Ch. 2701..2710
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2701
Not Welcome Here
Matthew said that decisively and did not seem to leave any room for further negotiation.
Larry merely listened quietly at the side. Indeed, everything happened just as he expected.
“Mr. Matthew, would you reconsider your decision?” Larry asked, still harboring a glimmer of hope.
“What’s there to consider? There’s nothing for me to consider. My decision is final!” Matthew dismissed Larry’s question mercilessly with a wave of his hand.
Has our society become that realistic? Perhaps, that is the way the world works now!
Larry did not wish to continue the conversation anymore and turned around.
That had been his worry all along. He just did not expect that it would happen so soon!
Larry was drained of energy after the trip and he suddenly thought of quitting. He was simply too exhausted but he could not bear to give it all up.
Norton Corporation was already facing a serious obstacle, hindering the company’s development. If Larry could not think of a solution fast enough, he knew that the company might go bankrupt!
The man sat on the sofa in his office and gazed at the ceiling in a daze with a glint of resentment in his eyes.
It had never occurred to him that such a fate would befall him!
“Larry, what else is there for you to consider?” Della asked in a threatening manner as she strode into Larry’s office.
“I can guarantee that your company will get back on track if you marry me,” Della said confidently.
Of course, Larry didn’t have a single doubt regarding what she said. However, he was not willing to give in to her and at the same time, let Joan down.
“Just go. I don’t want to see you,” Larry answered weakly.
His words infuriated Della. No longer able to control her anger, she yelled, “Larry, do you really want to cause the downfall of Norton Corporation?”
The woman just could not understand why the man had turned her down time and again. What could be more important than the survival of his company?
Love? As compared to self-interest and the reality of life, is love, that is just an illusion, really more important?
“Larry, just a word of advice, you should come to your senses and recognize that nothing is more important than advancing your self-interest,” Della dusted her hands and walked to the window while waiting for Larry’s reply.
“What about you? Are you only marrying me because of personal gain?” Larry asked curtly while he turned around and looked at the woman.
No, it’s not because of personal gain that I fall for you!
“Of course not, I truly love you!” Della immediately ran towards Larry and explained to him anxiously.
Is that how she loves someone? Continuously devising means to sabotage me and put me in difficult situations. Is this love? That’s pathetic!
“I’m afraid your love is out of my league. I don’t think I can afford it,” Larry replied and got up, intending to leave his office.
“Larry!” Della suddenly yelled from behind him.
“Are you really prepared to give up your company?” Della sized the man up with a serious expression, as she was just unable to figure out what he was thinking.
“That’s none of your business.”
After hearing Larry’s reply, Della’s heart sank.
She suddenly realized that all along, Larry had only seen her as a business partner and nothing more.
“Ms. Duff!” Caspian shouted as he suddenly barged into the office.
“You may leave now. You’re not welcome at Norton Corporation,” Caspian said, without caring to be polite.
In the past, Caspian used to have a lot of respect for that woman. However, all that was left was disgust.
Even if she managed to get Larry to marry her using unscrupulous methods, there was no doubt that they would not be happy. However, Della was still insistent on doing that, just like a moth drawn to a flame.
“Caspian, you… “ Della was at a loss for words as she looked at the man in front of her.
“I work for the Norton Corporation, naturally, I’ll be on Larry’s side,” Caspian added.
Caspian would not hesitate to fall out with anyone if it concerned Larry’s interests. He was very certain of that.
“Why are you still standing there, Ms. Duff? Are you expecting me to carry you out?” Caspian raised his voice as he said that.
As if feeling threatened by Caspian’s intimidating vibe, Della took a few steps back subconsciously and had a fearful expression on her face.
“Ms. Duff!” Just when Della turned around and was about to leave Larry’s office, Caspian suddenly called out to her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2702
Acquisition
“The Norton Corporation no longer has any business dealings with you. So, you should have some self-respect and stop coming here. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being rude.”
Upon hearing that, Della quickened her steps and left the room.
“Larry, are you alright?” Caspian immediately rushed towards Larry after the woman walked out and asked nervously.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry,” Larry replied with a hint of sorrow in his voice.
