Chapter 277
"Joseph's lips curved into a subtle smile. ""I should be going.""
As he turned to leave, panic set in among the group. Luna clung to his arm, imploring loudly, ""Dad, make her apologize, please.""
Leo clenched his fists. If Joseph left Leo's Mansion just as he had arrived, all of New York's elite would hear of the offense to the Hernandez family. That could mean isolation for the Chapmans in the social circles of New York. ""Cassie, just apologize, will you?"" he said with a weary smile and a sigh.
Cassie was taken aback, her fists tightly clenched. Joseph's handsome face, which she once found attractive, now seemed utterly loathsome. How could she have ever fallen for someone like him?
With a deep breath, she gave in. ""Joseph, I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with city etiquette. I’m just a country girl. Please, don't hold it against me.""
Joseph snorted dismissively.
Country girl?
She had the nerve to lie blatantly.
""Joseph, let's go inside,"" Leo quickly changed the subject, hoping to put the issue to rest.
Joseph walked in, and Luna stuck to him like glue. He wanted to shake her off, but as he passed by Cassie's forlorn face, he restrained himself.
Once seated on the couch, Luna took the liberty of leaning against his shoulder.
Cassie found this deeply unsettling. That had been her spot, and now it belonged to someone else.
Did this man truly ever love her? People change so quickly.
""Oh my, Mr. Hernandez, you shouldn't have brought such extravagant gifts,"" Vera suddenly exclaimed. Looking over, she noticed the Hernandez family chauffeur carrying in an assortment of rare and costly gifts.
Joseph glanced back, nearly reaching to rub his temple. This must've been Granny's doing. It was like setting up for an engagement, utterly over the top.
He fell silent for a moment but then said with a chuckle, ""It's the least I could do. After all, you've raised such a wonderful girl like Luna.""
""Joseph!"" Her eyes brimmed with tears as she nestled into his embrace.
Joseph stiffened.
Were all the Chapman daughters so shamelessly forward, Cassie and now Luna?
Cassie turned her face away, not wanting to think or see any more.
""Dad, I should probably head upstairs before Mr. Hernandez sees me and feels awkward,"" she said, giving a nod to Leo.
Leo understood her discomfort and was about to agree when Joseph's voice cut through, icy and sharp. ""Let's not pretend this isn't about you being angry with me for making you apologize.""
""I didn't..."" Cassie protested, exasperated. They weren't even together anymore, yet Joseph couldn't stop hounding her relentlessly.
A mocking laugh escaped Joseph as he gestured with his chin toward a bowl of fruit on the table. “Considering you're from the countryside, you must be familiar with the joy of fresh fruit. Perhaps you'd like to join us in enjoying them?”
Luna's heart soared with malicious delight. She hadn't expected Joseph to cater to her disdain for Cassie like this. ""Hurry up with the peeling,"" she urged. ""Joseph is waiting.""
""Alright,"" Cassie responded with a resigned smile, deciding to let him have his way.
She bent down and began to peel the peaches. She also cracked open some seeds, her fingers aching subtly from the repetitive motion.
Meanwhile, Luna leaned against Joseph, feeding him the freshly peeled fruits with gleeful intimacy.
---"
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