A Man with Nerves of Steel (Joseph Hart) novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229

Joseph stared at Helen in disbelief. He was so angry that he didn’t even know what to say. He dipped his finger in his tea and scrawled on the table-one could never truly understand what others were thinking

Helen thought Joseph was about to name a price, so she was very disappointed and lost respect for him. She pulled a pre-drafted contract from her bag and handed it over, saying, “My family and the Lowells always keep our word.

“As long as you don’t ask for an unreasonable amount, we’ll pay you at once. At the same time, we’ll also support your medical career.

“Back then, I didn’t realize you had real talent, so we’ll invest in your development going forward. We’ll send you to pursue a PhD and arrange postdoctoral training at the best medical institutions abroad.”

Joseph reviewed the contract and realized that once he signed it, he would receive the money, but he would never be able to divorce Cora. As for the amount, he could fill it himself.

“Helen, look at what you’re doing here. Doesn’t that mean you actually agree with what I’m saying? That Cora loves another man more than she loves me? In that case, why are you still trying to humiliate me?”

“Joseph, we’re all adults here. This isn’t about your feelings. We’re talking about what’s best for you.

“Calm down and think it over. Just do the math, okay? Wouldn’t my suggestion benefit you the most?”

“But is this even really what I want? If I were really in it for the money, I wouldn’t have put my family first all these years.

“I could’ve been promoted long ago at the hospital. Even if not at Jenton University Hospital, I could’ve become a hospital director elsewhere.

“If I went into business, I believe I could make money. I’d be far richer than I am now, and have a lot more freedom too.”

“The truth is, Cora knows how much you’ve sacrificed for your family, so she’s never lost her temper with you. She doesn’t even look down on you for being a stay-at-home husband and has never made any demands of you.

“Cora really loves you, and I’m sure you can feel that. If you keep living happily together, you’ll become wealthier and have more freedom. Isn’t that far better for you?”

“I still can’t accept the fact that Cora betrayed me and lied to me. All I want is a divorce so I can live my own life. I don’t want anything to do with her.

“Because I’m loyal. With my background, upbringing, and values, I’ll never have a lover.”

“Then why does Cora have a lover?”

“I… I can’t explain that. Joseph, society is evolving, don’t you think?”

“If society evolving means a decline in morality, then I can’t accept that. You can’t even explain why it’s okay for Cora to cheat on me and betray me, yet you expect me to accept her infidelity and promiscuity just because you said a few words about self- interests, ideals, beliefs, and freedom.

“I can’t do it. Everything is an illusion, and I’ve already accepted that my marriage to Cora is over. She needs to accept that too.”

Joseph rose to his feet and gave Helen back the contract. “I’m surprised you went for such a soft approach. Well, I’m afraid I can’t do what you want.

“You should talk things out with Cora. Get her to agree to the divorce sooner. That way, we don’t have to keep tormenting each other like this.”