Caspian lowered his gaze and kept quiet as he noticed the fatigued expression on Larry’s face. He felt helpless that there was nothing he could do to help Larry.
“Larry, is there anything you need me to do?” Caspian asked softly.
Even Larry himself had no idea how long more the company could sustain and if there was any future for the company.
“Mr. Norton!” Larry’s assistant greeted him in a fluster as she entered his office.
“What’s the matter?” Larry replied dejectedly without even looking up at her.
“Umm… Someone is interested in acquiring our company,” the assistant shuddered in fear as she took a few steps back.
“F*ck! Who was that?” Caspian swore as he banged his fist into the wall beside him. At once, blood could be seen seeping out from between his fingers.
“Mr. Norton, what should we do? All the manufacturers have already ceased cooperation with us. No one dares to have any business dealings with us… “
The assistant remained in a state of panic as she spoke while Caspian was in a daze.
Larry cut a lonesome figure as he got up and walked towards his desk. What else can I do? Do I really have to marry Della?
No way! That’s out of the question… Larry shook his head vigorously as he cleared his thoughts and tried to focus.
“Why don’t the both of you leave first? I need some time alone.”
After dismissing his two employees with a wave, the man closed his eyes.
Should I sell the company? But what will happen to all my staff if I do that? Larry was suddenly filled with guilt as he gazed at the employees who were still working hard outside his office.
Suddenly, his phone rang.
Without even looking at the caller ID, Larry accepted the call and put it on speaker mode.
“Larry, do you still consider yourself a man? Why are you marrying another woman when you still love Joan? Where did your conscience go… “ Dustin started scolding Larry the moment the call went through.
“Dustin, please watch your words!” Larry replied, feeling somewhat provoked by his words.
“Did I say anything wrongly? Larry, seriously, what do you think you are doing? Marriage is a serious affair… “
It was Abelyn who spoke this time round.
She did not use any vulgarities and was rather civil even though she was scolding Larry.
“Why are you not replying? Did you become mute? You don’t even dare to admit your own doings? That’s strange… “
“Stop it!”
Suddenly, Larry heard a familiar female voice over the line. It was Joan’s voice, which he had not heard in a long while.
Larry gulped. He wanted to say something but did not know what to say.
“OK, that’s enough. Please hang up now,” Joan said calmly.
“Hang up? No way! How can we let that rascal off so easily…”
Listening to the conversation over at the other end of the phone, Larry couldn’t help but smile to himself.
Since Abelyn and Joan were getting along peacefully, it meant that the conflict between them had already been resolved.
“Don’t be scared. You have me. I will uphold justice for you!” Abelyn patted her chest and proclaimed confidently.
“OK, enough. Let’s not stir up any more trouble.” Joan snatched Abelyn’s phone away from her as she replied and ended the call.
Beep… Beep… Beep… Larry only snapped out of his daze when he realized that the call had already ended.
“Joan, why did you do that? We should at least find out his reasons for doing that!” Abelyn grumbled.
“What is there to find out? Della is an outstanding lady. As compared to me, she’s more compatible with Larry,” Joan said dejectedly as her eyes dulled.
“Why does that matter? Everyone knows that you and Larry love each other! Della is just a shameless third party who is trying to ruin your relationship. Joan, I’m begging you, can you pull yourself together? Larry doesn’t have any feelings for Della at all!”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2703
Acceptance
Abelyn stood in front of Joan and looked at her with a determined and sincere gaze, as if encouraging her not to give up on Larry.
As compared to Abelyn, Joan was relatively more rational.
Previously, Caspian had already filled her in on some of the issues which Norton Corporation was facing. As such, she did not find it surprising that Larry would choose to marry Della for the future of the company.
“From now onward, please don’t mention Larry or Della in front of me,” Joan said and walked out of the house.
What does that mean? Has she really given up on Larry? Seriously? Abelyn stared at Joan dubiously as the woman walked away, feeling perplexed.
“Joan, I hope you won’t regret your decision!” Abelyn shouted after her friend worriedly. She also wanted to remind Joan once more to reconsider her decision carefully.
Larry needed a partner who could help him with his career, and Joan believed that Della was that woman for him.
Joan used to think that Larry had fallen in love with someone else. However, she understood everything after knowing of the difficulties Norton Corporation was facing.
