Ch. 2801..2810
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2801
Life Goes On
She winked at him, signaling for him to remain quiet. Caspian immediately turned his head around silently.
“Can you really find her?” asked Larry anxiously.
Looking at the sorrow on his face, Jessica’s heart ached terribly. She patted her chest and declared firmly, “Yes! Don’t worry, Larry. I’ll definitely find her!”
Larry immediately sat up straight. Having regained his usual composure, he grabbed his coat and marched out of the office.
Gazing at his back, Caspian was stunned. Is he fully recovered already? He stared at Jessica in disbelief and surprise. “You’re not bad, huh?”
Jessica cast him a glance and raised her chin proudly. Then, she strode out of the office and chased after Larry.
Ever since Jessica promised Larry to look for Joan, he started working so frantically that it was as if he had taken drugs. He did not even take a single break.
Although Caspian and Jessica were pleased with his change in attitude, they were worried too.
“What do you plan to do?” Caspian asked Jessica as he stared at Larry from outside his office.
What else can I do? Just look for her! Jessica sighed softly. However, the prospects of Joan being alive is quite bleak.
“I’m going to look for her by the sea,” she said firmly. Since she had already promised Larry, she had to keep to her words. It did not matter whether the outcome was good or bad.
Caspian pulled Jessica into his arms and kissed her forehead gently. Looking glad, he said, “It’s been hard on you.”
Yeah, it really has been rough. For the past few days, she had been rushing around to settle Larry’s affairs. Luckily, he had already resumed his usual composure at work.
Jake thought that Larry would keep wallowing in despair after Joan’s death. Thinking that his plan to acquire Norton Corporation would succeed soon, he was surprised to find out that Larry had already started working frantically.
“What are you doing? You can’t even do such a simple task well!” Jake threw all the documents on the table onto the floor, his expression furious.
The people in front of him trembled, their heads lowered. They did not dare to utter a single word. Indeed, the acquisition of Norton Corporation had failed.
“Get lost!” Jake had completely lost his temper. Damn it! How can Larry immerse himself in work so quickly!
Bam! Jake punched the wall behind him, causing a stream of blood to trickle down his fingers.
Norton Corporation had already regained its initial hopeful prospects. All of its employees were motivated and busy with their work, none of them showing any signs of slacking off.
Larry’s recovery must have given them the motivation to work hard.
Looking at all these, Jessica heaved a sigh of relief and no longer felt as nervous as before. She walked into Larry’s office with a smile and praised, “Larry, you’re doing well!”
Larry smiled and continued flipping through the documents in his hand. Naturally, he knew that she was referring to how he had successfully stopped Jake’s acquisition of Norton Corporation.
“What about you? Have you found Joan?” asked Larry without even raising his head.
Immediately, an embarrassed look appeared on Jessica’s face. She had already visited all the families living by the sea, but she still could not catch a glimpse of Joan. Stuttering, she explained, “Well… Larry, you know that this needs time.”
Disappointment flashed in Larry’s eyes. Actually, he knew it very well himself. He was simply lying to himself. After falling into such a vast and deep ocean, how was it possible for Joan to remain alive?
He merely did not want to admit the fact that she had passed away.
“You can take your leave first. I still need to settle some things. Look for me when you manage to find Joan.” Larry’s voice sounded exhausted.
He’s still evading it. Jessica shook her head sadly. She knew Larry’s current emotions well—she felt the same way when she lost her parents. However, life still had to go on no matter what happened!
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2802
She Is Alive
Looking glum, Jessica exited the office slowly.
Putting down the pen in his hand, Larry walked to the window, lit up a cigarette, and began smoking.
Don’t you worry, Joan, I’ll take good care of Ms. Young and Lucius. He raised his head and looked at the sky as if he was searching for an answer.
“Let’s grab a meal together, Larry,” Della asked in a seductive tone.
Ignoring her, Larry walked across to his desk and continued reading documents while a cold look flashed across his eyes.
How dare he ignore me! Della adjusted her posture and quickened her steps to get near him. She then breathed into his ear, but her action annoyed Larry.
“Get lost!” he scowled and barked fiercely. Embarrassed, Della froze.
“Um… You haven’t eaten, have you? I thought we could eat together,” she recollected herself and said seriously.
Larry remained quiet and hostile as if he did not hear a thing she said. Moments later, the anxious Della patted his back and repeated her invitation.
