Perfect Match: Irresistible Desire For You
Chapter 63

At this time, Leonard thought, ‘This bloke has finally come to his senses!’ It was rare for Joseph to afford someone praise. When Leonard sensed Ashley’s uncertainty from her expression, he said to Joseph in his mind, ‘Can’t you elaborate? Ashley doesn’t really know what you are trying to say.’

Taking into account Leonard’s invitation to Ashley to cook for him again, his encouraging winks, and glances of disapproval, Joseph quickly gauged that his grandfather was trying to set him up with Ashley.

‘Even though I know your purpose, please don’t insult me like that, Grandfather! I am right by your side. How could you say that you are a lonely old man?’ In Joseph’s heart, he sighed helplessly at the sentiment his grandfather had expressed.

Joseph approved of the way that Leonard treated Ashley, especially when he noticed the amicable and harmonious relationship the two of them shared. It was clear that Leonard was fond of Ashley. In fact, he had more affection for her than he did his own grandson. This made Joseph more determined that he would marry Ashley. Not only did Joseph enjoy Ashley’s personality, but she had also given him a sense of security and family today.

Joseph had already spoken of his appreciation for Ashley’s cooking. In Joseph’s opinion, his praise for her was perfectly sufficient and did not need further elaboration. On one hand, while the dishes prepared by Ashley were not of restaurant or chef quality, they were very tasty. On the other hand, with regard to Joseph’s character, a simple praise was enough to show recognition of her skill.

Leonard noticed that Joseph just continued eating and was not going to praise Ashley in any greater detail. So Leonard addressed Ashley, “What do you think? Will you be able to visit and relieve some of my boredom?”

Noticing that Leonard repeated this question with a smile on his face, Ashley realized that she had become absent-minded. She smiled apologetically and replied, “It would not be a problem at all. If I’m free, I will pop by and give you company to relieve your boredom.”

Hearing this, Leonard could not suppress a smile, and he incoherently expressed his joy. “You are too kind. I will never be bored again! Ashley, you must come to see me whenever you have time. I’m so happy… “

Joseph, who was eating silently, heard the overflowing excitement of Leonard. Joseph really didn’t want to expose Leonard’s poor acting skill. ‘How could anyone believe that Leonard was actually bored?’ he thought. With John’s daily company at home and Zachary often joining him to have a meal and chat with Leonard, Leonard could not convincing saying he was bored. Further, Leonard would call his old friends to come by when he wanted different company, or would even travel to see them. More so, Joseph did return from work each day and spent time with him. Joseph wanted to know why Leonard was so thrilled now.

Joseph went along with Leonard’s show, and continued to remain silent while eating, allowing Leonard to continue expressing his admiration for Ashley.

Hearing Leonard’s gushing words, Ashley felt that the old man really lacked company. She comforted him, “Don’t say that. I will visit you more often when I am free.” Ashley’s intentions were good. She just wanted to visit the lonely old man who lacked love and attention, out of the goodness of her heart.

Ashley suddenly remembered that she would be making a trip abroad. She quickly informed him, “I am planning to travel abroad within the next few days, so I may not see you soon though.”

Hearing this, Leonard and Joseph both stopped eating. They looked up at Ashley, simultaneously. Leonard made his thoughts known first. “The youth should make more time for travel. Where are you planning on going? Are you traveling on your own or perhaps taking friends with you?”

“I’m going to Mexico on my own,” Ashley answered.

“In that case, you must be sure to be very cautious since you are a young girl traveling on you own. As long as you come by to see me when you return, I will be happy.” Despite what Leonard had just said, he thought about what he actually had wanted to say, “It’s not safe for a girl to travel alone. Do you want to replace someone to accompany you?” Of course, the person who would accompany her would be Joseph. But Joseph was sitting quietly next to Leonard, with his attention wholly on eating. It would be too forward for Leonard to make such a suggestion, so he kept this thought to himself.

“Thank you for the advice. I’ll be careful,” Ashley said gratefully.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Joseph remained silent. He just continued to eat, while pondering about the situation internally.

There was intermittent, casual chat between them now and then, while they ate the food. The conversation, however, was not free flowing. When they quickly finished their meal, a servant cleared the table and brought out dessert and fruit. The three of them chatted for quite a small interval. During this time, the conversation was almost exclusively between Leonard and Ashley. Joseph chimed in, only occasionally, with just a few words. It was the amity between Leonard and Ashley which kept the atmosphere jovial.

After some time, Joseph realized that it was time for him to return to the company to continue his work. He said, “You two can carry on for a bit longer, but I have to take my leave. I am needed at work.” Registering the disappointment in Leonard’s eyes, Joseph provided him with a further justification, “I have a very important meeting over which I must preside, at the company.”

It would have been improper for Leonard to reprimand Joseph in front of Ashley. Leonard instead chose to respond casually, “Alright. Do as you must.”

When Joseph stood up and walked towards the door, Ashley also got to her feet, and said to Leonard, “I think it’s time I leave, as well. I’ll come to see you when I return, Leonard.”

Noticing that the two of them had decided to leave together, Leonard suspected that they would have a private conversation on their way out. He didn’t want to be a third wheel and inhibit their private chat, so he did not try to stop Ashley. He said, “Okay. Be safe! I’ll be waiting for you to come to see me again.”

“Okay! I will. Leonard, take care of yourself,” Ashley replied with a smile, as she packed her bag.

Leonard’s suspicion was right. Regardless of the reason behind Joseph helping Ashley by holding the press conference, it did not change the fact that he did assist her. So Ashley wanted to convey her thanks to him, as she was the kind of person who ensured she showed her appreciation. Ashley had been thinking that she would like to express her gratitude to Joseph personally, and this opportunity was perfect.

Ashley internally rationalized that she would probably not have any further contact with Joseph, and saw this opportunity as one that would not come by again. Ashley was unaware that Leonard was trying to play matchmaker between Joseph and her. As long as Leonard stuck to his plan and pursued this goal, he would ensure that he organized many meetings between the two of them.

After saying goodbye to Leonard, Ashley increased her pace so as to catch up with Joseph, heading in the direction he had headed. Leonard acted as if he were undisturbed, and casually waved goodbye. As soon as Ashley was out of sight, Leonard decided that he would do his best to stealthily eavesdrop on the two of them. He alighted from his seat, and quietly pursued them.