Chapter Five: The contract

Christopher was momentarily taken aback by Joy's sudden inquisition but quickly regained his composure. He had carefully prepared his excuse when he left Joy at the hotel the night before. "Darling, don't cry. The blame falls on me. I shouldn't have involved you in the social event. When I returned from the restroom last night, you were gone. I thought you had taken a cab home. It's my fault, my mistake! Had I been by your side, this wouldn't have happened... Don't worry, my mother's harsh words were borne from a fit of anger. Don't take them to heart, once her temper cools, you can ask for her forgiveness."

Beg Lucy for forgiveness? Like a dog begging at Lucy's feet for three days, as depicted in books?

Dream on. The Joy they knew is gone, replaced now by a fearless Joy!

"No, Chris, you're not at fault! Nor am I! Someone is trying to frame me! I will make Aunt Lucy forgive me! I'm calling the police! This is a five-star hotel, there must be surveillance! The police will be able to uncover the truth."

Christopher's face paled instantly. Although he had bribed the hotel's security to erase last night's surveillance footage, if the police got involved, he couldn't ensure the security wouldn't betray him. The thought spurred him to pacify Joy, "Silly girl, we can't go to the police! If we do, the entire City G will be privy to this... Can you bear the pointing fingers and gossip?"

"I...I'm not afraid. I will make Aunt Lucy realize, I'm not the despicable person she thinks I am!" Joy wrenched herself free from Christopher, ready to grab her phone to call the police.

In a panic, Christopher gestured urgently at Lucy.

Lucy darted forward, snatching Joy's phone first and smashing it on the ground, "Call the police? Are you not humiliated enough? Do you want all of City G to know that you're cavorting with rogue men? You may have no shame, but the Johnson family does!"

With his strikingly handsome face set in a cold expression, Dean pulled out his phone and handed it over, "Are you referring to me as the rogue man? I won't accept such an accusation! Use this to call the police. As a victim, I demand to know who's trying to frame me!"

​​​​​​​​Christopher's pupils involuntarily contracted. Swiftly, he interjected, "Sir, my mother meant no disrespect towards you. She was merely distressed and spoke carelessly. Please forgive her harsh words. Judging by your composure, you must be a figure of some standing in City G. If this matter reaches the police, the media will undoubtedly stir up a storm. I presume you wouldn't want to be targeted by the paparazzi."

Interesting, Dean thought, stroking his chin. His betrothed had cuckolded him, yet this man was not angry. Instead, he was keen to contain the situation.

Seemingly persuaded, Dean nodded, "You make a fair point. However, I'm a cautious man. To prevent any potential backlash, I insist on signing a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement."

What on earth? Joy watched Dean in disbelief. It was as if he was exploiting the situation. What was even more shocking was that Christopher, in his bid to prevent Dean from involving the police, actually agreed! Did anyone care about the opinion of the person this concerned?

Dean pocketed his phone and dialed a number, "In 10 minutes, I want to see Lawyer Zhong." After hanging up, he turned to Christopher and Lucy, "Excuse me, but would you mind leaving?"

Lucy queried Christopher, "What does he mean? Is he asking us to leave?"

Christopher patted Lucy's back, "Mother, let's not be hasty. Sir, may I ask your name?"

Dean picked up his shirt from the couch, "Spare me the pleasantries. I need to change, and I don't appreciate the audience. So, if you could kindly leave."

Joy cast a glance at the sheet she was wrapped in, scanning the room for her clothes. She couldn't possibly leave draped in a bedsheet.

Christopher gave an awkward laugh, "Alright. Once you're done changing, we'll return. Sweetheart, let's go, I'll support you."

"Hold on... she stays!" Dean interjected languidly, "I asked you to leave, not her."

Unable to contain herself, Lucy blurted out, "What do you mean by that? Are you planning on taking advantage of the situation with my daughter-in-law?"

Christopher also voiced his refusal, "Sir, it would be best if she left with us."

"Firstly, this is a suite. Miss Brown will have her personal space. Secondly, isn't your vigilance a bit too late?"

Christopher was at a loss for words. Lucy gave him a push, "Fine, I'll stay with Joy in the suite. Let's choose this room."

Lucy pointed to a room and began to guide Joy towards it, "Go on, change out of those clothes! How shameless..."

"Halt! Did I ask you to stay?" Dean's face hardened, "The agreement will be signed between the young lady and me, I don't want irrelevant people present. What do you think, Mr. Johnson, would it be better if I just called the police?"

Realizing Dean's threat, Christopher could only placate Lucy to leave. Before leaving, he reassured Joy, "Sweetheart, Mother and I will wait for you in the underground garage. Don't be afraid, once you've signed the agreement, come down and I'll take you home."