True Love Deserves a Second Chance
Chapter 146 Going on a Date with Joey

Sebastian's eyes went from warm to icy in a flash. Just as he was about to grab the phone and hang up, he heard Joey softly say, "I have time. I'm off tomorrow. What does Mrs. Guise like to eat? I can help pick a restaurant." Leonard smiled. "You're so thoughtful. Aren't you worried my mom will really like you?"

"Isn't that the plan? For her to like me and reject the arranged marriage? Don't worry, I'll do my best," Joey replied, stirring the pasta.

Leonard sighed. His little shadow didn't remember him at all. She wasn't the girl who used to call him brother. She was now a mature, independent woman.

He smiled slightly. "Alright, you pick the place, and I'll come get you."

"No need, Mr. Guise. I can drive myself."

Leonard chuckled. "Joey, shouldn't you call me something else? 'Mr. Guise' sounds way too formal."

Joey paused. "Then how about Leonard?"

"Call me Leo. That's what my family calls me. It sounds more personal."

Joey felt awkward. She'd never called a man so intimately before, not even Sebastian. She hesitated. "Alright, I'll help you out."

They agreed on the time and place and hung up.

Joey turned to get eggs from the fridge and saw Sebastian at the door, looking hurt and resentful.

"Joey, you can't call him that. You've never called me that."

"He's different. He's a fake boyfriend, and you're not even that, right?"

Sebastian gritted his teeth. "Leonard isn't as simple as you think. I've investigated him and found nothing. Not his background, schools, or job. Don't you think that's suspicious? Taking you to meet his mom is just a cover; he wants to take you home. I won't let you go with him!"

He had hired a private detective but found nothing about Leonard, only that he was a criminal psychologist for the police.

Sebastian walked over and hugged Joey tightly, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Joey, I'm hurt. I can't protect you if something happens. Please don't go, stay with me."

Joey coldly replied, "No way."

"How about you take me with you? I promise I won't interrupt."

Joey raised an eyebrow. "Who takes their ex to meet their boyfriend's parents?"

She cracked the eggs into a bowl. "And you're not even an ex. At best, you're a former boss or fling."

Sebastian felt a sharp pain. Her words cut deep, echoing the harsh things he'd once said to her. Each retort felt like a stab.

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! He winced, feeling the pain in his wound. "Joey, I almost died saving you. Can't you be a little nicer?"

Joey sneered. "Are you copying Isabella's tactics? That won't work on me."

She set the food on the table and handed him utensils. "Eat. Weren't you hungry?" Sebastian's eyes darkened. He grabbed her wrist, serious. "What do you mean?"

"I mean you saved me and got hurt on purpose, trying to use it to keep me."

Sebastian sat down, lost in thought. After a moment, he called Dominic. "Check the background of the people who tried to kill me three years ago. See if they had any contact with the Vale Family." Dominic caught on quickly. "Mr. Winters, do you think Isabella set this up?"

"It's possible. Also, check Isabella's medical reports thoroughly."

Joey's words made him think of Isabella. Since his eyes recovered, the Vale Family had been pushing him to restore their engagement, but he always refused. Such a tactic wasn't beyond Isabella. He just hadn't seen her true nature before. The next afternoon, Joey met Leonard and his mom as planned.

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!

Elise Guise was elegant and gentle. She held Joey's hand, looking her over with teary eyes. "Joey, have you been well all these years?"

Joey was surprised by the question but smiled politely. "I've been well."

"That's good. Leo will be in City B from now on. If you need anything, just go to him. You two can look out for each other." "Don't worry, Mrs. Guise, I will."

As they chatted, Sebastian walked over with a cold expression.

Seeing Joey, he raised an eyebrow in fake surprise. "What a coincidence."

Joey cursed inwardly, 'Bastard!'

She knew he was here to cause trouble and didn't want to anger him in front of others.

She nodded politely. "Mr. Winters, it is quite a coincidence."

She thought he'd sit at a nearby table, but he sat right next to Elise instead.

He acted all gentlemanly. "Since it's such a coincidence, how about we share a table? Ma'am, what do you say?"

Elise looked at him gently. When their eyes met, both of their pupils widened slightly.