Chapter 216 It Was Laughable to Go to Such Lengths for A Woman.
"I didn't do anything to provoke him," Stuart said. "He's the one who fell for Josephine."
"Honestly, who wouldn't fall for Josephine? She's amazing," Jair scolded. "Couldn't you see that?"
Stuart looked hurt. "Stop it."
"If you regret it, then show it. Stop being so prideful. What's more important than winning her back? A man should be adaptable. Be strong and upright in public, but gentle and accommodating with your wife and family."
Stuart took the advice to heart.
Feeling down, he muttered, "You know so much, yet you're still single."
Jair tried to comfort him, but Stuart's comment almost made Jair want to punch him.
Jair was in his thirties, and his family was worried. He'd been on over a dozen blind dates and even tried dating two of them.
But with Jair's job, being with him meant long periods apart.
Plus, he wasn't exactly romantic or good at sweet-talking. After a few dates, the girls would lose interest.
Jair was genuinely busy, often away for months at a time.
Friends didn't mind seeing him every few months, but a girlfriend couldn't tolerate it.
So, he was still single.
After talking with Jair, Stuart finally understood.
Chasing Josephine required skills, not just blind pursuit.
But Stuart had no clue how to chase her.
The people around him came from good families and were always the ones being pursued.
He thought about it and called Vincent.
Vincent had a girlfriend he'd been with for years, and Stuart had heard Vincent put in a lot of effort to win her over.
Stuart used to think it was laughable to go to such lengths for a woman.
He never expected to find himself in this situation now.
While Stuart was figuring out how to improve his courting skills, Josephine attended Emily's birthday party and then went to see Laura.
She took out the necklace she had borrowed and handed it back. "Laura, I'm done with it. You can have it back."
Laura took it and casually stuffed it into her bag. "Got it. How was the party? Did anyone offend you?"
Laura couldn't understand Josephine's parents.
No matter what, Josephine was their only biological daughter. Shouldn't they treasure her?
But they were different. Not only did they not pamper her, but they hadn't even said a kind word to her in years. Anyone who didn't know would think Josephine wasn't their biological child.
If Josephine hadn't stopped her, Laura would have gone to Emily's birthday party to support Josephine.
How could a foster daughter like Emily compare to their biological daughter, Josephine?
Hearing Laura's question, Josephine said, "Nothing much. My parents just asked me to get back together with Stuart."
Laura said, "They only see immediate benefits and don't care about your happiness."
Josephine didn't take it to heart. "They've always been like this. I've gotten used to it over the years."
Laura hugged her. "It's okay. You still have me, Claudia, and Liam. We're your real family."
"I know," Josephine said. "What's going on with you and Steven? You're at the age where you should be getting married."
Laura replied, "I'm not done having fun yet. What's the rush?"
Seeing her like this, Josephine couldn't help but worry. Her unhappy marriage made her especially hopeful that her friends would find good partners.
Josephine told her, "Stop being so reckless. And don't take Claudia and me to those places anymore."
Laura asked, "What's wrong with those places? I think they're fine."
Josephine said, "They're not fine at all. Steven doesn't seem like someone without a temper. If you keep hurting him, you'll regret it when it's too late."
"Good, then we can break up," Laura said. "I'd be happy about that!"
Josephine sighed, "How many good things have you ruined with your sharp tongue? I know you have feelings for Steven."
"Alright, you win," Laura said nonchalantly. "Let's not talk about this. You don't need to worry about me. Did Stuart go to the party?"
"He did," Josephine said. "And not just Stuart, there was also a guy named Rex. I just found out the necklace you borrowed was his."
Laura was stunned. "Who? Rex? The necklace is his? What do you mean?"
"You didn't know?" Josephine was surprised. "Didn't you borrow the necklace?"
"I'll find out." Laura picked up the phone and called.
Steven didn't hide anything and told her the truth.
Laura was immediately angry. "If you didn't have it or didn't want to lend it, you should have told me. I would have found another way! Why did you involve another man in this? What are you trying to do?"
Steven said, "Rex happened to be with me at the time. He said he had a better one. Laura, he likes Josephine. As a friend, how could I not help?"
Laura was taken aback. "You help your friend by deceiving me? What kind of person do you think is good enough to give Josephine a necklace? Steven, I'm warning you, don't let anyone around you make a move on Josephine!"
Steven said, "Laura, you've met Rex. He's loyal and has good character."
Laura snapped, "Not at all! He's at least ten years older than Josephine, older than you! And he has a daughter in high school! How can you praise someone like that?"
After a tirade, Laura hung up and explained everything to Josephine.
Josephine said, "Don't blame Steven. I met Rex at a dinner with some institute leaders. He's not an ordinary person. If he wants to do something, no one can stop him."
Laura asked, "So, you have a good impression of him?"
Josephine shook her head. "No, I haven't even thought about it. I have no feelings for him."
Laura felt a little relief. "Good. Rex may come from a good family, but he's at least ten years older than you and has a high school daughter in her rebellious phase. Do you think being a stepmom would be easy?"
Josephine laughed. "Don't worry, I have no intention of becoming a stepmom."
"Exactly! If you're going to find someone, find someone young!" Laura said. "Take my advice, old men are no good!"
Josephine nodded in agreement. The next morning, she packed up the necklace and went straight to Haustia Manor to see Andrew.
Andrew was happy to see her, but when he learned why she was there, he couldn't help but feel a bit sad.
Stuart had given her the necklace, only for her to return it the next day.
Andrew couldn't bring himself to say anything to Josephine, so he turned around and scolded Stuart.
Stuart, still pondering his courting techniques, found the necklace situation to be a thankless task and got scolded for it, which was unfortunate.
After giving back the necklace, Josephine met with Liam and then returned to Celestia Springs.
