to the living room, the real estate consultant had already left.

"I know the developer of Maple Forest, so we can get a discount on the house," Timothy said, fearing that Johanna would give him the money. "Besides, we're not divorced yet. It's not good to split the money too finely."

Johanna stared at Timothy for a while. "Timothy, I only said those words last night because I was upset with you."

"I understand, and I respect your decision," Timothy said. "But let's not talk about the future for now. You are still Asel's mother, so I should help you. Don't you agree?"

Johanna remained silent for a long while, seemingly at a loss for what to do with him.

Seeing the fine sweat on Timothy's forehead, Johanna pulled out two tissues from the box and handed them over to him. "Don't call me your wife in front of others in the future."

"All right, as you wish," said Timothy.

After finishing his coffee, Timothy moved Johanna's suitcase full of clothes to the bedroom.

Seeing that it was almost noon, he thought of using the excuse of helping her move to get her to invite him for lunch.

In the end, Genevieve called them, inviting them to have a meal at Swallow Garden.

As it turned out, when Genevieve took the children to the zoo in the morning, Amanda had been stung by a bee on her finger. Armand was heartbroken and hurriedly took his daughter to the hospital for treatment.

And so, the trip to the zoo came to an end.

After Timothy and Johanna arrived at Swallow Garden, Genevieve eagerly led Johanna to the living room. Seeing her so enthusiastic toward Johanna made Timothy feel uneasy.

He slipped into the kitchen and saw Armand preparing lunch. "Armand, have you spoken to Genevieve?"

"I have," Armand acknowledged, knowing that Timothy was referring to the conversation from the night before. As he busied himself with his work and without even lifting his head, he added, "As soon as I got in the car last night, she asked me about it."

Timothy said discontentedly, "Can't we even keep a secret between us?"

"Sure," Armand said calmly, "But there should be no secrets between a husband and a wife. If my wife asks me, I must tell her the truth."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Timothy. "It seems like you often lie to Johanna."

"No, I've only ever lied to Jojo once." And the severe consequences of that one lie filled Timothy with deep regret.

Armand tossed a bag of small potatoes to Timothy, asking him to handle it.

Timothy knew that Asel loved to eat peas and potatoes, especially when they were cooked until soft and mushy. Since they were eating at someone else's house, he obediently took the peeler and got to work.

Timothy continued chatting with Armand. "When I just came in, I noticed something strange about Genevieve's gaze at me, and she was also very enthusiastic toward my wife... Is she aware that Jojo and I have split up? Is she scheming something?"

"Given how much Genev dislikes you, it's possible," Armand nonchalantly said. "To her, you're the scum who kicked a pregnant woman out of the house and didn't care about her for months."

Timothy choked and had to take a few seconds before saying, "Armand, you've got to side with me. Do tell me if Genevieve makes any move."

"Between my friend and my wife, without a doubt, my wife will be my priority," Armand said with a cold expression.

Timothy frowned. "Armand, didn't you just give me advice yesterday? Are you turning your back on me now? Asel is your future daughter-in-law. Can you really bear to see her parents' marriage in discord?"

Seeing his nervous expression, Armand laughed and said, "All right, for the sake of my future daughter-in-law, I'll stand by your side."

It was only then did Timothy breathe a sigh of relief.

After a while, Timothy started talking to Armand about helping Johanna move. Coincidentally, Charlotte's second sister also lived in that same residential area. In fact, she was even in the same building as Johanna.

Timothy asked with a puzzled expression, "She said she hasn't been able to reach Lottie recently. Has Jerry contacted you?"

Chapter 1470 Where Did You Get Your Information From

"I've talked to him," said Armand.

He told Timothy about Charlotte possibly being kidnapped by Brody Lohan, and how he had been helping Jerry search for her all this while.

Timothy furrowed his brows and said, "Even if Brody, had the audacity to kidnap Charlotte, he wouldn't dare harm her."

Even if the Benson family was no more, everyone in the business world knew about the good relationship between the Benson and Jensen families. Moreover, Charlotte's elder brother and second sister still held senior positions in Forlisle Group.

As a small film production company owner, Brody had to give some respect to the Jensen family for the sake of future business.

