After leaving the villa, Joseph was pulled by Alice to the underground parking garage.
The garage housed dozens of cars, the least of which were luxury vehicles like Maseratis, demonstrating immense wealth.
"Mr. Joseph, you seem quite unhappy. Experiencing marital changes in middle age is indeed difficult to accept. But someone as outstanding as you will surely meet a better woman in the future." Alice held Joseph's arm, her breasts intentionally or unintentionally brushing against it, making Joseph feel out of place.
He had never had such close contact even with his wife in name.
"Thank you. I'm fine," Joseph said with a wry smile.
"Joseph, I have a question I want to ask you." Alice released Joseph's arm, her demeanor and tone somewhat restrained.
"Hmm? What question?" Joseph instinctively asked.
"Do... do you think I'm pretty?" Alice bit her lip, mustering her courage to speak. As she uttered these words, her face flushed crimson, and she tightly grasped the hem of her clothes, her heart filled with trepidation.
She was not an assertive person by nature, yet at this moment, she asked such a question.
Upon hearing this, Joseph turned to Alice, observing her restless and bashful appearance. He suddenly found it somewhat amusing.
"I think you're an exceptionally beautiful girl. Any man who marries you would certainly be very fortunate," Joseph said with a frank smile, not hesitating to offer his praise.
"Then are you willing to be that lucky man?" Alice asked almost instinctively.
"Of course," Joseph laughed in astonishment.
"Really?" Alice instantly became somewhat excited.
"I only see you as a little sister. You've been very kind to me, and I'm extremely grateful. But you only met me a few hours ago, and you don't know much about me. I'm afraid my good fortune might bring you misfortune."
"Moreover, I don't even know who I am, and I've forgotten many things," Joseph said with a wry smile.
"Joseph, you've simply forgotten. Many years ago, you visited our home with your master. We knew each other back then."
"At that time, you were sunny, confident, cheerful, and loved to laugh. You were also great at making people happy." As Alice spoke, a smile appeared on her face, as if she had recalled some beautiful memories.
"So that's how it is. I'm sorry, I truly can't remember many things," Joseph said, suddenly enlightened, followed by another bitter smile.
"Hehe, it's alright. No matter how you change, the you in my memories will always be perfect. You'll remember everything in the future," Alice chuckled and once again intimately held Joseph's arm. At first, this action made her feel somewhat shy, but now it felt increasingly natural to her.
Because when she was little, she would always affectionately hold Joseph's arm like this.
As they talked, they got into the car. Joseph naturally sat in the driver's seat.
Alice helped Joseph set up the navigation, and Joseph started the car, driving out of the underground garage.
"Since we've known each other for a long time, you should know me quite well, right?" Joseph remembered something and asked.
However, upon hearing this, Alice shook her head.
"When we were little, you and your master would usually stay at our house temporarily. Sometimes it was for a day or two, sometimes for ten days to half a month. The longest stay, as I recall, was about half a year. As for your matters, Grandpa and we never pried, and he wouldn't let others inquire either. It all seemed quite mysterious," Alice answered truthfully.
"Is that so?" Hearing this, Joseph didn't continue asking.
"Joseph, can you promise me something?" Alice fastened her seatbelt and remembered something.
"Hmm? What is it?" Joseph asked.
"From now on, can you not see me as a little sister anymore?" Alice's pretty face blushed slightly.
"Hmm? Why?" Joseph glanced at Alice while driving.
"Because... because I've grown up, and it's different from before. We don't have a blood relationship, so how can we be siblings?" Alice bit her lip and forcefully explained.
"Without a blood relationship, we can't be siblings? I've never heard of such a thing," Joseph pretended to be somewhat surprised.
"Anyway, just don't be my brother..." Alice lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's, her face already flushed crimson.
"Then you're not my little sister. It feels strange to suddenly have an extra sister anyway," Joseph said with a smile. This little girl's words were a bit odd. What exactly had happened between them in the past?
It seemed like she really liked him, which made Joseph somewhat perplexed.
"Hehe, that's good," Alice was quite happy with Joseph's answer.
The two chatted and laughed along the way. The car entered another luxurious neighborhood, which was very large and had a great environment.
