Joseph nodded, unable to disagree. "Exactly. They always act as if everything revolves around their personal goals, regardless of the consequences. That’s what makes them so dangerous. If I don’t act quickly, things could spiral out of control."Brian leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Joseph with deep thought. "So, what’s your plan?"Joseph remained silent for a moment, as if weighing each step in his mind. "I need to divide them, make Charlotte and Mrs. Smith lose faith in Jayce. I have to find a way to make them see that Jayce is only using them and that collaborating with him will bring them no benefit."Brian nodded, then let out a bitter smile. "That’s a tough plan. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s you. Just be careful not to get caught up in their psychological games. They’re not only strange but also very skilled at manipulating others."Joseph smiled slightly, but there was a steely determination behind it. "I won’t be defeated that easily. Jayce may think he has
"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 smiled, feeling satisfied to see that Joseph had finally made a decision. "Good, Joseph. You've made the right choice. We'll prepare everything we need. When they attack, we’ll strike back even harder. They will pay for what they've done."Joseph nodded, but deep down, he knew there was still one thing he needed to do before moving forward with Brian's plan. He couldn’t completely ignore the feelings and history between him and Charlotte. Even knowing she had betrayed him, Joseph wanted to give her one last chance to explain and choose. He decided that he would meet with Charlotte one more time, lay everything out clearly, and let her decide if she wanted to continue opposing him.As Joseph was lost in these thoughts, something suddenly slammed into the table where he and Brian were sitting, causing their food and drinks to spill. Both of them were startled and turned to see what had happened.Joseph was surprised to see David, Charlotte's brother, standing there with a group of
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
Joseph's display of power not only reassured the bar owner but also left a strong impression on everyone around. The other patrons, who had been holding their breath and watching from the start, couldn't help but admire Joseph's confidence and strength. He was not only someone who knew how to protect himself but also someone willing to take responsibility for his actions."This... the damages must be quite a lot... around two million..." the bar owner stammered."Whatever the amount, I'll cover it," Joseph replied. "I understand—the tables and chairs are broken, and the other customers were disturbed. This will affect your revenue. I'll transfer the money to you right away, so you don't have to worry. I'm also genuinely sorry for the trouble."Joseph bowed slightly, showing his sincerity in the apology. The bar owner, who had begun to suspect that Joseph was no ordinary person, immediately changed his attitude. Money was one thing, but building a relationship with someone like Joseph
Joseph got into the car, his mind still buzzing from the confrontation with David and his friends. But he quickly pushed those thoughts aside. He had a more pressing matter to deal with immediately. Joseph reached for his phone, scrolled through his contacts to Charlotte's number, and without hesitation, texted her to meet."Charlotte, we need to talk. Meet me at Dolce cafe tomorrow. You pick the time, I'll be there."Joseph didn't have to wait long; within minutes, his phone buzzed with a reply. Charlotte agreed swiftly, which slightly surprised him, but also relieved him."Okay, let's meet at 10 AM tomorrow. I also need to clarify things with you."Joseph stared at the message on his screen, feeling a mix of conflict pass through his mind. This meeting wouldn't be easy, but he knew it was necessary. Whatever the outcome, Joseph was ready to face whatever came.He pocketed his phone, started the car, and drove home. On the way, thoughts of the upcoming conversation with Charlotte cir
As Joseph turned to go inside, Norman called him back, his voice hesitant and anxious. “Joseph… do you feel like you’ve been distancing yourself from me lately? Is there something wrong between us?”Joseph stopped, turned, and looked at Norman, surprised by the question. “No, not at all, Norman,” Joseph replied, his voice soft yet firm. “Nothing has changed between us. It’s just that there’s been a lot going on, and I don’t want you to worry further.”Norman was silent for a moment, but he seemed not fully convinced. He stepped closer to Joseph, quickly scanning his arm where small scratches and bruises were visible, then asked with a tone full of suspicion. “You… you’ve been fighting with someone, haven’t you?”Joseph, although prepared for any question, paused slightly at Norman’s inquiry. “No, it’s nothing,” Joseph quickly said, but his hands involuntarily pulled his sleeve up further, hiding the bruised skin.Norman observed Joseph closely, not missing that small gesture. “You say
Joseph stood up, pocketed his phone, and walked out of the cafe. A sense of emptiness filled him, as if all hope had been extinguished. He knew he had to accept the reality that Charlotte had chosen not to have anything more to do with him. And with that, he had to move on without her.Inside, Joseph's hope of resolving everything amicably with Charlotte faded away. She had decided not to show up, and that meant she didn't want to find a way to resolve their issues. Joseph knew he had no choice but to move forward without her.Time passed, and Joseph's life gradually returned to its regular rhythm, though something incomplete lingered after the missed appointment. But he didn't allow himself to dwell on it too much. There were other things to do, and most importantly, he needed to be ready for Mr. William's return.The day Mr. William was discharged finally arrived. The family gathered at the hospital, the atmosphere tense yet filled with anticipation. Mr. William, still weak but some