Chapter 447
Joyce Ray hurriedly began to speak, but Cassie cut her off before she could finish. "Besides, we pay her for her services. Respect should be a given, shouldn't it? Or do you, Michael, go around disrespecting the housekeeper or security just because they're on your payroll?"
Michael's temper flared, "Cassie, can you drop it already? I haven't crossed you, okay? You're being passive-aggressive, and just so you know, Joyce Ray isn't like the rest..."
"Michael," Joseph's voice cut in, cold and authoritative, "Cassie is my wife. Show some respect to your sister-in-law."
Cassie's brows furrowed, catching something in Michael's 'not like the rest' comment. Not like the rest? How so?
Michael, visibly irritated, replied, "Then maybe you should start reining her in instead of being cryptic. Say what you mean."
"I thought I was being quite clear," Cassie shot back evenly.
"You..."
"Cassie, come help me with the grilling," Joseph suddenly interjected, pulling her to the side, "Let's go over there."
"...Sure." Cassie, considering Michael was still a friend, agreed to let the matter drop for the time being and went with Joseph to the other barbecue pit.
But the unease lingered. She hadn't said much upon arrival, yet somehow she'd gotten into an argument with Michael.
Her thoughts drifted to Joyce Ray's expression earlier; it was venomous, reminiscent of Olivia Brooks. That's right—Olivia Brooks had disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Madison.
"The chives will burn if you don't flip them soon," Joseph reminded her. "Are you still upset?"
"No, I was just thinking about something."
"What could possibly preoccupy your mind so much when I'm right here?" Joseph playfully arched a quizzical eyebrow, the charm evident in his handsome features.
"I was wondering... Do nurses earn enough these days to afford the latest Fendi collection? That outfit easily costs over ten thousand," Cassie blurted out before she could filter her words.
Joe's brow furrowed, "When we went fishing this afternoon, she accidentally fell into the water. Michael bought her those clothes."
Cassie's red lips parted slightly in surprise.
"You really are..." Joe let out a reluctant chuckle, "You don't trust me enough, always getting jealous over Joyce Ray. You've freaked her out."
Cassie remained silent.
When had she ever intimidated Joyce Ray? She hadn't said a word to her, and Joyce Ray had looked frightened. Was that her fault?
"You think I scared her too?" Cassie finally asked in a quiet voice.
"Cassie, there's no need to worry," Joe said as he took her hand again, "You know how I feel about you, don't you understand that?"
Cassie nodded, a touch of clarity in her eyes, but repeated, "You think I scared her?"
"Can we just drop it?" Joe handed her a yogurt, trying to change the subject, "She's not important."
Cassie fell silent for a moment before taking the yogurt, "Does Michael like Joyce Ray?"
"Maybe, I don't really know. All I know is I don't like her," Joe quickly diverted the topic, "I'm still in the mood for some eggplant."
"Sure," Cassie placed another eggplant on the grill for him.
Soon after, Lucas came over with a plate of grilled shrimp, his tone teasing, "Sis, can Joseph eat shrimp grilled by another woman?"
"No, he can only eat the ones I grill," Cassie replied unapologetically.
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