Chapter 347

Shermaine and Joshua had never bathed together before; post-intimacy cleanups were always quick and practical. Shermaine shook her head. “I’d rather shower alone.”

“You’ve been on your feet all day,” Joshua coaxed, already carrying her toward the bathroom. “Let me give you a massage. You’ll feel so much better.” He kicked the door shut behind them.

As it turned out, some precedents, once set, became impossible to resist repeating.

Lately, Molly had been consumed by power plays and alliances, constantly watching her back. Her siblings wouldn't hesitate to eliminate her for wealth and power; after all, she was the frontrunner, her father's clear favorite.

On the day of the tournament, Shermaine and Joshua attended, but Roy was in low spirits. Molly had refused his invitation the night before, and even his team's victory couldn't lift his mood.

“Are you having a celebration tonight?” Shermaine asked.

Roy shook his head. “We’ll hold it back home.”

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”

“To see your beloved.”

Roy’s gloom evaporated instantly.

The Carlton family’s banquet was a spectacle of opulence. Molly met them at the entrance, draped in a cascading aqua-blue gown with a tailored blazer. Her gaze flicked to Joshua beside Shermaine. After a brief appraisal, she whistled. This was the man who had rendered even Shermaine’s “my boobs are bigger” advantage irrelevant. Shermaine had impeccable taste; Joshua was the prototype of male perfection.

As a businesswoman, Molly knew Joshua—a rising global force, ruthlessly efficient, and sparing with words. “Pleasure finally meeting you,” she said.

Joshua gave a slight nod. “Likewise, Ms. Hill.” They shook hands.

Then, Molly’s attention landed on Roy. His grin widened the moment their eyes met, uncannily reminiscent of her pet's eager expression.

“Come in,” she said. “It’s windy out here.”

The banquet hall teemed with high-profile guests. Molly handed them champagne flutes. “I’ll be pulled in all directions tonight, so enjoy yourselves.”

Shermaine nodded. She hadn't planned to attend, but Molly had wanted to meet Joshua, and with Roy's infatuation, she'd brought them both along.

As Joshua entered the venue, all eyes turned toward him. In Ustrana, social obligations were unavoidable for someone of his stature.

Shermaine winked at Molly. “Go handle your business. I’ll say goodbye before I leave.”

Molly took a sip of champagne, lingering. “No rush. I’ve got time for you.”

Within minutes, her assistant approached. “Ms. Hill, Kylie’s older brother is here.”

“What’s he doing here?” Molly frowned slightly.

“Kylie was abducted from the hospital last night. She’s still missing.”

A dry laugh escaped Molly. She thought, ‘So he thinks I took her?’

Truthfully, she had planned to deal with Kylie. Shermaine had asked her to “resolve the issue” to prevent future harassment, but someone had beaten her to it. Molly wondered, ‘Joshua’s protective streak strikes again.’

Twirling her wine glass, Molly ordered, “Keep him away from my father and the rest of the family.”

The assistant nodded. “Understood, Ms. Hill.”

“Wait.”

“Yes, Ms. Hill?”

“Is Bruce here yet?”

“Not as of now.”

Molly waved him off, lost in thought.

Shermaine asked, “You still haven’t won Bruce over?”

“I can’t even get a meeting,” Molly sighed, slightly annoyed. “I just hope my dear siblings don’t get to him first tonight.”

Her gaze shifted to Joshua. “Efficient as always. You barely landed and already took out the trash.”

Joshua shrugged. “Apologies for the complication.”

“Not at all,” Molly said, straightening her blazer. “I’ll go greet that distressed guest.”

As she walked away, Shermaine teased, “Thank you, Mr. York.”

Joshua leaned in, his voice a low rumble. “Eliminating threats to my baby is a privilege. Besides…” He paused. “I’ve tolerated Kylie long enough.”