Chapter 172

Chapter 172 The Return of His First Love

Chloe could not help but admit that Xavia’s handwriting was beautiful.

She placed the envelope on the table and took a photo of it to send to Joseph.

In the afternoon, Joseph replied, [Got it.]

Chloe felt a bit puzzled. Was he not supposed to be more enthusiastic about Xavia’s return?

Anyway, it did not really matter to Chloe. After all, their contract would eventually end, and their

separation was inevitable. Who Xavia was and who Joseph would be with in the future had nothing to

do with her.

However, a subtle sadness lingered within her. It was only natural to develop feelings for someone after

spending so much time together, just like the bond she shared with Toto.

Joseph arrived home earlier than Chloe expected. However, he was not alone.

Samuel had come by as well.

“Joe, you should’ve been more considerate! How can you secretly celebrate your birthday? Let’s call

our friends and let’s have a great time together,” Samuel exclaimed.

“Shut up,” Joseph replied, shooting a cold, disapproving look at Samuel. He clearly was not pleased

with his unexpected visit.

Samuel was speechless.

Noticing Samuel, Chloe lamented, “If I had known you were coming, I would’ve prepared. more dishes.

Now there are only five, and I’m worried it won’t be enough. Should I make a few. more?”

Samuel glanced at the dining table. “Indeed, you should prepare more.”

When dining alone at home, it was customary to have at least ten dishes on the table. This way, one

could savor each dish with just a few bites, ensuring a satisfying and fulfilling meal. What’s more,

Joseph had always been known as one of the pickiest eaters in their group. He was certain that these

dishes would not be able to satisfy him.

“Are you a pig?” Joseph snapped back harshly. “We have five dishes, and you think it’s not enough?

How many stomachs do you have?”

‘Dumbo cooked for us right after being discharged from the hospital, and this freeloader still has the

audacity to be picky.’

“I’m not a pig…” Samuel replied sadly.

“Then keep your mouth shut. If you don’t want to eat, then leave.”

“No, I haven’t had dinner yet. I need to eat.”

Though the selection of dishes is limited, they all smell delicious.’

Chloe found this scene quite amusing. She had encountered Samuel a few times before due to the

lawsuit, and he always appeared as a serious and shrewd individual, befitting his title as a professional

in the legal field. But now, next to Joseph, he had completely transformed, resembling a mouse in the

presence of a cat.

Xavia’s letter remained on the table, catching Joseph’s attention. He opened the envelope and began

reading. He looked down and hid the emotions in his eyes, leaving everyone unaware of his thoughts.

Samuel leaned over and exclaimed in surprise, “Wasn’t she missing?”

“I have no idea.”

It was Xavia who had disappeared without a word.

“Is this the first time you’ve received any information about her?”

“Yes.”

Joseph’s response was brief. Samuel instinctively glanced at the figure busy in the kitchen and lowered

his voice. “Is she coming back to find you?”

Joseph did not answer. He simply placed the letter on the coffee table and said, “Let’s eat.”

Curiosity got the better of Samuel, and he quietly approached the coffee table to take a quick. glance at

the letter.

In the letter, there were only a few lines of writing.

[Happy Birthday, Joe. I’ll be returning to the country in a while. Can we meet? I want to explain.

everything that happened back then in person.]

Before the meal, Samuel stated the purpose of his visit.

“We have a court hearing tomorrow, and there are some details I need to discuss with you,” he said.

Chloe nodded in agreement. “All right, is there anything I need to do?”

Samuel’s gaze shifted to the birthday cake on the table as he said with a serious expression, ” The

matter concerning the case has been temporarily resolved. If I may say so, my timing for coming today

seems somewhat inappropriate, considering it appears you two were planning a candlelit dinner.”

“It’s not a candlelit dinner. It’s just a simple celebration,” Chloe clarified.

Joseph lifted his head, locking his intense gaze on Chloe. “You returned from the hospital this morning

solely to celebrate my birthday?”

“Yes. I made a promise, and I always keep my promises,” she replied casually. She had promised

Joseph to celebrate his birthday, and she intended to honor her word. It was not about trying to impress

him or anything of the sort.

With her recovery progressing well, being at the hospital with unfamiliar caregivers felt less. comforting

than being in their home.

Samuel picked up a piece of fish and teased, “The food is delicious. Just be careful not to constantly

argue with Chloe. One day, she might genuinely grow tired of you.”

Despite their contractual marriage, he observed that Chloe knew how to make the most out of life,

making her a more suitable partner for Joseph compared to Xavia.

Joseph’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, sensing the underlying meaning in Samuel’s words. In a deep

voice, he remarked, “She’s a decent cook.”

Chloe pursed her lips, noticing his unease. Rising from her seat, she took the initiative to serve more

rice, subtly bringing an end to the conversation.

After finishing their meal, Chloe and Samuel brought out an agreement, its pages slightly yellowed,

giving it the appearance of something tucked away for many years.

“What is this…” Chloe asked.

“Take a look for yourself,” Samuel replied.

Chloe glanced at the contents of the agreement, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Is this the original

copy of the agreement my mother signed before her passing?”

“Yes. Joseph found it in Miles’ office,” Samuel revealed.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Chloe’s gaze shifted toward the man who was completely. absorbed by a

financial program on the couch.