Stuart felt infuriated and ridiculed. He retorted, "Grandpa, what are you talking about?"
Andrew rebutted, "What? Did I say something wrong? If it were someone else, marrying such a good wife like Josephine, they would cherish her, pamper her, and think of ways to have more kids. But look at you! Don't think I don't know about your shenanigans outside! I thought you had some sense, but now, you're going too far!"
Before Stuart could say anything, Andrew added, "I'm warning you, if you lose such a good wife like Josephine, I won't recognize you as my grandson anymore!"
After hanging up, Stuart couldn't help but wonder where Andrew got his information from.
From his tone, it sounded like he and Josephine were about to get a divorce.
However, thinking about what Josephine said today, Stuart really felt the urge to divorce!
Josephine didn't ask for the reason and just scolded him directly!
Stuart thought about the man who got beaten up and felt like killing him at the time; kicking him until he had broken bones was already lenient!
But now...
Not only did Josephine not thank him, but they also had a huge fight.
Their already fragile relationship was now even worse.
Stuart was extremely irritated, and during the afternoon meeting, the managers didn't dare to say a word.
Usually, when Doris was around, Stuart would at least smile.
But today, his face was so cold that it could freeze people.
Despite the heated meeting room, the space felt as frigid as the harsh winter weather outside. With Stuart present, the environment was colder than the freezing temperatures outside.
The atmosphere in the meeting was already tense, and with Stuart like this, no one dared to speak.
Even with Doris present today, was of no use.
During the break, the design director, who had a good relationship with Doris, smiled and said to her, "Doris, why don't you bring Mr. Haustia a cup of coffee? What's wrong with him today? Did you two have a fight?"
Many people in the company knew that Stuart was married.
But so what if he was married?
For someone of his status, how could he not have a first love, a lover, or something like that?
Everyone was well aware of Stuart and Doris's relationship and subtly flattered Doris.
That's how society is; how can a wife at home compare to a fresh and lovely mistress outside?
Besides, Josephine never came to the company and didn't care about company matters.
But Doris was a real employee of the company. Previously, when there were projects and proposals that couldn't get through Stuart, some people sought Doris's help. It actually worked.
So naturally, Doris's status in their eyes became even more significant.
Doris smiled slightly and stood up. She remarked, "How could we have a fight? He might be tired. I'll go check on him."
Stuart was alone in his office, rubbing his temples while leaning on the swivel chair.
Doris knocked and came in, holding a cup of coffee. She gently said, "Stuart, didn't you sleep well last night? If you caught a cold and feel unwell, why don't you go home first?"
Stuart stared at her face for a moment.
Doris was used to him looking at her like this and sat beside him with a bit of shyness. She suggested, "Stuart, if you're tired, just relax a bit. Why don't we go out for a walk?"
Stuart snapped back to reality and shook his head. He suddenly asked, "What did you say you didn't quite understand earlier?"
Doris immediately replied, "I already consulted Sister Julia. You're too tired; I don't want to burden you further."
Stuart said something, but Doris didn't catch it and asked, "What?"
Stuart shook his head, dismissively. He said, "Nothing. What do you want to eat tonight? I'll take you out. Also, about Ray, Clement Hospital isn't working out. Which other hospital does he want to go to?"
Doris lowered her eyes, then looked up with a smile. She calmly remarked, "He's just not capable. He's in a bad mood, and I'm comforting him."
"He's still young; it's normal to have emotions," Stuart said, "If he wants to do something, I'll support him."
Hearing this, Doris immediately said, "Stuart, thank you. You're so good to me."
Stuart looked up at her, his gaze softening. He gently said, "As long as you're happy."
After the break, everyone saw Doris holding Stuart's arm as they entered the meeting room.
The coldness around Stuart melted away, and he finally wasn't as intimidating.
In the evening, Josephine returned to the Haustia Manor alone.
Andrew didn't look pleased but still covered for Stuart. He informed her, "Stuart said he has a social event."
Josephine smiled. She thoughtfully suggested, "Grandpa, then let's play a few more games of chess at home."
Andrew was happy too. He quickly agreed, "Alright!"
After chatting with Andrew until past nine, Josephine went back to her room.
Just as she was about to take a shower, Claudia video-called her.
Josephine answered.
Claudia's cute little face appeared on the screen, looking puffed up with anger.
Josephine couldn't help but smile. She asked, "What's wrong? Who made our little princess angry?"
She and Liam both treated Claudia like a little sister.
Claudia asked her, "Where are you?"
"At Grandpa Haustia's place." Josephine found a comfortable position to lie down. Then she inquired, "Are you outside?"
Claudia said, "I saw Stuart, with Doris!"
No wonder she looked very angry.
Josephine felt nothing inside. She suggested, "Ignore him."
"He's so bad!" Claudia, seeing Josephine's attitude, became anxious. She hastily remarked, "He shouldn't be doing this! It's wrong!"
Josephine smiled. She reassured her, "I know, Claudia. Don't worry, and don't be angry. Make yourself happy, okay?"
Claudia had been pampered by her family since she was young. Even after the Howard family went bankrupt, with Josephine and Liam's protection, she inevitably experienced some harsh realities of life.
However, even so, she remained pure and beautiful.
Seeing Stuart cheating, she didn't even know how to curse properly.
Josephine cherished this about her and wanted to protect this purity.
She said, "Claudia, what Stuart is doing is wrong, but not all men are irresponsible in marriage."
Claudia said, "I know. I don't think all men are like that, but I really hate Stuart and Doris."
Just as she finished speaking, she gasped, and the video call abruptly ended.
"Claudia? Claudia?" Josephine instinctively called out twice and dialed back, but no one answered.
She quickly called Claudia, but it showed her phone was off.
Josephine was extremely anxious, got out of bed, and started changing clothes.
She grabbed her coat and went downstairs, calling Stuart on the way.
He answered quickly, and Josephine asked, "Where are you?"
Stuart was still angry. He didn't even want to answer her call but somehow did.
He replied with a bit of emotion, "You don't need to know where I am."
Josephine angrily said, "Stuart, tell me your address, immediately! Right now!"
Stuart was puzzled, and asked, "Are you coming to find me?"