Xylia gently helped the secretary, worry clear in her voice. “Are you okay?”
The secretary shook her head, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
The secretaries who’d just been watching finally crowded around after seeing someone get hit.
Xylia told them, “Take her to the hospital and get her checked out.”
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Jessica mmed her diamond–studded crocodile bag at the secretary’s head, splitting it open and drawing blood.
The secretary was helped into the elevator by the others.
Only then did Xylia turn to Jessica. “What gives you the right to hit someone?”
Jessica shot Xylia a deadly re, looking like she was ready to eat her alive. “Why do you care? What are you to Joshua, anyway?”
She clutched her crocodile bag, eyes fixed on Xylia, clearly waiting for an answer. If it turned out to be the rtionship she was thinking of, she looked ready to smash that bag over Xylia’s head at any second.
There was no way Xylia was going to butt heads with Jessica right now.
Her wrists and ankles were still on the mend; if she tried to go up against her, she’d probably just get herself hurt all over again.
Xylia asked softly, “So, what’s your rtionship with Joshua, anyway?”
Jessica was fuming. “Ugh, didn’t I say it already? We’re engaged to be married!”
Xylia pointed out, “But you guys called off the engagement, didn’t you?”
Jessica’s face was practically twisted in fury. “I already told you—we didn’t break it off! Joshua dumped me all on his own, and I NEVER agreed!”
Xylia privately wondered, ‘Did this woman just escape from the psych ward or something?”
“So, what exactly brings you here looking for Joshua?” Xylia deflected, hoping to get the conversation away from the awkward engagement drama.
Xylia quickly changed the subject, trying to distract Jessica and diffuse the tension.
She shot a quick look at the secretary beside her, subtly hinting that she should go get security.
The secretary caught on and gave her a discreet ‘OK‘ sign with her fingers.
Jessica, still seething, shot back, “I’m obviously here to demand why he broke off our engagement! We were childhood sweethearts–what right does he have to just toss me aside?”
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Then she zeroed in on Xylia, her eyes narrowed. “And who the hell are you to grill me like this? You still haven’t answered–who exactly are you, and why did you walk out of Joshua’s office?”
She stared at Xylia almost like she was the other womaning between them.
Xylia kept her cool. “I’m his sister.”
Jessica shot back, “Don’t give me that! He’s an only child–no sister!”
Xylia just shrugged. “Even cousins are basically sisters.”
Jessica narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious, but she sort of seemed to buy it–for now.
Lying came so easy to Xylia, she didn’t even break a sweat.
Jessica paused to think, then suddenly exploded, “You’re lying! Joshua’s mom is an only child–there’s no way he has a cousin or even a ‘sister‘ like you!”
‘Wow, looks like this Hyperman Syndrome patient has got some smarts, Xylia thought to herself, a bit surprised.
Xylia was already nning how to keep up her story.
But before she could get another word out, Jessica swung her jeweled crocodile bag right at her.
“You slut! I know you’re trying to seduce my fiancé! Today I’m going to beat you to death!” Jessica screamed furiously.
Xylia dodged to the side in a sh, thinking, ‘Seriously, where’s security? At this rate, I’m no match for a Hyperman Syndrome freak going berserk!‘
“What do you think you’re doing?” Joshua’s furious shout cut through themotion.
A burst of angry yelling came from the side.
Xylia nced over and saw Joshua rushing toward them from the direction of the elevator, tension etched across his face.
His whole demeanor radiated worry.
Jessica stopped dead in her tracks, her whole face lighting up the instant she spotted Joshua.
“Joshua! I finally get to see you!” she burst out, her attitude flipping in a heartbeat. She quickly stowed her bag and all but threw herself at him, beaming from ear to ear.
But Joshua didn’t give Jessica a single look. He strode straight up to Xylia,pletely focused on her.
Joshua’s eyes swept her anxiously from head to toe, taking in every detail.
He blurted, “Are you hurt?”
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Xylia shook her head. “Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be in a meeting?”
Joshua’s tone was gentle but firm. “If I didn’t show up, what would you do without me?”
Seeing Xylia was unharmed, Joshua finally let out a breath he’d been holding.
That’s when Xylia noticed the same secretary from earlier following right after Joshua.
The moment the secretary met Xylia’s gaze, she shed another ‘OK‘ gesture at her.
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Xylia facepalmed, feeling helpless. ‘Seriously? She thought I wanted her to get Joshua toe help? I meant security, not him,‘ she grumbled inwardly.
