Chapter 425
The recent turn of events had unearthed memories long buried in the recesses of time. Scars, deeper than she could fathom, marred Joseph's heart, each one a testament to her indifference. She had always detested his very existence, but was it not Joseph who bore a greater hatred for her, the woman who had brought him into this cruel world?
"Mabel," Liam's voice cut through her thoughts, "did you or did you not leak the photos?" His brow was furrowed in concern. "Summer's chip release is tomorrow, and the prime suspects are Aunt Celeste and you."
"I didn't," Liam retorted, a hint of irritation lacing his words. "Despite everything, he's still family. He's already ill; I wouldn't stoop so low."
Mabel rubbed her temples, well-versed in her son's stubborn character. Could it really have been Celeste?
"Mom," Liam's voice wavered, "with Joseph in this state, can the launch still proceed tomorrow?"
Without a word, Mabel shot him a glare and left to find Celeste.
...
Lucas, in his haste, drove Joseph straight to a private hospital for immediate evaluation, administering a sedative to calm his nerves.
In the sterile confines of the hospital room, Cassie sat by Joseph's side, her hand clasped tightly around his. She had always known him to be arrogant, detached, ruthless even. But today, she saw a different side of him. His fragility, his helplessness, it tugged at her heartstrings.
"To be honest," Lucas began, a self-deprecating laugh escaping his lips, "when I first found out Joseph was with you, I thought... you were out of his league." He paused, shaking his head. "Now, I'm ashamed of ever thinking that. You're someone Joseph should treasure."
Cassie wasn't surprised. They both hailed from Madison's elite—a world that looked down on her. "Lucas," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, "how did Joseph get those scars on his arms?"
Lucas gave a rueful smile. "You must have guessed by now. Yes, whenever Joseph was on the verge of losing control, he would cut himself. Twice it happened, and both times, it was about you."
Cassie jolted upright, her gaze locked on Lucas. "Once, it was after a morning spat. He hurt himself in the car after storming off. Another time, it was on the way to the hospital after he rescued you from the Hernandez estate."
Suddenly, it all made sense to Cassie. That morning, she had coldly declared she didn't love him, which had angered him to leave. And the other time, he'd abruptly demanded to get out of the car -- she thought he was disgusted by a smell on her. He had been harming himself. The realization of her obliviousness to his emotional turmoil until today filled her with deep regret.
"Only you and Mabel can shake his emotional foundation because he cares," Lucas sighed, looking at her helplessly.
"What should I do?” Cassie asked, her heart fluttering with anxiety.
"Stay by his side," Lucas suggested. "He's not in any shape to work right now. Joseph owns a beach house. I think you should move there with him. Take long walks on the beach to clear his head, give him warmth, give him love."
"Okay," Cassie agreed without hesitation.
"You... don't hate him anymore?" Lucas asked curiously, raising an eyebrow, "Weren't you always blaming him for scheming to split you and David? And isn't your injury connected to Joseph?"
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