Chapter 164 Philip’s Apology

Chapter 164 Philip’s Apology

The next day at noon, Jocelyn finally finished reviewing the experimental data and managed to squeeze out some time to have lunch with Shelly at a restaurant near the company.

They had barely sat down when she glanced up and spotted a familiar figure walking through the door.

It was her cousin, Philip Ross.

Michael's son from his first marriage. After Philip's mother passed away and Michael married Karen, he had grown distant from Philip.

When Jocelyn's parents died and Michael took over her father's company and moved into her family's mansion, Philip had been the most vocal in his opposition. Unfortunately, his protests carried little weight. Unable to stomach Michael's behavior, he eventually moved out on his own.

The last time they'd seen each other was over a decade ago. Philip had grown into a refined gentleman, wearing a black casual shirt, noticeably thinner than before.

His gaze quickly found Jocelyn. Their eyes met, and he nodded with a subtle smile before striding over.

"Jocelyn."

Jocelyn set down her utensils, somewhat surprised. "Philip, it's been ages. Are you here for lunch too?"

Philip shook his head, looking slightly uneasy. "I actually went to Lopez Corporation looking for you just now. Your colleague said you'd stepped out for lunch, so I came to find you."

This caught Jocelyn off guard. "Looking for me?"

"Yes."

"What for?"

He let out a soft sigh and sat down in the chair beside her. "Jocelyn, I've been abroad handling business matters recently and only just returned. I wanted to formally apologize to you."

Jocelyn gave a light laugh, her expression neutral. "You haven't done anything to wrong me. Why apologize?"

"Jocelyn, what my father and stepmother did—I know about it all. It was completely unfair to you."

Philip's voice was heavy with suppressed guilt.

"The company was yours. They had no right to take everything from you just because your parents passed away. Now that you're reclaiming the company and the mansion, I understand completely."

Jocelyn picked up her teacup and took a sip, not responding, simply listening quietly.

She despised Michael and his family, but she didn't dislike Philip.

After her parents died, though her heart had been entirely focused on Raymond, the truth was their relationship hadn't been built on mutual affection.

When the Murphy family came with their marriage proposal, Michael and Karen had been thrilled to marry her off—not for her happiness, but because they hoped that once she married into the Murphy family, they'd gain access to better resources and connections.

Back then, Philip had been the only one who tried to stop the marriage. He'd even gotten into a huge fight with Michael over it.

In the entire Ross family, Philip was the only one who genuinely cared about her wellbeing. She remembered that.

Philip looked up at her, took a deep breath, and pulled a check from his briefcase, sliding it across the table.

"Jocelyn, I know my father hurt you deeply. I'm not trying to atone for their sins—I just believe people need to have principles. I know the company's been run into the ground and the debts far exceed this amount, but this is all I can come up with right now. Please take it for now. I'll figure out a way to cover the rest."

He paused, his tone earnest. "Even though what my father and stepmother did makes me ashamed to show my face, they're still my family at the end of the day. I can't disown them, but I also can't stand by and watch you shoulder all this alone. Consider this money a partial repayment on their behalf. I'll pay back the rest gradually."

His tone was sincere, his eyes filled with remorse.

Jocelyn lowered her gaze to the check, silent for several seconds, lost in thought.

Three hundred thousand wasn't a huge sum for her anymore, but Philip's words genuinely moved her.

In the end, she didn't refuse. She reached out and tucked the check into her purse.

"Alright, I'll accept it." She looked up at Philip, the corner of her lips curving slightly.

Philip visibly relaxed seeing her willingness to take it.

Jocelyn then had the server add another set of utensils, and the two cousins shared a simple meal together.

They chatted as they ate, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

After seeing Philip off, Shelly walked back to the office with Jocelyn. On the way, Shelly couldn't help but comment, "Ms. Ross, even though the Ross family wronged you, Philip really does care about you. Three hundred thousand, just like that, without batting an eye."

Jocelyn didn't respond.

Shelly continued, "By the way, Ms. Ross, the mansion renovation is almost done. The construction crew sent me photos yesterday—it looks really nice. When are you planning to move back in?"

Ever since she'd kicked Michael's family out of the mansion, she'd had it completely renovated. It had been about two months now—time to wrap things up.

Jocelyn considered for a moment. "I'll go take a look in a couple of days."

She lifted her gaze toward the azure sky and let out a silent sigh. "Once I finish wrapping up this collaboration between Murphy Corporation and Lopez Corporation, I'll resign."

Shelly looked at her but said nothing.

The transfer procedures for Ross Corporation were complete. The company was hers now, and naturally she needed to rebuild it.

"Ms. Ross, if you don't mind, I'd be honored to continue working with you!"

Hearing the determination in Shelly's voice, Jocelyn raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Good. Having you by my side will give me peace of mind."

The two chatted and laughed as they returned to Lopez Corporation.

Over the next two days, Jocelyn buried herself in the final verification of experimental data and organizing project handover documents. She worked from dawn to dusk, even eating lunch at her desk.

Robin had gone quiet and stopped harassing her.

However, the online backlash continued to ferment. The Rogers family was likely tied up with damage control and temporarily had no energy for anything else.

On the third evening, Philip called and invited her to dinner.

Jocelyn hesitated briefly before agreeing, and they settled on a time and place.

When she arrived at the restaurant, Philip was already waiting in a private room.

Seeing her arrive, he had the server bring out the dishes—all her favorites.

Jocelyn pressed her lips together slightly as she sat across from him.

When her parents were still alive, her mother used to personally cook these dishes for her. After Michael's family moved into the mansion... every meal on the table had been tailored to Josie's and Noah's tastes.

Philip smiled warmly. "These are all your favorites. I specifically asked the kitchen to keep them light."

Jocelyn snapped out of her thoughts, pushing down the bitterness rising in her chest.

Philip ladled a bowl of soup for her and placed it in front of her. "Try it. I think this place comes closest to how your mother used to make it."

Jocelyn nodded. "Philip, that's very thoughtful of you."

"Don't mention it." Philip gave a bitter smile. "Honestly, it's the least I can do. After all, my family wronged you."

Jocelyn glanced up at him coolly, her gaze unfathomable, then lowered her eyes and continued sipping her soup.