‘Great, she totally misunderstood me,’ Xylia thought, half amused and half exasperated.
Jessica Sinir was about to lose it, practically seething as she watched Joshua fuss over Xylia.
“Joshua, are you even seeing me? Is she all you care about now–your precious ‘cousin‘? Why are you so obsessed with her?” Jessica snapped, barely keeping her anger in check.
Joshua looked down at Xylia, his brows knitting in confusion. “Cousin?”
Xylia rubbed her nose, admitting quietly, “I made that up–just trying to protect myself.”
Joshua’s expression darkened, and without even ncing at Jessica, he called out, “David!”
David, who had been trailing behind Joshua, had just finished a call. “Yes, Mr. Garcia?”
Joshua’s voice was cold and sharp. “Get the Sinirs toe pick up this nutjob, and have security throw her out.”
“Right away, Mr. Garcia,” David replied, already on the move.
‘Seriously, she’s totally off her rocker,‘ Xylia thought, shaking her head.
‘Guess my instincts were spot on… I didn’t expect Jessica to actually be nuts, Xylia mused, half amused and half speechless.
Jessica snapped again the moment she heard Joshua call her crazy, her rage practically exploding.
“Joshua! How could you say I’m insane? Even if I am, it’s all your fault! You drove me mad! Tell me–why did you dump me? Why? Why?” she screamed, her voice shaking with anger and heartbreak.
As she shrieked, she stormed toward Joshua, wild–eyed and out of control.
Joshua pulled Xylia behind him, throwing a frosty look at Jessica that could chill anyone to the bone.
Those eyes that were always full of warmth now glinted cold as ice, his presence so overpowering it felt like the whole room froze over.
Even Jessica Sinir, infamous for her Hyperman Syndrome bravado, found herself cowering under that
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She stopped dead just a few steps away from him, suddenly too scared to move any closer.
Joshua’s tone was icy. “This isn’t the ce for your craziness.”
Icy cold, Joshua spoke, shutting down all chaos around him.
Jessica’s eyes were rimmed with tears and fury, her face twisted in rage.
“Joshua, you heartless bastard! You-” she shrieked, but before she could finish, security burst onto the scene.
Screaming, Jessica was cut off mid–rant by the arrival of security.
At Joshua’smand, the guards mped a hand over Jessica’s mouth and dragged her out, fighting every step of the way.
Once Jessica was dragged out, the Executive Office finally quieted down.
With his meeting interrupted, Joshua told David to reschedule, then held Xylia by the hand and headed back to his office together.
Noelle hade up right after them, watching everything unfold. She balled her fists so tightly she could barely feel her fingers, trying to hold back her emotions.
She hadn’t expected it–even Jessica Sinir, with all her wild drama, hadn’tid a finger on Xylia.
The way Xylia stayed so calm the whole time, it was like Jessica didn’t even matter to her.
‘Is she really that unfazed?‘ Noelle couldn’t help but wonder, her thoughts spinning.
The door to the Executive Office closed firmly. Jessica Sinir lingered for a moment, her eyes cold and hard, before finally turning away and walking off.
Inside the office, Joshua took Xylia’s hand and started to exin in a rush.
“That whole engagement thing? My dad just made it up after one too many drinks, back when I was a kid. The moment I grew up, I did everything I could to get rid of it. I swear–there’s absolutely nothing between me and that lunatic. Not even a shred!”
Joshua spoke so fast he barely paused for breath, desperate to clear things up.
Xylia pressed her lips together, thinking it over for a long time before finally asking, “Is any of this because of you?”
If Jessica had really lost her mind just because of the broken engagement, the Sinirs never would’ve let Joshua off the hook.
Joshua shook his head.
“She’s always been that way, just a bit milder as a kid. The older she got, the worse her temper became. They
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diagnosed her with anger issues once, but honestly, I don’t know what she’s dealing with now,” he exined.
‘So that’s how it is, Xylia thought, feeling a bit of relief settle in.
She let out a small sigh of relief.
But then she frowned, her mind racing. “Wait a minute–if she’s got mental issues, shouldn’t she be in a hospital or kept at home and away from any drama? How did she even get out? And why show up here looking for you?”
Even if her family wasn’t keeping her under lock and key, she hasn’t been stirring up drama for Joshuately.
It’s not like she’s popped up causing chaos these past few weeks.
So why is she suddenly showing up now?
