Robin quickly changed the subject, "I have a client here. When did Josephine come back?"
Stuart shot him a glare but didn't respond, instead chasing after Josephine.
By the time he got outside, Josephine was already in the car Otis had brought, and he only saw the car's tail lights.
Josephine, determined, gave Otis the address for the Haustia Manor. On the way, she even bought a gift for Andrew.
Since Stuart had already seen her, she wasn't scared anymore.
Five years ago, she was weak and got imprisoned by Stuart. If she let him bully her again now, she'd be letting herself down after all her growth!
Andrew was thrilled to see Josephine. They chatted about her past five years abroad and her future plans.
Seeing how much Josephine had grown, Andrew knew she was over Stuart. He was happy for her but also felt bad for Stuart.
He couldn't help but say, "Josephine, I know Stuart wronged you. He's grown a lot in these five years. Maybe you two could..."
"Grandpa," Josephine cut him off, "I'm doing great now and I'm happy with my life."
Andrew got the message and sighed, saying no more.
Josephine felt guilty towards Andrew, especially since she had given birth to his great-grandson. Remembering his past hopes for her, she felt even worse.
She reminded Andrew to take care of his health and quickly left the Haustia family.
After she left, Andrew called Stuart and scolded him. In the first few years after Josephine left, Stuart had caused a lot of trouble and had been hospitalized several times.
Recently, Andrew hadn't been as hard on him. Getting scolded out of the blue, Stuart wasn't upset; he even comforted Andrew.
After hanging up, Stuart headed straight to a medium-sized hotel. Today was Claudia's engagement, and the families were having lunch there. Josephine would definitely show up.
Sure enough, Josephine arrived with Laura. Since it was Claudia's engagement, Stuart didn't dare cause trouble and waited outside.
Josephine had heard about Claudia's fiancé, David Garcia, from Laura. Meeting him today, she found him polite and proper. But his parents seemed difficult, acting superior because of David's capabilities.
Seeing Claudia so happy, Josephine kept her thoughts to herself.
After lunch, they saw off their parents, and Josephine finally asked Laura, "How are his parents? Have you interacted with them?"
Laura replied, "This is my first time meeting them too, and they don't seem great."
Josephine worried, "Claudia is soft-hearted. Will she be bullied?"
Laura glanced sideways and said, "Stop worrying about others and focus on yourself first."
Josephine was surprised. "What's up?"
Laura pouted. "Look over there."
Josephine finally noticed Stuart. Once might be a coincidence, but twice? No way.
With millions in Hustalia, running into someone like this was too much.
She glanced at him and quickly looked away.
Stuart strode over. Before he could speak, Laura snapped, "Move aside!"
Stuart, knowing Laura's sharp tongue, didn't argue. He just looked at Josephine. "Josephine, can we talk?"
Seeing Josephine avoiding him, Laura chimed in, "Who are you calling? Does she even know you? Don't call her so intimately!"
Josephine linked arms with Laura. "Let's go."
Laura brushed past Stuart, even bumping into him.
Stuart turned around. "Josephine! Can you give me a chance to say a few words?"
Josephine finally said, "We have nothing to talk about, Mr. Haustia."
Outside the hotel, Laura flipped her hair. "That felt good! Did you see his face just now?"
Josephine laughed. "You are really sharp-tongued."
Laura shrugged. "He deserves it. By the way, if you're free this afternoon, come relax with me."
Josephine agreed and added, "I'm going to Celestia Springs early tomorrow morning."
Laura nodded. "Got it. Tonight, I'll take you to a good place to see you off."
Seeing Otis, she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, nice choice. This physique, I think it's even better than Stuart's."
Josephine gave her a pat. "Watch your mouth. Otis is my friend. My safety depends on him."
"So, he knows how to fight?" Laura looked him up and down. "Not bad."
Josephine, knowing Laura well, pulled her into the car and whispered, "Don't mess with him. He's an honest man."
Laura whispered back, "Does he like you?"
Before Josephine could respond, Laura continued, "Never mind. You're so oblivious; you wouldn't know if someone liked you. I'll ask him myself when I get the chance."
Josephine tugged at her ear. "How am I oblivious? And don't bully him. Behave yourself!"
Laura crossed her arms and looked ahead. "He's my type."
Josephine glared. "Anyone good-looking with a nice body is your type!"
"Not necessarily," Laura said, "I don't fancy Stuart."
"Don't mention him," Josephine said, "And don't mess with Otis."
She kept her voice low, still speaking in Laura's ear.
Laura suddenly raised her voice. "Otis, do you have a girlfriend?"
Josephine was startled and hit her. "What are you doing?"
Laura reassured her, "I'm just asking."
Before Josephine could say anything, Otis replied, "No."
"Do you have someone you like?" Laura asked again.
Josephine was angry but helpless.
Otis replied, "No."
"Do you want a girlfriend?" Laura raised an eyebrow. "How about me?"
Josephine wanted to cover her face. Laura was too forward!
Otis glanced at her through the rearview mirror and then said, "No."
Laura, confident in her charm, protested, "Is it that you don't want to or you don't dare? Don't be afraid. I'm easy to pursue."
Otis spoke, but not to her, "Ms. Kalmien, there's a car following us."