Chapter 472

Jasmine paced outside the door, but Joshua’s men blocked her from entering.

Shermaine needed to leave for the International Gambling Tournament soon. She couldn’t be late–arriving even ten minutes past the start time would mean automatic disqualification, no matter the reason.

If Shermaine went to compete, Jasmine would have to take care of Gracie.

The thought of Gracie still made Jasmine’s heart race with fear. ‘That adorable little angel almost fell into the ocean,’ she thought. ‘Thank God her father arrived just in time.’

“Excuse me, could you ask them again?” Jasmine tried once more. She wondered what Shermaine and that man were doing inside. There hadn’t been any response at all.

He replied coldly, “Damien.”

“Alright, Damien.” Jasmine studied him carefully. Damien was someone not to mess with. The deadly aura radiating from him made her shrink back instinctively. “Could you please check one more time?”

“When Boss doesn’t reply, it usually means he doesn’t want to be disturbed.” Even Damien, single and without a woman in his life, knew better than to interrupt at a time like this.

Joshua and Shermaine had finally reunited after so long. Naturally, they needed some private time together. ‘Couldn’t this woman take a hint?’

Jasmine sighed in resignation, “Well, at least remind your boss that Ms. Hanks needs to leave for the competition soon. She can’t be late.”

“Got it.”

“Thanks.”

Damien ignored her and opened his Orthish. He sent a voice message to Joshua’s device.

Joshua’s Orthish sat on the bedside table, its blue light blinking persistently. But he paid no attention whatsoever.

Outside the floor–to–ceiling windows, the ocean stretched into pitch blackness, endless and unfathomable.

The room glowed with soft amber light. Shermaine’s face had taken on an alluring flush she’d never shown before. Her eyelashes fluttered as she clenched her jaw tightly. Joshua’s massage technique was skilled, keeping her comfortable throughout.

A delicate fragrance filled the air, mixed with a lingering scent of milk that seemed to permeate every…

As the clock approached nine, Shermaine pushed Joshua away. “That’s enough.” She turned around quickly, fastening her buttons with practiced ease before pulling up her straps and zipping her dress back into place.

The exposed skin of her neck bore several obvious hickeys. Joshua had left them there in the heat of passion, unable to control himself.

When Shermaine pushed him away, Joshua leaned back lazily, his breathing still unsteady. His shirt hung half–open, revealing glimpses of his abs. His lips were an unusual shade of red, as if he’d eaten some kind of jelly that had stained them with its heat.

“Do you feel better now, Sheary?” Joshua’s voice was deep and hoarse.

Shermaine hummed in acknowledgment and looked up. The seductive gleam hadn’t faded from her eyes, and her voice came out soft and languid. “After Mr. York’s full–service treatment, how could I not feel better?”

Joshua smiled and caught her fingers, playing with them absently. “Since it worked so well, come back later tonight and I’ll continue taking care of you.”

His expression suggested he was far from satisfied.

His gaze was too intense, filled with desire and amusement. The slight sheen on his lips made him look dangerously sexy and irresistible.

Shermaine blushed and pulled her hand from his grasp. Her fingers traced along his throat before settling on his lips, slowly wiping away the moisture. “Stay here with Gracie while I’m gone.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Joshua replied, his eyes burning even hotter.

“After I leave, if Gracie wakes up, take the milk from the cooler and warm it up for her. If you don’t know how, ask Jasmine to show you first,” Shermaine instructed.

Joshua nodded. “Got it.”

“Jasmine is from a branch of the royal family.” Shermaine felt it necessary to explain Jasmine’s identity to Joshua. “Which means, Mr. York, she’s actually related to you.”

In fact, Jasmine could be considered Joshua’s distant cousin.

“She told me Baykeep originally belonged to the royal family’s territory. But when their ancestors fell from power, the Moreno family seized it and drove them to the poorest city.

“That’s partly why I entered the International Gambling Tournament. I promised to win the championship and reclaim Baykeep’s inheritance rights for her.”

If Baykeep originally belonged to the royal family, that meant it belonged to Joshua’s maternal family line. By extension, it belonged to Joshua himself. Since someone had stolen it, the solution was simple–take it back.

It could also serve as the royal family’s compensation to their branch members.

After all, Joshua was the only pure–blood descendant left of the royal family. Now that he had returned, he had certain duties and responsibilities to fulfill.

“Baykeep will be ours. Sheary should just enjoy yourself and not carry this burden alone,” Joshua said.

Their goals aligned perfectly. Taking over Baykeep would deal a devastating blow to that woman named Judy.

Shermaine smiled captively, “Mr. York, you too. Since you’re already on board, just enjoy yourself. Win the competition, and you’ll get an entire city. It’s such a good deal, why not take it?”

Joshua thought for a moment and decided to embrace being kept. “Sheary makes a good point. I’ll lie back and watch you work your magic.”

Meanwhile, the Gambling Tournament’s top–hundred competition venue was packed with spectators though some VIP seats remained empty. All the top hundred ranked players had taken their positions, except for Shermaine.

Simon’s face had been dark with anger from the start.