Chapter 24: The Fight
1145 Words
"Why do I need to consider that for you? Did you forget your promise to us? Did you forget how Anna and I suffered when you didn't make our relationship public? If Flora didn't die, I would never have the life I have now. But, now you tell me to support you and think of things from your perspective, how can I?" Dora retorted.
Leo felt ashamed, he lowered his head and tried his best to explain to Dora, "I strived for it, but failed. You know what we did was not right. I really did try my best."
"How can you say you tried your best?" Dora was still very angry. "If you really wanted to attempt to do something for me, you should make quicker decisions, giving Kate no chance to react. You saw how Kate behaved in front of us just now, overconfident and arrogant. If she got more support from Joseph, do you think she would respect us?"
Leo thought for a few moments then said, "I have an idea. Kate can't inherit my treasure while I am still alive. So, I can transfer it to you at this time. However, with Flora's shares, I have no right to transfer them."
Being Kate's father, Leo did care for her, but Dora acted so aggressively that he had no choice but to surrender.
"How silly you are! Flora held a large share of the treasure, why should I let Kate have it?" Dora didn't give in.
Leo was getting angrier after hearing Dora contesting his offer, "Dora, I have agreed with you about everything in the past. Don't push your luck."
Dora didn't want to ruin her relationship with Leo. After all, they were a couple, and they had to live together, even if she didn't get her way.
Sensing Leo's frustration, Dora said, "I just want to tell you how I am feeling. You don't need to get angry. Right now, it seems that Kate is more important than Anna and I. Darling, it is me who will be by your side for the rest of your life, not Kate."
Dora's words touched Leo. He grasped her hands and said gently, "Dora, now that you have taken control of White Group, you'd better manage it well. When you need Joseph's help, just asked him for help. We must take advantage of his love for Anna as much as possible to achieve our goal."
"Don't worry; I'll make good use of it," Dora said, putting her head on Leo's shoulder.
"Don't be angry, okay?" Leo said to Dora fondly. "You're my wife now; it's my duty to treat you well. What I own right now is all yours."
Dora nodded, but still reminded him, "I just want to finish this matter soon. You know, there is not enough time for Anna."
Leo's face soured when he heard Anna's name and said, "I know what you mean."
**
Kate went directly back to the Smith Group when she left the White's mansion.
Joseph was more relaxed about the amount of work she had to do, so she finished on time. It was 6 p.m. when she walked out of the building, but Aubi City was still very hot. As she was about to cross the street to get a taxi, a car stopped in front of her.
"Kate, get in! I can drive you home." Samuel shouted as he got out of the car and walked toward Kate.
"It's kind of you, but I can take a taxi by myself." Kate declined politely.
"Kate, why do you reject me all the time? I haven't seen you for several days. Joseph told me that you stayed at home to get some rest and prepare for your pregnancy. But, as far as I can tell, you are here doing odd jobs in the company canteen." Samuel kept speaking; he was obviously unhappy about how Joseph was treating Kate.
Kate was also unsatisfied with Joseph, but she still coldly answered Samuel, "That is a matter between my husband and me. It is none of your business."
Samuel was embarrassed, but he continued to say, "If you don't like talking about Joseph, I'll stop. Come on, though, let me drive you home. We're family, aren't we?"
"Never mind." Kate refused again.
The smile disappeared on Samuel's face; he was disappointed to be refused again. However, he continued to ask, "Why? Are you afraid of Joseph's misunderstanding?"
Kate was not afraid of him, misinterpreting the relationship between her and Samuel. She knew Joseph didn't love her; a misunderstanding would only make her life harder in the Smiths. Plus, she didn't want to give Samuel the impression there was any kind of relationship between them. People were still talking about something that happened between her and Samuel years before.
In addition to all of that, Joseph and Samuel's mothers were fighting furiously behind the scenes even though they acted like they were loving sisters-in-law in public. Joseph's mother always treated Kate well, and she didn't want to let her down.
"Since you know why I will not explain more," Kate said coldly.
Samuel frowned, but still said, "Why are you acting so silly? You would rather suffer the pain inflicted by Joseph than accept my love. Kate, I'm so sad for you."
He then tried to push her into the car.
"Let her go!" A cold and angry voice yelled then when Samuel reached out to grab Kate.
Kate spun her head around and saw a handsome man walking toward them.
Samuel didn't let Kate; instead, he held her waist tighter as he smiled provokingly.
"Don't want to listen to me?" Joseph snapped and pulled his fist back to hit Samuel.
Not having any time to react, Samuel fell to the ground, trying to take Kate down with him. Joseph quickly responded and grabbed Kate, pulling her close to him.
"Why did you feel the need to sneak up and attack me?" Samuel muttered as he stood up.
Joseph continued to hold Kate close to him, even though he could feel her struggling to escape.
"Are you sure you want to fight with me?" Joseph asked.
"Why not? Or why should it only have taken one hit for you to beat me?" Samuel replied. "Joseph, you took my love away two years ago; now you want to hurt me physically. No way!"
Kate began to tremble as Samuel stepped closer to them. She was about to say something to stop him, except Joseph pushed her behind him. She was surprised that he was protecting her.
"Joseph Smith, it's for this to end. Right here, right now!" Samuel yelled and reached out to hit Joseph.
The movement was so quick that Kate was scared Joseph would be badly hurt. She realized she still cared for Joseph; she still loved him.
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