You Hit My Heart
Chapter 1707: Hiding Something From Me?

Chapter 1707: Hiding Something from Me?

He clenched his fists, his expression turning sinister.

"They're both dead, yet they still refuse to admit it. Felix kept boastingthat he had evidence to prove Luther's innocence, but he could neverproduce the evidence. In my opinion, he was just talking nonsense.Felix, he was Luther's friend, but wasn't he mine too? We had beenclose since childhood, our families were intertwined. Lives were atstake, so why did he always side with Luther?"

"So, you cut ties with Felix later?" Joyce put down her cup. "Vicki hasbeen working for Nightfall. Is it related to all this?"

"Yes," Christian nodded. "I've always wanted to replace the evidence Felixmentioned. I wanted to know if he was fabricating stories or if suchevidence truly existed."

"And you never found it, did you?" Joyce asked again.

“Let it go. I don't want to bring up the past anymore," Christian'senchanting eyes narrowed, reflecting an unusual light.

Joyce carefully observed the changes in Christian's demeanor.Something felt off to her.

“Thank you for telling me all this. I didn't intend to disturb you, but it'sbetter to resolve conflicts than let them fester. I'll do my best to provideyou with an explanation for your doubts," Joyce finished her tea andmade a promise.

Christian looked at her, it had been a long time. She was even morebeautiful and charming than before, radiating an irresistible aura. It wasevident that she was doing well.

He felt a bit displeased. "Why would I need you to explain things tome?"

Looking him up and down, he asked, "Is he treating you well?"

Before Joyce could answer, he continued, "If he's not treating you well,you're welcome to return to my side. You know, I don't mind your past. Irespect your choices." With that, he even opened his arms, gesturingas if to embrace her.

Darrin nearly choked on his own saliva. He didn't expect Christian to beso explicit. He felt uneasy, avoiding eye contact, not knowing where tolook.

Joyce glared at Christian speechlessly.

Such words, Christian had said them before, always half-serious andhalf-jokingly, and she never took them seriously.

But today was different.

She carefully examined Christian, his dark eyes almost solidified, calmand devoid of any playful elements. On the contrary, his expressionwas serious.

"Heh," Joyce smiled, "Mr. Ballard, as usual.”

She paused. "I'm sorry for what happened to your sister. I didn't expectyou to have such a painful past. Thank you for telling me. I have othermatters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

Standing up, she gave a slight nod of gratitude to Christian.

Suddenly, Christian stood up and grabbed Joyce's wrist. "Wait."

Joyce looked at him, puzzled.

"You know about Luther's first love and the despicable things he did.Why don't you react at all? I thought you would at least feeldisappointed or heartbroken. Knowing that he once had someone elsein his heart, aren't you even a little bit upset? Doesn't it hurt?" Christianpulled Joyce closer, scrutinizing her gaze.

From her clear eyes, he couldn't see any panic or fluctuations.

He couldn't understand.

If you deeply love someone, how could you not mind?

Joyce replied, "What has happened cannot be changed. We can onlystrive for the future, besides..."

She didn't continue.

"What besides?" Christian frowned.

Joyce shook her head. "It's nothing.”

"Joyce," Christian hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak,"Khebury has been restless lately. Be careful, as someone might targetyou. Since there is someone protecting you, make sure they stay byyour side."

With that, he glanced deeply at Darrin.

Darrin nodded, promising to fulfill his duty. It was something he shoulddo.

Joyce observed Christian with a scrutinizing gaze for a moment.Finally, she asked, "Christian, are you hiding something important fromme?"

Christian hesitated, his eyes avoiding her piercing gaze.

Yes, he was definitely hiding something from her.

Athena didn't actually die. She woke up.

He recalled the day he saw Athena.

He was so angry that he slapped her. He had always doted on her,treating her like a princess, unwilling to let her suffer the slightest harm.His impression of her had always been filled with her bright andsplendid side. Quiet, innocent, and shy-no words could fully describeher beauty.

But he hadn't expected that Athena was the mastermind behind OGW.She stood against him, even against the entire Ballard family. What hadhappened to her? Why did she wake up after ten years in a coma,completely changed?

Before, he had never seenher get angry, let alone curse at someone.She had always been gentle and polite, completely different from thecunning and ruthless side she now displayed. He couldn't imagine howshe had transformed into her current self.

Or maybe she had always been like this, and he had never trulyunderstood her.

He used to be so sure, but now he was filled with uncertainty.

He struggled for a moment but ultimately didn't reveal the fact thatAthena hadn't died.

He wanted to handle the matters concerning the Ballard family himself.Whatever Athena wanted to do, it was the responsibility of the BallardGroup to stop her. If she wanted to harm Joyce, he would do everythingin his power to prevent it.

"No," Christian denied, "I'm not hiding anything from you. Joyce, takecare of yourself, and contact me if anything happens.”

Joyce's gaze lingered on Christian for a moment, and she noddedgently. "I will. I'm leaving now. We'll see each other again sometime."With that, she and Darrin left together.

Christian didn't see them off. After they left, he turned to look outsidethe window. It was pitch black, and only the gnarled branches trembledin the night wind, creating an eerie sight.

His mood grew even heavier. Joyce had suspected something. If shehad approached him about the past, it meant she had caught on tosome clues. He didn't want anything to happen to her, and he wouldnever allow Athena to harm her.

He had to protect her, just like four years ago.

With that in mind, he picked up his phone and ordered hissubordinates, "Keep a close eye on Athena, observe her daily activities.And spread the word, she is not allowed to use the influence of theBallard family. No one should follow anyone's orders except mine."After hanging up, he took a deep breath. His once intense obsessionwith Athena seemed to have faded with time. Even when he sawAthena wake up and stand up again, he couldn't muster anyexcitement.

All that remained was the heartache caused by Athena's deception.Now, he was unsure of his own feelings.

The image of Joyce sitting in front of him, serene and poised, emergedin his mind. Unconsciously, a smile appeared on his lips.