Hazel's POV The lobby of Weller Tower hummed with activity as I pushed through the revolving doors, nodding to the security guard. I bypassed the crowded main elevators, swiping my keycard at the executive lift. Some perks of being Cassian Romano's daughter never got old, even if I'd fought like hell to make my own name in this business. "Morning, Ms. Roman," the receptionist called as I stepped onto the top floor. "Mr. Weller is expecting you." "Thanks, Diane," I said, already mentally reviewing the island sale documentation. I caught my reflection in the glass wall of my office. At twenty-four, I'd mastered the art of power dressing, though I still fought the urge to fidget with my sleeves when nervous. James waved me into his office as soon as he spotted me. "Hazel! There she is, my star closer." His silver hair complemented the classic, old-world aesthetic he maintained despite the office's modern design. James was old-school in the best ways….he still preferred handsh
Two Decades Later Cassian's hands gently worked at the blindfold covering my eyes. His fingers brushed against my temple, sending familiar shivers down my spine….twenty years together and he still had that effect on me. "Open your eyes, darling," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating through me as the blindfold fell away. I blinked against the sudden brightness, my vision adjusting to reveal a stunning sight...a magnificent island stretching before us. A sprawling modern mansion with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Lush tropical gardens surrounded the property, dotted with elegant pavilions and infinity pools that seemed to melt into the horizon. "Oh my God," I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. "Cassian... you bought an island?" His arm slid around my waist, pulling me against his solid warmth. When he grinned, that same boyish smile that had captured my heart decades ago now framed by distinguished salt-and-pepper stubble
Cassian's POVI stared at my phone, the message from Viktor burning into my retinas. Twenty million on my daughter's head. Twenty fucking million."Cassian?" Aria's voice floated up from downstairs. "Your pancakes are getting cold!""Coming!" I called back, forcing my voice to sound normal as I quickly typed a response to Viktor: Call me in 30. We need to handle this. Now.I locked my phone and headed downstairs, working to keep my expression neutral. Grace was perched on her booster seat, chocolate smeared across her face as she devoured her pancakes. Aria stood at the counter, pouring coffee into my favorite mug."There you are," Aria said, sliding the mug toward me. Her smile faltered as she caught my expression. "What's wrong?"I shook my head slightly, my eyes flicking meaningfully toward Grace, who was happily stabbing another piece of pancake with her fork."Nothing," I lied, forcing a smile. "Just something with Viktor."Aria's eyes narrowed. She knew me too well. "Something?
Cassian's POVSomething warm nudged my arm, pulling me from the haze of sleep. I blinked against the early morning darkness only to find a pair of wide, innocent eyes staring back at me. Hazel Grace’s curls wild from sleep, was standing beside our bed, clutching her favorite stuffed rabbit."Daddy," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "There's monsters in my room."I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips. "Monsters, huh?" I asked, keeping my voice low. Aria was still asleep beside me.She nodded, her small face deadly serious. "Big ones. With teeth. You have to come and kill them.""Alright, lead the way," I said, sliding out of bed as quietly as possible. I threw a glance at Aria, making sure she was still asleep before taking Grace's small hand in mine.Her fingers wrapped tightly around mine as she led me down the hallway, her small feet padding softly on the floor. The house was quiet except for the distant hum of the heater. Her room was dim, lit only
The private room was tucked away in a building that looked like it hadn't seen the light of day in years. Perfect for these kinds of meetings…far from prying eyes, with soundproof walls and thick, tinted windows. Viktor and Xander had already swept the area. Everything was clear.I stepped inside, greeted by Viktor's silent nod and Xander's usual stoic demeanor. They were as loyal as they came, and I trusted them with my life. Which, in this line of work, was no small thing."Bernard's waiting inside," Xander said, leaning against the wall. "Been pacing for a while now. Got a real smug look on his face."I nodded, my jaw tight. "Let's change that, then."Xander opened the door, and I stepped inside the dimly lit room. Bernard was sitting at the far end of the table, his arms casually draped over the back of his chair like he had all the time in the world. Looking far too comfortable for a man who should've known better.Middle-aged, with a gut that spoke of too many years spent behin
Cassian's POV The plane touched down with a dull thud, jerking me forward as the wheels screeched against the runway. It felt like years since I'd left the States, even though it had only been a few months. Switzerlandwas supposed to be a fresh start for us—for Aria, for Grace, and for me. But no matter how far you run, the past has a way of creeping back in. Switzerland seemed a million miles away. Peace seemed a million miles away. I checked my phone the moment I stepped off the plane. It had been off for the entire flight, but as soon as I turned it on, Viktor's name flashed on the screen. I answered on the second ring. "Where'd you park?" I asked the moment I answered, skipping the small talk. "Third row, black SUV," Viktor replied in his usual curt tone. "Xander's waiting by the meeting point. I'll be out front." "Got it," I said, hanging up without another word. The moment I stepped outside, the familiar humidity of home hit me like a slap to the face. The air fe