Chapter 171

"Isn't this a check from the Clarkson Family?" Joshua saw a seal on the check bearing the name Clarkson Jacob, their father's name. "Oh, I managed to con this out of that fool Joseph." Melissa candidly stated, the whole matter still making her want to laugh even now. Hearing Melissa refer to Joseph as a "fool," Joshua learned of the burgeoning friendship between the two. "I'm heading upstairs now." Joshua placed the check back onto the bookshelf. He picked up a few books and calmly turned to head upstairs. "Big Brother, let's have lunch together later" Melissa called out to invite Joshua. "No need, I still have to rush the completion of my paper at noon, you guys go ahead." Joshua gently declined. He treasured his moments of solitude, as they offered him the peace needed to contemplate many things. "Oh, then let's have dinner together tonight!" Melissa looked at Joshua eagerly, feeling that it must be so boring for him to be home alone. Over time, he had become somewhat of a loner. Jos