?<strong>Chapter 309:</strong>


    Shawn had traveled abroad, leaving Joelle alone to care for her two children. In the morning, she dropped Aurora off at kindergarten, followed by a ck Rolls-Royce. She then took Rnd to her studio, the same Rolls-Royce trailing them all the way. At noon, she dined across from her studio while the Rolls-Royce parked nearby. In the afternoon, as Joelle yed the violin, she could see the Rolls-Royce outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Later, when she went to pick up Aurora, the Rolls-Royce tailed her to the kindergarten.


    Reaching her limit, Joelle ced the children in the car, instructing the driver to watch them. Then, without pausing, she approached the trailing Rolls-Royce. The window lowered halfway, unveiling Jonathan’s face framed by ck leather. “What do you want?” she demanded. Jonathan smiled. “I merely wish to observe the life of the woman who saved me.” “You’ve intruded into my life. What next? Will you follow me to my home?”


    Jonathan asked, “Are you inviting me over to your ce?” Recalling Shawn’s warnings, Joelle restrained herself from openly challenging Jonathan. “Mr. Tan, saving you was a reflex. I didn’t anticipate any reward. It’s been years, and I’ve nearly forgotten about it. Wouldn’t it be better if we stayed out of each other’s lives?”


    Jonathan made a fist, resting his chin on it, and gave Joelle a thorough look. “So, is that the reason you ignored my friend request?” Joelle, feeling uneasy, clenched her hands and scowled. “I’ll be honest with you. I see no need for us to be friends.” This took Jonathan by surprise. He was used to women seeking his approval, yet here was Joelle, distinctly disinterested.


    “Are you certain there’s nothing you need from me? Gina has caused so much harm to your family. Just say the word, and I’ll ensure she regrets her actions. If you desire her elimination, I can make that happen as well.” For Jonathan, taking a life was as simple as drawing breath. Joelle couldn’t fathom the kind of upbringing Jonathan had, but her instincts screamed that he was exceptionally dangerous. “Gina’s case is with the police now. I trust thew to deliver justice.”


    “Justice is one aspect,” Jonathan replied. “But it won’t bring the dead back.” This was a new concept to Joelle. Seeing her uncertainty, Jonathan questioned, “Do you truly believe the world is always fair? Take, for example, if someone kidnapped your children. Even if the kidnappers were punished, it wouldn’t undo the kidnapping.”


    Though his example was unsettling, Joelle conceded Jonathan had made a valid point. She inquired, “So, what do you suggest I do?” Jonathan exhaled deeply. “In a world without absolute justice, people must seek their own peace. Isn’t that true?”


    Joelle nearly agreed with his reasoning but quickly retorted, “We havews and rules for a reason. If everyone sought vignte justice as you suggest, wouldn’t that lead to anarchy?” Jonathan gave her a knowing smile. “On the surface, order is essential, but many operate as I do, behind the scenes. That’s why I’m involved.”


    In every shadow, there lies the essence of light. Without the shadows, how could one recognize the light? Joelle stared at him for a long moment before responding. “I’m sorry, but we’re not the same.” With that, she walked back to her car.


    As she headed home, Jonathan continued to follow. The driver nced in the rearview mirror and asked Joelle what they should do. Annoyed, Joelle replied, “Let him follow if he must.” Stopping him wouldn’t change the fact that Jonathan knew where she lived. He was like a lurking predator, and Joelle hoped this predator wouldn’t strike just yet.


    Approaching their home, Aurora excitedly pointed out the window. “Mom, look, it’s Mr. Miller!” Joelle turned her gaze in the direction Aurora pointed and saw Adrian standing at their doorstep. The driver pulled up to the curb, and Joelle stepped out to meet Adrian. “What are you doing here?” she asked.


    Adhering to the advice Michael and Lacey had given, Adrian responded, “I came to see how the kids are doing.” Michael and Lacey had coached him that mentioning the children would soften Joelle’s heart. “Thene inside,” Joelle said, prompting a quiet sigh of relief from Adrian.


    Jonathan watched from his car as Adrian entered Joelle’s home. Sitting behind the wheel, Leo said, “That’s Adrian Miller, Joelle’s first husband. They say her daughter is his.” “And the son?” Jonathan inquired. “Most believe he’s Joelle’s child with her second husband, Rafael Romero. But from what I’ve gathered, Gina might hold some secrets about the boy’s true parentage. And here’s a twist—Joelle and her two former husbands have been lifelong friends. She actually married Adrian by drugging him, forcing him into the marriage.” Jonathanughed lightly. “Quite interesting.”


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