It all started when Liam's call accidentally went to Andrew.
Even though Josephine had called Liam before, the research institute still had investments from the Clement family, and many people there were sent by Liam.
So, he found out Josephine wasn't at the research institute anymore.
Liam couldn't reach her at all and had no idea where she was.
Liam panicked and had someone investigate, which led him to Stuart.
He called Stuart, but Stuart didn't answer, confirming his suspicions.
Liam had a broken bone; the cast was off, but the doctor told him to rest and avoid movement.
He couldn't do much himself, so he called Andrew.
Andrew was shocked. "You can't reach Josephine? You think Stuart did something?"
Liam explained everything, and after hanging up, Andrew angrily went to find Stuart.
Stuart wanted to keep it a secret, but Andrew said, "Do you think I'm old and useless? I can still find out what's going on."
Stuart had to admit, "Grandpa, Josephine and I are fine. I've made mistakes, and I'm trying to get her forgiveness. Please don't make it worse."
Andrew shouted, "I won't interfere with you and Josephine! You're fine, but what about her?"
Stuart replied, "She's really fine."
"I don't believe you!" Andrew was furious. "You're really something! Your dad did those things, and now you're even bolder, imprisoning her."
Stuart had little affection for his parents because he barely saw them growing up.
He resented what Elbert had done.
If Elbert hadn't done what he did, maybe Stuart wouldn't have always lacked parental love.
However, he didn't realize that marrying Josephine while thinking of someone else was hardly any better than Elbert's infidelity.
Even so, Stuart didn't want to be compared to Elbert. To him, Elbert was neither a good father nor a good husband.
He said, "Grandpa, Josephine is really fine. I'll have her call you later."
"A call won't do!" Andrew said, "Have her send me a video. I need to talk to her to be sure. Then, you bring her back!"
Stuart had no choice but to agree. "Okay, I'll arrange it."
Josephine was ignoring him, and her condition was getting worse.
Stuart didn't dare face her anymore. Frustrated, he turned to drinking, which led to irrational actions.
This vicious cycle left Stuart unsure of how to face Josephine. He was tired of apologizing. Her coldness and indifference made him more anxious.
He had been confident before, but now that confidence was almost gone.
Even so, he never thought of letting Josephine go. He even thought it would be fine to keep her locked up for life.
At least he could still see her, hold her, and be with her.
But he couldn't fool Andrew.
Even though Stuart controlled the Haustia family's assets, Andrew could easily investigate if he wanted to.
So, Stuart had no choice but to find Josephine.
Josephine spent her time either lying in bed or sitting by the window.
Stuart didn't know what she was looking at. He tried to talk to her, but she always stayed silent.
Stuart knew what he was doing was wrong.
But he'd rather risk it than let her leave.
"Josephine," he said, squatting down and placing his hand on her knee. "Grandpa called. He misses you. Can you send him a video?"
Josephine's eyelashes fluttered, and she looked down at him.
Seeing her reaction, Stuart quickly added, "But don't tell Grandpa anything. His health isn't good. If he finds out, he won't handle it well."
Stuart sighed. "Josephine, I don't want this either, but I can't accept you leaving me. Blame me or hate me, I won't let you go. Even if you tell Grandpa the truth, it won't matter. Even if he gets angry, I still won't let you leave."
Josephine looked out the window, expressionless.
Stuart said, "I know you're sad, but have you thought about my feelings? I'm in pain too! I don't want this either, but you want to leave and never see me again. What should I do?"
He continued, "I know you'll say this isn't a reason to imprison you. Yes, I have no reason to imprison you, but I just want love. I just love you. Is that wrong?"
He added, "Josephine, you clearly love me. I've said I'll change. Just give me a chance."
Stuart suddenly asked, "Or is it that you really have someone else in your heart now?"
Josephine finally looked down at him again.
Stuart, already angered by his own imagination, said, "Your diary doesn't lie! The one you love can only be me!"
Josephine shook her head and finally spoke, "Love can shift and disappear. Stuart, unless I'm sick, I wouldn't love someone who imprisons me."
"I don't believe you!" Stuart, hearing her slightly hoarse voice, gritted his teeth. "Fine, you say love can shift. Then tell me, who do you love now?"
Seeing Josephine remain silent, he sneered. "I knew there was no such person!"
"There is," Josephine looked at him coldly. "But I will never tell you."
"Why!" Stuart was almost going crazy. He stood up, shaking Josephine's shoulders. "Who is it? Don't think I can't find out if you don't tell me!"
Josephine mocked. "Stuart, you're pathetic.."
Stuart's gaze turned icy.
Josephine continued, "You keep saying you love me, but you don't understand me at all. You imprison me, humiliate me, thinking that will make me compromise?"
"I didn't humiliate you," Stuart's eyes were bloodshot. "I just love you. I can't help myself."
"Your love is truly unique," Josephine said. "Stuart, if I could do it all over again, I wish I had never met you."
Stuart blurted out, "If you hadn't met me, you could be with Liam, right? Is that what you're thinking? Tell me!"