Joseph raised an eyebrow and placed her slippers by her feet. "Go wash up and come downstairs for breakfast. I'll drive you to work later. I have to go to Cloude for a bit tomorrow. Abigail has been discharged from the hospital, and she'll report to you in two days."
"Okay," Chloe replied. After a while, she thought of something and asked, "I might also have to go on a business trip to Estre in a few days. There's a project I need to oversee."
"For how long?" Joseph asked.
"About two weeks," she replied. She intentionally downplayed the duration while carefully observing the expressions of the man beside her from the corner of her eye.
Joseph paused for a moment. "That long?"
"Yeah... It’s kind of long, but when it comes to project investments, a thorough examination is necessary. Besides, I also want to learn and experience things in Estre. Given the circumstances, it might take some time."
This statement was a mixture of truth and deception. The part about examining the project and learning was true, but the real reason was that with her growing belly, it would be suspicious if they met each other every day. Noah was right. Perhaps it was better to take advantage of this opportunity and stay away for a while. She could return once the dust with Xavia had settled.
Besides, taking some time apart could also provide both of them a cooling-off period. When things became uncontrollable, cutting ties might not be as painful as she thought it would be.
"You can have Abigail go with you. Once I've dealt with things here, I'll come to Estre to find you," Joseph suggested.
He did not voice his objection. In fact, he supported Chloe's decision. After all, the Johnson Group had been established for many years, and at the current pace of market development, it would soon be left behind if it did not make any progress. Learning and gaining experience was essential for its growth.
"You don't have to come. I know you have your own matters to attend to. Besides, Xavia will be undergoing amniocentesis soon. Stay here and keep an eye on things. Let me know the results as soon as possible," Chloe said.
Moreover, with Joseph around, Xavia might refrain from causing any more trouble.
Joseph frowned. "Then take Abigail with you. She'll protect you."
"Does she speak Estrenian?" Chloe asked.
"Nope. Do you want me to find you an Estrenian-speaking bodyguard?” Joseph offered.
"Oh, you’ve reminded me of something. Mr. Joseph did mention one more thing."
"What is it? Please tell me."
"After reporting to the police, contact the press and spread this news. Let them broadcast the arrest scene live."
An eye for an eye had always been Joseph's principle. In the past, he tolerated Preston's family solely out of consideration for Harold's feelings. But now, everything was different. If Preston intended to destroy the Whitman Group, Harold would be the first to beat the hell out of him.
*
In a teahouse in Aesper, Preston cautiously handed a USB drive to Otto and said, "Give me 150 million dollars as the initial capital for my office. Give me the money, and I'll give you the USB drive."
Otto leaned back, resting his arms on the back of the chair. With a sinister smile, he said, "Finn, give him the check."
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