chapter1788

Jonathan and Aurora tried to argue and badger them for a while, but Stella effortlessly deflected every point they made. After more than half an hour of wrangling, Jonathan and Aurora were left completely speechless.

Throughout the confrontation, Sellers had been observing Joshua. Joshua's expression was neutral, and he showed no outward signs of anything unusual.

As if sensing his gaze, Joshua glanced at him, a meaningful curve on his lips. He walked over to Stella and whispered in her ear, "Star, I'm going to step out for some air."

Stella nodded gently. "Okay."

Over the past two weeks, Joshua had been undergoing treatment with Stella by his side. He had been cooperative and proactive, and the results were better than ever before. In less than half a month, his condition had largely stabilized, and he no longer needed the intensive daily therapy he had before.

Dr. Chase had told Stella, "Rushing things will only backfire. Forcing a quick recovery is like planting a ticking time bomb in his condition. Since the treatment has been effective, we can reduce the frequency. A session every three to five days will be sufficient. With your support and cooperation, Ms. Cameron, Mr. Gardner's treatment will be more effective and the timeline will be shorter. I estimate it will take at least a year to fully manage his condition. But during this time, please be patient with him. Also, and this is crucial, do not let him be subjected to another major shock."

It was hard to provoke Joshua with ordinary matters. Even in life-or-death situations, he could remain calm and composed.

The only exception was Stella.

For some reason, Stella suddenly remembered what Leonard had said.

"His illness is a ticking time bomb between you two. He has too many enemies, and they will use every means possible to destroy him. If they can't find an effective way to deal with Joshua, they will turn their attention to you."

After the recent incident, Stella had become even more cautious. Joshua followed her almost everywhere, as if he had returned to his old role as her "bodyguard." But he was no longer the Joshua of the past. Everyone who saw him was wary and intimidated. The way they looked at Stella was also a bit strange.

Joshua paid it no mind.

Of course, neither did Stella.

After speaking with Stella, Joshua left Skyler's study but didn't go far, remaining nearby.

A few minutes later, a slender figure appeared before him.

Joshua wasn't surprised to see Aurora. He said flatly, "If you have something to say, Ms. Williams, just say it was it necessary to go to the trouble of calling me and Star back here?"

Aurora's pupils constricted.

As expected, he had seen right through her.

A stable Joshua was incredibly difficult to deal with. Honestly, besides his illness,

she couldn't find any other weakness to exploit.

Therefore, she absolutely could not let him recover.

With that thought, Aurora said, "I heard Leonard transferred thirty percent of his company's shares to Star."

Joshua replied, "You're quite well-informed."

Aurora smiled faintly. "The news has been spreading since the day Star signed the papers. I imagine many people in the Lerman family now see Star as a thorn in their side, don't they?"

Joshua glanced at her. "A life that's too peaceful is always boring. There's something deeply satisfying about watching a defeated enemy lash out in pure, helpless frustration."

Aurora's smile didn't waver. "I've

known Leonard for years; I know him best. He wouldn't give Star so much without getting anything in return Leonard and Star were alone on that island for so long, and then he comes back and gives her his entire fortune. Are you really not bothered by it at all?"