Joshua’s lips quirked into a chilling half–smile, a predatory glint flickering through his eyes. “Yeah, strange how she managed to get out, isn’t it?“##194.Chapter 194 Love Makes You Unrecognizable
Joshua had to reschedule the meeting, and because of the dy earlier, it ended up running much longer than nned.
He was feeling restless as he headed out to the meeting.
But just as he reached the door, Joshua whined a little, turned back, and grabbed Xylia’s hand like a big softie.
“Baby, if I’m tied up and get homete, just go eat by yourself, okay? Don’t go hungry on my ount,” Joshua said gently.
Joshua’s sweet “Baby!” echoed in the room–Xylia could only stare at him, absolutely speechless.
Her mind went nk with disbelief; was this really the same Joshua?
Ever since she’d started dating him, the man she once knew for his arrogant, frosty exterior had practically turned into a big softie, dropping the tough act to shower her with affection at a moment’s notice.
‘Where had his ruthless side gone?‘ Xylia wondered, a wry thought crossing her mind.
‘And what about that rebellious streak he used to have?‘
Xylia nudged his head away and told him what he wanted to hear.
Xylia reassured him, “I’ll wait for you.”
“That’s my girl,” Joshua said, doting on her.
He leaned in, gave her cheek a quick kiss, and strode out of the office.
Xylia shook her fist at Joshua’s retreating back, half–angry, half–amused.
‘He’s acting like he’s worried I’ll go hungry! Hah, as if
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‘Truth is, he’s just terrified I won’t wait and eat dinner without him.‘
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But honestly, whenever he gets all whiny and cute, all my defenses just go out the window.
Seriously, how am I supposed to say no when he looks that freaking handsome?
Xylia just shrugged it off and walked out of the office, leaving Garcia Group behind.
Her first stop was at the studio, where she casually updated Josie about handing the proposal over to Joshua.
Sharon leaned in, grinning from ear to ear.
“Ms. Sadler, if we score this order, it’ll be our studio’s first real payday!” she chirped, practically bouncing with excitement.
But Xylia couldn’t help but dampen her enthusiasm a little.
“Garcia Group hasn’t just sent an olive branch our way–they’ve reached out to other top studios andpanies, too. Their expert team will do the picking, so it’s anyone’s game right now,” Xylia said.
Sharon’s face fell, and she slumped back in her chair, but then her eyes suddenly sparkled again as she turned to Xylia.
“Xylia, you gotta do this for the studio! Just turn on a little charm for Mr. Garcia–he never stands a chance against you! You know what they say, even the biggest tough guys can’t say no to a gorgeous girl. Just give him a teasing smile and I bet he’ll sign off on the deal before you know it!” Sharon teased.
Josie bobbed her head in wild agreement.
“Isn’t there that old saying? ‘If you want something done, just work your magic at home. Go on, Xylia, try it out!” Josie urged.
Xylia caught the mischievous glint in their eyes.
With a yful grin, she reached out and gave each of them a light smack on the head.
“Stoping up with these awful ns,” Xylia scolded.
After their little mischief, Sharon and Josie burst outughing and darted away.
Of course, neither Sharon nor Josie would ever seriously ask Xylia to y dirty just tond a deal.
If you only win contracts by pulling strings instead of showing true skill, your sess isn’t going tost long in this game.
No matter what life throws at you, the real key is making it on your own.
After a while working at the studio, Xylia’s phone suddenly rang.
It was an unknown number.
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Ha
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Xylia froze for a second, remembering thest call she got from Yves and Gia–yeah, she really wasn’t in the mood for a chat with them.
But it could be a client, and after a quick second of hesitation, she picked up anyway.
Thankfully, it wasn’t Gia on the other end.
Bad news? The caller didn’t say a word–Xylia had no idea who it was.
“Hi, this is Xylic Studio. Are you calling about a custom order? You can just tell me what you’re looking for,” Xylia said.
Xylia tried a couple more times to get a response, but there was nothing but silence on the other side.
After a moment, Xylia hung up.
‘Bet that’s just another scam call, Xylia thought to herself, rolling her eyes.
Joshua was swamped with work until seven that evening before he finally had a chance to breathe.
He’d already had David reserve a restaurant early, and the moment Joshua got back to his office, he couldn’t wait to invite Xylia out for dinner.
But as soon as he stepped in, what he saw stopped him in his tracks–there was Xylia, curled up on the sofa, deep asleep and looking so sweet it made his heart soften.
She’d snuggled into a ball, having rummaged through his cab for a nket, then burrowed herself under it like it was her safe little haven.
