Stuart didn't follow Josephine here; he simply received a call from someone who spotted her.
But when they bumped into each other, he acted like it was a total coincidence.
He was worried Josephine might get mad.
So, the three of them sat down for coffee, and Stuart shot Alfonso a hostile look.
Stuart rushed over partly because he was concerned about Josephine and partly to keep an eye on Alfonso.
Alfonso had this subtle scholarly vibe, not the typical businessman; he seemed really refined.
Stuart wasn't sure if Josephine would be into a guy like that, so when he heard Alfonso confess to her, he felt both jealous and worried.
That's why he hurried over.
Now that he heard Alfonso wouldn't pursue Josephine anymore, he felt relieved.
Plus, he wanted to talk about the whole marriage alliance thing with Alfonso right in front of Josephine.
Stuart got straight to the point, "I told Mr. Campbell to have The Campbell Family clear up those rumors."
Looking directly at Josephine, he continued, "You know, the rumor about me marrying Miss Campbell. I had them clear it up; it was never true."
Alfonso could tell Stuart was just trying to show off in front of Josephine.
He chimed in, "Shirley was young and naive before. If she caused any trouble for you, Mr. Haustia, I apologize on her behalf."
Stuart nodded, "Alright, let's move on. Also, your pursuit of Dr. Kalmien has made her uncomfortable. Shouldn't you apologize to her?"
Alfonso turned to Josephine, "Dr. Kalmien, my bad if I made you feel weird. Won't let it happen again."
He raised his coffee cup, "I'm sorry."
Then he took a sip, and Josephine followed suit.
Alfonso put down his cup and stood up, "I need to pick up Shirley. Mr. Haustia, Dr. Kalmien, I'll be leaving now."
With that, he left.
Stuart finally felt satisfied, "If he bothers you again, let me know, and I'll handle it."
Josephine looked at him, "Jair called me. He's going abroad too. Is he really pursuing Claudia?"
Stuart was ready to talk about it, "Yeah, don't worry. He's serious. And you don't need to worry about his family situation. Jair's parents, you met them once; they're solid. And they're just as worried about him at his age."
Josephine felt a weight off her shoulders, "That's a relief."
Stuart gazed at her longingly, "JJair will take care of Claudia, I promise. And as for you, I'll always have your back."
Josephine looked away, feeling uncomfortable, "Do you have anything else? If not, I need to go back."
"I..."
Seeing him hesitate, Josephine asked, "Do you have something to say?"
Stuart looked at her intensely and suggested, "I want to take a walk by the beach."
Josephine checked her phone and then handed it to him, "The temperature at the beach is really low today, with strong winds."
Stuart nodded absentmindedly.
Maybe the indoor heating was too high; Josephine felt a bit hot.
She had already taken off her coat, but underneath was a turtleneck cashmere sweater. She couldn't help but tug at the collar.
"Are you hot?" Stuart noticed and quickly said, "I'll ask them to lower the temperature a bit."
"No need," Josephine said, "If you have nothing else, I'll be heading back."
Stuart suggested, "I'll take you."
"I drove here," Josephine replied.
Stuart asked, "Then, Dr. Kalmien, can you give me a ride?"
Stuart's eyes were intense and focused. Josephine couldn't help but look away, "Where do you need to go?"
"Anywhere!" he said, excited at first, then hesitated before admitting, "Well, back to your place next door."
Josephine asked, "Are you really living there?"
Stuart replied, "Yeah!"
Josephine asked, "The conditions there aren't very good, right?"
Even though Stuart had some things sent over, given his pampered upbringing, it was easy to imagine how inconvenient it would be for him.
Shaking his head, Stuart insisted, "It's not a big deal. If you can live there, so can I. Actually, knowing you're next door, I quite enjoy it."
Josephine stood up, "That's good then."
Realizing his words had a double meaning, Stuart quickly explained, "Of course, I don't want to live next door forever."
Josephine didn't say anything and walked out first.
Stuart obediently followed behind her, secretly watching her straight back and long neck.
He hadn't hugged her in a long time.
Let alone any other intimate actions.
But given the current situation, Stuart wouldn't dare do those things, even if someone threatened to kill him.
Josephine drove, and Stuart obediently got into the passenger seat.
As the car started, Stuart opened the window.
Josephine asked him, "Aren't you cold?"
The north wind was howling, bone-chillingly cold.
Stuart said, "Just airing it out."
Josephine was puzzled, "What smell?"
"Alfonso's stench."
Josephine couldn't help but laugh, "You smelled it?"
"Yes." Stuart thought for a moment and then said softly, "Don't let him sit in your car again."
Josephine said helplessly, "He didn't sit in my car."
"Really?"
Josephine nodded.
Stuart quickly closed the window.
It was freezing!
He didn't mind the cold, but he didn't want Josephine to get cold.
This place was very close to Josephine's residence, and they arrived in less than ten minutes.
After parking, Stuart didn't move.
He was baffled by the unusually smooth traffic today, a stark contrast to the usual gridlock they faced, not hitting a single red light was maddening!
"Get out," Josephine said.
Stuart looked at her.
The streetlights outside weren't very bright, and in the car, he could only vaguely see Josephine's facial features.
"Josephine," he said, "Can I sit for a while? Ten minutes; no, five minutes will do."
"No," Josephine refused bluntly.
Stuart felt utterly disappointed, but he didn't dare show it.
Josephine continued, "I'm feeling a bit unwell."
Stuart immediately got nervous and leaned over, "What's wrong?"
He reached out to touch her forehead, "Do you have a fever?"
Before he could touch her skin, Stuart felt the heat of her breath.
Her breath was hot against his palm.
"You have a fever!" Stuart exclaimed, "I'll take you to the hospital."
Stuart was about to pull his hand back when Josephine grabbed his wrist, pressing her forehead against his hand, "So cool," she murmured.
Stuart was stunned.
Was Josephine delirious from the fever?
Otherwise, why would she be so close to him?
Not only did she press her forehead against his hand, but her cheek also came closer, rubbing against his palm.
She was as obedient as a little kitten.
Stuart was completely dumbfounded.
He held her face in disbelief, leaning his upper body over.
"Josephine."
Josephine whimpered, reaching out to hook her arm around his neck.
"Josephine?"
Stuart snapped out of it and realized something was wrong with her.