Chapter 126

Chapter 126 A Different Joseph From Imagined

Chloe fell silent, reflecting upon the support Icarus had provided her thus far.

She made up her mind to inform him about Ava’s deceitful actions.

As Icarus heard the details, fury ignited within him.

“My nephew’s a fool!” Icarus exclaimed, his anger evident.

Chloe shrugged and replied, “Feel free to tell him that yourself. If I were to tell him, he might see it as

me defaming Ava.”

This is why she had been hesitant to confront Jake, as her efforts had gone unappreciated, and

furthermore, leaving her entangled in a messy situation.

“Thank you, Chloe. Jake will surely regret his actions,” Icarus expressed his gratitude.

“It doesn’t matter to me whether he regrets it or not,” Chloe replied nonchalantly.

Icarus observed her indifferent demeanor with great joy. Despite the circumstances, she no longer held

any feelings for Jake. However, he believed that confessing at this point would be considered too hasty.

During a restroom break, Icarus discreetly handed a tip to the waiter and asked him to

purchase a bouquet of flowers. Upon his return, he also acquired a slice of cake for Chole from

the counter.

“Thank you.” Chloe expressed slight surprise at his small gesture, although she did not attach too much

significance to it.

She accepted the cake, slowly savoring small bites. The delicate cream melted on her tongue, and she

closed her eyes, experiencing a sense of relief from the day’s exhaustion.

Across the cafe, Joseph, having just finished dinner with his business partner, parked his car by the

roadside. His dark eyes locked onto the woman inside, brimming with anger. His knuckles clenched

tightly, emitting a cracking sound, as he witnessed Chloe’s blissful expression.

Lucas’ heart sank, and he silently sent a prayer to God. He had failed his role as a wingman miserably.

He had exhausted all his efforts to convince Mr. Joseph to purchase sweet treats for Chloe in hopes of

mending their relationship.

But before even entering the shop, they were confronted with this dreadful scene.

‘May the heavens protect me. I’m innocent!’ Lucas pleaded internally, hoping that Mr. Joseph’s anger

would not be directed at him.

Joseph’s sudden outburst of anger left Lucas bewildered and unable to quell the tension in the air.

Oblivious to the traffic lights, Joseph hastened his steps and stormed into the cafe.

“Tsk, taking a break from work to go on a date?” Joseph sneered at Chloe in a strange tone as he

gazed down at her.

Icarus’ eyes

lit up when he saw Joseph.

“Mr. Joseph,” he greeted warmly.

Ever since Joseph’s speech at the financial forum, half of the industry knew him as the legendary figure

set to take over Fairlight. Icarus would have attended the forum himself, but unforeseen circumstances

had caused him to miss it.

“Why are you here?” Chloe set down the cake and regarded Joseph, sensing the displeasure etched

on his face. She hesitated for a moment before altering her tone, “Mr. Joseph, I’ve finished my tasks.

Ms. Jensen allowed me to leave work.”

She implied that she had not been neglecting her duties, so there was no need to go searching

for faults.

Lucas felt an overwhelming urge to bang his head against the wall at the lack of self- preservation in

her response. Acting swiftly, he stepped in to defuse the situation. “Mr. Joseph came in to buy some

desserts as gifts, not to talk about work. By the way, are you also in the finance industry, sir? You look

familiar.”

“Yes, I established a financial education foundation abroad and even did a little promotion for

it.” Icarus smiled.

Joseph shifted his gaze to Icarus. “The Daedalus Foundation?”

“That’s right.” Icarus smiled and nodded. “I sent you an invitation.”

Lucas explained that Joseph had been busy at the time and could not attend and thus had sent his

blessings instead.

“Speaking of that time…” Joseph began, his gaze shifting toward the vacant spot beside Chloe. A

forced smile appeared on his face as he asked, “Do you mind if I sit down and join you for a

conversation?”

Icarus nodded. “Certainly. Miss, could you bring two additional chairs please?”

He intended to leave soon, with the hope of not disrupting his impending confession to Chloe.

“No need. Just scooch over a little,” Joseph suggested as he moved closer to Chloe’s side.

The seat was designed for only one person, and even though Chloe had a slender figure, the space

became incredibly cramped. Their bodies were pressed tightly together, creating the image of a

reunited couple who could not bear to be apart.

Chloe found herself enveloped in a unique and chilly fragrance as if she had stumbled into a man’s

embrace that was both possessive and intimate. A giant question mark formed above her head. “Are

you trying to squeeze me to death?”

Chapter 126 A Different Joseph From Imagined

“Not to that extent, silly. I think it’s just right, don’t you?” Joseph responded nonchalantly, his face

displaying no emotional fluctuations.

Icarus was left speechless by this unexpected action. Joseph was far from what he had imagined.

The only one left standing, Lucas, awkwardly touched his nose. He glanced at the cramped space next

to Icarus’s seat and promptly requested the waiter to bring an additional chair. It was just too strange

for two men to squeeze together.

Chloe was practically squished to the point where she could not move comfortably, let alone enjoy her

cake. She rubbed her temples, feeling a bit suffocated, and said to Icarus, “I just remembered I have

some unfinished work. I’ll have to leave now.”

“Is it urgent?” Icarus pondered his confession, weighing whether he should accompany her

outside to see her off.

Chloe cast a glance at Joseph, who had a sly smile on his face. She gritted her teeth in frustration.

“Yes, it’s extremely urgent!”

“Then I’ll walk you out.”

“No need. I’m also going back to the office. We’re heading in the same direction.” Joseph stood up at

the opportune moment and casually hooked his pinky finger around Chloe’s.

Neither Icarus nor Lucas noticed this subtle gesture due to the angle.

Chloe, on the other hand, had a look of utter disbelief. Her almond-shaped eyes widened in shock.

“Wh-What in the world are you doing?”

Why did he touch her hand?!

And he’s even holding onto it!