“You go ahead and leave me alone,” he shrugged and said contemptuously.
Della’s heart sank upon hearing his blatant and heartless rejection. She wanted to say something but faltered. In the end, she left the room without saying a word.
In less than half an hour, Della returned to Larry’s office with some takeout. “Here you go.”
She could not stand him not taking his meals on time.
Larry did not give her any response. Della’s heart wrenched as she sat on the sofa and stared at him the whole time. She had liked him for so long, but she still could not earn a place in his heart even after Joan’s death. She felt so miserably at the thought of it.
“Why are you still here?” Larry threw her a question while concentrating on the computer screen.
Della regained her senses and smiled. He actually notices that I’m still here. “I just want to accompany you for a little while more.”
She just wanted to stay by his side, regardless if he despised her.
Meanwhile, at Jake’s office, Ted proclaimed softly, “I’ve found her, Mr. Wilson.”
Jake jumped up from the sofa in a flash. Is Joan still alive? His heart skipped a beat.
“Where’s she? Where did she go?” he asked impatiently.
“She’s staying with a family by the sea,” Ted replied.
“Let’s go!” In a jiffy, Jake stood up, grabbed his jacket, and headed out.
Joan, you survived! A smug smile appeared on his face.
He had heard about Joan’s fall into the sea but no one could locate her body. Thus, Ted had been helping him search for her even though he initially thought that the probability of finding Joan was very low. Eventually, his persistence bore fruit.
Soon, the car pulled over by the beach. Jake walked toward the identified family. He did not expose himself but monitored them from a hidden corner.
“Joan, come over and help me tidy up the nets!” An old woman shouted not too far away.
“Sure!”
That’s Joan’s voice, I can’t have mistaken it! Jake was thrilled. He tried to calm himself down and hide his gleeful expression.
From afar, he could see that Joan and the old woman were busy working. They seemed happy.
As long as she’s happy… It warmed his heart to see her smile. Subconsciously, his lips curled up too.
Ted was observing Jake’s reaction and was astonished to catch him smiling affectionately as he looked at Joan. Doesn’t Mr. Wilson always dislike Joan?
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2803
The Fight Has Just Begun
“Mr. Wilson,” Ted asked carefully, “Well, shall we go over and say hi?”
No, we can’t greet her.
Jake clenched his fists in an attempt to suppress the urge of meeting Joan. She must still think that I hate her. I need to give her some time to gradually change her perception of me…
“No need. Let’s head back,” as he spoke, Jake turned around and walked toward the car.
What does he have in mind? Dumbfounded, Ted watched him walk away.
“Arrange for someone to be stationed here and protect her. Remember, don’t let her get hurt at all costs. Also, don’t allow anyone to disturb her,” Jake instructed solemnly.
Ted was completely baffled. What’s Mr. Wilson doing? Has he fallen for Joan? Then, what about Faye?
I guess it’s normal for a guy to desire women and love a few of them at the same time. Ted fixed his shirt and nodded unswervingly.
Joan was enjoying her moments by the sea with the old woman. She had no clue that Jake was there. The latter then started a brand new plan.
At the Norton Corporation, all staff was as busy as a bee, especially Larry. Recently, there had been additional projects, which made him a little excited.
The busier he got, the lesser time he had to think about Joan. That was exactly what Jessica had hoped for.
“Have a cup of coffee, Larry.” Jessica served him a cuppa.
“I’ve said this before; don’t come over to my office until Joan is found,” Larry stated firmly without glancing at her.
Pouting, displeasure flitted across Jessica’s gaze.
As she had expected, he was harsh with his words. Yet, she was not bothered by it.
Larry should remain his workaholic self and be in that tiptop condition to motivate his staff at Norton Corporation, regardless if Joan was dead or alive. If the boss slacks off, what reason do the employees have to work hard? Hence, she chose to procrastinate although she had been searching for her too.
“I heard that you’ve acquired a few more projects lately. Is that right, Larry?” Jessica smiled gladly.
“Yes,” Larry answered indifferently.
Seeing him being overwhelmed with work, Jessica’s heart went out to him.
She had once loved Larry dearly, but had given up after multiple failed attempts of winning his heart. Since then, she had devoted her feelings toward Caspian.
“Oh, congratulations!” she commented.
Larry paused for a brief second before continuing to sign some documents.
I wonder how’s Joan right now? Or is she already in heaven? His expression dimmed and remained faintly aloof.
