Chapter 347
Checking online, he was dismayed to find plenty of media outlets already crafting this 'devoted husband' narrative for him. Even more outrageous were the rumors about him and Luna tying the knot next month. It was all a complete mess.
Fuming, he summoned Victor from the PR department. "Instead of properly promoting our new development project, you're pulling these entertainment industry stunts. Take it down immediately."
Victor pleaded, his voice tinged with hurt, "But your image has really made a positive shift."
"Remind me, who's the CEO here?" Joseph asked coldly, a wry smile on his face.
"Alright, I'll handle it," Victor mumbled, nodding glumly.
Although the trending gossip was quickly suppressed and the online chatter was deleted, the talk had spread like wildfire; practically all of Madison was abuzz with the news.
Naturally, Cassie was no exception.
Everyone now knew that Luna and Joseph were an item.
David sent her a Whatsapp message: "Joseph's been so cruel to you, Cassie. I'm working on becoming stronger, and one day, I'll be there to rescue you."
Cassie was touched yet helpless. The kinder David was, the more guilt she felt.
Joseph didn't return to the Madison residence for the following two days.
Cassie didn't know where he'd spent his nights and didn't bother to ask.
That evening, Liam called her, "I got discharged from the hospital yesterday."
"Congratulations."
"This time, I've come to collect a debt," Liam said with a chuckle. "Didn't you say you wanted to thank me? There's a charity event tomorrow. Join me."
Cassie hesitated initially but agreed upon learning it was for charity.
The next day at five, Liam pulled up in a sleek blue Ferrari at the company's entrance to pick her up.
Cassie quickly slipped into the car, and Liam glanced at her athletic outfit, "That getup doesn't really fit the occasion. I'll take you to change."
An hour later, Cassie emerged from the dressing room in a vintage red dress.
"Nice!" Liam snapped his fingers, impressed.
"Am I wearing this to a charity event?" Cassie asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, it's a charity gala," Liam said.
Cassie halted in her tracks, frowning. "Liam, isn't this just a little deceptive? Forget it; I'm not going."
She feared a chance encounter with Joseph could result in another verbal lash for her flirty nature, not to mention the potential torture that might await her later in the night; Joseph's presence had become something she genuinely dreaded.
"What do you mean 'deceptive'? It's a charity event for a good cause," Liam protested with an innocent look plastered across his face. "You're not going to stand me up now, are you? At this hour, where am I supposed to find another date?"
"Liam, I don't want to fuel any rumors about us," she objected.
"It's just as a date; you're overthinking it. Besides, don't think I'm not aware that you and David split up."
Seeing her remain unmoved, Liam crossed his arms, chuckling. "Don't worry, there won't be anyone you know at tonight's gala. You've said it yourself: you're new to New York and need to socialize to build your network. Or do you plan to be a hermit forever?"
The thought struck a chord within Cassie. Indeed, to break free from Joseph, she needed to empower herself, and building connections was critical to that.
"Fine, I'll go with you."
————
At the Tranquil Bay Retreat in New York, a grand charity gala was unfolding.
Liam entered the venue with his arm entwined with Cassie's. He was the picture of elegance in his burgundy suit, reminiscent of a refined gentleman straight out of a comic book. Cassie, by his side, radiated stunning beauty — her pale skin, seductively flowing hair, burgundy lips, and eye-catching allure made her appear like a breathtaking vision of glamour.
"Who's the lady with Liam? She's gorgeous," someone murmured.
"I’ve never seen her before."
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