Chapter 568
Joseph squirmed under the intensity of Cassie's gaze. A sense of discomfort gnawed at him, prompting him to extract a cigarette from his pocket. He lit it, inhaled deeply, and steeled his resolve. "Did you comprehend my words?" he asked, his voice laced with an icy detachment. "I married you under the duress of the Hernandez family. Your only reason for accepting my proposal was your mistaken belief that I was Arthur's uncle."
Cassie, unable to suppress her emotions any longer, retorted, "Indeed, our union began as a marriage of convenience, but it evolved into a consensual relationship. I never forced you into anything."
"Silence," Joseph snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Your relentless attempts at seduction are the only reason I ever found you attractive."
Despite the hurt that pierced her heart, Cassie's eyes welled up with tears. "Joseph, you're being unfair. To maintain Megan's innocence and protect her from public scrutiny, you compelled me to lie about our divorce. You claimed it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, but the world will perceive me as a gold-digger. Yes, Megan can salvage her reputation, but what about me? I'll be vilified. Have you ever considered my feelings?"
"Why should I concern myself with your feelings? I don't even harbor any affection for you," Joseph retorted, his brow furrowed in irritation.
Cassie let out a hollow laugh, tears streaming down her cheeks. She found herself questioning whether Megan's hypnotism was truly that potent, or if Joseph had never truly let go of his feelings for her.
Joseph felt a pang of unease at Cassie's laughter. "Did you hear my words?"
"I can tolerate your infidelity during our marriage, but I refuse to sacrifice my dignity for the sake of your reputations. Dream on. The online community is correct; Megan is the mistress," Cassie yelled, her patience finally snapping.
"Silence," Joseph commanded, his hand striking Cassie's face with ruthless force.
Cassie stood frozen, her hand gingerly touching her stinging cheek, as tears cascaded down her face.
" Cassie, consider this a warning. I won't tolerate any further slander against Megan," Joseph declared, his eyes narrowing with each word. "I suggest you heed my advice, or I won't hesitate to withdraw Dr. Angelino's services for Leo Chapman's treatment."
"Joseph, you monster," Cassie cried out in despair, her patience worn thin.
"I stand by my words," Joseph responded cryptically. He couldn't bear to see Cassie's tears any longer and turned to leave.
"Joseph, I'm willing to shoulder all the blame," Cassie suddenly proposed. "As long as you grant me a divorce and custody of our children, we can sever all ties."
"You're delusional. The children are mine, Cassie. You have no right to negotiate with me. Once you've come to terms with this, I'll let Dr. Angelino leave," Joseph declared without a backward glance, his figure receding into the distance.
Cassie watched Joseph's retreating form, a sense of desolation enveloping her.
Less than twenty minutes later, she received a call from Dr. Angelino, informing her that he could no longer provide treatment for Leo Chapman.
Without medical care, Leo Chapman's fate was in the hands of Vera and her daughter, who seemed indifferent to his plight. The decision now rested with Atlas, and without intervention, Leo Chapman's days were numbered.
Left with no other option, Cassie took to Facebook to reveal the truth: "I sincerely hope Joseph finds love. However, I must share the truth with everyone. Joseph and I divorced last month. Our marriage was primarily a result of familial pressure on Joseph's part. It was a mutual agreement, devoid of any emotional attachment. Megan, Joseph's childhood sweetheart, was never a third party in our relationship. Our separation was due to a series of misunderstandings. I genuinely wish them a blissful future together."
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