Joseph paused, a nagging feeling making him turn around. He gestured for Chloe to join him, saying, "Come."
Chloe's eyes shimmered like starlight as she eagerly took a few quick steps, reaching out for Joseph’s hand. With him stopping and waiting for her, Xavia found herself walking in alone. Unfamiliar with the place, she was unsure which door led to the garden.
She tried to hide her embarrassment, casually asking, "Where’s Oreo? Can you show me the way, Joe?"
Before anyone could respond, Lucas stepped forward and offered, "I'll take you there."
Xavia mustered a smile and maintained her friendly demeanor. "All right. Sorry for troubling you."
Lucas noticed the strange look in her eyes. He understood Xavia's friendliness was only for show, mostly because Joseph was there. It would likely fade when the latter was not around.
Just as Xavia left, Patrick returned with news.
"I've found the worker, and he's in the next room right now," he reported, pausing briefly before adding, "I noticed Madam Octavia's car arriving too."
Annoyed, Joseph responded, "Wait until she’s gone before bringing the worker in."
"Dad, you have to stand up for me!" Octavia's voice resonated through the room even before she entered. She stretched her words out, feigning a crying tone. Anyone who did not know any better would have thought something terrible had happened.
Harold rubbed his ear, mirroring his grandson's annoyance. "I'm still alive. No need to mourn yet."
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