?<strong>Chapter 296:</strong>


    Joelle felt a stir of difort. She knew all too well that Adrian was naturally a reserved individual. It looked like he was trying to make up for past mistakes. Yet, the more considerate Adrian was, the more Joelle’s feelings became mixed. Her previous experiences reminded her that it was pointless to spend more time on Adrian after already giving him eight years. The awkward silence between them lingered until Shawn and Can showed up, easing the tension. Subsequently, they were all taken to the police station to give their statements.


    Upon hearing of Gina’s arrest, Leo waited an hour before telling Jonathan. That hour allowed the police to firm up the charges against Gina. Even if Jonathan wanted to shield Gina, it would now be significantly harder to do so openly. Leo genuinely did not wish to see Jonathan’s downfall because of Gina. Even though Jonathan might feel obligated to repay Gina for saving his life years ago, he shouldn’t continue to protect her without any limits or principles.


    After receiving the news, Jonathan responded calmly, “Go to her ce and bring back that cat. If nobody looks after it, it will starve.” Leo followed the instructions and retrieved the cat. The cat seemed quite intuitive, bonding only with Jonathan, snuggling in his arms and asionally purring contentedly.


    As he petted the cat, Jonathan said slowly, “Leo, didn’t I instruct you to watch over her and keep her out of trouble at all costs?” Realizing he could no longer conceal his actions, Leo bowed his head and apologized, “Jonathan, I made that call myself. Please, punish me!” Jonathan nced at him sideways. “Punish you? Do you really think you did something wrong?”


    Without hesitation, Leo replied, “No, I don’t regret it.” Facing Jonathan’s cold and arrogant gaze, he lowered his head again. Despite his primary duty to obey Jonathan’smands, he acknowledged this time he had not fulfilled his responsibilities. Jonathan said, “If you say you don’t regret it, then what’s the point of punishment?”


    Leo stepped closer. “Jonathan, I apologize! I won’t make decisions on my own again!”


    “Let it go,” Jonathan responded, setting the cat down to roam freely. “Visit her and see if she needs anything else, as part of my debt repayment for saving my life. Once that’s settled, I should head back home.”


    “Okay.”


    Soon after, Leo went to the police station and conveyed Gina’s message back to Jonathan. At that time, Jonathan was lounging on the bed with a blonde woman nestled against him. When Leo’s call came through, Jonathan sat up, pushing the woman away as she tried to hold on to him. He walked barefoot to the window and drew back the curtains. The sunlight was bright, and he waspletely naked.


    “Joelle Watson?”


    “Yes, Gina mentioned she wants you to eliminate Joelle for her,” Leo said.


    “Is that it?”


    “That’s all,” Leo said. “Jonathan, are you actually considering fulfilling her request?”


    Jonathan asked, “Is there a problem?”


    Leo hesitated before admitting, “Jonathan, pardon my directness, but I believe we shouldn’t indulge Gina’s delusions.” Jonathan answered indifferently, “She just wants one life, that’s all. Leo, you’re being overly anxious.”


    “But—”


    Jonathan’s gaze grew stern. “No buts. Every day, countless people vanish without a trace. The police can’t keep up.”


    Three days had passed since the incident at sea. While practicing her violin, Joelle got a call from Shawn. “Did you hear that Adrian has been down with a severe fever for three days?” Joelle was genuinely surprised. “Has he visited a doctor?” Shawn scoffed, “He’s been home, refusing to go. The fever hasn’t subsided at all; it’s like he’s trying to end it all by himself.” Joelle sensed an underlying message in Shawn’s tone.


    “Shawn, should I go visit him?” Shawn sighed. “I’ve been so anxious thesest few days, hardly sleeping, constantly thinking. Adrian didn’t just save your life; he also helped us catch Gina. Shouldn’t we repay such a significant debt quickly?” Joelle hesitated, then admitted Shawn’s point made sense. “Okay, I understand. I’ll visit him.”


    That same day, Joelle arrived at Adrian’s house with several gifts. “Ms. Watson!” Leah brightened upon seeing Joelle. “Are you here to see Mr. Miller?”


    “Yes.”


    In the past, Joelle had always tended to Adrian when he was ill. Some habits die hard; despite years apart, she remembered how to care for him. “I brought ingredients for soup. Could you prepare it?”


    “Of course!” Leah sighed with relief. “I’m so d you’re here. Mr. Miller wouldn’t listen to me, but with you here, he’s sure to take his medicine.” Joelle remained silent.


    Leah opened the shoe cab, and Joelle noticed that her old slippers were still there.


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