Chapter 358: Stubborn Couple

After attending the funeral, James once again went to see Caryn. After all, if he had come all the way from Bayford to the Imperial City, how could he possibly return without seeing her?

This time, the security guard didn’t even bother asking who the guest was and immediately allowed the familiar luxury car through the villa gates.

Eric, already informed about James’s arrival, stood ready to welcome him. James offered him a light nod and walked straight upstairs, adjusting his fresh mask.

Eric didn’t even get a chance to walk ahead and inform Caryn first.

Meanwhile, in the car, the driver was grumbling again about why they had to repeat the same sterilization process before coming there.

"Who exactly lives here?" the driver asked Lucas once more, clearly frustrated.

"Maybe...

," Lucas replied casually.

The driver blinked in shock, his mind racing.

"Shut your mouth," Lucas warned sharply. "And keep your curiosity in check. Or the next thing you’ll know, you’re no longer Mr. Harper’s driver."

Inside the house, James opened the door quietly and saw Caryn sitting in her chair, enjoying the mild sunlight streaming through the window. A book was in her hand, and reading glasses perched on her small nose as she was deeply engrossed in reading.

"Don’t disturb me, Eric," she said, not even glancing up to see who had entered.

Standing by the door with his both hands tucked in the pant’s pockets, James silently took in the sight. It was a view he used to cherish—watching her lost in a book. She had always loved reading. There wasn’t a book she hadn’t read.

When she didn’t hear a response from Eric, Caryn finally turned her head toward the door.

Her breath caught in her throat, and whatever she had been about to say instantly died on her lips when her eyes met his.

"You look entirely fine even after kissing me," James commented, a smirk playing on his lips. "Seems like even after all these years, you’re still too used to me to catch any infections from me."

"Have some shame, you old man," Caryn spat back, glaring at him. "And get your facts straight.

were the one who kissed me. I didn’t—"

"What does it matter when it was both of our mouths doing the deed with the same passion?" he remarked shamelessly.

If anyone—who had only ever seen James as cold and aloof—witnessed him now, they would be shocked out of their minds to see him flirting like this, even at his age.

Caryn slammed her book shut, her gaze sharp and angry. "You forced that on me. If I could, I wouldn’t even want to see you, let alone let you touch me!"

But James remained unaffected, strolling casually toward her.

Caryn immediately sensed his wicked intentions and was about to rise from her chair, but before she could, a gentle yet firm push on her shoulder pressed her back down, and his strong arms rested on either side of the chair’s armrests, leaning in close—forcing her to face him.

"James, you better behave, or—"

"Or what?" he interrupted, his eyes darkening. "Run away from me like you did in the past over some stupid misunderstanding?"

"It wasn’t a misunderstanding—" she snapped.

"You should ask yourself that clearly," he countered, his voice lowering, intense.

She turned her face away, refusing to meet his gaze. "I don’t need to."

"Fine by me. I don’t care what you think," he replied flatly. "One thing’s for sure—this time, you’re going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m taking you and my daughter with me."

Caryn shut her eyes in frustration, too tired to keep arguing. She knew she wasn’t the only stubborn one in this world—and James Harper was proof.

Then, his voice softened, calm but resolute.

"I’ll be away for two weeks for some important business. You can use that time to tell Natalie about us—and figure things out. But when I’m back, all I want to see is , ready to return with me."

She took a deep breath to calm herself before replying, "I’m going to Belvorn. I have important matters to take care of."

"You can go," he allowed, "but don’t even think about staying there for long."

"You don’t get to dictate my life, James. I’ve never liked anyone trying to control me."

"That’s exactly what made you so stubborn—because no one was there to stop you," he said smoothly. "But don’t worry. Now that I’m here, I’ll make sure to teach you how to be so stubborn anymore."

Caryn finally turned her sharp gaze back to him. "And you think any less stubborn?"

"I am — and that’s what makes me perfect for you," James replied, smirking. "If I were someone like Jay Ford, you would’ve dumped me somewhere and never even looked back."

At the mention of name, Caryn had nothing to say. She knew he wasn’t wrong.

"Mother wants to meet you and Natalie," James continued casually. "Once I’m back, I’ll bring her here with me."

"Whatever," Caryn mumbled, trying to sound indifferent. "Now move back. You’re suffocating me."

Instead of moving, James cupped her chin and placed a light peck on her lips, even though his mask still covered his mouth.

"Don’t worry. I don’t plan to suffocate you today. We can’t risk your weak immunity. I can wait till you get better," he said with a teasing glint in his eyes.

