Chapter 401
"I..."
"Did you hear that?" Joseph's voice was laced with a protective warmth as he pulled Cassie into his embrace. "My wife has requested you to leave. Is it customary for home wreckers to be so brazen these days?" He turned his attention back to Cassie, "Darling, please sit. I'll continue peeling these pine nuts for you."
David's gaze lingered on Cassie, now nestled comfortably in Joseph's arms. A shadow of discontent flickered in the depths of his eyes. His features contorted in a grimace before he spun on his heel, striding away.
Cassie's gaze followed his retreating figure, her heart heavy with an unspoken sigh. She yearned for the day David would relinquish his hold on her.
Ever since she made the decision to return to Joseph's side, she knew she could no longer entertain a future with David. Particularly now, given that she and Joseph had never officially divorced, the prospect seemed even more elusive.
"Concentrate on the pine nuts, cease pondering over other men," Joseph instructed, gently turning her face towards him. "David isn't as straightforward as he appears..."
She found herself at a loss for words. Indeed, David had felt like a stranger to her that day.
...
Post-banquet, the Stark family ushered their guests onto the lawn for an afternoon dance.
As the crowd began to disperse, Cassie was jostled abruptly. A stout man spun around, his face twisted in anger, "Why on earth did you touch my butt?"
Cassie instantly recognized the man as Edward, from the Hernandez Group's fundraising gala, where he had been handsy with her.
"You dare to flirt with my husband, you freak? I'll rip you to shreds," a rotund woman, presumably Edward's wife Aurora, bellowed as she advanced, hand raised to strike Cassie.
Joseph intercepted Aurora's wrist, his eyes glinting with icy determination, "Madam Aurora, do you really want to lose that hand of yours?"
"Help! Joseph's threatening to break my hand!" Aurora's shriek drew the attention of the other guests, who turned to observe the unfolding drama.
"What seems to be the issue here, Edward, Mrs. Aurora?" Felix interjected, attempting to mediate.
"You've arrived just in time," Edward grumbled. "This woman attempted to seduce me as I walked past, and when my wife confronted her, Joseph threatened to break her hand."
"Cassie, don't tell me you've decided that Joseph, stripped of his presidency at Hernandez Group, is a sinking ship and you're seeking to ascend another social ladder?" Celeste's voice dripped with faux shock, "To think you're still restless despite such disfigurement."
"Revolting, shameless."
"Apologize to Edward and Mrs. Aurora, immediately!"
The crowd began hurling insults at Cassie.
In the midst of the chaos, Mrs. Aurora suddenly covered her eyes, sobbing, "You don't understand, my husband's arm was broken by Joseph not long ago."
"Indeed, look at my hand, still swathed in bandages," Edward added, his face contorted in a bitter grimace.
Walter was seething, "This is unacceptable, Joseph, apologize to Edward immediately."
Liam sighed, "Bro, Edward is a crucial partner of Hernandez Group. What you did was way over the line."
"Is that so?" Joseph's smile was tight and insincere as he loosened his tie slightly. "Well, Edward, how should I apologize to earn your forgiveness?"
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