Chapter 269

Chapter 269 Joseph, Have You No Shame?

Xavia maintained an unwavering expression, her delicate makeup accentuating her brows and eyes,

giving her a rosy complexion. However, her hands holding her utensils betrayed a slight whitening of

the knuckles.

Nathan let out a sigh and intentionally made a loud noise, “Well, well. Miracles do happen. Joe actually

knows how to take care of someone.”

Chloe felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her, leaving her unsure of the situation. She was at a

loss for words, uncertain of how to respond.

As they finished their meal, Joseph gently put down his utensils and turned his attention to Xavia. “I

discovered something last night. There were numerous freeze-dried snacks near the spot where the

dogs went missing as if someone intentionally lured them there. It’s highly possible that Oreo and Toto,

just as Chloe mentioned, were deliberately enticed.”

Chloe’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and her eyes glimmered with astonishment as she fixed her gaze

on the man beside her. An incredible thought surged within her, ‘Was today’s gathering specifically

arranged to discuss this matter, involving both me and Xavia?’

Xavia’s hand trembled imperceptibly, and she lifted her head with a guilty tone. “Ah… It seems that

we’ve misunderstood Ms. Chloe.”

“Yup.”

“We acted too hastily and were confused. On Joe’s behalf, I’d like to say we’re sorry.” Xavia sincerely

extended her apology to Chloe.

Chloe was not one to hold grudges and whispered softly, “It’s fine.”

“Misunderstandings resolved. Fantastic!” Nathan exclaimed, raising his glass for a toast with Xavia. “In

the future, if you need anything, just come to me. We’re friends, after all. Whether it’s taking care of the

dogs or anything else, count on me. Now that Joe is married and Mr. Harold is eager for grandchildren,

we should give them some personal space, right?”

Xavia suddenly looked at him, feeling a bit aggrieved. “Are you suggesting that I’m disturbing Joe?”

She knew Joseph long before Chloe even appeared. Why should the newcomer take precedence?

“Have you forgotten Mr. Harold’s attitude toward you?” Samuel interjected, his expression cold. “You

often visit the villa, and if you happen to run into Mr. Harold, he’ll surely speculate further. We’re doing

this for your own good.”

Upon hearing the name Harold, Xavia’s arrogance instantly vanished, replaced by a profound sense of

resentment that flickered in her eyes. Five long years had passed, and she had waited impatiently

throughout. Why was that old man not dead yet?

Chloe, observant as always, noticed the shift in Xavia’s emotions and furrowed her brows in

concern.

She got up to make her way to the restroom and coincidentally bumped into Nathan as she exited.

After a brief moment of hesitation, she mustered the courage to ask, “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Chloe. Go ahead,” Nathan responded with his usual charm, always willing to entertain the

queries of attractive women.

“Has Xavia ever met Joseph’s parents?”

Nathan paused briefly, considering his response. “No, Mr. Harold never allowed her to set foot inside

the Whitman residence.”

“Why?” Chloe pressed, her expression now tinged with perplexity.

Nathan’s expression took on a subtle shade. “Mr. Harold held the belief that a girl from the

entertainment industry wasn’t deserving of becoming a part of the Whitman family. However, the

primary concern was Xavia herself. Mr. Harold discovered that she had been involved with multiple

men prior to being with Joseph, although these allegations were never substantiated. Following that,

Xavia disappeared without any explanation.”

Xavia even had a brief and peculiar relationship with their mutual friend, Gabriel. Though, Gabriel had

vehemently denied it.

Inexplicably, Chloe began to sense a connection between Harold and Xavia’s mysterious

disappearance.

Back in the private room, Samuel excused himself to make a phone call, leaving Joseph and Xavia

alone. Xavia’s eyes were red, indicating that she had likely been crying. Chloe discreetly avoided

acknowledging it, while Nathan naturally maintained his silence.

Soon enough, Samuel returned from his call, speaking in a casual tone, “Gabe will be back soon. Our

jolly group of brothers can then finally reunite.”

Xavia looked up in astonishment and exclaimed, “Didn’t he just take over the family business? How

does he have the time to return so soon?”

Samuel

grew suspicious and questioned, “How do you know that he took over the family business?”

She hesitated for a moment before responding nonchalantly, “I saw it on TV.”

“We have some collaborations here to discuss,” Samuel said, looking at Joseph. “How about setting a

time?”

“Whenever,” Joseph replied casually.

During the meal, Chloe had little appetite but was privy to numerous gossip. As they made

their way back, she could not help but be astounded by the intricate dynamics of affluent families.

However, Joseph’s unexpected act of care during dinner lingered in her mind.

Chloe’s reflection appeared in the car window, and each expression played out like scenes in a film.

Joseph, his eyes narrowed with a dangerous intensity, felt a sense of disregard that fueled hist

annoyance. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and swiftly delivered a firm slap to the woman’s

tender buttocks. A crisp “smack” reverberated in the confined space, leaving a tense silence in its

wake.

Chloe froze, and she slowly pivoted her head, her hand instinctively reaching to touch her buttocks in

utter disbelief. Her eyes widened in shock as she confronted Joseph, her voice. filled with incredulity,

“Did you just spank me?”

‘Again, on the buttocks! This marks the second occurrence!’

Joseph met her furious gaze, a mischievous arch forming in his raised eyebrows. He taunted, ” Was

the impact too feeble? Perhaps you didn’t even feel it?”

Chloe’s face instantly flushed, a mix of embarrassment and indignation washing over her. You have the

audacity to admit it?”

‘Joseph, have you no shame?’