Chapter 563 Relying On His Authority 
Lysander decisively shook her head. “The scenery in the mountains is far more appealing” 
Naturally, Josiah agreed with her suggestion. “All right, let’s go back.” 
Finished 
He instinctively picked up the cat carrier and other personal items. Lysander, carrying the cat, led the way. He followed her at a steady pace, keeping a step behind and matching her stride as they leisurely made their way out. 
From the private dining room to the entrance of the restaurant, one had to cross a corridor adjacent to the pond. In such a serene setting. Josiah deliberately slowed his pace and asked, “They were discussing a lot of matters related to Thorne Constructions and Energies just now. If there’s anything you don’t understand, feel free to ask me.” 
“Thanks,” Lysander responded, showing no intention of asking any questions. However, she quickly changed the subject. “But next time we need to meet, just arrange it for me, please. I’ll handle the rest. I don’t really enjoy relying on someone else’s authority.” 
Those four individuals might indeed be somewhat capable, but they were completely under the control of Josiah, and it seemed that there was no chance of change. 
If Lysander wanted to stabilize Thorne Constructions and Energies, she couldn’t solely rely on Josiah’s authority, 

Josiah understood her intentions, his eyes dimming as he glanced at the shadow on the ground and said, “All right, I understand.” 
They left the private restaurant in silence, not exchanging a single word along the way. 
Josiah stood under the bright streetlight before he spoke again. “Wait here for a moment. I’ll bring the car around.” 
The underground parking lot was situated in the nearby business district and required a bit of a walk from 
here. 
Cats tended to get stressed in crowded environments. Lysander gently stroked the fur of the Ragdoll kitten in her arms and responded, “Okay.” 
Josiah left swiftly. 
Under the glow of the streetlamp, Lysander stood holding the kitten while observing their shadows on the ground. 
Lysander was unsure if all Ragdoll cats were naturally good–tempered, but this kitten calmly allowed her to hold it. Raising its head to look at her, its light blue eyes shone with a gentle glow. It was truly endearing. 
She wasn’t certain if it was just her imagination, but she always felt that this kitten bore a striking resemblance to Nieva’s little daughter. 
For a moment, she wasn’t sure whether to say that the kitten was human–like or the girl was kitten–like. Regardless, both had endearingly round, chubby faces and were extremely affectionate. 
After spending a few days with that child, Lysander surprisingly began to develop what one might call 
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She had heard before that a mother who had lost a child seemed to unconsciously develop a maternal–like affection toward other children. 
For instance, Molly was a prime example. Her adoration for Lysanne had long since surpassed the typical boundaries of a mother’s love for her daughter. 
It was precisely her boundless affection for Lysanne that had shaped the latter’s personality in such a 
manner. 
Had Lysanne grown up in the orphanage from the start, she might have become kind and compassionate, living out her life in peace and tranquility. 
Fate could be a tricky thing, and the way the heavens had orchestrated her life, Lysander wasn’t sure whether to consider it a blessing or a curse. 
Not far away, a few young women were chatting and laughing when one of them suddenly stopped in her 
tracks. 
The woman, who appeared petite and delicate, focused her gaze directly on Lysander. Her companions. beside her also stopped because of this. 
Someone noticed her sudden change in mood and cautiously asked, “Tiff, what’s wrong? 
Tiffany snapped back to reality, a sheepish grin on her face. “Sorry about that. I just spotted someone I know and got a bit distracted. Could you guys hold on for a moment? I need to go say hello.” 
Her companions found her behavior a bit odd, but it wasn’t appropriate to question her about it. Hence, they decided to stay put and wait for her return. 
Tiffany approached Lysander with a light and cheerful stride. Stopping in front of the latter, she greeted her, “Lysa, I didn’t expect to run into 
you here. You’ve been busy ever since you returned from Apex City. 
It’s nice to finally see you today.” 
Lysander cast an indifferent glance at Tiffany, noticing her innocent smile. It was as if she had completely forgotten about the incident that took place at the resort. This set off alarm bells in Lysander’s heart. 
This young woman was far more cunning than Lysanne. 
Tiffany gazed affectionately at Lysander, seemingly oblivious to the latter’s prior indifference toward her, or perhaps she simply didn’t care. Seeing Lysander remain silent, she took it upon herself to continue the 
conversation. 
“Hey, Lysa, is this your cat? It’s so adorable.” 
As she spoke, she reached out, seemingly intending to stroke the head of the Ragdoll kitten. 
Previously, the kitten would allow anyone to casually pet it, but it suddenly changed its attitude then. It lifted its small paw and swatted Tiffany’s hand. Its back arched, and its fur bristled all over its body in a display of both fear and anger. 
The kitten’s claws were not yet fully grown, so it didn’t manage to inflict any harm on Tiffany, However, it did make the situation even thore awkward in an instant. 
With a hint of frustration, Tiffany withdrew her hand, feigning timidity as she asked, “Lysa, does your cat not like me very much? It scared me to death just now.” 
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Lysander saw that there were no signs of scratches on her hand and said calmly, “It’s good that you weren’t scratched. It’s probably not used to strangers touching it immediately after first meeting.” 
The detachment in her words couldn’t have been more evident. 
Tiffany withdrew her hand, and after a brief moment, she adjusted her expression, wearing a deceptively bright smile as she said. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have touched it carelessly.” 
She bent down, playfully sticking her tongue out at the kitten. “I’m really sorry, little darling. Let’s get to know each other better, okay? Can we be good friends in the future?” 
Lysander didn’t continue along Tiffany’s line of conversation, saying it didn’t matter. Instead, she simply tucked the ragdoll cat into her arm and said, “Ms. Lanister, I have someone waiting for me, so I won’t keep you with idle chit–chat. Your friends are waiting for you too.” 
As she spoke, she took a step toward the area closer to the business district, creating some distance between them. 
Tiffany followed along, her face exuding an air of innocence–and cheerfulness. “We decided to go shopping together. Lysa, did you also come with a friend?” 
Lysander responded with a hum. 
Tiffany gestured toward her companions, who were waiting for her, enthusiastically saying. “I happened to have a class reunion today. After dinner, we had nothing to do, so I invited a few close girlfriends to go shopping. Would you like to join us?” 
“No, I have other matters to attend to.” 
Lysander recalled the information Lynn had sent her in the afternoon, her doubts only deepening. 
Tiffany noticed the change in Lysander’s gaze and seized the opportunity to ask, “Lysa, what’s wrong? It’s only been a few days, but why are you acting so distant toward me?” 
“Since it’s a class reunion, everyone attending would naturally be your close friends. With me being several years older than you all, I wouldn’t fit in even if I went. You guys have fun.” 
Tiffany blinked innocently. “Lysa, do you have a misunderstanding about me? Did I do something wrong to upset you?” 
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The Charming Ex–Wife