Even if Ste was slow on the uptake, she knew a candlelight dinner wasn''t something you had with just anyone.


    Joshua gave a reasonable exnation. "You helped me celebrate myst birthday, so I wanted to do something for you in return."


    Warmth spread through Ste''s chest. Joshua was just too thoughtful. At the same time, a faint mncholy settled in her heart. She didn''t know how she would ever adjust if he were to leave one day. Before, she might have been able to face his departure withposure. But now... Ste couldn''t bring herself to think about it.


    By the time the candlelight dinner ended, it was alreadyte. Ste, feeling unusually rxed, had had quite a bit to drink and was pleasantly buzzed. She couldn''t remember thest time she''d been this at ease. It felt like... ever since Keen was born, her nerves had been perpetually on edge.


    Suddenly, Ste thought, it feels so good to live for myself like this, just for once. She had taken a wrong turn in life, but it wasn''t toote to start over.


    Joshua helped the tipsy Ste back to her room. The moment he settled her onto the bed, she fell into a deep sleep. Watching her unguarded expression, Joshua''s eyes darkened, and he couldn''t look away for a long time.


    She was always like this, sopletely defenseless around him. Didn''t she realize that no matter how much she trusted him, he was still a grown man? If he ever truly did something to her, she would be deeply hurt, both physically and emotionally.


    Joshua stood by the bed for another moment, then gently pulled the covers over her. Before leaving, he leaned down and ced a soft kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, Star."


    Harold had urgent business to report to Joshua, but his calls went straight to voicemail, so he had toe in person. From a distance, Harold saw Joshua helping Ste back to the hotel and gave him a mental thumbs-up. Mr. Gardner might not have any dating experience, but he certainly knew how to woo a woman. Alcohol was the best catalyst for romance. A candlelight dinner, the right atmosphere, a bit of wine... a romantic night was sure to heat things up.


    He had been getting anxious watching Joshua give his all for Ste without ever making a move. As it turned out, Joshua wasn''t holding back; he was ying a masterstroke. Impressive, truly impressive. That was Mr. Gardner for you.


    As Harold was snickering to himself, a cool, clear voice came from behind him. "What are you grinning about?"


    The familiar voice made Harold freeze. He turned around to see Joshua standing right there.


    Harold waspletely stunned. "How are you so fast?!" he blurted out. It had only been a few minutes Not even five! It was... over? He''d never heard about the Gardner family having that kind of medical issue. Could that be why Joshua got divorced?


    Harold felt like he had just stumbled upon a secret that could get him killed.


    Joshua raised an eyebrow. "What was so fast?"


    Harold''s eyes darted around. "Uh... nothing. I thought... I thought..."


    Joshua wasn''t slow; he immediately understood what Harold was implying. "You


    thought I would take advantage of her?"


    Harold gave a dryugh. "Well, not exactly taking advantage. More like... a natural progression. Yeah, a natural progression... hehe!"


    Meanwhile, he was screaming


    he wa


    internally. "Mr. Gardner, have you


    spent so much time with Ste that you actually think you''re a good


    person now? Weren''t you the one


    who used to love taking dvantage. of people for fun?" "


    As long as it amused him, Joshua was capable of anything—taking advantage, kicking people when theyre down, or profiting from their misfortune.