Ch. 1351..1360

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1351-Francine was helping Pamela out when she saw what happened.

“Jeremy, why is Corinne staying with the Rivera family? Aren’t you worried Lucas will try to steal her from you?” she asked, bewildered by the turn of events.

Pamela thought Francine was right to worry. ‘How could Jeremy let Corinne be taken away by Sunny and Lucas?’ she thought.

Jeremy did not explain much. He simply said, “Lucas will never do that.” That still did not put Francine at ease. “How can you be so sure? He’s a man too! You shouldn’t trust another man so easily, Jeremy.”

Annie rarely agreed with Francine, but this time, she did. She nodded and said, “Francine’s right. What are you waiting for? Things between you and Corinne are finally getting a little bit better! Why don’t you take this opportunity to bring her back home?” Seeing that she had Annie’s support, Francine felt she was even more right to worry. “Yeah! Go get her back now, Jeremy!” Jeremy frowned. “That’s enough! You go back with the grandparents first.” Francine could tell Jeremy was in a bad mood after Corinne left, so she dared not say anything else. She nodded meekly and said, “Fine…” She then turned to help Pamela and Greg into the car.

After making sure they were gone, Jeremy turned back to look sternly at Annie.

“You go back too. By the way, did you tell your parents you’re coming out at this late hour?” “No…” answered Annie, lowering her head in shame. She did not have the time to tell her parents before she rushed over there.

“Aaron, please send Annie back home. I still have some things to take care of here,” said Jeremy.

Aaron smiled. “Sure. It’d be my pleasure.” Annie was speechless.

Aaron smiled at Annie. “Let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.” Annie helplessly followed Aaron to his car. However, she felt a little more relieved when she saw Jeremy and Corinne were reconciling.

Jeremy went back into the police station after everyone left. He entered the interrogation room.

The two police officers in charge of interrogating the silver-haired man were at their wits’ end since they failed to get any useful information from him.

The silver-haired man was only brought into the police station after he had been treated in the hospital for the injuries Corinne inflicted. All of his limbs were wrapped in casts as he sat on the chair, making him a sorry sight.

He had a smirk on his face since he knew the two police officers would not do anything to him. Anything they asked, he would simply reply with a silly answer.

The two police officers stepped out of the interrogation room and closed the door after Jeremy came in.

He sat down and asked steadily, “Who was the mastermind behind all this?” The silver-haired man hated how Jeremy thought everyone was beneath him, so he lifted his chin proudly and retorted, “There’s no one else. I’m the mastermind!” “Aren’t you afraid you’ll be sentenced heavily if you don’t tell me the truth?” “Jeremy Holden, you should worry about yourself instead of worrying about me.

Everyone in this world now knows Corinne is your weakness. Even if I can’t get rid of you, somebody else will! Don’t ever think you can live a peaceful life from now on, you b*stard.” Jeremy’s expression remained impassive. “What if I tell you I know your weakness too?” The silver-haired man scoffed. “My weakness? I don’t have any close friends or relatives in this world. No one cares if I live or die, nor do I care if anyone lives or dies. What weakness could I have? I’m not like you. I’ll never fall in love with any woman!” “Is that so?” mused Jeremy. He slowly brought out a necklace with a locket, the kind that could be opened, from his suit pocket. He saw what was inside, too.

In the locket was the photo of a woman carrying a boy, and they were all smiles.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1352-The silver-haired man reddened with anger when he saw the necklace. He seemed to have forgotten he was in casts as he shot up from his seat and yelled, “Give me back the necklace!” He risked going back to the explosion site to look for the necklace. It was the only thing his mother left him, and the photo inside was also the only photo with both of them in it.

The police officers outside heard the commotion, and they rushed in to control him. “Behave yourself!” The silver-haired man glared at Jeremy and gritted his teeth. “Give me back the necklace!”

Jeremy nonchalantly swung the necklace in front of him. “So, are you going to tell me who’s the mastermind now?” “I told you! No one told me to do anything. It was me who wanted you dead!” snarled the silver-haired man.

