Chapter 173
"David picked up her phone from the carpet outside. The caller ID flashed “Joseph” – he'd been calling her persistently.
Joseph?
Why was he calling?
A flurry of thoughts and doubts raced through David's mind, but he quelled the unease and brought the phone to her.
Pressing the answer button, Cassie held it to her ear and was met with Joseph's annoyed voice: ""I've called you three times, Cassie. If you didn't pick up, I was about to call the cops.""
In the tub, Cassie dug her nails into her thigh to stay alert, ""Are you always this dramatic?""
""Given your track record of trouble, I wouldn't put it past you to end up hurt,"" Joseph replied tersely.
Tears welled in Cassie's eyes. Yes, she had fallen into another trap, and it nearly cost her dignity, if not her life. She didn't want to tell him, partly because she didn’t want him to rush over, and partly to avoid drawing him into a confrontation with the Peace Group. Joseph was formidable, but the Peace Group was a global powerhouse, far out of his league.
""I'm... I'm fine, I was just playing around with Laura. My phone was in my bag... didn't hear it ring.""
""Cassie, what's with that voice?"" Joseph's tone carried a mix of annoyance and tease. ""So husky. Someone might think you're trying to seduce me over the phone.""
Cassie fought back a wave of discomfort but managed to keep her voice breezy, ""No way. Gotta go, I'm off to check out some clothes.""
""Get back soon.""
""Mhm."" Cassie quickly ended the call, tossed her phone aside, and then swiftly submerged herself into the water, gasping out, ""Mr. Foster, could you please step out for a bit?""
""Alright, yell if you need anything."" David shot one last conflicted glance at the phone on the floor before he walked out.
His mind replayed the conversation between Cassie and Joseph.
Why was Cassie lying to Joseph?
What was their relationship?
He lit a cigarette, sitting outside until the sky brightened with the morning light.
By seven, Cassie had emerged from the bathroom, shaky, dressed in clothes hastily picked up by David's assistant.
""Let me take you to the hospital,"" David offered, concern lacing his voice.
""No need. I just want to rest,"" Cassie replied, exhausted and drowsy.
""Then I'll drive you home,"" David insisted. ""You're in no shape to drive yourself.""
Cassie hesitated, then nodded.
...
During the ride, David cast a worried glance her way, ""About last night...""
""Robert is now a major shareholder of Peace Group. He's running for chairman next month and it looks like he's got it in the bag. Seems like Olivia Brooks can do as she pleases at Peace Group now.""
Cassie voiced his concerns.
David was taken aback, ""Since when are the Brooks involved with Peace Group? If word gets out, the Brooks' standing might well rival the Andersons.""
""I don't know,"" Cassie frowned, feeling that something was off, ""My dad seemed scared of the Andersons in court the other day. But I'm just an adopted daughter they picked up, it's normal they don't tell me everything.""
David felt a pang of sympathy, ""Do you want me to look into your origins...""
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