Chapter 143
Lorelei was utterly surprised, looking at Josephine suspiciously.
"What are you doing here?"
She and Josephine spoke almost in unison.
Josephine's gaze swept over the gift box Lorelei was carrying. She said flatly, "What are you here to do? Deliver gifts?"
Hearing this, Lorelei became alert. She'd searched for so long to get information about that master artist, never expecting to see Josephine here. "You're also here to visit that master, aren't you?"
Josephine was momentarily stunned. She exchanged glances with Preston and went along with Lorelei's words. "I am indeed here to visit the master."
Hearing this, Preston glared at her.
Josephine touched her nose. Her dad did have some skills in the past—calling him a master wasn't an exaggeration.
In Lorelei's eyes, this glare meant the master didn't like Josephine.
Here was her chance.
Lorelei pushed inside, carrying the gift box. "Master, I've heard of your reputation for a long time. Though you've stopped painting and retired your brush, I admire you immensely. I've long wanted to visit, but never had the opportunity."
"No matter why you came today, I'm not interested. I've returned to family life now and only want to care for my loved ones." Preston recognized Lorelei. At that press conference, her face had been shown. She was at odds with Josephine—Preston could hardly give her a pleasant expression.
The rejection was obvious, but Lorelei was thick-skinned. "You've misunderstood. I came today without any agenda, just to visit you. When you became famous with a single painting, I was filled with admiration. Being able to meet you today truly makes me happy."
Since no one invited her in, she stood at the door, refusing to leave, no matter what.
Josephine glanced at Gemma and blinked. Gemma immediately understood her daughter's intention. "Don't stand talking at the door. Come in first."
Lorelei hurried toward the living room, giving Josephine a triumphant look.
Preston sat on the sofa with a stern face, looking very unapproachable. Lorelei presented the gift box and poured out flattering words by the basketful.
Josephine was speechless, listening to it.
Until Gemma pulled Josephine into the bedroom.
She asked Josephine, "Is this woman Gideon's mistress?"
Josephine was startled. "How did you know?"
"Don't I understand you?" Gemma didn't know Lorelei and didn't know the marriage details, but she understood her daughter. She'd caught the flash of coldness in Josephine's eyes when she saw Lorelei.
No point hiding it. Josephine simply told the truth. "Yes."
"What was Gideon thinking?" That woman was far inferior to her own daughter. Gemma completely couldn't understand.
And she noticed something else. "She's pregnant?"
Josephine nodded. Counting the days, Lorelei had been pregnant for nearly three months—the curve of her small belly couldn't be concealed.
Gemma's face turned cold. "And you still let her in? I'll throw her out right now."
But Josephine stopped Gemma, a cunning smile appearing on her face, exactly like when she played pranks as a child. "No rush."
Gemma immediately understood her daughter's intention. She also felt some resentment toward Lorelei. A perfectly good young woman—why become a mistress?
She said nothing, only gripped her daughter's hand to express her support.
Josephine's heart warmed. She pulled her mother to sneak to the bedroom door, pushing it open a crack to watch the scene in the living room.
Lorelei claimed she had no agenda, constantly flattering Preston, but gradually the topic drifted. "I'm different from Ms. Kennedy. She came here because she's recently collaborating with Daryl. I don't know if you know Mr. Fields—he's a genius in scientific research, holding technology that countless people scramble for. And this Mr. Fields really likes your paintings."
She left it at that.
Preston made a sound. "You mean she came to see me today just to get my paintings?"
"I can't be certain, but I think faced with benefits, many people wouldn't give up." Lorelei kept smiling.
Even if she couldn't win the master's favor, Josephine shouldn't expect to either!
She knew when to stop. Some things couldn't be said too explicitly, so she stood up readily. "I apologize for coming so suddenly and interrupting your dinner. I'll leave now and visit you another day."
Preston nodded coolly.
Lorelei left.
Josephine and Gemma emerged from the bedroom. Preston looked up at Josephine, his first words: "She has a grudge against you."
Before Josephine could speak, Gemma said indignantly, "Jojo's marriage cracked because of this woman. Gideon cheated, and the affair partner was her."
Preston suddenly stood, his expression dark. "Why didn't you tell me just now?"
"Don't get agitated. Let me explain slowly." Josephine helped him sit down. Preston was getting older and had high blood pressure—once emotions ran high, his blood pressure would rise easily.
"Actually, our marriage isn't only because of Lorelei's issues." Josephine had thought about it herself later.
Preston calmed down somewhat, asking suspiciously, "What else did he do to wrong you?"
Josephine smiled. "Dad, because of my health, we've been married for years without children. Actually, I was long prepared for this day."
"You don't hate him?"
"If it's for the affair, no hate."
Preston didn't understand. "Are you planning to repay evil with kindness?"
"Of course not."
How could Preston think she wanted to repay evil with kindness? Josephine wouldn't dare claim she had that quality. She had many flaws.
Bad temper, petty, always settling scores.
"If it were just cheating, divorce at worst. But he absolutely shouldn't have deceived me." And caused the death of the child in her belly.
She rested her head on Preston's shoulder—as broad and warm as in childhood, giving her security and steadiness. As long as her father was there, even if the sky fell, there was nothing to fear. "Your daughter is really petty. Kindness might not be remembered, but grudges will definitely be repaid."
Preston naturally understood his daughter. "Whatever you want to do, just do it. Don't worry about anything. Your mom and I will always support you."
Josephine nodded emotionally, gently closing her eyes.
What did Gideon care about most?
Before, Josephine was one thing. Now... what he cared about most should be Starlight Group.
Josephine's eyes opened slightly, coldness flowing through them.
So during the divorce, she had to viciously take away what he cared about. Only then would she do right by that child who never got to be born.
Downstairs, Lorelei got in her car but didn't leave immediately. She wanted to see when Josephine would come down. But after waiting, the night passed.
Josephine still hadn't come down!
She'd stayed overnight?