Chapter100 Joseph's Promise

"Who told me is not important, I just know that you had an affair!" The woman took out photos and pointed to the one where Samuel and Kate were together. "This is the evidence!"

Kate got up and walked toward her with a huge grin.

"Do you admit that it was you who put those pictures on the internet?"

"I..." The woman was shocked by Kate's powerful aura.

"You are saying I had an affair with minimal evidence and involved innocent people. You are definitely great at making up stories!" Kate grabbed the picture and snarled, "Do you know the consequences you will face for this?"

"I'm sorry, I ..." The reporter slumped down in her chair, trembling she whispered, "It has nothing to do with me. Other people gave me orders…"

Kate smiled; it was just as she predicted, "Everyone in the room has heard that there is someone behind this event and deliberately creating trouble. I hope that everyone will report truthfully and not report fake news just to sell stories!"

"Sorry Miss Kate, we were also misled by the photos, and we will clarify the facts for you and Mr. Joseph Smith when we get back to our office."

Kate Smith smiled faintly, saying nothing.

All of the reporters left except the woman. When she saw that it was only her and Kate left in the room, she felt even more frightened.

"Miss Kate, I have told you everything I know. Since it's a misunderstanding, can you let me go?"

"You told me everything, did you?" Kate sneered, "I don't know who instructed you yet, and this is intentional slander. I am not sure how it is only a misunderstanding. You are naïve!"

"I..." The reporter looked down at the floor. She was debating on what to tell Kate when someone suddenly started pounding on the door.

"Come in!" Kate yelled.

"Miss Kate, Joseph Smith, the president of Smith Group, would like to see you."

There was a subtle change in Kate's expression when she heard Joseph's name, but she sternly said, "Tell him to wait, I am busy right now!"

"Okay," The assistant nodded.

Kate never thought there would be a day when she would be telling Joseph to wait. It seemed somewhat ironic.

"Have you remember out who instructed you to do this? Or shall I take your posts to ..."

"I'll tell you! I'll tell you!" The woman was scared, and she quickly explained, "I actually don't know who sent the photos to me, because the messages were anonymous. It said that if I posted the photos and contents on the internet with a public forum about the four of you, I would get a generous reward. However, since I did not complete my task, I won't get any money…"

"I received $20,000 as a deposit, and they said that I would get the balance when I was done the task. I don't know who the other party is, though."

"Forward me the anonymous message; there should be records of transfers. Tell me everything you know; otherwise, you will suffer to the fullest extent possible by law."

Kate didn't feel any sympathy for people who do immoral things for money.

The woman was terrified, "Miss Kate, I have told you everything? Will you please return my ID to me?"

Kate looked at her ID, she was 18 years old, about the same age as Noelle. She looked sweet and well behaved, so Kate could not understand why she would spread such a horrible rumor.

Kate still didn't show any sympathy, "I'll ask someone to return your ID after making copies."

"Okay... that's alright..." The woman cried.

Kate returned to her office and saw Joseph standing in front of the large window, looking out at the city. The familiarity of his back caught her off guard; she hadn't realized how much he had his back to her for the two years they were married.

Maybe he doesn't want to face me? Why would he, he always had his back to me and treated me with no affection? But I always have liked looking at his back. Kate smirked.

Kate knocked on the door deliberately to let Joseph know that she was there. He quickly spun around and looked at her.

Kate was wearing a skirt and blouse, very different from the casual, artistic way she dressed before.

Joseph was surprised at how she had changed in such a short time, but she was still beautiful. He thought she was like a flower, even if she were ignored and isolated, she would quietly bloom into a stunning flower. Joseph had a hard time looking away; she seemed to be more attractive each time he saw her.

"What is so important that you are here, Mr. Smith?" Kate asked bluntly.

"I spoke with my public relations department early this morning about the news. Someone intended to create hype around this story, just so that it would be all over the internet," Joseph explained cautiously, but Kate thought he was accusing her.

"So, Mr. Smith, you came here to hold me accountable?"

Joseph frowned. He said softly, "No, I think someone did this deliberately."

"Who do you think that would be?" She had some idea but did not want to point her finger at anyone without proof.

"According to the story, there are four victims. However, the more I think about it, the one to benefit the most would be Samuel," Joseph's tone had changed, "Because he likes you!"

Kate was stunned, she shook her head in denial, "No, he would not ruin his own reputation. Plus, the photos were secretly taken. We could also suspect Anna because she is in love with you!"

"I came here to eliminate any confusion, not to quarrel with you," Joseph tried to stay as calm as possible.

"I don't mean to quarrel with you; I just want to make my analysis clear. You doubt people for no reason, but I am not allowed?" She glanced at him; she handed to him the evidence she received from the reporter.

"I will investigate it!" Joseph started walking toward the door.

"Wait a minute!" Kate squinted at him, looking at the evidence she handed to him.

"You won't destroy the evidence to cover the guilt for someone you care about?"

"Am I not trustworthy?" Joseph asked.

"I don't know. But when you are around Anna, you seem to lose your mind," Kate said as if she was jealous.

"I don't care for your attitude. Whoever the person is, I will get even with them for doing this! And it has always been you who was nice to her!" Joseph said and walked out.

"You!" Kate shouted with anger and frustration. She couldn't believe that Joseph was blaming her for being merciful to Anna.