Blimey, My Kid's the Heir to the Billionaire Boss!
Chapter 1263 Compassion

Jessica slammed the door shut and hustled back to the guest room with Aurora.

Barbara just stood there, staring at the door like a deer in headlights, looking all kinds of freaked out. "Barbara, what's up?" the maid next to her asked, all curious.

"Damn it," Barbara muttered under her breath. She balled up her fists, eyes blazing with hate, but quickly got a grip and told the maid, "Mr. Louis is wasted. Go get him some hangover meds." "Got it," the maid said and scurried off.

Barbara was left alone outside the room. She glanced around, then pressed her ear to the door, trying to catch any sounds from inside. The room was pretty soundproof; she could hear Joe and Sadie talking but couldn't make out the words. Joe's voice sounded strained. Barbara was losing it, like a caged animal, scratching at the door, her heart in turmoil.

"Joe, you've had too much to drink," Sadie said, handing him another glass of water. "Drink up and chill for a bit."

"No more. My stomach's gonna burst," Joe mumbled. He slumped on the sofa, talking to Sadie about the day's mess.

He was beat. "I can't believe Mom and Dad pulled the plug on the wedding last minute and made me explain it at the press conference. Dealing with those reporters was a nightmare. Then, I had to schmooze with the guests, toast them one by one, and make up excuses about Tristan being busy and you being sick, so we had to postpone. The guests didn't pry; they just told me to take care of you and wished you well. They all knew the real reason but were just playing along. So fake."

Sadie looked at Joe, feeling all sorts of conflicted. Joe had always been this pure-hearted guy, never changing. Even now, he thought the two times they had sex were with Sadie. No matter how much Sadie pushed back, he still tried to keep the relationship going.

If he knew the truth, who knows how he'd react? Sadie couldn't even imagine it.

"Sadie, why so quiet?" Joe held her hand, looking at her gently. He cooed, "Don't worry. I'll protect you. No matter what my parents say, I'm not canceling the wedding. You're mine, and I'll take care of you."

"Joe," Sadie looked at him, torn. She wanted to spill the truth but just couldn't.

"Sadie, there's something else I've been holding back," Joe hesitated, then said softly, "Today, my parents went to see Micah. They went to make peace with him, and I really feel..."

Joe hung his head, fists clenched tight.

He went on, "He wronged me, bullied me, and my parents didn't stand up for me. Instead, they went to make peace with him. Just 'cause he's got money, power, and connections, they ignore my feelings, scared he'll come after me. I can't help but wonder, do they really love me? If not, why do they always think of me and plan for me? If they do, why don't they care about what I want, never consider my feelings, and even trash my dignity?"

The more Joe talked, the sadder he got, tears streaming down.

"Joe," seeing him like this, Sadie felt a pang of pity. She grabbed a tissue, wanting to wipe his tears.

"Sadie," Joe clung to her hand and pulled her into his arms. He muttered, "You're my only dream now. Just thinking of you calms me down. I can't live without you."