Chapter 133: Warming Ginger Soup
The evening breeze was still, carrying the rain's dampness. Joshua had lost track of how long he had been kneeling; his legs had transitioned from numbness to a complete lack of sensation.
The courtyard lights were extinguished, save for a faint glow from the living room. Joshua sneezed and cautiously shifted his legs, his discomfort so intense that his teeth chattered.
As he settled, the distinctive tap of a cane approached. Startled, Joshua saw Old Master emerge before he could react.
"Do you realize your mistake?" Old Master inquired.
Joshua pressed his thin lips together, his downturned face showing a trace of defiance. His fingers dug into the ground, blood vessels prominent on his strained fingertips.
Old Master sighed, "Joshua, you're clever and ambitious, but that doesn't justify despicable actions."
A bitter laugh escaped Joshua. "Do you think I wanted this? You forced my hand! I was fine where I was. Why should I yield?"
"And Luann, not even a Curtis by blood—how is that fair to me?"
Displeasure crossed Old Master's face. "Do you think I'm oblivious? Your directorship was earned through talent and Myron's support. Without him, could you have risen so high?"
Myron had nearly been president; his recommendation for Joshua as director was quickly endorsed by Old Master.
"Do you think I care for that?" Joshua's eyes burned with resentment. "Myron's help feels like charity. I've longed for the director role, yet it was handed to him without question."
Slap!
Old Master's hand connected sharply with Joshua's cheek. "Fool! Do you hear yourself?"
Joshua covered his face, his voice hoarse. "In your eyes, none compare to Myron."
...
Myron gently placed Luann on the bed. Her eyes fluttered open.
"Did I wake you?"
He stroked her hair, his hand trailing down to pat her back soothingly.
Luann sat up, her voice drowsy. "I just remembered I haven't been to the bathroom yet."
She retrieved a sanitary pad from her bag and went inside.
Returning with a clearer mind, Luann joined Myron, who patted the bed beside him.
"Why does Joshua struggle as a director despite his design skills?" she asked.
Myron nodded. "He asked Grandpa for the position more than once."
"Knowing Grandpa, he wouldn't just hand it over. Did someone assist him?"
"It was me," Myron admitted quietly.
"Why would Joshua resent you, then?" Luann was puzzled.
"Some resent the very help they receive," Myron explained, offering her a sip of warm water.
"Joshua sought your aid to measure his worth against you," Luann deduced. "His efforts paled next to a word from you, breeding his hatred."
Myron agreed softly.
Luann laughed. "A person with pride would walk away, not harbor resentment after accepting help."
She paused, then mused, "But this means I'm at odds with four people: Joshua, his parents, and his sister. Starting a family war upon arrival?"
"Don't worry, no one will dare bully you," Myron assured her.
"How will you protect me at the company?" Luann challenged.
Myron fell silent, then urged her to rest.
The lights went out, and soon Luann's breathing steadied. Myron whispered in the darkness, "Even when I'm not there, I can still protect you."
Luann fell into a deep sleep without responding.
In the morning, Luann descended to find Joshua on the sofa, a pitiful sight. His legs, though not kneeling all night, had endured much.
Joshua's fierce gaze met hers as if vowing vengeance.
At the breakfast call, Joshua lurched toward the dining room, desperately grabbing bread and choking on it in his haste.
Myron, his voice icy, pulled Luann to sit. "Who let this starving ghost in? Eat elsewhere."
Dear readers, we wish to inform you that the latest installment of our cherished narrative will resume its regular schedule within a week. Your patience is immensely appreciated, and we are devoted to ensuring that the forthcoming chapters meet the exceptional standards you deserve. We entreat you not to forsake the adventures that lie within these pages, for the ensuing chapters promise to unfurl even more enthralling twists and riveting tales. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
