Chapter 449
For the first time that night, warmth spread through Cassie's throat. Unexpectedly, the first person to consider her feelings was not Joe but a stranger she had met less than twice.
"Nina, cut it out. Don't meddle with Joseph and his wife's relationship," Lucas finally spoke up, standing by the grill in his casual wear, exuding an air of casual elegance with his straight nose and disdainful eyes that reflected a piercing loathing. "You're just as sharp-tongued and annoying as ever."
A sharp pain slashed through Nina's heart. The man had become even more good-looking, yet he still despised her just the same.
Her lips twisted into a cold smirk. "All these years, I've done my best to steer clear of you guys. We have no real ties. So why target our family all of a sudden, Joseph? The microchip is crucial to us, I'm begging you..."
"What's that to me?" Joseph left her with his cold indifference.
A ghostly pallor crossed Nina's beautiful face. Cassie saw the helplessness in her eyes, a painful reminder of her own past.
"Joseph, would it help if I got down on my knees?" Nina looked desperately at his retreating figure.
Michael said cruelly, "Even if you kneeled to death, it wouldn't make a difference, Nina. You deserve it. Go back, reflect, and be a decent human being. Maybe then we might throw some business to Zenith's Family."
"It's always been like this. I've never understood what I did to offend you all," Nina said with a self-deprecating laugh, turning to walk away. But when she caught sight of Joyce Ray, she paused abruptly. "Who's she?"
Joyce panicked, instinctively hiding behind Joseph.
Joseph's brow furrowed deeply. "Just leave already."
Nina laughed again, her gaze lingering on the three men before resting on Cassie, revealing a flicker of sympathy. "What's the point in the three of you toying and deceiving an innocent, kind-hearted woman?"
Cassie's head was buzzing; it was all too confusing and painful. She didn't understand what Nina was talking about, or why the men's expressions changed upon hearing her words.
"Get out!" Lucas strode over, grabbed Nina's arm, and dragged her toward the exit.
He threw her down at the entrance of the villa, where she landed with a thud. Her knees scraped against the ground from the force, and her hair tousled, but she gritted her teeth and rose quickly, pride and defiance in her eyes.
"Nina, if you want Zenith's Family to have a place in New York, keep your mouth shut," Lucas warned with a menacing glare.
"Why be afraid of people knowing if you dare to do it?" Nina's cool face was etched with stubborn resolve. "A person who's been gone for years and yet you're all still hung up on her. What was so special about Megan Ray that she..."
"Slap."
Lucas' icy slap landed on her cheek. "Shut up."
Nina blinked furiously to hold back her tears. "Don't worry, I won't go talking to Cassie,” she said. “She's a good girl who doesn't deserve to get hurt. Joseph is just a sick man who isn't worthy of her."
"It seems you never learn," Lucas growled, his anger mounting as he seized her throat. Despite the years gone by, this woman always managed to provoke him.
"Am I wrong?" Nina gasped for air. "Are you telling me it's acceptable for a married man to keep a woman around merely because she resembles his ex? To take advantage of Cassie's innocence because she's unfamiliar with Megan Ray's face? If he's so nostalgic, why marry someone else and play with their emotions? You're all despicable."
"Shut up if you don't know what you're talking about."
Lucas lifted her and hurled her into the nearby fountain. The frigid water shocked her, piercing her skin and nearly suffocating her with its chill.
"You should be grateful I brought you out tonight," Lucas stated coldly, his gaze sweeping over her drenched form before he turned and walked away without a backward glance.
Nina watched his heartless departure and let out a scornful laugh. So, she was expected to thank him?
... ...
Meanwhile, by the lakeside meadow…
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