True Love Deserves a Second Chance
Chapter 131 His Reluctance

When Joey saw Julian again, it was the night Elaine became a godmother.

He looked rough-lost weight, sunken eyes, pale face. He stood in the hallway, smoking alone.

Joey walked over, handed him a water bottle, and asked softly, "Julian, have they found Todd's mom?"

Julian, with red eyes, replied, "Joey, I'm sorry. I've let you down."

Joey shook her head and smiled. "Don't blame yourself. We barely started, and stopping now is best. I don't want you to become someone I can't stand."

Julian closed his eyes in pain, his voice hoarse. "Todd's had leukemia since he was a kid. No relatives' bone marrow matched. The doctor suggested we have another child."

Julian's eyes were moist as he looked at Joey. "I never planned to marry anyone else. Even when Todd came along, I never gave up on you. I wanted to clear things up with Alissa, raise the child together, and replace our true loves. But when I heard about Todd's condition, I broke down. He's my son; I can't just watch him die.

Having another child is the only way to save him. But this means I have to give you up, Joey. I waited so long for you, and now this. Do you know how much it hurts?"

Julian's voice cracked, and he ended up in tears.

On one side was the girl he loved for years, and on the other was his son. He couldn't bear to let either go. The heartache tore him apart.

Joey's eyes were also a bit teary, but she kept a calm smile. "Julian, from now on, I'm your sister. Move on and give Alissa and Todd a happy home. She must love you a lot to have had the child alone. And Todd's been sick all these years. She must have had a hard time. Treat her well."

Joey turned and left, leaving Julian's lonely figure behind.

When Joey came out of the hotel, she saw Maxwell.

He handed her a pink cotton candy. "Eat something sweet; life won't feel so bitter."

Joey looked at him in surprise. "You know about this?"

Maxwell smirked. "Don't girls like this stuff when they're down?"

Joey patted his head with a smile. "You've grown up. You understand girls now. I'll introduce you to a girlfriend later."

"No way!" Maxwell refused directly.

"You're 22. A relationship could help you mature. Isn't that good?"

Maxwell's sharp eyes looked at her. "I only want to be with you. I don't care about other women."

Joey glanced at him. "I've told you before, we're not suitable. If you keep this up, I'll have your grandpa take you away."

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away! Maxwell snorted. "Why can Sebastian and Julian, but not me? Am I worse in looks, body, or family background? Why don't you consider me?"

"They're not better than you. I just don't think we're suitable."

"You're lying! You can't forget that bastard Sebastian. What's so good about him that you can't let go? Whatever he can give you, I can too. If you agree, I can take over the family business and marry you right away." Maxwell had never been this serious. He usually hated being tied down and never thought about taking over the family business. But for Joey, he'd do anything.

Just as he finished speaking, a cold, deep voice came from behind. "If you want to compete with me, win first."

Sebastian stood there, dressed in black, holding a cigarette. His handsome face looked gloomy, with deep eyes and noticeable wrinkles at the corners. There was undeniable longing in his gaze.

He walked up to Joey, staring at her intently, his voice hoarse. "Joey, are you okay?"

Before Joey could respond, Maxwell jumped in between them, looking disdainful. "She's fine. She doesn't need you to worry. You can leave now."

Sebastian wasn't fazed. He looked at Maxwell coldly and said, "Aren't you into racing? I invested in a racing club with the latest models. They're looking for a sharp manager. If you're interested, report there tomorrow." Maxwell shot back, "I'm not going. Do you think I don't see through your tricks? You got rid of Julian, and now you want to send me away so Joey will be yours alone. That's not happening!"

As you reach the final pages, remember that 000005s.com is your destination for the complete story. Share the joy of reading with others and spread the word. The next chapter is just a visit away!

Sebastian chuckled, took out his phone, and showed him pictures of the racing cars, a smile on his lips. "I said, if you want to compete with me, win first. Professional track, dare to race?"

Seeing his slightly contemptuous look, Maxwell's competitive spirit flared up. He smirked. "I'm not afraid of you! Let's race!" Then he turned to Joey. "Joey, hasn't this guy always bullied you? Watch me deal with him today. Come watch the race with me."

Joey didn't want to get involved in their fight. But she knew Maxwell loved racing, and owning a racing club had always been his dream. If Sebastian could ignite his passion and set him on the right path, she wouldn't have let Harold down. The three of them drove to the racetrack.

Seeing the brand-new cars and professional track, Maxwell was instantly excited. He pointed at Sebastian. "Today, I'll show you what a real victory looks like. Get in the car!"

The two changed into racing suits and each chose a car.

Sebastian walked over to Joey, bent down, and whispered, "He's always so arrogant. I'm just teaching him a lesson for his dad. Joey, if I set him on the right path, will you take me off your blacklist as a thank you?"

He looked at her with affectionate eyes, his deep gaze full of emotion. For a moment, he wanted to throw caution to the wind and kiss her.

But he quickly suppressed the thought. He knew he couldn't rush things now. He had to take it step by step.

Facing Sebastian's ambiguous gaze, Joey's face remained calm. She looked at him steadily. "Taking care of him is our responsibility. Why should I thank you?"

Sebastian found Joey's words really annoying. She always managed to shatter all his fantasies with a single sentence.

He chuckled lowly. "Just wait. I'll make you take me off your blacklist on your own!"