CHAPTER 314: CHAPTER 314_1

As Othiel Evans had said, she was the daughter of a corrupt official, and James Horne had posted her photos online. If she stepped out now, she would be despised by everyone she encountered. Besides, Glades Horne’s revenge against her was definitely not over. If she went out now, she might starve to death on the streets. After agreeing to Othiel Evans’s proposal, she urged him to hurry and curry favor with Adele Horne. She did not know that Adele Horne, at this moment, was not far from her and had already temporarily become a penniless young lady.

「Valence Group.」

In the CEO’s Office, Glades Horne stood proudly before the floor-to-ceiling window. He had pushed aside the heavy curtains. Outside, gray and gloomy clouds drifted past.

The temperature had plummeted rapidly today, dropping to twelve degrees.

For northerners, this temperature was nothing special, but for the people of T City, it was very cold. Everyone hastily pulled out their thick clothes and put them on before daring to step outside.

The sky was overcast, as if it were about to rain.

The wind blew, making the temperature feel even colder.

Glades Horne stood silently. His tall stature radiated an unfathomable presence, his full lips pressed into a straight line. His profound eyes were like deep pools, their depths unreadable.

Yesterday’s incident seemed to have concluded; his family had been punished by him. In fact, the matter was far from over. He still intended to bring down everyone related to Orlando Evans. He wanted Orlando Evans to be bullied outside and hated by her family at home, because if not for her, the Evans Family wouldn’t have faced retribution. Of course, Rylee Evans and his wife deserved their punishment for corruption and bribery. The one who suffered as a consequence of Orlando Evans’s actions was her uncle.

What surprised him a bit was seeing Orlando Evans’s photos on the internet this morning. Those photos had been shared wildly. By now, Orlando Evans must have become an internet celebrity notorious for her scandalous photos.

From Orlando Evans’s expression, the photos weren’t taken willingly. Who took them then?

At this moment, whoever posted Orlando Evans’s compromising photos online was undoubtedly adding insult to injury.

Good. Such a shameless woman should be disgraced and mocked by everyone. Let’s see if she’ll dare to hurt my Julia again!

RING, RING, RING... The phone on his desk began to ring.

He turned his head, walked away from the floor-to-ceiling window, and returned to his desk. Instead of sitting down, he picked up the receiver without a word. Secretary Yang’s voice came through, "CEO, there is someone claiming to be your housekeeper, named Uncle Ying, asking to see you."

"Let him in!"

After hanging up, Glades Horne walked around his desk and sat back down in the black swivel chair.

He spotted the photograph on his desk—it was his wedding portrait with Julia Bluen. In the photo, his face was full of tenderness and happiness; even his usually serious eyes seemed to smile. This is the best, most gentle photo ever taken of me. Julia Bluen, held in his arms, looked charming and stunning. Her sweet smile was captivating. It’s as if she has stolen my soul.

Unable to resist, he picked up the portrait. His slender fingers caressed the photo, and his recently cold expression instantly softened.

Julia Bluen had gone to work at the company as usual. She had mentioned planning to attend an exhibition with Vice President Li in a few days. Although she had instructed Vice President Li to prepare the products for the exhibition, she couldn’t simply ignore everything else. There were several other companies she also needed to manage, and she wanted to settle their affairs before the exhibition.

He ached for her toil, but she always said such days were fulfilling. Since this was the fulfilling life she wanted, I, as a husband who dotes on her to the heavens, can only indulge her. My concern will have to be expressed in other ways.

Pulling out his cellphone, Glades Horne dialed Julia Bluen’s number. Just then, Secretary Yang brought Uncle Ying into the office.

Seeing him on the phone, Secretary Yang and Uncle Ying stepped out, closing the large office door behind them. They stood by the door, not daring to enter.

Last night, he had made two calls to Secretary Yang, both with orders to freeze his family members’ bank cards. This led Secretary Yang to sensitively guess that something earth-shattering had occurred at the Horne Family Mansion, otherwise her boss wouldn’t have displayed such a fiery temper.

She was also a bit curious. Her boss was usually quite composed; normally, nothing could make him fly into such a rage. What on earth happened last night? Curious as I am, I’d better not ask. I don’t want to lose my job.

"Julia," Glades Horne’s resonant and gentle voice came through after the call connected, leaving Secretary Yang utterly astonished. I’d heard the CEO doted greatly on his wife. I’d also heard his wife had changed from the Bluen Family’s eldest daughter to their second daughter—a woman once considered his sister-in-law, whom he now treasured like a precious gem. Those were all rumors. Only now, hearing Glades Horne’s voice, do I realize the rumors are all true!

"What are you doing?" Glades Horne asked, like a typical doting husband, inquiring about seemingly trivial matters that nonetheless meant the world to him.

Julia Bluen was in a meeting when he called. She asked Vice President Li to preside temporarily while she stepped out of the Conference Room to answer Glades Horne, "I’m in a meeting."

"Are you tired?" His magnetic voice came through, warming her heart instantly. Outside, it’s deathly cold, yet my heart feels like a blazing fire. With him, even a phone call makes me feel as if my world never knows winter.

"Not tired."

Julia Bluen’s voice, usually crisp, softened. It now carried a coquettish tone, endearing and cute, like an oriole’s song. Hearing it, Glades Horne felt a tender warmth spread through him, and his previously cold, proud aura vanished as if blown away.

"I’ll come pick you up for lunch," Glades Horne said tenderly, repeating the daily phrase that neither of them ever tired of hearing. After last night, their affection for each other had become even more steadfast and profound.

"Okay, I’ll wait for you."