Chapter: You’re firedCassandra's povThe door of Killian’s office clicks firmly shut behind me. I take a slow, steady breath and let the cool hallway air ground me. A slight smirk touches my lips as I smooth down my black dress. Driving Killian Hawthorne crazy is far too easy, but as I walk down the quiet corridor, my amusement fades into a cold, sharp focus."Mrs. Blackwell?"A young woman steps out from a nearby doorway holding a leather planner. She wears a friendly smile and a neatly tailored beige suit."I'm Bella," she says with a warm nod. "Mr. Hawthorne’s assistant asked me to show you to your new office and help you settle in.""Thank you, Bella," I reply, keeping my tone warm.She leads me down a bright hallway toward a large office. When she opens the door, I step inside and pause. The room is stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a wide view of the city skyline, flooding the space with light. A large dark wood desk sits in the center with plush leather chairs. It is powerful, clean, and ent
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-09-30
Chapter: HeatKillianMy voice cracks like a whip across the quiet office, dripping with pure venom.She jumps slightly, the sound tearing her out of whatever trance she was in. She spins around on her heel so fast her hair sweeps across her shoulders, her striking blue eyes widening in genuine shock. For a split second, I catch the flash of defensiveness in her gaze, but it vanishes just as quickly as she masks her expression behind an infuriatingly calm mask.Before she can even open her mouth, my hand shoots out. I snatch the silver-framed photograph right out from under her fingers, my knuckles brushing against her skin. The contact sends an annoying, sharp jolt straight up my arm. I don't hesitate; I yank open my desk drawer, shove the frame inside with enough force to make the wood rattle, and slam it shut, locking it tight.I turn back on her, my chest heaving with lingering fury, and tower over her. "I asked you a question. What the hell gives you the right to touch my things?"Instead of l
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-09-30
Chapter: Don’t touch my stuffCassieThe morning air outside Hawthorne Enterprises is biting, carrying the sharp chill of a city refusing to warm up, but the cold inside my chest is far worse. I stand on the polished marble steps, staring up at the towering glass facade that gleams under the pale sun. Four years ago, I walked out of these exact revolving doors with tears burning my eyes and my reputation shredded to pieces. Today, I am walking back in, not as a desperate girl begging for mercy, but as a professional holding their future in her hands.Earlier this morning, Vivienne called with an apology that felt a little too practiced, explaining that an urgent matter had pulled her away and that her son, Killian would be handling our meeting instead. The mere thought of facing him sends a sharp, unwanted flutter of nervous energy straight to my stomach.Dorian still hasn't spoken to me since the explosive argument we had last night. The silence between us is thick and heavy, but I didn't bother trying to break i
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-09-30
Chapter: Fight with DorianCassandra Penelope sets her wine glass down on the table with a slow, deliberate clink. The silence between us stretches, thick and suffocating, but I don't break my glare. I keep my eyes locked on them until she lets out a quiet sigh."Cassandra," Penelope says softly, her gaze meeting mine. "You didn't trust a single soul back then. The Hawthorne name alone made you flinch. If we had told you back then that we were connected to them... would you have stayed?"Her words drop into the quiet room, but I keep my jaw set, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. I refuse to let my expression soften for even a second. I need this wall up. If I let down my guard, the doubt will creep in, and I can't afford a single moment of weakness."That still doesn't justify keeping it from me," I say, my voice dropping into a low, dangerous register."We kept it from you because we wanted your trust," Penelope continues, taking a measured step toward me. "We wanted you to see us as your family, not as
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-09-30
Chapter: Lies Of PerfectionCassie’s PovAfter Killian drop the question, Dorian looks ready to blast him right then and there, his jaw clenching with a fury that threatens to spill over but before he can blow up and ruin everything, I cut him off, stepping smoothly into the line of fire."I can answer the questions," I say, keeping my tone perfectly composed, Smothering his hands and he relaxed to my touch.I look Killian straight in the eye, holding his sharp, calculating gaze without flinching. "I was born here, but I grew up in Monaco," I tell him, ensuring my voice carries just the right balance of warmth and distance. "My parents passed away when I was still young, so I used the wealth they left behind to build everything I have today."It’s a carefully crafted lie, tailored to shut down any further digging. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Calista scoffing under her breath at my last words, her envy practically radiating across the floor. I ignore her completely.Killian opens his mouth to push furthe
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-31
Chapter: The grand invitationCassie’s povThe heavy silence hanging over the table is almost suffocating. My heart is beating so fast I can barely breathe, but I keep my expression completely still. I just hope he didn’t suspect anything.Beside me, Dorian’s hand stays warm and steady on my waist, his fingers giving me a small, reassuring squeeze. On the outside, I look like a calm, polished high-society woman, but inside, I’m panicking.Killian’s whole body turns stiff. The color completely drains from his face, leaving him looking ghost-pale. His sharp green eyes snap from Dorian to me with a mix of shock and total disbelief."Wife?" Killian rasps out, his voice dropping into a dangerous whisper.Calista’s fake smile drops immediately, replaced by pure shock. "Married? Since when are you married, Dorian? You’ve been gone for five years, and suddenly you come back with a..." She stops herself, her eyes dragging up and down my gold dress, judging every inch of me. "With her? There was no news about this, No press
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-08-31
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