Chapter 308

Chapter 308 A Little Boost for You

Joseph’s face showed a hint of unease as he turned his head and reached for a change of clothes.

“While you’re at it, make some snacks for the two dogs. If you can bring them back everything on your

own, I’m too lazy to go with you.”

“Snacks for the dogs?” Chloe shook her head, earnestly calculating the items that needed to be

purchased. “It’d be better if you came with me. I can’t carry everything myself.”

Just to cater to the culinary preferences of a certain someone, Chloe had to buy ingredients for two

days, ensuring that each meal consisted of at least six different dishes without repeating ingredients.

On top of that, there were chicken breasts and big bones required to prepare special snacks for the

dogs. The shopping list was extensive, and it was clear that even the use of two large bags would be

insufficient to hold everything.

Joseph casually smoothed down the wrinkles on his clothes, his expression displaying a hint of

annoyance. “Ugh, you’re so troublesome.”

Chloe had initially planned to visit the nearby wet market, but Joseph insisted on driving her to Hola

Mart instead. The store was known for its exclusive imported products, and the prices reflected their

premium quality, with even a small bundle of ten strawberries costing over 30 dollars. Knowing that

Joseph would foot the bill, she refrained from commenting.

At Hola Mart, not only did the selection of ingredients change every half day, but the store also had

dedicated staff members stationed in front of each shelf. These attentive individuals resembled elevator

attendants, poised to assist customers by personally retrieving their desired items and placing them

directly into their shopping carts. It was a level of service that left customers feeling pampered and

catered to, without absolutely no need to lift a finger. Chloe carefully selected a cart full of ingredients,

ensuring they had everything they needed. As they made their way to the checkout counter, the

supermarket manager came up and inquired about their satisfaction with the establishment’s services.

Chloe nodded, inwardly noting that with the high prices they were paying, the least they could expect

was excellent service. After all, a business charging premium prices should know how to meet

customer expectations.

“I’m glad to hear that. At Hola, we strive to earn the approval of our customers. You two must be a

married couple, right? We often have household helpers coming for groceries as customers. You must

be very affectionate with each other,” the manager commented.

In affluent households, daily affairs were typically managed by dedicated servants, and the

homeowners themselves would frequent establishments like Hola to immerse themselves in a certain

ambiance and experience the essence of life.

Joseph, typically a man of few words, unexpectedly retorted, “Our affection has faded. She no longer

has feelings for me. We’re having our final dinner together.”

Chloe’s mind raced with confusion. “The f*ck?’ she thought, ‘He didn’t have enough drama at the cafe

last time and is now continuing it here?’

The manager’s expression shifted to one of surprise and confusion. “Oh dear, you two look so good

together. You’re practically a match made in heaven.”

A faint smirk played on Joseph’s lips, which was quickly subdued. “Is that so? Unfortunately,

our time together is coming to an end very soon.”

The manager, sensing Joseph’s reluctance, earnestly advised Chloe, “Madam, major decisions. in life

must be carefully considered. Every relationship that leads to marriage is hard-won.”

“Can I reload my card here?” Chloe asked.

The manager replied, “Certainly, please come this way.”

Chloe proceeded to utilize Joseph’s card to top up 15 thousand dollars. The manager then offered

advice against compromising herself for someone she had no affection for and urging her to leave if

necessary. Chloe had always been aware of the power of money, but this was the first time she used

money that was not her own to slap someone across the face, and it felt oddly satisfying.

On their journey back, Joseph maintained a stoic silence, his countenance stern and unyielding. Chloe,

sensing the icy barrier between them, hesitated to break the silence, fearing the frigid response that

might await her.

Upon reaching the villa, Joseph shouldered the burden of the groceries and exited the car. However,

halfway to their destination, he abruptly turned his head and locked his gaze with hers. His voice

carried a weight of confession as he uttered, “That night with Xavia, I was drugged. She brought me

drinks, and under the influence of the substances, I wasn’t in control of my actions and had intimate

relations with her.”

To be honest, that night held no significant meaning for him. In the haze of drug-induced confusion, he

faintly recalled engaging in forceful acts with a woman, but the details remained elusive. If ending

things amicably was what Chloe desired, he was prepared to be the one to offer an apology.

Chloe’s eyes dropped, her tone void of any discernible emotion as she asked, “Have you identified the

person who drugged you?”

“No.”

With the constant influx of people at Graceville Estate and the broken surveillance equipment,

conducting a thorough investigation had proven to be a challenging endeavor.

“Why should I trust you? All cheaters use the same tired excuse. Wouldn’t the world be a harmonious

place if I just believed you and turned a blind eye?” Chloe retorted, her tone filled with skepticism.

“Is there a need for me to justify cheating?” Joseph had wanted to diffuse the tension between them.

But faced with mockery, his eyes immediately darkened, an underlying storm brewing within his gaze.

Chloe unyieldingly met his gaze. “Evidence is necessary for any claim.”

“Is this the extent of your trust in me?”

She smiled wryly. “Compared to your baseless suspicions of me and Icarus having an illicit relationship,

you and Xavia are the ones with concrete evidence.”

The acknowledgment of this fact from both sides lingered in the air, adding to the weight of their

confrontation.

Joseph gritted his teeth. “Icarus has ulterior motives toward you!”

“But we haven’t slept together.” Chloe finished speaking and walked toward the kitchen, deep in

thought. She started preparing a tray of oyster shooters for Joseph.

Even though he maintained good health habits, engaging in intimate encounters with two women in a

single night was undoubtedly physically demanding, especially considering his age. Certain aspects

needed replenishing.

Chloe admitted that she was a bit promiscuous, but the mere thought of Joseph spending the night with

her and then going to Xavia’s bed made her stomach churn, filling her with a nauseating sensation.

In recent days, she had avoided dwelling on that particular night, pushing it to the recesses of her mind.

But now that Joseph had brought it up, his condescending tone and dismissive attitude toward what

seemed like a mere misunderstanding infuriated her.

As Chloe worked in the kitchen, her anger simmered, causing her hands to tremble with frustration.

She struggled to maintain composure, but her efforts were in vain. Having been through two

relationships in which her partners cheated on her, Chloe could not help but see the world as a grand

farce that was filled with hypocrisy and deceit.

Joseph’s gaze fixed upon the tray of oyster shooters before him. His grip on the tray tightened, causing

his knuckles to turn pale. He questioned with intensity, “What’s the meaning behind this?”

Chloe maintained her innocent smile, her gaze meeting his with a touch of mischief. “Just a little boost

for you.”

‘Boost?’

Joseph’s captivating eyes bore into hers, his smile widening, showcasing his pristine teeth. With a

deliberate motion, he raised two shot glasses filled with oysters, tilted his head back, and downed them

in one swift gulp.

Chloe’s mind raced with a “whoosh”, trying to grasp the sudden shift in Joseph’s demeanor. When did

this insolent man transform into someone so compliant? Her thoughts spun in confusion, struggling to

make sense of the situation. Before she could react, her world turned topsy-turvy as Joseph effortlessly

hoisted her over his shoulder, striding purposefully toward the bedroom.