Chapter 663 Seeing Her From Afar Would Suffice

Vince replied, "The hospital informed us that the baby did not survive either."

Joseph's eyelashes trembled, and his thin lips remained sealed.

Not wanting Joseph to dwell in this state, Vince attempted to divert his attention. "Xavia has given

birth to a son. Would you like to go and see them?"

"Get me the hospital's surveillance footage."

"We failed to retrieve them. The fire was too intense and it affected the circuits and network."

Joseph's brows furrowed as he said hoarsely and stubbornly, "Find a way to retrieve it."

Vince nodded, though he held little hope. Lucas had gone to retrieve the surveillance footage

immediately after the fire, but the equipment had been completely burnt beyond recognition.

After Vince left, Joseph recalled that Emily had taken away Chloe's ashes. He took out The

Flawless Love from his pocket, feeling a numbing ache gripping his heart. He could not come to

terms with Chloe's death and lacked the courage to go to the hospital. The mere idea of standing in

the very place where Chloe had lost her life was more agonizing than taking his own life.

Joseph went to the mansion and entered the bedroom Chloe had stayed in. Everything inside

remained the same. The slightly crumpled bed sheets, the soft glow of the desk lamp, the books

scattered on the table... These remnants bore witness to Chloe's presence just a day ago. But now,

they were separated by the chasm of life and death.

He slipped off his shoes and got into the bed, feeling the lingering warmth Chloe had left behind. In

an instant, all his senses were amplified. Within the soft embrace of the blanket, her delicate

fragrance lingered, permeating the air.

In the midst of this bittersweet realization, he could almost feel her beside him. He extended a

trembling hand, yearning to reach out and touch her. But like a mirage, her figure dissolved into

nothingness. No matter how desperately he grasped, his efforts were futile. She had vanished

without a trace.

At that moment, the harsh reality struck Joseph with an undeniable force—Chloe was gone.

In the depths of the night, enveloped by solitude, an overwhelming wave of grief swept over Joseph.

Regret erupted from the depths of his heart, threatening to consume and suffocate him. In the

confines of his bed, he curled into a ball, unleashing a primal roar of anguish. For the first time in his

thirty years, he felt utterly defeated. He had failed to protect the woman he loved, and now she was

forever beyond his reach. He was powerless to remedy the situation, and he could not hold on to

her either.

He was struck with a profound realization of the despair Nathan must have experienced when

Serenity passed away. He now understood the anguish of losing Chloe at the very moment he loved

her the most.

With tears clouding his vision, Joseph summoned the strength to rise from the bed. He proceeded

to tenderly gather the belongings Chloe had left behind, delicately placing them in the transparent

cabinet in his study. It was as if by preserving these mementos, he could feel her presence every

second of his days.

*

Three days later, Joseph solemnly conducted Chloe's funeral.

Emily arrived at the scene with Chloe’s ashes. She approached the weary-looking man with caution.

"Remember. We agreed that once the funeral is over, you'll return Coco’s ashes to me."

Joseph's face was marred by unkempt stubble. His eyes, cold and bloodshot, betrayed the

sleepless nights he had endured. "Yes, I’ll let her go."

He refused to make Chloe unhappy anymore. If she wanted to leave, then he would grant her that

freedom. Seeing her from afar would suffice.

The funeral held a somber atmosphere, with only a small gathering in attendance. Alongside the

employees of the Johnson Group, Lily from Baxon, Noah, and Xavia were also present.

Emily seethed with anger at the sight of Xavia. "Get out! Coco wouldn't want to see you here!"