When Love Breaks (Josephine) novel Chapter 245

"Think about how I've treated you these past three years, Josephine," Zayn said. "I love you so much, and I've never betrayed you. Even when I went to such lengths to secure Joe's inheritance, it was all for our future. How could you leave me when I needed you the most—and even stab me in the back?"

Letting go of George's throat, he grasped Josephine's hand.

"Do you know how rare it is to find someone we truly love and want to spend life with wholeheartedly?" Zayn asked, his tone sincere.

Josephine's eyes burned at his words. But after all the suffering she had endured these past days, her heart remained rational—though his words had softened it.

Taking a deep breath, she fixed her gaze on him and said seriously, "Zayn, you claim you've never betrayed me. Then, can you promise that from now on, you'll never see Nadine again?"

Zayn froze completely. In that moment of distraction, he forgot to restrain George, who immediately flipped him over.

Just as George was about to strike back, Josephine's voice interrupted, "Stop, George. Let him go."

She turned away and walked into the mansion, her steps heavy.

Time blurred as she sat in silence until Gloria approached and reported, "That man has left."

"I see," she responded softly, lowering her head as she pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders—yet she still felt cold.

Suddenly, Gloria exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Dane is here!"

Ethan stepped into the mansion, greeting Gloria before instructing, "Go ahead with your work. I'll take care of her."

Sitting down beside Josephine, he took in her pale face and let out a quiet sigh. Then, without hesitation, he opened his arms and pulled her into an embrace.

Josephine stiffened. Before she could make sense of his intent, he murmured near her ear, "If you need to cry, just let it out. Don't hold it in."

"I don't want to cry." Feeling awkward, she pushed his arms away and pulled her cloak tighter.

"I'm just feeling a little low," she added.

Her confrontation with Zayn had drained her both physically and emotionally. Now that everything had settled, she felt utterly empty—hollowed out.

He knew exactly how to get to her.

She could brush off everything else, but when it came to filmmaking, she would never allow herself to slack off.

So, obediently, she took the candy and placed it in her mouth.

The rich sweetness of milk melted on her tongue, and surprisingly, her emotions eased a little.

Sweets really did have a way of lifting one's mood.

Seeing her expression soften, Ethan smiled. "Want to hear some good news?"

Josephine glanced at him, genuinely curious. She wondered what kind of news someone like him—who already had everything—could possibly consider "good"?

Ethan said slowly, "Forbes Group is facing a financial crisis. Its stock prices have bottomed out with little chance of recovery. Two major shareholders have proposed selling their shares. Joe couldn't sit still any longer—he's already returned to Forbes Group. As for Zayn… His days ahead won't be easy."