Chapter 1328 "I've already rescued Everett."
Joseph just stood there, taking the slap like a champ. "Cassie, I'm sorry. The Dixon family won't let me through that door if I don't take the kids tonight. Don't sweat it. I'll keep them safe."
Cassie laughed, but it was more angry than funny. "And how exactly are you gonna do that? Do you even know why they want the kids? They wanna use the kids to mess with you. They're scared you'll stir up trouble at the party. Joseph, you really don't get what's going on, do you?"
"So you already know."
Joseph gave her a serious look. "Cassie, tonight's all part of a plan with the Jude family. Plus, I've already got Everett out."
Cassie's eyes went wide. "How the hell did you pull that off?"
"Kathleen." He said the name, and Cassie got it instantly.
"Joseph, I totally underestimated you."
She sighed, thinking he was just a memory-lost shell of his former self. But here he was, sharper and more decisive than ever. Even standing right in front of her, he was a mystery.
"Joseph, did you get your memory back?" She looked confused.
"No, sorry."
"No?!" Cassie sneered, feeling stupid for even hoping.
"Why didn't you clue me in on your plans?" She looked up at him.
"I didn't want to stress you out, and I needed you to make David drop his guard." Joseph looked at her with a bit of guilt. "After learning about your past with David, I knew he had this twisted possessiveness over you. He thinks he's got Madison on lock. The more scared you are, the happier he gets. The more desperate you are, the more he enjoys it. That makes him sloppy."
"You jerk!"
Cassie was so mad she slapped him again, harder this time, leaving a mark on his face.
Joseph didn't flinch. "Turns out, I was right. David's been holding back for too long. He's got a dark heart. Every time he was humiliated, he thought about revenge. Now, he's all cocky. The big shots in Whisperlyn City are kissing up to him. He humiliates them and feels proud. But his biggest thrill is seeing me grovel to Marigold like a dog."
Cassie was stunned, too overwhelmed to speak.
"Cassie, trust me. I got Everett out and sent him to Declan. Declan's taken Everett to see Isabella. Isabella knows the truth now. She and Declan have told people abroad and are secretly planning to take down the Wit Group's business. Tonight's party is our chance to expose Ralph and David. This is our only shot to nail them."
Joseph gently put his arm around her. "After tonight, David's gonna get what's coming to him."
Cassie's mind was spinning.
She had planned to leave with the kid and Aiden tonight. She had everything packed. "Will it work?"
"It will. Trust me, it definitely will." Joseph's eyes were intense. "With me here, there's no way he's getting away."
"But the kid..."
"Mom, let me go." Oliver, who had been quiet this whole time, suddenly spoke up. "Sophia shouldn't go. I've been learning some combat skills lately. I'm strong enough to handle myself. Plus, since I'm just a kid, people at the party won't pay much attention to me. I can slip past their radar."
"Alright, Oliver, you're a brave little dude."
Joseph squatted down, placing his hands on Oliver's shoulders. "Dad believes in you."
Oliver pouted. "I'm doing this for Mom. I want her to divorce David soon. I hate people calling her David's wife."
Cassie looked down at Oliver. "Oliver, tonight's gonna be dangerous. Are you sure about this?"
"Mom, I'm not scared. I don't want to always hide behind you. It makes me feel useless." Oliver said seriously.
Cassie smiled bitterly. She didn't want her kid to carry such a heavy burden, but Oliver was so determined that she had no choice.
"Cassie, I swear on my life, I'll keep Oliver safe."
Joseph vowed with utmost seriousness.
Cassie's mind was a mess. "Will the Dixon family be cool if you only bring one kid?"
"Marigold hasn't gotten me yet. She'll back me up." Joseph's lips curled into a mocking smile.
Cassie was speechless. But looking at his handsome face, she could somewhat understand Marigold's obsession. Joseph had rejected Marigold before. She wouldn't be satisfied without getting him. Besides, Joseph was indeed very handsome and had once been the richest man in Madison. Women also have a desire to conquer.
She ignored him and hugged Oliver. "Promise me, your safety comes first."
"Okay, don't worry, Mom."
Oliver kissed her and then glanced at Joseph. "Go for it!"
Joseph didn't move. He looked at Cassie awkwardly. "Cassie, got anything to say to me?"
"What should I say?" Cassie feigned indifference, pretending not to see the hope in his eyes.
Joseph remained silent.
"Your safety isn't as important to my mom." Oliver said.
Joseph secretly vowed, 'Forget it. I'll pursue her again once I deal with everything.'
After they left, Cassie reluctantly dialed Bernice's number. "Sorry, I can't leave tonight."
At 6:30 in the evening.
Outside the villa, a row of luxurious yet understated cars was parked.
Joseph parked the car and opened the passenger door. Oliver, looking dashing in a little suit, jumped out.
"Darling, you're here." Marigold, in a blue gown, elegantly walked over. Seeing Oliver, a flash of displeasure crossed her eyes.
It was her first time seeing Joseph's son, and he looked so much like Cassie.
She was utterly disgusted.
But it didn't matter. As long as she was around, this kid's life wouldn't be easy.
"Why did you only bring one kid? Aren't there twins?" Marigold hooked her arm around Joseph's, clearly annoyed. "I told my parents you'd bring both kids."