Chapter 614
"I am aware of that, but I ought to be capable of defending myself," Cassie declared, lifting her delicate face. Her beautiful eyes, half-smiling, blinked at him. "So, after years of absence, my husband now feels bold enough to slay his wife in broad daylight?"
Joseph's handsome features contorted almost grotesquely. "What did you just call me?" he demanded. "Who gave you the right to address me in such a manner? It's revolting."
"But I'm only stating the facts," Cassie countered, her voice steady. "Look, isn't this our marriage certificate?" She produced the document and waved it slightly.
" Cassie, have you lost your mind? Why on earth would you carry such a thing around?" Joseph spat the words out, his tone merciless.
Cassie offered a complex smile in response.
The exchange felt eerily familiar. There had been a time when Cassie would curse Joseph, and he, in turn, would always have their marriage certificate on his person.
But times had changed.
"I didn't wish to resort to this, but even I have my limits," Cassie admitted, her voice suddenly cold. "Joseph, throughout our marriage, even though it was merely contractual, have I ever demanded a single penny from you? The Peace Group is the only legacy my mother left me, yet you handed my most precious possession to Megan. It feels like a knife to my heart. If you wish to gift something to Megan, why not give her something of your own? Why must it be mine?"
As Cassie spoke, her anger escalated. Despite years of learning to keep her emotions in check, she found herself losing control.
Joseph, initially brimming with rage, now seemed somewhat uncertain. "How was I supposed to know it was left to you by your mother?"
Cassie laughed bitterly. "Yes, you didn't know. You know nothing."
These were facts that Joseph once knew, but he had since lost his memory.
Regardless, Cassie wasn't about to forgive him simply because he couldn't remember.
One could live without memories, but it was unjust to drag others into a mire for the sake of one woman.
"Regardless, you had no right to harm Megan," Joseph retorted angrily. "You chose to feign death, and in your absence, Megan has been diligently managing the Peace Group, making significant contributions."
"Are you implying that there's no talent left in our vast Peace Group?" Cassie shot back. "Charles managed it perfectly well before, but she insisted on taking over. She's a psychology major, not a businesswoman. If she's so keen on running a company, she should join the Zenith family. Why did she have to meddle with the Peace Group?"
Cassie suddenly flashed a sly smile. "Is she planning to usurp everything that's rightfully mine? Perhaps she'll even lay claim to my dad and Leo's Group."
"Enough! Megan is not that sort of person," Joseph interjected, clearly exasperated. "She expressed interest in real estate investment, and since I don't own a real estate company, I entrusted the Peace Group to her."
"Well, then I suppose I should express my gratitude to both of you for managing the Peace Group so efficiently," Cassie responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Perhaps I should present Megan with an award for her efforts?"
" Cassie, I find your attitude utterly repugnant," Joseph retorted, unable to mask the disgust in his eyes.
"Very well, if my presence is so offensive to you, then return the Peace Group to me and have your precious Megan leave. Tomorrow, I will reclaim the Peace Group and restructure it," Cassie declared, utterly indifferent to Joseph's glare.
Joseph could bear it no longer, his words suggesting he was being accused of attempting to seize her company. "The Peace Group, such a worthless entity. But you must apologize to Megan publicly tomorrow and seek her forgiveness."
Cassie idly toyed with her earlobe, a smirk playing on her lips. "You expect an apology from me? Are you lost in a daydream?"
Joseph responded with a frosty sneer. "If that's the case, then I won't bequeath you the company. The shareholders of Peace Group are no fools. Without my endorsement, you'll be invisible to them, even if you waltz right into the boardroom."
Cassie's response was nonchalant. "If you're not willing, then so be it." She brandished their marriage certificate with a flick of her wrist. "I suppose I'll just have to release a photo to the public, announcing that we're still legally wed. Three years ago, I was forced to declare our divorce because you threatened me using my father. I wonder how the public will react, especially Megan. Your love story has been the talk of the town these past few years."
Joseph's face contorted in anger. "You wouldn't dare," he growled, his voice a fierce warning.
Cassie raised an eyebrow, her satisfaction evident. "And what do I have to fear?"
Joseph's gaze flickered to Cassie, and he suddenly lunged forward, attempting to snatch the marriage certificate from her grasp.
Cassie was quick to react, spinning around and clutching the document tightly to her chest.
As Joseph's chest collided with her back, Cassie's long hair fanned out, releasing a faint floral scent. He couldn't place the specific bloom, but the fragrance was pleasant, soothing even, and not at all overpowering.
It even smelled better than Megan.
Joseph found himself momentarily distracted, and Cassie seized the opportunity to push him away and dart into the room.
Fearful that Cassie might escape, Joseph instinctively reached out, his hand closing around her soft arm. He yanked her back towards him with such force that she stumbled, crashing into his arms. Her back was now pressed against his chest, her body's curves igniting a familiar yet foreign warmth within him.
Joseph gritted his teeth, one hand gripping her tightly, while the other fought the urge to wrestle the marriage certificate from her hold.
Cassie squirmed in his grip, oblivious to the fact that her movements were causing a stir within Joseph. It wasn't until she noticed the change in him that her face flushed a deep crimson.
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