The Cherished Wife



Clarisse glanced at Joseph with a disdainful look. "I'm not helping you; I just find this amusing."

Joseph still wore a smile on his face, but inside, he cursed Clarisse. "I still have to thank you, Madam Baker," he said, then looked at James.

James' expression was grim, but with Clarisse having spoken, what else could he do? He could not just throw Joseph out.

"James, aren't you going to fetch Sir Hoffman?"

"No need!" Mateo's voice came from upstairs. Mateo stood at the top of the stairs, carefully helping Maxwell down.

"Dad, take it slowly," Mateo urged.

Maxwell's sharp eyes briefly rested on Joseph before shifting away. "What brings you here today, Joseph?"

"Sir Hoffman, it's almost the end of the year, and with the new year approaching, I thought I'd come by to see you. It's been a while. How's your health?"

"I'm getting old!" Maxwell said as he slowly made his way downstairs with Mateo's support.

Once Mateo had seated Maxwell comfortably, he turned to Joseph. "Joseph, please have a seat. You're our guest. Bring some tea, James!"

"Yes, Sir Hoffman!" James responded before leaving to fetch the tea. Mateo then took a seat nearby.

Joseph chose a spot that was neither too close nor too distant, seating himself with a humble demeanor. "Sir Hoffman, you still look as vigorous as ever. One can hardly tell your age."

"Is that so?" Maxwell chuckled heartily, then turned to Mateo. "See, Joseph knows how to speak well. Look at you-just a blockhead!"

While Maxwell's words seemed to scold Mateo, Joseph's face showed a hint of awkwardness. "Sir Hoffman, you flatter me too much. How could I ever compare to Mr. Mateo?"

Maxwell nodded with a smile. As

James served the tea, Joseph took a sip and then set the cup down. He hesitated before speaking, "Actually, there's something I'd like to clarify with you today, Sir Hoffman

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"Go on," Maxwell said, his dark eyes glinting as he feigned confusion. "Are you facing some trouble, Joseph?"

"Well, Sir Hoffman, about three months ago, Collosus Group was planning to develop the West City project. I wonder if you remember?"

"The West City project?" Maxwell

paused, appearing to think for a long

moment before he nodded in

17.

sudden recollection. "I do vaguely recall something about that. You' know my memory isn't what it used to be I've forgotten many things, especially events from three months ago.

"Yes, I think there was something about that. What's it got to do with Frotconn?"

Joseph realized that Maxwell was fully aware of the situation but was choosing to play dumb.

Still, Joseph was not ready to give

up so easily. Sir Hoffman, the last time, you promised that Frotconn would collaborate with Collosus Group We'd provide them with aw materials and some logistical

support. Do you recall that?

"Did I?" Maxwell furrowed his brows slightly. "I don't really remember that. Did Frotconn get involved? Joseph, you know it's been a while since I've retired. Even Mateo and Henry have stepped back.

"Now, it's all up to the younger generation. Our time has passed; we're not of much use anymore."

Hearing Maxwell's response, Joseph knew his hopes were dashed.

Maxwell had quickly shifted the responsibility to Charles. As for Charles? Charles was known for being unsympathetic and not granting favors to anyone in Brookville.