Chapter 728

Joyce seemed to be conscious of the things Natalie had in mind. She tapped on her friend’s shoulder
and said, “Speaking of which, aren’t you going to conduct another DNA examination?”

“That’s my plan, but I can’t get my hands on the sample I need because Shane’s not around.”

Joyce shrugged her shoulders and suggested, “Just take your time. If it turns out they’re related, it’s
time for you to talk about it with him. If they’re not related, I think it’s better for you to leave him. On top
of that…”

“What?”

“Well, on top of the affection you have for him, haven’t you gotten married to him because he’s Connor
and Sharon’s father? He has to take care of Connor and Sharon if that’s the case, but you can’t
possibly expect him to execute the role of a father if they’re not related, can you?”

Natalie gaped at Joyce’s rhetorical question. In the end, she shook her head and answered, “I guess
you’re right.”

Indeed, I married Shane because he’s the man I love and my children’s father. If that’s not the case, I’m
not that shameless of a woman to insist on having him take care of Connor and Sharon.

“See? There are quite a lot of things you have to sort out. Take a break and gather your thoughts. I’ll
drop by the mill on your behalf.”

Once Joyce departed, Natalie started brainstorming her next best course of action.

Meanwhile, Joyce made her way to Thompson Group instead of dropping by the textile mill as she had
mentioned.



She couldn’t stand her friend sulking over a man anymore. Thus, she thought of teaching Shane a
lesson on Natalie’s behalf.

As soon as she pulled over at the entrance, she made her way to the elevator that was exclusive to the
CEO without informing the receptionist.

Startled by Joyce’s presence, it took the receptionist a few seconds to snap out of bewilderment. She
rushed over to stop Joyce. “Miss, you’re not allowed to be here because this is designated for the CEO
only. If you need to head upstairs, please make use of the elevator over there.”

Joyce brought herself to a halt and asked, “Can I reach the highest floor using that elevator over
there?”

Stupefied by the question Joyce directed at her, she shook her head and answered, “That’s
impossible.”

“See? Since I’m heading to the highest floor, isn’t this the elevator to take?”

Joyce was about to board the elevator once she made herself clear, but the receptionist got in her way
and grasped her wrist to stop her.

“Miss, I’m afraid that’s impossible because the highest floor is the CEO and chairman’s office.”

Shrugging the receptionist off, Joyce yelled, “I’m here for the CEO! Why can’t I make my way to the
highest floor? Stay out of my way!”

As the receptionist had no intention to give in just yet, Joyce was about to let loose of herself and yell at
the receptionist.

Out of the blue, two people walked out of the designated elevator. They were none other than Silas and
Jacqueline.



When they found out Joyce was in the middle of a conflict with the receptionist, they were equally
shocked and confused.

Jacqueline got ahead of Silas and asked, “Ms. Rivers, why are you here?”

When Joyce heard Jacqueline’s question, she answered with a frown, “Is that any of your concerns?
What about you? Why are you here?” Jacqueline chuckled and replied with her chest held high, “Well,
I’ll soon be a staff of Thompson Group. I need something to kill my time after being discharged from the
hospital.”

“You’re a soon-to-be staff of Thompson Group? May I know the exact position you’re holding?”

“I’m Shane’s secretary!”

Joyce rolled her eyes and remarked sarcastically, “Secretary? Is your main duty keeping him
entertained?”

“Ms. Rivers, please mind your words!” Jacqueline raised her volume and warned Joyce with a stern
look.

“Why are you getting worked up over a trivial question? Have I hit the bullseye? You’re just trying to
drive them apart, aren’t you? I mean, everyone is aware of the sort of affection you have for Mr.
Shane.”

Jacqueline’s face puckered in irritation. She clenched her fists and announced, “Ms. Rivers, Jackie’s
my boyfriend. Stop blurting out baseless accusations. Otherwise, I’ll you for defamation.”


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