Chapter 399

Would he really abandon his family for her?

"I… I haven’t forgotten," Joseph muttered, unable to meet his father’s eyes. He knew full well that his reputation and status came from Hunt Enterprises. Without it, he was nothing.

Judy let out a faint, bitter smile at his response. Of course. She should’ve known better. There was no way Joseph would give up the honor bestowed upon him by the Hunts. Everything he had now came from them. Without the company, without the family backing, Joseph was nobody.

When he glanced toward his mother, he saw the same look of disappointment and frustration etched on her face. That only deepened his guilt. But out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the redness at the corner of Judy’s eyes. Seeing it hit him hard. After all, she was the one who’d stayed by his side through his lowest moments. How could he simply give her up just because his parents said so? Was it truly wrong to be with the woman he loved?

Melvin let out a cold snort. "If you haven’t forgotten, then why are you still with this woman? Do you even realize what you’ve done wrong?"

Crystal tried to coax him gently. "Joseph, listen to your father. End things with her, alright? She’s not right for our family. Don’t worry, I’ll help you find someone more suitable. Whatever type you want, we’ll find the perfect match for you."

Judy bit down on her lower lip. In that moment, she felt like her dignity was being dragged across the floor. She hadn’t expected how brazenly his parents spoke in front of her. If they were already like this now, then even if she did end up with Joseph, she would never receive their blessing. Worse, she’d be talked about behind her back, endlessly criticized. Hadn’t she entered this relationship for the Hunt family’s wealth and influence? But in the end, if this was what she got in return, what was the point of all her persistence?

"Dad!" Joseph suddenly raised his voice, startling everyone in the room. Even Judy looked up, caught off guard, unsure of what he was about to say. His fists clenched tight, veins bulging at his neck. "Dad, I love Judy. I’m with the woman I love, I don’t see how that’s a crime. Or to put it another way—what exactly have I done wrong?"

"You….! You ungrateful son!" Melvin’s eyes widened with rage. He couldn’t believe his son dared speak to him like this.

Even Crystal stared at Joseph in shock. "Joseph, what are you saying? That’s your father you’re talking to! You’re the sole heir to Hunt Enterprises. Do you even understand the consequences of what you’re doing?" She turned slightly, placing herself between Joseph and Melvin, shooting her son a sharp glance.

Joseph noticed the look immediately and knew exactly what it meant. His mother was using his inheritance as a threat. And Judy had seen the entire exchange. Now, more than ever, she was curious—between her and the Hunt legacy, which would Joseph choose?

Crystal’s silent warning made her intentions clear: she was telling her son not to make a foolish mistake. This was a choice—a clear line drawn between Judy and the future of the Hunt family. And Crystal expected Joseph to understand what weighed more.