"Losing this one contract wouldn''t make or break Star, but it wouldn''t help her situation either.


    But if you''re the reason she loses it, never mind the shareholders who support her— do you think they''ll let it go? Even the shareholders on our side will probably lose faith in us."


    Though impulsive, Skyler''s reminder sent a cold sweat down Israel''s back.


    He gritted his teeth. "Joshua is despicable!"


    He had been the one to set a trap for Joshua, only to have it turned back on him.


    Skyler shook his head and sighed. "Israel, the fact that Joshua could be the head of the Gardner family means his methods and cunning are far beyond those of ordinary people. From now on, you should stay far away from him. You''ll never get the upper hand with him. If you''re not careful, you''ll suffer a major loss at his hands."


    It was a good thing Skyler happened to be there today to see the deeper implications hidden within the situation. If he hadn''t been, Israel would have surely fallen into Joshua''s trap again. But this time, it wouldn''t just be him he was affecting; it would be the reputation of the entire Williams family.


    ***


    Although Israel was reluctant, he obediently apologized to avoid giving Ste an even bigger advantage.


    With everyone watching, Joshua didn''t make things difficult for him. He just had Israel offer him a cup of tea as a gesture and say he was sorry, and that was that.


    Seeing Joshua''s attitude, Israel knew Skyler was right. The apology wasn''t the goal; Joshua''s objective was to make all the shareholders lose faith in the Williams family. Joshua epted the tea Israel offered and smiled faintly. "It''s been a while. Mr. Israel seems to have gotten a little smarter."


    Israel knew Joshua was deliberately trying to provoke him, so he held his tongue.


    Joshua took a sip of tea and said calmly, "There are some things a bodyguard can do that I can''t, but I still have to give Mr. Israel a word of advice."


    Israel instinctively asked, "What?"


    Joshua set the teacup down, his lips curving into a smile devoid of warmth.


    "Mr. Israel, keep your mouth clean from now on, especially when you''re talking to Star. This time, I''ll let it


    slide since you''re her rtive. But if I ever near you say anything to


    nder Star again..."


    He paused, his gaze sweeping over each member of the Williams family, a hint of a


    smile in his voice. "I can do the things a bodyguard can''t."


    A tant warning.


    But no one in the vicinity made a sound.


    Many looked at Ste with


    dat


    The whole situation was just insane.


    The contract was signed without a hitch.


    Joshua didn''t linger. After a word with Ste, he left.


    Joshua gave Ste an address. "This is where I''m staying for now. If you need anything, you can find me


    there anytime Also, don''t forget.


    about the party this weekend


    "Okay," Ste said.


    As soon as he left Ste''s office, Joshua saw Aurora standing by the elevator. It was obvious she was waiting for him.


    Joshua raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Williams, can I help you?"


    Aurora smiled. "Joshua, can we talk privately?"


    Joshua replied, "Ms. Williams, we''re not that familiar. Please call me Mr. Gardner."


    Aurora''s smile didn''t falter. "My apologies. Old habits."


    She smoothly corrected herself. "Mr. Gardner, may I have a word with you?"