Jessica knew that he was thinking about Joan. So, she stopped talking and went back to sit down on the sofa.
Joan, are you still alive? Squinting her eyes at the ceiling, she sank into deep thoughts.
After what seemed like forever, she fell asleep on the sofa.
Bang! A panic-stricken Caspian darted into the office.
“What is it?” Larry stared at him angrily.
“Um… Jake has also established a fashion company,” Caspian said with bated breath.
Larry put down the pen in his hand and paced across to the window. Staring at the lighthouse nearby, he looked burdened and worried. Looks like Jake is determined to fight me till the end?
With his arms folded across his chest, Larry exuded an intimidating aura. Business is a win-or-lose game, and the competition with Jake has just begun.
“What should we do now, Larry?” Caspian sounded anxious.
What else? Remain calm and tackle him head-on. Larry turned and gave Caspian a dead stare.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2804
Taking Action
“Remember this, Caspian, whoever gets serious, loses…” Larry continued his lecture, but Caspian could only absorb that much.
The latter was not a sophisticated person, so he never had an eye for detail. However, being meticulous was extremely important in the corporate world, as an inadvertent administrative or management error could destroy a company.
Scratching his head, Caspian faltered awkwardly, “Larry, all of these that you’re saying…”
Knowing that Caspian did not fully understand what he had said, Larry ended the conversation with a straightforward statement, “Fine, forget it, as long as Jessica understands.” Being a business-minded person, he assumed that Jessica would see where he was coming from, but she was fast asleep at that moment.
“Who called me?” Half-awake, the person who was lying on the sofa extended her body into a stretch and let out a big yawn.
“Wake up, Jessica! Quick, Larry’s got something to say to you,” Caspian urged her while shaking her body.
Smack! Accidentally, her right palm landed squarely on Caspian’s face.
Larry snickered at the sight of it.
Meanwhile, a displeased expression crept across Jake’s face at the office. Ted tested the water by asking, “Mr. Wilson, should we take action?”
He paused before reminding Jake, “Jessica is still searching for Joan.”
Hmm? That b*tch is interfering in this matter? Jake stood up slowly and walked to the windows to get a breath of fresh air in order to regulate his emotions.
“Don’t act rashly until the situation calls for it. If Jessica is meddling in our affairs, take action then.” His stern orders terrified Jake, who then left the office immediately.
I hope that you can cooperate with me, Joan; otherwise, I’ll have to use force.
Clenching his fists, Jake’s aura turned icy cold.
The next few days, Jessica parked herself at Larry’s office. Instead of helping him out with work, she was actually supervising his every move.
She could not express her true intentions to Larry, causing the latter to be very annoyed with her constant presence in the office.
Larry liked working silently by himself. He felt very uncomfortable knowing that there was another soul sharing the same space with him, regardless if the person made any noise.
“Jessica, hurry up and go back to your bookstore,” Larry said without lifting his head, repressing his emotions to sound calm.
“No! The business at the bookstore is good, don’t worry,” Jessica replied while flipping pages on the magazine. Staying at Norton Corporation allowed her to keep an eye on Larry as well as Caspian.
“But being here…”
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Jessica’s phone interrupted Larry.
“Ms. Zimmer, we found a person by the seaside. She looks like the one you asked me to find. Would you like to come over and find out more?” a gentle woman’s voice reported over the phone.
Joan is found?
“Really?”
Thrilled, her eyes lit up. Larry was astonished to see her beamed with joy all of a sudden but still chose to lower his head and continued working.
“Larry, I’ve got to go!” she threw him a sentence while making her way out of his office after picking up her handbag.
This girl always does as she pleases! Such a brat. Larry sighed while shaking his head.
Without any hesitation, Jessica got into her car and accelerated all the way to the beach. Jake found out about this too.
“Mr. Wilson, I’ve just got the news that she’s on her way there,” Ted informed Jake.
Since he had planted spies to surveil Joan, he would naturally receive any first-hand news related to her. That was why it came to his attention when somebody called Jessica that day.
“Think of a way to ask Joan out,” Jake ordered and left at once.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2805
Marry Me
Ted gazed blankly at Jake’s retreating figure in confusion. I’m supposed to ask Joan out? What nonsense is this? Why would she agree to go out with me? Or should I do it using Mr. Wilson’s name?
Clasping his fists, Ted grew in confidence.
“Ms. Watts!”
Seeing how Ted dashed toward her, Joan was startled for a second before her features gradually returned to normal.