Perhaps, it was really time for her to let go.
Joan gazed upwards at the sky silently in an attempt to force her tears back into her eyes.
“What do you think Joan is thinking?” Back in the living room, Abelyn asked Dustin, still feeling confused.
“No idea,” Dustin replied calmly.
Strange, why does he not seem worried at all? Abelyn wondered as she stared at the man.
“Aren’t you going out to look for her?” Abelyn asked softly while nudging Dustin’s arm
“Let her take some time alone to think,” Dustin replied. After saying that, he stood up and left.
Why are the two of them acting as if nothing happened? What’s going on? Why am I the only one worrying here?
“You should stop worrying as well. Joan knows what she’s doing.” Dustin’s voice sounded behind Abelyn.
Fine then, I’ll just let her be! Abelyn shook her head helplessly.
Joan had already accepted the fact that Della and Larry were getting married. She did not intend to stop it from happening, nor was she going to fight for Larry. Of course, she wouldn’t create any trouble for them as well. The woman just wanted to live her life peacefully and be happy, hoping that one day, all her worries would be gone.
No one knew if Larry would really end up marrying Della. No one also knew if the problems Norton Corporation faced would suddenly be resolved. That was life, always full of uncertainties. However, whatever outcome it might be, Joan was already mentally prepared to face it.
But what Joan did not know was that Larry would never accept Della, despite the fact that marrying her would indeed give a strong boost to his career.
Larry closed his eyes and rested on the sofa in his office. He wore an apathetic expression as if none of what was going on concerned him. Jessica, who had entered his office, looked at the man and felt perplexed.
“Larry, why do you look so relaxed?” Jessica walked towards Larry and asked with a confused expression.
Larry continued laying on the sofa and merely made a sound to acknowledge her presence.
“What’s the matter? Why are you here?” Larry turned to face Jessica and asked seriously.
“I’m just popping by to check on you,” Jessica replied with an awkward smile. She wasn’t sure if she should talk to Larry about Joan.
“How is Joan doing?” Larry suddenly asked randomly.
What a timely question! Jessica could not believe her ears as she fixed her gaze on Larry.
“She’s doing pretty well. It’s just that… “ The woman replied hesitantly.
“Just that… ? What was it you wanted to say?” Larry’s guard went up immediately.
“It’s just that she was very upset at first, but it seems like she has already come to an acceptance,” Jessica replied softly, feeling a little helpless.
The media had been reporting the news of Norton Corporation and Della every day lately. It was not possible that Joan was still kept in the dark.
Larry rubbed his hands nervously as he listened to Jessica.
“She has even given her blessings to you and Della,” Jessica continued cautiously.
Larry was stunned at once when he heard that.
Did Joan really say that? Did she really believe those untrue reports in the newspapers? A hint of displeasure flashed across Larry’s face.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2704
Fashion Industry
“Is she doing well lately?” Larry asked with a glint of sadness in his eyes.
“Larry, why don’t you go and see her and find out for yourself?” Jessica replied while taking a glance at Larry, before sitting down on the sofa.
Go and see her? How can I still bring myself to face her? Larry turned around so that Jessica would not notice his sorrowful expression.
“By the way, what’s your current plan for Norton Corporation? What are you thinking of? If the current business model is not working, why don’t you reinvent the business?”
Jessica’s words inspired Larry at once.
His eyes brightened up and seemed to have thought of something.
“Jessica, are you interested in working on something with me?”
Larry’s voice was filled with anticipation and excitement.
What could he be thinking of? Jessica studied the man in front of her and seemed to be waiting for him to elaborate on his plan.
“Norton Corporation is already going downhill. Besides, Jake has already convinced all our previous manufacturing partners not to work with us. As such, it would no longer be feasible for us to continue operating under the current business model. Therefore, I plan to reinvent the business!”
Jessica would never expect that the impetus for Larry’s decision would be her casual remark.
“No problem, Larry. I will support you no matter what you decide to do!”
Larry was very touched by Jessica’s reply.
He knew that those who remained by his side during such trying times were definitely his true friends.
In fact, other than Jessica, there was no one else in the business area whom he could seek help from.
