Chapter 1201 Even If You Don't Say It, I Will Let You Go
"He might've ticked off some big shots even Carl can't handle," Laura cut in, sounding helpless.
Cassie's mind went blank.
She and Joseph had fought hard to get here. With Marcus in prison, she thought she could finally deal with David. But now, they had angered someone even more dangerous.
'Who?' She felt exhausted and confused.
It hadn't been easy for her or Joseph to get this far.
"You okay?" Laura asked, concerned.
"I don't know, Laura. I want to check out the Hernandez Group," Cassie said, tired.
After hanging up, she headed to the Hernandez Group.
The entrance was swarming with reporters. She slipped in through the parking lot and, on the top floor, saw people in blue uniforms carrying boxes out.
Hernandez Group employees stood anxiously until someone in the secretary's office noticed her. "Ms. Brooks."
"Where's Mr. Hernandez?" Cassie asked.
"Mr. Hernandez and some board members are in the office," the secretary said, leading her in.
In the large office, Joseph and board members Celeste, Isaac, and others looked grim.
"Mr. Hernandez, you should talk to Mr. Jude ASAP," one board member said. "This public investigation with reporters outside makes us look bad."
"The Hernandez Group's had a tough year. We finally took down the Chamberlain family and now this. Many companies are asking about it. If there's another delay, we could lose everything," Isaac said angrily.
"Everyone, go home and rest. I'll visit Mr. Jude later," Joseph said firmly.
Once the board members left, Cassie walked over to Joseph. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"
"I didn't want you to worry," Joseph said, holding her hand.
Cassie frowned. "Never mind. Laura called and said we might've offended some bigwigs. This could be hard to fix. In business, the most dangerous thing isn't competitors but investigations."
Even a minor issue could be blown out of proportion, ruining a company's reputation, tanking stock prices, and even forcing it to delist.
Many potential partners would avoid the Hernandez Group, especially with a new product launch.
"Cassie, don't overthink it. I've faced all kinds of storms to get here," Joseph said with a slight smile. "Trust me."
"Joey." Cassie's lips moved slightly, and a sudden thought struck her, making her freeze.
"What's wrong?" Joseph asked softly.
"I just remembered something," Cassie said. "Laura said Benjamin was released, and the President's office ordered it. Then, right after, the Hernandez Group was investigated. I'm wondering if these two events are connected. In all of Madison, the only entity that could make even the Jude family powerless seems to be the President's office."
Joseph's face darkened. After a moment, he said, "The Hayes family. Thanks for the reminder, Cassie. You head to the company; I'll go to the Jude family."
"I'll go with you," Cassie said, standing up. "Joey, if you can't get through this, I will leave on my own."
Joseph froze, staring at her grimly.
"Joey, I'm sorry. It sounds harsh, but I have to think about Sophia and Oliver," Cassie said, biting her lip.
"You're overthinking it. I'm upset because you think I'm useless. I'm not that easy to defeat," Joseph said, hugging her gently. "If I ever can't protect you and the kids, I'd let you go even if you didn't say anything."
Cassie didn't speak, but her eyes stung.
She loved him, and he loved her.
But reality wasn't a fairy tale; they had responsibilities.
At the Jude Manor.
The butler led Joseph and Cassie inside. As they approached the door, they heard Michael's voice. "Carl, Joseph is my good friend. Our family has always had a good relationship with him. You have to help him."
"Mr. Jude, Mr. Hernandez and Ms. Brooks are here," the butler announced.
Joseph and Cassie saw Carl, Laura, and Michael inside.
Joseph nodded to them and lightly punched Michael's shoulder. "Thanks."
"We're friends," Michael said, rubbing his nose.
Joseph turned to Carl. "Carl, you know what kind of person I am. The Hernandez Group has been in business for over a hundred years, always playing by the rules. This high-profile investigation is a first. I want to know what they intend to do."
"Joseph, to be honest," Carl said, lighting a cigarette, "I contacted people in the President's office. They warned me to stay out of this, or the consequences would be beyond what I could bear."
Everyone's faces changed.
Michael stood up angrily. "Are they trying to destroy the Hernandez Group?"
"That's pretty much the idea," Carl nodded, looking helpless. "So, I can only say I'm sorry."
Joseph's face darkened. "You're about to take the President's seat next month. What if I drag it out until then?"
"Joseph, I suspect it's not the President's office targeting you. Someone might have instructed them, and that force is someone even the President's office can't afford to offend. The urgent thing is to find out who you've offended to find a solution," Carl advised.
"I understand." Joseph nodded.
Michael was dumbfounded. "No way. Joseph has a lot of enemies, but it's just Marcus and David. How could he have offended someone with such so much power?"
"You don't understand," Carl said.
Leaving Carl's manor, Joseph and Michael walked side by side in front.
Cassie and Laura walked together behind them.
"Cassie, don't worry. We'll find a way," Laura said, trying to comfort her.
"I do have a way, Laura. I need your help," Cassie suddenly said. "This might be the only way to find a clue about the force behind this."
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