?<strong>Chapter 312:</strong>


    Joelle’s early years were dismissed as “insignificant,” much like the forgotten words and images on this tablet. “What does this have to do with you?” Joelle couldn’t warm up to someone privy to the deepest secrets of her life, such as the details of her first menstrual cycle.


    Jonathan sighed and replied, “Joelle, you’re tearing my heart apart. You saved my life, yet I nearly killed you. Can’t you see I’m trying to make up for it?” Joelle listened intently, her expression grave. “What exactly do you intend to do?”


    Jonathan leaned his chin on his hand. “I dislike being in debt. Once I’ve repaid you, I’ll return to Bristania to take over our family business, and I might never return.” Joelle stood taller, arms crossed. “So, is this just a way for you to pass the time?”


    Jonathanughed, and at that moment, Leo interrupted. In a t tone, he said, “Jonathan has faith in Tarot. He had a reading that suggested that for a peaceful life, he must not owe anyone—not only must he repay his debts, but he must do so twofold. It’s the only way he can live guilt-free.”


    Joelle was only partly convinced. “And how exactly do you n to repay me?” Jonathan’s voice softened. “Considering how much your first husband has hurt you, what if I help you get even?”


    “Could you stop bringing him up constantly?” Joelle asked, exasperated. Jonathan looked at her steadily, unbothered. “Tell me, how do you wish to deal with Adrian? Break his arm or his leg? Or should we end his life? I’m at your service for any of it.” Joelle broke into a cold sweat. “That’s illegal. I could never condone such actions.”


    Jonathan shrugged and approached her. “Then there’s only one option left. Be with me, and drive him insane.” Joelle paused to process his words. Jonathan lifted her chin, gauging her reaction. “I’m a far better choice than that dull man. Given you’ve been married twice and have two children, being with me is quite the deal for you.”


    Joelle knocked his hand away with force. “If you’re trying to offer yourself, just say so! Do you think you’re making a sacrifice? I wouldn’t ept even if you pleaded!” Jonathan said, “I’m not interested in getting married, but if it settles a debt, marriage is apromise I’m willing to make. I won’t return to Bristania until I’ve repaid you. In the meantime, call on me whenever you need anything. I’ll be avable.” He took a few steps away, then turned back, giving Joelle a lingering look before lowering his voice. “I can provide anything, including satisfying physical needs, and I assure you I surpass your two ex-husbands. You’ve been on your own for some time, right?”


    “Enough already!” Joelle was both enraged and mortified, raising her hand to strike, but Jonathan grasped it firmly. From their strength disparity alone, she realized she couldn’t overpower him. After he departed, a cold shiver traveled from Joelle’s scalp to her toes. Before leaving for abroad, Shawn had cautioned her to steer clear of Jonathan, and his advice proved correct. Jonathan seemed oblivious to the gravity of life and death situations. His belief that he could manipte fate was what truly frightened her.


    As they exited Joelle’s studio, Leo spotted a man lurking in a corner, watching them. “Jonathan, that man has been tailing us for a while. Should I handle him?” “No need.” Jonathan caressed the ring on his thumb, his eyes shing coldly. “I’ve already shown a weakness. If he wanted to kill me, he would’ve acted by now.”


    Leo caught on instantly. “It’s Lara! Why is she having someone follow you?” “Let her be.” Jonathan remained detached from Lara’s schemes, indifferent to her actions. Marriage, for him, was merely a transactional arrangement. Jonathan had proimed he wouldn’t be faithful to one woman. Aware of his character, Lara still got engaged to him, indicating her eptance of his ways. But Jonathan didn’t expect any surprises from Lara.


    That afternoon, he received a call from an unfamiliar number. “Get your woman out of here.” Initially puzzled, Jonathan realized the significance, as anyone who had his private number mattered. He quickly put the pieces together. “Adrian?” “You know Lara, right? She says she’s your fiancée,” said Adrian. “What do you want?” “She hit Joelle. I want one of her hands. Is that too much?” Then a voice came from Joelle on the other end, indicating that Adrian was with her. From Joelle’s distress and Adrian’s fury, Lara had stirred significant trouble this time. Jonathan preferred to avoid the fray, yet there were ties between their families. Lara came because of him. If she returned to Bristania harmed, it wouldplicate matters for him. “If you’re furious, Mr. Miller, end her life. It’s a mercypared to crippling her.”


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