Chapter 35
The next day at noon, Josephine prepared to return home. She and Kenneth had booked their tickets.
Though she didn't say it aloud, part of her didn't want to leave. She'd only spent two days here, but they'd been incredibly freeing. The three scholars had focused solely on research, far away from emotional betrayals and marital complications.
Josephine hadn't felt this light in ages. But she had to go back. A mess of problems awaited her at home, and this wasn't the time to enjoy freedom.
By coincidence, they were on the same flight as Cedric.
Before boarding, Oscar loaded them with local specialties—packages of all sizes that poor Noah and Kenneth struggled to carry. The two men were hugging and holding bags like refugees fleeing disaster.
"Mr. Carter, you should head back now. We'll make time to visit again once things settle down at home."
Oscar swallowed his reluctance to part. "You better keep your word this time. None of that disappearing for six months again, or I won't forgive you."
"I won't." Even dogs remember pain after being hurt once. Josephine wasn't the type to remember only good things and forget the bad. She'd learned her lesson the hard way.
Eventually they boarded, leaving behind their outwardly gruff but deeply caring mentor. Josephine felt melancholy.
She glanced at the silent Cedric beside her, wondering about a thousand things. She and Kenneth had bought tickets together, yet somehow ended up in separate seats.
"You'll see him again."
Josephine was startled. Cedric kept his head down, quickly handling work on his phone before the plane took off and they'd need to switch to airplane mode. If the cabin hadn't been so quiet, she might have thought she misheard him.
"Were you talking to me?"
"Do I know anyone else here besides you?" He looked up at her.
Josephine awkwardly rubbed her nose. "I thought you were focused on work."
Just then, a flight attendant reminded everyone to switch their phones to airplane mode. Cedric complied, slipping his phone into his pocket.
The plane was about to take off.
Josephine watched the ground grow distant, feeling wistful. She didn't know when she'd see her professor again.
Beyond his scientific genius, Oscar was just an ordinary man who liked staying home, couldn't cook, and couldn't take care of himself. Though he had a housekeeper, they only handled meals and cleaning.
Oscar never paid attention to his own health. Otherwise he wouldn't have ended up hospitalized for high blood pressure. She really worried about him.
Cedric, noticing her concerned expression, said coolly, "You haven't been involved in research for six months. Honestly, I have my doubts about your capabilities."
Josephine was taken aback. "You don't need to worry about that. Didn't I already prove myself at Gideon's company?"
Working at Gideon's company had just been a stepping stone, with the ultimate goal of joining the Getty Group.
"I thought I'd passed your test."
Cedric responded softly, "You passed that test, but this project is nothing like what Gideon's company does. Do you really think the two are comparable?"
In his eyes, every project at Starlight Group was child's play—unprofessional, lacking rigor, not worthy of comparison. Despite Cedric's cool tone, his unmistakable arrogance shone through. Josephine blinked, suddenly gaining a clearer picture of the two brothers.
They really were brothers after all. Though Cedric usually appeared calm, composed, and detached, his innate pride was identical to Gideon's. No—actually, both brothers took after David. Genetic inheritance was truly something.
While inwardly rolling her eyes, Josephine replied, "How would you like me to prove my abilities?"
"You don't need to prove anything. I'll find someone to help you."
Josephine immediately frowned. "Mr. Getty, Aiden and I are a team with unmatched chemistry. Forcing a stranger into our group now would only slow down the project."
"What if I told you this person is—"
Before Cedric could finish, Kenneth approached, whispering to Josephine, "I just thought of a new data set that might work... can we talk?"
At the mention of research, Josephine perked up. "Is there a seat next to you?"
"Yes."
Without another word, Josephine left with Kenneth.
Cedric remained in his seat, expression cold.
Noah, sitting behind him, stole a glance. Apparently their CEO's charm wasn't invincible after all... here was the first person immune to it.
For two hours, Josephine and Kenneth were deep in passionate discussion, completely losing track of time until the plane landed and they emerged from their ocean of ideas.
"Time really flew by," Kenneth said, still caught up in their conversation.
"It always does when you're working," especially when doing work you love, where joy and exhaustion coexist.
They continued chatting as they deplaned, with Cedric and Noah following behind. Kenneth needed to go home, in a different direction from Josephine. The two parted ways outside the airport.
Josephine turned to Cedric. "Well, I should—"
"Get in. I'll give you a ride."
Josephine got in the car. A multi-million dollar luxury vehicle was certainly more comfortable than a taxi.
"I need to go to Evercrest Manor. Thanks."
Cedric gave her a long look. "Don't you live at Clearwater Ridge?"
"I need to pick up something." Something important.
Cedric nodded slightly and instructed his assistant, "You heard Josephine?"
"Yes, sir."
The car changed course for Evercrest Manor. They rode in silence. As soon as Josephine got out, the car sped away.
"Bye..." The word died on her lips. This Cedric was really annoying.
---
In the car, Noah sat upright, gripping the steering wheel. Sensing Cedric's bad mood, he didn't dare speak for fear of angering him.
Cedric suddenly broke the silence. "Do you think she'll go back like she did six months ago?"
"I don't think so." Noah chose his words carefully. "After all, Mr. Gideon Getty crossed Mrs. Josephine Getty's line this time."
"He always treats others like fools," Cedric said with quiet contempt. "Women are the world's best detectives. Men rely on luck, underestimating others, thinking they can hide their lies if they bury them deep enough. But women are natural Sherlock Holmes."
"Whatever. This is her last chance."
"Mrs. Josephine Getty won't disappoint you."
Cedric operated on one principle: everyone gets exactly one chance. With Josephine, he'd already made an exception. For anyone else, rejecting his first recruitment offer would have landed them on Cedric's permanent blacklist.
Which meant that Cedric and Josephine...
Noah realized his thoughts were drifting into dangerous territory and quickly reined them in.
"Have her come see me," Cedric said.
Noah knew who he meant. Rumors circulated that their CEO was searching for a former flame. And now, here she was.