Chapter 56
The sky had already darkened by the time Cassian arrived at an exclusive bar. The moment he stepped out of his attention–grabbing car, women’s eyes followed him everywhere. Yet, he didn’t bother to look back at any of them—perlups he was far tons used to these seductive glances since childhood, owing to his good looks and influential family background.
After all, who wouldn’t recognize someone with the Avellino family name, a family that now dominated almost every industry!
“You’re fucking 10 minutes late. Amber’s sharp eyes and deep voice greeted him as he entered the VIP room.
He merely smirked at her and arrogantly sat down across from her. Raising one leg, he casually crossed it over the other. “You look stressed out.
Amber rolled her eyes, helpless, and poured a glass of expensive liquor, which he graciously accepted.
“Stress doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling right now, Cassian, Amber replied, her wire tinged with resentment. “I was hoping you’d feel at least some of that too If not, at the very least, I expected you to care about everything going on around us!” Amber’s eyebrows furrowed as she glared at Cassian, who sat coolly and indifferently in front of her. “What’s the deal: Don’t you have anything to say or do about this?!”
Slowly, deliberately, Cassian took a sip from his glass. He let a few minutes piss with calm, measured movements before finally answering impatient Amber. “So, what do you want me todo, Amber!”
n you all these years while Callisto has
Do what you must! Don’t you claim to be obsessed with Lorraine? Then why haven’t I seen any moves from you. been in a coma?”
“Do you really think it’s easy to make a move when Lorraine filed charges against me and slapped me with a restraining order?” Cassian asked, his brow furrowing. He pulled out a cigarette and blew thick smoke directly into Amber’s face. You only think I didn’t do anything back then.”
Cassian’s frown deepened as memories of the day that triggered Lorraine flashed through his mind–the day that ensured he could no longer pursue her
Cassian walked into the upscale boutique with a swagger, his voice booming through the sleek interior. “Unbelievable! So, you’re a businesswoman now, Lorraine! I thought this was just a small shop, but it’s pretty high–end, huh?” His tone was light, almost cheerful, but beneath it was a trace of unmistakable sarcasm.
Cassian loved watching people react to him, especially Lorraine. He always knew how to get under her skin, and now, as he watched her carefully controlled expression, he couldn’t help but smirk. Let’s see how long you can keep that mask on, he thought, stepping closer.
But Lorraine remained poised. Her fists clenched for a brief second before her face became expressionless. Her voice was firm, cold even. “What do you need, sir? Why’d you come all the way to my shop?”
Cassian’s smirk widened. There it is. He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly. “Would you look at that” He stepped closer, testing her, invading her personal space until only inches separated them. He expected to see the familiar fear in her eyes–the slight tremor that always betrayed her–but instead, she met his gaze, unwavering-
He stared into her eyes, waiting. It became a challenge, a silent battle of wills, and for a moment, he was taken aback. She wasn’t the same woman who used to cower at his mere presence. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with amusement
Lorraine said, her voice ice–cold, “but it seems you haven’t changed at all, Cassian.”
“It’s been three years,” Lorra
“Oh” His eyebrows rose, genuinely intrigued by her resistance. “Lorraine, is that really you?” He laughed, but the sound was mocking. Without warning, he pulled her into an embrace, his laughter echoing in her car as if they were old friends.
His hands trailed down her back, lightly tracing the strap of her bra in a way that made her stomach twist with disgust. He pinched it teasingly, his intem clear. Cassian always loved to blur the lines between playful and menacing. How will she react now!
Her sharp intake of breath made him pause, but before he could enjoy the moment, Lorraine shoved him away with surprising force. The sting of her slap came immediately after, sharp and loud, slicing through the air like a whip.
The sound echoed throughout the shop, and for a moment, time stood still. Cassian stood frozen, feeling the heat from her hand spreading across his cheek. His employees gasped, their shock palpable, but Cassian remained composed, though the corners of his mouth twitched with the effort to maintain his calm
“Get out
out” Lorraine’s voice shook with fury. “You’re still the same perven, Cassian!”
Cassian blinked, caught off guard by her outburst, but his shock quickly turned into an awkward chuckle. He rubbed the back of his neck, his face still stinging from the slap, though his smile lingered. “Relax, Lorraine. I hugged you because I was happy to see you. Why are you so mad? Sorry if you felt disrespected Just calm down”
But he knew she wouldn’t. She’s not the same timid woman anymore, he realized, his eyes narrowing as she glared at him with barely restrained
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Chapter 56
anger. She’s ready to fight back now, and for the first time, Cassian felt the power shift between them
“I’ll call the cops if you don’t leave right now!” Lorraine’s voice broke into his thoughts, and for a moment, Cassian felt a flicker of embarrassment. He straightened up trying to salvage the situation.
“L–Lorraine, sorry. Fine! I won’t hug you again. But there’s a reason I came here.” He struggled to regain control of the conversation, but she wasn’t having any of it
to say, Cassian. I’m not interested, so get out.” Her tone was a command, not a request, and it infuriated him.
u have to
“I don’t care what you
“But you don’t know what I went through just to find you! Tsk! At least hear me out
Lorraine cut him off with a bitter laugh. “What you went through to find me? Why? Did I go missing? Do I owe you something I’m unaware of? Did I ask you to come find me?”
Every word she uttered was like a slap to his pride, and he clenched his jaw in frustration. This wasn’t going the way he planned. His eyes darkened as he spat out, “This is about Callisto, Lorraine.”“
At the mention of his brother, Lorraine’s demeanor shifted. Her gaze sharpened, her fury giving way to a colder, more dangerous edge.
Cassian saw an opportunity and pressed on. “I need to talk to you about him. There’s something you need to know. After all, isn’t it your fault that what happened to him happened? Have you forgotten that you still owe our family, just because your life has improved?”
Lorraine’s fists clenched, her knuckles white as she struggled to stay composed. Her voice was low, filled with venom. Tve done nothing wrong, and I owe you nothing. If I did, then why am I not in jail? No matter how many times you tried to press charges, didn’t the police dismiss them because the truth was clear!”
Cassian’s smirk faltered. “But you should at least feel guilty!”
“Guilty Lorraine let out a harsh laugh. “Maybe what happened to Callisto was karma for your family. Ever think of that?”
Cassian’s eyes flickered with anger. “Lorraine-
“Get out
of here, Cassian,” she cut him off, her voice dangeroudly low,
“We’ve been separated for a long time. Enough!!
Before Cassian could say another word, the door to the shop flew open, and Wayne stormed in, his expression cold. Without hesitation, he grabbed Cassian by the collar and threw him to the ground with enough force to knock the wind out of him.
“What’s a Callisto doing here?” Wayne’s voice was cold, his eyes glaring at Cassian.
Cassian struggled to his feet, brushing himself off. His face twisted with annoyance, but his voice was tight with embarrassment. “Are you Lorraine’s new man now! Ha!” He glanced at Lorraine, his jaw clenched. “If that’s the case, I guess we shouldn’t have come here.”
“That’s night!” Lorraine snapped. “And don’t you dare come back!