Simone had no defenses up against Joshua.


    Now that he had finally reached out to her, she was so thrilled she wanted to tell him everything she knew. Every extra minute she got to spend on the phone with him felt like a blessing.


    As for whether she was betraying Leonard... that wasn''t even a consideration. Joshua was more important than anyone, even her own brother.


    The call between Joshua and Simonested for a long time, well over half an hour.


    Joshua barely spoke, asionally murmuring a response to show he was still listening.


    Ste and Abby had no idea what Simone was saying, but they saw Joshua''s expression grow colder and colder, until even the faint smile he usually wore vanishedpletely.


    The reason Ste and Abby had never suspected Joshua''s true identity was due to his demeanor. The first impression he gave was that of a simple, sunny, and cheerful young man in his early twenties, fresh out of college with clear eyes. The harmless smile that always yed on his lipspletely masked the depth and ruthlessness of a family patriarch.


    This was also why Abby, even after learning he was the head of the Gardner family and hearing the rumors about him, never found him particrly terrifying.


    It wasn''t until she saw him deal with Prince Wright that she was shocked into realizing his bright, harmless exterior was just a facade. His methods were in no way inferior to Leonard''s.


    Someone like Joshua, who excelled at hiding his true nature, was far more dangerous than the straightforwardly brutal Leonard.


    Abby sometimes wondered how Joshua would treat Ste if she didn''t like him or if their goals were opposed.


    A highly intelligent man like Joshua would be difficult for Ste to handle. He would likely have her wrapped around his finger in the future.


    Now that the smile was gone, Joshua''s expression turned icy. The intimidating air that his smile had always masked now fully resurfaced. A sudden chill seemed to settle over the room, and the air grew heavy.


    Abby swallowed nervously. It was obvious this was not a situation she could handle. Lacking any backbone, she said to Ste, "Star, um... I have something to do, so I''m gonna head out."


    Ste also noticed Joshua''s gaze growing darker. She''d never seen such a terrifying look in his eyes, not even when he was killing someon It was clear he was truly angry this time.


    Ste wanted to run, too. She shot Abby a look, signaling for her to invite her to leave with her.


    Abby quickly shook her head,


    indicating she didn''t dare. She pointed to her own lips, hinting to Ste that there was nothing a kiss


    couldn''t solve .


    Ste was speechless.


    Abby gave Ste a sympathetic wave and left without a second nce.


    Ste didn''t know what Simone and Joshua had talked about, but she


    had a gut feeling it wasn''t anything from Joshua''s


    expression, it was easy


    good And easyles


    that


    the theory about Lˇbeing Leonard


    was very likely true.


    After a moment, Joshua''s voice finally broke the silence. "Alright, I understand. Thank you for telling me all this."


    He hung up and turned to look at Ste. "Star, where are you going?"


    Ste stammered, "...I was going to handle your discharge papers."


    "Didn''t Abby just take care of that?" Joshua asked.


    Ste had no reply.


    Joshua nced at her. "Let''s go back first."


    Seeing that he didn''t press the issue, Ste felt an inexplicable sense of relief.


    Joshua walked over to her and naturally took her hand. "Let''s go."


    Ste froze for a second. Joshua''s long, fair fingers slipped into her palm, interlocking with hers.