"How did Joshua stack up against them?"


    The question caught Ste off guard. The models'' physiques were certainly impressive, but the details were already fading from her memory. She cleared her throat. "... Your physique is better."


    He turned his head to face her fully. "In that case, if you want to look at something in the future, you can just look at me."


    Ste was sure she''d misheard him. "What did you say?"


    Joshua replied withplete seriousness, "Some unscrupulous people are fond of using seduction to manipte their targets, even selling their own bodies to achieve their goals. Star, we still have many enemies. It''s best to keep your distance from people with unknown backgrounds."


    He paused for a beat before adding, "Since you find me eptable, if you ever feel the need to look, you cane to me."


    Ste''s face flushed a deep crimson. The way he put it made her sound like some desperate, lonely woman. "No, no, that''s not necessary!" she stammered. "I''m not thinking about those things right now. I wasn''t interested in those models; Mr. Franco was just being overly hospitable. And I had no idea he was going to arrange that kind of program... Joshua, you can rest assured, I have no intention of dating anyone until the situation with the Williams family is resolved."


    Joshua fell silent again, an inexplicable quietness settling over him.


    ...


    The next day, after finishing their work, the two flew back. As they walked into the Williams family mansion, they were greeted by the sound of a raging argument.


    Israel Williams''s furious roar echoed through the entire house. "Violet Yancey, you get your ass out here! If I don''t kill you today, I''m not a Williams!"


    A clear, sweet female voice promptly replied, "Fine by me. If you don''t want to be a Williams, you can take my name. From now on, you''ll be Israel Yancey."


    Enraged, Israel lunged forward, trying to grab her. "Violet, you just wait!"


    Jonathan Williams blocked his path, his face grim. "Israel, what do you think you''re doing?! Are you trying to prove the domestic abuse allegations are true?!"


    A few days prior, while Israel was having drinks with a business partner at a bar, Violet had stormed in, flipped their table, and used Israel of cheating on her. Israel''s reputation had hit rock bottom recently, and he had even been forced to take a leave of absence from work. He knew that if this continued, his power and influence would bepletely eroded.


    Once the issue with Violet had been temporarily smoothed over, Israel had eagerly thrown himself back into work, desperate to consolidate his position. With Aurora''s help he had finally managed to secure a new contract. After the signing, it was only natural to arrange some entertainment. What was the point of men just drinking and eating. together? Without beautiful women, it would be boring. So, Israel had arranged for a few.


    He never expected Violet to crash the party, using him of having an affair. At first, Israel tried to reason with her. But Violet went too far, making a scene in front of so many people, ruining his evening, offending his partner, and showing him no respect at all. Israel, never one for patience, pped her across the face.


    The result was catastrophic. Violet posted a picture of her swollen face online, along with an edited video of her ''catching him in the act'' at the bar. The Williams family was once again thrown into a media firestorm. The partner who had just signed with Israel was also dragged through the mud facing public bacsh. Terrified, the partner immediately canceled the contract. Several other potential partners who had been in talks with Israel saw the writing on the wall and cut off all contact.