Joshua’s footsteps unconsciously slowed, a gentle smile tugging at his lips and even his brows rxed in soft affection.
His warm eyes lingered on Xylia, her sleeping face reflected in his gaze as he just stood there, utterly captivated.
For the first time in ages, Joshua’s long–empty heart overflowed with a sense of belonging.
Joshua didn’t want to wake her.
But Xylia must have sensed his intense gaze because she slowly opened her eyes.
When she saw Joshua standing so close, she rubbed her eyes and sat up.
“Are you done with work?” Xylia asked.
Once she was done at the studio, Xylia casually dropped by Garcia Group again.
Joshua was still buried in work, so Xylia decided not to interrupt. She made herselffy on the office sofa and started watching old runwaypetition videos, quietly passing the time.
Somewhere along the way, she ended up dozing off.
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When Xylia woke up again, she was met with Joshua’s hungry eyes locking right onto her.
Not getting a reply from Joshua, Xylia asked, “Are we heading out for dinner now?”
Joshua was silent for a couple seconds.
Then, out of nowhere, he leaned in and imed her lips in a sudden, passionate kiss.
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Xylia was caught off guard–it all happened so suddenly that her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively grabbed Joshua’s hand, a little nervous.
She shyly responded to his kiss.
After what felt like forever, Joshua finally pulled away.
Joshua couldn’t help but sigh.
“Love isn’t real without hugs, kisses, and picking you up in my arms,” he teased, shing her a yful grin.
His grin stretched even wider, looking totally smitten and head–over–heels, like he was all sunshine and springtime just for her.
‘Honestly, Xylia thought to herself, ‘falling in love really does turn you into a whole different person.
The news of Connor and Tessa’s wedding had been blowing up everywhere for ages.
Ever since the headlines were all about his big day, Connor just kept his phone close by, waiting for a call that. never seemed toe.
He was always hoping he’d get that one confrontational phone call.
But as the wedding buzz faded and news slowed to a quiet trickle, that call from her–still never came.
Connor was starting to get antsy.
‘Does Xylia really not give a damn that I’m getting married again so soon?‘ Connor thought, frustration bubbling up inside him.
Compared to Connor’s moody vibe, Sonny was seriously riding high.
Sonny was practically bouncing off the walls–he was that happy.
For as long as he could remember, he’d always wanted Tessa to be his mom, and now that wish was finallying true. The excitement on his face said it all.
Ever sinceing back from Norhill, Tessa slipped right back into her old Ms. Schultz ways–always taking Sonny out to y, making his favorite meals, and caring for him in all the little everyday ways that really
mattered.
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She might not fuss over every detail like his birth mom used to, but to Sonny, Tessa was just the perfect mom for him–no one could fit that role better.
After Tessa finished a quick call with Ziggy, she headed back to the bedroom.
Sonny was in there, animatedly telling Connor all about his day at school.
As Tessa looked at Sonny–his features uncannily simr to Xylia–she couldn’t help but feel her dislike for him deepen even more.
“Dad, why are you still so moody? You’re about to marry Tessa, aren’t you?” Sonny asked, frowning at Connor.
Sonny frowned hard at Connor, a confused look on his face.
Connor, clearly annoyed by Sonny’s attitude towards Xylia, said seriously, “No matter who I marry, Xylia is the only mom you’ll ever have.”
Sonny just pursed his lips and only half–listened, clearly unimpressed.
Deep down, he just wished Tessa could be his one and only mom.
Just then, Tessa walked in and spotted Sonny sulking on the couch, looking all seriously gloomy. She grinned and teased, “Why the glum face, huh? Did you get into it with your dad or something?”
Sonny took a deep breath, struggling with his feelings before finally speaking up to Tessa.
In a soft voice, he said, “Tessa, I really want you to be my real mommy, but Dad says I can only have one
mom.”
He hung his head, feelingpletely crushed.
Tessa reached out and gently stroked his hair, soothing him.
She reassured him with a loving promise, “From now on, I’m your mom–nobody can ever change that.”
Feeling much better, Sonny hugged his picture book to his chest and quietly went back to his room.
Finally, Tessa looked over at Connor.
“Connor, do you still not want to marry me?” Tessa asked, her voice barely hiding the hurt.
Connor hesitated, then replied, “No, it’s not that…”
Tessa could tell Connor was lying, but she didn’t press the issue.
She just smiled and said, “That’s all I needed to hear. You don’t have to worry about a thing–I’ve got the
whole wedding handled. Just focus on your work at thepany, okay?”