The Rise of Dragon Temple By Wu Xia

Chapter 53

The next day at 8:30 a.m., Paige was about to leave for work. That was when Yahir called and told her to go to the Mooney family’s old house instead of the company. She agreed. “What’s wrong? Are you not going to work today?” holding Chloe in his arms, Joseph asked Paige with a smile.

To that, Paige nodded. “Yes. Dad called and said that my cousin, Maxton, came back last night. It seems like he was promoted too. So, our family won’t be working today to hold a welcome feast for him at home. Dad didn’t ask you to go. I’m sorry, but I am sure that Grandpa has begun to accept you, and I promise it won’t be long before the whole family accepts you…” Actually, Joseph didn’t care if the Mooneys accepted him or not. If it wasn’t for fear that Paige would be sad, a mere family like them wouldn’t even qualify to talk to him. (This novel will be daily updtaed at www.noveljar.com)Besides, he wasn’t interested in those snobbish people. Thus, he nodded and replied, “It’s okay. I didn’t want to go either. I’ll see you off…” With Chloe in his arms, Joseph accompanied Paige downstairs. After that, he said to Chloe, “Chloe, Mommy is tired these days. Shall we cheer for her?” Blinking her big beautiful eyes, Chloe waved her small fists and cheered in a childish voice, “Go for it, Mommy! You are the best and the most beautiful! Hee, hee! We will be waiting for you at home…” Realizing how sensible and lovely her daughter was, Paige couldn’t help kissing Chloe’s face. Then, she saw Joseph looking at her with burning and expectant eyes, and a blush immediately crept up her face. “You shouldn’t be biased, you know?” Joseph jested. With that, Paige’s face became even redder. In silence, she bit her lip and lowered her head. Looking at her reaction, Joseph was about to crack another joke when she suddenly tiptoed and kissed his face. It was a quick kiss, and before he could respond, she jumped into the car and drove away… On the spot, Joseph was stupefied. He was only joking with her just now, but unexpectedly, she kissed him. Although her kiss was more to a peck, it still filled his heart with happiness and joy. “Aw! Daddy’s shy! No, no, no. I am too young for this. I can’t look…” Chloe quickly covered her eyes with her tender, fair hands. Nevertheless, she still peeped at Joseph’s face through her fingers. “Paige, you’re making me more and more reluctant to let you go to work.” Joseph couldn’t help but touch the spot where Paige had just kissed, and his heart  fluttered.

Perhaps, this was how happiness and sweetness felt.

……

car, she could feel her face burning. She couldn’t believe she had taken the initiative to kiss him. The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she felt, and her heart beat faster. With that, she buried her head on the steering wheel until the car behind honked her. Startled, she realized that the traffic light had turned green and quickly drove away… At 10 a.m., she arrived at the Mooney family’s old house. Yahir and Estella arrived earlier. Other than them, many people also came. A part of them were Aceshine Group’s partners, some were friends, and some were relatives. This morning, Leonard publicly announced that he would hold a banquet to celebrate Maxton’s posting as the Eagle Troop’s commander. So, some reporters even came too. After all, this wasn’t a small matter. Besides, the Mooneys were also happy to see those reporters. In a long white dress, Lily was happily greeting the guests at the entrance. Leonard, Dominic, Yahir, and the others were also chatting and laughing among the crowd in their new suits. Everyone was in a good mood, especially the Mooneys. “Pooh, what’s so great about being a commander? Is this even necessary? How boastful..” Estella muttered in annoyance. Since Paige’s family came, Lily had been ignoring them. By the way, Serena came too. “Cut it out, honey. They’ll hear us. Since no one greets us, let’s just head in…” Yahir nudged Estella with his elbow. Only then, she headed inside. However, she still whined in a low voice, “Why are you scolding me? If the military didn’t expel Joseph…” “Stop it, Mom!” Serena bit her lip and rasped before she carefully glanced at Paige. Even though there was some disappointment in Paige’s eyes, she still looked up and smiled at everyone. At once, Estella’s face changed, and she quickly explained, “Well, Paige, I didn’t mean anything. Please don’t take it to heart. Joseph is a pretty decent man, you know? If he is still in the military, he won’t be able to accompany you and Chloe, am I right? So, yeah, he is a nice man indeed…” At 11 a.m., all the guests took their seats in the courtyard. As there were up to three hundred people, the atmosphere was lively. After all, the Mooneys’ grandson achieved great success, so everyone around the Mooneys would naturally take this chance to butter them up, which made them felt proud. During the banquet, Maxton-dressed in black military uniform-sat in the seat of honor. With an unrivaled aura, he was sitting up straight with a sharp gaze. On the other hand, Leonard, Dominic, and Tommy were all sitting at the main table with  him. As for Paige’s family, the Mooneys definitely wouldn’t arrange for them to sit at the main table. Therefore, they were sitting at another table behind. Following that, Leonard raised his glass and greeted all the guests, “Thank you for coming to our banquet. Cheers!” Although he was nearly 70 years old, and his hair was white, his face was glowing. When Leonard finished his words, all the guests raised their glasses with a smile. Instantaneously, the atmosphere became enthusiastic. After toasting with Maxton, Leonard, Dominic, and Tommy went to other tables to toast with the guests while Maxton stayed in his seat. Halfway through the banquet, Maxton coughed and signaled Leonard with his

your promise? Don’t you know how hard Paige worked to win these projects? How could you give everything to Lily?! Tell me! How could you!?” Estella went ballistic. When she stepped into this house, she was already pissed off, but now she was even angrier. Instantaneously, Leonard’s face turned gloomy. No matter what, he was the head of the Mooney family and a senior! So, he would naturally feel embarrassed being questioned by Estella in front of so many guests. Just then, Dominic yelled at Estella, “Shut up! Who gives you the right to speak here? And how can you talk to Dad this way? Sit down!”

