Amanda did not want to be involved with Stanford’s affairs and left the city with Joan and Jessica. She
also did not want to pursue the incident as she was from out of state. Now that she had left this place,
she was unsure if she would ever go back there again.
However, to Joshua, he did not care if this plan was a ruse or actually wanted to harm Amanda. He felt
that the perpetrators must be dealt with or they might attempt something again in the future. They must
be taught a lesson. That was why he remained in the city even after Amanda and Joan’s departure.
He could not find Stanford but was able to capture Atwood. He gave Atwood a severe beating which
caused Atwood to be bedridden for a week.
As for Hilary, Joshua used his network to steal all their businesses. All the companies who had
business with them started to end their dealings abruptly with her family’s company. They claimed that
all their products were inferior and rejected the goods. All sorts of excuses were given to make things
difficult for them.
The company soon fell into financial difficulties as they could not sell the products which had been
manufactured.
That was not the end of it. Joshua had something else in store for Hilary.
Hilary was upset as her plan to harm Amanda did not work out. So she went to the pub to drown her
sorrows. Little did she expect her drink to be spiked and photos were taken of her in the nude.
In the Lucien family’s moment of crisis, Hilary’s nude photos were made public. This threw the Lucien
family into huge turmoil.
In City C...
Jessica was old and now her head was injured. Upon examination by the doctor, the doctor advised
them to just let her recuperate and let her live out her remaining days in peace. One must be prepared
for death at a certain age because the end may come unexpectedly.
Amanda asked everyone to gather at the living hall.
Armand curiously asked, “What important matter do you want to announce to us? The only thing that
matters most is your marriage.” He was worried that she would develop an animosity for men and
reject marriage and love for the rest of her life.
Amanda did not know how to begin. She was not as spontaneous as she had been in the past. Then,
she brought Stanford to Matthew and Dolores and was upfront about her decision. She simply said, “I
wanted to marry Stanford and no one else.”
Joan was familiar with the family and did not feel uncomfortable being with them. Now he knew that
Amanda needed some support and walked to Amanda’s side and held her hand.
His palm was very warm and grasped her hand tightly.
Amanda turned to look at him but he remained focused on the rest of the family. Though he did not say
anything, it was clear to them what was happening.
“Joan…” Armand looked at Joan and then at Amanda, “You guys…”
“Yes, we’ve decided to be together.” Joan announced and then looked at Matthew and declared, “I
would like to take your daughter’s hand in marriage. I wish that you’d give us your blessings.”
Matthew lived not far from Joan and understood his character. When he tried to arrange for Amanda to
work at Joan’s company, he also hoped that they could become friends. He was confident of Joan’s
character and knew that he was a decent man. However, he had to be extra careful since Amanda had
been hurt.
Matthew leaned back onto the sofa and then said sternly, “Have you considered carefully?”
“Yes,” Joan answered without hesitation.
Dolores did not understand what Matthew was doing. He was clearly impressed and had a good
opinion of Joan so why was he making things difficult for him? She did not interrupt but grabbed
Matthew’s hand and gave him a puzzled look.
Matthew did not explain but gently patted her hand as if signalling to her that he would explain to her
later. Dolores relaxed and allowed Matthew to continue, “I have three children but I have only one
daughter. She had always been the apple of my eye and I had pampered her since she was young.
She had never been bullied in this household. However, a person must go through some experiences
to grow up. This can only happen once.” Matthew said solemnly.
“I know.” Joan understood that Matthew was referring to Amanda’s previous marriage.
He was unfazed and looked back at Matthew, “My parent’s marriage was blissful and that is what I
want. However, they died when I was young and I always had this feeling of emptiness. Amanda
makes me feel complete and ready to start a family of our own, just like yours.”
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