Chapter 466
"Limits? What limits could you possibly have?" Cassie's voice was laced with derision, her gaze flickering once more to the figure of Nathan Zenith looming behind Joseph. "Why did you bring him here? To play his protector?"
A wince of pain crossed Nathan's face. "Mrs. Hernandez," he began, his voice strained, "it would be in your best interest to maintain a distance from Nina. Her attempts to befriend you are undoubtedly driven by ulterior motives."
"Nathan," Nina's voice was a razor-sharp edge, "I regret not being more severe with you earlier."
Nathan, visibly frightened, sought refuge behind Joseph. "Joseph, look at her—she’s so audacious, threatening me right in front of you!"
"Nina, it appears I’ve been too lenient with you." Joseph's voice was as cold as a winter's night. "Consider this a warning. If I see you near my wife again, your position as CEO of Ning Corp will become irrelevant."
Nina bit her lip, her face paling slightly as Cassie firmly grasped her hand, meeting Joseph's icy stare head-on. "She doesn't need to pursue me. From now on, I'll be the one seeking her out. She's the first genuine friend I've made in New York."
Joseph's anger was palpable. "Cassie, how many times must I remind you? This woman is a master of deception and manipulation. And you're choosing to align yourself with her? Have you lost your mind?"
"Indeed, only someone who's lost their mind would have fallen for you," she retorted, her laughter as cold as her words. "Who's the real manipulator here? Nina has never lied to me, but I know about the woman you keep hidden away, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to your ex. Is this your version of love? It's repugnant."
Joseph faltered, a fleeting look of confusion and embarrassment crossing his handsome features. He quickly regained his composure, turning his stern gaze to Nina. "Did you tell her?"
Nina remained silent, caught off guard, as Cassie stepped protectively in front of her. "You're using Zenith's Group to intimidate her. Do you honestly believe she'd dare to speak out? The blame lies with you for your public spectacle with Megan Ray. Everyone in New York knows about it. You even call out Megan's name in your sleep, yet I've never confronted you about it. You even named our daughter Summer after the two of you. You built an amusement park to propose to her, and you still set off fireworks every Friday at 9:20 PM. It's all so touching. Do you take me for a fool?"
"All of that is in the past..." Joseph stammered, clearly flustered.
He was taken aback by the revelation that he’d been calling out Megan Ray's name in his sleep. When had that started? He couldn’t recall.
He reached out to take Cassie's hand, but she swatted it away with a force that surprised him.
The woman standing before him had eyes filled with a potent mix of hatred, disappointment, and fury.
"I thought it was over too, but your constant proximity to Joyce Ray made me realize I could never compete with a ghost, not even as a replacement." Cassie's voice trembled as she pointed an accusing finger at Joyce Ray. "What despicable things have you done with her in my bed when I'm not around? There are other rooms in the house, aren't you selective at all?"
"Rosalind, what are you implying?" Joyce Ray's voice was a plea of innocence, "Joseph only has eyes for you."
"Silence. You're the reigning queen of home-wreckers, no one else even comes close. You've manipulated all the men, making it seem like I'm the one at fault." Cassie took a deep, steadying breath, "But it doesn't matter anymore. If you want him, take him—I couldn't care less."
"If you don't care about me, then who do you care about?" Joseph's voice was thick with anger as he gripped her shoulders, feeling as though he was being suffocated by his own pain. "I've never done anything with Joyce Ray. I kept her around... just because... she's Megan Ray's cousin. I looked after her a bit; I don't have feelings for her."
"Oh, so your care and concern led you straight to the bedroom?" Cassie's words were a bitter scoff.
"I didn't!" Joseph's voice was a roar. "You really don't trust me?"
"I don't. You're not worth it." Cassie shook her head, a sense of calm washing over her as she spoke the words, "Joseph, aren't you tired? Protecting your ex's cousin, her brother, despising Nina's business tactics—all because of your ex. What’s next?"
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