“But Larry, what new business model are you thinking of?” Jessica blinked her eyes in curiosity and waited eagerly for Larry’s reply.
“I’m thinking of going into the fashion industry!”
Jessica was stunned at the man’s answer.
She knew that even though the fashion industry was a popular industry that was extremely profitable if things were done right, it was also easy to make huge losses if things went south.
“Have you really decided to do that?”
“I’ve decided!”
However, Jessica wasn’t able to understand why Larry wanted to go into the fashion industry.
“Larry, I heard that Jake intends to acquire Norton Corporation… “ Jessica said hesitantly.
“That is not happening!” Larry replied in a determined tone and walked out of his office.
He needed to start making preparations.
He did not inform the other directors of the company about his plan to reinvent the business.
Larry secretly got in touch with people in his personal network and gathered a group of fashion designers who were currently active in the industry.
“Why would Mr. Norton gather all of us here today? What’s the occasion?” A young female designer asked jokingly.
“Yeah, Mr. Norton, we haven’t seen much of you since graduation… “
The group of designers took turns to tease Larry and joked around with each other. All of them did not seem to feel awkward around each other at all.
As they were all Larry’s close friends in college, they felt very much at ease in the presence of one another.
“I am thinking of opening up a fashion company,” Larry said calmly after taking a sip of tea.
Instantly, an awkward silence filled the atmosphere.
No one would have thought that the aloof and haughty president of the Norton Corporation would want to open a fashion company.
“Mr. Norton, is this a joke?”
“Why would you suddenly change fields when you are doing so well?”
It turned out that none of Larry’s friends was aware of Norton Corporation’s current situation.
“The fashion industry is now a rising industry and has huge potential. Besides, traditional industries are being phased out gradually with changing times… “ Larry explained to his friends patiently.
“Well, Mr. Norton, we don’t understand any of that business language you’re talking about. Why don’t you just tell us your purpose of inviting us here today?” One of the designers stood up and interrupted Larry.
Everyone was equal at that gathering. Naturally, those who were present wouldn’t bother with the usual formalities in the business world. Of course, some things were only meant as a joke.
“Cool! I shan’t beat around the bush then. I need help from you guys.”
Everyone froze in their spots when they heard that and exchanged incredulous looks. They couldn’t help but feel anxious.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2705
It Is Beyond My Control
“Larry needs our help? The Larry?”
“I know right? How is that possible?”
People gossiped among themselves and looked at each other in disbelief.
“I believe all of you wouldn’t want to stay in a small company forever, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be under the tutelage of that mentor, who’s nowhere near as good as he’s made out to be,” Larry continued to convince the designers, “If you’re willing to join me, I can provide you the best platform…”
He was never afraid of rejection because he knew these designers were ambitious men with big dreams.
“I’m in!” suddenly, a designer stood up and exclaimed.
“Count me in!” Another one responded.
Soon, all the designers had unanimously agreed to work for Larry.
“But I want to remind all of you to keep this secret.” A hard glint flashed across Larry’s eyes. “I don’t want people to know that I’m venturing into the fashion industry, so I hope all of you will not tell anyone about it.”
All the designers understood his concern and agreed to keep it a secret.
With that, Larry’s partnership with these designers began.
Larry continued his work at the Norton Corporation during the day and focused on his fashion company at night.
As days went by, Della wondered what Larry was busy with. She decided to visit the Norton Corporation to check on him. Coincidentally, Caspian was not around.
Meanwhile, Larry was lying on the couch in his office while staring out of the window.
Della observed him from a distance and heaved a sigh of relief. She believed Larry had yet to figure out a solution to the problem.
“Larry.” Della knocked on the door and came in.
“Yes?” Larry kept his eyes shut. He did not feel like entertaining this woman.
How can he be so calm? The Norton Corporation is on the verge of bankruptcy, yet he still has time to take a nap? Della sat beside him and stared at his face.
What a handsome man! But too bad…
“If there’s nothing you want to say, please leave.”
He’s doing this to me again. Why can’t he be a little more affable!
“What’s your plan?” Della asked without hesitation.
“It’s none of your business,” he answered nonchalantly.
Della squinted and wondered. “Have you found your business partners?”
“I repeat— It’s none of your business.” Larry turned around and gave her the cold shoulder.