Why is he here? Oh no, does he intend to find fault with me? A tinge of fear flashed across her eyes.
It was not easy for her to lead a stable life. All she wanted was to wait until the issue settled down in the city, before returning home. However, she did not expect Jake to have found her so fast.
“Is there anything I can help you with?” she asked without beating around the bush.
Embarrassed, Ted sniffled.
“Um… Ms. Watts, Mr. Wilson would like to ask you out,” he enunciated each word carefully.
The whole world was aware that Jake loathed Joan very much, to the extent that he harbored hatred toward her. Hence, it would be a natural thing for Joan to decline to meet up with Jake.
“Sorry, I’m quite busy and don’t have time for a chat,” Joan rejected bluntly.
This woman clearly doesn’t know what’s good for her! No, I can’t let Jessica find her. Ted’s gaze grew intense.
“Ms. Watts, our president really has something to discuss with you. It’s about Ms. Young and the child,” Ted covered his mouth and whispered.
Joan was stupefied.
What is he trying to do? Threatening me with an elderly and a kid? That’s utterly despicable! Putting down the tool in her hand, she stared daggers at the man before him.
“Inform Jake that I’ll not forgive him if he dares to lay a finger on Ms. Young and Lucius!” she retorted coldly.
Ted was taken aback by her response.
He could not figure out why would Joan care so much for two individuals who had no blood connections with her.
“Shall we?” Ted gestured her to walk ahead.
Thump! Joan kicked away the pebbles by her feet and left with gritted teeth. Shortly after, they both arrived at a nearby restaurant.
At a far corner of the restaurant, Jake slouched into a sofa and was casually sipping coffee.
Thump!
Joan pushed the door open and stomped in aggressively.
“What do you want, Jake?” she yelled, furrowing her brows.
What else? Of course I want you!
“Never in a million years have I thought that you’re still alive and kicking, Joan,” he said in a strange tone.
Before her arrival, he spent a lot of time contemplating what to say and how to express his thoughts about her. Yet, the moment he saw her, he returned to his hostile self.
What’s wrong with me? I do love her, don’t I? He pinched his thigh mercilessly in an attempt to clear his mind.
“You’re really something, Jake. Only the rich and wealthy can do whatever they want, whenever they want it, wherever it is,” Joan said sarcastically.
Thanks to his dad!
“Why? Are you jealous? Marry me then, and I’ll let you have everything that you’ve ever dreamt of, including Larry,” Jake teased her.
Good heavens! He must be off his rocker! What’s up with him that he’d utter such nonsensical things?
Jake could not be bothered about Larry’s existence as he only wanted Joan.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2806
A Confession
The sinister look on his face left her unsettled. I thought he hated me? Doesn’t he loathe me all along?
“Jake, are you trying to take revenge on me? Fine, bring it on,” she said rudely.
She thinks that I’m getting back at her? Jake sneered. Can’t she tell that I’m confessing my feelings to her? What a dumb woman! He was raging deep inside.
“Say it, what do you want?” Joan asked directly as she took a seat on the sofa.
Jake stared deep into her eyes. He had missed her so much and did not want his beloved to be found by Jessica.
“What’s your plan? To hide here forever?” taking a sip of his coffee, he muttered.
What’s wrong with that? What’s it got to do with him? Joan glared at him and then ignored his presence totally.
“Come with me,” he requested wholeheartedly.
Joan wavered at his words.
What does he mean by that? Intrigued, she fixed her eyes on him.
He’s made my life a living hell in the past, now he’s begging me to return with him? Did he get up from the wrong side of the bed or did he forget his medication?
“No,” Joan answered resolutely.
Upon hearing her firm reply, Jake started to get nervous.
How do I explain everything to her? Where should I begin? What can I do to make her feel my love, to let her know that my feelings are true?
Moments later, Jake got up and approached Joan. He gently stroked her hair while gazing at her affectionately.
Joan was dumbstruck by the surprising act demonstrated by the man.
Is he… molesting me?
Smack! Out of a sudden, a tight slap landed on Jake’s face, making him stunned. Did she slap me?
“Jake, you should know that I’m not an easy target. Ditch all of your dirty thoughts!” she fulminated.
So, that’s what she thinks of me? Lowering his head, he felt completely dejected. Will she acknowledge and believe my feelings for her are real only if I confess directly?
“I love you, Joan.”
