Chapter 9 Virtuous Woman Josephine

• At eight o'clock in the morning, a woman showed up at the entrance of the building.
• Despite her plain attire, devoid of any ostentation or luxury, she easily caught the attention of the men surrounding her, who gave her admiring looks.
• However, the slight bruising on the woman's face seemed out of place, evoking a sense of pity.
• Josephine took a deep breath, trying to suppress the nervousness as much as possible. After all, this wasn't her first time here.
• Every time payday came around, she would have to visit this place.
• Wearing the high-heeled shoes she bought for her wedding, Josephine reached the floor where Howard Finance was located.
• The receptionist knew who Josephine was. Being a woman herself, she sympathized with Josephine and detested scumbags like Maverick.
• “Josephine, you're here?”
• The receptionist brought Josephine a glass of water and asked, “It's the end of the month. Did you come here after receiving your salary?”
• “Mm.”
• Josephine nodded, trying not to let others see her embarrassment.
• She was a woman who greatly valued her dignity.
• Even though she was in poverty, for her, the money owed by Maverick before the divorce was a joint debt as a couple. She had the responsibility and obligation to repay it even though her salary was measly.
• “Did you get a raise?” the receptionist asked tactfully.
• “No, it's the same as before. I saved some living expenses, and this three thousand is for repayment.”
• Josephine took out an envelope containing three thousand in cash.
• “Josephine, do you think it's really necessary for you to do this?”
• The receptionist said resentfully, “He hit you, insulted you, and yet you still helped him repay his debts. The worst part is, there's not a glimmer of hope in sight. Your child has to suffer with you. If my memory serves me right, your daughter is about to start kindergarten, isn't she? How long can this go on? If things continue this way, you might not even be able to afford her school fees. It isn't good to break up married couples, but I just couldn't stand by and watch any longer. Get a divorce, Josephine. With your conditions, what kind of man can't you find? To put it bluntly, even young women like us who haven't married yet are leagues behind you. As long as you're willing, you can get out of this predicament at any time.”
• Josephine shook her head and handed the envelope to the receptionist, unwilling to say more.
• She had heard similar words countless times.
• But was she really the kind of woman who only cared about material gains?
• If she had been that kind of woman, then why did she choose Maverick back in their college days, instead of those wealthy and influential scions?
• After experiencing what happened in the past few years and giving birth to Sasha, she probably would never find another man in her life.
• “Well...”
• The receptionist knew that Josephine was not taking in any of her words. She sighed, choosing not to say anything further.
• However, when she saw Josephine about to leave, the receptionist said, “Josephine, wait a moment. Mr. Lemmon instructed yesterday that if you came again, he wanted to see you.”
• “See me?” Josephine furrowed her brows.
• In her opinion, companies like Howard Finance had no good people. What could they possibly want from her?
• “Josephine, it's said that Mr. Lemmon is getting a divorce. He has assets of several million. If you—”
• “Enough!”
• Before the receptionist could finish speaking, Josephine retorted coldly, “A woman should have some basic dignity. Even if he's going through a divorce, it has nothing to do with me!”
• The receptionist's face reddened, feeling embarrassed and slightly angry.
• Despite having the best intentions, she found himself chastised by Josephine.
• However, she didn't blame Josephine. She just felt that Josephine didn't know how to adapt, and it was a pity that she didn't take advantage of her good conditions.
• The receptionist made a phone call to Howard.
• Before long, Howard rushed out of his office.
• “Are you Josephine Clarke? Maverick's wife?” Howard smiled at Josephine.
• Looking at his squinted eyes, Josephine felt a strong distaste. However, given he was her creditor, she couldn't let her feelings show.
• “Hello, Mr. Lemmon,” Josephine managed to say with a forced smile.
• “Haha, no wonder Mave always praises his wife's beauty to me. I didn't believe it at first, but seeing you today, it's true!” Howard continued.
• “Mave?”
• Josephine looked puzzled.
• When did Maverick and Mr. Lemmon become good friends? There is a huge gap between their statuses!
• Recalling Maverick's approach, Josephine blanched.
• Did that b*stard sell me off? Was he embarrassed and angry after the divorce but dared not show it in front of Sebastian? No wonder Maverick seemed so calm back then. Mr. Lemmon is acting politely because they have this plan. It is all an act!
• Her eyes reddened, and Josephine tried hard not to cry.
• Intense anger and frustration rose in her heart.
• She couldn't believe that Maverick would resort to being this despicable. Even though they were already divorced, he still wouldn't let her go!
• “Josephine, you...”
• Seeing Josephine's appearance, Howard looked puzzled.
• He didn't say anything, so why was she about to cry?
• “Don't call my name. We're already divorced, so I'm not his wife anymore!”
• Suddenly, Josephine raised her voice, “Tell me, what kind of scheme are you two plotting? How much money did he borrow from you again? Let me tell you, no matter what you're planning, I won't agree! We live in a society governed by law. Nobody can force me into anything!”
• “Misunderstanding, it's a misunderstanding!”
• Howard broke out in a cold sweat.
• If Maverick finds out that his wife is being bullied here, my dream of getting rich will be shattered!
• “Josephine, there are many people here, so let's go to my office. We can talk in private. I swear, we absolutely have no schemes. Whoever cheats you will die after getting struck by lightning!” Howard hurriedly explained.
• This scene surprised the receptionist. She had never seen Howard so flustered before.
• “I'm not going!” Josephine firmly shook her head.
• Seeing the crowd around them growing, Howard hurriedly pleaded, “Please, I'm begging you. I am a respected man. If this commotion continues, people might think I've done something to you!”
• Josephine stared at Howard for a while and saw that he didn't seem to be pretending.
• Only then did she nod and say, “Okay, I'll go to your office, but you can't close the door.”
• “Okay, no problem.” Howard breathed a sigh of relief.
• Upon arriving at the office, Howard invited Josephine to take a seat. Then, he presented the promissory note he had prepared beforehand.
• It was indeed Maverick's promissory note, stating that he owed Howard eight hundred and twenty thousand. There was also Maverick's fingerprint on it.
• “What are you trying to do? Threaten me with this?” Josephine's face turned cold.
• Without a word, Howard tore the promissory note in half.
• “What are you doing?” Josephine exclaimed, taken aback.
• “From today onward, Mave doesn't owe Howard Finance any money. You don't need to come anymore,”
• Howard paused for a moment, then chuckled. “You don't have to come here to repay the money, but if you think the ambiance here is good and fancy coming over for tea, you're always welcome.”
• Josephine stared blankly at the promissory note that had been torn to shreds. She completely what Howard said after he tore the note.