RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 11

Joshua shook his head with a smile. “Mr. Sottee, you don't have to apologize; it's not your job to protect me from a cheating wife and abusive in-laws,” he chuckled, but Mr. Sottee, not seeing any reason to laugh, remained quiet, prompting Mason to relax. “I need to ask you something.” Joshua's voice faded into a familiar tone, making Mr. Sottee raise his head to meet his gaze. “What is it, master?”

“My vacation is over, and I'm returning to the company,” Joshua informed him.

Mr. Sottee, hearing Joshua's words, widened his eyes in disbelief, and when he saw Joshua wear a serious expression after those words, a smile slowly crept onto his face.

“You mean you want to go back to your previous life?” he asked, and Joshua nodded in response. Mr. Sottee dropped his gaze to the floor, contemplating what to say.

Joshua knew that among a few people who didn't want him to take a temporary leave from the continent, Mr. Sottee was among the few who didn't think twice but chose Joshua's happiness over every other thing.

“Do you realize that there will be little time for love? You'll be swamped with work,” he added, hoping Joshua understood he was going back to what he had left to have a better family.

Joshua nodded, recalling the true reason he retired from his company at such a young age. Managing his business brought an overwhelming amount of stress, unwanted attention, and even dangers related to his position of power. Such influence didn't just linger on the surface but rather stretched deep in the underground line of business, where things were only whispers of rumors.

“I know that, and I have made peace with it,” Joshua replied.

Mr. Sottee, with uncertainty written over his face, tilted his head as if he were reading what was to come next. “I'm sorry to say, young master, what if coming out of your marriage was a good thing for you to discover the right woman for you?”

Joshua responded with a laugh that echoed with disbelief, as if Mr. Sottee's words were a joke. After a second his smile faded, replaced by a piercing stare. “In this world, Mr. Sottee, there is no such thing as love. The idea is nothing but an illusion we all cling to, convincing ourselves that it exists,” he replied, his tone heavy with disillusionment.

The weight of his words hung in the air, leaving Mr. Sottee to his thoughts. He couldn't believe the boy he had raised as his own after the death of his master would turn out not to believe in love. He knew Joshua was hurting, and there was nothing he could do.

Joshua, noticing Mr. Sottee was lost in thought, cleared his throat. “Back to my question, will you help me?”

Without hesitation, Mr. Sottee nodded his head. “Of course, Master, I will always support you,” he muttered. “Does that mean you would be revealing your face and identity to the world?”

A smile rested on Joshua's lips as the memory came flooding back. He was the youngest rich man in the entire country. The entire world knew of his name, but only a few had seen his face.

Joshua nodded his head. “I will, and the world will know that Don Cara is back,” he answered.

“That’s good, but you should also know as the owner of the Seven Continental, who has been away returning to the head of the table, not everyone would be happy,” Mr. Sottee replied, averting his gaze to his niece, who walked into the room, casting a curious gaze at Joshua before staring at her uncle.

Mr. Sottee wanted to dismiss her, but Joshua nodded for her to stay.

“They don't have a choice. It's my company and the legacy of my family. Those who go against me will face my wrath,” he replied, leaning into his chair. “But if I'm coming back, there is one thing to be done,” Joshua added, and Mr. Sottee, understanding what he meant, nodded his head.

After discussing other preparations, the store was closed, and Mr. Sottee led them through the back, where his car was parked in the garage. When Joshua rested his gaze on the familiar structure of Mr. Sottee's car, a broad smile spread across his lips.

“You still have this!” He said, and a small smile appeared on his face.

“Of course, young master, it was your father’s car and a very important gift from you,” Mr. Sottee replied, averting his gaze to his niece, who was still confused and trying to wrap her head around the fact that her uncle was working for a man around her age.

With Mr. Sottee at the driver's seat, Joshua slid into the passenger seat, strapping on his seat belt when Lily's voice pulled his gaze to the windshield.

“You can't seriously be leaving me behind, uncle?!” The tone of incredulity crawled in as she adjusted her gaze from Joshua to her uncle. Mr. Sottee, knowing how stubborn she was, heaved a sigh.

“I would love to drop you at the apartment, but I can't at the moment,” he said, casting an apologetic gaze at Joshua. “The young master has to handle something very important—”

“I can find my way back to the apartment!” She snapped. When she noticed her anger was becoming evident, she sighed. “Will you be staying with him too?” She added, her tone cracking as the words left her mouth.

“Of course I would, Lily,” Mr. Sottee answered, and when Joshua noticed that wasn't the answer she was looking for, he stretched his hand, opening the door.

“She can come with us,” he announced, prompting both eyes to turn in his direction. Before Mr. Sottee could protect Lily, with a frown, she slid into the passenger seat, buckling her seatbelt. With a sigh, Mr. Sottee nodded at Joshua before casting a familiar gaze at his niece, telling her to behave.

The engine roared to life, and in silence the car drove into the night.