Chapter 222
"Cassie fell into a pensive silence, her head bowed low.
""Rest now, don't fret. You hold incriminating photos of him. The Hernandez family treasures their reputation above all else,"" Joseph falsely reassured her.
""Is that so?"" Skepticism lined Cassie's voice, ""But I can't imagine Richard letting this slide, especially after the beating he took from me.""
""You fail to understand, men's egos are far more delicate than women's. Trust me, he won't dare retaliate after this. You played your cards quite brilliantly,"" Joseph managed to squeeze out the words through gritted teeth, maintaining the illusion. Cassie was rarely on the receiving end of his praise, leaving her somewhat taken aback this time.
Perhaps Joseph had a point; maybe she was indeed clueless about the male psyche.
""However, from this point forward, you are forbidden from forcibly undressing any man,"" Joseph warned ominously after a pause, ""except for me, naturally.""
Cassie was left speechless.
""Let's bathe; I'll wash your back."" Ignoring her silent protest, Joseph scooped her up around the waist and made his way upstairs.
""I refuse.""
Her timid objections were left in the dust as he playfully whisked her away, making her momentarily forget her fears and concerns.
After ensuring she was sound asleep that evening, Joseph slipped into a different jacket and drove away from the mansion.
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Late into the night.
Richard, swathed in bandages, emerged from the hospital and returned to his hotel. In a fit of rage, he snatched up his phone and dialed a number: ""I don't care what it takes, ensure that woman, Cassie, experiences hell on earth. Better yet, sell her off to some underground syndicate.""
No sooner had the words escaped his lips than a series of forceful knocks echoed at the door.
""Who the devil is it? You're about to learn a lesson in respecting people's peace at this hour!""
Richard flung the door open, only to have a sack thrown over his head and a barrage of punches and kicks launched at him.
His attacker was relentless, landing each blow with brutal precision until Richard was teetering on the brink of consciousness.
The sack was ripped off, revealing a tall, imposing silhouette stepping in from the darkness.
The man, dressed in a black trench coat, had his striking features illuminated by the dim light in the room. A wave of bone-chilling fear washed over Richard as he recognized the figure.
""Joseph, no, Joseph, you... how are you here...""
He recognized him instantly—the devil personified, the sole man in the Hernandez family who struck terror into his heart.
""Have you been colluding with Liam and now you're oblivious to my whereabouts?"" Joseph's voice was eerily calm as he strode forward, hands tucked into his belt loops, and stepped on Richard's chest.
Fear gripped Richard's heart, ""Joseph, I don't know what you're implying. Yes, Liam's been managing the Hernandez family lately, but... we all acknowledge that the Hernandez family can't function without you. You're the true patriarch of the family.""
""Your sycophancy is truly unparalleled. Do you flatter Liam in the same manner?"" Joseph taunted, prodding Richard's chin with the tip of his shoe, ""I haven't forgotten your father's role in aiding Liam, conspiring to oust me.""
""No, Joseph, we've all been eagerly awaiting your return.""
Richard was so terrified that he barely dared to breathe.
""Waiting for me to consider investing in Madison's new industrial park?"" Joseph sneered, ""Planning to transfer all the core technology while I'm away?""
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