His unexpected confession sent a shiver down her spine. He must be out of his mind!
Grabbing her handbag, Joan wanted to leave at once, but Jake pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
“Trust me, Joan, I really love you. Stay with me and be my girlfriend, okay?” Gentleness and sincerity laced in his tone.
She could feel the warmth from his body and even hear his thumping heartbeat.
It took her quite a while before she finally reacted.
“What a jerk! Let go of me, Jake. Now!” Joan scowled at him defiantly as she yelled and beat him on his shoulders.
She did not expect him to be so rough to her, yet he was not willing to release her.
“Listen, Joan, I’ll explain everything to you. Give me a chance to do that, all right?” he begged.
What’s there to explain? She refused to listen and continued struggling to wriggle out of his embrace, but to no avail.
In the end, she could no longer contain herself and broke down into tears.
She was too terrified!
She could not accept that the heartless man who had previously tormented her was now hugging her, making a bold confession. How absurd!
I want to go home! I want to see Larry! I don’t want to stay here!
“Larry…” she murmured as she cried.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2807
That Familiar Name
When Jake heard the name he dreaded the most, his expression turned icy cold. Damn it, she’s still having a soft spot for that guy!
Thud! With a forceful shove, he pinned her against the windows.
Holding her head in her hands, Joan was petrified.
“Joan, I’m Jake Wilson! Don’t you ever utter his name in front of me. No, don’t you dare speak of any man’s name!” he warned her fiercely.
He had originally assumed that he could live with the fact that Larry existed in Joan’s heart, but he was mistaken. He would still turn green with envy. Indeed, love is selfish.
Jake clasped his hands to suppress his own emotions.
At that point, Joan was extremely frightened. She could not listen to a word he said.
“Did you hear me?” he bellowed.
Raising her head, she was met with his death glare.
However, as soon as he saw her aggrieved look, his heart magically softened.
“There, there, don’t be scared. I just dislike you mentioning Larry’s name,” he pulled her into a tight embrace and consoled her gently.
Looking a little helpless and hopeless, Joan wept in his arms.
The atmosphere at the seaside was very lively, with adults and kids frolicking around.
“Where’s she?” Jessica asked the woman who led her there.
“This is so strange. I just saw that woman in the picture here a while ago.” Anxious, Jessica scanned her surroundings.
Where on earth are you, Joan? She searched high and low for her.
“Ms. Zimmer, we couldn’t locate Mrs. Norton.”
“Ms. Watts isn’t here, is she?”
The few individuals chattered away, making Jessica very upset.
Before long, the sun set, and the crowd flocked home. Jessica checked the time and decided to call it a day.
Meanwhile at the restaurant, Jake continued persuading Joan to listen to his explanation, with the hope of delaying the time.
When he saw that it was already nightfall, his lips curled up in a contented smile.
“All right, I’ll respect your decision. Since you refuse to return with me, let me walk you back to the beach.” Jake stood up and ushered Joan out of the restaurant.
Seeing how he changed his expressions in a flash, Joan shuddered. Why is he so extreme?
“Remember, don’t try to escape from my world. Also, don’t even think about running to Larry!”
Thump!
The office door was kicked open. Faced with an infuriated Jessica, Larry peered at her and said nothing, wondering who had angered her.
Seated on the sofa next to him, her gaze grew frigid. Was I cheated or did Joan run away? She could not figure it out.
“What’s wrong?” Caspian approached her and asked softly.
“Mind your own business!” Jessica barked.
What an attitude! Larry sighed.
Caspian’s heart ached at the sight of her going ballistic. He tried to comfort her by running his arms across her shoulders.
“What happened?” He was worried.
Wearing a conflicted expression, Jessica turned her nose up at Larry, who was busy working at his desk.
“Somebody informed me that she saw Joan, so I went to check it out, but she was already gone…” she said under her breath, feeling despondent.
Larry bolted up the moment he heard that familiar name. With anticipation, he strode across the office to Jessica.
“Thereafter? Did you find her? How’s she now? Is she all right? Why didn’t you bring her back?” He locked his arms on her shoulders and kept shaking Jessica’s body, demanding a reply.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2808
A Loyal Man
Jessica was shocked to the core with a pair of widened eyes and a blank face. Had Caspian not shown up in time and saved her, she might have been injured by Larry.
“When I got there, she’s disappeared.” Jessica felt defeated as a sense of helplessness filled her eyes.