With that, Yahir went ashen, and he was at a loss for word. At the same time, Estella’s face also became slightly pale, and a sense of fear rose within her. Staying in his seat, Maxton continued, “I am the one who made the decision. If you are dissatisfied, you can come to me after the banquet…” With a pale face, Yahir glowered at Maxton—who was now the Eagle Troop’s commander. Deep down, he could feel

you

and snapped, “Dream on! If you are capable, talk to them by yourself. Apart from knowing how to scheme, what else can you do? Others might not know how you become the vice president, but you know it yourself! You know what dirty means you used to steal this position from me!” “How dare you.. Don’t you slander me! Grandpa is the one who…” “Slap!” When Lily was about to defend herself, she heard a loud slap. Then, she was shocked to find out that Maxton had come here and slapped Paige in the face. With a grim expression, Maxton glared at Paige and derided, “You insolent women! How dare you address your older cousin by her name? Besides, have you greeted me since you entered the house? Don’t forget you are the disgraceful one! If you didn’t have that b*st*rd’s child out of wedlock five and a half years ago, our family wouldn’t be the town’s laughing stock! I can’t believe you still have the face to compete with Lily for the position!” “Argh!!! How dare you slap my daughter?! I’ll fight you to death…”

Mooneys! Since the media is also here, all of you shall be the witness. From today onward, I will sever ties with this family and have nothing to do with them!” Upon finishing her words, she walked out, but Lily yelled behind her, “Don’t forget Gempoint Group and Mysticorps Group’s contract!” Grievances overtook Paige, and her body was trembling violently. When she heard Lily’s words, she paused, gnashed her teeth, and rasped, “Fine! Take it! I will personally amend the contract later!” After

an ominous feeling which ruined his appetite. Unfortunately, his feeling was accurate. When he was about to call Alpha 1 and ask what had happened, Alpha 1 called him. “Mr. Dawson, something is wrong. Those business partners that Ernie arranged told him that Leonard gave the vice president position to Lily instead of Mrs. Dawson…” As Joseph was about to go deeper into this matter, another call came in. It was Serena’s. Right away, he hung up Alpha l’s call and answered her call. The moment he heard the first sentence, he stood up, and the murderous intent within him surged to the sky! “Joseph, come to Paragon Villa right now. Maxton slapped Paige, and they forced her to leave the family…” What! Joseph was stunned. Instantaneously, he carried Chloe, took some snacks, and drove toward Paragon Villa. Along the way, Chloe could sense the anger on him and was a little worried. However, she didn’t know anything while Joseph didn’t have the time to explain to her. In just a dozen minutes, Joseph arrived at the house in Paragon Villa that he bought for Estella a few days ago. As soon as he got off the car, he saw Serena waiting anxiously downstairs. The whole incident in the banquet happened way too fast and sudden, so Serena didn’t manage to contact him just now. At the sight of Joseph, Serena quickly said to him with red eyes, “Joseph, they bullied Paige. She is now upstairs, and she doesn’t even utter a word. You should quickly go up…” “Okay. Help me to take care of Chloe and take her to the park…” Joseph handed  Chloe to Serena before he rushed upstairs. On the other hand, Chloe was sensible enough to follow Serena without asking anything. When Joseph entered the house, Estella was pointing at Yahir and chiding him with watery eyes, “You piece of trash! He slapped your daughter, and yet you didn’t even dare to say anything! Are you even a man?!” “Calm down, Mom. Where is Paige?” Joseph forcefully suppressed the surging anger in his heart and asked Estella. Immediately, Estella’s tears rolled down her cheeks. With trembling fingers, she pointed at the bedroom and sobbed, “In the room. Please console her. You…” “Don’t worry. Leave it to me…” Joseph nodded and walked to the bedroom door. Although Paige locked the door from the inside, he managed to push it open with only a little force. Following that, he saw Paige curled up on the bed with her head deeply buried in her knees. Feeling heartbroken, Joseph uttered, “Paige, it’s me…” Paige ignored Joseph, and her body was still twitching. Yes, she was crying, but she suppressed her voice to prevent herself from crying out loud. Then, Joseph pulled up her arm and saw the faint red palm print on her face. Boom! The moment he saw the palm print, the killing intent inside him burst out, and the temperature in the room dropped sharply. As Paige could feel a sudden chill, her body trembled. Only then, she came to notice Joseph’s presence. While tears were covering her face, she wept, “Am… am I useless?” Upon listening to what she said, Joseph felt more distressed. With that, he wiped the tears from her face, took a deep breath, and uttered, “Let’s go to the