Irish rose from her seat and approached Bella, a sigh escaping her lips. She held genuine concern for the Runestone Group, a company that held significance for both her father and Joseph. With the crisis at hand, someone had to take charge, and Bella was the most suitable candidate.
Irish's words brought some comfort to Bella, alleviating her distress to some extent.
Kelly joined in with words of reassurance, "Indeed, Bella, you have dedicated many years to this company. We are all aware of your commitment and hard work. Let's put this incident behind us and focus on moving forward."
William, realizing the potential consequences of Bella's departure, began to feel nervous. Witnessing Irish and Kelly offering their support and attempting to mend the situation, he cleared his throat and spoke, attempting to reconcile, "Bella... I was simply overwhelmed by anxiety. We truly need you at this crucial time. Moreover, there are pressing matters concerning the media that require the expertise of the Public Relations Department. It would be inappropriate for you to leave now."
Bella clenched her teeth, clearly still harboring feelings of discontentment.
At this time, Joseph, who was silent all the time, said with a low voice, "Bella, go back to work."
It was just a simple order, but it sounded authoritative.
Bella felt touched and just said, "Yeah, sure."
In this way, the embarrassing atmosphere changed just by Joseph's simple words.
William felt more and more embarrassed.
****
The meeting among the board was even more tiring than that among the United Nations.
William's aim was clear already, but it was interrupted by the media.
Irish had been tirelessly advocating for the best interests of Cassie throughout the prolonged negotiations with the shareholders. After emerging from the meeting room, she was overwhelmed by a sense of exhaustion, feeling as if she had expended all her energy and even lost her ability to articulate her thoughts.
Joseph, sensing the need for a break, exited the meeting room earlier than expected and made his way to the smoking room for a moment of silence.
Irish made two cups of coffee. One was for herself, while the other was for Joseph. Coffee was bought by Joseph from abroad. It tasted good, and gradually Irish loved it.
The door was half closed.
There was light choking in it.
Irish slowed her footsteps, feeling doubtful.
Through the open door, she saw the scene in the smoking room.
It was Daisy.
She was crying.
She was crying on Joseph's shoulder.
Irish found herself frozen in place, her hand still on the door handle, as she became completely absorbed in observing the scene unfolding before her.
Daisy, in the smoking room, cried sadly.
Irish had never seen this scene before.
In her memory, Daisy tended to be strong. Her femininity was seldom shown because of her busy work. She became as calm and reserved as Joseph.
But now she just cried in Joseph's bosom like a child.
Joseph looked a little helpless, and he just raised his hands a little. It was not suitable to push her or give her a hug. He just held on to it.
Irish at the door seemed to have done something bad, and she just hid herself in the corner.
Although Irish's husband was inside the smoking room, she hesitated to push the door and call out to him, "Joseph, it's time for us to leave."
Separated by the door, she could only hear Daisy's mourning, "Mr. Dover, just take me away. I don't want to work here. I just want to work for you."
When was Daisy so unreasonable?
Irish felt sorry for her.
And then she heard Joseph sighing and saying in a low voice, "You have seen my situation now. Daisy, I can't promise you anything. If you are really unhappy, just resign, but do not lay your hopes on me."
Daisy cried more sadly.
Joseph could only comfort her with a low voice and even persuade her.
Irish leaned against the wall silently. Hearing Daisy's crying, her heart ached.
Irish's emotions towards Daisy were not rooted in jealousy or hatred. In fact, she did not hold any ill will towards Daisy, perhaps partly because she understood Daisy's affection for Joseph. While Irish may have felt some discomfort, she did not harbor any animosity towards their connection.
She believed in Daisy.
Even now, when she was embracing her husband and crying.
After several minutes passed, Daisy's tears subsided, and Joseph offered her comfort and support. Gradually, the situation improved. As Irish caught the sound of approaching footsteps, she swiftly moved to the side and concealed herself beside the lounge.
In the corridor, Daisy turned back and addressed Joseph, "Mr. Dover, I truly wish for your return." With that, Daisy walked away, leaving Joseph standing there, contemplative.
Joseph was still silent.
The sound made by her high heels went away and then disappeared.
The door of the lounge was open.
Irish rested against the wall, her body sinking into a mixture of fatigue and contemplation. Holding two cups of coffee, she could feel the coldness seeping through her palms, despite the sweltering summer heat. The chill from the coffee seemed to penetrate not only her skin but also her veins, gradually enveloping her in a complete sense of coldness.
She felt that this kind of coldness was more disappointing than Daisy's tears.
Soon, her phone rang.
There was just a wall between them, so Irish knew that Joseph didn't go.
In such a quiet atmosphere, it was clearer.
It was in her handbag.
The sound was clear.
She heard Joseph's footsteps.
She didn't move but still leaned on the wall.
Until Joseph's figure appeared at the door.
She turned around to look at him.
He was also watching her, and then he just hung up.
Irish was watching him motionlessly. Soon he walked close to her, and then she raised her head.
Joseph was also close to her and stopped his footsteps.
He was so close to her that he could breathe in Daisy's perfume on his body. Irish neglected the wetness in his bosom deliberately and just looked into his eyes.
At such a short distance, she could see him so clearly.
She felt slightly lonely.
In her thoughts, Irish contemplated the possibility of Joseph having a mistress. She admitted to herself that if such a revelation were to occur, she would lack the courage to leave him. Her love for Joseph was so profound that she would trust his words as long as he assured her that no infidelity was involved.
Joseph took over two cups of coffee in her hands and then put them aside.
Her hands were hanging.
Soon, Joseph gently took hold of Irish's hands, intertwining their fingers and placing them by their sides.
The temperature in his palm quickly drove away the coldness.
"Did you see it?" Joseph lowered his face. His warm breath fell on her nose.
Irish nodded lightly.
Joseph attempted to speak, but the words seemed to elude him. After briefly pausing, he murmured, "I'm sorry, Irish. I don't know how to put it into words."
Instead of waiting for an explanation, Irish reached out and gently held onto Joseph's neck, her touch conveying understanding and acceptance. In a hushed tone, she reassured him, "You don't need to explain anything. I already understand."
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