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The glass doors of V-Film Productions slammed open that morning, announcing Raymond’s arrival like a thunderclap. His face was full of anger, and the entire reception desk stiffened in unison. The poor receptionist, who had just been sipping her morning coffee, nearly spilled the whole cup down her blouse when she caught sight of him.Raymond Vanderbilt was a man known for his temper, but this morning—it was different.There was a storm in his face, an unrelenting fire in his eyes that made even the bravest intern suddenly remember that they had “urgent work” elsewhere. Nobody wanted to be caught in his path.His jaw was clenched so tightly that a vein pulsed at the side of his temple. His dark suit, crisp as always, did little to soften the aura of danger that radiated off him.The elevator doors opened without delay. People usually rushed to hold the elevator for him, terrified of being caught in his wrath.Today, they scattered before he even reached it. The doors closed, sealing
“Since Raymond owns V-Film Production, and Racheal is now an A-list actress, that’s where I’ll fight them. On their turf. I’ll rise in their world and crush them.”For a moment, Nikolai studied her, silent but intent. There was a certain satisfaction in seeing her this way—no longer broken but blazing with determination. He pocketed his phone and crossed the kitchen, his presence overwhelming even when he moved slowly.Cassie instinctively wanted to move back. Recently, her feelings for him have been growing at a pace that scares her.“Since you’ve already decided,” he murmured, “I’ll help you.”Cassie blinked in surprise, her lips parting. “Really?”A smirk tugged at his mouth. “Was that not our deal? That I’d help you destroy your ex-husband? That I’d take back everything he stole from you for marrying me?”Cassie exhaled a shaky laugh. “Yes, but I thought you’d tell me I’m being ridiculous or that I don’t need to bother with them anymore.”Nikolai’s eyes darkened. “If this is what
Life had slowly returned to how it used to be, which could almost be called normal in Nikolai and Cassie’s lives.Gloria and Lucas were like clockwork—visiting Emily with an enthusiasm that could only come from doting grandparents who felt robbed of her early years. They spoiled her shamelessly, ignoring Nikolai’s pointed comments about moderation.He loves his daughter and would kill and die for her. However, he didn't want her to be overly spoiled.Gloria, with her sharp tongue and iron will, had laughed at him the first time he’d tried to forbid her visits.“Nonsense, Niko. Do you think you can stop me from seeing my granddaughter? Ha! You may be the head of the Rosewood empire now, but I am your mother. And Emily loves me. So unless you plan on moving to Mars, I’ll be here every week. A child can never be too loved.”Lucas had nodded solemnly in support of his wife, though his pockets had been stuffed with chocolate bars that Emily later discovered with squeals of delight.Over t
When Gloria, Cassie, and Stacy finally returned to the penthouse, Emily skipped happily beside them with her small bag of toys swinging at her side. The atmosphere was undoubtedly a little bit tense.Even without speaking, Cassie’s shoulders were still tensed from their earlier encounter. Gloria muttered under her breath about baseball bats and “trash families,” shaking her head as if she still couldn’t believe what had happened at the mall. Stacy, meanwhile, couldn’t stop giggling, clearly replaying the scene over and over in her mind.The elevator doors opened to the penthouse, revealing Nikolai seated in the living room, a glass of red wine in hand. His tie was loose from a long day of work, and his sleeves rolled up slightly, though he maintained the rigid posture of a man used to control. The sharpness in his gaze immediately locked onto Cassie the moment they entered. “You’re late,” he said coolly, his tone neutral, yet a subtle twitch in his jaw betrayed his restlessness.
The words hit like a thunderclap. Regina blanched, her lips parting soundlessly. Mabel muttered something incoherent, clutching her handbag like it would shield her. And Raymond... Raymond’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his pride clawing against the fear curling in his gut.This was the reason why he wanted to cage Cassie again. So that she won't even dare to dream of taking back what he stole from her.With that, Cassie turned fully, brushing her shoulder deliberately against Regina and Mabel as she walked past. The gesture was subtle, yet the implication roared in the silence that followed: She wasn’t afraid of them. She was declaring war.But Raymond wasn’t about to let her leave so easily. In a desperate bid to regain control, he lunged forward again and caught her wrist.It was his last mistake. A terrible one!Cassie’s body moved with fluid precision, honed from years of military training. She swung her arm free and, in one swift motion, her fist shot forward, connecti
The world seemed to still be for a moment as Cassie turned sharply, her eyes narrowing at the hand gripping her arm. Her skin crawled at the touch, and she yanked herself free with a force that made Raymond stumble slightly.Her expression hardened into stone, disgust flashing in her gaze. How dare he touch her with those filthy hands of his?!“Don’t. Touch. Me,” Cassie hissed, her words laced with so much hatred and disgust.Even the curious onlookers—shoppers who had been gawking since Regina and Mabel’s earlier spectacle—leaned in closer, sensing the drama was far from over.Raymond, tall and broad-shouldered but visibly unsettled, stepped forward again as if the years apart had given him some kind of right. “Cassie,” his voice cracked with desperation, almost pleading, “where have you been all these years? I’ve been searching for you—” His hand twitched, aching to reach for her again, but her glare froze him mid-motion.“Come home with me,” he finished, his tone dripping with som