Rendered speechless, Josiah could only complain to Winnie. “Did you hear that, Ms. Garland? Is that even something someone with a conscience would say?”
Following his interruption, the initially tense atmosphere in the car instantly eased significantly.
Unbidden, a faint smile bloomed on Winnie’s face. “He might not have a conscience, but he has a lover. You, on the other hand, are single and available.”
At that, Josiah couldn’t help rolling his eyes. “What? How foolish of me to hope you’d seek justice on my behalf! I only ended up with double the blow as you both teamed up against me. Ah, I was too hasty.”
Giggling, Winnie played along with him and teased, “In that case, I wish you all the best in getting a partner to team up with as well.”
Even Xavier chimed in, “Yeah. All the best, Jo!”
Amused, Josiah glanced at him. “Hmph! You’re making fun of me? The only reason I’m not mocking you is in consideration of your dignity.”
Verily, he felt that his best friend had changed.
His personality wasn’t like this in the past. Earlier, he was evidently suspicious of Jacinta, but he lowered himself to almost the lowest degree possible in consideration of Winnie’s feelings. To him, it’s no exaggeration to term such a great compromise as servility. But there are no two ways about it since he just had to fall in love with her. Perhaps he doesn’t even realize it himself, but whenever he looks at her, his gaze will turn unbelievably tender the instant it alights on her, no matter how cold and ruthless it was in the previous second.
He knew that he resembled a clown when he said all that earlier, but he only did so to ease the atmosphere in the car.
After all, if Xavier and Winnie got along well, he would be happy for them from the depths of his heart.
Thus, he was willing to be a cat’s paw, observing Xavier’s expression and taking note of Winnie’s demeanor before making some harmless jokes.
However, as he alternated his gaze between the couple, he discovered something strange—Jacinta wasn’t really asleep but was merely feigning sleep.
She was obviously wide awake and had heard Xavier’s question earlier, but she pretended to be asleep. Judging from this, there is certainly something fishy about her!
Subsequently, the car drove into Aqua Moana and came to a stop below the condominium.
The driver immediately climbed out of the car and swung open the rear door. Meanwhile, Winnie woke Jacinta up.
“We’ve arrived so quickly? Did I fall asleep just now?” Squinting drowsily, Jacinta lifted her hand and massaged her shoulders.
“Yes, Granny, we’ve arrived, so let’s get out of the car.”
Jacinta murmured an acknowledgment. Then, she climbed out of the car with the driver supporting her from outside.
On the heels of that, Winnie made to alight from the car as well, but Xavier stopped her.
“I won’t be seeing you both upstairs this time, Winnie.”
In response, Winnie nodded. “Go and get busy. Don’t forget to take good care of Grandpa Rufus. At the same time, take good care of yourself, too.”
“Okay. Phone me if you miss me.”
Hearing that, Winnie chortled. “That isn’t necessary. I’ll make time to go over and seek you out this afternoon. Oh yes, what are your plans later?”
“I’m going to make a trip to Uncle Stuart’s place first to see whether I can pry any information about Zyon out of him. Then, I’m going to the hospital to visit Nate.”
At the mention of Nate, Winnie inexorably frowned.
“He’s a ticking time bomb, so it’s a bit troublesome. Now that he has undergone this operation, he has to recuperate in the hospital for a month at the very least, so he definitely can’t go to Alendor anymore. That aside, he took a shot from Zyon. I reckon the Fairchild and Fraser families are even this time.”
“True enough, but with Aunt Beatrice and Uncle Jonathan keeping an eye on him this time, he probably won’t do anything unbecoming under our noses again.”
“Be that as it may, you can’t let your guard down. Be careful when you go to the hospital later.”
Xavier kneaded Winnie’s palm, not all that concerned about the matter. “Don’t worry. What can he do to me when he’s currently laid up in the hospital with a tube in him?”
On the contrary, Winnie disagreed with him. “Don’t underestimate your enemy, especially when he’s a scoundrel who always stabs others in the back!”
Xavier gazed at her with affection brimming in his eyes. “Got it. In light of your concern for me, I’ve decided to listen to everything you say. How about you? What are you planning to do later?”
“I’m going to escort Granny upstairs first. Then, I’ll seek Old Mr. Xander out and learn from him. Although many things happened, I can’t neglect my studies.”
At her remark, Xavier’s brows furrowed slightly. Self-recrimination flooded him. “You only have to work so hard because of me.”
“Not at all.” Lifting her hand, Winnie caressed his head, adding, “Learning makes me happy! Whenever I come into contact with a new field, I always feel like a sponge, ready to soak up all that information. Additionally, the constant process of upgrading myself gives me a sense of accomplishment. I believe you understand such a feeling!”
In truth, Xavier was all too aware that this was one of the traits that attracted him to her. “You know what, Dumbo? I’m really proud of you. You make me ashamed of myself. It’s been a long time since I last learned a new field of knowledge systematically.”
Winnie merely chuckled. “That’s understandable. After all, you’re an exceedingly busy man. It’s already impressive that you’re managing Fairchild Corporation so well.”
“That’s nothing. Winnie, I’ll become even better.” Grasping her hand, Xavier held it against his face.
“That’s for sure since one’s character is influenced by the company he keeps! All right, let go of me. I’ve got to get out of the car now. Besides, I can’t keep you from your business.”
When Winnie had climbed out of the car, the driver promptly closed the car door.
Shortly after, the car drove off.
In the car, Josiah asked Xavier, “Is there something off with Mdm. Sumner? You’re also suspecting her, right?”
A frown marred Xavier’s countenance. “Yeah. However, I don’t have any evidence. It looks like I’ve got to investigate her thoroughly. But for now, this matter has to be kept a secret from Dumbo.”
“That goes without saying. Wasn’t I doing my best to smooth things over for you earlier? Just be careful yourself. I’m definitely tight-lipped.”
After Winnie had settled Jacinta in, she changed and went to the Xander residence.
Before her car had even come to a stop, she spotted Yolanda hurrying out the door.
The woman was frantic, looking as though there was something awfully urgent.
Behind her was Sebastian.
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