Jeremy believed the silver-haired man, whose name was Rudy Holden, wanted him dead. Rudy was just one of the many illegitimate sons Jeremy’s father had over the years. Thus, that made him his half-brother.

Rudy dropped out of school when he was very young and became a thug to pass his time. During the past two years, he somehow got his hands on illegal weapons and recruited a group of men to work under him. One could say he was considerably powerful in his territory.

Thus, it was difficult for Jeremy to believe Rudy did not have someone supporting him from the shadows. Of course, he was not in a hurry.

Jeremy put the necklace back into his pocket and stood up. “Oh well, it seems like you don’t want this necklace that much after all.” He turned to leave the interrogation room after that.

Rudy became even more infuriated when he saw Jeremy was about to leave.

“Stop! Jeremy, you b*stard! Give me back the necklace! Give me back the necklace!” “I’ll give you back the necklace after you tell me who the mastermind is,” said Jeremy without stopping.

“Jeremy! Don’t go! Give me back the…” … Tommy was already waiting for Jeremy at the entrance when Jeremy walked out of the police station.

“Mister Jeremy, you haven’t slept a wink these two days. You should go home and rest.” Jeremy did look exhausted. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and looked up at the bright full moon. “Tommy, is the barbecue shack she likes still open at this hour?” Tommy naturally knew who Jeremy was referring to, so he answered, “It should still be open. They do their business till the early morning.” Jeremy walked toward his car. “Bring me there.” Tommy quickly followed after him. “Yes, sir!” … Meanwhile, it was very lively in the Riveras’ mansion.

There had not been so many people ever since Maxwell brought Cedric and Beatrice abroad to visit some relatives. Phoebe and Anya, on the other hand, were sent away to reflect on their wrongdoings.

Aaron, Xante, and Annie were at the Riveras’ mansion too. Everyone sat in the living room, eating fruits and asking Corinne what happened during her kidnapping.

Corinne gave them a brief retelling before drinking the warm milk Sunny brought her with a faraway look in her eyes.

It was nearly 3 a.m., and they would have been asleep at this hour. Of course, that was not the case as everyone was pumping with adrenaline to rescue Corinne.

Corinne’s phone suddenly vibrated. Her eyes dimmed a little when she saw the message from Jeremy, asking her, [Are you sleeping?] A few seconds of hesitation later, she replied, [No. What’s up?] An instant reply from Jeremy, [I bought you some supper and am outside the mansion. Can you come out to take it?] As tempted as Corinne was, she still decided to reject him.

[No, thanks. I’ve already eaten. You can bring the supper back for your grandparents.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1353-A few seconds later, Jeremy replied, [My grandparents don’t eat supper. You don’t have to come out if you don’t want to see me. At least have the servants take it in.] Corinne frowned. She knew Jeremy would not leave until the supper was delivered. ‘Hmph! Why should I care if he stands outside the whole night?

Serves him right for always ordering me around and forcing me to do things I don’t want to.’ … Outside the Riveras’ mansion.

Jeremy got out of his car. He then shoved his hands into his pants pockets and looked at the mansion for somebody to come out to take the supper.

Tommy had gotten out of the car as well and stood next to Jeremy with the takeout in his hands.

No one came out of the mansion, but they saw a car driving toward them from the other end of the road. The car’s headlights were so bright that Jeremy and Tommy had to look away.

The car stopped outside the mansion, and Jason turned off the headlights before getting out of the car.

Jason walked toward Jeremy and asked, “Jeremy, I heard from Lucas that you’re back. How was everything? Are you okay?” Jeremy nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay.” Jason smiled. “I’m glad you’re okay. Though, what are you doing here at this late hour?” Jeremy’s expression remained unchanged. “I’m waiting for someone.” Jason frowned. “Are you waiting for Corinne?” Jeremy did not answer him.

Jason took Jeremy’s silence as an affirmative. He then glanced at the mansion and advised, “Jeremy, Corinne obviously doesn’t want to see you. I think it’s best to let her be.” He then saw the takeout Tommy was carrying, and realization dawned on him.

