Laura let out a big sigh. "You guys are totally love-blind, I seriously can't handle you."
Josephine stayed quiet.
Laura turned to her, "You're not falling for Stuart again just because he saved you in the elevator, right?"
"No way," Josephine shot back, "I just feel like everything's fate. I used to be so into him, but he ignored me and didn't appreciate me. Now that I've moved on, he pulls this."
"Listen, don't get all soft-hearted," Laura warned, "Who knows how long his sincerity will last."
"I get it," Josephine said, "I'm not even thinking about that now. I just want a simple life with Jeffery."
"Exactly." Laura nodded approvingly. "If you're gonna be with someone, pick a mature, steady, and dedicated guy. As for Roy..."
"Laura," Josephine cut her off, "Roy's just a friend, don't go there."
Laura shrugged, "I'm not saying he's bad, just that he's too young and not reliable enough."
Josephine defended him, "You don't know him, he's actually pretty great."
As they were chatting, Claudia came out after freshening up.
Laura asked her, "What's up? Why'd you come to Celestia Springs? Next time someone messes with you, can you just stand up for yourself?"
Claudia looked at her sadly. "She's a client."
Laura sighed, "You're too nice. Let me tell you..."
"Alright," Josephine pulled her back. "Say less, you know how Claudia is."
Laura insisted, "Exactly, that's why I'm telling her not to get pushed around."
"Isn't it because you're helping her?" Josephine laughed. "Right, Claudia?"
Claudia quickly agreed, "Yes, thanks to Laura, Laura's the best!"
"Stop buttering me up, you two!" Laura said, "Can I protect you forever?"
While Laura was giving her lecture, Stuart, sitting in the lobby, seemed lost in thought.
Jair greeted Steven, saw him step out to make a call, and asked Stuart, "What's on your mind?"
Stuart glanced at him. "What do you think of Steven?"
Jair replied, "I don't know him well, but his skills are undeniable. He went from nothing to making the Bailey Family wary of him. Can someone like that be simple?"
"But look at how he treats Laura," Stuart said, "If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't believe it. In business, he's ruthless and decisive. But with Laura..."
Jair added, "He seems to be groveling, doing everything to please her."
Stuart nodded. "Yeah."
Jair asked, "Do you think he embarrassed us men?"
Stuart shook his head.
Jair said, "They're a couple, how they get along is their business. Even if you don't like it..."
Stuart interrupted, "Who said I don't like it?"
Jair was taken aback. "Then you..."
"I think it's great." Stuart watched Steven on the phone. "In this aspect, I'm not as good as him. I could learn from him."
Jair was speechless.
Even though they hadn't talked about this before, he knew that men cared about their pride.
At home, they might be humble and even kneel, but at least outside, they needed to maintain their dignity.
Jair thought, 'But from what you're saying, do you think Steven's doing well? Do you want to learn from him?'
Seeing Stuart's expression, Jair thought that love was really something else.
Could love really make a guy like Stuart, who was all about his macho image, not care about his pride and dignity?
"Have you really thought this through?" Jair couldn't help but ask Stuart, "Don't you find it embarrassing?"
"Embarrassing?" Stuart shot back, "Do you think Steven is embarrassing?"
Jair thought for a second, then shook his head. "Nope."
Stuart nodded, "Me neither."
Jair mulled it over and said, "Steven's got skills. Even if he's humble with Laura, no one doubts his abilities."
"I didn't overthink it," Stuart said, "I just know Laura is Josephine's good friend. Steven treats Laura so well, how does Josephine feel seeing that? Thinking about the dumb stuff I did before, I regret it even more."
"Alright," Jair saw Steven walking towards them and decided to drop it, "Good luck."
Steven came over and sat on another couch.
Even though he knew Stuart and Jair, they weren't exactly buddies.
They'd just nod at each other at events.
Now that Stuart and Josephine were divorced, and Laura was super pissed at Stuart, Steven naturally kept his distance from Stuart.
Unless he wanted to face Laura's wrath.
He definitely didn't want that.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he sat down, Stuart came over.
Stuart called out, "Mr. Bailey."
Steven looked like he wanted to be anywhere else, his face practically screaming, "Don't come over."
He spoke coldly, "Mr. Haustia, do you need something?"
"Not much," Stuart said, "I just thought of a project we could collaborate on."
"Sorry," Steven said, "Our company isn't planning any new projects right now."
Stuart was a bit taken aback. "Mr. Bailey, you should get what I mean. Since I'm bringing it up, this project is definitely profitable. It's not just a win-win, I'm offering benefits to you."
"Thanks for the offer, Mr. Haustia," Steven said, "But one should stick to what they can handle. I appreciate it, but maybe we can collaborate in the future."
This was the first time Stuart had been turned down in business!
And so bluntly.
Steven actually turned down the benefits right in front of him?
What happened to businessmen doing anything for profit?
How did he grow his business like this?
But Stuart quickly caught on and asked, "Is it because of my situation with Josephine that you won't work with me?"
Steven smiled. "Mr. Haustia, no need to be so direct."
Stuart said, "What if I need your help? Whatever conditions you have, just name them."
"I'm doing pretty well now, there's really nothing I want," Steven said, "I'm very happy with my current life. I can't help you, Mr. Haustia."
Stuart asked, "Mr. Bailey, do you think Rex is more suitable for Josephine than me?"
Steven said, "Who Josephine is with is up to her. I won't help you, and I won't favor Rex either."
Just as he finished speaking, they heard footsteps approaching.
Looking back, the tall guy walking towards them was none other than Rex.
Stuart looked at Steven. "Is this what you call not favoring?"
Steven sighed, "This is really just bad timing."
Rex had already walked over. He glanced at Stuart, then looked at Steven. "Have you lost your ability to choose friends?"