Wouldn’t saying something like that out loud just make him a laughingstock?

Joseph was about to correct himself, to admit he’d misspoken, when Daniel’s voice came through.

“As long as you understand it, that’s enough.”

Joseph’s mind went blank.

So, the one pulling the strings behind Daniel really was Lucas? What kind of power did he have, to make Daniel obey so willingly, even gladly?

Joseph tried to press further, but Daniel cut him off. “My advice is not to pry. I’ve told you all I can. Stay away from Lucas or you’ll regret it.”

And with that, Daniel hung up, not giving him a chance to respond.

Exhaling, Daniel felt a weight lift. He was sure he’d made the right choice. Since he’d decided to follow Lucas, there could be no wavering. He couldn’t afford to do anything Lucas disapproved of. The first step was clear: cut ties with Joseph completely. As a man, one could sacrifice many things but never the path to profit.

Joseph stared at the dead line, still unable to process it. He tried sending a message, only to see it bounce back with a red exclamation mark. Stunned, he realized Daniel had blocked him. He’d drawn a hard line without hesitation.

Now it was obvious: Daniel truly intended to sever ties. But what about everything Joseph had given him before? Did it count as generosity, or just his own misfortune?

With a sharp crack, Joseph hurled his phone to the floor. At that exact moment, his secretary walked in to deliver a report and caught the scene unfolding. She wanted to ask something, but the moment her eyes met Joseph’s terrifying glare, the words died in her throat. All she could do was nervously finish giving her report.

When she was done, Joseph gave no reaction. The secretary hesitated, then asked, “Mr. Hunt, is there anything else you’d like me to add?”

Hearing her timid voice seemed to snap Joseph back to himself. His gaze turned cold and menacing. “I told you to keep an eye on Aurora. Has there been any movement on her side?”

“No, she’s been quiet lately,” the secretary answered carefully after some thought. “She’s been busy with her studio. Other than that, nothing.”

“Think carefully. Has anyone gone to see her?”

The secretary tilted her head, trying to recall. Something about that had been reported in the past couple of days. Suddenly, she gasped. “Yes, Mr. Lewis met with Aurora.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Joseph’s voice lashed out, rising sharply.

Startled, the secretary shrank back. “Mr. Hunt, I swear it wasn’t intentional,” she stammered. “It’s just that we were caught up with Mr. Lewis’s company and the Southside land project the past two days, and I overlooked it.”

Joseph said nothing. Instead, he stood slowly and walked toward the secretary, step by step.