“Is that for Corinne? How about I bring it in for you?” “Don’t bother. Just go in if you want,” said Jeremy.

Jason shrugged. “Okay. I’ll tell Corinne to at least send somebody to get the takeout once I see her.” Jeremy narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

Jason was just about to go into the mansion compound when he heard a noise coming from that direction.

“Miss Corinne, it’s cold outside! Mister Lucas asked you to put on this coat.” Jason stopped walking and turned to look at Corinne with a coat hanging on her shoulders, walking out of the door.

Jason frowned with disappointment.

Corinne walked out slowly on account of her pregnant belly. She stopped in front of Jeremy and extended her hand. “Where’s my supper? Give it to me!” Jeremy’s perpetually cold face eased into a smile when he saw Corinne come out herself. He took the takeout from Tommy and passed it to her.

“This is from your favorite place.” Corinne took the takeout out from him. “Thanks.” Jeremy did not like her thanking him. He sighed out of resignation and said, “It’s late. Why aren’t you sleeping yet? Are Aaron and the rest of them here too?” He had seen Aaron’s car parked inside the mansion compound.

Corinne nodded. “Yeah. Everyone’s too jacked up to sleep, so we’re talking in the living room.” An unprecedented look of loneliness flashed across Jeremy’s deep eyes. ‘It should be me by her side instead of the others,’ thought Jeremy.

Nonetheless, Corinne did not want to take him back yet since they had not solved their issue with Sophia.

‘Oh well, it’s good that she has somebody to talk to.’

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1354-Jeremy helped Corinne tighten the coat around her.

“Eat it while it’s still hot. Tommy bought a lot, so it should be enough for you all to share.” Corinne stared into Jeremy’s gentle eyes. “Alright, thanks for the trouble.” Jeremy frowned. ‘She’s acting like we’re strangers! Though, this is definitely better than her ignoring me.’ Corinne was about to go in when she remembered something.

“By the way, Mister Jeremy, please accept the money I wired to you for the painting.”

Jeremy frowned. “Must you be so calculative toward me?” “Of course. It’s important to keep our affairs separate until we solve our problems.” Jeremy’s eyes darkened, and his tone was less gentle than before. “Go inside, eat your supper, and go to sleep after that!” Corinne pouted and snapped back, “You should go home too, Mister Jeremy.

Have a safe journey back.” Jeremy, still salty with Corinne’s behavior, turned and got into his car. Tommy bowed slightly toward Corinne before following suit.

However, the car remained parked where it was.

Corinne planned to see them off with her eyes before going back inside the mansion, so she frowned when she saw the car not moving. She then turned and walked back toward the mansion. The servant who followed her out took the takeout from her.

Jeremy gestured to the driver with his chin to drive away once he was sure Corinne had safely gone back inside.

After Jeremy’s car drove off, Jason—who had been treated like he was invisible the whole time—snapped out of his trance and chased after Corinne.

“Corinne! Wait!” Corinne did not stop walking. She glanced back and asked impassively, “Oh, it’s you, Mister Jason. Did you just come?” This made Jason bitter. ‘How could she not notice me when I was only a few meters away from her?’ He smiled helplessly after he caught up to her. Matching her step for step, he asked, “Why aren’t you surprised I’m here at all?” “Why should I be surprised? The circle of the rich isn’t that big, so you guys would always inform each other when something big happened. It’s not that surprising that you’ll come here.” Corinne’s calmness and intelligence were why Jason liked her.

“So the Riveras’ mansion was where you’ve been staying for the past two days.

Why didn’t you tell me?” asked Jason.

