Chapter 535: Chapter 535



“Now, if we can just locate Ryland, our circle will be complete.” The three men offered each other support.

“We’ll find him. Wade won’t be able to hide forever.”

“Joelle, is it okay if I call you that?” Allie asked in a low, gentle tone.

Joelle regarded Allie as remarkably perceptive for her age. Perhaps her life’s trials had molded her into someone who mastered the art of winning people over with charm and good manners.

“Of course, you can.” Joelle nodded.

“So, you’re really Rafael’s ex?” Allie’s cheeks turned a soft pink as she nodded.

“How did you two get together?”

“I made the first move.”

“Really?” Joelle’s curiosity was piqued. “That’s the last thing I’d have expected!”

“It feels like Rafael isn’t that into me, though.”

Joelle reassured her. “Don’t worry about that. What matters is how happy you are together.”

Allie looked hopeful. “Joelle, could you help me? How do I get Rafael to like me more?”

“Wait, me?” Joelle gestured to herself, clearly caught off guard.

“Yes,” Allie admitted boldly. “I know you once had a marriage with him. I’d really like to understand him better.”

Joelle ran her fingers through her hair, her expression tinged with uncertainty. “Rafael is quite set in his ways. He appears gentle, yet he’s the most challenging of the three to persuade. Once his decision is made, it rarely changes.”

Allie considered Joelle’s observation, finding truth in her words. “How can I possibly get him to like me then?”

Joelle exhaled slowly, a look of sincerity in her eyes.

“Allie, the most important thing in life is to embrace your real self. If someone doesn’t appreciate you for who you are, it’s not worth altering your essence just to gain their approval.”

Allie’s gaze filled with respect as she nodded in agreement.

“Joelle, Rafael was right about you. You really are kind-hearted. I’ve never had anyone speak to me with such honesty.” Joelle felt a warm grip on her arm as Allie held on.

“Now, tell me honestly, do you have feelings for Rafael?”

“Absolutely! He was my dad’s private doctor. He would visit every evening to check on my dad’s health, and I’d always find an excuse to bring in coffee just to see him.”

At the mention of Allie’s father, Joelle’s smile faltered slightly. She pondered what Rafael and Allie might have discussed, especially since Dalton was responsible for the death of Rafael’s father. Given Rafael’s moral convictions, how could he ever look past that with Allie?

Stealing a glance behind her, Joelle noticed Rafael deep in conversation with Adrian and Michael, seemingly at ease. Maybe he and Allie had come to an understanding behind closed doors.

“Joelle?”

Joelle snapped back to the moment.

“I’m not the best at chasing after people, yet I believe that sincerity is met with sincerity, and time will reveal one’s true nature.”

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