"That kind of man? One look from your grandmother and she’ll see right through him." Joseph’s tone was indifferent, yet filled with certainty. Fiona let out a small, hollow laugh. "Then tell me, Joseph—how did you manage to win over my grandfather?" Joseph’s lips curled into a smirk. "Think about it from another perspective." "Isn’t it possible… that it wasn’t me trying to win over your grandfather—but your grandfather trying to win over my master?" "I won’t say any more than that. Once your grandfather wakes up tomorrow, you’ll understand everything." "That is, if he wakes up." Joseph’s words carried an unmistakable weight. Fiona’s breath hitched. "What… what do you mean by th

"I see…" Mason Alvarez murmured, her expression thoughtful. Then, suddenly, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. "Tell me, do you think it’s possible that he was already married? That he has a wife somewhere, maybe even a kid, but just doesn’t remember?" She teased deliberately. "Impossible." Alice dismissed the idea without hesitation. "Joseph’s first marriage was with the eldest daughter of the Cooper family, and it was nothing more than a loveless, arranged union." "For three years, they never even held hands. Their relationship was terrible—they could barely be in the same room without arguing." "Other than that, there’s nothing else. When it comes to his personal life, I know Joseph well." Alice glanced over at Joseph, her tone cer

"Then why haven’t you slapped me?" Joseph raised an eyebrow."Because I enjoy it! I love hearing you praise me. No one else’s compliments ever feel as good as yours. Besides, how could I bear to hit you?" Heidi said with a hint of sentimentality.Joseph listened, a strange feeling creeping up on him. Somehow, her words seemed to carry an unspoken meaning. As this thought lingered, he felt an awkward heat rise to his face.The two continued chatting and laughing along the way, and before long, they arrived near the Cooper family estate.At this moment, the entrance to the estate was surrounded by a crowd. Several servants stood guard at the gates, wielding wooden staffs, ensuring that people dared not step too close. Joseph pulled the car to a stop at a short distance away."What’s going on? Why are there so many people here?" Joseph asked."What else? My parents and Charles Martin spread the word yesterday afternoon, making sure everyone knew about your bet with Charles Martin. The pe

"Grandmother, this is a bowl of chilled lotus seed soup that my brother-in-law made especially for you. Would you like to try some now?" Heidi asked as she ladled a portion into a bowl and placed it before the old lady. "Very well, I’ll have a taste," the matriarch said, lifting the bowl and taking a sip. A nostalgic expression crossed her face as she nodded approvingly. "Not bad—it’s just like I remember. Grandson-in-law, your skills in the kitchen are as good as ever. Unfortunately, I fear this may be the last time I’ll ever have the chance to taste your cooking." Her gaze lingered on Joseph, her tone carrying a weight of unspoken meaning. "Old Madam, if you ever crave it, just let Heidi know. I’ll make it, and she can bring it to you anytime," Joseph responded with a small smile. His interactions with the matriarch had been few, but he had always found her to be a kind and warm-hearted elder. As for the conflicts within Fiona’s side of the family, those were beyond the matriarch’

Hearing this, Charles Martin clenched his teeth subtly. What was this old woman playing at? Was she deliberately making things difficult for him? In what way was he inferior to Joseph?At that moment, Joseph let out a cold chuckle."My treating the old master is an act of great kindness—not only to him but also to you privileged heirs who do nothing but waste away in idleness. Stephen, there's no need to argue with me. When the old master wakes up, the truth of who owes whom a debt of gratitude will become evident," Joseph said, his tone dripping with mockery as he looked at Stephen Cooper."Joseph, you really believe you have the ability to wake the old master? A useless man who only knows how to cook and clean!" Maria Long sneered, her voice filled with disdain."Maria, I heard Charles Martin’s cooking nearly poisoned two people. If I am nothing more than a lowly cook, then what does that make him? I can’t even tell whether you’re insulting me or Martin himself," Joseph countered wi