"What I mean is... this isn't right!" Joseph tried to explain, albeit awkwardly."Not right? Then what would make it right?" Mason Alvarez countered, clearly not planning to let him off the hook."I don’t know. But I should go now." Joseph tried to pull away from Mason’s grasp."No!" She held on tightly, her arms locked around his neck."What are you doing?" Joseph sighed, already feeling the headache coming on."I have something to tell you." Mason’s tone turned mysterious, her grip tightening as if afraid he’d flee."If you have something to say, just say it. But could you let go of me first?" Joseph asked."Can’t I say it like this?" Mason said, her voice soft and sultry, her face now dangerously close to his. Joseph could feel her warm breath brushing against his skin."You..." Joseph was momentarily at a loss. Under the faint ambient light, Mason's features were stunning, her scent intoxicating. It was overwhelming.With a gentle tug, Mason collapsed back onto t

"How does it feel? I mean the feeling!"Alice froze for a moment, not immediately catching on. But when she followed Joseph’s train of thought, her cheeks flushed red in an instant. What came to mind were those moments when she had felt Joseph’s growing strength—and not just physically."So?" Joseph pressed with a teasing smile. "How does it feel?""I don’t know," Alice muttered, squatting down and covering her glowing cheeks with both hands. Embarrassed beyond measure, she wished she could disappear into the floor.This Joseph was getting more and more mischievous. Even the way he spoke was full of traps."I’m not talking to you anymore. I'm going to make breakfast," she huffed and turned to leave.Just then, footsteps echoed outside."Tsk tsk tsk, I knew you two would be here," a voice drawled. "Exercising first thing in the morning—really into staying fit, huh?""Daytime workouts are nice, but night exercises are even more intense."It was none other than Mason Alvarez.She and Ali

"All done. This is what I’m wearing today."Mason Alvarez looked quite pleased with herself. She had not only changed into a stylish outfit, but had also taken the time to apply a light touch of makeup.She was already blessed with stunning looks, and a bit of makeup only made her all the more dazzling.Not long after, the two of them got in the car and headed toward New Century Plaza in Nova City."By the way, Professor Wilson, you still haven’t told me what you said to Director Myers last night!" Mason said, suddenly remembering."I told him I could cure his hair loss," Joseph replied casually while driving."Pfft!"Mason nearly choked with laughter."And he didn’t start yelling at you on the spot?"She was puzzled. Joseph had teased Lincoln Myers about his bald head more than once, and each time, it had nearly driven the man into a rage. Why not this time?"Because I was being serious. I really can cure his baldness."Joseph glanced at her as he spoke."And he believed you?" Mason

“Thank you for running around on my behalf. I feel like I’ve troubled you quite a bit.”Mason Alvarez sounded a little embarrassed.“Didn’t I promise you I’d help with this?” Joseph replied with a light smile.“You did, but when things actually come up and I really need your help, I still feel a bit guilty about it.”“No need to feel that way. If I gave you my word, then it’s something I should follow through on.”“I’ve been thinking about how I should repay you,” Mason said, gazing out the window as if lost in thought.“It’s not a big deal. No need to repay me,” Joseph said casually.“No—it is a big deal. I have to repay you.”She turned to him, eyes firm with determination.“You already have. The clothes you bought me—that counts.”Joseph tried to wave it off.“Please, clothes? You could easily afford them yourself. That amount of money means nothing to you. You’re not short on cash.”Mason shook her head again.“Alright then...” Joseph gave a small sigh, feeling a bit helpless. Why

The luxury car slowly pulled up and came to a stop on the side of the road.Stanley Alvarez and Madeline Castillo took a closer look—and instantly, their faces lit up with joy.“It’s our daughter! It’s our daughter!”Overcome with excitement, they rushed forward to greet her.“Dad, Mom! Don’t tell me you’ve been standing out here waiting for us?” Mason Alvarez stepped out of the car with a helpless smile.“Hello, Uncle. Hello, Auntie,” Joseph greeted politely as he got out as well.“Good, good, very good! What a fine young man!” Stanley Alvarez beamed, stepping forward to shake Joseph’s hand enthusiastically.“What do you mean, young man? He’s Mr. Wilson, isn’t he?” Madeline Castillo scolded her husband lightly before quickly turning toward Joseph with a bright smile. “So you’re Mr. Wilson, Mason’s boyfriend? I’m Mason’s mother, Madeline Castillo. Welcome to our home!”“Thank you, Auntie. I’m Joseph, Ms. Alvarez’s boyfriend,” Joseph replied, glancing at Mason with a slightly awkward e