The Charming Ex–Wife 
Chapter 496 A Bad Deal 
Lysander said, “Thorne Constructions and Energies is quite far from Guerra Group, so I hardly ever go 
there 
Josiah said. “But you might. By the way. Mc. Collins, can you shortlist some candidates for Lysander’s assistant? Once you have a list, run it by me first.” 
Lysander frowned. “I can handle that myself. It’s just an assistant after all” 
“Do you know any of the employees from Thome Constructions and Energies? And how much do you know about them?” 
Lysander stayed silent. 
“I’ll check them out for you first. Their abilities can be lacking, but their character can’t.” 

Carol also chimed in. “Ms. Thorne, Mr. Guerra’s concerns aren’t unfounded. After all, you’re just starting out in a new field, and if you encounter an assistant with ulterior motives, it’s easy to be taken advantage of, so it’s better to let Mr. Guerra review them in advance.” 
After hearing Carol’s words, Lysander didn’t insist any further. 
Her phone vibrated. 
It was a message from Adrian, which read: Have you gotten off the plane yet? 
Adrian called her before she left that morning. 
He insisted on picking her up from the airport upon learning that she was flying back to Harborbrook that night. It took quite an effort for Lysander to convince him not to, as she planned to take a taxi to the hospital to visit Michelle. 
Although Adrian finally agreed, he still texted right when the plane landed. 
Nonchalantly running his fingers through his hair, Josiah glanced at the screen. “Is it Michelle, or Mr. Thorner 
With swift agility, Lysander quickly turned off the screen. 
“Aren’t you going to respond?” 
After some consideration, Lysander turned her body away, shielding her phone from his view as she swiftly replied to Adrian’s message: Yep, I did, and I’m already on my way. 
Adrian’s response came almost instantly: All right. I’ll wait for you downstairs. 
Lysander: It’s fine. 
Adrian: I can bring White Couf over too. 
“It’s already so late. Can’t he bring it tomorrow?” 
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Lysander was taken aback and discontentedly expressed, “Do you know what privacy means, Mr. Guerra?” 
“I accidentally glimpsed it. Perhaps you should consider getting a privacy screen protector next time.” 
Lysander ignored him. 
Just as the car approached the toll booth, it slowed down to enter the electronic toll collection gate. 
She turned her gaze toward the window, noticing the darkening sky. After they left the expressway, the scenery flying past the car window suddenly felt unfamiliar. 
Lysander asked, “Ms. Collins, did we take the wrong exit? This isn’t the way home.” 
Carol noticed her anxiety and gently assured, “Ms. Thorne, you fell ill in Apex City and have only just recovered. I’m sure you’ll be so busy studying and reviewing once you get home that you’ll neglect your well–being. Instead of letting that happen, it might be better to find a place to rest and recuperate.” 
Lysander immediately turned her head to look at Josiah. 
Josiah didn’t object, instead, he turned to Carol and asked, “Have you reserved the rooms at the resort?” 
“Everything has been arranged.” 
“Contact the hotel. Have them deliver dinner to our rooms once we arrive. 
“Yes, Mr. Guerra.” 
Lysander took a deep breath, calmly stating, “I’m not going to the resort. I have a home, and White Coat is still waiting for me.” 
“Is White Coat waiting for you, or is it Adrian?” 
Lysander didn’t reply. 
Josiah frowned. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t give him hope? Then you should stop seeing him.” 
“But he’s already waiting downstairs, and my dog is with him.” 
“Then send him a message, and tell him not to wait.” 
Seeing Josiah so unconcerned, Lysander told the driver, “Could you please drop me off at the intersection ahead?” 
Josiah was prepared ahead of time and knocked on the car window. “No stopping is allowed on this entire 
road.” 
Josiah, I can rest at home too. It doesn’t have to be at a resort.” 
Josiah didn’t respond, instead, he patted the driver’s seat. “Speed up.” 
The car sped wildly down the road and half an hour later, it came to a halt in front of the resort entrance. 
The driver got out of the car first, proceeding to unload the luggage from the trunk. Meanwhile, Carol. hurried over to the reception desk, exchanging a few words with the receptionist. 
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When she returned, she reported. “Mr. Guerra, everything has been arranged.” 
“All right, you should be heading back too. You’ve worked hard tonight.” 
“As I should.” Carol turned to Lysanne. “Ms. Thorne, please take good care of yourself over the next few days. I’ll be taking my leave now.” 
Lysander scrutinized Josiah with a skeptical gaze. 
Josiah stood tall and elegantly at the resort entrance, urging impatiently, “What are you waiting for? Go look at your room. Don’t worry, I had Ms. Collins reserve two rooms for us. 
Does that make a difference? The entire resort is his 
Once Lysander finished venting her frustrations, she had no choice but to follow him reluctantly, feeling utterly hopeless. The only thing she could do was figure out his intentions before deciding her next move. 
They had already handed their luggage to the bellboy, and took the elevator, heading straight to the top floor, which offered the best view. 
Josiah took the lead, guiding Lysander. After using the keycard to unlock the door, he casually handed it to her, stating. “You’ll be staying here for now.” 
The room was the same one she had stayed in when she returned from Stounia last time. 
Lysander straightforwardly asked. “Tell me. Why did you bring me here?” 
“I’ve told you, I just want you to get some proper rest,” Josiah said, feeling rather disgruntled as she looked at him with such wary eyes. “What do you think I’m going to do? We live in a society governed by law, Do you really think I could confine you against your will? Though, I wish I could.” 
Lysander was rendered speechless. 
“Did you tell Adrian? Don’t keep him waiting. 
Lysander took a deep breath, frustrated at his nonchalance. “I’ve already told him on the way here,” she said. 
“Oh, what did he say?” 
“Why do you care about what he said?” 
With an impassive demeanor, Josiah casually said, “Let’s sit down and talk.” 
A rather exquisite coffee table sat in front of the floor–to–ceiling window. 
Lysander sat across from him, looking straight into his eyes, she said, “If you have something to say, just say it 
Josiah spoke unhurriedly, his voice rich and pleasing to the ear. His expression, however, had shifted from the previously casual and playful demeanor to a serious one. “Lysander, I admire your courage in taking over Thorne Constructions and Energies, but you need to understand that this isn’t like performing 
surgery. 
You can’t just follow a set procedure and expect it to work,” he said earnestly. 
At his advice. Lysander’s expression softened slightly I’m aware of that.” 
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“Stay here for the next few days, and I’ll go through the company’s structure, main business processes, and important clients with you. Learn as much as you can. It would take too long to start from theory, so if your want to get the hang of things quickly, it’s better to improve in a specific area first, and then expand from there, broadening your comfort zone. This is the most direct and practical method to get you up to speed.” 
Lysander had never seen him discussing serious matters. 
It was the first time Josiah had formally discussed work matters with her. 
She too started taking things seriously. After pondering his advice, she nodded. “Thank you.” 
“Get some rest tonight, and we’ll start from tomorrow morning” 
“Josiah,” she called out. “Tell me the price I need to pay first.” 
Josiah chuckled. “What are you afraid of?” 
Lysander didn’t say anything. 
Josiah had never intended to hide anything from her, so since she asked, he replied calmly, “Well, it’s true that I don’t entertain bad deals. 
Lysander remained silent, waiting for him to make his point. 
Josiah lifted his gaze, meeting her eyes. “I want a child.” 
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