Armand placed the chicken wings brushed with sauce into the oven before continuing his conversation with Timothy. "Last afternoon, Jesse called me. Jerry found out that Brody had bought a ticket to Xifport, but Brody ended up dying at Xifport's airport. As soon as Jerry discovered this, he immediately returned to Xedells."

Upon hearing this, Timothy seemed to realize something. He raised his hand to scratch his brow. "I heard that the current head of the Pann family is Jerry's biological father, and the other one is his adoptive father."

"Your information is pretty accurate. Where did you hear it from?" Armand glanced at him.

"The only things the people in our social circle do are drink, have fun, and gossip. Is there anything they don't know?" Timothy never thought that this piece of gossip would turn out to be true.

He then curiously asked Armand what was going on.

Armand didn't have much patience for idle chatter with Timothy, so he simply told him about Jerry's matter.

After finishing his statement, Armand added nonchalantly, "Jerry despises the Pann family due to his relationship with Sebastian and has been idling his days away. Initially, Sebastian turned a blind eye to his actions, but Jerry's repeated offenses against the Gaudette family have infuriated Sebastian. Sebastian is decisive and ruthless in his actions. Knowing that Jerry's foolish deeds were all because of Charlotte, he harbored a deep distaste for her."

Timothy was taken aback for a second. "If you've been unable to find Charlotte for so long, could it be that..."

"Hmm, with Sebastian's way of doing things, it's highly likely that he has already dealt with Charlotte," Armand answered in a low voice. "But this is the Pann family's internal affair, so I can't interfere."

After the Pann family cleared their name, they worked tirelessly to send their outstanding children into the political arena of Xedells. Later on, they also developed a close relationship with Nigel Hompton.

Sebastian held the most power in the Pann family, and he thought he knew Jerry like the back of his hand, but what he knew was only what Jerry wanted him to know.

If it weren't for the kindness Jerry owed to his foster father, he would have destroyed the Pann family long ago.

If anything happened to Charlotte, the potential fallout between Jerry and Sebastian over Charlotte could spell turmoil in the political arena of Xedells.

Armand, once known primarily as a businessman, now held a more sensitive and influential identity. Therefore, he couldn't interfere in the Pann family's affairs.

Timothy sighed. "Jessica and her daughter have been waiting for her to return."

Twice, Timothy almost lost Johanna. He knew how agonizing it was to live each day in fear and worry, not knowing the whereabouts of the one he loved.

He hoped that Sebastian had merely imprisoned Charlotte, or else...

While the two men were chatting and preparing lunch in the kitchen, in the living room outside, Johanna was also having a conversation with Genevieve.

"I plan to open a design studio after this year."

Genevieve knew that Johanna had moved out and was living alone. She was worried that if Johanna stayed by herself for too long, she might start thinking about the past and feel upset.

Initially, she planned to have Johanna work at the production company to pass the time.

But when she realized that Johanna had her own plans, she was relieved. Laughing, she then said, "Great! I can already foresee a rising star named Johanna soon to emerge in the fashion world!"

Johanna's graduation from the fashion design department of Loang's university already spoke volumes about her extraordinary talent.

If it weren't for her lack of ambition-spending these years only collaborating with Hector on streetwear-and if she did not encounter those troublesome matters, she could have made a name for herself in the fashion industry long ago.

"Once you open your studio, your business will surely be booming," Genevieve said. "But first, you need to sign a contract with me to become the chief stylist of my company. From now on, you will be responsible for the formal attire of all the artists in the company. I will pay you an annual salary equivalent to the chief stylist of Exuberance Group. If I don't secure your services now, I won't be able to get a foot in the door once you become famous. I'll be struggling to get you to design a dress for me," joked Genevieve.

Genevieve Orsi Productions had quite a reputation in the entertainment industry. It was an independently operated subsidiary of the Specter Corporation, with abundant job opportunities-there was a constant stream of people from all walks of life who wanted to collaborate with Genevieve Orsi.

Even a newly established design studio would be able to quickly build a reputation with the help of Genevieve Orsi.

"All right." Johanna knew of Genevieve's good intentions and did not reject them.