Chapter 6

The Maybach slowed down and honked twice. The massive iron gate swung open smoothly, and my jaw nearly hit the ground.

The estate was huge. Tall, perfectly trimmed hedges lined the long driveway. Soft golden lights glowed along the path, making everything look like a dream. There were beautiful fountains with water sparkling under the lights, marble statues of angels and lions, and large flower beds filled with white roses and lavender. In the middle of the courtyard stood a tall modern sculpture that looked like it cost more than my entire life. The main house rose ahead like a palace — white walls, huge glass windows, and elegant pillars that made it look like something from a fairy tale or those heavenly realms you see in Chinese movies. Luxury cars were parked neatly on one side, and I could see a large swimming pool glowing blue in the distance. What else did you expect from a billionaire?

I got down from the car in a daze, my old shoes touching the smooth stone driveway. The cool night air smelled of fresh flowers and money. I waited until Cassian stepped out too, then followed quietly behind him, clutching my small backpack.

My mouth fell open as I stared at the white mansion. It was even more beautiful up close — tall ceilings visible through the glass, chandeliers sparkling inside, and wide steps leading to the grand entrance.

Victor had to tap me on the shoulder twice before I snapped out of it.

“Sorry,” I whispered, embarrassed.

I looked at Victor and asked quietly, “Aren’t you heading home? It’s already very late.”

He gave a small smile. “I stay in the courtyard house, miss. My quarters are just over there.”

I nodded slowly, still feeling overwhelmed.

We had just reached the main doors when a sickeningly sweet voice called from upstairs.

“Cassian, honey? Is that you?”

I shrank back slightly. It was obvious enough for Cassian to notice. My heart beat faster. That must be his wife — Hanna Andersson, now Hanna Hale.

Hanna came down the wide staircase, her expensive silk nightwear flowing around her like she was a queen. She wore fluffy designer slippers and her blonde hair was perfectly styled even at this hour. The moment she saw me, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Her eyes moved from my waiter’s uniform to my old shoes and the small bag in my hands. There was a huge difference between us. She looked like she belonged in a magazine. I looked like I had just come from cleaning tables.

Hanna turned to Cassian, her voice sharp. “Who is this?”

Cassian answered calmly, his face still cold. “She is the girl I rescued twice. Her life is clearly in danger. I brought her here for safety.”

Hanna laughed, but there was no humor in it — only anger. “Rescued? You saved all the poor girls in Germany now? So why is she different? I understood when you saved her from being assaulted. Fine. But taking her to the hospital, staying to take care of her, and now bringing her into our home? Who the hell do you think I am, Cassian? I am your wife! At least I deserve some respect!”

I said nothing. I kept my head slightly lowered and my mouth shut. If I said anything now, it would only make Hanna angrier. And Cassian might think I was trying to break their marriage, which wasn’t what I wanted right now. I needed to look innocent and harmless.

When Hanna finally finished venting, her chest rising and falling with rage, Cassian spoke in his usual cold tone.

“Victor, take her to the guest house. She can rest there tonight. I will figure out a permanent room for her soon.”

Cassian turned to me and handed me a small card. “This will open the doors. If you need anything, tell Victor.”

I looked up at him with eyes filled with admiration and gratitude. My voice was low and soft. “Thank you, Mr. Hale. Thank you so much.”

Then I glanced quickly at Hanna and lowered my eyes again, playing the shy, fragile girl.

But women know each other best.

Hanna caught the tiny flash of triumph in my eyes. It was gone in a second. If there were security cameras, they would only show me glancing at her nervously. Nothing more.

Hanna’s face twisted with fury. She rushed toward me, her hand raised.

“ You little — ”

Cassian’s cold voice stopped her in her tracks. “Enough, Hanna.”

The single word was like ice. Hanna froze, her hand dropping to her side. She glared at me with pure hate, but she didn’t dare move again.

Victor stepped forward quickly. “Miss Lett, please follow me. Let’s give Mr. and Mrs. Hale some privacy.”

I nodded obediently and followed Victor out of the main house toward the guest house. As we walked across the beautifully lit courtyard, I kept my face calm and innocent on the outside.

But inside, I was smiling.

I wondered why men like it so much when a woman depends on them and feeds their ego. Well, maybe Cassian was tired of Hanna. Twenty-one years of dating and five years of marriage. Who wouldn’t get tired, especially when she was becoming too demanding and jealous?

Victor showed me into the guest house. It was still luxurious — a beautiful living room, a soft bed, a bathroom bigger than my entire old apartment. Fresh towels and clothes had already been prepared.

“You can rest here tonight, miss,” Victor said politely. “If you need anything, there’s a button by the bed. Someone will come.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, giving him my most grateful smile.

When Victor left and closed the door, I dropped my bag on the floor and sat on the edge of the big bed.

The innocent, trembling girl disappeared again.

A small, cold smile touched my lips.

Step two was going perfectly.

Hanna was already angry. Cassian was already feeling the pull to protect me. The guilt or maybe his ego or maybe because I was making him feel like a protector, which it's? It's working well with me.

I touched the bandage on my forehead and looked at myself in the large mirror.

I looked pitiful. Fragile. Innocent.

Exactly the way I needed to look.

Marie would be proud.

I changed out of my waiter uniform into the soft clothes left for me and lay down on the bed. The sheets smelled expensive.

I closed my eyes, but sleep didn’t come easily. Instead, I thought about my mother sitting in her wheelchair, her scarred face hidden, her legs gone because of the man sleeping in the big house tonight.

“You took everything from us, Cassian,” I whispered into the dark room. “Now I’m going to take everything from you."