“Get up now! Quick!” Della whacked his back and shouted.
“What the hell are you doing?” What she did had finally gotten on Larry’s nerves.
What’s wrong with her? She has nothing better to do, hasn’t she? What a ridiculous woman! Larry knitted his brows and shot daggers at her.
“Do you really hate me so much?” she asked.
“I didn’t hate you in the past,” Larry answered indirectly.
He hates me now. He hates me. Men are so capricious!
“Jake wants to acquire the Norton Corporation,” Della warned.
“I know.” Larry kept his reply short.
In fact, Larry had started acquiring the shares of the board of directors. He believed he would eventually become the sole proprietor of the entire Norton Corporation.
He was certain that those directors would want to get rid of their shares since Norton Corporation was now in a crisis. Before Jake could take advantage of it, he had to acquire as many shares as possible.
“Are you not worried that the Norton Corporation would fall into Jake’s hands?” Della looked worried.
“That’s beyond my control.” Larry shook his head and sighed on purpose.
He wanted Della to think he was at his wits’ end.
Upon seeing his expression, Della could not help but feel sorry for him. She was not sure if she had done the right thing, but she really wanted Larry to be with her.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2706
Leaving The Country
What on earth does he plan to do? Is he going to give up on Norton Corporation? Della stood up gradually and left the office.
Once Della had left, Larry stood up immediately, walked to his desk, and continued working.
“Larry!” Caspian panted as he ran into his office.
“What’s wrong?” Larry tilted his head and looked at him.
“Della fainted.” Caspian pointed at the woman who was lying in the corridor.
What card is she playing again? Larry ran out of his office and called the emergency number.
“How did she faint?” Larry looked at Caspian and asked.
“I’m not sure. She was already on the ground when I arrived,” Caspian explained.
Did she really faint for real?
The two men then rushed her to the hospital.
Della, who was now lying on the bed in the ward, looked utterly pale and wretched.
“Larry…” she called weakly.
“How are you feeling?” Larry stepped forth and asked.
“I’m fine.”
Della turned her face aside and tried to control her tears. She hated Larry’s indifferent attitude toward her, yet at the same time, she was obsessed with him.
“According to the doctor, you’re a little weak…” Larry explained what the doctor told him in detail, but Della paid no attention to a single word he said.
“I’m sorry, Larry,” all of a sudden, she apologized.
Larry was struck dumb.
What is that apology for? Is she really sorry for the things she has done? Larry gave her a confused look and wondered what else she would say.
I’d be more than willing to forgive her if she truly regretted her actions! Larry kept mum and waited for her response.
“Perhaps what I did was all wrong.” Della looked absolutely dejected.
Della was not evil by nature, but her desire to win Larry’s heart had pushed her to do unimaginable things. When she realized Larry began to treat her differently and did not rely on her anymore, she felt frustrated and ashamed. It was all her own doing.
“Let’s not talk about that anymore. You take good care of yourself.” Larry was ready to let bygones be bygones.
But there’s no way for us to go back to the way we used to be. With all the things she had done, Things would never be the same again.
“Do you hate me?” Della’s voice was tinged with guilt.
“No.” Larry walked to the window, raised his head, and squinted at the light tower.
He did not hate Della, but he was disappointed in her.
He used to trust her as his business partner, but she had betrayed him repeatedly and tried to destroy everything he had poured his heart and soul into. Larry had no clue why Della apologized at this point, but if she was truly remorseful for the things she had done, he was willing to accept her apology.
“I’m very disappointed with your actions,” Larry said.
Della lowered her head, as hearing that made her feel even more frustrated.
Suddenly, a hard glint flashed across her eyes. Joan Watts, it’s all your fault! If it weren’t for her, Larry wouldn’t have hated me so deeply!
“I’ll be leaving the country soon,” Della said in a calm voice.
Larry turned around and gave her a confused look.
Hasn’t she shifted her business back to the country? Why is she going away?
“You don’t need me anyway, right?” Della tilted her head, looked at Larry, and asked.
Indeed, at this point, Larry was capable enough to survive on his own.
“I want to take a break,” Della explained, “I’m sure you’d be glad that I won’t be pestering you anymore.”
