Chapter 164 Give Me Another Chance
"So, you're his sister-in-law," Stuart said, inhaling her scent. "Yet he says he likes you and chases you. His intentions are obvious."
Josephine was still shocked that William was Stuart's half-brother.
Stuart wrapped his arm around her waist, his cheek brushing her neck. "He approached you with a plan. Don't be fooled by him, Josephine."
Josephine shook her head. "I've never had feelings for him."
Stuart felt relieved hearing that.
The situation that day was dangerous; those people genuinely wanted him dead.
Stuart organized his men for a counterattack and used local resources, discovering William's involvement.
He initially thought William wanted him dead because he liked Josephine.
For such a rival, Stuart wouldn't show mercy.
Abroad, William could hire people to kill him, and Stuart could do the same.
But Stuart didn't expect William to say that to save himself.
Learning who William's mother was, Stuart fell silent.
When that incident happened, Stuart was young, but he knew Elbert had wronged Carol Martinez.
He didn't expect that assistant, Melissa, was pregnant back then.
Elbert and his wife were passionate about science; once they entered the lab, even Stuart couldn't reach them. So Stuart called Andrew.
No matter what, William was part of the Haustia family; he was Elbert's son. Stuart couldn't let him die abroad without a sound.
After hearing the whole story, Josephine asked, "Many families don't tolerate illegitimate children. Why did you tell Andrew?"
Stuart looked at her. "Do you think I'm that cruel?"
Josephine averted her gaze. "You're not sentimental."
Stuart said, "I'm sorry."
Stuart's sudden apology stunned Josephine.
"I know I hurt you in the past; it was my fault," Stuart said, holding her. "When I was close to death, all I thought about was you."
Josephine stayed silent.
Stuart continued, "If I had died, my biggest regret would have been hurting you and leaving you. I know I was wrong. Please give me another chance."
If Stuart had said this months earlier, when Josephine hadn't given up, they might have reconciled.
But now, nothing could stir Josephine's heart again.
No matter what happened, she didn't want to get entangled in emotions again.
"I know I was excessive," Stuart continued. "I don't expect an answer now. But I'll wait for the day you say yes."
Josephine was silent for a few seconds before speaking, "What are you going to do about William?"
It was clear she didn't want to talk about feelings, so she changed the subject.
Stuart sighed. "Let's see what Grandpa thinks. William is still part of the Haustia family."
Thinking about Josephine's earlier question, he added, "I don't care how many descendants the Haustia family has. If he wants something, he can take it with his own abilities. If William wants the family business, fine. If he can take it from me, I have nothing to say."
Josephine realized it wasn't that Stuart was generous; he was just extremely confident and in control.
He paid no attention to William's threats.
But William's pursuit of Josephine, with flowers and confessions—what was his real intention?
Just thinking about it made Stuart want to kill him.
Stuart wasn't afraid of business or property; if William had the ability, he wouldn't mind handing it over. But Josephine was different!
Even if William just looked at Josephine a few more times, Stuart wanted to gouge his eyes out.
Although he left the matter to Andrew, no matter what Andrew decided, Stuart would never let William get close to Josephine again.
"Through this incident, you've seen his true colors," Stuart said. "He's malicious and deceitful. Stay away from him."
"And stay away from me," Josephine reacted, pushing him away. "We're divorced; we need to keep our distance."
"You can't compare him to me," Stuart said, looking hurt. "Even if we're divorced, I remember that night we slept together. You owe me."
Josephine pushed him away and said seriously, "What about Robin that night?"
"Robin?" Stuart thought for a moment. "He went to another city. I haven't contacted him these past few days; he should be quite busy."
Josephine asked, "You passed out that night. Do you know what happened afterward?"
Stuart said, "I do."
Josephine raised her voice. "You do?"
Stuart nodded. "I passed out because of William's trickery. He even plotted against Robin. If Jesse hadn't arrived, I can't imagine what would have happened. That's why I was so scared and immediately sent you abroad."
"William's plot?" Josephine looked at him coldly. "You were deceived."
Stuart was stunned. "What?"
"Robin was acting strange," Josephine said. "He was very clear-headed that night and tried to do something bad to me."
"What are you saying?" Stuart looked at her in shock.
Josephine continued, "Then, to protect myself, I cut his wrist."
Stuart couldn't believe it. "Are you telling the truth?"
Hearing the doubt in Stuart's voice, Josephine realized. "You don't believe me?"
Stuart looked at her. "Josephine, I know you and Robin don't get along, even very badly. Sometimes he says unpleasant things."
"Alright." Josephine smiled. "I was just joking with you."
Stuart finally sighed in relief. "Don't joke like that again; I can't handle it."
Josephine said, "I won't."
Seeing her so compliant, Stuart felt much better. "Josephine..."
"I won't." Josephine repeated. "Stuart, let's not see each other anymore. And please, don't interfere in my affairs."
Stuart frowned deeply. "What are you upset about now?"
