Chloe's indifference greatly displeased Joseph. His voice suddenly grew sharper. "No, I have to protect you. I don’t feel safe while you stay with Noah."
He could not fathom what Noah had done to make Chloe act as if she had been afflicted with amnesia, completely disregarding the truths that they had uncovered together. He also could not stand idly by and watch her slowly sink into peril. Of course, he had his own selfish motives, longing to rekindle his old flame with her, even though the possibility seemed slim.
Chloe's lips curved into a faint smile. "Would I be safe by your side then? You didn't treat me kindly back then either."
"I..." He found himself at a loss for words, his mind drifting back to the events of five years ago. But who had not stumbled during their youth? He was wrong for not understanding how to love someone properly, but he was not as despicable as Noah. Noah was a man who acted one way in public and another in private. He constantly presented himself as an innocent lamb while engaging in secret, unsavory dealings.
Jasper's patience wore thin, and he tugged at Chloe's clothes. "Don't be angry, Ms. Chloe. My dad’s just bad with words."
Emily's mouth twitched uncontrollably. In her mind, the idea of Joseph being bad with words was utterly impossible.
"It's okay," Chloe reassured them, glancing at her phone to look at the time. Her tone softened as she said, "I have to go now, Jasper. See you next time."
Jasper's panic led him to pinch his arm to force out a few false tears. He suddenly burst into uncontrollable sobs. "Ms. Chloe, don't go. Don't leave."
Chloe stopped in shock, squatting down to comfort the crying boy and wipe away his tears. "What's wrong?"
He flung himself into Chloe's arms, his little face flushed with embarrassment. "My arm hurts..." His shame was palpable as lying was something he despised. Now, he had to abandon his values for his father's sake.
'Sigh, what would my father do without my unwavering support?' he thought.
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