Chapter 1253 How Can One Person Be So Terrifying
Cassie struggled to get the words out. "If I hadn't picked up on his weird vibes, he might've kept up the act forever."
"Not necessarily. Maybe he just got tired of holding back and started showing his true colors," Joseph said, pulling her close. "He probably found a way to mess with you and boost his career at the same time."
Cassie's eyes darkened. "Olivia?"
Joseph lowered his head, his big hand gently running through her long hair, a few strands wrapping around his fingers. "Long hair falls out easily. When you were crashing at David's villa, how much hair did you lose every day? You were there for a while, and the cleaners would collect your hair and send it to Olivia. That's how they got the material for the paternity test."
Cassie shivered, staring at the hair in Joseph's hand.
Even with her thick hair, some always fell out when she washed, combed, or blow-dried it.
She'd always thought David married her just to get back at her and make her life hell.
The closer she got to the truth, the scarier David seemed.
How could he be so twisted?
"I think you're onto something," Cassie murmured. "When David first married me, he acted like he was head over heels. Later, his hatred became more obvious. He probably had a plan all along. Since I couldn't love him, he might as well have Olivia pretend to be me. She and I do look a bit alike, and since she was kidnapped as a kid, a lot of people in Silverwood don't really know her. There's plenty of room for deception."
"Exactly." Joseph nodded. "Olivia used David to become Isabella's biological daughter. That's why David's career took off after Olivia came back to Madison; they were in it together."
Cassie felt a mix of anger and regret. "It's all my fault. How could I have been so dumb to marry David?"
"Everyone screws up. Don't beat yourself up," Joseph said gently.
Cassie gave a bitter smile. "Even if we know the truth, so what? When I told Everett that Olivia was a fake, he didn't believe me. And Isabella, she even accused me of trying to seduce Declan. She must've been fooled by Olivia long ago. She doesn't like me at all and probably thinks I'm some malicious woman trying to hurt Olivia."
"Actually, I'm worried about more than just that." Joseph's face showed deep concern. "Remember when Olivia pretended to be Joyce and secretly drugged my milk?"
Cassie was shocked. "You think she drugged my mom too?"
"I'm just a bit worried," Joseph admitted. "Drugs can mess with people. Think about it, your mom should've known your name was Cassie after you were born. How could she completely forget that?"
"Right, she lost her memory." Cassie finally realized. She'd been so upset about Isabella hitting her that she'd overlooked a lot of details.
Joseph added, "Yeah, someone with amnesia is easy to manipulate. Olivia can do whatever she wants. Even Robert and Helen can come out and slander you. Robert is Isabella's biological brother. A person who's been amnesiac for years suddenly finds her brother; she must be thrilled. But she probably doesn't realize that these relatives are all bad news."
Cassie felt pretty down and suddenly didn't hate Isabella as much. "So, why are you worried Olivia might drug my mom?"
"It's simple. Olivia's pulled this kind of stunt before. If she can't control or sway Isabella, she might drug her to keep her wealth and status," Joseph sighed. "Sometimes, those involved can't see clearly, but outsiders can. Isabella finally found her long-lost daughter and treasures her. She even gave Olivia a ton of money to buy the Hernandez group. If we want to fix this, we need to start with Declan. You've dealt with him before; what's your take on him?"
Cassie thought for a moment. "He's a tough nut to crack."
"That's good. Someone like that won't be easily fooled by Olivia. He has no blood ties to her, so he can think straight. Hopefully, what you just said will push Everett to dig deeper. Olivia's past can't hold up under scrutiny."
Cassie felt a bit better and finally relaxed.
Joseph was holding her when his phone buzzed. It was Nathaniel. "Mr. Hernandez, the Wittelsbach family's bodyguards have been sent to Nelson Hospital. I heard Yancy arranged it."
Joseph frowned and quickly called Lucas, "The Wittelsbach family's injured bodyguards are at your family's hospital. Did Declan get in touch with your dad?"
"I just finished surgery, so I'm not sure. I'll check it out." Lucas's face turned cold as he listened.
He immediately called Yancy, "Dad, why'd you agree to admit those bodyguards?"
"You've got some nerve asking that," Yancy snapped. "Do you know the Wittelsbach family's status? People worldwide want to connect with them, and you went and ticked them off. Luckily, I found out. The Wittelsbach family isn't too mad and even wants to befriend us. The meeting's set for tomorrow night. You'll come with us and apologize in person."
"I just want to know who tipped you off," Lucas asked, his face blank.
"I'm your father. I have my sources."
"It was Sarah, wasn't it?" Lucas said coldly.
Sarah and Olivia were tight. If the Nelson family's hospital didn't take the bodyguards, Olivia would definitely hit up Sarah, who'd then go to Yancy. It all added up.
Yancy was momentarily speechless, then snapped, "Sarah did the right thing. She's looking out for the Nelson family. Do you know how powerful the Wittelsbach family is? They control global banks and major shipping routes. Compared to them, the Nelson family is nothing. Why are you getting involved in Joseph's beef with them? He's not even family; you're just friends. Besides, the Hernandez group has mostly been bought out. Joseph's status in Whisperlyn City isn't what it used to be. He's not worth your friendship anymore."
Lucas shot back, "Dad, who I choose to be friends with is none of your business. As for the hospital, I'll give the orders. From now on, no one disobeys my instructions. If you want to connect with the Wittelsbach family, that's on you. As for me, I'm not interested."
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