Torn Between Love and Hate novel Chapter 171

Chapter 171 How Could He Possibly Give Up? 

Joseph felt as if he had been hit over the head. 

He never expected that his act of pretending to be drunk and asleep would not be seen through by Deborah, but rather be exposed by this child. 

There’s no point in pretending to be dead any longer, so he could only open his eyes and glance out the window. 

“Is it dawn already?” 

He slowly sat up and looked at the unusually calm little girl beside him, “Alyssa, why are you up so early?”* 

Alyssa looked at him and said, “I usually wake up early every day. Steven told me that when we die, we’ll have plenty of time to sleep. So, while we’re alive, it’s not wise to sleep too much.” 

Joseph thought of Steven’s face. 

That man, who is busy with his career all day long, should indeed be able to say such words. 

Joseph hadn’t really interacted much with Alyssa before, and now, in this awkward situation, he found himself struggling to speak coherently. 

“Well, kids should sleep in, you know. Getting more sleep is good for their health, especially when they’re growing.” 

Alyssa didn’t respond to him immediately, but after a while, she suddenly said, “Mr. Black, may I share my thoughts?” 

Joseph felt that, despite the child’s young age, he somehow exuded an inexplicable sense of oppression. 

“Of course,” he replied. 

Alyssa looked at him with clear eyes and said, “Mr. Black, I think you and my mom aren’t quite a good match.” 

Joseph’s face stiffened, “Why would Alyssa feel that it’s not appropriate?” 

Alyssa was being stared at by him, discussing face-to-face why she was dissatisfied with him, yet she didn’t show the slightest bit of panic or unease. 

At this moment, Joseph suddenly thought, somewhat inappropriately, that he should let those employees in his company who tremble at the sound of his voice come and see this child who is not even eight years old. 

At least it’s hard to find someone in his company who, when confronted with their issues face-to-face, can remain as calm as this employee. 

Alyssa spoke calmly, “Because, Mr. Black, you remind me a lot of my father.” 

Joseph looked a bit amused and said, “Ashton? No, I don’t think I’m much like him.” 

In Deborah’s mind, a man who resembled Ashton was like receiving a death sentence. 

So, Joseph’s attitude was very firm. 

No, he’s not like Ashton. 

What a joke! You can criticize him for anything, but you can’t say he’s like Ashton. 

Alyssa continued, “You’re just like my dad. Both of you come from prominent families and have successful careers, as well as a rather tragic past. That past has shaped your personalities, making you quite similar to each other.” 

Ashton once lost both of his parents, and during that time, in order to stand firm and preserve the foundation of his home, he experienced many setbacks and challenges. 

So he became indifferent, detached from human emotions, and even cruel, without any limits. 

And Joseph, having endured Wayne’s abuse and witnessed his mother’s tragic death, faced numerous challenges before reaching adulthood. 

In order to achieve his goal, he would stop at nothing and use every means necessary. 

Alyssa was just a child, but her words left Joseph unable to argue. 

Alyssa looked at him with an unfazed gaze, “Family background and personality are just one aspect of it. 

There are other facts as well, such as what I saw early this morning, Mr. Black. You pretended to be drunk and forced yourself on my mother. And last night at the mall, you showed hostility towards Mr. Gaige.” 

Of course, there was also the deception, manipulation, and exploitation that Joseph had inflicted upon Deborah three 

years ago, 

Joseph suddenly had a severe headache. 

The thing he regrets most now is that he couldn’t resist the urge last night and impulsively ran over to kiss Deborah.” 

But it was true that he really genuinely didn’t know that Alyssa would suddenly come out and see it. 

As soon as he came over, he was too excited, with Deborah filling his mind. He completely missed Alyssa’s voice or the sound of her footsteps. 

He kissed Deborah’s face, and it really wasn’t the first time. 

Over the past three years, they had spent day and night together. Despite his strong self-control, the fact that he hadn’t truly possessed Deborah was already the most incredible restraint he could muster. 

Occasionally, I couldn’t help but kiss her forehead and her face; it’s not like it never happened before. 

Last night, after seeing the exchange between Zayne and Deborah, and having had a disagreement with Deborah himself, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of jealousy. 

No matter how much he tried to explain, he could still imagine Alyssa coming out of her bedroom in the early morning, only to see him, Joseph, pinning Deborah against the wall and kissing her. 

A child, not even eight years old, undoubtedly felt the same disgust and difficulty in accepting the situation as if they had witnessed a despicable and lewd rogue breaking into their home and forcing himself upon their mother. 

As for his hostility towards Zayne, it was evident that Zayne had feelings for Deborah written all over his face. Joseph wanted to let go of the animosity, but he just couldn’t. 

However, it’s really just a bit of uncontrollable hostility and wariness in the heart. 

It’s like something you treasure dearly is being stared at with shining eyes by someone else. 

Who wouldn’t have a bit of hostility and wariness nowadays? 

Joseph tried to explain gently, “Alyssa, I’m not the person you think I am.” 

He’s not like Ashton; he really isn’t a pervert. 

Alyssa’s face was expressionless as she said, “My dad once forced my mom in the same way you did early this morning. He pretended to be drunk at the time, but it was obvious that he was just faking it.” 

Alyssa didn’t say much more, simply stating, “Anyway, that’s my attitude. I think Mr. Black is a lot like my dad, sa he and Mommy aren’t really a good match.” 

Joseph was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to speak. 

Deborah had just finished freshening up and walked out of the bedroom, “Alyssa, have you decided yet?” 

Upon seeing Joseph already sitting on the couch, looking quite alert, Deborah was momentarily taken aback. 

Alyssa got up and walked over, saying, “I’ve ordered food for three people. Since Mr. Black is awake now, why don’t we all have a meal together before leaving?” 

Deborah looked at joseph and said, “Since you’re awake now, why don’t you go back first? After all, Alyssa isn’t very 

familiar with you. I’ll stay with her for a while, so she can feel more comfortable.” 

She’s basically asking them to leave.