Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 82

Chapter 12

Duke didn't reply.

The silence between them stretched on.

Jean felt embarrassed, realizing her words might have sounded too eager, as if she were trying to cling to him.

But then Duke fixed his gaze on her and said, "Jean Collins, it's not a coincidence at all. I used significant connections to track you down." His unexpected response left Jean stunned.

Duke lightened the mood, saying, "By the way, I helped you indirectly with your move abroad. Aren't you going to treat me to a meal?"

Rather than a treat from Jean, it felt more like Duke was trying to ensure she enjoyed herself.

Authentic Chinese cuisine delighted Jean, who had been struggling with the local food, leading her to lose weight and look haggard.

Even the bill at the end was covered by Duke.

While they chatted, the topic inevitably turned to Jean's reasons for going abroad.

Jean candidly replied,

"When I risked my life to have surgery to be worthy of him, I hadn't even shared my joy with him before I heard him calling out his first love's name while holding me, and that's when I gave up." "Honestly, it's really nothing... nothing..."

Her casual tone only made Duke feel more for her.

He raised his glass: "Let's celebrate."

"Celebrate what?"

"Celebrate your new beginning."

In three years, Jean completed her studies ahead of schedule. Under her mentor's guidance, she was

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already capable of leading projects independently.

Jean felt she would never return home; settling down here didn't seem bad at all.

But a phone call shattered her plans.

During dinner, Jean was distracted.

Duke noticed her lack of enthusiasm: "What's wrong?"

"John assigned me a new project, and it happens to be in Y City."

"So you're torn about whether to go back?"

Jean nodded. "What do you think?"

"Look at it this way: consider whether the benefits of this project outweigh the potential pain of returning home."

Pain? Jean fell into contemplation.

Hadn't she already let go? If she had truly moved on, what was there to worry about?

Moreover, this project was a rare opportunity.

The benefits were undeniable; she had just graduated and needed to gain experience. If she missed it, how long would she have to wait for another chance?

Duke's words sparked some clarity in Jean, yet she still hesitated.

She wasn't a saint; the void in her heart still occasionally ached.

Just as Jean was caught in her indecision, she received a call from the Snow family's butler: "Old Master Snow wants to see you. He's been mentioning you a lot, Jean. Can you come back and visit?" Before she could respond, a familiar voice broke through the line, pleading: "Jean, is that you? Can you come back? I'm begging you!"

Though there was no sound on the other end, Berton confirmed it was Jean-the one he had searched for in vain!

"Jean, I know it's you. Don't hang up! I'm begging you... please..."

Berton's voice was hoarse, filled with desperation. He finally revealed, "Grandpa is nearing the end.

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I'm begging you, for Grandpa's sake! Please come back!"

Jean hung up without saying a word.

Chapter 13