“Why should I tell you? So you can come here when you have nothing better to do? Besides, I didn’t tell you, yet you’re here anyway.” Jason frowned with frustration. “Corinne, you might not want me to find you, but you should know I’m really worried about you! Not to mention, I heard you were kidnapped and were only rescued not long ago! Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” Corinne waved her hand. “Look at me. I’m fine, aren’t I?” Jason studied her from head to toe. “Good. I’m glad you’re okay. I got the fright of my life and rushed over as soon as I could when I got the news.” “Sorry for worrying you again,” said Corinne, somewhat sheepishly. “But you don’t need to worry. I’m fine, so you should head back home to rest if there’s nothing else.” Jason frowned. “Why? Am I not welcome here?” “No, it’s not because of that. It’s just that it’ll be morning soon. Don’t you have to work tomorrow?” Jason smiled. “But you’re more important than work.” Corinne suddenly got goosebumps. She decided to take what Jason said as a joke, so she said nothing

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1355-Jason continued to walk beside Corinne. After thinking for a while, he asked tentatively, “Corinne, I saw you accepting the supper Jeremy brought you. Does that mean you’re willing to get back together with him?” Corinne was a little taken aback by his question. However, she did not answer him. Instead, she asked him, “Mister Jason, do you want to have some barbecued meat too?” Jason was speechless. Even though she did not answer his question, he already guessed what it would be.

…

Back in the living room, everyone started to drool with hunger as soon as they smelled the barbecued food.

Corinne passed the takeout to Annie.

“You guys dig in first. I need to go to the toilet.” Annie peeked into the takeout box after she took it from Corinne’s. “Is this from Uncle Jeremy?” Corinne did not answer her. Instead, she turned and walked toward the bathroom.

“Who else could it be from?” Sunny stood up and opened up the takeout box excitedly. He then grabbed a skewer and passed it to Xante, who accepted it as though it was the most natural thing to do in the world.

After that, Aaron grabbed two skewers too—one for himself and one for Annie.

“Thanks,” said Annie with a little surprise as she took the skewer from him.

Aaron smiled. “There’s no need to thank me; I wasn’t the one who bought it. You should thank your Uncle Jeremy instead. Thanks to him, we get to enjoy barbecued food at such an early hour in the morning.” Annie pulled back her lips. “You go and thank him, then! It’s not like you don’t have his number.” Aaron merely stared at her smilingly.

At that moment, Annie’s phone rang. She quickly put down her food and walked away to take the call when she saw it was Marcus who was calling her.

‘Sh*t, I forgot to update Marcus that everything’s okay. He must be sick with worry right now! I hope he won’t be mad at me,’ thought Annie.

She answered the phone once she was at a quieter place. “Hey, Marcus.” “Annie, where are you? Are you not home yet?” asked Marcus sadly.

“I’m at the Riveras’. Corinne is staying here for the moment, so I followed her back. Sorry for not calling you to tell you just now,” said Annie sheepishly.

Marcus smiled bitterly. “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re okay. I was so worried about you just now…” This made Annie feel even guiltier. “I’m really sorry, Marcus. I was so happy to see Uncle Jeremy and Corinne together that it slipped my mind… Please don’t get angry at me…” “I’m not angry, Annie. Really,” said Marcus.

“Phew! You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that. How about I make it up to you by buying a fancy lunch tomorrow? By the way, have you finished your work?” “Yup. All done.” “Great! I’d feel even worse if your work got delayed because of me.” “Annie, what time are you planning to go home? Do you need me to call you a car now?” Annie did not want to trouble him since she knew he still had to work the next day.

“It’s okay, Marcus. Someone will give me a ride back later. You should go to sleep now since it’s going to be morning soon.” Marcus fell silent for 30 seconds before asking awkwardly, “Who’s going to give you a ride back? Mister Aaron?”

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1356-“Yeah, it’s probably Mister Aaron,” answered Annie honestly. “In fact, we came together, so he and Xante would give me a ride back later.” Marcus finally could not hold back the question he had been wanting to ask.

“Annie, just what is your relationship with Mister Aaron?” Annie was taken aback by his question. “Marcus, why do you ask? Nothing is going on between us!” she said embarrassingly.

“In that case, why does it seem like he cares a lot about you? I even heard from my colleagues that you first came to work in the company because of him! Is that true?” “Uhhh… Yes. It’s true.”

