Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 71 - Chapitre 80

“I didn’t know you’d be online tonight,” Dreston’s voice remained low and relaxed. “I was bored and couldn’t sleep. I figured, why not play a little?”Cassienne chuckled. “You almost had me fooled,” she said with a soft voice. Stretching slightly, the tension in her shoulders eased before letting out a quiet yawn she didn’t bother to hide.Dreston laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re about to sleep already?”“I have to,” Cassienne replied immediately. “I need the rest.” There was no hesitation in her tone.“And what about me?” Dreston asked, both teasing and serious.Cassienne frowned, even though he couldn’t see her. “What about you?” she repeated.“I can’t sleep,” he admitted. “Maybe if you keep talking to me like this, I might actually manage to close my eyes.” It sounded less like teasing and more like a plea. Cassienne shook her head lightly. “Are you asking… or begging, Dreston?” A slow sigh came through the line. “If I’m being honest? I’m begging. Please don’t hang up yet.”She sto

“And why would anyone reject you?” Garry asked, lifting his glass from the table.“Yes, Dreston,” Daisy chimed in playfully. “What makes you think you’d ever be rejected?” Dreston let out a soft chuckle. “Just kidding,” he said with a smile tugging at his lips. He extended his hand, greeting the women one after the other, starting with Aurora.“Hi, Destin,” Aurora grinned, deliberately mispronouncing his name just to tease him.“Hello,” Dreston replied, amused by her tone. He moved on to Daisy, who greeted him warmly, then finally to Cassienne.“Hey,” he said, his tone gentler this time.Cassienne smiled politely at him, the way she always did. “Hello, Dreston. You’re welcome to join us,” she replied, keeping her voice as steady as possible. “Thanks for the invite,” he said, releasing her hand before turning to Garry.Garry rose from his seat and pulled Dreston into a brief, brotherly hug. They exchanged a few words and laughter, showing how familiar they were with each other. When

“If Tina was in the club, why didn’t she look for me?” Dreston said, his brows furrowing. “I’m sorry, but Tina never misses a chance to see me. That’s not like her at all.” Aurora answered immediately, shaking her head. “That was exactly what I thought too when I first saw someone who looked like her. But when I got a clearer look, it was her. She was in the club—and she looked like she was running away from something.” Silence fell over the group as everyone tried to piece the fragments together. “It still doesn’t make sense,” Dreston finally broke the silence. “Why would Tina pretend to be someone else? She loves attention. She loves being seen wherever she goes.” “Unless she was there to see someone,” Daisy said thoughtfully, “and didn’t want to be recognized.” That possibility only deepened the tension. “I’m sorry, I need to get back to work,” Ray said suddenly, still standing. “I’m still on duty. But before I go—let me say this.” He glanced at Dreston. “Whoever attacked Cas

“Good morning, Doctor Ray.” Cassienne greeted him the moment he stepped into the VIP ward. A nurse followed closely behind, pushing a small cart filled with medical supplies. “Good morning, my friend.” Doctor Ray smiled warmly. “I’m glad to hear your voice sounding stronger today.” His eyes studied her briefly before he asked, “So, how are you feeling this morning? Any complaints?” Cassienne tried to adjust her position on the bed, but a sharp pain made her stop. She winced, drawing in a breath. “Easy there,” Doctor Ray said at once. He moved quickly to her side and held her hand to steady her. “What are you trying to do?” “I want to sit up,” Cassienne replied after a slow breath. “Alright,” the doctor said calmly. “Just relax.” He released her hand and turned slightly. “Nurse May?” “Yes, Doctor,” the nurse answered immediately, stepping closer. “Please adjust her bed to a sitting position.” “Right away, Doctor.” Nurse May moved to the side panel of the bed and pressed a bu

Cassienne followed Corren’s gaze, her brows knitting together in faint confusion. The door had been left slightly ajar, and now it was fully open. Standing at the entrance was Joseph Tremont, Dreston’s father, his tall frame rigid, his face carved into an expression as hard and unreadable as stone. His years in the corporate world had trained his features into permanent authority. By his side stood Abigail Tremont, Dreston’s mother, whose face looked worried despite her efforts to look calm. Abigail clutched a small packed lunch bag in her hand, her fingers tightening around the handle as her eyes immediately found Cassienne on the hospital bed. For a brief moment, Cassienne forgot the pain in her ribs. “Father… Mother,” she said, surprise showing across her face before softening into warmth. A small smile broke through her exhaustion. “You’re here?” Corren and Merrick reacted instantly, rising to their feet out of respect. These were Dreston’s parents—people whose influence ext