Chapter 107
When Briana received the call, she was with Bentley. They rarely saw each other, and in the middle of an intimate moment, Lorelei's interruption irritated her immensely. But thinking of her son, she couldn't ignore it.
Glancing at Bentley's impatient expression, Briana took her phone to the balcony.
"Stop crying. You need to focus on keeping Gideon's heart. What good does sobbing to me do?"
Lorelei bit her lip, voice aggrieved. "I don't know what to do. Gideon just can't let Josephine go. I'm helpless... Mrs. Getty, do you have any ideas?"
"Let me think. Don't call me again today."
Briana hung up and dialed Josephine's number.
The ringtone sounded for three seconds before being disconnected.
Briana's eyes widened. "That damn girl! How dare she hang up on me!"
She hadn't wanted to meddle in this mess, but now she desperately wanted her son divorced. Since Gideon refused to let go, she'd find a way to force his hand!
A dark look crossed her eyes. Soon, an idea formed in her mind.
...
Inside Evercrest Manor's living room, chaos reigned. Mila silently tidied up, carefully trying to return the items the workers had moved to their original positions.
But Gideon knew—once some things were moved, they could never return to how they were.
Just like his relationship with Josephine.
He stood in the center of the living room, surveying this home Josephine had arranged bit by bit.
Seven full years. Over two thousand five hundred days and nights. Every corner had once carried her presence. Now, the air only held the strong perfume Lorelei had left behind—cloying enough to make him irritable.
"Stop tidying. Go home for now." His voice was exhausted.
Mila hesitated, wanting to speak, but ultimately withdrew silently.
Only Gideon remained in the living room, making it feel even more desolate. Desperate to do something, Gideon walked to the liquor cabinet, pulled out a bottle of whiskey, and took a swig.
The harsh liquid slid down his throat, burning all the way to his stomach, yet it couldn't relieve the panic-inducing emptiness somewhere in his chest.
His phone vibrated.
Gideon glanced at it—Briana calling. He rejected the call and continued drinking.
After several more gulps, the bottle was half empty.
The alcohol began taking effect, numbing his nerves while making certain memories sharper and clearer.
Josephine is humming while cooking. Her focused profile as she curled up on the sofa, reading. The way she'd immediately jump up from the couch whenever she heard the door open when he came home...
Gideon poured another large gulp down his throat, choking so violently he coughed.
...
Meanwhile, at the Getty Group.
Three o'clock in the afternoon. The project team had just finished a development phase. Everyone looked exhausted, collapsed in their chairs, unwilling to move.
Josephine was the same—perhaps more tired.
Not just from work, but from the immense pressure of the divorce proceedings not going smoothly.
Cedric pushed open the lab door and entered. "Everyone, thank you for your hard work on this phase."
People looked up. Seeing the CEO himself, they instinctively sat straighter.
"I'm giving everyone the day off." Cedric's voice was calm and authoritative. "Tonight at seven, I've reserved a spot at the Crestfall Club. The entire project team—dinner gathering."
The lab fell silent for a few seconds before erupting in cheers.
"Long live Mr. Getty!"
"Finally get to sleep properly!"
"Crestfall Club! That place is so hard to book!"
Josephine looked at Cedric with some surprise. Cedric always demanded strict progress on projects, especially critical R&D work like this. Usually, they worked around the clock—he rarely granted mid-project breaks.
Emma excitedly grabbed Josephine's arm. "Josephine, wonderful! We get a day off!"
Aiden also breathed with relief, touching his head with lingering fear. He felt like he had barely any hair left. "We really needed this. Keep going like this, and I'll go bald."
Cedric's gaze swept over everyone before landing on Josephine. "Ms. Kennedy, your attendance is mandatory."
His tone didn't sound like an invitation—more like an order.
Josephine nodded. "Yes, Mr. Getty."
After Cedric left the lab, the atmosphere completely relaxed. Everyone began discussing what to eat tonight and where to go afterward.
Only Kenneth remained silent.
He quietly tidied the equipment on the lab bench, movements methodical, though his eyes occasionally glanced toward Josephine.
Aiden walked over, bumping his shoulder. "What's up, Kenneth? Not happy about the day off?"
"Nothing." Kenneth's voice was low, as taciturn as always.
"You really are..." Aiden laughed. "By the way, tonight's dinner might be an opportunity."
Kenneth looked up. "What opportunity?"
Aiden grinned mischievously, elbowing him and gesturing with his chin toward Josephine. "Your little crush on her—who in our group can't see it?"
Kenneth's hands paused. His ears reddened slightly.
Was it that obvious?
"Though..." Aiden lowered his voice. "Haven't you noticed Mr. Getty's been especially attentive to Josephine lately?"
"Stop gossiping." Kenneth glanced at him and continued tidying.
Aiden clicked his tongue. "Fine, your business, I won't interfere. I'm just thinking about how to have fun tonight."
He walked away, hands clasped behind his head.
But Kenneth quietly looked toward Josephine, unable to suppress his feelings.
Josephine finished packing, preparing to leave, when she looked up and met Kenneth's gaze. Puzzled, she asked, "What's wrong?"
Kenneth was caught red-handed. His face flushed. "I..."
He hated his reserved nature. Every time he faced Josephine, words failed him, especially...
Josephine waited patiently. "Take your time."
She thought Kenneth had technical questions to discuss.
Kenneth was silent for several seconds, seemingly choosing his words. "When you... moved things from home today, did it go smoothly?"
Josephine was somewhat surprised he'd ask this, but didn't overthink it. "Well enough."
"That's good." Kenneth nodded. His heartbeat steadied a bit. Taking a deep breath, he asked, "You'll come to dinner tonight, right?"
"Mr. Getty said attendance was mandatory." Naturally, she would go.
Kenneth's lips curved slightly upward before quickly returning to neutral. "Good."
He turned and left, leaving Josephine standing there somewhat confused.
Aiden walked over, watching Kenneth's retreating figure, shaking his head. "That kid..."
"What about him?"
Aiden shrugged. "Who knows. Maybe he's got something on his mind. Men's hearts are more complicated than women's."
Josephine didn't understand his meaning and didn't pursue it.
She just wanted to go home and sleep properly.
Aiden silently glanced at her, thinking privately: Their director was technically brilliant, exceptionally capable, but when it came to emotions... she seemed a bit dense.