When Love Breaks (Josephine)

By the time Josephine stepped into Ethan's office, her initial impression had been taken to an entirely new level. His office was nothing short of extravagant.

The floor-to-ceiling windows gave an amazing view of the Sunvale skyline at night. On the wall next to the windows were two enormous oil paintings, clearly worth a fortune. The plush, thick carpet cushioned every step, and along the walls stood exquisite golden phoebe wood shelves, displaying an array of sculptures and antiques.

Josephine inhaled sharply before turning to Ethan, who was pouring her a glass of water. "All this time, I only saw you as a small-time actor. That was a serious misjudgment on my part."

Looking at everything, it was clear that Ethan's wealth far surpassed Zayn's. It even exceeded hers. In fact, she wouldn't be surprised if his assets outmatched both the Forbes family and her own combined. No wonder Ronin had invited him to Winnie's birthday banquet. He was worth it.

Ethan glanced up at her, handing her the cup of water. "So, what do you see me as now?"

"A tycoon."

"Huh?"

Josephine smiled. "I'm just kidding. I admit I underestimated you before. But from now on, I'll look up to you." At the very least, she would consider him a valuable connection. Who knew when she might need a favor? He simply smiled wordlessly.

"I only started looking at you differently because you're rich. Doesn't that upset you? Don't you think I'm shallow and opportunistic?" she asked, arching her brow.

Ethan froze for a moment to consider her question. But he quickly came to a conclusion. "No, I don't."

The real reason was that he had fallen in love with her. If she was noble, it would prove he had good taste. If she was shallow, it would mean he had poor judgment but his love for her wouldn't waver in the slightest. If anything, he'd accept even the flaws that came with her, loving them just the same.

That was just the kind of person he was. But as he looked at her-this delicate, noble woman bathed in the soft glow of the city lights-he chose to give her a different answer. If you're treating me like a valuable connection, it means you take me seriously. That alone makes me happy. Why would I be upset?"

It was the perfect response-considerate and understanding.

But Josephine didn't like it. He was always so patient, so agreeable, so flawlessly composed. It was almost unnatural-like he was wearing a carefully constructed mask. Like henoveldrama

had been pre-program most

following some perfectly calculated script.

Even Siri felt more human than he did. At least Siri glitched sometimes. Ethan, on the other hand, never did.

"Let's eat some cake!" she announced abruptly, pushing those thoughts aside and waving the bag in front of him.

Ethan frowned slightly. For just a brief moment, he thought he caught a hint of coldness in her gaze.

After finishing their cake, Josephine felt sluggish. She was tempted to just sprawl out on the couch and scroll through her phone before falling asleep right there.

Unfortunately, this wasn't her space, and no matter how comfortable she felt, she couldn't just act however she pleased. With some effort, she pulled herself together and followed Ethan downstairs.

Coincidentally, it was also the time when the employees were getting off work. As they stepped out of the elevator on the first floor, Josephine immediately noticed the curious stares from Ethan's staff, and she tensed up. "Oh no... Ethan, think I'm going to cause you a lot of trouble this time."

"What makes you say that?"

"Your employees are looking at me like they're putting together a gossip headline.

I'd bet anything they're already assuming I'm your girlfriend!"