Chapter 98 Confession

Amelia was very happy after getting Ryan's consent.

She then got up to the bathroom to run hot water and asked him to undress and take a bath. They were affectionate for quite a while before stopping.

The next day, Amelia told Ryan that she wanted to have dinner with Joshua to discuss her resignation. Ryan nodded with a displeased look.

Amelia knew he was jealous again, so she got up and kissed him twice, which softened Ryan's expression.

In the afternoon, Amelia met Joshua at a restaurant.

Since the big sale of the Oak Tree painting, Joshua had taken her under his wing. However, she injured her hand and couldn't help him much, yet he still insisted on paying her monthly salary, which made her feel quite embarrassed.

Amelia decided to treat him to dinner before leaving to thank him for taking care of her for so long.

Moreover, Alice mentioned that Joshua's overseas medical exchange had ended a while ago and he had been working at the hospital recently.

Amelia had no reason to visit the hospital, and since the studio matters had been handed over to Alice, they hadn't had a chance to meet for a long time.

But since he was the one who brought her into the studio, Amelia decided to say goodbye.

They entered the restaurant.

When the Grilled Lamb Chops, mushroom soup, and other dishes were served, Amelia didn't start eating.

Through the steaming soup, she looked at Joshua with a slightly apologetic expression and said, "Joshua, I want to leave the studio."

Joshua paused for a moment while picking up the utensils, his gaze momentarily frozen, and asked, "Why?"

Amelia smiled and explained, "I want to learn restoration techniques. So, I won't be able to balance the work at the studio. After all, as an artist, there are always bottleneck periods. And now is my bottleneck period. I don't want to keep receiving a salary without creating any value. I hope you can use that money to hire someone better suited for the studio."

Joshua didn't agree immediately. Instead, he picked up a piece of lamb and slowly ate it.

Whether for business or personal reasons, he was reluctant to let her go.

After a few minutes of contemplation, he said, "Learn whatever you want to learn. The position at the studio will be kept for you. And about the salary, I never saw you as a subordinate but as a partner. We've always gotten along well."

Amelia was very touched and responded, "That's true."

Then, thinking about focusing on learning restoration techniques, she said to Joshua, "Anyway, Joshua, thank you for taking care of me. If you ever need help, I'll be there for you."

"Okay. But Amelia..." Joshua hesitated and wanted to tell her he liked her.

Just then, Amelia's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID; it was Ryan.

She had told him last night that she was having dinner with Joshua today and had informed him in advance. But she didn't expect him to call so soon after they had just started eating.

Amelia smiled apologetically and said, "I'll take this call outside."

Joshua nodded gently, indicating it was okay.

Amelia picked up her phone and walked outside to answer the call.

On the other end, Ryan asked emotionlessly, "Not done eating yet?"

Amelia checked her watch and said, "It's only been twenty minutes since we entered the restaurant. The dishes just arrived, so it might take a bit longer."

Ryan knew he was in the wrong and changed the topic, "Did you talk about resigning?"

"Yes, he agreed," Amelia replied honestly.

Ryan said coldly, "I can sense he has bad intentions towards you."

Amelia couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Martin, you're being unreasonable."

"How am I being unreasonable?" Ryan replied and raised an eyebrow.

Amelia said with a smile, "Your control is too strong. You don't let me interact with this person or that person, and even normal business interactions are off-limits. This makes me feel suffocated. I'm an independent person now; I can't revolve around you all the time like before."

Ryan paused and then chuckled, "I'm so open-minded that I didn't stop you from apprenticing with Royce. Where else can you find such a generous husband?"

That was because Royce was an old artist, already in his eighties.

Amelia couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, you're always right."

Rran replied, "I'll pick you up downstairs at the restaurant later. Hurry up and eat."

Amelia agreed, hung up the phone, and went to the front desk to settle the bill.

She returned to the private room to continue eating with Joshua.

Joshua wanted to continue expressing his feelings but thought it wasn't the right time since Amelia had just mentioned resigning. He decided to wait for a better opportunity.

After finishing their meal, Amelia picked up her bag and stood up, walking downstairs with Joshua.

Joshua's gaze lingered on Amelia, reluctant to part, and he asked, "Do you need a ride home?"

Amelia smiled faintly, "No, someone is picking me up."

Joshua looked at her, hesitant to speak.

Amelia thought he had something work-related and asked, "Joshua, do you have something else to discuss?"

Joshua's eyes flickered, "No, nothing."

Amelia smiled, "Then, goodbye."

Joshua replied, "Goodbye."

Though he said goodbye, Joshua's gaze remained on her, full of affection.

Amelia had a keen talent for painting but was oblivious when it came to emotions.. She didn't want to assume that Joshua liked her.

After walking a few steps, she saw a black extended limited edition luxury car by the roadside. Ryan stepped out.

Ryan placed his hand on her shoulder, looking coldly at Joshua, and said, "Thank you, Mr. Thomas, for appreciating my wife."

The light in Joshua's eyes instantly dimmed and he looked at Amelia with a bit of sadness as if he was seeking confirmation of Ryan's words.

Amelia didn't expect Ryan to say something like that as if he was declaring his ownership.

She figured he had been holding it in and wanted to say it for a while. Given the situation, Amelia felt there was no need to hide it anymore.

She smiled apologetically at Joshua and said, "Previously, my husband and I were going through a divorce and it was a bit complicated. I don't like to talk about personal matters, so I said he was a relative."

Joshua forced a smile and said, "It's okay."

His eyes clearly showed a hint of hurt, but he still asked, "So, you're not getting divorced now?"

Before Amelia could answer, Ryan pulled her into his arms and said, "Of course not. We're doing great."