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Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Chapter 174
Chapter 174 Once they truly accepted Cynthia as their go ddaughter or granddaughter, Joshua could not be with her anymore. Instead, they would only be siblings for the rest of their lives. This thought struck Joshua, and he froze. After divorce, they should not have any further contact. Yet, why did he subconsciously feel like they would reconcile? Old Man Neal and Felix glanced at each other, satisfied with their achievement, and went about their own business. One sipped tea leisurely while the other read the newspaper. They were both at ease. Only Joshua’s mind was in chaos. After Cynthia and Daphne left the room, Daphne spoke up not long after. She held Cynthia’s hand, caring for her like a mother to a daughter. “Have you decided about the divorce?”
“Mmhmm.” Cynthia nodded. “I know about your situation. It was Joshua’s foolishness and his wrongdoing. He let you down.” Daphne Tooked down at Cynthia’s fair and slender hand with a hint of apology. Cynthia did not know how to respond. Daphne treated her well, and she was just like a mother figure to her. She would not criticize Joshua in front of Cynthia, but it was true that Joshua was in the wrong. “I have an unusual request, and I hope you’ll consider it.” Daphne truly could not bear to part with Cynthia. Cynthia’s presence made her feel like she had gained another daughter, a gentle, sensible, and brave daughter. Cynthia asked, “Please tell me.” “I want you as my go d daughter,” Daphne carefully considered her words before saying them. Felix and Old Man Neal spoke those words to provoke Joshua, but Daphne genuinely wanted it. It was more accurate to say that she liked Cynthia as a person rather than just as her daughter-in-law. Cynthia hesitated, not expecting this request. Then, after careful consideration, she politely declined
Daphne’s request. After the divorce, she did not want to have any personal ties with Joshua except for matters concerning their business. She might make time to visit Old Man Neal and Daphne, but being a go dd aughter was out of the question. Cynthia needed a clean break, as lingering connections could lead to uncontrollable factors. Daphne was disappointed, but she did not insist. After seeing Cynthia off, Daphne returned with a complex feeling. When she saw Joshua still standing in the living room, she glanced at him with a hint of discontentment but ultimately did not say anything. Joshua had made mistakes, but Daphne could not bring herself to blame him. During those years, she relied on Joshua to get by. After all, it was natural for children to grow up and lose their innocence. “If you really miss her, we can move to Nexuria. We could take her as our go ddaugh ter then,” Felix stood up to console her. “Cynthia declined,” Daphne said and sighed. She knew that Cynthia’s refusal meant she did not want any Chou 12 further involvement with Joshua, but she could not help feeling sad. 272 The heavy stone in his heart suddenly lifted when Joshua heard this. Then, thinking that this place was a bit far from where Cynthia lived, he simply said goodbye and left the villa. It was not until Joshua got outside that he realized the Neal family driver had already sent Cynthia home. “Were you planning to send her off?” Moses suddenly appeared and put his hand on Joshua’s shoulder. Joshua did not say anything, but he appeared noticeably quieter than before. Moses patted his shoulder and asked, “What’s wrong?” “Go investigate that bar where Cynthia punished the hooligans. If there are issues with the establishment, involve the police, and don’t let those who attacked Cynthia get away,” Joshua said
before heading to the garage to take a car and leave. Joshua’s mood noticeably sank as the car drove away from the villa. He did not know what was happening to him, but the thought of Cynthia saying goodbye to his parents and grandfather tonight but not him made his chest feel heavy.