Chapter 346

Joshua had no doubt Shermaine would never leave him. His only fear was other men coveting her; she was extraordinary and attractive. He had to stay vigilant. He didn’t respond to her teasing, simply pinching her cheek before leading her out of the café.

The streets buzzed with traffic, shop windows glowing under bright lights. Leaning against a car, Bruce smoked a cigarette, idly twisting a light blue checkered handkerchief in his fingers. It was embroidered with a single word: “Jean.” A wind chime tinkled. Bruce glanced back as the woman he had tried to involve in his troubles earlier walked away hand-in-hand with another man. His gaze shifted indifferently, features obscured by cigarette smoke.

Roy knew Joshua had already arrived in Ustrana that day. Busy keeping tabs on his team, he hadn’t had time to contact him. But with evening settling in, his thoughts inevitably drifted to Molly.

After Shermaine and Joshua returned to their hotel, Roy knocked on their door. Shermaine handed him a cup of coffee. “When’s the match?”

“Day after tomorrow,” Roy replied, sliding two tickets across the table. “If you two are free, come cheer for us.”

“Sure,” Shermaine said. She had never attended a live esports event. As their former coach, she was curious. Joshua, admittedly, had zero interest in gaming.

Roy touched his nose. “Hmm… Any chance you could give me Molly’s number?”

Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “You might not be able to handle Molly.”

“That’s fine,” Roy grinned. “She can handle me instead.”

Shermaine sighed. Molly generally disdained men. If Roy was serious, he had a rough road ahead. Still, their personalities might oddly complement each other. Seeing his determination, Shermaine saw no reason to dampen his enthusiasm. “Alright,” she relented, passing him Molly’s contact information.

Roy saved the number, grinning brightly. “What does Molly like?”

Shermaine said, “Power and money. Her two favorite things.”

Roy mentally calculated his bank balance, already planning to give it all up. “And what doesn’t she like?”

“People who defy her,” Shermaine replied simply.

Roy thought, ‘Perfect. I’m obedient. As long as we get to be together, I won’t disobey her at all.’

“Thanks,” he said. He had never been this invested in anyone before. Just thinking about Molly made his heart race.

Just then, Joshua emerged from the bedroom, crossing the living room to pull Shermaine into his arms. “Your bath’s ready.”

“In a minute,” Roy said; he still had more questions.

Joshua’s gaze shifted to him. “Anything else?”

Roy immediately shook his head, finishing his coffee. “Nope! I’m heading back to my room now. See you.” As he stood, he glanced back one last time, struck with sudden envy at how happy Joshua and Shermaine looked together.

Joshua kissed Shermaine. When she didn’t respond, he nudged her. “What’s on your mind?”

“Roy might actually be a good match for my friend,” she mused.

“Brave of him,” Joshua remarked. He hadn’t initially realized who Shermaine meant by “friend,” but now, he knew.

The Carlton family, Molly’s family, held massive influence in Epea, spanning both business and underworld circles. The heirs were locked in a cutthroat battle for succession. Soon enough, the family wouldn’t be at peace. Roy pursuing Molly at this moment was risky. But then again, he wasn’t as naive as he seemed. When push came to shove, he might outmaneuver them all. Joshua wasn’t worried about him.

Shermaine smiled, “Fortune favors the bold.”

Joshua kissed her again. “Mm, you’ve got a point.” Then, he scooped her up from the couch. “Let’s share the bath, baby.”