Caryn immediately shoved his hand away. "Now leave," she snapped.

Seeing her still so helpless in front of him — like in the past — filled James with a dark satisfaction. With a final smirk, he straightened. "See you in two weeks."

Caryn didn’t reply as James left the room. Only when the door clicked shut behind him did her calm expression shift to one of anger and worry.

she thought grimly.

She walked to the window and watched James’s car leave the villa. The moment he was gone, she turned and called, "Eric!"

Within moments, Eric entered the room.

"Prepare for me to leave for Belvorn," Caryn ordered.

"I’ve already instructed for the arrangements," Eric said smoothly.

Caryn frowned and gave him a questioning look. She hadn’t even instructed him yet.

Catching her unspoken question, Eric shrugged. "Mr. Harper arranged for one of his private jets for you. Saved us the trouble of hiring one. We can leave whenever you’re ready."

Her eyes darkened. "Are we so poor now that we need help? I own a company too, and—"

"Caryn, he said if you don’t use it, you’re allowed to go anywhere," Eric interrupted bluntly.

"So now you’ve become his dog?" Caryn snapped, glaring at him.

Eric smirked playfully. "The way things are going, I’m sure you two will own me together soon."

"Get lost and prepare to leave!" she shouted, frustrated. "That scoundrel is turning my people against me now. That bastard..."

Eric quietly left, ready to finish the preparations. But as he walked out, a light smile lingered on his lips, amused by how riled up she was — because of .

-----

At Ford Mansion It was evening, and Sephina hadn’t left her room. She hadn’t even eaten properly.

"Mom, didn’t Grandma always clash with that old man? Why is she being so emotional now that he’s gone?" Briena asked. "She should be celebrating — now that no one will oppose her, and she has full control over Ford Group."

"She used to be good to her husband until Caryn showed up," Clara replied with a smirk. "Let her be emotional. While she’s busy crying over her dead husband, "You’re right, Mom," Briena sneered. "But I still wonder what was in that brown envelope Natalie brought here. I to know."

Just then, Jay arrived downstairs after checking on Sephina.

Clara’s eyes lit up with an idea. She walked over to Jay, her expression softening.

"Jay, is Mother alright?" she asked sweetly.

He shook his head. "She looks fine, but her silence is worrisome."

"Don’t worry. I’ll go check on her and bring her dinner as well. She needs to eat," Clara said with a false sense of care. "Seeing Briena will make her feel better."

"Go ahead," Jay said, oblivious.

Clara and Briena carried a tray of dinner up to Sephina’s room. The older woman was still sitting in her recliner, lost in thought.

Clara subtly signaled to Briena, and she acted immediately, kneeling on the floor in front of Sephina and gently holding her hands, wearing a mask of concern.

"Grandma, how long are you going to stay like this?" Briena began softly. "We’re all sad about Grandpa... but Grandpa would be sad to see you like this too. I’m worried about you. You haven’t eaten anything since morning. I brought you a meal. Please, have something."

Sephina finally looked at Briena, her eyes softening at her granddaughter’s innocent gaze.

"I’m fine. Don’t worry about me," Sephina said weakly.

"I don’t believe you, Grandma," Briena insisted, pouting like a little girl. "I brought you this meal, and you to eat. If you don’t, I won’t eat either."

Briena kept insisting until Sephina finally gave in and ate something.

Afterward, Sephina’s body slumped, and her eyelids grew heavy.

"Grandma, you haven’t rested since yesterday. You must be exhausted," Briena said, her voice tender. "Let me help you to bed."

Sephina didn’t resist, allowing Briena to help her to bed, and soon, she fell fast asleep.

Clara waited until she was in a deep sleep and whispered, "That medicine worked so fast."

Briena nodded, her eyes darting toward the envelope on the table.

Both mother and daughter moved closer, unable to resist their curiosity. Clara carefully opened the envelope and read through the papers, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"That transferred the shares back to your grandma," Clara whispered sharply. "She even signed the paper revoking her rights to claim Ford Group."

Briena leaned closer and whispered back, "I didn’t expect her to give up so easily."

Clara smirked, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "Now, there’s to stop us from taking over Ford Group."

"But these shares are in Grandma’s name," Briena said cautiously, frowning a little.

Clara looked at her, eyes sharp. "And who do you think she’s going to give them to? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she hands them over — soon enough. Trust your mother."

Briena’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. "I trust you, Mom."

Both women carefully placed the envelope back where it was and left the room quietly, their eyes gleaming with triumph.