Josephine hit up a few hospitals and met some chief surgeons. She also got an invite to a medical research institute.
After wrapping up her tasks, she spotted Stuart's car at the institute's entrance.
Otis said, "He's been tailing you."
Josephine brushed it off. "Let's go."
They headed back to the hotel, where Claudia was staring blankly at her phone.
Josephine had turned down a dinner invite because she was worried about Claudia.
"What's up?" she asked.
Claudia looked up. "David lost his job."
David was her ex-fiancé.
Josephine was confused. "What happened?"
David's company was solid, and he was a capable mid-level manager. His parents thought he was great and looked down on Claudia a bit. How could he lose such a good job?
Claudia shook her head. "I don't know. A friend told me he got fired."
"That's perfect," Josephine laughed. "Serves him right! Bad guys shouldn't get good outcomes!"
While Claudia was in the restroom, Josephine quickly messaged Laura.
Laura replied fast: [Honestly, Steven handled it.]
Josephine replied: [Well done.]
Laura then messaged Steven: [Good job!]
Steven replied instantly: [I always take your matters seriously. Not seeking credit, but can you change how you address me?]
Laura replied: [You're lucky I even respond to you!]
When Claudia came out, Josephine didn't plan to tell her about this.
But she still had to warn her. "Claudia, now that David's jobless, things might change. He might come back to you."
Claudia had mentioned before that David and his parents didn't know how much she earned. She didn't say anything to avoid hurting his pride because he was a bit macho. She planned to tell him after they got engaged, but now it seemed there was no chance.
Claudia shook her head. "That afternoon, I saw his true colors. I may not have been in a relationship before, but I hate this kind of man the most. Don't worry, I won't contact him again."
Josephine felt relieved.
They went out to eat, and this time Claudia also saw Stuart.
Claudia asked, "What should we do? Are you just going to let him follow you?"
"Let him follow," Josephine shrugged. "It doesn't interfere with what I'm doing."
Claudia said, "Seeing you like this, I'm relieved. I was worried..."
Josephine smiled. "Worried I'd reconcile with him?"
Claudia said, "I was afraid Stuart's sweet talk would make you change your mind."
"It won't," Josephine assured. "What do you want to eat? Eat more, I think you've lost weight."
They entered the restaurant, and a few minutes later, Stuart came in and sat at a table next to them.
Josephine was unfazed, eating and drinking as usual, not even glancing at him.
She went to the restroom once, and when she came out, she saw Stuart standing by the sink.
He was tall, with long legs and a good demeanor, catching the attention of passersby, especially women. He had a cigarette between his fingers but hadn't lit it, looking down, lost in thought.
Josephine glanced at him, then looked away and went to wash her hands.
Stuart watched her. Five years had passed, and he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but Josephine looked even better to him now.
He had known every inch of her body before. Her waist seemed slimmer, her chest more prominent.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and he tossed the cigarette into the trash.
Josephine washed her hands and reached for a paper towel, wiping her long, delicate fingers.
"Watch out!" Stuart suddenly moved, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her aside.
A five or six-year-old boy rushed by; if Stuart hadn't acted quickly, the kid would have crashed into Josephine.
Stuart not only held Josephine but also grabbed the child's collar with his other hand to prevent him from hitting the marble counter.
The child's parents caught up, relieved to see their kid unharmed, and thanked them profusely before leaving.
Josephine wanted to get angry but held back in front of others.
Once they were gone, she tried to pry Stuart's hand off.
His grip was tight around her waist, refusing to let go.
"Let go!" Josephine gritted her teeth and glared at him.
Stuart finally released her. "Are you okay?"
Given the situation, Josephine couldn't say much. If it weren't for Stuart, the child would have crashed into her.
But his embrace was definitely out of line.
Laura was right to call him a bad man!
Josephine didn't want to say another word to him. She walked away without looking back.
Stuart hadn't thought much when he held her, just worried the child would hit her.
Only after touching her did he realize she was different.
His fingers twitched as he savored the lingering sensation. Her waist was slimmer, and that familiar fragrance had an added scent.
Stuart's Adam's apple moved again, and he followed her out.
After dinner, they returned to the hotel.
Josephine and Claudia shared a room. When she got a call from abroad, she stepped out to avoid disturbing Claudia.
She walked to the end of the hallway, taking the call while looking downstairs.
The call was about a new project and lasted a while.
After hanging up, Josephine felt her arm stiffen and stretched.
Stuart suddenly called her, "Josephine."
She froze and turned to Stuart standing a few meters away, not knowing how long he had been watching.
He never knew what respect was, and now he was a stalker, not much better.
Josephine put her phone in her pocket, looked away, and started to walk.
"Josephine," Stuart called again, "Todd called me."
Josephine thought of Emily's matter and said, "Whatever you and he need to handle, it has nothing to do with me."
Stuart said, "Josephine, Todd is your father after all. Since he asked, I thought I couldn't just ignore it."
Josephine smiled. "Well, Mr. Haustia, if you go, they would be honored."
Stuart looked deeply at her. "If you go, I'll go. If you don't, I won't either."