Chapter 1249 I Hope You Leave Safely
Joseph's face was dark as a storm cloud. "Does Declan know what you're up to?"
"Yeah," Cassie admitted, struggling with the words, "But he still doesn't know about you and Cameron. I didn't spill the beans about us taking Cameron's private jet, but I think they might be onto us. I'm sorry."
"Don't sweat it. It's not on you." Joseph gave her a reassuring pat. "It's on me for not seeing the Wittelsbach family would stoop so low."
They even had Everett cozy up to them, and now Declan too.
Joseph remembered Cameron mentioning Declan before. The name rang a bell.
Cameron had said he saw a woman in Neya City who looked a lot like Cassie.
But he had no proof and didn't want to get Cassie's hopes up for nothing, so he kept it to himself.
So, the head honcho's wife in Neya City was really Isabella.
But Olivia had gone ahead and met Isabella first.
How did Olivia know Isabella was still kicking?
And according to Cameron, the Wittelsbach family was loaded, like almost the richest family in the world. No wonder Carl didn't want to mess with them.
"Cassie, I gotta take you to see my dad. He knows some stuff," Joseph suddenly grabbed Cassie's wrist, looking all serious.
Cassie was confused, but seeing Joseph's intense expression, she nodded.
As soon as they stepped out of the office, a bunch of execs rushed over, looking all worried.
"Mr. Hernandez, Olivia's team just came by and said we all gotta leave. Is that true?"
"Mr. Hernandez, have you really been booted from the chairman spot?"
"Mr. Hernandez, are we really getting kicked out of the company?"
The execs were freaking out. Some had been with the Hernandez group for over ten, twenty, even thirty years, treating it like a second home. Being told to leave out of the blue, none of them were cool with it. And finding another gig with such sweet benefits? Good luck with that.
"Everyone, listen up." Joseph raised an arm, and the authority in his voice made everyone hush.
"I am indeed no longer the chairman. I don't know what's next for the company; it might not even be called the Hernandez group tomorrow." Joseph's voice had a hint of sadness.
Thinking of the once high-flying and noble Joseph, the employees felt heartbroken, especially some of the female execs.
"Mr. Hernandez," someone shouted, "We believe in you. We believe you'll bring the Hernandez group back. We followed you because you promised to make Madison the best in high-tech."
"Thank you all for your trust," Joseph's eyes sparkled with determination. "If I rise again, I hope to work with you all. If I force you to stay now, you'll only be humiliated because of me. But I've seen your hard work over the years. I'll have Nathaniel handle your resignation stuff, and everyone will get compensation. I hope you all have bright futures."
Then, he pulled out a card from his pocket and handed it to Nathaniel. "Distribute it."
After that, he left the company with Cassie.
They didn't say a word on the way.
Cassie couldn't stop replaying the scene in her head.
Joseph even let the employees go.
What did that mean?
Did he really throw in the towel on the Hernandez group?
And it was all because of Isabella.
Cassie was drowning in regret, guilt, and heartache.
When the car finally rolled into Cameron's villa area, Joseph opened the door for her and held out his hand. "Come on, get out."
"Joey, I'll find a way to clear up the mess and get my mom to give the company back," Cassie said, tears welling up in her eyes.
Joseph brushed her hair aside, his voice deep and helpless. "You're making it sound too easy. The shares of the Hernandez group are in Olivia's name. Even if Isabella regrets it later, getting them back won't be a walk in the park."
Cassie was stunned. "Is my mom out of her mind?"
"If she is, what about Declan? He's smart and still let Olivia blow through so much cash. Even if the money's from the Wittelsbach family, it's in Olivia's name. Declan didn't stop her, which is kinda fishy." Joseph gave her a serious look. "Honestly, I think Olivia's got more up her sleeve than just causing trouble."
Cassie's pale lips trembled, not knowing what to say.
"Let's go see my dad." Joseph led her into the villa.
To their surprise, Mabel was there too.
Seeing them, Mabel stood up awkwardly. "I came to talk to your dad about some stuff in Yugrot. I'm not familiar with the area and don't know where to stay when I go there with your grandparents. I wanted to ask him to buy a villa there."
In the past, Joseph might have teased her a bit.
He actually hoped they would talk more privately, maybe even patch things up. But now he had too much on his mind to think about anything else. "Dad, remember telling me you once went to Neya City and saw a woman who looked a lot like Cassie?"
"Yeah." Cameron nodded. "Why bring it up now?"
Cassie was shocked. "Uncle Cameron, so you did see her."
"It's my bad. I should've told you earlier. I should've taken you to Neya City to meet her back then," Joseph said to Cameron with some regret, "Did she later marry someone named Declan and have a son named Everett?"
"It was Declan, but I don't know the son's name," Cameron said thoughtfully.
"Dad, do you know who's been secretly gunning for the Hernandez family? It's Declan and Isabella," Joseph said with a bitter smile, "I don't know what dirty tricks Olivia used, but they've been targeting Cassie."
Cameron was shocked. He had only speculated before, but now it turned out to be true.
"Dad, you once said Declan is ruthless. Could it be that he doesn't like that Isabella had a daughter before, so he's trying to get rid of Cassie?" Joseph speculated.
"No way. I met Declan once. He wouldn't target Cassie for such a reason." Cameron thought for a moment. "How about I go talk to Declan? Maybe I can clear up the misunderstanding."
"No," Cassie quickly said, "Uncle Cameron, you're our last card. We can't blow your cover with Joseph. If it comes to that, we need you to take Sophia and Oliver and get out safely."
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