"Joseph, it's just ahead. The detached apartments nearby all belong to our family!" Hearing this, Joseph found a parking spot where Alice pointed and stopped the car.
"Let's go, I'll show you the house." As soon as she got out of the car, Alice grabbed Joseph's hand and headed towards the detached apartment.
This intimate action made Joseph unsure whether to break free or not.
"This apartment has two floors in total, with a rooftop terrace where you can sunbathe and drink coffee when you have time. There are five rooms inside. One has been arranged into a study, one has been converted into a gym, so there are three rooms left," Alice introduced as she walked with Joseph.
"This is my room. I've also decorated it quite nicely. Come take a look." Without giving Joseph much time to think, Alice pulled him into the room.
As soon as he entered, the fragrance of a young girl greeted him.
"What do you think? Not bad, right?" Alice asked.
Joseph instinctively looked around, but his gaze finally landed on the bed, because at this moment, a set of sexy, lace-trimmed women's underwear was lying on the bed.
Joseph was completely stunned.
"Joseph, why aren't you saying anything?" Alice asked when Joseph remained silent.
However, when she turned to look, she found Joseph staring at the bed. Following his gaze, she spotted the clothing on the bed.
"Ah!" Alice let out a soft cry, her face instantly turning red. With swift eyes and hands, she grabbed the clothing and stuffed it back into the wardrobe.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Mr. Joseph. I'm too sloppy," Alice covered her face, feeling utterly ashamed.
"Ahem, it's quite nice, quite pretty," Joseph coughed lightly, somewhat sanctimoniously.
"Ah?" Alice was momentarily stunned. What did he mean by 'quite nice, quite pretty'?
"I mean, your room is decorated quite nicely, quite beautifully," Joseph explained, realizing his words had some ambiguity.
"Umm... let me show you your room!" Alice pulled Joseph and left her room.
"Joseph, this is your room! When my grandpa or father come over, they stay here. Now you can stay. My father is in Metropolis City all year round, and my grandpa doesn't visit often, so it's usually just me here," Alice led Joseph into a room, which was fully equipped with various items.
"Then I'll stay here for now," Joseph nodded upon hearing this.
"Mm-hmm!"
"Later, we'll go out together to buy some daily necessities and a few sets of clothes for you. Finally, we'll have dinner outside," Alice nodded vigorously, then chattered on. She was a girl of few words, and it was only in front of Joseph that she talked so much.
Neither her classmates nor relatives and friends had ever seen such a talkative side of her.
"Sounds good, but I don't have much money on me. We can just eat something simple outside, and we don't need to buy any non-essential daily items," Joseph said with a smile upon hearing this.
Latest Chapter
Chapter 765
“He said that if there’s a need, he’ll step in,” Heidi reported. “But not to help our parents—he just can’t stand the thought of that girl losing her life.”“He said he’s a doctor, and saving lives is his duty.”Fiona paused, a quiet sigh escaping her. “Mr. Wilson’s breadth of mind is far beyond mine.”“It’s not about comparison,” Heidi said, eating as she spoke. “He’s always been that way—unfussy about the small things, and generous in scope.”“I never noticed before,” Fiona said with a rueful smile.“Not noticing then doesn’t matter, noticing now is enough. Either way, keeping that girl alive is a kindness—it builds merit, whether or not it lightens our parents’ sentence,” Heidi said with easy indifference.“I’ll call the station tomorrow and ask about her condition. If there’s a need, we’ll consider asking Mr. Wilson to help,” Fiona said.“Let’s just rest tonight,” Heidi told her. “Things are what they are; fretting won’t change them.”Fiona only nodded.By noon the next day, Charl
Chapter 764
“Grandfather, that’s not what I meant,” Fiona said, shaking her head lightly.“Then what is it you want me to do?” old Mr. Cooper asked.“Leaving aside the gravity of their crimes, there’s no lawful way to get them out,” she replied evenly. “And even if there were, there’d be no need for you to intervene—because they’re simply not worth it.”“If you already know that, why bring it to me at all?” he pressed.“I only think you and Grandmother have a right to know,” Fiona answered plainly. “You are, after all, my father’s parents.”“They’re both old enough to be responsible for their own actions,” old Miss Cooper said at last. “It’s not that your grandfather and I are heartless—we’re powerless. We can’t spend our lives cleaning up after them, enabling them to run wild.”“I understand, Grandmother,” Fiona replied softly. “I don’t blame you. In truth, I feel the same.”“You can hire the best attorneys and argue the case on its merits—that’s one of the few things we can still do,” old Mr. C
