Chapter 82
The atmosphere felt strange, but Josephine quickly stopped feeling awkward because she spotted Anissa peeking from the doorway. She couldn't help but laugh.
"Your mother..."
Cedric saw her too, caught between amusement and exasperation. "That's just how she is. Don't mind her."
On the contrary, Josephine didn't mind at all—she found it endearing. "I think your mother is adorable. Since you rarely visit, we should probably go back inside."
"Alright."
Cedric stepped aside to let her pass, then followed at an unhurried pace with his long strides.
The moment they returned to the living room and before they could even settle into their seats, Anissa was already shooing them back out. "You young people should be out enjoying yourselves, not stuck here with me."
"But..."
Josephine had come specifically to keep Anissa company.
Before she could protest, Anissa was already pushing her toward the door along with Cedric.
Standing outside, they looked at each other uncertainly.
Finally, Cedric suggested, "Why don't we grab something to eat?"
"Sure." Josephine hadn't eaten yet and was getting hungry.
The car pulled up in front of a restaurant. After Cedric got out, he walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. As Josephine stepped out, she said, "This place is going to blow your mind."
That's right—Josephine had chosen the restaurant.
It wasn't a five-star establishment, nor was it located downtown. Remote as it was, it still drew quite a crowd. The storefront was modest but spotlessly clean.
This was Cedric's first time at a place like this, and he couldn't help taking a few extra looks around.
Josephine navigated the space like a regular and clearly knew the owner. The moment they entered, they received a warm welcome.
"The usual?" the owner asked as she led them to their seats.
"Yes, I'll have my usual. For him... bring a menu, please. Any new dishes lately?" Josephine set down her bag and shrugged off her coat. The restaurant was well-heated—not cold at all.
"Of course we do." The owner brought over a menu but had to attend to other matters, so she didn't linger. "Order from the tablet. Take your time, and just call if you need anything."
Once the owner left, Josephine took on the role of guide. "Let me tell you, I used to love coming here. Great quality at reasonable prices, peaceful atmosphere—better than fancy restaurants."
Most importantly, it was affordable.
She had earning power, and Gideon gave her money, but her parents had taught her from a young age not to waste food or spend recklessly.
Cedric ordered two dishes, feeling that would be sufficient. "This should do. We can always order more."
"Sounds good."
Josephine got up and headed to the kitchen. Cedric sat alone at the table.
This was truly his first time at a place like this.
As a Getty child, he'd received an elite education from an early age, subjected to his grandfather's almost psychotic cultivation methods. Every place he went had to match his status appropriately.
But such places often meant oppression.
Take bars, for instance. If his grandfather David knew, he'd never allow Cedric to go—because Cedric's father spent all his time fooling around in bars and clubs.
David kept a tight leash, terrified that Cedric would ultimately become another "worthless son."
Lost in thought, Cedric didn't notice Josephine returning until she pushed through the door carrying an iced fruit drink. "Owner's treat. Try it—the flavor's really amazing."
Cedric took a sip. It was a chilled berry drink with a refreshing sweetness and subtle tartness. The taste was so crisp and clean, it made you want to keep drinking.
He didn't pay much attention, but within a few gulps, the glass was empty.
Seeing his genuine enjoyment, Josephine poured him another. They chatted as they ate. Then the door opened in the distance, followed by the sound of a camera shutter.
Lorelei walked in with a friend. Turning her head, she immediately spotted Josephine and Cedric. After a word to her companion, she headed straight for Josephine.
"What a coincidence, Mrs. Getty. Having dinner with Mr. Cedric Getty? Looks like you two get along quite well."
Lorelei clearly remembered Cedric's status and wouldn't dare conflict with him directly. Her tone was soft and measured as she maintained appropriate boundaries.
Hearing her passive-aggressive tone, Josephine shot her a look. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Don't misunderstand, Mrs. Getty. I'm just here for a meal. Happened to see you and came over to say hello. Don't worry—I won't spread rumors."
Her words said one thing, but Lorelei's gaze swept back and forth between Josephine and Cedric with pointed scrutiny, as if to say: I understand. I get it completely.
But she understood jack shit!
The staring made Josephine deeply uncomfortable, as if she'd actually done something shameful. Lorelei remained as nauseating as ever. Just as Josephine was about to send her away, Cedric spoke first.
"We're trying to eat. Please leave."
His words were blunt, his tone icy.
Lorelei practically deflated on the spot. She seemed to want to smile, but the expression that emerged looked painfully forced. "Don't be upset, Mr. Getty. I won't disturb you further."
She slunk away.
Josephine sighed, touching her cheek. "Do I really look less intimidating than you?"
The same words from their respective mouths produced completely different results.
Cedric poured her a glass of the iced fruit drink. "Probably because she's afraid of the Getty family finding out."
Josephine's eyes gleamed with sudden calculation. If she reported this to David herself, the result would certainly be an order to endure it. David wouldn't punish Gideon on her behalf.
But if Cedric said something...
The outcome would be entirely different.
Cedric glanced at her, saying coolly, "Eat."
Josephine got his meaning immediately. Cedric and Gideon had never gotten along. Their workplace conflicts could be chalked up to healthy competition, but private interference in each other's personal lives was another matter entirely.
She lowered her head to eat, abandoning the thought.
Watching her quietly eat, no longer as animated as before, Cedric paused before saying, "I've always believed in clear rewards and punishments. Mistakes deserve consequences, but achievements deserve recognition."
Josephine froze, then caught on. She asked tentatively, "So... if the project is completed successfully, I'll be rewarded?"
"Yes."
Josephine's eyes lit up. She set down her utensils, abandoning her meal entirely to say with complete seriousness, "Mr. Getty, there's actually something I'd like to ask your help with."
"Go ahead."
"I'd like to borrow the company's lawyers." Josephine finally got the words out. Once said, anxiety flooded through her. She held her breath, waiting for Cedric's answer.
She had no idea if he'd agree...
Cedric fell silent, seemingly deliberating. In reality, he didn't think long—maybe a second—but to Josephine, it felt endless.
"Alright." Cedric agreed.
"I promise you won't regret it." Josephine restrained her excitement, offering another assurance. "No matter what happens between Gideon and me, I'll absolutely dedicate myself to the Getty Group."
Seeing her expression of fierce loyalty, Cedric lowered his gaze impassively. "Good. I hope you'll prioritize your career."
"Absolutely."
Josephine nodded solemnly.
Cedric gave a satisfied nod. "Let's eat."
At a nearby table, Lorelei had returned to her seat. She'd specifically invited her friend out today to brag about becoming the top student.
Instead, she'd run into Josephine.
"What are you doing?" her friend whispered. "I don't think you should be taking photos. That Cedric guy... he's not someone to mess with."
Lorelei snapped a few shots from perfectly compromising angles before reluctantly stopping. "Of course I'm taking them. I need to let Gideon know what kind of woman his wife really is. His wife sneaking around with another man... Such explosive news—Gideon needs to know."
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