Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk (Williams and Shawn) novel Chapter 216

Joshua sat in silence for what felt like forever.

Ray gently urged, "Javier is a straight-laced businessman, not used to the kind of chaos we're dealing with. Even with bodyguards, you can't shield them around the clock. You’ve seen it yourself; in this showdown with Chris, it's the Owens family who bears the brunt."

Joshua's dark eyes were as calm as the ocean before storm, his Adam's apple moving as he swallowed, the edges of his eyes tinged with red.

"Grandpa, do you really think breaking up with Allison will convince Chris?"

"That's exactly why you need to make it real, not just an act. Allison's too honest to pretend. If you tell her it's just a facade, she'll definitely give it away, Joshua. Be firm. Break it off completely."

Joshua’s eyes showed a flicker of pain. "I promised her I'd never do anything to hurt her."

"This isn't hurting her; it's protecting her."

"Grandpa, Chris has his sights on the Owens family because he knows Allison is my Achilles' heel. I doubt breaking up will make him believe I've truly cut ties."

Ray shook his head. "He’ll believe it. With your status as the sole heir of the Fisher Corporation, he'll assume you're not the type to be tied down to one person. People from your world are expected to be more free-spirited."

Joshua let out a weary laugh. "Grandpa, just give me a bit of time to think it through."

Ray gave Joshua's shoulder a supportive pat, speaking with gravity, "I can give you time, Joshua, but the Owens family doesn’t have that luxury."

Joshua closed his eyes, his chest heaving as he tried to hold something back.

Joshua stayed quiet. Allie wasn’t one to hide her feelings. If she hadn’t fully let go, her eyes would betray her every time she saw him, and others would surely catch on.

"Think it over carefully." Ray stood up. "I returned to Oak Lake to call off the engagement with the Owens family. Give it some thought and let me know tomorrow. Tomorrow evening, I'll go with you to the hospital to apologize to Javier."

Joshua remained silent, a cloud of melancholy hanging over him.

Knowing Joshua needed some space, Ray said no more and headed upstairs.

The hall was cold and empty, the doors and windows sealed tight, not even a hint of wind making its way in. The air was stifling, hard to breathe. Joshua tugged at his collar, feeling a sharp ache in his heart.

The winter sun streamed through the glass windows, casting shadows on the polished floor.