Chapter 10

Julia covered her mouth with a laugh and said, "Turn the phone volume all the way up, so no one misses anything." Bradson pressed the volume button to its maximum and placed the phone in front of Steven. "Mr. Bradson, the Gibbs family is willing to relocate the Gibbs residence to make way for your Future City project." Henry's voice boomed throughout the living room. Bradson's face lit up with pride. He shot the second branch members an arrogant look. "Mr. Gibbs, thank you for willing to move for me and allowing us—" "There's a misunderstanding, Mr. Bradson! We're agreeing to move because of the second branch of the Welsh family. Please relay my message to Mr. Steven. I'd like to treat him and his wife to dinner sometime," Henry quickly said, ending the call before any questions could be asked. Bradson's expression stiffened as his facial features contorted in rage. The main branch was in shock and anger. None of them had expected the Gibbs family to act in favor of Steven. "Oh dear, that's some real shamelessness!" Natalie taunted. "Bradson, just how much is your ego worth?" "Nat, mind your words!" Daphne feigned anger to scold Natalie, but she was actually pleased. Henry's words felt like a resounding slap across the face of the first branch members. Their faces alternated between different shades as various emotions overwhelmed them. Steven grabbed Jolene's wrist. His expression was calm and cool. "I have to thank Bradson for getting Dr. Zimmer to treat my legs. The project is now yours. "Grandpa, we'll be taking our leave." "We'll visit some other time, Dad." The second branch members left. Disappointed, Robert returned to his room even without eating dinner. The previously bustling living room fell abruptly silent, and an eerie silence took over. Bradson had an ashen face as he hissed through gritted teeth, "I'm calling Henry right now to see what's really going on. How dare an upstart like him make a fool out of me!" When the call connected, Henry enthusiastically praised Jolene and mentioned how fortunate Steven was to have married such a wonderful wife. Bradson clenched his phone with such force that his fingers paled. He angrily hung up. Julia anxiously asked, "Is that bumpkin this capable?" Bradson sneered, "It's just a coincidence. She's a medical student who didn't even graduate from Arcadia University. She's just someone useless who doesn't even know first aid. You think everyone out there is Gabriel's apprentice?" Julia felt reassured and sat back down. Bradson's father, Antione Welsh, then said, "With the second branch losing that project, they can't compete with you for the inheritance. I believe your grandfather intends to announce at his 70th birthday that the Welsh family will be handed over to our branch." "Is that true?" Bradson was overjoyed. "Even if there are no official announcements, Steven won't live long either. Dr. Zimmer is one silent blade that kills without making a sound." The father and son exchanged a sinister smile. Their eyes were full of malice. … That evening at Villa Del Ven, the second branch members had just returned home when they immediately burst into laughter. Daphne smiled faintly and said, "We lost the project, but there's hope of recovery for Steven's legs. Our family being safe and healthy is more important than anything else. I'd better get Dr. Zimmer settled." "That's right. We won't compete for the inheritance. Health is what matters most." Alfred had always been quite laid-back and had little interest in business. He queried, "Steven, why did Mr. Gibbs decide to relocate the Gibbs residence for your sake?" Steven glanced at Jolene. His Adam's apple bobbed as he replied, "That day when we were out, Jolene happened to save Henry, who had fainted." "I see. I heard from Daphne that Jolene was a medical student at Arcadia University, but I didn't expect it to be true." Alfred nodded after understanding what was going on. The second branch members didn't expect much from Jolene. After all, it was normal for a medical student to have some knowledge of first aid. Daphne proudly pointed out, "Rita also praised Jolene's massage techniques. Those herbs you've been preparing must have been to help Steven's recovery, right? You care a lot about him." "Jolene, you're awesome!" Natale didn't hold back on the praise as she held tightly onto Jolene. Jolene forced a smile and avoided Steven's gaze. "I was just lucky." Steven's eyes glinted with a hint of a smile as he looked at her. She was indeed lucky, his lucky star. There seemed to be a burgeoning emotion in his eyes. He knew she was feeling awkward and figured he should find an opportunity… "Come on, I'm gonna sleep with Jolene tonight." Natalie grabbed Jolene and dashed upstairs. "Everyone else has a sister, but all I have is a grumpy brother." Steven reached out to stop her but caught nothing. All that was left for him was the faint scent of herbs lingering in the air. Seeing this, Daphne and Alfred burst out laughing. "Guess who wanted a divorce the moment he woke up?" Daphne teased. "Since there's now hope for your legs, your dad and I should move to give you two some privacy." Steven helplessly explained, "It's not what you think, Mom." He felt it was necessary to clarify things. Trust was needed between him and Jolene. Daphne was about to make another joke when Rita heard the commotion and arrived just in time to save Steven from the scene. "Mr. Steven, Mr. Granger is here. He's been waiting in the study for some time." "I'll get going." Steven operated his wheelchair to leave the living room and took the elevator upstairs. Daphne sighed. "Jolene is such a wonderful young lady." Rita chimed in, "I think they're a perfect match! Mrs. Welsh is prettier than No—" "Don't mention that woman!" Daphne snapped, irritated at the mere mention of that name. "Yes, Madam Daphne." Rita quietly swallowed the rest of her words. She had meant to say that Jolene was much prettier. In the study, Vance flipped through stacks of documents in boredom. Hearing the door open, he looked up and said, "I almost fell asleep waiting for you. Did you really transfer the project to Bradson?" Steven gently closed the door. Under the light, his fingers appeared cold and pale. "If I hadn't given it to him, he wouldn't have had the chance to act smug." Boosting someone's arrogance was the first step to destroying their ego. Vance crossed his legs his legs and chuckled. "I bet it won't be long before the first branch starts crying. That project is a minefield, and you couldn't wait to hand it off. This way, Horizon Group can claim another round of penalty fees." He gave a thumbs-up in admiration. "Steven, you're ruthless! I like it!" Steven lowered his head, his profile flickering in the light. "I haven't forgotten about the car accident." If it hadn't been for Jolene, he would have lost his legs forever. He would have become depressed and descended into madness. Vance leaned in closer and said in a lewd tone, "How do you plan to repay Jolene for her kindness? Marrying her to make it up to her isn't an option now." Steven shot him a cold glare. "Is that all you're thinking about?" "There are rumors that the car accident made you impotent, is it true? Do you even have feelings for your wife?" Steven's expression darkened at hearing all the nonsense Vance was sprouting. Vance thought he had struck a nerve and quickly changed the subject after slapping his mouth. "If Jolene stays by your side, won't the first branch discover her true identity?" "They won't." Steven calmly explained, "The first branch is arrogant and overconfident with Xavier being their spy. Plus, who would think that Gabriel would take Jolene as his apprentice?" This statement almost sounded like he was bragging. "But what about what's going on with the Gibbs family…" As Vance spoke, he recalled how difficult it would be to treat Steven's legs. It was something even top experts and scholars couldn't manage, so who would believe it? "She's a medical student. What's the big deal about saving a few people? I'll protect her identity, and you need to keep this a secret too." Vance nodded. This was a case of hiding in plain sight. When he first saw the investigation report, he couldn't believe it. He double-checked multiple times for fear of making a mistake. "Not even Mr. and Mrs. Welsh? How long do you plan to keep this from them?" Steven smoothed his sleeves and replied, "Till the day I stand up again."