Larry could not handle the news well. He stumbled onto the sofa, downcast.
At that moment, Jessica regretted telling Larry about it. She felt sorry for disappointing him after giving him a glimpse of hope.
“Don’t you worry, Larry, as long as Joan is still alive, I’ll find her at all cost!” Jessica declared confidently.
Knowing that Larry could not listen to a word she said, Caspian quickly gestured to Jessica, signaling her to leave the room. Subsequently, he sat beside Larry to console him.
Life is full of ups and downs. With glistening eyes, she cast a gaze at the two individuals in the office. Joan, are you still alive? Where are you right now?
Feeling desolate and bereft, she lifted her head and shut her eyes.
Resting his chin on his right hand, Larry spaced out while staring out of the window.
“Larry, I’m certain that Jessica will look for her,” Caspian reassured him. He knew very well that Larry became very sensitive each time he heard Joan’s name.
Larry bowed his head as tears welled up in his eyes.
“Oh dear, what’s going on? Everything in this room feels so depressing,” Della walked closer as she commented.
Caspian felt irritated at the sight of Della. He was aware of her longing for Larry and suspected her of orchestrating the incident by the beach.
In fact, both Larry and Caspian had the same hunch that Della was the mastermind behind all these, just that they did not have solid evidence to confront her.
“What are you doing here?” Caspian questioned.
She strode proudly to Caspian.
“I’m here for Larry. Does it have anything to do with you?” she replied with disdain.
She’s one shameless woman! Rage boiled in Caspian as he clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth.
On the contrary, Larry did not show any response. He had been making an effort to stay away from that woman ever since she called off the collaboration with Norton Corporation.
“What do you want from me?” he asked indifferently.
What else? I want your love.
Della walked up to him and hung her right arm on his shoulder. She stared at him coquettishly; her eyes were filled with lustful desires.
“Larry, let’s grab a meal together.” She exposed her collarbones on purpose.
Too bad, she never understood who Larry was, a man who was loyal only to one woman. He loved Joan, so he would not move on to any other person, regardless if she was dead or alive.
“Sorry, I’m not available. By the way, please show some respect for yourself and others, would you, Ms. Duff?” Larry pointed at her arm, causing her to feel embarrassed.
Initially, Caspian was taken aback by Della’s outrageous behavior. Soon, he felt relieved after witnessing how Larry responded to her.
“You may leave now, Ms. Duff, Larry is very busy,” Caspian remarked.
How dare this ugly man chase me away! Who does he think he is?
“Larry…”
“Get lost!” Larry interrupted her and finished off her sentence with a ruthless order, which shattered her heart into a million pieces.
How much lower should I stoop just to please him? He obviously doesn’t even care about me. Turning sideways, Della took a deep breath to calm herself.
Larry, you’re an insolent fool! Della pinched herself hard on the thigh in a bid to clear her mind.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2809
Nightly Calls
An awkward silence ensured.
Finally, Della got up and left Larry’s office in her stilettos.
What a pity! She could have been an exceptionally outstanding woman, yet she chose to be a wicked person. Caspian felt puzzled as he watched her leave.
Right when Caspian wanted to speak, Larry gestured him to leave the room too.
Putting himself in Larry’s shoes, he kept quiet and left the office as well.
Back at the beach, Joan kept herself busy. The only difference was that she became more dispirited.
“What’s wrong, Joan?” asked the concerned old woman.
Joan looked at her and shook her head. A hint of fear laced her eyes.
“What’s bothering you? Share it with us. We’ll go all out to help you if we could,” the old man encouraged her.
Joan was deeply moved by their earnest words, but she was determined not to get them involved in her personal matters. She would not want to burden them with her problems; more importantly, she did not want them to get hurt.
Knowing Jake’s temper, he’ll never let anyone who obstructs his plan go easily.
“Nothing, I’m just a bit tired,” she muttered.
Is that so? Why does she look so sad? The old woman doubted.
Jake would call Joan almost every night to ask about her day. Although Joan was quite irritated by his persistence, she did not dare to show obvious resistance.
Many days had passed, she was still in a dilemma. Lifting her head to gaze at the sky, she felt like she was drowning in a sea of sorry. Should I tell Larry about this?
But Jake has warned me not to do it, or else he might harm Ms. Young and Lucius. No, I can’t allow that to happen.
Joan balled up her fists until her knuckles were white.
“The wind is getting stronger. You’d better go back to your room, Joan,” the old woman called out.
