Chapter 239 Provoked Again

"Really?" He didn't believe her.

"Yes!" She nodded, then pushed him away, "Hurry up, go eat dinner. It's already late!"

He reached out and caressed her face, saying gently, “I will finish work as soon as possible so I can stay home with you during your period. I hope then you won’t be so annoyed.”

"Don't make a big deal of it!” Kate exclaimed, she was only using it as an excuse, but Joseph was so determined to be there for her.

"I am only making a big deal of it because it is one!" Joseph said thoughtfully, "I mean it."

"I know you are serious, but you make me so stressed. Having my period is very normal, but I am sorry if I cannot control my emotions. You do not need to worry about me," She was beginning to regret opening her mouth.

“Are you hungry?” He held her hands in his.

Kate hadn't thought about eating, but when Joseph asked, her stomach rumbled. He immediately ordered, "You are going downstairs to enjoy dinner with me. If you are afraid you will not sleep with a full stomach, we can take a walk in the gardens. So, there are no excuses! I truly am sorry, Kate. I have been so busy with work that I have been neglecting you. I hope we can spend more time together really soon."

In an instant, his heartfelt words drove her anger away. Kate knew that Alisia was trying to torment her on purpose with Joseph's coat, and she was angry about that. After spending only a few minutes with Joseph, she realized that Alisia was trying to cause conflict in their relationship; if she got upset with Joseph, Alisia would win. She could also sense that Alisia had unreasonable expectations about her employment at JK Group.

“Okay,” Kate sighed, giving in to Joseph’s demands.

**

The next day at JK Group, Alisia held Joseph’s coat up, “Lord Joseph, I washed and ironed your coat.”

Joseph didn't even look up from his paperwork; he just pointed and said, "Put it on the sofa."

Seeing that he was focused entirely on work, Alisia was disappointed. However, she wanted his attention, "Lord Joseph, Lady Kate…"

Hearing Kate's name, he raised his head swiftly and asked nervously, "What's wrong with her?"

"Oh, nothing, I'm just wondering why she hasn’t been around the office lately,” Alisia panicked and quickly came up with something that would not seem too intrusive.

Joseph's worried reaction made her feel even more disappointed. She could see that he definitely had no interest in her; his heart belonged to Kate.

"She also has work to do," Joseph replied bluntly.

Although she felt uncomfortable, to spend more time in Joseph’s presence, she asked, “When will the wedding be?”

"Did I say something wrong?” Alisia was intrigued by his reaction.

"When she decides to marry me," He would marry Kate at any time; she just needed to say the word.

"You mean Lady Kate hasn't decided if she is going to marry you?" Alisia's eyes lit up, a flicker of hope arose in her heart.

“She was……"

Joseph’s phone rang and interrupted him. He answered, “Hello?”

Alisia waited to overhear if it was Kate calling.

"Joseph, you and Kate need to come to the house tonight. Your grandfather said he had something important to announce. I have no idea what it is but make sure Kate is there. No matter what, she is a member of our family. She has a right to know as well,” Cassie sighed helplessly.

"Understood!" He was very aware of his grandpa's temper. If he did not want to tell anyone until they were gathered together, then Cassie would have no way of knowing, no matter what she tried.

When Joseph hung up the phone, Alisia nodded, “Then Lord Joseph, I will go to work and put your coat here.”

**

Knowing how busy Joseph was, Kate arrived at JK Group just before lunch to see him.

At that time, Joseph and Alisia were discussing sales plans. He was caught up in work and didn't see Kate arrive. However, Alisia did so; she suddenly grasped her stomach and moaned in pain.

“What is going on?” Joseph asked caringly, “Are you okay? Are you uncomfortable?”

“It's just the cramp. I think my period is going to start,” Alisia blushed and lowered her head.

“Okay, then let’s discuss this later this afternoon. Go get some rest right now.”

“Thank you!” Alisia stood up. Suddenly, she fell into Joseph’s arms; she had it all planned so that Kate would see.

“Are you sure you are okay?” Joseph held on to her, but with no actual concern or patience.

“I’m fine...” Alisia nodded her head.

Joseph pushed Alisia away to keep his distance from her.

Kate was standing in the doorway, watching the entire scene.

“Lady Kate!” Alisia called out.

Hearing Kate’s name, Joseph looked over toward the door. He immediately let go of Alisia and rushed to Kate. He smiled and asked, “When did you get here?”

Kate restrained her anger and answered, “Just now.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” he asked gently.

“I wanted it to be a surprise!” Kate glared at Alisia and said with a huge grin.

“It is indeed a surprise!” Joseph kissed her forehead, held her hands then said, “Let’s go to my office.”

“Okay,” Kate held his arm and cast a smug glance at Alisia before leaving.

Alisia was trying to irritate Kate, yet she was the one who was furious in the end. She clenched her fists tightly and swore, “I will make him notice me!”

Joseph asked Kate, “I thought we said I would come to Kate Group for lunch.”

“I wasn't swamped this morning, so I thought I would come to see you," Kate sat down on Joseph's lap and put her hands around his neck.

Kate smiled happily, pretending not to be affected by what she just saw happening with Alisia.

“We have to go back to see Mom and Grandpa tonight,” Joseph cautiously said.

“What? But I have promised Anna that I would have dinner with her tonight. That is why we were having lunch, remember?” Kate said.

“Can you talk to her and see if you can have dinner tomorrow night?" Joseph urged. He had no idea what that announcement would be, and he wanted Kate by his side.

“Okay, if that is the only way,” Kate sighed. She took out her phone and explained to Anna, who was fine with Kate not being home for dinner.

“Let’s go to have lunch now,” Joseph stated. He was worried that Kate was hungry and would pass out if she didn’t eat.

“Great!”