Chapter 386
Vera, her grip firm and reassuring, held Luna's hand. "Your engagement to the Stark family is imminent—don't let the gossip cloud your mind," she advised. "With the Starks as our allies, it's only a matter of time before we handle Joseph and Cassie."
Luna nodded, a vow burning in her heart to repay the insult a thousandfold. "Mom, will dad really divorce you?" she asked, her voice a whisper.
"Your grandfather won't allow it," Vera replied, her voice steady.
---
The Hernandez estate was alive with activity early in the morning. Walter, the patriarch, nearly keeled over in shock upon seeing Joseph's marriage certificate.
"That scoundrel, secretly wedded to Cassie all this while," he muttered, his voice filled with disbelief.
Mildred, her hand on her forehead, was still reeling from the revelation. "So, he's flown the coop, made fools of us. And here I was, fretting over his matrimony like a simpleton."
Celeste, her voice filled with indignation, exclaimed, "Mom, what Joseph said on TV was beyond the pale. After everything the Hernandez family did for him, he has the audacity to paint us as a bunch of snobs!"
"Like we're not," Richard muttered under his breath, unable to resist the jibe.
"Richard." Isaac shot him a warning glare, his voice stern.
"Stop nagging at me, and focus on managing Hernandez Corp instead. Joseph's reputation is soaring. If Hernandez Corp faces any setbacks, we'll be the town's laughingstock."
All eyes turned to Liam.
"Liam, stand up for us, and don't disappoint me. I've truly lost hope in Joseph," Walter said, his gaze earnest.
Liam chuckled, "Grandpa, you can rely on me. Hernandez Corp is a top enterprise in Madison. While some credit my older brother for its success, I've always believed it's the legacy of connections and wealth built by the Hernandez family for generations. Plus, Hernandez Corp is a powerhouse of talent; missing one person won’t make a dent."
Walter nodded in satisfaction, "You're right. Joseph is just too arrogant. He'll regret leaving Hernandez Corp; without it, he's nothing."
---
After the black Bentley had left the estate, Mabel, who was perusing files in the back seat, casually asked, "Liam, how far along is the chip development? The launch event is next month."
"Mom, the head engineer, Fletcher, handed in his resignation," Liam said, his grip tightening on the steering wheel, his smooth features suddenly creasing into a frown. "I didn't approve it, but they haven't shown up in the lab for days."
"What?" Mabel looked up, shocked. After a moment, realization dawned, "I remember now, Fletcher was headhunted from Australia by Joseph five years ago. Almost all of the lab team was recruited by him."
"Exactly, it must be Joseph pulling the strings behind the scenes," Liam said, his expression sour. "I was even thinking of replacing Fletcher, but there's not enough time, and talents like him don't just turn up overnight."
Marcus had a sudden realization, "No wonder Joseph left Hernandez Corp so easily. After so many years, he left without a fuss. Now it's clear he had a plan all along."
"This chip launch is critical. Any delay and our competitors will seize the opportunity to rise," Mabel said, her brow furrowed in worry. "I just can't believe you, Liam. You talk a big game even when things are rough, especially just after boasting in front of Grandpa."
"Mom, I've worked so hard to take over Hernandez's group. I can't let Grandpa think I'm falling short compared to Joseph," Liam grumbled, a hint of frustration on his face.
"Forget it, I'll talk to Joseph this afternoon..." Mabel began.
"What's the use in that? You two have never seen eye-to-eye," Marcus said, comforting her by patting the back of her hand. "If you ask me, just let it go. Let him come back to the company, and work together as brothers. No need for this cutthroat competition."
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