Chapter 220: You Are the Boss

Her words struck like a bolt of lightning.

For over two years, except for one instance when she borrowed money, Dakota had never asked Josiah for funds. Josiah was dumbfounded.

While the crowd remained confused, Isabella silently celebrated. In her eyes, Dakota, hopelessly in love, had unexpectedly learned to protect her interests. "You're asking me for money?" Josiah asked, startled.

"I'm not asking; I'm demanding repayment for what you swindled from me, morally and legally. I have no intention of taking advantage of you, but neither will I allow you to take advantage of me. I only want what's rightfully mine," Dakota said calmly.

Ugh, why didn't she ask for more? Compensation for emotional distress, at least! Isabella thought excitedly, barely containing herself. Alexander gently patted her back, calming her. Isabella, accustomed to his touch, seemed oblivious to the gesture. Alexander understood Dakota's approach: she only wanted what was rightfully hers, showing ultimate respect for her contributions to their sham relationship.

Josiah's face soured. Due to Audrey's distorted view of love, he believed Dakota's spending proved her love. Now, her demand for repayment felt like a withdrawal of affection, a negation of their relationship.

"All that is insignificant! I can give you so much more. My wealth will be shared if we return to how things were. You won't have to work; you can be my wife. I will cherish and love you," he offered.

"Josiah, even after your lies were exposed, you still look down on me," Dakota said, a realization dawning. "During those two years, I complained about lacking clients. If you had used your influence to help me, I wouldn't have struggled so hard. Many knew your lies; was it so hard to help me? You wanted to test me, but only enjoyed my sacrifices, watching from the sidelines. You never used your status to assist me. You lied; you don't love me."

Her realization was sudden.

Chapter 220: You Are the Boss (continued)

Indeed, for the past two years, Dakota had been nothing more than a pawn in his game. Testing someone by pretending to be poor was wrong. If Josiah had used his influence to help Dakota during her struggles, it would have proven his love. But he did nothing, allowing hardships to batter her. Was this truly love, or a twisted form of self-expression? His "test" was inexcusable.

Josiah's face paled as he looked at Dakota. With a dismissive smile, she said, "So, your promises of pampering and providing are merely gifts from someone in power. I don't need your charity. I want to settle everything and part ways. Don't bother me again."

His deepest, unacknowledged thoughts were laid bare. His gaze turned vacant.

Good heavens! The hopeless romantic has woken up. Dakota, you're the boss!

"Ms. Meadows," Caleb's voice rang out. "If my brother fails to repay you, I will." He had finished attending to other guests and approached them, giving Dakota a regretful nod. "I apologize. My brother and wife have caused you trouble. Our family will provide compensation."

Dakota started to speak, but Caleb interrupted. "Ms. Meadows, you wish to sever ties with Josiah? Naturally, you'll want to clear all grudges. Our family doesn't owe anyone anything, and I won't let him bother you. You can rest easy."

Dakota was speechless. Josiah snapped back to reality, wanting to salvage the situation, but Caleb slapped him, sending him tumbling onto the grass.

Phew, it's settled! The Quirk family nearly burst into laughter.

Josiah, feeling wronged, protested, but Caleb countered, "Why didn't you speak up? From the beginning" Josiah had remained silent, wanting to see if Audrey would truly choose happiness with Caleb and hoping to see Audrey regret her decision. He finally realized the harm his silence caused. He apologized, but his gaze lingered on Dakota, unwilling to give up. Caleb seemed to be venting his frustrations.

The guests dispersed. Isabella offered Dakota a ride. In the car, Rosalie and Isabella criticized Dakota for not demanding more compensation.

Dakota, still reserved, mentioned Caleb's offer, but Isabella insisted on further compensation for damage to her reputation. Dakota laughed, saying she'd consider it a "free experience dating a high-quality handsome guy." She realized her words were inappropriate and felt embarrassed. She didn't want to admit wasting time, money, and effort on him. Isabella comforted her, pointing out that Josiah's looks were his only redeeming quality, a fact Dakota reluctantly admitted.

Remembering Josiah's swollen cheeks, everyone laughed.

"Let's hope this is the end," Dakota mused, thinking of Josiah's relentless pleas. Isabella assured her, "It will end." Dakota thought Isabella was consoling her, unaware of Caleb's plan to deal with Josiah and Audrey.

The Quirk family wondered how Caleb would handle the situation. At the Hampton manor, Caleb avoided further physical confrontation, but Noah used a stick to punish Josiah. After Noah and Lorelei had vented their anger, Caleb announced his decision regarding Audrey and Josiah.