Marcus felt unbelievably disappointed by Annie’s reply, but at the same time, he was grateful for her honesty.

“Annie, thank you for being honest with me. Then do you still like him now?” Annie wanted to avoid answering this question but could not.

“It doesn’t matter whether I still like him or not because we’re never going to end up together. Marcus, you have nothing to worry about. I promised to take our relationship seriously the moment I agreed to be your girlfriend.” Marcus could not help but feel despondent. “Annie, how can I not worry when it feels like I’m an outsider in your world? I feel lost and confused, do you know that?” “Marcus, I—” “Annie, I’m going to go pick you up now. I’ll believe you’re serious about me if you agree to let me do that, but if you don’t… Well, I promise I won’t ever bother you again.” After thinking it through, she said with some difficulty, “I’m really sorry, Marcus, but this isn’t a good time. Uncle Jeremy asked me to stay with Corinne for the moment.” Marcus let out a bitter chuckle. “Okay, I understand. I won’t ever bother you again. Goodbye, Annie.” He then ended the call without waiting for Annie’s explanation.

Annie fell into a daze when she heard the beeps coming from her phone. ‘Did I just get dumped?’ she wondered.

Oddly enough, she did not feel sadness or anger.

She merely stood in a trance, her phone still pressed against her ear.

Corinne, who just came out from the bathroom, happened to see her in that position. “Annie? Are you okay?” Annie instantly snapped out of her daze. She quickly put away her phone and nodded. “Yeah, I’m okay. Come, let’s go before the rest of them finish the supper Uncle Jeremy specially bought for you!” Corinne was not hungry at all, but it had been a long time since she had food from her favorite barbecue place, so she did not mind eating it.

The two of them walked back to the living room and grabbed a skewer each.

Both Jason and Lucas were not interested in the supper at all, so they sat at the rattan chair near the floor-to-ceiling window chatting.

“Lucas, how could you?” asked Jason with annoyance.

Even though Lucas sat somewhere a little far from Corinne, he still made sure to keep an eye on her every move out of worry.

“How could I, what?” Jason sipped his coffee. “How could you not tell me Corinne was staying with you? Do you know I’ve been looking for her everywhere for the past few days?

Also, how could you not tell me she’s been kidnapped? Is this how you treat your closest friend?” Lucas glanced at him and said ruthlessly, “Why should I report Corinne’s every move to you when you’re not related to her in any way?” “Because I am her friend! Besides, you know very well I like her. As my friend, don’t you think you should give me more chances to get close to her?” “Oh, please. You’re not worthy to be with her at all,” said Lucas with disgust.

Jason raised an eyebrow. “I’m not worthy while Jeremy is? Lucas, don’t tell me you think Jeremy—your nemesis—is better than me!” Lucas frowned with worry. “He’s even more unworthy than you, but what can I do when Corinne likes him?”

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1357-Jason was a little taken aback by Lucas’ answer, and he smiled selfdeprecatingly.

“So as Corinne’s brother, you’re willing to see past the bad blood between the two families and let Corinne marry Jeremy?” “I don’t want to do anything that’ll make Corinne sad since it’s taken me this long to find her,” said Lucas seriously. “That means I’ll give her anything she wants.

I’ll still keep an eye on her even if she marries Jeremy, and I’ll kill him if he dares to make her cry.” Jason looked at Lucas stunned before pretending to be frightened. “I pity the poor fool who has you as his brother-in-law.”

“Well, no one’s stopping you from leaving if you’re scared.” Jason smiled. “Oh, come on, Lucas! Why don’t you consider having me as your brother-in-law? I promise I’ll treat Corinne better than Jeremy treats her.” “But she doesn’t like you,” said Lucas, going straight for the jugular.

