Chapter 95 Vincent's Party

Kate was disappointed that Vincent obviously didn't care for her as much as he had when she was married to Joseph. However, she was aware it would take some time to adjust, so she just had to be patient, but just as she was about to step aside, Gina called out again.

"Kate, what did you bring? We would all love to see it!" Gina exclaimed.

Feeling embarrassed, Kate hesitated. She knew that the gifts others brought were more expensive than hers.

"What's wrong with you, Kate?" Gina looked at her and asked.

Suddenly, Anna thought of the gifts she had given Vincent. She took advantage of the situation, "My dear sister, it is routine practice to present the gift that you brought. It is the only way that Grandpa can receive your blessings."

Anna opened the box and pretended to be startled, then took a step back so that Gina could see. They both started laughing, then Gina chuckled, "It is a coffee maker. No wonder Kate hesitated to open the box. But, I can understand, I am sure since you have taken over White Group, you are very busy and don't have time to shop."

Kate had taken a lot of time to find what she thought was the perfect gift for Vincent, so Gina's comment crushed her.

"Stop talking nonsense, Mom!" Samuel defended Kate, "Grandpa likes drinking coffee, so I am sure he will like it."

"Your grandpa does indeed like drinking coffee, but he did not need a coffee maker. Plus, this machine isn't a brand name. Grandpa may not use it…"

"Wow! I did not think that you are a snob who would judge a person by what they give as a gift," Jenny stuck up for Kate, "Maybe I am not qualified enough to attend your birthday party. You do know the scarf I got you was only $100. You may not like it or wear it; after all, it does not live up to your high-class lifestyle, and you may be embarrassed."

"I don't mean that, Jenny. I…"

"Whatever you mean, Kate is family. She gave the gift to Grandpa, and it is a token of her affection. Grandpa did not say if he likes it or not, but you felt the need to voice your opinion. You really know how to destroy a party," Jenny spared nothing when it came to protecting Kate, she was still not aware of the divorce.

Gina almost blurted out the truth, but Samuel stopped her.

"Kate, come here and sit next to Joseph and me," Jenny grabbed her hand and pulled her to Joseph. She looked at him and said, "Joseph, you need to take care of your wife. Do not let others humiliate her."

"Okay!" Joseph replied without hesitating.

Why did he agree with Jenny? He knows we are divorced. Is it just because he is accustomed to pretending he loves me in front of his family? I can't worry about that now; I just want this party to be over as soon as possible. Kate told herself.

When Anna went looking for Joseph, she found him staring gently at Kate, who was still sitting beside him.

Joseph was afraid that Kate might be bored, so he asked, "Do you want to go to the back yard for a bit?"

"Back yard? Is Noelle there?" Kate asked.

"Yes, I believe she is!"

"Okay, let's go look!" Kate smiled.

Just as they were getting up to leave, Anna ran over, "Joseph, where are you going?"

"It's none of your business," Joseph answered in a hateful tone.

Anna was hurt because of Joseph's cold attitude toward her. She did not care if he mistreated her at Smith Group, but when he did in front of Kate, she feared Kate might realize she and Joseph were over for good. If Kate realized that, then Anna had no leverage over her.

"You are the same as your mother, both irritating. How can you do so many horrible things?" Joseph said and walked away.

Samuel walked over to Anna as she was about to chase after Kate and Joseph. He whispered something in her ear, and then Anna stared at him, "My mother is not irritating. It is just that Cassie goes too far!"

Samuel looked around to see that everyone was happily chatting and not paying any attention to them. He grabbed Anna's hand and said, "Talk in my bedroom?"

**

The back yard was covered with blooming flowers, and the scent wafted in the night air. The fragrance memorized Kate, she took a deep breath and asked Joseph, "Which one of these flowers smell so good?"

Joseph smiled at her and replied, "You can see for yourself, just a few more steps."

Then Kate saw a sea of roses, lilies, sunflowers, tulips, and many others she had never seen before.

"I remember there being a grassy hill here, but now it looks like an endless sea of flowers. How did this happen?"

"They were specially ordered from overseas for Grandpa's birthday."

"So beautiful!" Kate exclaimed, focusing on the flowers.

"Do you like them?" Joseph asked.

"Yes!" She immediately shouted. Kate was so fixated on the flowers that she answered without thinking.

She likes flowers so much, but I have never sent her any. Joseph noted.

"Sister!" Noelle waved at them.

Kate stopped blushing and ran toward Noelle.

"It is so nice to see you. I have missed you so much!" Noelle hugged her tightly.

"Me too!"

"I asked my cousin where you were. He said you have been busy and haven't had time to meet with me. I was hoping to spend some time with you tomorrow.

Kate glimpsed Joseph, wondering why he did not tell Noelle and his whole family.

"Noelle, in fact, Joseph and I…"

"Noelle, how has your studying been going?" Joseph interrupted nervously.

Kate was startled and filled with confusion; she looked up at Joseph with a snarl.

Noelle rolled her eyes at him, "My dear cousin, I am an adult and in college. Please don't ask about my studies every time you see me, okay? I am fed up with it."

After Noelle finished thought, she quickly hid behind Kate and shouted, "Sister, I only told the truth! Save me!"