Chapter 57

Chapter 57

"I heard from Henry that you're really capable at work."

Joshua sat down naturally in Henry's seat, looking at me with a smile on his lips.

I nodded slightly, ignoring him, and returned to my desk to focus on my own work.

Even though he was smiling, I knew he was up to no good.

After all, ever since we were kids, whatever James liked—whether it was things or people—he had to take it.

This guy was just a scheming bastard.

So fake it made me sick.

Henry's office door was open. Joshua glanced up at me, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.

He lowered his head, about to open the file I'd handed over.

"Wait."

I immediately walked over, face tight and expressionless, "This is for Mr. Phillips to see."

Even if these two were good friends, this kind of company confidential matter shouldn't be shown to Joshua, right?

Joshua didn't stop flipping through the file.

I couldn't help but worry.

Joshua spoke slowly, "Don't you know this company was started by Henry and me together?"

I really didn't know that.

If I had known, I definitely wouldn't have come to work here.

I just didn't know if James knew.

If he knew, he'd definitely be angry with me.

Joshua was quite satisfied with my surprise.

While opening the file, he continued, "It's okay if you didn't know. Now you know. Henry needs to go on a business trip for a while."

Joshua looked up at me, "So you'll be my assistant. Got it?"

I couldn't help but frown.

I got it, but I wasn't willing.

If James found out about this, all hell would break loose.

I didn't say anything.

Joshua seemed to see my concern, "This is your job. As long as you do your job well, no one can tell you what to do."

That was certainly one aspect—I didn't like people at the company gossiping behind my back.

But the other aspect was James.

I didn't want any relationship with Joshua.

Not even as colleagues.

"When will Mr. Phillips be back?"

My tone was distant.

Joshua paused, then answered casually, "About half a year."

"Then I'll resign."

I looked at Joshua seriously and spoke without hesitation.

Henry had been managing this company before—there was no way he'd just leave for half a year. Joshua was obviously trying to scare me.

Just as I expected, when he heard I wanted to resign, Joshua's smile faded.

He reminded me, "You should know what James means. If it weren't for us, you wouldn't be able to find work at all. And now you want to resign?"

The subtext was obvious.

Was it worth forcing myself to become a caged canary for a James who wasn't good for me?

I wasn't moved, "If I can't find work, then I can't. James can support me."

"Are you really willing to be his pet for the rest of your life?"

Joshua's eyes gradually turned sinister, his tone tinged with resentment.

Of course I wasn't willing to be a pet for life.

But I also didn't have to work here.

Just thinking about James being furious made me nervous.

I shook my head, "Mr. Smith, you're overthinking. He's not stopping me from working now."

I met his gaze calmly and asked again, "So is Mr. Phillips really not coming back for half a year?"

Joshua was quite angry now, his brows furrowed, his voice cold, "He'll be back tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll leave the file here. It's after work hours now. Goodbye, Mr. Smith."

With that, I turned and left the office, tidied up my things at my desk, grabbed my bag, and left.

Joshua followed behind me, "Let me give you a ride."

"No need."

I refused.

"Your mother's condition is very complicated, but I happen to know a very famous brain surgeon. Maybe we can talk about it."

Joshua suddenly said.

Mom's illness had indeed left many brain specialists helpless.

Seeing Mom lying weakly in the hospital bed every day broke my heart.

"Who is this doctor you're talking about?"

I asked.

"Brain specialist Eugene Bailey. You should have heard of him."

It was actually Eugene.

He was the most authoritative and unquestioned expert in this field. He had cured many patients who had been declared untreatable.

If it was Eugene, I couldn't refuse Joshua's offer.

"Let's go."

My mind was full of Mom's condition and whether I could get Eugene to operate on her. I pushed aside any concerns about James.

But even for Joshua, it wasn't like Eugene would just come if he called.

After talking with Joshua, he promised to try to contact him.

Afterward, when I wanted to go home, he insisted on giving me a ride.

Considering Eugene, I didn't refuse.

"We're here."

Joshua dropped me off at the villa entrance, his gaze unclear.

I thanked him and unbuckled my seatbelt to get out.

"Thank you, Mr. Smith. If you can reach Dr. Bailey, please let me know. I can go myself."

I said this while getting out of the car, not noticing the tall figure standing inside the villa gate.

James stared at Joshua's car as it drove away.

His eyes were terrifyingly dark, his words practically squeezed through his teeth, "Anna, you're something else!"

He had believed I would never leak the quote, but the moment the news broke, I couldn't wait to flirt with Joshua!

And I even let Joshua drive me home.

Did I think he was dead?

James felt his previous trust in me was a complete joke!

And to think he'd been feeling guilty before, thinking he shouldn't have doubted me.

I had no idea about any of this. I'd just gotten home and sat on the couch when James came in radiating coldness, startling me!

Thinking that I might be able to get Dr. Bailey to operate on Mom, I spoke up.

"James, I actually have something to tell you. About Mom..."

James cut me off coldly, "You want to say Mom's illness doesn't need my involvement, right?"

His look made me feel cold all over.

I realized James must know Joshua had driven me home.

I didn't want to have a misunderstanding with him over this, so I shook my head and patiently explained.

"It's not like that. The reason I came back with him was because Joshua knows Eugene. I asked him about Dr. Bailey's preferences, so that when Dr. Bailey returns to the country, I can personally ask Dr. Bailey to operate on Mom."

Even though I explained, James's expression remained frighteningly cold.

He sneered, "You were asking about Dr. Bailey's preferences, or Joshua's?"

Every word he said was a barb, stabbing at my heart.

I couldn't help but frown, "That's not what I meant. I just want to find Dr. Bailey. You know about Mom's condition too. Only..."

"So why didn't you come to me?"

James's words made me stop.

Why didn't I go to him?

Of course it was because I was afraid of being rejected!

Even though our relationship had improved quite a bit recently, I didn't know how long this peace would last.

I was like a traveler walking on ice, constantly worried the ice would crack and I'd fall into an abyss.

"Speak!"

James raised his voice.

I opened my mouth, "I..."