BookToReadChapter 216
Joshua sat in silence for what felt like forever.
Ray gently urged, "Javier is a straight-laced businessman, not used to the kind of chaos we're dealing with. Even
with bodyguards, you can't shield them around the clock. You've seen it yourself; in this showdown with Chris,
it's the Owens family who bears the brunt."
Joshua's dark eyes were as calm as the ocean before storm, his Adam's apple moving as he swallowed, the
edges of his eyes tinged with red.
"Grandpa, do you really think breaking up with Allison will convince Chris?"
"That's exactly why you need to make it real, not just an act. Allison's too honest to pretend. If you tell her it's
just a facade, she'll definitely give it away, Joshua. Be firm. Break it off completely."
Joshua's eyes showed a flicker of pain. "I promised her I'd never do anything to hurt her."
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"This isn't hurting her; it's protecting her."
"Grandpa, Chris has his sights on the Owens family because he knows Allison is my Achilles’ heel. | doubt
breaking up will make him believe I've truly cut ties."
Ray shook his head. "He'll believe it. With your status as the sole heir of the Fisher Corporation, he'll assume
you're not the type to be tied down to one person. People from your world are expected to be more free-
spirited."
Joshua let out a weary laugh. "Grandpa, just givea bit of tto think it through."
Ray gave Joshua's shoulder a supportive pat, speaking with gravity, "I can give you time, Joshua, but the Owens
family doesn't have that luxury."
Joshua closed his eyes, his chest heaving as he tried to hold something back.
"If you really care about Allison..." Ray said with patience, "Once the issue with Chris is settled, you can win her
back, can't you?"
Joshua's voice was rough, his eyes lost, his whole demeanor scattered. It was the first tRay had seen such an
expression on his face. "What if by then she doesn't want to be withanymore?"
Ray didn't have an answer. He understood Joshua's turmoil but couldn't promise anything. Hearts change, and
who can truly predict them? Besides, Joshua was the one initiating the breakup, leaving Allison no reason to wait
around.
He needed Joshua to be decisive, to make Allison move on, so Chris would be none the wiser.
But if Joshua was too harsh and shattered her heart, why would she ever consider taking him back?
It was a conundrum without a clear solution.
ver
Ray pondered for a moment, then said with seriousness, "Joshua, if you can't truly break it off, be honest with
her Ask her to play along. But you must ensure she can act convincingly, without slipping up and putting herself
or her family at risk."
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Joshua stayed quiet. Allie wasn't one to hide her feelings. If she hadn't fully let go,
her eyes would betray her every tshe saw him, and others would surely catch
on.
"Think it over carefully." Ray stood
up. "I returned to Oak Lake to call off
the engagement with the Owens family. Give it sthought and letknow tomorrow. Tomorrow" evening, I'll
go with you to the hospital to apologize to Javier."
Joshua remained silent, a cloud of melancholy hanging over him.
Knowing Joshua needed sspace, Ray said no more and headed upstairs.
The hall was cold and empty, the doors and windows sealed tight, not even a hint of wind making its way in. The
air was stifling, hard to breathe. Joshua tugged at his collar, feeling a sharp ache in his heart.
The winter sun streamed through the glass windows, casting shadows on the polished floor.
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