Kylie hadn’t expected Shermaine and Joshua’s visit, and they actually saw her like this—sweaty and disheveled. It was embarrassing enough.
After not seeing Joshua for over a month, Kylie’s longing for him had only grown stronger. She thought, ‘Maybe seeing me like this will make him reconsider. At least I’m proving I’m not some pampered lady!’
Owen spun around at Shermaine’s voice, his face lighting up. “Sheary!”
Shermaine nodded. She rarely visited York residence.
Joshua laced his fingers with hers, radiating quiet affection.
Seeing them like this, Owen beamed. “I’ve been saving these plump chickens just for your soup.”
Joshua often came to York residence, but Owen had never offered him the chickens. What a stark contrast.
“Thank you,” Shermaine smiled.
Owen went to the chicken coop and grabbed a plump chicken. Whether it sensed its fate or not, it struggled and flapped its wings wildly, squawking loudly as it broke free from his grip.
“Joshua,” Owen barked, embarrassed. “Stop gawking. Catch it!”
This chicken was for nourishing Shermaine. After last night’s exertions, she needed nourishment. So the ever aloof Joshua rolled up his sleeves and gave chase.
Under the bright sun, Shermaine bit back a laugh. The dignified man whose mere presence kept others at arm’s length was now chasing a chicken like a hunter stalking prey.
As Joshua neared, Kylie forgot the fleeing chicken. Her gaze locked on him until the panicked chicken flew straight at her. On instinct, she grabbed its head, nearly snapping its neck.
The chicken shrieked, flailing so violently it defecated mid-air.
A glob of chicken feces splattered Kylie’s designer dress. As the stench hit her nose, she screamed and flung the chicken away in revulsion.
Joshua ignored her, scooping up the dying chicken and calmly handing it to Owen.
Shermaine was intrigued by Kylie’s fast reaction. That chicken-catching move revealed that Kylie was well-trained. Clearly, she was better at hiding her abilities than she let on.
Owen hadn’t expected the chicken to poop all over Kylie’s dress. He called a servant to help her clean up and then headed to the kitchen with the chicken in his hand.
Kylie showered in the bathroom, drowning herself in body wash to erase the stench. Freshly changed, she emerged to find Shermaine alone in the living room, but Joshua was nowhere in sight.
Kylie wandered through York residence and finally cornered him, who was clutching a bottle of white wine.
“A month apart, and you have nothing to talk to me?” Kylie blocked his path.
Joshua glanced at her, icy disdain in his eyes. “Actually, I do have something to say.”
Kylie’s face lit up with joy. “What is it?”
Joshua said coldly, “Get out of here. You’re an eyesore.” Privately, he saw no reason to be polite to her.
Hearing this, Kylie nearly broke apart inside.
Owen’s chicken soup, simmered with a splash of white wine, was served exclusively to Shermaine.
Despite Joshua’s blunt dismissal, Kylie stubbornly joined lunch with Sarah. Each spoonful of soup Shermaine savored made Kylie feel like salt in her wounds, especially after the chicken’s “gift.”
After lunch, Joshua and Shermaine left for Jean Group’s shareholder meeting.
Outside the company, a fleet of luxury cars lined the entrance. Executives stood ready to greet attendees.
The Bentley pulled up at the curb. Joshua pulled Shermaine close, kissing her deeply. After a while, he asked, “You don’t want me to drop you at school?”
Shermaine had worn makeup today, but her lipstick had smudged onto Joshua’s lips. She pushed him away gently. “No, you go do your thing.”
Before getting out of the car, she carefully applied lipstick. Noticing a streak of red on his lips, she said, “Wipe your lips later.” With that, she stepped out of the car.
Shermaine was well-known in Basterel. Besides, Ross had specifically mentioned her. Therefore, the staff immediately recognized her and greeted her respectfully. “Welcome, Ms. Jean.”