Upon hearing Noelle’s voice, Joshua’s expression instantly darkened.
Xylia turned her head.
She saw Noelle approaching with a warm smile.
She recognized Noelle.
At the jewelry exhibition that day, Eliza stated that she was Joshua’s younger sister.
However, this sister of Joshua was not friendly toward her.
Joshua, following Xylia, turned to look at Noelle.
This time, Noelle behaved differently than she did
during
“Ms. Sadler, we meet again.”
Joshua looked at Xylia, puzzled.
“You’ve met before?”
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previous meeting. She greeted Xylia warmly.
Xylia nodded. “Last time, Mrs. Garcia took me to the jewelry exhibition. And I met your sister there.”
Hearing Xylia utter the words “sister” and seeing that her expression showed no difort, he immediately knew.
Eliza arranged for Xylia and Noelle to meet in advance. This allowed Xylia to understand that Noelle is only his sister, preventing any unnecessary misunderstandings in the future.
He should thank Eliza for this.
Joshua nodded, then turned to look at Noelle.
When Noelle noticed that Joshua’s expression softened slightly, she concealed her jealousy and unwillingness, smiled, and looked at Joshua.
“Joshua, I came to the store to do my regr check–around and arranged the featured jewelry pieces for this quarter.” Noelle deliberately brought up work matters.
“A few days ago, I wanted to discuss the design direction for this quarter’s jewelry with you, always unavable. Today, I finally caught you, so you need to spare some time for me.”
but
you were
Her tone was somewhat yful and familiar.
So it was about work.
Xylia looked at Joshua.
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Joshua maintained a neutral expression, yet his slightly furrowed brows betrayed his current displeasure.
He said, “I don’t have time right now. Just talk to David.”
Noelle had finally caught up with Joshua. There was no way that she would simply give up.
She quickly replied, “How could that be eptable, Joshua? You are always busy with work, and every time I try to reach you, you have no time. Theunch of the jewelry brand is a top priority for the group, and as the chief designer of Garcia Group, I must give it my full attention.”
She deliberately portrayed the matter as being highly serious.
Then she looked at Xylia.
“Ms. Sadler, can you get Joshua to free up some private time for us to talk about business<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Here it came again.
That look again.
Xylia found this gaze both unfamiliar and familiar.
A manner that was polite and formal, but unintentionally tinged with a hint of aversion and hatred.
She once again sensed a subtle hostility emanating from Noelle.
Xylia looked at Joshua. “Do you want to discuss business?”
Joshua shook his head.
‘Damn, after finally getting a date, who wants to talk business?‘ thought Joshua.
Xylia looked at Noelle apologetically.
“Joshua doesn’t want to talk about business right now. You should ask Mr. Hayes instead. He knows all of Joshua’s ideas and will definitely know the direction for jewelry design next quarter.”
Noelle did not expect Xylia would make a decision for Joshua.
Joshua oversaw Garcia Group. He was a well–known workaholic.
In general, as long as it involved official business, he would make time to handlepany matters properly, no matter how busy he was.
‘On what grounds, Xylia? What gives you the right to arrange for me to discuss the design with David on Joshua’s behalf?‘ Noelle thought bitterly.
A sh of malice passed through Noelle’s eyes, but itsted only an instant. She did not show it on her face.
However, Xylia did not miss a single expression on her face.
<b>8:24 </b><b>Thu</b>, <b>Sep </b><b>18 </b>N
She finally determined where that first originated.
Noelle harbored distinctive thoughts about Joshua.
9:0
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Therefore, when Eliza introduced her to Noellest time and joked about her rtionship with Joshua, Noelle became displeased. She immediately distanced herself from her.
Now that she was with Joshua, this hostility had be even more pronounced.
‘A younger sister is indispensable in each of her romantic rtionships. She is either my younger sister or his younger sister.‘ Sheughed inwardly.
Seeing that Joshua did not refute her, Noelle frowned and said, ‘Ms. Sadler, this is work for Joshua and me. It would be best if you did not get involved.’
Xylia did not speak.
She became a little unhappy.
Joshua lifted his gaze indifferently and looked at Noelle.
“I do not discuss work matters during my personal time. Furthermore, the design direction for jewelry in the uing quarter is the responsibility of your jewelry design department. You want to talk to me without a concrete proposal?”
“Joshua…”
Noelle had not expected Joshua to criticize her in public.
Her eyes rimmed red instantly, and her vision blurred with tears as she looked at Joshua.
It looked as if she had been greatly wronged.
Joshua acted as if he hadn’t seen it; he gently held Xylia’s hand.
“Are we done looking around here? Let’s go eat.”
Joshua took Xylia by the hand and led her away.
Noelle clenched her fists, watching their departing figures, the corners of her eyes bloodshot.
‘Why? I’ve known Joshua for a longer time. My brother also sacrificed his life to save Joshua. Why does Joshua not like me, but instead prefers this twice–married woman who possesses no redeeming qualities?‘ she fumed inwardly.
She did not agree. She was determined to snatch Joshua back.
The manager sensed that Noelle was angry and quietly stepped back.
Fortunately, Noelle did not lose her temper and walked straight out of the jewelry store.
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After stepping outside, Joshua gently squeezed Xylia’s hand and, with a hint of pride, said softly in her ear.
“Look, I absolutely never think about work during my personal time.”
Xylia nced sideways at Joshua.
‘He was subtly implying that I was mentally still at work during our date?‘ Xylia wondered.
The knowing smile at the corner of Joshua’s lips confirmed Xylia’s guess.
She nodded and said deliberately, “You are indeed principled, not discussing business during personal time. But I also have principles.”
Joshua asked in confusion, “What is it?”
“I will not give others any opportunity to take advantage during a romantic rtionship.”
A knot of tension tightened in Joshua’s chest instantly.
‘So she found out after all?‘ he thought.
He slightly tightened his grip on her hand and quickly exined, “She is the younger sister of a close friend of mine. That friend sacrificed his life to save me. Now, only Noelle remains in their family. My mother, unable to bear her situation, brought her home and intends to adopt her as a foster daughter.”
Xylia responded indifferently with a soft ‘hmm‘, indicating that she understood.
Joshua continued to confess.
“True, she does have feelings for me. However, I swear I have not given her any opportunity, nor will I ever develop feelings for her. My heart belongs solely to you.”
He was devout.
When Xylia heard his sudden final confession, the tips of her ears were still red.
She nced at him, then looked away.
Recalling past experiences, her gaze involuntarily grew somewhat dim.
Although she knew that Joshua was different from Connor, she still wanted to avoid even that one–in–ten- thousand possibility.
She called out Joshua’s name.
Joshua looked at her apprehensively.
“I trust you now. However, the future remains unpredictable for anyone. If, I mean, if one day…”
“That day will nevere!” Joshua seemed to anticipate what Xylia was about to say. With aposed expression, he interrupted her, “There is no ‘if‘ either! I am not Connor. When I love someone, I choose her
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with unwavering certainty.”
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