Jason’s smile froze. A second later, he shrugged. “Who’s to say she won’t like me in the future?” Lucas narrowed his eyes. “Corinne and I are the same. If she doesn’t like someone at first, she’ll never like them later.” Not liking the conversation anymore, Jason waved his hand and said, “You’re not fun at all. What’s more, I’ve never seen you take an interest in any girl before in all the years I’ve known you! So no, Corinne’s not as cold as you.” Lucas was speechless.

Jason put down his coffee cup. “I’m not going to waste my time talking to you anymore when I could be talking to Corinne.” As unhappy as Lucas was, he did not stop Jason from leaving. He knew Corinne’s heart was not that easy to be won over.

Corinne was eating a barbecued skewer when Jason walked over and sat next to her. He smiled at her and said, “You sure are enjoying your food, Corinne.

May I try some of the ones you’re eating?” Corinne glanced at Jason. “Just eat whatever you want.” Corinne referred to the plenty more food on the table, so she was speechless when Jason grabbed her half-eaten food from her hand and ate it. She did not expect him to do that, so she was not quick enough to object.

‘Oh well, no point asking for the food back now that he’s eaten it,’ thought Corinne as she picked up her glass of water.

Jason took a bit of the food and said with a smile, “Mm, this is delicious! You know, Corinne, I can buy food like this for you whenever you want.” Corinne sipped her water and said, “No, thanks. I can buy it myself.” Jason smiled. “I meant I could buy it for you if you don’t have time to spare.” “It’s okay. I can ask for delivery.” “Won’t you at least give me a chance?” asked Jason helplessly.

Corinne glanced at him. “What chance are you talking about?” “The chance to be your boyfriend in the future,” replied Jason boldly.

Corinne laughed. “Give it up! That’s never going to happen.” Jason sighed with mock frustration. “Corinne, are you seriously going to forgive Jeremy? You do know we men never change, right? You shouldn’t go back to him.” Both Aaron and Xante, who sat on the other side, knew what Jason was trying to do. However, they decided not to intervene since they knew Corinne was capable of handling this.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1358-“Look, I’m happy that you’ve come to visit me, but I don’t want to talk about this with you,” said Corinne lacklusterly.

Jason smiled. “I just want to ask what’s going to happen to me if you’ve decided to get back with Jeremy?” Corinne looked at him sincerely. “Jason, I see you as my friend only. We’ll always be friends.” Jason’s expression faltered, and it was not long until a sad smile appeared on his face. “Always, huh? You really know how to turn a man down, Corinne.” “I don’t want to lead you on when I have no feelings toward you. That’s what a scmbag would do, and I’m not a scmbag,” said Corinne.

She yawned lazily and stood up. “Please enjoy your meal, y’all. I’m going to shower and head to bed now.” Annie stood up as well. “Corinne, let me help you up to your room!” Corinne did not turn down her help, and the two of them went up the stairs together.

Jason looked so forlorn that his gaze became slightly unfocused. After a long while, he narrowed his eyes and picked up Corinne’s glass, wanting to drink from it.

However, Aaron grabbed the glass of water before Jason could do that.

Aaron smiled politely at him and said, “Mister Jason, I’m afraid I can’t let you drink this water since the boss has drank from it.” Jason smiled. “I don’t mind at all.” “But the boss does,” replied Aaron with the same polite smile on his face.

Jason looked at him with hostility before raising an eyebrow. “Aren’t you worried I’ll be your boss’ husband one day and make you pay for the disrespect you’ve shown me now?” Aaron never let go of the glass. “That’s something for future-me to worry about.

What I’m sure of right now is you’re not her husband.” Jason knew it was pointless to argue, so he let go of the glass. “Well folks, please continue eating. I have to attend to something urgent.” He stood up gracefully as though what happened did not affect him, and he walked out of the living room. On the way, he waved goodbye to Lucas, who sat at the rattan chair by the floor-to-ceiling window.

“Bye, Lucas. Catch up with you when we’re both free.” Lucas nodded. “Sure. I won’t see you off, then.” Jason smiled and waved once more before shoving his hands gracefully into his pants pockets. He then walked out of the mansion.

