The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 83

Usually, when a woman said something like that, most men would find it irresistible.

But Jocelyn saw no trace of affection on Julian's face. Instead, a faint shadow of melancholy crossed his brow.

Julian said, "I have someone in the car."

Hailey paused for a few seconds. "Sorry."

"I have to go," Julian said.

"Okay, talk to you later."

And just like that, the call ended.

Jocelyn was genuinely surprised by the way this engaged couple interacted.

Somehow, they seemed even more distant than she and Adrian.

But it was their private business, so it wasn't her place to ask.

Jocelyn pretended she hadn't heard anything.

Julian, as if nothing had happened, steered the conversation back on topic.

"Currently, the market is dominated by a few tech giants. If they decide to cut off support, the entire industry could be crippled."

"So, I plan to develop our own operating system, to build a technological foundation that isn't controlled by others. That way, the security and future of the American tech industry will no longer be in someone else's hands."

As Jocelyn listened, her heart swelled with excitement.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I've had the same idea for a long time?"

Julian looked surprised.

Jocelyn gave a wry smile. "You probably don't. Everyone assumes that after marrying into the Lowell family, all I wanted was to be a trophy wife."

No one knew that Jocelyn Lowell had ambition and pride.

Developing their own domestic systems and chips had always been her biggest dream.

Now that Julian had brought it up, her heart was stirring again.

"If you don't mind, I'd like to join your company."

Julian was slightly taken aback. "You've already decided? I thought you said you needed to think about it?"

"I don't need to think anymore. It's decided," Jocelyn said. "But my situation is complicated right now, and I have personal matters to resolve. So for now, we can only communicate privately and work in secret. Once I've settled everything, I'll officially join Vanguard Tech."

"Alright," Julian agreed.

Then he had another thought. "Then starting today, you can consider yourself an official employee of Vanguard. I'll pay you your salary on time every month."

Jocelyn was a smart woman; she understood immediately.

"I might be a little short on cash lately, but I'm not about to starve. Until I officially join Vanguard, I won't accept a single penny."

Julian hesitated.

Jocelyn smiled, putting him at ease. "Don't think you're the only one with a patriotic heart. I, Jocelyn Lowell, have one too."

Julian seemed hesitant.

"Listen to me. Just do it."

He didn't insist any further.

"I live at The Astoria."

Jocelyn thought she had misheard.

"The Astoria?"

"I got pretty lucky," Julian said. "I thought it would be hard to buy a place there, but the original owner of the apartment was moving abroad and wanted to sell quickly. The agent called me right away."

Jocelyn smiled. "What a coincidence."

"What?"

"I live there too," she said. "The apartment I was transferring the deed for at the title company... it was there."

To think such a coincidence could really happen in this world.

Julian was naturally surprised as well, momentarily stunned.

Without warning, a wave of nausea hit Jocelyn, and she started to retch.

Julian pulled the car over to the side of the road, grabbed some tissues, and held them to her mouth.