Chapter 985 - 512: I Don’t Need Any Man, I Need You (Part 3)

Avery Jane gazed at the towering building; such a place, with only him living in it, felt incredibly lonely. She couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.

"Why the sigh? Lately, my Avery seems to be getting more sentimental." Joshua Hughes gently embraced her from behind, his low voice slowly speaking by her ear, carrying with it a warm breath.

"Living here alone, you must be very lonely." Avery, as obedient as a kitten in its owner’s arms, let him stroke the soft strands of hair cascading down her shoulders.

"Then let’s have a few more little ones, so it will be lively." Joshua gently kissed her hair tip. Everyone thought living in a palace-like luxurious place, surrounded by servants and fine clothes, must be so happy, only he knew the heart-piercing emptiness and coldness at night without her. That’s why there were those reckless years, drifting from one woman to another, venting excess energy, also killing the painful loneliness. She understood him. Joshua’s arms slowly tightened, holding her closer, unwilling to let go......

Two soft knocks came from outside the door. Joshua subtly frowned. Usually, no one would disturb him without instructions; it was truly out of line. After sitting Avery down, he coldly said, "Come in."

The housekeeper, as spirited as always, opened the door, slightly bowed at the entrance, and said, "Young Master, I have something important to report to you." Joshua coldly said, "Wait for me in the study." He didn’t want Avery to know too much about Hughes Family affairs, always bothersome; knowing would only trouble her heart.

"I’ll go down for a bit, rest a while." He gently kissed her cheek and walked out.

In the study, the housekeeper stood seriously like a tree unable to move.

"What’s the matter?" The housekeeper having worked for decades wouldn’t disturb without necessity, so it surely wasn’t a trivial matter. However, Joshua didn’t expect the clan’s old ones to have taken action before he was ready for everything.

"This year’s invitations have been sent out as usual, twenty in total, scheduled for next Tuesday evening. Any specific requests from you, young master?" The housekeeper wasn’t sure how to proceed. Previously, Joshua never managed this; his presence for the event was merely routine, leaving someone there for the night, unchanged for ten years. But now, with Miss Jane here, it seemed odd. He dared not decide recklessly like past years, so he first informed the young master, probing intentions instead. Being scolded now was better than making a mistake later.

"Who sent them?" Joshua’s face turned dark as iron, his handsome features showing a fearsome glower, his voice chilling out one icy word after another.

"The madam." The housekeeper bowed his head; without looking up, he could foresee Joshua’s intimidating face, his voice already instilling fear.

Joshua tightened his fists, understanding this woman knew perfect timing. She knew Luis Hughes was stirring trouble, relying on a newly gained heir in the board, so she preemptively acted, thinking he wouldn’t escalate it. Otherwise, this event should have taken place next month. She despised Avery, naturally wouldn’t allow her into the Hughes Family doors. Even knowing that fortune-teller was deceiving her, she still considered Avery an ominous woman, thus wanting to hold the event before he could pave everything for Avery. She thought he’d not cross her since she gave birth to him, but this time she was disastrously wrong. For his father’s fondness for her, he hadn’t done anything excessive, but he’d not yield a step further now.

"Leave." Joshua sat behind the desk with a gloomy, irritable face. The housekeeper retreated, a bit dazed, unsure whether to proceed with the event, without clear instructions from the young master, and couldn’t clarify questions directly.

Julian Carter arrived, not yet changing his clothes. After landing, he had a bowl of his favorite noodles, then was somberly summoned to the Hughes Family; truly a turbulent time......

"Those damned old ones in the board have prepared the event list earlier this year." Joshua sat in a swivel chair, his deep, icy gaze filled with anger.

"Why earlier? I was already preparing the documents." Julian was equally taken aback. Joshua had informed those old guys, saying they could hold it but merely go through the motions. Yet someone solidified things the moment they went to Las Vegas for a few days, invitations sent out. Clearly, the elders openly aimed to oppose Joshua, testing him. While his golden business mind brings them much profit, seeing his burgeoning, uncontrollable strength, it’s natural they’d unite to suppress him. Want him to continue earning for Hughes, yet also demand compliance...People truly are greedy; Julian shook his head.....

"Any news on that eight percent?" Julian contemplated that if the owner of that eight percent showed up and was willing to sell, price wouldn’t matter, or standing on their side would suffice.

"No." A flicker of light danced briefly in Joshua’s eyes, gone too quickly to discern.......

Avery couldn’t digest so many things now. If she knew about her parents, if told those shares could be hers, she couldn’t bear it. She might even suspect his approach for that eight percent; then even diving into the Nile couldn’t cleanse him. Hence, he wouldn’t take the risk; the secret of that eight percent would forever be buried in his heart.

So he’d rather painstakingly keep Avery’s origins hidden, unable to imagine her feelings should she learn the truth. The world’s cruelty has been ample; how could he bear adding more?

Since understanding his heart, he wished to gift her only love and tenderness, shunning all harm away from Avery Jane forever.

As for the eight percent, he’d find another way. Having it would be the greatest win, without it wouldn’t mean failure, because he is Joshua Hughes, Avery Jane’s man.