Chapter <b>426 </b>


    Melvin let out a snort and gave his son a light kick.


    “Rx. Even I wouldn’t go that far as tomit a crime.”


    Joseph chuckled. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”


    “Don’t worry, I’d never actually do anything illegal. I’m aw–abiding citizen, you know.”


    Melvin smiled. “You little punk, stop trying to joke your way through everything.”


    “What I want is simple–I’m assigning you a position in thepany. You’re to start immediately and work from the ground up. One step at a time. No shortents. No ckit”


    Joseph stood there, stunned.


    He couldn’t believe it had been resolved so easily. Had he really just reached an agreement with his father like that?


    If it had been this simple all along, why had things <b>between </b>them be so tense before?


    That thought made Joseph feel a little guilty.


    He quickly nodded and promised, “Don’t worry, Dad. I know you have your reasons, and I’ll take it seriously. I’ll work hard.”


    “Then I…” He lowered his head, unsure how to bring it up.


    Melvin waved him off. “Go. Go find that woman.


    “But just know this–<b>she’s </b>not going to bring you anythingsting. In the end, the person you marry will still be someone else.”


    A flicker of pain crossed Joseph’s eyes.


    Before he could say anything, Melvin had already turned and walked out of the study.


    Why was it so hard to be with the person you love?


    Why did everyone seem hellbent on keeping them apart?


    Lucas and Leonard walked in silence, side by side, the takeout bags swinging lightly in their hands as they made their way back to the hospital.


    “Mr. Carter, don’t you think getting pork hocks <b>is </b><b>a </b>bit much?”


    “Oh really? And that fancy seafood bisque you picked–what, is it supposed to serve someone as useless as you?”


    Lucas snapped with his usual venom.


    Then he realized–why was Leonard still walking beside him?


    “Wait a minute, why are you still here? You’reing back with me? What exactly are you trying to do?”


    Lucas let out a sharpugh, exasperated.


    Leonard really had some nerve.


    No matter <b>how </b>much time passed and where he went, that man was always around.


    Lucas had reached his limit. He’d seen people with thick skhi, but Leonard? He redefined it.


    And what made it worse was that this was supposed to be between him and Aurora.


    How did Leonard manage to wedge himself into it like he had a ce?


    | + 25 BOHUS


    Lucas came to a halt, straightened his posture, and looked im dead in the eye. “Do I really need to spell it out for you?”


    Leonard turned his head, clearly confused. “What exactly are you trying to say?”


    “You already know, don’t you?”


    Leonard followed his gaze, looking down at himself, then asked, “What am I supposed to know? Stop ying riddles. Just say it.”


    “Fine. I will.”


    Lucas slowly set down the things in his hands, then stared at <b>Leonard </b>with a rare seriousness. “Aurora and I are family. Your presence here is unnecessary. Worse than that you’re in the way.


    “<b>And </b>you–what ce do you think you have in all of this<b>? </b>


    Lucas‘ jealousy burst out in full force, and heunched straight into a scathing confrontation.


    Leonard opened his mouth, wanting to defend himself.


    But when he met Lucas‘ fierce<b>, </b>unwavering stare, he realized that he had nothing to say and refute