Chapter 147
"He dialed her number. ""Cassie, come back here now! Need I remind you of our contract? I'm not running a charity, nor are your culinary skills a free pass. ""
""And this isn't your first rodeo, so why the act?""
Each word he spat out felt like a lash whipping Cassie through the phone.
Feeling initially apologetic, now indignant, she shot back, ""What gives you the right to say it's not my first time?""
""You’ve been dating Arthur Lewis since high school; how could it possibly be your first?"" Joseph Hernandez flat-out refused to believe that any teenager today could maintain a relationship without crossing the line.
""I've never been with him,"" Cassie said, her despair palpable. ""My first time is still mine, whether you believe it or not.""
Joseph paused, a tinge of irritation flaring inside him. ""You have ten minutes to show up before me, or you’re on your own,"" he threatened.
Over at her end, Cassie stood by the community pond in a daze, eventually making her way back to the villa.
She owed him and didn't want to be labeled as ungrateful.
Joseph Hernandez stood by the door, his features briefly illuminated by the flickering light.
""I'm sorry, it wasn’t intentional. I was just scared..."" Cassie approached him, ready to apologize. ""If you still want to, I’ll go back to your room with you.""
His teeth clenched, Joseph spat out, ""Why weren't you scared when you were setting me up?""
""Back then... maybe it was reckless, undefended love!"" In despair, Cassie fibbed, ""The rejection made me timid; it left me shadowed.""
Joseph was silent...
Her words seemed to slowly rebuild the pride that had been sapped from him, and his mood steadied.
""Fine, I won't touch you for now. Let's have dinner.""
He turned briskly, his face stern, and headed back into the living room.
Cassie stood still, incredulous that he let her off so easily.
...
Over at Height Company.
In the chairman's office, Robert listened to the general manager's report.
""Five senior designers and four certified contractors from the AB department have handed in their resignations. I’ve heard it's other companies headhunting. The branch offices and the main office are losing clients; we're facing cancellations on previously secured projects. There’s a boycott against Height Company online.""
""Rumors say that our projects are cutting corners. No one wants to partner with us.""
""The stock hit rock bottom today, and I predict it'll keep falling.""
The CEO handed in his letter of resignation, ""I think it's time for me to step down as well.""
Robert's eyes bulged, and he nearly burst with rage, ""You traitor! The drama at Height Company isn't even over yet!""
""The reputation of a company is paramount,"" the CEO said. ""And let's face it, Height Company's reputation has taken a hit these past two months, all because of the personal scandals rocking your household.""
""My advice? Sell Height Company while you still can. It needs new ownership to survive.""
With those final words, the CEO left.
Fuming, Robert wrecked his office before heading back to the Brooks residence.
As soon as he walked through the door, he lashed out at Helen with a sharp slap.
""This is all your fault! Coddling Alexander, protecting him, and now Height Company is in ruins!""
Helen, dizzy from the blow, defiantly grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his face.
""Blame me? Weren't you happy to reap the benefits when Alexander was your golden boy? It's all you - if it wasn't for Cassie, we'd all be fine!""
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