I guess a break will do her good.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2707
When Are You Leaving
“It’ll be great for you to organize your thoughts.” Larry turned around and walked slowly to the couch.
On the other hand, he was pleased that she would not stir up any trouble for him anymore, but on the other hand, he was upset to see how their relationship had gone sour.
Della had not only betrayed him in business but also in their relationship. No matter what, from now on, Larry wanted to stay away from her.
“Larry,” Caspian came in and greeted.
Larry took a glance at the woman on the bed before looking at Caspian. He then walked out of the ward.
“Anything?” Larry looked worried.
Caspian took a deep breath, and his lips curled into a smile.
“Based on Jessica’s research, she found out that the fashion industry is a lucrative business,” Caspian continued explaining in detail, “Data that she analyzed have also shown that…”
“Great!” Larry rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Jessica is quite efficient after all! Larry was pleased. “How’s the arrangement with the designers?”
“Jessica has made all the necessary arrangements.” Caspian thumped his chest confidently.
Della tried to eavesdrop on their conversation, but the noises along the corridor had drowned their voices.
“I think we should beware of Ms. Duff,” Suddenly, Caspian warned, “ She has betrayed us before. She can still betray us in the future.”
Caspian might be a brute, but he had learned to be observant after working with Larry for years.
“I know.” Larry patted his shoulder and nodded.
Larry then received a call from Jessica.
He picked up and answered, “Yes?”
“Are you free now? We need to discuss our next course of action!” Jessica sounded nervous.
“Calm down, Jessica,” Larry said, “We have to take it slow.”
Revamping a business required detailed planning and should not be rushed. Otherwise, it would cause more harm than good.
They then ended the call after a short chat.
“I’m gonna go now. See you later,” Caspian turned around and left the hospital.
Larry took a deep breath, organized his thoughts, and returned to the ward.
“Did something bad happen?” Della tested the waters with that question.
“Nothing.” Larry gave her a brief answer.
Upon seeing how calm he looked, Della decided not to pursue further.
“So, when do you plan on leaving?” Larry asked directly. He thought he should send her off.
“Most probably the day after tomorrow, if everything goes well.” Della took a glance at him. She wanted him to know she was reluctant to leave.
I hope nothing goes wrong and she’ll leave according to her plan! Larry sighed and looked dejected.
“You must be happy that I’d be gone.” Della looked away.
“I feel nothing,” Larry answered, “I’m used to saying goodbye.”
Yeah, right. I bet you would have reacted differently if I’m Joan Watts! Annoyance was written all over Della’s face.
“Is there anything I can do for you? Do let me know.” Larry shrugged and grinned.
Della looked at him and responded with a smile and a head shake. Awkwardness filled the air all of a sudden. Della knew Larry did not wish to see her anymore.
“How’s Joan? She’s still not back yet?” Della asked as if she did not know a thing about it.
Larry nodded icily. At the same time, Della could tell he was overwhelmed by emotions.
Did they have a fight? How is that possible? Della cast a doubtful eye at him, but at the same time, how she wished that was true.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2708
I Have No Advice For You
A few days later, Della left the country.
“Is she really gone?” Caspian was surprised.
“Yes.” Larry, who was in his office, heaved a sigh of relief.
Caspian, too, was pleased to hear that. Now that Della was gone, Larry would not need to deal with her schemes anymore.
But how do we know where did she go?
Joan and Abelyn seemed to have let go of their past, but Dustin knew Joan was just putting up a tough front and hiding her emotions.
“Joan!” Abelyn ran toward Joan while picking up the seashells by the beach.
“Yes?” Joan turned around and gave her a puzzled look.
“Did you really not care about that incident?” Abelyn asked cautiously.
How could that be! How can I ever get over it? He’s the love of my life! Joan turned aside and avoided her question.
“What incident?” Joan asked.
Is she trying to play dumb? Abelyn gave her a sullen glare. She then ran up to her and asked, “Are you still upset?”
Of course I’m still upset! But what can I do? I can pull a long face and be despondent the whole day, but what’s the point? I can’t go back in time and change anything!
“Look! Look at all these shells. Aren’t they gorgeous?” Joan tried diverting Abelyn’s attention.
