Chapter 5: A Talk with Cassie Smith

Cassie looked at Joseph and then turned to Kate. Seeing their expressions, she smiled and said to Vincent, "Dad, let's forget about the cat. We should enjoy our reunion, shouldn't we?"

Then Vincent shifted his focus to Samuel and said, "You have not been home for two years. Will you be leaving again?"

"No, Grandpa. I missed home very much when I was abroad. And now my parents are not in the best of health. I want to be at home to help take care of them," Samuel replied politely.

"That's great. The Smith Group also needs you. I think Joseph may be too busy to deal with all business affairs," Vincent said while looking at Joseph.

Samuel nodded and said, "Yes, as a member of the Smith family, I should contribute my share to the Smith Group."

"Okay, you can get started tomorrow."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Samuel nodded in appreciation with a smug smile on his face.

Vincent looked at Joseph and asked, "Do you have any objection?"

"Of course not. It's all up to you, Grandpa," Joseph answered.

"Samuel, since Joseph has no objections, I want you to learn from him and cooperate with him to develop our Group," Mr. Smith said, "Our Group has developed quickly in the last two years that you have been away. However, I firmly believe it will make even more of a huge progression with your joint efforts."

"I'll try my best to learn from him and be as excellent as he is," Samuel looked at Kate and added, "I also hope to marry a kind and caring wife as he does. I think he is fortunate."

Kate was a little uneasy when she heard Samuel's comment. She suddenly thought of the scene that happened two years ago and realized what Joseph meant when he said, "you will see the one you desire."

Joseph not only had a misunderstanding of what led to Anna's death but also about the fact that she had an affair with Samuel.

"But if you just keep focusing on other's belongings, you will not be as fortunate as I am," Joseph answered him with a cold face.

"Maybe I will, or maybe not. After all, nothing is impossible for a willing mind," Joseph argued. They seemed to be ready to quarrel with each other.

Mr. Smith reprimanded, "I have said many times not to pay much attention to love. You will finally meet the right girl and get married."

Samuel knew his grandpa was warning him. So, he nodded, though he did not agree with him at all.

"You two, come to my study." Mr. Smith stood up with the help of his walking stick and went toward the study.

Joseph looked at Kate and said, "You can have a chat with our mother."

"Okay," Kate replied while nodding her head.

All the Smith family members were present, therefore, they still need to act as if they were a loving couple.

"Brian has to take some medication now, and I need to leave for a bit as well," Samuel's mother, Gina, said.

"Okay, see you later tonight!" Cassie stood up to walk them to the door. Kate followed quietly behind her.

Vincent Smith had two sons and one daughter. The oldest son was Joseph's father, Rowan Smith. He died of disease several years prior; the second son was Samuel's father, Brian Smith. He was in bad health, so it was his wife, Gina, who took care of him now. Vincent's daughter was Jenny, who had just turned eighteen.

When the others left, Cassie turned to Kate and said that she wanted to talk with her in her room. Kate became very nervous when she heard the tone in Cassie's voice.

"Kate, tell me the truth. It was you scratched him, wasn't it?" Cassie asked her seriously after they sat down.

Kate paused and replied, "Sorry, Mom. I did not do it on purpose. I was just too angry with him, and before I knew it..."

She did not feel bad for Joseph at all, just for Cassie.

Cassie scolded, "I hope you can take good care of my son rather than hurt him. He is a public figure, so a good image is crucial for him. He will be the heir of the Smith Group!"

Thinking of Vincent Smith's order to have Samuel work in the Group, Cassie felt a little anxious because Samuel might threaten Joseph's status.

"Sorry…" Kate did not like explaining to others about anything. So, she could say nothing except sorry.

Cassie shook head helplessly, saying, "I know he doesn't treat you well, but you shouldn't scratch his face. What if others spread it in public? Then he will lose his reputation!"

"I understand that, Mom," Kate replied.

"And I also need to remind you that you'd better keep your distance from Samuel," Cassie said, "Although they are cousins, they have also been competing since they were born. I hope you can fully understand it."

"I do, Mom." To her surprise, Cassie also thought she had an affair with Samuel.

Cassie nodded with satisfaction. She looked at her belly and asked, "Have you been able to make any effort in getting pregnant?"

Kate faltered, "I…"

"As long as you have a baby, he will secure a firmer place in this family and the Smith Group. And you will hopefully have a better relationship. It is of great importance, and you should see that," Cassie said in a mild tone, but it felt more like a command.

Every time they spoke, Cassie reminded Kate of how important it was for her to have a baby. However, she knew that Joseph didn't love her at all; she could not bring herself to have his child.

Kate said, "Mom, you also know that he does not love me. He only loves Anna. If we have a baby, I don't think it would be fair to my kid."

She never usually said anything when Cassie spoke her getting pregnant, but this time she knew she had to face her, "I don't refuse to have a child because I do love him, but right now I am extremely disappointed in him."