Unlike Jeremy, Jason could come and go to the mansion as he pleased.

However, he did not get what he wanted. ‘Well, at least I got to personally see that Corinne is okay.’ As for who Corinne would ultimately choose in the end… It was still too early to tell.

Meanwhile, in Corinne’s old room upstairs… Corinne was washing up in the bathroom, leaving Annie to look around in the room.

Corinne then came out of the bathroom dressed in her pajamas, ready to go to bed. When she saw Annie still in her room, she raised an eyebrow and asked, “Why are you still here? You should go home by now.” Annie did not answer her. Instead, she asked, “Corinne, why are you staying with the Riveras? This room doesn’t look like a guest room or an adult’s room. It looks like a little girl’s room. Why did they give you this room?” Corinne did not want to answer her. It would be best if fewer people knew about her true identity.

She threw off her blanket and got into the bed. “I want to sleep now. Go back downstairs and ask Aaron to give you a ride home

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1359-Annie pouted. “No, I don’t want to leave! It’s nearly morning, anyway! Let me stay here with you until then, and I’ll take a cab home after that.” Marcus got angry at her because of Aaron, so she wanted to collect her thoughts before having any contact with Aaron. She knew if she went downstairs then, Aaron would never let her go back home. It was best to stay with Corinne and leave after Aaron had left.

“By the way, I managed to get some details about Sophia. Do you want to hear them?” said Annie in a tone that aimed to evoke curiosity.

Corinne was resting against the headboard and scrolling through her phone.

Her expression became slightly intrigued when she heard that. She looked up

and said to Annie, “Speak.” Knowing she had gotten Corinne’s full attention, Annie sat on the floor and put her elbow on the bed, her chin resting in her hand as she told Corinne what she knew.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed Uncle Jeremy kept a clear boundary between himself and Anya, even when he mistakenly thought she saved him years ago.

However, the same could not be said for Sophia as he would sometimes allow her to cross his boundary. Do you know why that is?” Corinne instinctively frowned. Thinking back, she realized Jeremy did not treat Sophia as coldly as he treated Anya. He forced himself to endure whatever Anya wanted him to do as he felt like he owed her for saving his life. However, he was not so sensitive toward his personal space when it came to Sophia.

‘What else could be the reason? It’s because they’re legally married!’ thought Corinne. Her chest would inevitably tighten at the thought of that.

Her anger toward Jeremy came rushing back, and she wished to never see him again.

Seeing Corinne’s expression darkening, Annie quickly said, “Hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Let me explain. When Uncle Jeremy first met Sophia, he thought she was a guy. He treated her as he treated Zeke and Gerald for a long time. He was so used to seeing Sophia as a guy that his senses toward her invading his personal space became blunted.” Corinne looked at Annie with a frown. ‘What kind of stupid reason is that? She must be desperate for me to get back together with Jeremy to think I’d fall for this lie. How can anyone mistake Sophia for a guy when she has huge boobs and a big *ss?’ “Corinne, you have to believe me. Look, here are some old pictures of Sophia.” Annie quickly took out her phone and showed pictures to prove the validity of her words.

Corinne looked at her phone skeptically for a few seconds before her expression turned into one of shock.

She saw a very skinny Sophia dressed in a man’s T-shirt and shorts. What made her look even more like a guy was her buzzcut and tanned skin. She had no makeup on and looked like she had not hit puberty yet since her chest was as flat as a guy’s. Anyone would be rightly forgiven for mistaking her as a guy.

“This was how she looked when Uncle Jeremy first met her. She even pulled off playing for the men’s basketball team,” said Annie disapprovingly. “I mean, knowing Uncle Jeremy, why would he be friends with a woman? I looked into their pasts and found out he had been treating her as a guy friend all this while.” Corinne scoffed after snapping out of her daze. “So what? It still doesn’t excuse him for hiding the fact that he’s legally married to her from me.” Annie’s eyes widened. “I’ve looked into that matter and feel like I must help him explain things to you. Back then, Uncle Jeremy asked for Sophia’s help to pull off a fake marriage with him so Grandpa Greg would agree to go for his muchneeded operation. But Sophia’s flight got delayed due to bad weather on the day she was supposed to get married to Uncle Jeremy, and that was when he met you.

