"Is it important?" Kate refuted immediately, "Are you sympathizing with White Group, or do you not believe that I can handle my own company? Even if I didn't have the ability, I don't need your help!"
Joseph knew that Kate would not understand his intentions. She was angry, and he needed to find an excuse, "It was my mother's idea!" Joseph figured he could explain everything to his mother later; he just didn't want Kate to feel like he was looking down on her and her abilities.
"What?" Kate exclaimed. Her anger eased some as she said, "Your mother asked you to help me?"
"Yes, she said that although you are not her daughter-in-law anymore, she always thought of you as her daughter. Besides, she and your mother were the best of friends. You mother created White Group, she had to do something for you and her," Joseph told Kate, he found that if a matter related to her, he would be willing to spare no effort, even if it meant telling some white lies.
Kate's anger seemed to be gone, so Joseph knew what he explained worked. He smiled and said, "Don't think that I promote your collaboration with Wilson Group out of sympathy. I just gave you a chance; you chose to take advantage of the opportunity. The benefits and developments were all your doing, and so I didn't do all that much."
Joseph wanted to eliminate any doubt in Kate's heart. After all, he knew that she would insist he was involved if he hadn't explained in detail. He thought of the letters she wrote to him; she would rather swallow her complaints than clarify the situation for herself. After the divorce, Kate refused Joseph's help, which only showed her stubbornness and healthy self-esteem. However, Joseph still wanted to protect her.
Kate was feeling mixed emotions. She appreciated Cassie's help and didn't want to be angry with her. She knew Joseph was right; Smith Group provided resources, but the project results depended on her capabilities. Kate felt better, but she still felt as if she couldn't live up to Cassie's expectations.
"Anything else you want to talk about?" Joseph wanted her to stay longer; he was afraid she might discover that it was him behind the collaboration and not his mother.
"No," Kate replied, then turned to leave, "Please let your mother know I am thankful. I will work hard and not disappoint her."
Joseph nodded and said, "I will."
A few minutes after Kate left, Joseph immediately called Cassie. She was at the spa and very surprised to see that Joseph was calling her, "What is wrong? My son voluntarily called me?"
Joseph was embarrassed by Cassie's comment, but he smiled and said, "Mom, can we have dinner together tonight? There is something I want to discuss with you."
"I won't!"
Cassie couldn't hold back her joy, and laughed, "Then what do you want to eat? I can have the chef make something for us."
"No trouble. I will pick you up at five o'clock."
"We are going out?" It was the first time Joseph took the initiative in taking her out for dinner. She exclaimed, "That is perfect!"
After hanging up with his mother, Joseph called Dobby. His happy and smiling expression instantly turned to anger.
Dobby trembled as he answered the phone, "Hi, Joseph..."
"You should know that there are consequences for violating our agreement," Joseph barked.
Dobby frowned, he was prepared for Joseph's reaction but did not expect it to happen so quickly, "Mr. Smith, I told Lady Kate for your sake. I think that you still love her and are doing all of this because of that. Instead of contributing silently, she should know what is in your heart. She will be moved and want to rekindle your relationship…"
"My relationship is none of your business! You should not be worried about that!" Joseph hung up on him.
Dobby stared at the phone, thinking that everything would be okay as long as Joseph did not suspect that he was working with Samuel. He did not care about the compensation for violating the contract.
**
At five o'clock, Joseph arrived at the Smith mansion to pick up Cassie. She was waiting at the gate and happily waved at him.
"Mom, get in the car," Joseph got out and opened the door for her.
Cassie nearly jumped into the car with excitement. While they drove, she looked at Joseph from time to time and wanted to say something but stopped each time.
Joseph knew he needed to explain, "It seems that I am not a very good son."
"Not a good son? Why would you think that? I am just curious as to why you are suddenly treating me to dinner. This is the first time, so I am assuming you have something you want to discuss with me, correct?"
"We will talk when we get to the restaurant," Joseph knew it wasn't overly crucial since Cassie would not be speaking to Kate in the next few hours.
"So, you do have something to talk to me about?"
Joseph stopped his car in front of a famous restaurant in Aubi City. Cassie looked up and saw that it was her favorite restaurant. Although everyone thought Joseph was self-centered, he always cared and paid attention to details involving those he cared about.
After sitting down next to a large window, Cassie smiled at her son, "It must be something vital you need to talk over since we are at a fancy restaurant."
Joseph passed the menu to her and said, "Order whatever you like. Don't worry about the cost."
Cassie frowned, she was happy but also nervous, "You flatter me, but what if I can't help you? I will feel bad!"
Joseph wasn't worried, "You can order absolutely anything, and I firmly believe you can help me!"
"Okay, I will not joke around. What are you going to get?"
"Don't worry about me! Choose whatever you like!" Joseph said and looked at the menu. He immediately saw one of Kate's favorite dishes; without hesitation, he said, "I am going to get the spicy fish!"
"Spicy?" Cassie was surprised and looked at her son astoundingly, "You never liked spicy food. When did you start eating it?"