Chapter 763
Faced with Joseph’s question, Heidi fell silent for a moment.“I’m torn—truly conflicted. I don’t even know if I should be telling you any of this.”She still couldn’t bring herself to say it.“What’s there to hide, silly girl? Since when have we kept things from each other?”Joseph let out a dry, amused chuckle.“All right.”“Here’s what happened.”Taking heart from Joseph’s words, Heidi recounted the mess involving her parents from start to finish. Joseph listened with unfeigned seriousness.When she was done, he could only manage a wry smile.“She brought this on herself. Who could possibly help her now?”“Your father might face something lighter. But your mother—she’s looking at at least ten years, if not more.”“And if that child hadn’t survived, or is left with permanent disability or complications, her sentence would only grow harsher.”Joseph spoke with a weary shake of the head.“That’s exactly what Captain Christopher at the Nova City Police Department said.”“Brother-in-law
Chapter 762
“Fiona, Fiona, I don’t want to go to prison—least of all to die,” Maria Long persisted, still refusing to accept reality.“You don’t want to die—does that girl?” Fiona replied, weary resignation edging her voice. “You’re my mother, but saying something like that is too much, isn’t it? In your eyes, is your life the only one that matters?”“Dad, Mom, just wait here for news. We’ll keep you informed,” Heidi said at last. It was all she could manage.“Let’s go,” Fiona said, taking Heidi by the hand. After a few steps, she turned back to Stephen Cooper. “Dad—take care of yourself.”“Do what you can. I’ll accept whatever comes,” Stephen murmured, lifting his eyes, sorrow swimming in them.“I’ll do my best,” Fiona said with a small nod, then led Heidi away.“You’ll stay here tonight,” Captain Christopher added. “Tomorrow you’ll be transferred to the detention center. And stop daydreaming—this is serious. No one can save you.”Maria Long’s face crumpled into utter despair.“Useless old man—w
Chapter 761
Following Captain Christopher’s instruction, a policewoman came over and played the footage for Fiona.Fiona and Heidi leaned in to watch. The longer they looked, the grimmer their expressions became.Hearing the voices from the laptop, Maria Long shrank into herself, a flicker of fear crossing her eyes.Minute by minute, time slipped by. After more than ten minutes, Fiona exhaled, weariness etched across her features.“I’ve seen enough,” she said quietly.The officer stopped the video.“Fiona, Fiona—you have to save me,” Maria sobbed. “I can’t spend the rest of my life in prison. Please, I’m begging you.”“Mom, you’re my mother. No matter what, that will never change. As your daughter, I want to help you. But you left yourself no way out—none at all. How am I supposed to save you?” Fiona said with a helpless, strained smile.“Mom, I’ve told you time and again—rein in your temper, don’t go to extremes. Now look where we are. How are we supposed to help?” Heidi added, her voice tight w
Chapter 760
“Intentional injury, robbery and extortion, unlawful detention, and abuse of a minor—what is this nonsense? Has she lost her mind? She dared to commit actual crimes?” Fiona’s voice shook as she drove, emotions running high.“Who knows with her. In her world, she’s always the center of gravity. Once she’s worked up, there’s nothing she won’t do,” Heidi said, analyzing as she spoke. “She’s not even short on money. Why would she rob or extort anyone? Has she gone mad?” “And how would she pull that off alone? I’d bet Dad was involved too.”Fiona exhaled slowly, the car filling with a heavy silence. She kept her eyes on the road, her face clouded, heading for the Nova City Police Department.Half an hour later, she pulled up at the station. The two of them hurried inside.It was after hours, but in a place like this, overtime and late-night cases were nothing unusual.“Excuse me, I’m family of Maria Long. Which one is Captain Christopher?” Fiona asked a policewoman as soon as she stepp
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