Jayce sat there, phone in hand, his eyes filled with frustration and disbelief at what he had just heard. Coco knew about Joseph’s previous marriage, and she didn’t seem to care. Her calmness was the complete opposite of what Jayce had expected. He couldn’t accept this.Jayce decided to try one more time. His voice was low, with a clear hint of irritation. “Coco, do you really know about Joseph’s previous marriage? And you don’t think that’s important?”Coco responded clearly and firmly, without hesitation. “Yes, Jayce, I know. And as I’ve already said, it’s not important to me at all. Joseph’s past doesn’t affect our current relationship.”Jayce’s tone sharpened, almost turning threatening. “Coco, have you thought about Mr. Watts? Do you think your father will accept you marrying someone like Joseph, who’s been through a failed marriage? In this high society, marriage isn’t just about love; it’s about being well-matched. I’m certain that Mr. Watts will never agree to you marrying som

When Mr. William refused to thank Joseph, insisting that what Joseph had done was merely a son's duty, Joseph wasn’t surprised. He stood there, listening to every word his father said, with a feeling he had grown all too familiar with: indifference, denial, and lack of recognition. Joseph knew very well that in Mr. William's eyes, he was never seen as worthy, never truly valued no matter how hard he tried.In that moment, Joseph felt a deep emptiness rise within him. It wasn't a fresh pain but rather an old, hardened ache, a part of life he had long accepted. Mr. William had always been difficult, and his expectations were never meant for Joseph. No matter what Joseph did, even saving his life, it was never enough to change Mr. William’s ingrained view of him.Joseph didn’t need to think for long. He knew what he had to do to maintain peace for himself and the family during this time. With a faint smile, he said to Norman, “Let’s just let this go. There’s no need to make a big deal ou

Joseph was surprised, raising an eyebrow. "A girlfriend? Since when did you have a girlfriend without me knowing?"Brian shook his head, trying to keep a serious expression but clearly unable to hide his irritation. "You've been so busy lately that there's been no time to talk to anyone. I didn’t even have the chance to tell you."Joseph burst out laughing, giving Brian a light pat on the shoulder. "Come on, Brian. Don’t be so sulky. You know I've had a lot on my plate lately. But really, tell me, who’s the lucky girl who caught your eye?"Brian sighed but couldn't resist a smile when he heard Joseph’s teasing tone. "She's just a normal girl. We've been dating for a few months, but recently she’s been upset over the smallest things. I honestly don’t know what to do anymore."Joseph raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with interest. "So, tell me, what exactly has she been upset about that’s got you so frustrated?"Brian looked at Joseph for a moment, as if weighing whether or not to s

"You’re right, Brian," Joseph replied, his voice thoughtful. "Jayce has been using every trick in the book to get what he wants. But he forgets that I’m not someone who can be easily defeated. He may be cunning, but I won’t let him succeed."Brian nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Joseph, you’re not fighting this battle alone. Remember, I’m always here, ready to face any of Jayce’s dirty schemes with you. He may be crafty, but we can take him on together. You’re never alone in this fight."Joseph hadn’t thought much about it before, never imagined that Charlotte and the Smith family would become a threat to him. He had assumed that after the divorce, he would be free from that mess. But no, it had followed him into the present, growing from a storm into a full-blown hurricane.Joseph drummed his fingers on the table, then picked up a glass of whiskey and drank it in one gulp. The light bitterness on his tongue and the gentle sweetness down his throat made him feel more clea

Brian sat beside Joseph, his eyes burning with anger. He could feel his body tensing up, his fists clenched as if ready to punch David right then and there. But before he could act, Joseph signaled for him to stay calm, his gaze steady and composed.Seeing that Joseph wasn't reacting, David continued his verbal assault with even harsher words. "I don’t understand how Charlotte put up with you for so long. All you do is leech off women, no value whatsoever. Without her, you’re nothing but a useless loser."Brian raised an eyebrow, struggling to contain the rage boiling inside him, but his eyes still flickered with anger. Meanwhile, Joseph remained calm, though it was clear he was making a great effort not to let the insults get to him.Suddenly, David stood up and shouted loudly so that everyone in the bar could hear. "Hey everyone, look here! This is Joseph, the most useless man I’ve ever known! Who does he think he is? A freeloader, nothing but a parasite on others!"Laughter erupted