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Joshua ultimately didn’t touch the coffee. After issuing his icy threat, he turned and strode out without a second nce.
As the door closed behind him, the living room was left in heavy silence for several seconds.
Richard suddenly mmed his hand down, flinging the coffee off the table in a fit of rage.
Coffee sttered across the sofa, staining it with dirty marks as the cup shattered into fragments. Shards scraped across his calf, and tiny beads of blood welled up.
When Holt came out, the first thing he saw was Richard’s face twisted in fury.
He couldn’t help but shudder as he walked up to Richard.
“Boss, you want us to hit him now?” Holt asked.
He’d heard everything from the other room, so he knew damn well what had set Richard off.
‘Joshua’s just as full of himself as ever,’ Holt thought.
Richard’s face was dark, his usually soft features now twisted with murderous intent, giving him an eerie, almost unrecognizable look.
After a moment, he finally said, “No need. Joshua went out of his way just for Xylia–it’s obvious she’s his top priority, maybe even more important to him than his own life.”
As he said this, Richard’s brow rxed slightly.
His voice softened as he added, “He just dropped his Achilles‘ heel right in front of me. How could I possibly let that go?”
Holt parted his lips, wanting to say something, but the words stuck in his throat.
He knew exactly how much Richard despised women. ‘Isn’t he just putting himself through hell by forcing himself to deal with one?‘ Holt thought, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes.
But in the end, he swallowed his words.
Richard waved Holt over to take care of the mess, then, clutching his phone, headed straight into his room.
He barely got the screen unlocked when an email notification popped up. He opened it–big, bold letters: “Termination of Employment.”
The dangerous edge in his eyes sharpened even further.
When Joshua got back to Xylic Studio, he found Xylia wasn’t in her office.
<b>8:40 </b>Thu, Sep <b>25 </b>
He waited for a while, and finally, she walked in.
When she saw Joshua, she was momentarily surprised, then asked, “You’re back already?”
She didn’t have much on her te that afternoon, so she walked over and sat down next to him.
As soon as she sat down, he pulled her into his arms.
He tossed his phone onto the coffee table and just grunted softly.
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His deep, maic voice sounded a little gloomy–Xylia could tell right away he wasn’t in a good mood.
She tilted her head up, looking at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he replied.
Joshua reached out and gently touched Xylia’s face. “The guy upstairs–Richard. I sent him a little parting gift, so my debt’s paid. You don’t have to bother with him anymore.”
Xylia finally put it together. “So you went to talk to him just now?”
Joshua nodded.
He ruffled her hair, steering the conversation elsewhere.
“Anything important happening this afternoon?” he asked.
Xylia thought for a moment. She’d already wrapped up her work for the day–just had to catch up with Leroy Bonner to talk through the next design proposal, and that was about it.
She told him straight, then asked, “Why? You need something?”
Joshua squeezed her hand.
“Didn’t you say you hit a creative block a couple days ago?” Joshua murmured, “Well, I know just the ce that’ll kickstart your inspiration again.”
“Where is it? Xylia asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“You’ll know once you see it. Go handle your work first, Joshua said.
Joshua nudged Xylia gently, sending her off to catch up with Leroy for their meeting.
By the time she finished, it was already past three in the afternoon.
She sent Josie a quick heads–up and then headed out with Joshua.
The car cruised its way out toward the suburbs.
Xylia didn’t bother asking where they were headed–after all, Joshua wasn’t about to sell her off or anything.
<b>8:40 </b>Thu, <b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>
Joshua’s driving was so smooth, Xylia melted into thefy seat, drifting off in a sleepy haze.
Before she knew it, Joshua was softly nudging her awake.
Joshua gently called her name, “Xylia, we’re here.”
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Xylia blinked awake, her blurry eyes gradually sharpening until Joshua’s charming face came into view, reflected in her clear gaze.
Still half–asleep, she mumbled, “We’re here,” echoing him.
