“I am not going to cause trouble about what you did to my mother because you are old, and you are still my grandfather. However, I have to warn you that you should not continue because I will lose all respect for you. And, then you suffer the consequences.”
Joseph turned to Ricky, “Get Mr. Smith out of here!”
The old man was stunned as Joseph walked out of the room. He wanted to say something but knew there was no way he would be able to convince him to go back to Smith Group. He didn't take the warning from Joseph seriously; nothing was more important than Smith Group; without that, he had nothing. Everyone in the Smith family respected the old man, except Joseph.
**
When Joseph walked out of his home, he went directly to his aunt’s house. He saw Cassie sitting in the yard reading a book.
Cassie was startled, “Joseph, why…why are you here? Shouldn’t you be at work?”
Joseph could see her nervousness in her eyes, “I heard Noelle had some books she left here. I wanted to get a few for Kate. I am surprised to see you here.”
She smiled reluctantly, “You could have called and had your aunt send them to you. Why come all the way here?”
When Joseph didn't answer after a few moments, Cassie nodded her head, "I see; since they are for Kate, you need to pick them up yourself. We all see that she fills your heart, and we believe that you will treat her well."
Seeing his mother trying her best to pretend that nothing had happened with his grandfather, Joseph felt a little sad. In the past, she often told him things, and he was usually impatient with her. Yet, when he knew she kept such a big secret from him, he seemed to be even more frustrated. He couldn't understand why she didn't want him to know she had been kicked out of the Smith home.
“What is wrong?” Cassie asked in a low voice.
"Are you busy in the next little bit?”
"Not really," Cassie wondered why he suddenly cared about her.
"Then come stay at my house for a while?" Joseph knew that his mother was strong and would never tell him. She had to have been concerned about the situation, so he wanted to respect her wishes. When she was ready to tell him, she would.
"No, no, I heard from Kate that she is staying with you. With her there to take care of you, I can rest assured. I am not going to disturb two love birds. Besides, there are so many people to talk to, and I like living here," Cassie said with a smile.
Joseph kept silent for a long time. It was evident that Cassie didn’t even realize what she had said.
"Joseph, is there something wrong?" Cassie was concerned about how he was acting.
"No, nothing! I am going to leave now,” Joseph shook his head.
"I won't bother right now. When Noelle comes back, she and Kate can talk."
"That is true! She may not like what you choose!" Cassie tried to sound calm, but she was worried that Joseph knew the truth, which was why he was there.
On the way drive to JK Group, Joseph was sad. He thought about when he mentioned going to Smith mansion to see Cassie for Thanksgiving, but Kate interrupted him and mentioned going away. He thought it was strange, yet he would never have thought Kate was helping to cover up the truth about Cassie being kicked out.
He suddenly turned the car around, when he realized that Kate and Noelle were good friends so they both must know.
Just as Kate was about to pick up the phone to call Joseph, he appeared at her office door. She smiled; it was nice that he showed up when she needed his help. She said, "Wow! We really do have a connection! I have something to ask you!"
Kate got up, walked over, and took his arm to pull him to her computer. She pointed at the screen, "Take a look at this. Do you know how to solve it?"
Joseph focused on the computer screen and entered the correct formula without saying a word. He then continued on to finish the rest of the work on the page.
After he solved her problem, she told him, "Besides you, I always feel inferior. You are so much smarter than me!"
Still not speaking, Joseph turned off the computer screen then turned to face Kate. His now usual gentle expression seemed to have some coldness to it.
Kate cautiously asked, “What is wrong with you? What is going on?”
"Kate, didn't we say that we shouldn't hide anything from each other?" Joseph said with an accusing tone in his voice.
“Joseph, I am not hiding anything from you,” Kate frowned.
"Aren’t you?" Joseph snapped. He was agitated and didn’t want to fight, so he tried his best to speak gently, “You didn’t suggest going away just to hide the fact that my mother was kicked out of Smith mansion?”
Kate was shocked; she quickly took his hand, "Don't be angry. I did hide it from you, but your mother didn't want us to know. I didn't dare tell you because I knew you would be furious. Noelle told me in confidence."
"I just went to see my mother," He felt very hurt thinking that his mother was forced out of her home.
"Did you ask your mother?"
"I didn't ask her. I pretended not to know, and she pretended to be okay," Joseph lowered his head, "I am sorry Kate, I spoke a little harshly, and I don't mean to blame you. I just don't like it when you think you need to hide things from me; I will be reasonable. I, of all people, know exactly what my grandfather is like. I will not go against him."
“He is your family. You would feel bad,” Kate whispered.
“I may have in the past, but not now. Grandpa’s only concern is Smith Group, not his family. For the better of the company, he would not hesitate to hurt or take advantage of his family. The so-called blood connection is long gone.”
"Then, what shall we do next? Are you going to ask your mother to come to your house? We can’t let her stay at your aunt’s house forever. Although your aunt doesn’t mind, I think your mother will start to feel bad,” Kate questioned.