Semua Bab New Body, Old Obsession… Complete Decadence: Bab 91 - Bab 100

Josephine rose and walked outside.From her phone came Marianne's voice."My brother-in-law asked me to check if you offended someone powerful. Is that person still harassing you?"Josephine thought for a moment. "No. I've already blocked them."Aside from work, she rarely socialized. Her days followed a simple rhythm—office, then home. Who could she possibly have offended?"Maybe it was a mistake then… My brother-in-law wouldn't say much, only that the family behind that number is extremely influential." Marianne had worked with Josephine for four years; she knew her well enough. Josephine's circle was clean and uncomplicated.These past two days, after she blocked the sender, there had been no new attempts at contact. Perhaps it really had been a mix-up?"My brother-in-law also said the family wields significant power. If it's only texts and no real action, it usually stops there. Think carefully… have you ever crossed paths with some wealthy heir?" Marianne did not dare rep

Ethan wouldn't stop chattering. But no matter how much he said, Julian never looked at him once.His gaze was fixed in another direction—on Josephine and Julie as they walked away.After a while, Julie became tired. Josephine bent down and lifted her into her arms. She was too thin, and holding Julie was clearly a strain. After only a few steps, Julie patted her shoulder, wanting to come down again.They moved deeper into the complex. Josephine seemed to know many of the residents. She paused many times to greet them with her warm smile.And then—there was a man.Julian's brow arched, his eyes narrowing. The fellow was unremarkable, short, plainly dressed, with no sense of style. Yet Josephine greeted him, lips curving, her smile bright as white teeth flashed against the soft red of her mouth.The crease between Julian's brows deepened. His fingers pinched the cigarette between them. What was she doing, smiling like that at another man?Judging from Julie's unfamiliarity wit

In this neighborhood, only a handful of people knew about her marriage and divorce from Oliver. It wasn't something one could proudly parade around, let alone a story the elderly would ever understand.Explaining was pointless. To those unwilling to listen, no amount of words would matter. What was the use of telling women in their sixties or seventies, even eighties? They would never believe her.So, little by little, Josephine stopped trying. She chose instead to live her own life, and when the cutting remarks reached her ears, she simply tuned them out.At the door to their home, Julie suddenly beamed at her mother, as if the entire climb up the stairs had been a delightful game.In her daughter's pure, unblemished world, Josephine had merely been pushing Julian forward as though they were all playing together.Josephine smiled. She reached out and tapped Julie's nose with her finger."Come down now."Before her daughter, she always felt an endless strength—enough to banish e

"Yes." Julie blinked."And do you like Bill?" Josephine asked."Yes," Julie replied again.Bill's mother was close with Stella. They lived in the same community, and whenever Stella's shower leaked or her lightbulbs burned out, Bill would drop by to help with repairs. Julie had seen him many times.Josephine had expected her daughter's answer to be simple and straightforward. At Julie's age, children rarely thought with the layered caution of adults. But what she saw instead was hesitation flickering across Julie's face."Bill is nice," Julie admitted after a pause, "but Julian is even nicer."Josephine said nothing.Julie went on, "Mommy, for my birthday, can Ethan come… and Julian too?"Julie's birthday was only a week away.Josephine smoothed her daughter's hair. "Julie, that day is Saturday. We'll be going back to visit Great-Grandma.""Oh." A faint disappointment clouded her eyes. But just as quickly, she brightened, flinging herself into her mother's arms. "Then we can

"How could you curse your own brother like that? Can't you at least hope for something better?"Before Rosalyn could reply, Vera added, "I know who it is. Michael's cousin. It's Tyson, isn't it? His grandfather is that old professor at Beller University. I doubt he could stomach something like this."Rosalyn faltered, unable to press for an answer. Her conscience wavered as she slipped her arm beneath Vera's, guiding her slowly toward the garden path. They strolled together beneath the cool evening air.Vera might appear like a mild-mannered old eccentric, but she had spent her younger years at Shane's side, navigating the ruthless world of commerce. Her experience and vision ran deeper than most could guess.Summoning one last effort, Rosalyn ventured, "I only meant… if.""'If' doesn't make it any better." Vera's tone left no room for misinterpretation. "That kind of talk you can get away with in front of me, but if your dad ever heard you, he'd be so furious his blood pressure w