A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Joseph had only told Walt about the divorce because he knew Walt and Bernard were on good terms. He also hoped Walt would act as a go-between, so he explained, “The money only came up later. After I found out Cora was involved with someone else, I just wanted to end this marriage as soon as possible.

“I didn’t even bring up money at first. But she objected to the divorce, and she even denied the paternity test results. That’s when I brought money into the picture. If she can’t bear to pay me, then she should’ve just agreed to my original terms for the divorce. Yet she still refused.

“I honestly don’t know what’s going through her mind. I don’t care about the money-I just want the divorce to happen!”

“Did you already find someone else? Are you going to marry this new lady immediately after divorcing

Cora?” Walt asked.

“How can you even say that, Dr. Loughlin?”

“I’m just asking. You just need to answer honestly. Do you have someone new or not?”

Joseph said firmly, “Of course not. I’ve been wholly devoted to my marriage with Cora and our family all these years. Everything I did revolved around her and the girls. I really did cherish her. I never even looked twice at another woman. And yet, here we are. I don’t even know what to say anymore.

“There’s not much I can say to comfort you. You’ll have to work through this yourself. All I can give you is one piece of advice-you should still put your career first,” Walt said.

He stood up and walked over to Joseph. “Back then, I first met you in a classroom at Jenton University. I thought you were a real talent. When you graduated, I hired you into this hospital myself. I had high hopes for you.

“But before you even achieved anything, you rushed into getting married. If Cora weren’t Bernard’s daughter, I would’ve been cursing you both out.”

Joseph lowered his head. Meeting Cora had been a coincidence and the spark that came after was inevitable. Even if he could go back and choose again, at that moment, in that situation, he would probably still fall in love with her. He said, “Ending up like this is on me. I deserve the lecture.”

Walt sighed. “From now on, stand up straight and hold your head high. Focus your energy on your work. I still have full confidence in your abilities.”

“Joseph is exactly what I’m going to call him. I’m not doing anything wrong. I know he’s not my father, Mom. I also know he’s divorcing you.” As Natalie spoke, her lips curled in disdain.

She pulled the copy of the paternity test report from her pocket and handed it to Cora with a bright, almost playful smile. “Drop the act, Mom. Just tell me who my real dad is.”

?

The relatively good mood Cora had been in vanished the instant she saw the report. Her expression hardened, and she fixed Natalie with a sharp look. “Where did you get this?”

“Joseph gave it to me. No wonder he kept getting on my nerves. I kept suspecting that I wasn’t his kid, and turns out I was right-he really isn’t my biological father. Hey, why are you tearing it up? That’s evidence!”

Natalie rushed forward to stop Cora, but it was too late. The report was already in shreds. At the same time, a sharp crack sounded as Cora’s hand connected with Natalie’s cheek, leaving a burning sensation. behind.