She repeated after Joshua with a soft, absent–minded whisper.
‘Man, she’s just too cute, Joshua thought, a wave of affection bubbling up inside him.
Unable to resist, he gently ruffled her hair and gave her cheek an affectionate little squeeze.
“Come on, we’re here,” Joshua coaxed softly. “Let’s get out.”
Xylia lingered for a moment, still a bit groggy, then slipped out of the car after Joshua.
Right in front of them stood Norhill’s Saint Garment Museum–the only clothing museum in the whole city.
Xylia had seen some short videos about this ce a while ago, and had been meaning toe by and see it for herself.
But with everything going ontely, she’d never actually found the time.
Turns out Joshua actually remembered.
Feeling moved, she reached over and took Joshua’s hand herself.
“You’re so sweet, she murmured,
Joshua grinned, gave her hand a gentle squeeze in return, and led her inside the museum.
The museum was tucked away on the outskirts of Norhill, sprawling across a vast stretch ofnd. It ranked among the top threergest museums in the city.
Inside, the exhibits ranged from centuries past to recent times–showcasing garments from both local designers and international creators.
Every outfit highlighted the most iconic traits of its era, each one telling the unique story of both its time and
its wearer
The museum wasn’t crowded; most visitors wandered quietly, taking everything in at their own pace.
Photos weren’t allowed inside, so as Xylia and Joshua moved through the exhibits, the only thing they could hear <b>was </b>the low, scattered murmur of other people’s conversations.
Joshua leaned in close to Xylia, lowering his voice. “I remember the theme for yourpetition this time <b>is </b>
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‘elegance. I think elegance is more than just a person’s temperament–maybe the depth of history here will spark your inspiration.”
Xylia couldn’t help but think, ‘If Joshua ever got into design, he’d definitely make a fantastic designer.‘
She never doubted Joshua’s taste.
Xylia shot him a smile. “You’re a lifesaver.”
Joshua chuckled, “Let’s talk reward after you get your muse back.”
Who says I’d actually reward you?‘ Xylia snarked to herself.
Xylia gave his arm a teasing little twist, acting all coy as she flirted.
She barely used any strength, but Joshua yed right along, dodging dramatically just to mess with her.
Museums have a kind of magic about them–no matter how stressed you were before stepping in, the weight of history all around just quiets your mind and brings you a sense of calm.
Bit by bit, Xylia found herself rxing, and fresh ideas started bubbling up inside her.
She took out her phone and started typing up the inspiration as it came.
Whenever she got wrapped up in her design ideas, everything else around her faded into the background.
As she wandered through the exhibits, she was mentally piecing together new concepts–so focused she barely noticed time passing. When she snapped back to reality, Joshua was nowhere to be seen.
“Joshua?”
Xylia called out softly.
Xylia waited for a reply, but heard nothing.
With a slight frown, she put away her phone, not noticing the message Joshua had left for her.
She slipped out through a nearby side door, leaving the medieval costume disy behind and heading into
the main hall.
The crowd murmured all around, but Joshua was nowhere to be seen, making Xylia’s nerves tighten just a bit.
‘Where’d he run off to? Xylia wondered, ncing around with a hint of nervousness.
Only then did it ur to her–she should just call Joshua.
But before she could even dial, a familiar voice called out to her from nearby.
“Ms. Sadler? Fancy bumping into you here!”
Xylia turned around and was greeted by Richard’s gentle smile. She couldn’t help but raise her brows in
8:40 Thu, Sep 25 <b>G</b>…
surprise.
“Mr. Shaw? I didn’t expect to see you here.”
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“It’s not often I get a day off,” Richard said with an easy smile. “Just out stretching my legs, taking in the sights.”
His voice was soft and gentle.
Xylia nodded, answering his earlier question. “I’m here with my boyfriend. Just came to look around with him.”
‘Boyfriend?‘ Richard thought, a flicker of coldness passing over his smile.
Richard’s smile grew noticeably colder.