Love's Change of Heart

Chapter 708

Chapter 708 She’s Asleep

At Crossley Group, Aidan rose to his feet after receiving the call. “Let’s go.” Leanna asked, “Where to?” “It’s getting late. We should eat.” Peering out the window, she released a long breath at the sight of the gloomy night sky. The storm was growing stronger as if it was about to engulf the entire city. The traffic was congested because of the rain, and under the exchanging red and green lights, raindrops drizzled onto the shadows of speeding pedestrians. Leanna kept looking out the window, racking her brain on how she should tell the news to Zoe. A while later, she turned to look at Aidan. “It’s raining so heavily. Let’s go home instead.” While holding her slightly cold hands, he assured her, “You won’t regret accompanying me for this meal.” She was shocked for a while before asking, “Do you have news about Daniel’s whereabouts?” “No.” “Then—” “I don’t, but I know who’s been helping Leroy.” Since Leroy used Daniel to blackmail them, whoever took action at this stage would be his accomplice. Leanna pursed her lips slightly and said nothing while looking sideways at the countdown on the traffic lights. She kept having the feeling that something might unfold tonight. Inside the restaurant, Joseph handed Charlotte a menu. “Take a look and see what you want.” The restaurant served several Jamesdon specialty dishes, and she felt her taste buds tingle at just the sight of them. She ordered a few she liked and returned the menu to him. “I’m done. Your turn, Uncle Joseph.” Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

He smiled while giving the menu to the waiter. “What you ordered is fine.”

Once the waiter left, she asked, “Uncle Joseph, where would you be going after leaving Highside? Are you not going to return to Jamesdon?” He poured a cup of tea and took a sip. “I’m not returning there.” Confused, Charlotte asked, “Why is that? Grandpa and Dad would be happy to know you’re alive!” Putting the cup down, Joseph replied, “Charlotte, do you know how someone gets to leave Jamesdon?” “How?” “They willingly remove their name from the family’s pedigree chart and vow that whatever happens to them will have nothing to do with the Woodleys.” When she heard that, she was shocked. “I previously saw a woman inside the community hall… and she seemed to be doing that.” He added, “According to her seniority, you should address her as Grandma.” That made Charlotte pout. She almost forgot that Aidan was also her uncle. Joseph continued, “Also, there are people who were expelled and forced to leave Jamesdon.” Not fully understanding what he meant, she pressed on. “What do you mean by expelled? I—” She became scared. “Will people like me, who secretly ran to Highside, get expelled from the Woodley Family? My grandpa wouldn’t be that ruthless.” He laughed inaudibly. “No, you won’t. You’re the Princess of the Woodley Family, and they would bring you home, even if it meant banishing that rule.” Still skeptical, she asked, “Really? But someone said that my dad found me. I…” The smile on Joseph’s face gradually changed into a more meaningful smile, but he did not explain anything. At that moment, the waiter came with a glass of juice and placed it before Charlotte. Since she felt thirsty, she thanked the waiter and took a gulp.

Then, she added, “By the way, you never mentioned why you didn’t want to return to Jamesdon. I can help you plead for mercy if you’re afraid Grandpa might get mad at you. He dotes on me a lot, so I’m sure he would go easy on you.” He looked at her and concurred, “Yes, he loves you dearly. Your father cares a lot about you too.” Hearing that, she happily suggested, “How about we return to Jamesdon together? I…” She felt dizzy before she could finish her words, and Joseph’s appearance gradually became blurry. “Uncle Joseph, I…” she muttered. With a thump, her head fell onto the table. He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses as his smile grew more devious. Then, he looked out the window.

At that moment, the waiter from before returned. “Mr. Woodley, they’re at the door.” Joseph rose to his feet. “Let’s go.” Meanwhile, Leanna and Aidan exited the elevator and bumped into him, prompting him to speak up first, “President Pearson, Miss McKinney, we meet again.” She tugged on her lips in response while Aidan asked, “Where’s Charlotte?” The smile on Joseph’s face remained. “Charlotte was having a meal with me and drank some wine. She’s asleep, and I’ve sent her somewhere to rest.” Leanna rebuked, “Charlotte doesn’t drink.” “About that… Youngsters are curious and want to try everything, so she got drunk after tasting it.” he added, “I won’t disturb your meal, then. I’ll get going and send Charlotte home after she wakes up.”

As he was speaking, he headed into the elevator. Just as the door was about to close seconds later, it was reopened. He looked at the people standing outside, confused. “President Pearson, what’s this?” “You’ve been in Highside for so long, but I didn’t get a chance to have a meal with you. Why don’t you join us this time?” Perhaps Joseph did not expect Aidan to say that, so he could not find the words to respond. Aidan taunted, “Since you’re not interested, forget it.” Smiling, Joseph replied, “President Pearson, you’re putting words in my mouth. It would be my honor to join.” Once he said so, he got out of the elevator. When they arrived at the private room, he said, “Since you’re here, this meal is on me. I’ll be leaving tomorrow, so there’s no telling when our next meeting will be.” Aidan questioned, “Really?” “Thank you for taking care of Charlotte all this while. She must be a handful.” Leanna questioned, “Where is Charlotte, Mr. Woodley?” However, Joseph maintained his previous answer. “She’s just drunk. I’ll send her back once she wakes up.” She glanced at him and pursed her lips slightly. It seems like he came prepared. Afterward, Aidan ordered some dishes and gave the menu to the waiter before speaking to Joseph,

“Mr. Woodley, weren’t you trying to establish a partnership with Pearson Group? Why are you leaving so early?” “I’m ashamed to say that perhaps I’m not worthy of collaborating with Pearson Group. The partnership is not up to my expectations, and I’ve been away for too long. It’s about time I return home.” Aidan replied, “How is it not up to your expectations?” Joseph avoided the question. “About that…” “Although I’ve left Pearson Group, I’m still aware of its current situation. Since you and I are acquaintances, how can I not help you?” The smile on Joseph’s smile froze as he did not know how to answer. Never knew he had that kindness in him. Aidan added some water into Leanna’s glass and raised his eyebrow. “Or, is your departure just an excuse?”