“Strictly speaking, Uncle Jeremy never lied to you. At most, he decided to not tell you because he was worried you wouldn’t want him anymore if you found out. He really cares about you, Corinne. He was going to tell you about Sophia after he revoked his marriage with her

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 1360-“You’re Jeremy’s niece, alright—defending him so fervently,” said Corinne mockingly. “To me, hiding something from me is as good as lying. Not to mention, I did ask him whether he was hiding anything from me, and he said he wasn’t.” Annie sighed again. “I’m a woman too, but I understand how you feel. No one likes to be lied to by the people they love and trust. But Corinne, don’t you get the sense that Uncle Jeremy is quite scared of you? He must not dare to tell you after imagining how angry you would be.” Corinne found that laughable. “Heh! As if I’d ever believe he’s scared of me. You haven’t seen the way he shouts at me when he’s angry at me.” Annie spread her hands helplessly. “Take today, for example. Uncle Jeremy doesn’t really care what the Riveras think of him. But even so, he didn’t dare to set foot inside because he was worried you’d get angry at him again.” Corinne was speechless.

Annie continued, “Also, Uncle Jeremy got legally married to Sophia not because of some ‘bromance’ or because he likes her. No. It’s because Sophia’s father is Adam, as in the director of Adam Group! You must’ve heard of the company, Corinne.

“If I’m to be polite, I’d say Adam Group is a world-class business consortium.

But really, they’re just a big bully with a global reach. As to why this concerns Uncle Jeremy… Well, he’s in a somewhat complicated situation due to the problems passed down from his parents’ generation.

“I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Uncle Jeremy’s father was an infamous playboy who had many illegitimate children with different women outside of his marriage. As time passed, his illegitimate children all grew up and started vying for Uncle Jeremy’s fortune like hungry wolves.

“They kept looking for an opportunity to expose Uncle Jeremy’s weakness so they could threaten him with it. All of them wanted him dead so they could inherit the Holdens’ vast fortune.

“Uncle Jeremy knew that his wife’s life would be put in danger should he announce his marriage, and he didn’t want to risk the life of someone innocent.

But Sophia is different. She has her dad’s protection. No one would dare to hurt her once they knew she’s Adam’s daughter. Thus, she could save Uncle Jeremy a lot of unnecessary trouble.

“Back then, Sophia was the best choice for Jeremy. Moreover, Sophia volunteered to help Uncle Jeremy herself, saying that she was willing to help him with no strings attached since they were friends. Uncle Jeremy had no reason to turn her down.

“Uncle Jeremy wasn’t in a rush to revoke his marriage with Sophia because he was worried your life would be put in danger or that his half-brothers would use you to blackmail him, just like what happened today, without Sophia as a cover.

But I guess some things just can’t be avoided. I’m just glad both you and Uncle Jeremy are safe and sound now.” Corinne listened to what Annie said with a complicated expression. ‘Does that mean the extra bodyguards Jeremy hired to keep watch over me before I escaped the mansion was to prevent me from getting kidnapped by his halfbrothers?’ she wondered. ‘Ugh, that dolt should learn how to tell me things!’ “So Jeremy knew about his half-brothers since he was a boy?” asked Corinne thoughtfully.

Annie nodded. “Yup. He always knew about them.” Frankly, she somewhat pitied Jeremy. His father did not care about him at all as he would rather spend his time chasing after other women. He would profess ardent love for every woman he met and abandon them in the slightest trouble.

What was even more despicable was he would go on to have kids with these women.

Jeremy’s mother had long given up on Jeremy’s father out of sadness and despair. She left the family when Jeremy was still little, and no one had seen her since. No one even knew whether she was still alive or dead.

Corinne’s heart ached. The pain was not out of pity for Jeremy but due to how similar their childhood experiences were