All Chapters of No Longer Theirs: The One They Can't Replace: Chapter 111 - Chapter 120

Joshua looked utterly confused. "What game? What nonsense are you talking about?"Winter let out a light, mocking snort. "I used to think you were just cold and distant. Now I see you're also a hypocrite."She would never unload all her past grievances, pains, and bitterness on him.She knew that feigned weakness earned sympathy. But unlike Jessica, she couldn't play the weak, tearful role to grab a man's attention and pity.Besides, every time she dredged up those unbearable memories, it felt like driving another knife into her already shattered heart. She wasn't about to hurt herself a second time."Winter, what game? Explain yourself," Joshua said, his eyes narrowing on her. "You're not leaving, are you? Fine. I'll leave."The chaos today had drained her completely, and she had no energy left to deal with him. All she wanted was to get through tonight. After that, she would avoid him whenever possible."Winter, about your pregnancy, I admit that was my negligence," he said

Sheila remembered how Winter had been shivering in the cold, yet insisted on standing in the hallway to pray for Florence. Her heart ached so much she nearly cried. "The poor woman caught a chill, and it's terrible for her health! If I'd known Mrs. Stroud had just suffered a miscarriage, I would've at least draped a blanket over her and brought her a warm cup of tea. I feel like I've failed her so badly!"Joshua's expression went blank for a moment, as if something hard had struck his soul. He looked partly stunned, partly lost."Mr. Stroud, Mrs. Stroud has truly devoted herself to you. If you claim she cheated, that she's been with another man… I wouldn't believe it for a second!"…After spending three days recuperating, Winter finally recovered. During that time, she had been too weak to review Everlast Tech's project files, and her studies had also fallen behind.So, taking advantage of a sunny day, she took a cab to Jeston University's library to research materials on artif

All Winter ever wanted was a warm, loving home.Now, it felt impossibly out of reach."Professor Cole, I'm sorry for what happened back then," she said, stopping in her tracks, tears brimming as she bowed deeply to Louis. "Tsk, I'm not dead yet. Save your groveling for when I'm lying in my coffin," Louis replied, holding back his emotions as he helped her up with warmth in his eyes. "If you really feel sorry, don't disappear on me again."Winter nodded through her tears. Over the past five years, she had wanted to reach out to him more than once, but guilt always held her back."And…" Louis sighed, patting her shoulder. "And from now on, stop being so formal with me.""Yes," Winter said, wiping her eyes and offering a bright smile.With that, the tension between them melted away.As they walked back, Louis couldn't help but ask, "What are your plans after the divorce? Have you thought about coming back to my lab?""I miss my time there and would love to keep learning with you

Jessica froze, her hand suspended in midair, suddenly slick with sweat. She was used to moving in elite circles with Joshua, attending high-end events and gatherings where everyone treated her with deference and flattery.No one dared to cross her, but Louis gave her no respect at all.If it weren't for her agenda, she wouldn't have traveled all this way to meet this grumpy old man."Jessica, have a seat," Joshua said softly."Okay…" Jessica muttered and sulked as she sat beside him, their knees nearly touching."Joshua, is Ms. Lynch your girlfriend?" Louis asked, unable to resist a bit of gossip.Jessica's cheeks flushed a shy pink."No," Joshua said, his lips barely moving as he turned to look at her. "But she's a very important friend to me."On the other side of the door, Winter swallowed hard, her fingers tightening around her water bottle."Important friend?"Louis narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Jessica. "Joshua, I've known your father for nearly 30 years. I've watched

Joshua continued, "This time, you made a good impression on him. He didn't agree to take you as a student yet, but he didn't shut the door either. When he comes to the company for guidance, I'll find another way for you two to talk more.""Josh, thank you for thinking of me like this." Jessica stared at him, her eyes soft and glowing with quiet gratitude."You saved my life once. Helping you is nothing."Joshua paused, then added, "Besides, you want to be Professor Cole's student for the company's sake, right?""In the end, I'm just not good enough." Jessica lowered her gaze shyly.Her gentle look stirred every protective impulse in him. "If only I had the same pull that Nora has."The switch to a new designer for the Stroud Group's electric cars had hit Joshua harder than he let on.So Jessica came up with the idea to court a mentor. She didn't know how to design anything herself; she could only boost her worth through technology.If she could build a bridge to Louis, she woul