Joseph's face tensed up as his eyes drifted over to meet Kathy's. Frowning, he headed towards the
high platform.
Ella was intimidated by his cold and solemn countenance and retreated.
"Stand right here," Mathew ordered.
Ella stopped.
Her heart raced as she nervously watched Joseph approaching her step by step.
"Grandfather."
"I'm coming." Mathew stood up with the help of his walking stick. Now Ella and Joseph were standing
on either side of him.
Jealousy swept over Kathy as she watched the trio in harmony on the high platform.
Joseph was dressed in a black handmade suit, while Ella was wearing a gauzy white dress. It
appeared to Kathy that Mathew was the witness for the love of this adorable pair.
Kathy's mind was awhirl with this unsettling thought as her face grew pale.
The next moment, Mathew stated loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of Joseph Group, as well as my grandson Joseph and Ella's
engagement!"
Engagement?
Kathy was hit hard by the word and felt dizzy.
The glass in her hand fell from her loose grip, but Reece caught it.
A faint smile touched his thin lips when he noticed Kathy's ashen face.
The guests were delirious with joy and surprise. The reporters in the crowd exerted themselves to
capture the fair couple immersed in nuptial bliss, the flash dazzling.
Mathew lifted their hands. Just as they were about to touch, Joseph shook off Mathew's hand.
A sinister look flashed in his eyes as he walked around Mathew to Ella.
However, Ella was nervously gazing at Joseph in anticipation.
She slowly held out her hand for Joseph's large palm, but before she could react, Joseph took off her
tiara.
This tiara had been the dowry of Mathew's deceased wife. Later, it had been handed down to Joseph's
mother Hazel. After she died, it had been kept safely in the family museum.
Joseph's eyes bristled with rage in the sight of it on Ella's head.
Clutching it, he walked down the platform.
Mathew quickly ordered his men to stop Joseph, looking glum.
However, Joseph was now a walking mess of fury with chilly eyes, so no one dared to come near him.
Kathy had long been stupefied as she gaped at Joseph walking towards her slicing through the crowd.
The reporters' cameras were staring at Kathy, but she could only see the handsome and noble man in
front of her.
He was holding the tiara in a way as if it was his most precious treasure.
Finally, he stopped before her.
He knelt on one knee, and Kathy's pale devastated face was now dripping with surprise.
What was Joseph doing?
"Kathy, you are the only woman I want to marry. This tiara was originally my grandmother's dowry and
is handing down to my wife. You are the one for me, so only you can wear it."
Tears had been springing to Kathy's eyes, and she was covering her mouth to avoid sobbing.
However, she just let them roll down her cheeks and didn't take the tiara, her hands trembling.
She did not forget it had been on Ella's head just now.
And Mathew meant to celebrate Joseph and Ella's engagement.
"Kathy, you are mine." Joseph stood up and put it on her head.
The somewhat heavy tiara dotted with diamonds and precious gems was worth hundreds of millions.
Kathy was dumbfounded. She pouted but could not utter a sound.
Joseph held her with his warm palm and took her out of the hall.
"Joseph, stop!" Not far away, Mathew's furious bellow sounded.
It had never occurred to the former chairman that Joseph had the audacity to embarrass him at
tonight's banquet!
Joseph actually disrespected his grandfather!
Ella regained her senses and quickly walked Mathew to Joseph.
She was mad Kathy was wearing her tiara and growled, "Ms Kathy, please take off the tiara. Mathew
has given it to me as a gift."
Kathy looked up at Ella's indignant face and smiled faintly, clenching Joseph's big palm.
"Joseph has made it crystal clear it only belongs to his future wife. Are you that?"
"Of course I am...."
Nevertheless, Ella's voice faded out when she saw Joseph's frightening eyes.
"That's just your wishful thinking," Kathy said indifferently.
"Grandfather, Kathy is my wife. And that is a fact!" Joseph said coldly.
"I disagree!"
Mathew snapped and ignored all those shocked eyes.
"I alone shall decide whom to marry."
With that, Joseph left with Kathy.
Ella wanted to chase after them but tripped over her own gown after running a few steps. Gasps rang
out.
"So, Miss Bridges' love is not answered. How affectionate Joseph was just now!"
"That's right. I envy that woman he left with. She is so lucky..."
...
"Don't talk nonsense. I am Joseph's wife!" Ella stood up again, but Joseph was no longer in the hall.
Mathew, who was held by Quinn, was in torment, his face brimming with disappointment.
"Bastard!" Mathew cursed angrily.
Quite a few reporters showed up tonight. Tomorrow, he would know how he was described humiliated
in public.
Moreover, the culprit was his grandson!
How ironic!
"Grandpa, calm down. You know how Brother is. I would argue you brought this on yourself," Veronica
commented without thinking.
Joseph would never buckle down under pressure.
Otherwise, he would have taken over Joseph Group long ago.
She was disappointed at how Mathew had escalated the tension.
"I did it for his own good! Look how miserable Joseph Group is. He is bewitched by Kathy. He is failing
as the man in charge!"
"I fear you are responsible, Grandpa. You pushed him too hard. Didn't he invite Quinn? Since he
doesn't want to take the responsibility, Quinn can do it," Veronica muttered.
She thought highly of her man.
Quinn smiled faintly and dotingly rubbed her head.
Mathew stared at Quinn with a stern face but didn't say anything.
In fact, he didn't want Quinn in the saddle. If only his grandson would listen to him....
"Grandpa, please don't invite Ella to our house again. Joseph is not a fan of her."
Veronica had been trying to smooth things over between her grandfather and brother, because it didn't
feel good to be put in the middle!
"He doesn't need a sweetheart, because she has proved to be his soft spot," Mathew sighed with a
heavy heart.
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda