Joanna grimaced and hurriedly let Julian go. Then, she got up and made herself look presentable. She said coldly, "Are you saying you made that glass of Blue Flame earlier?"
Julian looked nonchalant as he remained seated on the beach sand. Julian propped his arms and looked up and Joanna. Then, he asked in reply," What? Did you think Ace made it for you?"
Joanna rolled her eyes coldly before shifting her gaze to the deep dark sea. She pursed her lips and said nothing.
Julian explained, 'Ace made this drink for me before. I pestered him for a long time before he gave me the recipe. He said it was your creation. I found the drink interesting. The heat of vodka and the coolness of the mind are the most incompatible things. However, they created such a magical chemical reaction together… Well, it's just like you and Ace."
Joanna snorted disdainfully. "You're overthinking. I didn't think much and concocted it on a whim. I didn't remember the recipe until you reminded me of it."
"Why are you still acting tough? If you really forgot the recipe, why did you chase after me so frantically just now?"
"So, were just tricked me?"
Joanna glared at Julian and questioned him in annoyance, "You teased me like I'm a fool. Do you think it's cool? I should've known. All men in the Moran family are abnormal. Ace is cold. Jovan is crazy, and you're childish!"
Thinking back, the image of her frantically chasing over Julian and shouting at him was just too embarrassing.
Joanna was not only angry with Julian. Instead, she was mad at herself for losing her mind over the man's side profile, which resembled Ace's. How could she?
Julian did not defend himself. He patted the seat next to him and invited Joanna. "We haven't seen each other for four years. A lot has happened since we parted. I'd like to talk to you."
Joanna refused ungraciously, "I've got nothing to say to you. It's late. I'm going home."
Joanna did not have much to talk about with Julian. As far as she was concerned, Julian and Ace were on the same team. Joanna did not want to get involved with anyone in the Moran family!
"What if it's about Ace?" Julian watched as Joanna turned away coldly and indifferently. Then, he said meaningfully, "Aren't you curious about how is he now?"
Joanna's fingers stiffened. At last, she turned over, followed Julian, and sat on the beach.
"Go ahead. Let me hear what you can say!"
Joanna felt extra awake as the cool sea breeze and humid moisture enveloped her. She never believed that Ace was dead and needed a firm answer from Julian.
Julian stared at the undulating sea with melancholy in his eyes. He said with a faint smile, "I'm not sure if Ace is still alive. If I said that, would you hit me?"
Joanna clenched her fist and said through her gritted teeth, "Yes!"
"Don't hit me first. I'll tell you what I know, and I hope it'll help you…"
Julian began telling his story. "Moran Group has been growing at accelerated growth. The company seems to be developing quickly in the past four years, but there are many problems and vicious competition.
Many want to snatch the power. If Ace had really gotten into something bad, it wouldn't be an accident. It's planned, just like Dylan's death years ago!"
Joanna was shocked. "So you're saying… Ace and Dylan were both murdered?" "Yes." Julian nodded. "If I'm right, it's likely that the same forces are plotting against them, and l-l need your help!
'Me?"
Joanna furrowed her brows, unable to figure out Julian's plan.
Joanna was just a stranger to Ace and had nothing to do with the Moran family. How could Julian ask her for help? Julian must be overestimating her kindness.
Julian continued with a grave expression. "Six months ago, I stepped down as Chief R&D Officer at KCL Group and sold some of my shares. KCL Group has changed ownership now. I heard that the new chairman is also from a technical background, but is more business-minded than me. He's going to carry out a radical reform of the whole group, from all levels of staff, internal management, and external partners. I'm no longer as influential after stepping down from my position…"
Joanna arched her brow and said nonchalantly, "A business is like a kingdom. Changes are inevitable, even for a prosperous kingdom. So what exactly are you trying to convey?"
"I'm a free spirit. I love freedom and don't want to be involved in these business disputes. I don't care about KCL Group's future, but KCL Group and Moran Group have always worked well together because of my relationship with Ace. The two groups have been inseparable."
"Now that Ace is in trouble, and the new chairman wants to make changes, I'm worried. The partnership may be affected…"
Julian let out a long sigh. He said worriedly, "Ace has been holding Moran Group together. Now, troubles are everywhere. Moran Group will sign a strategic cooperation agreement with KCL Group on the G6 Chip.
The cooperation is significant enough to overturn the entire technology industry. It mustn't go wrong, or it'll be devastating to Moran Group!"
"So?" Joanna said coldly, "What does H Group's future have to do with me? How can I even help?"
"If you want, you can!"
Julian wore an unfathomable smile and said calmly, "Ace's life is uncertain now. There are all kinds of rumors out there. H Group has no leader now. More importantly, people like Jovan are waiting to strike at a time like this. It's especially critical to have someone to represent Ace and complete the deal with KCL Group in Ace's stead…"
Joanna finally understood Julian's intention and laughed. "Are you asking me to put the business back on an even keel?"
"That's what I mean."
"Are you crazy? I'm divorced. How can I represent my ex-husband? Do you find Beach City too calm? Must you stir up such drama to liven up the city?"
Julian explained with a serious face, "I'm not kidding. Everyone knows that you're irreplaceable to Ace. He even personally starred in Moran My everheart to get you back. As long as you hold a press conference and announce that you and Ace are married again, it would make sense for you to act as his representative to handle the Moran Group's matters."
"That's ridiculous!" Joanna interrupted Julian's proposal in a fury. "Marriage isn't a child's play. I'm already divorced. Your proposal is simply absurd. I'll never agree to it."
Julian said, "Take it easy. Gaining people's confidence is just the first step. More importantly, you have to maintain the KCL Group's trust. Take this chance to restructure Moran Group and remove those who should begone.
Also, find out who's behind Dylan and Ace's murder, and let their souls rest in peace…"
"Finding the murderer is the police's responsibility. I can't help."
Joanna found Julian's proposal absurd. She stood up and refused to talk to Julian anymore.
"Don't you care about Ace's death at all? Don't you want to avenge his death?"
Julian thought Joanna was not such a cold-hearted person. Otherwise, he would not have gone all the way to approach her for help.
Joanna exhaled and wore a cold expression. "Yes. I don't care whether he's dead or alive. You have the wrong person."
Julian looked at Joanna's fading figure as she walked away. He could not help but shake his head, feeling sad for Ace.
'As soon as a woman stops loving a man, her heart turns colder than stone! Tsk. Poor Ace. If only you knew this would happen. Would you regret what you've done?' Julian thought.
Joanna returned home in the night, feeling distressed.