For one, the current leader had alreadysted longer than most of the people who came before him. His position was said to be rock-solid; unless he met an untimely end, it would be nearly impossible to usurp his power.


    Jonathan had also discovered that this leader had risen to the top in just two short years and had solidified his position within another two. This demonstrated his considerable abilities-his cunning, methods, andbat skills were all among the best of any Gardner leader in history. However, while tales of his deeds circted, his name and appearance remained aplete mystery. Not that anyone really cared. The head of the Gardner family changed so frequently that, to most, the title was just a designation.


    Just then, the door swung open, and a clear, crisp, yet incredibly familiar voice sounded, unhurried and calm.


    "Mr. Williams, I''ve kept you waiting."


    Jonathan put on a polite smile. "Not at all. I''m the one who arrived unannounced, disturbing you..."


    But as he got a clear look at the person who had entered, his voice caught in his throat, and the smile on his face froze.


    "You... you..." Jonathan''s vision seemed to jolt as he stared in shock at the handsome man with the easy, sunny smile. "...Joshua?!"


    Joshua smiled and greeted him. "Mr. Williams, long time no see."


    Jonathan knew hisst name was Gardner but had never connected him to *the* Gardners.


    Slowly recovering from his disbelief, Jonathan asked hesitantly, "You... you''re a Gardner?"


    Even now, Jonathan refused to believe that Joshua was the head of the Gardner family.


    "That''s right," Joshua replied with a smile.


    Jonathan carefully probed, "So... is your family head still busy?"


    "He''s finished now," Joshua said.


    Jonathan observed Joshua''s


    expression Seeing that he seemed


    unfazed, Jonathan felt an


    inexplicable sense of relief. "Joshua, do you happen to know how offended the head of the Gardner family?"


    "Of course I do," Joshua replied.


    "Can you tell me what this is all about?" Jonathan asked eagerly.


    "The reason is simple," Joshua saidzily. "You pushed around the woman he loves, and he didn''t take kindly to that."


    Jonathan looked puzzled. "His sweetheart? Who is she?" He was usually busy with work and had limited contact with women; he couldn''t imagine how he could have offended the man.


    "Your sister," Joshua said.


    Jonathan''s immediate thought was, "Aurora?"


    Joshua shook his head. "Not Aurora."


    "If not Aurora, then who..." Jonathan frowned, his voice trailing off as a thought struck him. His face suddenly changed. "Joshua, are you messing with me?"


    Joshua raised an eyebrow. "How am I messing with you?"


    "Ste was married and she has a child," Jonathan said grimly. "How could the head of the Gardner family possibly be interested in her Don''t think everyone is like you, falling for a..."  s?novels


    He trailed off again, a realization dawning. Though he didn''t want to believent he wasn''t a fool. He looked


    Joshya straight in the eye and


    asked, "Who is the head of the


    Gardner family?"


    A hint of a smile yed in Joshua''s eyes. "Alright, ytime is over. Let me introduce


    myself. My name is Joshua Gardner, head of the Gardner family."