Chapter 114
Briana felt a chill in her heart and didn't dare say another word.
Cedric sealed the matter with finality. "Since no one has any objections, then it's settled. Ms. Wilson—No, Chloe—rest assured, as your brother, whether in career or romance, whatever you choose, I'll support you. When you get married someday, I'll give you a grand gift."
His words were perfectly considerate. As a brother, he was thoughtful enough that no one could find fault.
Throughout all this, Chloe hadn't said a single word.
During the rest of the meal, no one continued talking. The latter half of dinner was filled with nothing but the sound of utensils clinking.
Josephine ate under unbearable pressure.
She deeply felt that eating one meal at Getty Manor took years off her life. She was never coming back!
Gideon suddenly leaned close to her ear. "Are you feeling especially happy right now?"
Josephine looked at him bewilderedly.
What nonsense was he spouting now?
Gideon said quietly, "Never imagined you'd be so impressive, Jojo—making Cedric reject Chloe for your sake."
Josephine wanted to slap him.
Gideon's words were clearly full of implications, not only insulting Josephine but Cedric as well.
"Just shut up."
Having said that, she finally couldn't take it anymore. She forcefully pulled her hand from his grip and said quietly, "I'm full. I'm going to the restroom."
She hurried away.
Chloe also stood up. Though her face still wore a smile, it was somewhat forced. "I'm going to the restroom to touch up my makeup. Everyone enjoy your meal."
But anyone could see—Chloe had been hurt by Cedric's decision.
Once she left, David slammed his knife and fork on the table, scolding in a stern voice, "Cedric, do you even know what you're doing?"
"I'm perfectly clearheaded."
David spoke deliberately. "Behind Chloe is the Wilson family. Our families go way back, with extensive business dealings. She graduated from a prestigious school, has outstanding work capabilities, good character, beautiful—not a single flaw. She's the best candidate to be your wife!"
Cedric's lips curved slightly. "That's how you chose my mother, too, wasn't it?"
The atmosphere at the table suddenly turned frigid.
Meeting David's gaze, Cedric asked deliberately, "Facts prove that your so-called 'well-matched families' and 'match made in heaven' were nothing but your wishful thinking."
David erupted in fury, suddenly standing. "Say that again."
Cedric's lips curved with mocking amusement. "Isn't my mother a perfect bloody example?"
David's face instantly turned ashen.
The others didn't dare breathe.
Cedric's mother.
Anissa.
A forbidden topic in this household.
In the restroom.
Josephine turned around to see Chloe walking in with reddened eyes. She didn't ask questions, thinking the other woman might need private space, and prepared to leave the room to Chloe.
But unexpectedly, Chloe said, "Jojo, can you help me?"
Josephine was stunned. "Help how?"
"I can see that Cedric treats you differently from others." Chloe seemed to have been crying before coming in, her words carrying a nasal tone. "If you're willing to help persuade him, maybe he'll come around. Even if he doesn't want to marry me now, I don't want to be his sister either."
If she really became his sister, recognized as such, there would never be any possibility between them.
She grabbed Josephine's hand. "Please, I'm begging you, help me. Persuade Cedric, or teach me—how can I make Cedric not be so heartless toward me? We've played together since childhood. My family always said I'd be his wife when I grew up. I've always thought that way. Even though he's unwilling now, I still like him."
Chloe bit her lip and dropped to her knees. "I'm begging you."
Josephine was completely bewildered. "Don't do this. Please get up first."
She quickly reached out to pull Chloe up. But Chloe refused, tears streaming continuously. "I really can't find anyone else to help me. Only you can help me."
Josephine suddenly felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. What did any of this have to do with her?
She took a deep breath and forcefully pulled Chloe up from the cold tiles. "Don't kneel casually. Your dignity is more important than anything."
Chloe paused, then lowered her head. "I had no other choice. I came back this time specifically for Cedric... But Cedric doesn't like me. He only wants me as a sister..."
Josephine sighed.
"That he doesn't like you isn't your fault. Of course, it's not his fault either. If you want to be with him, pursue him yourself. Coming to me is useless. I can't change his mind—no one can. Only if you try hard yourself might you succeed."
Chloe hesitated. "Really?"
"How will you know without trying?"
"Alright, I'll listen to you."
Finally, she'd placated her.
Josephine felt relieved internally. "Let's go back out quickly. Don't make them wait too long."
"Okay, you go ahead. My makeup's all cried off." Chloe smiled somewhat embarrassedly, traces of tears still on her face, looking quite disheveled.
Josephine expressed understanding.
As she left, she considerately closed the door behind her.
The pitiful, pleading expression instantly vanished from Chloe's face. She brushed the dust from her knees, looked at herself in the mirror, and curved her lips.
The reflection's expression became lively—not a trace of sadness or grief remained, only disdain and mockery.
Josephine.
She really was... so foolish.
In the dining room, the moment Josephine stepped in, she sensed a strange atmosphere. Everyone maintained an eerie silence, even their breathing seemed subdued.
What happened?
Josephine didn't understand and didn't ask, silently returning to her seat.
Cedric glanced at his watch. "I have a meeting tomorrow morning. I'm leaving first."
David remained expressionless, not responding.
"Why are you still sitting there?" Cedric had taken two steps toward the door when he suddenly turned back to look at Josephine, seemingly displeased with her dawdling.
Josephine instinctively stood and walked toward him. Just as she took a step, she realized something was off, but on second thought—she was currently Cedric's employee.
An employee following her boss was perfectly reasonable.
So she walked to Cedric's side, eyes lowered, looking ready to receive orders.
Gideon also stood, his voice deep. "Jojo, you're not leaving. You're coming back with me."
"Why would I go back with you?" Josephine found him baffling. "There's a meeting tomorrow. Tonight I need to prepare materials. I have a lot to do—I'm not going back with you."
She looked at David, speaking very politely. "Goodbye, Grandfather."
With that, she and Cedric left together.
David suddenly stood, shouting sternly, "Cedric, you stop right there! If you dare walk out today, don't ever set foot in this house again!"