John adjusted his tie, glancing over at Joe with a grin as they stood in front of the full-length mirror in Joe’s room. "How do I look?" he asked, smoothing down the front of his suit. Joe took a step back, nodding approvingly. "You look amazing," he said, giving his cousin a confident smile. "Thanks," John replied, flashing a thumbs-up before they both turned and made their way downstairs. As they reached the table by the door, Joe’s eyes landed on a bouquet of flowers he’d picked out earlier. He reached for them but hesitated, glancing down at the bouquet in his hands. Just as he was about to put them back, John gave him a questioning look. "Why are you putting them back?" John asked, arching an eyebrow. "Aren't they for Hannah?" Joe shrugged, his hesitation clear. "I don’t know... Do you think she’ll even like them? I feel like maybe I’m doing too much. It’s just a launch of her event and not a date.” John shook his head, chuckling softly. "Joe, you’re not doing too much.
Joe tried to pull his gaze away from Aaron, the last person he wanted to see, but it was too late. Aaron had already locked eyes with him. Within seconds, Aaron moved in his direction with a smirk, pulling at his lips. "Hi, Joe," Aaron said, with his voice filled with sarcasm. Joe rolled his eyes, ignoring him. "Oh, so you're just going to pretend you don’t know me?" Aaron challenged, crossing his arms with a mocking grin. "Because I don’t," Joe replied coolly. "I don’t know lowlives like you." Aaron scoffed, his smirk widening. "You’d be surprised to know that I’m more than just some ‘lowlife.’ In fact, I’ve always been far more than that, Joe. I’ve never known what it’s like to be poor or wretched." Joe’s eyes narrowed. "I remember you vividly, Aaron. And I also remember what happened to you the last time we spoke." Aaron’s smirk faltered for a second, but he quickly recovered. "I remember too, Joe. That’s why I’m here—to give you a bit of advice or, in this case, to warn
"What are you doing here?"Timothy grinned, then stepped aside to reveal the auburn-haired woman at his side. "Came with a date," he replied, nodding toward her. "This is Leah."Leah extended a hand. She was wearing a warm smile that seemed almost contagious."Hi, I’m Leah, head of Green Corporation.""She makes green tea!" Timothy added, chuckling. "Isn’t she fun?"Joe nodded politely, reaching out to shake her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”At that moment, Timothy grabbed a spare chair for himself and Leah and slid it next to Joe and John. Once everyone was seated, Timothy spoke up."So, Joe,” he began, giving him a pointed look, “how does it feel to be here supporting your woman?""She’s not my woman," Joe replied, rolling his eyes.Timothy laughed, turning to Leah. "That’s what he tells everyone, but we all know there’s something between these two."Leah raised her eyebrows in curiosity, looking between Joe and Timothy. Timothy then turned to John. "What do you think, John? Don’t
Joe and Hannah strolled down the quiet street under the dim glow of streetlights. Joe chuckled, glancing at her with mocking eyes. “So, be honest. Are you trying to kidnap me?” Hannah let out a laugh, playful and full of energy. “If I wanted to kidnap you, I’d do it with a lot more style. Ground style, you know?” “Mind sharing what you mean by ground style?” Hannah stared at Joe for a while and then suddenly took off running, with laughter ringing through the night. Joe was startled by this gesture as he watched her move in a zigzag manner, her hands sliding against the lamppost she walked past. Hey, where are you going?” John called out as he picked up his steps. He saw Hannah glance over her shoulder to catch a glimpse of him. “Keep up, Whitmore!” she called over her shoulder. Joe tried to keep up with her, their footsteps echoing down the empty street. Just as he was about to ask again where she was leading him, Hannah came to a halt, breathing heavily as they reached a
Joe’s mind was still a whirl of thoughts as he and Hannah continued to walk side by side down the sandy path, heading back the way they’d come. Just as he began to get lost in his thoughts again, Hannah’s voice broke the silence. “Look up,” she said. Joe noticed that her eyes turned to the sky, pointing to a cluster of stars. “Do you see that pattern over there?” Joe followed her gaze, spotting a group of stars that former “W” shape. “Yeah, what about it?” “That’s Cassiopeia,” she explained, her voice soft. If he weren’t standing close to her, he wouldn’t have bests a word. “According to the myth, she was a queen who bragged that she and her daughter were more beautiful than the sea nymphs. The gods punished her by placing her in the sky, but she’s upside down half the time.” Joe raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “So, she’s forced to sit in the sky forever, upside down half the time, just because she was confident?” Hannah laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s one way t
Joe’s gaze flickered from his watch to the office door; his impatience was increasing as he waited for Jeremy to bring in his unexpected guest. A soft knock finally interrupted the silence, and Joe straightened himself. “Come in,” he called out, wondering who would appear. As the door opened, Joe’s eyes widened in surprise. Standing before him was Lady Penelope. He immediately rose to his feet. “Lady Penelope,” Joe said with a shocked tone. “What are you doing here?” Lady Penelope gave him a gentle smile, though her eyes held a seriousness that Joe didn’t miss. “I have something important to discuss with you, Joe.” Joe glanced over at Jeremy, gesturing for him to leave. As the door clicked shut behind Jeremy, Joe turned back to her. “You could have just called, you know, or sent Timothy,” he said, forcing a lightness he didn’t quite feel. Lady Penelope shook her head. “This isn’t something that should be discussed over the phone.” She took a seat opposite him, her gaze pie
“Don’t tell me you believe him?” Joe leaned forward. He had had enough of Timothy’s lies and couldn’t bear to listen. Lady Penelope turned to look at Joe. “I’m sorry, but he won me over with his story.” At the sound of her words, Timothy smirked, and Joe shook his head continuously. “He’s lying,” Joe said with a bold tone. “Hannah and I are not an item neither are we counting the days to our anniversary.” “He’s only saying this because he’s shy, Mom,” Timothy said, and Joe rolled his eyes. “You don’t ever give up.” He said with a feral tone. “This isn’t about giving up. I’m just saying what I believe it’s true and know it’s true,” Timothy said, lifting his hands in defense. “And besides, I know you are going to admit that I’m right sooner or later.” “In your dreams,” Joe said, and Timothy was about to respond when Lady Penelope stood on their feet. “It’s time for me to head back to the estate for my afternoon nap.” She said with a voice that sounded like she was looking forw
Joe sat back in his bed, the letter from his father still clutched in his hand. He couldn’t believe what he just read and just had to read it again. "P.S. If ever my son is found, let him know there’s a letter addressed to him in my study, in the safe. The password to the safe is 9220. Please let him know about this. It’s very important." The words echoed in Joe’s mind, and a shiver ran down his spine. What could be so important? What was his father hiding or preparing for him? The questions multiplied in his head. He couldn’t wait any longer. He needed to find that letter. Without a second thought, Joe grabbed the letter and rushed out of his room. His steps quickened as he made his way down the corridor toward his father’s study. He had been in that room a hundred times before, but tonight, it felt different—charged with an energy he couldn’t explain. When Joe reached the study door, he pushed it open and scanned the room. His father’s desk sat in the middle of the room,