Unfortunately for Simone, Joshua was a man of decisive action. After meeting with her once and making things clear, he refused to see her again, no matter how much of a scene she made.


    If Simone truly angered him, she would be the one to suffer.


    Ste knew Joshua''s temperament. She lowered her gaze, thinking for a few seconds before turning to Wilbur. "Take me to see her."


    Wilbur immediately went to make the arrangements.


    Ste then went to what used to be Joshua''s office.


    She didn''t hide her intentions. "Joshua, stay here with Keen for a bit. Wilbur and I are going out to see Simone."


    Joshua paused what he was doing and turned to her.


    "You don''t want me to go with you?"


    Ste shook her head gently. "I can handle this alone."


    Joshua watched her quietly for a moment. "Alright, I understand."


    After letting Joshua know, Ste left with Wilbur for the ce where Simone was staying.


    On the way, Wilbur exined, "Gideon used to be in charge of watching her. Since her movements are no longer restricted, there''s no one guarding her anymore. And yet, even without a guard, Simone refuses to leave."


    After hearing Wilbur''s summary, Ste had a clear picture of the situation.


    Half an hourter, the car pulled up in front of a vi.


    Inside, Wilbur led Ste to a room and said, "Simone is in here."


    Ste nodded and knocked softly on the door.


    -


    Simone had been lonely and boredtely. Before Ste was found, she could see Joshua almost every day.


    But ever since Ste''s return, the ce had be cold and empty. Even the guards were gone.


    She refused to leave. She wanted to see Joshua too desperately.


    Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.


    Simone''s eyes lit up as she looked toward the entrance. She rushed forward and eagerly pulled the door open.


    "Joshua, you finally came to see me!"


    However, when she saw who was standing there, the expression on her face froze instantly.


    "Ste?" She frowned in disgust. "What are you doing here?"


    "I heard you refuse to leave no matter what and that you''ve been demanding to see Joshua"


    said. "So I came to see you" >


    Simone''s voice was cold. "The person I want to see is Joshua, not you."


    "If Joshua wanted to see you," Ste replied, "I wouldn''t be the one here."


    Ste''s words left Simone speechless.


    She stepped aside, clearing a path for Ste to enter.


    Simone knew very well that throwing a tantrum was useless with Joshua. He said he wouldn''t see her again, and he meant it. Even if she died. fight in front of him, he wouldn''t spare her a second nce


    His gentleness was reserved only for the person he loved.


    Ste entered the room.


    Closing the door, Simone said, "You didn''te here because of Joshua. You came


    because of Leonard, didn''t you?"


    Ste looked dat Simone, her


    expression calm. "You''re not a fool.


    Since you know I''m here about Leonard, you should also know that I''m about to take over thirty percent of the Lerman family''s shares. You''re Leonard''s sister, so fil do my best to protect you in the future. But there''s one condition: you have to be on my side and stop working against me. We''re not family We''re


    connected by mutual interest, so I''m only giving you this one chance. If you don''t want to ept, I won''t force you. Of course, I won''te after you, either. But if you decide toe after me, I won''t show you any mercy."


    Simone stared at Ste, then abruptly asked, "Are you and Joshua closer now?"


    "Does your question have anything to do with this?" Ste countered.


    "No," Simone said. "I just wanted to ask."


    Ste was silent for a moment before answering, "That''s right. Joshua and I are getting married."