Abelyn responded with a sigh while looking at the woman who plastered a smile to her face. She could have confronted Larry and asked him for an explanation, but she chose to remain silent. What is wrong with her?
“Enough with that fake smile, Joan. I know you’re upset,” Abelyn said while observing her facial expression.
Perhaps Joan doesn’t want to be a party pooper.
“Stop it, Abelyn. Can’t you just keep your mouth shut for a moment?” Dustin raised his voice.
“Why are you yelling at me?” Abelyn shot daggers at him and pouted.
Rude guy!
Joan kept mum the whole time. She did not wish to continue with that conversation.
“Hey!” All of a sudden, Joan raised her head and shouted.
“Just leave me alone, please!” She looked at them and said in a serious tone.
Both Dustin and Abelyn instantly zipped their mouths and walked away, leaving Joan sitting by the beach.
The sky was all bright and shiny, yet Joan felt absolutely horrible.
Maybe it’s best if I let Larry go. Perhaps, Larry should be with Della so that they can live happily ever after.
At this point, Joan did not know what to do.
Not only Della was rich, but she was also influential. I’m sure she can be of great help to Larry and his business.
“Joan?”
Suddenly, a familiar voice emerged from behind.
What is she doing here? Joan knitted her brows. Her presence made her feel uneasy.
“What a surprise,” Della said and walked toward her.
“How have you been?” Della asked with a smile on her face.
How have I been? How do I even answer that question? Should I tell her how painful it was for me to be all alone? Joan let out a cold snort. She turned around and looked at the sea, ignoring Della’s question.
“I believe you knew what has happened in the country. Right?” Della asked steadily.
Joan instantly knew this woman came all the way to look for her because of Larry!
Joan looked away and tried to regain her composure. She then asked icily, “Your point is?”
“Oh, well. I just want to seek your advice,” Della responded casually as if she was not the home wrecker.
“I don’t have any advice for you,” Joan responded immediately, “I’ll support Larry in whatever he does.”
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2709
You Have To Do This
The development of Norton Corporation was the main priority at the moment, and Della would still kick up a fuss even if Larry were to choose her.
“I don’t just want you to support him. I want you to also give him a push!” Della shouted with a vicious look in her eyes.
What does she mean by that? Joan looked at her in shock and confusion.
“Larry may refuse to marry me right now, but I’m sure you know his company wouldn’t have survived without my help, so talk some sense into him!”
That was when Joan realized what Della meant.
She wants me to persuade Larry into marrying her? My goodness, this world sure is full of strange people…
“Ms. Duff, I think you might have gotten the wrong idea here. While I do support all of Larry’s decisions, that doesn’t mean I agree with everything he does,” Joan replied firmly.
I won’t object to Larry marrying Della, but there’s no way I’d persuade him to do so! I do have a sense of pride, after all!
“Joan, you should know how much your word matters to Larry right now! He will never marry another woman without your permission!” Della was so agitated that she started to sound incoherent.
“That’s none of my business.” Joan turned around and began walking off after saying that.
I may be a nice person and all, but I have my limits too!
“You have to do this, Joan!” Della’s voice was as cold as ice.
Joan ignored her and carried on walking, only to have two men appear in front of her, blocking her path.
Who are these guys? What are they going to do? Joan thought to herself as she began to panic.
Della waved at the men from behind, and they began dragging Joan away while she kicked and screamed.
“What are you doing? Let go of me!”
Both Dustin and Abelyn had already gone home long ago, so there wasn’t anyone around to help her.
“Della, you shameless b*tch!” Joan shouted at the top of her voice.
What did she just call me? A shameless b*tch? Heh, I suppose she’s right! I mean, I wouldn’t be resorting to such means if I weren’t one!
“There’s no point in screaming, so you might as well save your strength!” Della said with a sneer as she munched on her food.
“What the hell are you planning on doing, Della? Let go of me!”
“I’ll let you go if you call Larry and persuade him into marrying me. That, or you can spend the rest of your life here.” Della sounded calm yet threatening at the same time.
She’s going this far for the sake of marrying a man? She really has lost her mind! I can’t believe I used to think she was a reasonable and civilized person… Heck, I even thought she had repented and changed her ways! Looks like she’s nothing but a heartless monster! Joan thought to herself and clenched her teeth as she glared at Della.