“All right!” Joan obliged and went in to lie on her bed. She was not able to fall asleep. Gazing at the crescent moon, a dejected feeling washed over her. Do I continue like this my whole life? Tossing and turning, she was displeased at that thought.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Her phone rang. Seeing the name on the vibrating screen, she sighed.
“How was your day? All good?” Jake asked casually over the phone.
“Do you really have to call me daily? I’m sure you already know what I’ve done throughout the day, don’t you?” she blurted as she was aware that she was being watched.
Jake froze for a moment and smirked. He liked that she was all prickly and energetic when talking to him.
“Why? You don’t like to hear my voice?” he asked further.
Of course not! I don’t want to hear it ever again! Shutting her eyes, she looked up, trying to gain her composure.
“Anything else? If not, I’m going to hang up and retire for the night. I’m tired,” she tried to end the conversation with an excuse.
“Hold on!” he stopped her.
Why the rush? We haven’t even spoken for a minute. Do you hate me so much? His dim expression was replaced with anger.
“Ms. Young and Lucius are doing well, you don’t have to worry about them,” he updated her.
What does this mean? Is he indirectly threatening me? Joan became wary of him.
She knew Jake’s personality like the back of her palm. He doesn’t go by the book and is often unpredictable. Not to mention, his train of thoughts is oddly peculiar too.
Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2810
Get Me Out Of Here Now
“Jake, I warn you not to lay a finger on them. Otherwise, I’ll never forgive you!” Joan said fiercely, without a trace of warmth in her tone.
Wow, is she threatening me? Jake scoffed and looked at her contemptuously. What gives? How did she manage to pluck up her courage and speak to me in that manner?
However, Jake actually enjoyed Joan communicating with him in that tone. That’s her true colors!
“Relax… As long as you’re obedient to me, I won’t hurt them,” replied Jake, then he immediately hung up.
Beep! Beep! Beep! After the call was disconnected, Joan was a little exasperated.
Jake, what made you so cruel and vicious? She buried her head in the sheets and closed her eyes slowly, forcing herself to sleep.
The next morning, a familiar female voice boomed closer to Joan as she was lazing on the bed.
“Hurry up and keep searching!”
“Don’t dilly-dally, quick!”
Hmm? Isn’t this…? Joan rose to her feet and examined the situation outside from the window. That’s Jessica! Damn it!
She hurriedly picked up her phone and made a call.
“What’s next? What do you want me to do?” a calm male voice asked.
“Get me out of here now and bring me back at night,” she requested reluctantly.
Finally, she’s come to her senses. Jake was glad that Joan called. He had already known that Jessica would be at the seaside to look for Joan that day, but he wanted to test Joan’s reaction.
Without further ado, he grabbed his jacket and headed out right away.
Shortly after, he arrived at the beach. Joan had changed into some casual clothing and left with Jake after informing the old couple.
“Where to?” he asked in the car.
That’s a good question that requires deep thinking. The world is so big, yet, there’s no place I can go.
“I…” Before she could suggest anything, Jake drove off.
He sped all the way, driving recklessly while Joan held on to her seatbelt. Squinting her eyes, she dared not look ahead.
This man has gone mad!
“Slow down, Jake!” she yelled at him. Ignoring her advice, he continued to accelerate.
After some time, the car came to a stop.
As soon as the car door was opened, Joan leaned over and vomited profusely. Jake stood by her side with his eyes fixated on her, a little worried.
“You’re so frail and feeble, why do you still do the odd jobs for the old couple?” Walking closer to her, he carefully hid his concerns by suppressing his true feelings.
Does that have anything to do with him? She glared at him and ignored his comments. Moments later, she recovered and could stand on her own feet. Looking ahead, she realized that there was a luxurious European-style villa right below her nose, sitting in a beautiful and serene environment.
Where is this place? Intrigued, she scanned her surroundings.
“Come over here!” Jake invited her from a short distance away.
She was startled for a second, then followed suit.
“So? Do you like it?”
She was confused. Why is he asking me this question? What’s this all about?
“Not bad,” she simply replied.
Even though it was not a pertinent answer, her simple words were sufficient to make Jake grin from ear to ear. He pulled her inside. “Let’s go in and have a look!”
She was entirely stunned the moment she entered. This villa is humongous! There’s a large lawn, a swimming pool, and even a golf course… While marveling at all the facilities in perplexity, she wondered why Jake brought her there.