Aurora Walton and Lucas Carter novel Chapter 1696

“What, do I need a reason to hit you?”

Judy lifted her designer bag, staring at Joseph standing before her—wide-eyed, clutching his cheek, completely stunned.

The sight almost made her laugh. After all this time, he had the nerve to show up again. For what? To wreck her peace and drag chaos back into her life?

Joseph’s hand stayed pressed to his face, disbelief flickering in his eyes.

“So that’s it? You’ve really decided you’re not coming back with me?”

Judy let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Did my slap not make that clear enough for you?”

His jaw tightened, and his gaze turned cold, something sharp flashing in his eyes.

“Alright then,” he said slowly. “Now I get what you mean.”

For a second, Judy’s heart lifted.

Did he finally understand? Was he actually giving up?

But almost immediately, she caught herself.

That wasn’t him. Joseph never walked away that easily. If this were before, he would’ve already been shouting, pleading, or forcing his way back in.

Still, he’d only shown up twice now. Maybe her refusal had finally gotten through to him? Maybe he was letting go at last.

That fleeting hope vanished with his next words.

“If you won’t come back willingly, then I’ll just take you back by force.”

He looked at her dead-on, his tone chillingly serious. “I know you’ve been brainwashed by Kenneth. That’s the only reason you’re acting like this.”

“Don’t worry,” Joseph said, his voice low and unsteady. “Once you’re back home, I’ll set you straight. When you’re by my side again, I promise that I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

His tone grew more manic as he stepped closer, inch by inch.

Watching her run only enraged him further.

What was so terrifying about him now?

They used to be inseparable. How had it come to this.

Her recoiling at the mere sight of him?

The thought twisted something deep inside him. Had everything they once shared been a lie?

Fury and humiliation surged through him. He lunged forward, closing the distance between them.

But just as his hand reached out to grab her, a sudden blow came from nowhere.

A fist struck his face hard, sending him crashing to the ground with a heavy thud.

Judy froze, turning around, only to see a familiar figure standing between them.