“What, you don’t want to do it? Fine, you can stay here until you feel like it, then!”
“Wait!” Joan shouted all of a sudden.
“Hmm? You’ve finally thought it through, huh?” Della turned around and asked disdainfully.
“You’re doing this because Larry still has other ways of resolving the crisis that Norton Corporation is facing, aren’t you?” There was a hint of hope in Joan’s voice as she knew Larry wouldn’t have let go of Della if Norton Corporation was truly in such deep water.
Della began to panic upon hearing that.
These two sure know each other surprisingly well! Damn this woman… How on earth is she able to charm Larry to this extent?
“If you don’t believe me, you can always just call up your people to check on things…”
There was no sign of confidence in Della’s voice when she said that, but she refused to admit it in front of Joan.
Oh? Is that so? She doesn’t sound all that convincing though… Joan stared suspiciously at Della.
“Anyway, I’m done wasting my time talking to you. Think about it, and tell me when you’re ready. I suggest you make this decision wisely, Joan!” Della said and walked away.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2710
The Crazy Old Man
Damn it, looks like Joan is smarter than I thought! Della clenched her fists tightly in anger and frustration outside the door.
Joan slumped against the sofa and tried to piece together the information that she had. Although I don’t know what exactly happened, I have a rough idea as to what Larry would do… Larry, I’m sure you have some other way of resolving the crisis with Norton Corporation, right?
The look in her eyes grew dim as she stared at the moon outside the window.
Meanwhile, Dustin and Abelyn were on the verge of breaking down from anxiety while searching for Joan.
“Where could she have gone? How did she just disappear like that in such a short period of time?” Abelyn mumbled to herself.
“There’s no one else on the beach…” Dustin said anxiously.
“Joan’s been feeling pretty down lately, Dustin. Where do you think she might’ve gone? She wouldn’t commit suicide, would she?” Abelyn asked worriedly.
“No, Joan isn’t the type who would do such a thing! She’s pretty strong-willed and never stays sad for long…” Dustin explained.
I believe in Joan… She won’t just kill herself out of sadness like this!
“Ma’am, have you seen a very pretty lady…” He asked anxiously while grabbing a middle-aged woman by the arm.
“Calm down, sir… I haven’t seen that woman you’re talking about…” The middle-aged woman replied nervously.
The look in Dustin’s turned ice-cold instantly.
Where on earth is Joan? Did she run into trouble or something?
Abelyn came running over, panting heavily as she asked, “Did you manage to find anything?”
“No…” Dustin shook his head helplessly.
“Try to think… Is there anywhere in particular that she likes to go?”
Where on earth could she possibly like to go in a foreign land like this?
Dustin was stamping his feet in frustration when the middle-aged woman came over and said, “You could try asking that old man over there, though. He stands there every day, so he might have seen something.”
Dustin ran straight towards the old man without any hesitation.
“Sir, have you seen a woman picking seashells around the area?”
The old man turned around slowly and stared blankly at the two of them.
What… What’s with this guy? Why do I feel like he’s crazy?
“Hey, Dustin… Do you think he might be crazy?” Abelyn whispered into Dustin’s ear while staring suspiciously at the man.
“You’re the crazy one! Your entire family is crazy!” The old man started yelling all of a sudden, scaring Abelyn so much that she couldn’t stop shuddering.
Dustin quickly stepped in front of her and explained, “Please calm down, sir… She didn’t mean it that way… She was just worried about you…”
“Hahaha, not bad, young man!” The old man laughed when he saw Dustin’s act of bravery.
Well? Does this old man know where Joan went or not?
“That woman picking seashells… I saw her being taken away by two scary-looking men. You see that log cabin over there? That’s where they’re holding her.”
The old man pointed at a log cabin in the distance.
“Thank you, sir!” Dustin and Abelyn ran off while the old man stood there staring at them.
Everyone says I’m crazy, but they’re the ones that have lost their minds… He then let out a sigh and slowly walked away.
As expected, there were two tough-looking bodyguards watching over the door of the log cabin.
Abelyn gave Dustin a nudge and asked, “Well, Dustin? Think you can beat them?”