Jane hoped Joseph would understand, but he looked very confused. He didn’t understand why Jane was saying this and told her directly, “I like you because you’re beautiful and have a good personality. You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. I liked you since we were dancing together, and I hope you can accept me. Jane, before pursuing you, I didn’t want to go back to France.”
“And,” he smirked and raised a charming smile, “if you don’t want to come back to France with me, it’s okay for me to move here and live with you. It’s not a big deal.”
Jane was speechless.
She didn’t know how to express her demands accurately to Joseph. She looked at him angrily yet amusingly for a while before finally managing to say something.
“Listen carefully; I really think we’re not suitable for each other. Advising you to go back is also for your own good. Besides that Patrick is someone whom I cannot separate from myself anyway. Your persistence towards me might be an illusion; when one day comes where you meet someone whom truly interests yourself, only then will your heart understand my current feelings.”
Joseph fell silent too; he frowned as if digesting what Jane had said until she breathed out in relief thinking that she had convinced him otherwise, but soon after Joseph spoke again.
“Forget it… forget it… maybe it’s just temporary adjustment issues on your part.” He paused briefly then added, “Oh right! My birthday is in three days time; how about accompanying me somewhere famous around here?”
Alright, HE still didn’t understand.
Jane turned her head silently, sighed, and pressed her forehead with the palm of her hand, looking visibly distressed. However, when she glanced up and saw Joseph’s expression, pitiful like a big puppy, she still had to reject him.
She couldn’t handle Patrick getting jealous for the nth time.
“I can’t, I have a meeting scheduled at that time, no time to accompany you to stroll around the city. You better listen to my advice and go back to France quickly.”
“No way!” Joseph suddenly became spirited, confidently retorting, “In the hotel last time, I helped you and Patrick in such a big way. You said you owe me a favor. You can’t go back on your word!”
Jane choked for a moment, not knowing how to respond to Joseph, especially since she did acknowledge owing him a favor for that incident in the hotel. Now, even if she wanted to refuse, it seemed impossible.
“Fine…”
After pondering for a moment, Jane agreed. “I’ll meet you outside your hotel at 9am three days from now and take you out to have some fun. Don’t stand me up.” She put on what she thought was her most gentle smile, but inside she felt weary and resigned.
When will Joseph finally return to France? He seemed like he wanted to say something more, but instead he just nodded happily and waved goodbye as he walked towards the door. “Don’t forget to come find me!” As long as Jane could spend time alone with Joseph, there was a chance for their relationship to grow stronger.
Jane rubbed her forehead in frustration. If Patrick found out about this meeting with Joseph, he would surely be jealous again. She glanced over a few scripts before suddenly feeling an urge to see Patrick’s handsome face again, even though they had only parted ways that morning.
Shaking her head slightly, Jane closed her computer and drove off towards Pansy Group. Lately she had been so busy with Star Entertainment that she hadn’t paid much attention to Pansy Group’s work. However, the “Ice and Fire” project that Jane had previously overseen was now running smoothly; the jewelry line was selling like hotcakes and often sold out completely.
Meanwhile BPL seemed to have calmed down quite a bit lately. Antony wasn’t making any other moves against them either. Everything appeared calm on the surface.
Jane drove, gripping the steering wheel tightly, silently contemplating her thoughts.
Since her grandfather came to Guavo, Jane had wanted to ask him about her parents, about Bernice and Uncle Newton, but every time the words were on the tip of her tongue, she swallowed them back.
In her childhood, whenever she brought up this topic, she could vividly remember the solemn expression on her grandfather’s face.
From Star Entertainment to Pansy Group, it took just a short half-hour.
For some reason, Jane always felt like there was a car following her. When she tried to get a clear look, it disappeared into the flow of traffic.
Was she mistaken?
Jane furrowed her brow, suddenly feeling an uneasy sensation rising in her heart. She had a premonition that something was about to happen.
Soon, Jane arrived at Pansy Group.
As she approached the entrance, she overheard a few receptionists gossiping, “Have you heard about Miss North and Prince Joseph?”
“Of course I’ve heard. With all the buzz going on, how could I not know?”
“So, do you think Miss North likes Prince Joseph or Mr. Pansy?”
“I’m rooting for Mr. Pansy. He and Miss North are a perfect match with their talents and looks.”
“But Prince Joseph is also great. He’s a prince after all!”
Jane furrowed her brows and coughed lightly.
“Miss North.” The receptionists immediately fell silent and greeted Jane nervously.
After all, Jane was the future mistress of the Pansy Group and would soon be engaged to Patrick.
Although there have been rumors about Jane and Prince Joseph lately, rumors were just that, rumors.
“If you want to stay in the Pansy Group, don’t gossip behind people’s backs.” Jane glanced at the receptionists before calmly entering the elevator.
“Yes, Miss North. We’re sorry,” said the receptionists as they looked at each other with regretful expressions, afraid of losing their jobs.
Jane went straight to Patrick’s office on the top floor and knocked on his door.
“Come in,” came Patrick’s clear voice from inside his office.
Jane pushed open the door to find Patrick sitting upright in his seat staring intently at his computer screen.
He wore an ash-grey designer suit that accentuated his perfect physique while showcasing his handsome features.
The setting sun shone through the window casting a golden glow over him making him look even more distinguished and dazzlingly bright.
As she gazed upon this breathtaking man before her eyes glazed over for just a moment.
Hearing her footsteps approaching him from behind, he raised an eyebrow curiously before speaking in low tones, “Have you had enough looking yet?”
“Nope,” replied Jane with a faint smile as she walked towards him confidently.
“Hmm?” This response caught Patrick off guard slightly.
“My husband is good-looking; why wouldn’t I want to look at him?”