Chapter 765

Joseph was preparing a latte in his home office as his espresso machine whirred, grinding beans.

"Ari," he asked, casually adding milk to a pitcher, "I haven't seen you much at the company lately."

She smiled. "Well, you don't often come looking for me. I'm usually in the office. What's wrong?"

A slight blush colored his cheeks, and he stopped adding milk, coughing lightly. "I—it's nothing. I was just asking. Perhaps the company's been busy; I haven't been aware. By the way, what do you think of Damian's project?" He looked up at her as he frothed the milk.

"I'm fully supportive! I even bought one to show it," Arianna said sincerely, her face beaming.

Joseph shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I mean, what do you think of his performance?"

"Good! He's doing great! I initially wanted to advise him, but he insisted on doing it himself, rejecting our 'outdated' advice. I heard Nathaniel wanted to recommend a perfumer, but Damian refused. He contacted the world's top perfumer and handled everything himself. I was initially uneasy, but now it seems he has excellent business potential. I have to give him that," Arianna said, showering him with praise. However, Joseph felt uneasy, not happy. "You honestly think so?"

The machine clicked off, its automatic power-down complete. Arianna picked up the cup and poured in the frothed milk, meticulously creating a swan design. She placed the latte before her father.

"Dad," she said, "are you afraid I resent Damian?"

Joseph looked at the swan. "Don't you?" he asked softly.

"I admit, I was uncomfortable when you wanted to bring him home. But after he came to our house and the company, calling me 'sis,' I couldn't hate him. Even as half-siblings, we're both your children. I can't blame him for what happened between you and our mothers. He's my brother, isn't he?" Arianna's words were heartfelt, her gaze unwavering.

Joseph gently traced the rim of the cup and nodded. "If that's true, then I can rest assured."

"Dad, the product launches tomorrow. Why are you worried? Pre-orders are incredibly popular. I checked online; the mall counters are busy too. The outlook is excellent, based on my experience."

"Really?" Joseph remained skeptical.

Arianna nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Didn't Damian tell you?"

"He did. I'm confident in his experience, but there are always oversights. Ari, you've been with the company a long time and have vast experience. Please help your brother oversee this project."

Joseph felt conflicted about Arianna. He knew her capabilities—Derrick had praised her often—but she was still a woman, soon to marry into another family.