Chapter 162 Silent Contribution

Cooper frowned, "What do you mean?"

"The plan you are excited about was created by Joseph, but you are choosing my company. I don't think that is necessary and you should probably collaborate directly with Joseph," Kate was thankful for Joseph's help and did not want to decline his help, but she felt that Joseph was more suitable for the project.

"Miss Kate, are you refusing to work with me? If you are, how can I explain that to Joseph?"

"I'll explain it to him, don't worry about that," Kate smiled.

"All right," Cooper felt as if he was dripping with sweat. He was worried but if he could work directly with Joseph, it would be wonderful.

When Cooper left, Kate spoke with Max, and as she sat down at her desk Joseph called. She assumed what he was going to say, so she took a deep breath and calmly answered the phone.

"Kate, don't worry about it. I will explain everything to you when I am done work," Joseph said softly.

Kate understood that Joseph was being kind, but she could not accept the fact that he done it all behind her back, "Do you know that you are openly challenging Smith Group? It will anger your grandpa, and he will take any measures necessary to take you down!"

"Do you think that I am afraid of them?" Joseph sounded extremely calm and confident, "You have to trust that I have the ability to compete with them."

"But Smith Group is strong, relying on your own strength to..." Kate felt a little emotional. She tried to calm herself down and said, "I do believe in your ability, but I'm also afraid that other companies might join them to overpower you…"

"Honey, don't worry about me," He tried to comfort her, "I'll always be here. However, if you are refusing, I will have to apologize to Cooper Group. Please be prepared for the headlines that say 'Cooper Group was Abandoned'."

"Are you threatening me?" Kate looked out the window and quickly changed the subject, "Are you finished work? I am done here and going to leave soon."

"I ..."

Sensing Joseph's hesitation, she said, "It's okay, keep working. I don't need you to pick me up."

"Why? I will ask John to pick you up, then you can come to JK."

"Okay," Kate was still worried about disrupting Joseph's work though.

When she hung up with Joseph, Kate explained her opinion on the plan to Max and advised him to continue working with Cooper Group. Joseph had put a lot of effort in to win the project for her and she cared about him.

"I am sorry that you had to leave your work to pick me up. Thank you!" Kate said quietly.

"You're welcome, Miss Kate," John said with a smile.

"How is Mr. Smith doing? Is he working hard every day?" Kate asked cautiously.

"Mr. Smith has spent the night at the office for the last few days. He takes a nap for an hour or so each day. I have reminded him multiple times that he needs to sleep, but he is a workaholic. It was the same when he took over as president of Smith Group; working on no sleep."

"Did he spend that night at the office then?" Kate had no idea that Joseph went back to work after taking her home.

John nodded, "That is the way he is. Mr. Smith always says very little but he does a lot. If I don't tell you, I know he won't."

"Yes, that is true. If you don't tell me, I would never know," Kate felt horribly guilty. As Joseph's girlfriend, she should know that he was working hard all night to help her.

"Actually, Mr. Smith does much more than this…" John signed.

"What do you mean?" Kate asked and then quickly said, "Don't worry, I will keep everything you tell me a secret."

"Mr. Smith has done a lot for you in private, and he told me not to tell you," John said quietly.

"I know," Kate sighed, aware that Joseph left Smith Group because of her.

"Miss Kate, you shouldn't worry about any of this. Lord Joseph was willing to do it all," John said cheerfully, "Now that you are his girlfriend, that is that best return on his contribution."

"John, thank you for telling me. I know what I need to do," Rather than feeling guilty, Kate saw that it was better to help and care more. She explained, "Since he has been working so much, I am sure he hasn't eaten. We should stop and pick him up something."

"Don't worry, Mr. Smith has arranged for a meal."

Kate felt happy and loved, Joseph planned everything. He could be so considerate if he wanted to do something for her.

As soon as they arrived at JK Group, Kate rushed to Joseph's office. Her heart was pounding as she was about to run in and kiss him passionately. However, she slowed down when she saw his door was partially open and he was discussing work with a female colleague. Kate saw John walking toward her, so she whispered, "Who is that lady?"

"A newly recruited project manager, Alisia. Didn't Mr. Smith tell you about her?"

"He didn't…" Kate shook her head and tried to act normal, "It's nothing important. He doesn't need to tell me everything about his company."

Kate looked at the beautiful woman standing in Joseph's office. She had long legs and was wearing a short skirt; Kate was feeling something in her stomach but not sure what. She thought the woman looked familiar and as she tried to figure out where Kate was overwhelmed. She suddenly realized why Joseph was jealous of Rowen, even though there was no reason to be. She was jealous of the new project manager working so closely with Joseph, but Kate tried to tell herself that she wouldn't think too much of it.