456 John, Out
John was confused- he didnât know that. He only knew all the bosses were called CEO.
Thus, he looked at Isabella, who looked down to ignore him.
âWhat an ambitious child! You donât even know what it is, yet you claim you want to do it!â
Joseph laughed and patted John on the shoulder, offering advice as a senior. âI know that you dream big and want to carve out a career. This is very good. Young people should be full of vigor. But mark my words, your top priority now is to study hard to lay down a solid foundation for your future. When you grow up, you will definitely become my best right-hand man!â
Charlie agreed with Joseph and said with a smile, âBack then, I started my own business at a young age. However, time changes. I suffered a lot due to my lack of education. John, studying is more beneficial than you think. Only if you study hard will you have a bright future, and your sister will be proud of you.â
âYes... yes.â
John shirked back and replied shyly, in great contrast to his earlier appearance.
âWilliam!â Joseph called out.
âYes, Mr. Joseph!â
.....
âJohn will stay to have lunch with us. Tell the kitchen to prepare more dishes,â Joseph smiled, rubbed Johnâs head, and said amiably, âJohn, would you like to have lunch with us? Try and tell us whether we have good cooks, okay?â
However, John heard a hint of hostility in Josephâs voice. He was so frightened that he stood up. âNo, no, Iâll go back first. My parents are still waiting for me! I have homework to do!â
As he spoke, John swiftly left.
âItâs such a pity. Please tell your parents that Isabella and I will pay them a visit someday.â
Joseph appeared to be very regretful. Then he stood up and said, âGerry, send John back home.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âYes!â
âYou must send him back home.â Joseph glanced at Gerry. Gerry understood. âSure, Mr. Joseph!â
John was thus cast out.
Everyone went to the door to see John off. Joseph wrapped her arms around Isabellaâs shoulders and found that her hands around her waist were trembling. Thus, Joseph gently rubbed her small hands and tapped on her forehead, indicating that her crisis was over and she should not be nervous.
Isabella looked at him with gratitude.
Andy just turned around and exclaimed, âJoseph kissed Isabella on our back! Oh my god! Canât you two stop for a second?â
Joseph could not hold back a smile but he soon resume his usual coldness. âToday is Chinese Valentineâs Day. If not for your arrival, Isabella and I should have been enjoying ourselves.â
Andrew heard this and stopped in his tracks. He pulled Andy and said lightly, âAndy, itâs getting late. We have given them our gifts. Letâs go.â
Andy didnât realize that Joseph was insinuating that they should go and said dumbly, âHow are you planning to celebrate? Go out and have fun?â
Then, he turned to Isabella and said happily, âIsabella, count me in! I havenât chatted with Joseph since I came back! I like Joseph very much! Joseph is my idol! And I donât know how much Peace City has changed. I donât know where to find fun! Take me with you!â
He then looked at Charlie, âIf you plan to stay I home, I am also okay. I miss grandpaâs tea! I have been longing for it for years!â
Charlie lowered his eyes and did not speak. Isabella said awkwardly, âSure, since you guys are here to see Grandpa, why donât we have a meal together...â
Joseph went back upstairs and said coldly, âIsabella, I booked a restaurant for lunch. They serve your favorite seafood.â
Andrew was smart and saw through Josephâs intention. He pulled Andy back, âLetâs go! Andy! Donât be a third wheel!â
âNo! Donât you want to talk with Joseph too? We also like Isabella. Letâs stay together. We can leave early and let them celebrate their Valentineâs Day later!â
âAndy! Donât be ridiculous!â
Andrew scolded Andy in a stern voice. Then, he bowed to the crowd with a very bad expression and left with Andy, who was still reluctant to leave...
Charlie watched the two brothers leave and sighed.
Angelina stepped forward. âGrandpa, do you want to retire to your room or take a walk in the garden?â
Charlie raised his head and focused his gaze on Isabella. âNo need, Isabella, come and help me back to my room.â
âMe? Yes!â Isabella was stunned for a moment. She then went forward to support Charlie back to his room.
Back in the room, Isabella carefully made tea for Charlie. She was afraid that Charlie brought her here to ask about John, so she wanted to leave soon. Unexpectedly, Charlie spoke first, âIsabella, do you know why Joseph and Andrew are not on good terms?â
Isabella did not expect that. She instantly heaved a sigh of relief and said, âAfter all, ours is such a big family. Maybe... when it comes to benefits, people prone to...â
Charlie sighed and shook his head. âNo, you are wrong. Joseph hates Andrew so much because of her mother, your deceased mother-in-law.â
Isabella thought for a moment and said, âI heard that Josephâs mother was robbed and killed... Joseph was traumatized by the sight of her corpse.â
Charlie was surprised. âJoseph told you all these? This has been the deepest secret in his heart for years! If he has told you, it means he is willing to face it now!â
Isabella shook her head awkwardly. âHe didnât tell me everything. He just told me some basic facts, but he did not reveal the details of the robbery case and what states he had been through.â
Isabella thought about it and added, âAlso, I feel that this might have hurt him too deeply, so I didnât ask about it. I was afraid he would be sad.â
Charlie nodded and said in a deep voice, âYour mother-in-law is called Liliana Morris. She is a distant relative of Doctor Morris. This is also why Joseph is willing to fund Doctor Morrisâ research despite his eccentricity.â
Isabella nodded. âSo that explains it.â
âBefore Liliana had an accident, she and your Uncle Michael were in a heated argument about the company.
âAlthough there is no evidence to prove that her death directly resulted from their quarrel, she might not have died if she did not leave the house alone in a bad mood...â Charlie sighed softly.