Chapter 74
Lorraine did her best to calm herself down. She closed her eyes for a long moment, taking deep, slow fireaths. She inhaled and exhaled repeatedly, trying to steally the pounding in her chest. Her heart still raced, hewy with anger, but after a while, she managed to control her violent emotions
and reaction to Cassian’s intrusion.
She realized that the more she acted uptet, the more Cassian would enjoy pushing her bunions. Cassian had always liked seeing her love her composure because of him, and he loved knowing how far he could push her patience.
“Nisha,” Lorraine called out to one of her employees, her voice firm, startling the young woman. “Give me my phone.
“Oh, yes, yes Right away!” Nisha hurried off, returning in less than ten seconds, while Intraine and Cassian continued to stare each other down
Lorraine’s expression was now blank as she fublled with her phone, before turning the screen toward the confused Cavian. “Talk, or I’ll call the polier. So what’s your real reason for being herr and disturbing as while we’re working! I’m done playing games with you, so you’d better say what you need to and leave”
Cassian paused, momentarily taken aback by the sharp look in Lorraine’s eyes, though.
Lace showed no r
emotion.
“Go abral. The clock is ticking, and you’re wasting time,” Lorraine added, her finger hovering over the call button, where she had already dialed the number for the police.
Cassian didn’t come all this way to Lorraine, traveling just to waste time. He had a reason, and he didn’t w
want to lose this opportunity to convince
Нet
“Alright,” Cassian finally gave in, dropping the pretense and showing his seriousness. “This is about your father.”
Lorraine’s expression changed immediately. “What?” Her brow furrowed, and a worried look crossed her face. “What are you talking about! Why are you bringing up my father?”
1]
“Cassian sighed deeply. The truth is, your father was taken to the hospital a while ago after having a heart attack. According to the doctors, his health has deteriorated quite a bit. Fortunately, they were able to stabilize him, so he’s not in his grave yet. But he’s still not doing well back at the mansion especially with Amber giving him a lot of stress these days
“Whath” Lorraine’s heart dropped. It felt as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice over her head. “W–What No, no way! My dad’s healthy The last time we saw each other–the last time we talked… he was fine! What the hell are you talking about, Cassian!! Are you seriously dragging my father into one of your schemes”
Lorraine’s immediate reaction was disbelief. Cassian was as sly as a fox, and she knew better than to trust anything he said. Plus, Lorraine was certain of her father’s health–he had family doctors and private nurses at the mansion.
“Well, I wish it weren’t true, Cassian shrugged. “But I’m not lying. I have no reason to drag your father into this. He paused, giving her a serious look. “I just can’t stomach the way your father’s being treated in that mansion. Amber has been giving him hell ever since Callisto woke up. Since Callisto lost his memory of Amber and Angie, he’s been chasing after you these past months, hasn’t he? Because of that, Amber’s been going nuts, trying to track you down. Your father’s done everything he can to protect you, even if it means standing up to Amber. Even when Amber and your mother threatened him, he didn’t flinch, because he didn’t want you to be in danger if you crossed paths with Amber again. You know how unhinged your sister can be, riglu?”
Cassian’s words hit Lorraine hard. She stood there, ulently listening as he continued, her chest tightening with every word.
“So Amber did something–I don’t know exactly what–but it caused your father to have a heart attack. Fortunately, the doctors were able to save him. But that doesn’t mean his health hasn’t taken a hit Cassian added.
Tears welled up in Lorraine’s eyes. The sharpness in her gaze disappeared. Even though she didn’t know whether to believe Cassian, just hearing about her father put her on edge. After all, they had been talking more since that day they ran into each other in the elevator after six years. He had apologized and expressed deep regret for not being able to protect her from her sister and mother back then. Lorraine had always been a daddy’s girl, and it was hard for her to stay mad at him.
“B–But Mom’s taking care of lum, right? He’ll be okay as long as they’re looking after him and making sure he doesn’t get stressed. Just tell Amber
“Unfortunately, your mother’s gone off the rails, Cassian interrupted, his lips curling in disgust. “Ever since this happened, and after learning about your father’s declining health, she’s been busy dealing with family properties and inheritance matters between her and Amber. She’s not even treating Liam well anymore. I know your brother’s adopted, but it seems like they’re really casting him aside now. And Amber? She’s completely lost it now that Callisto‘
In short, no one’s taking proper care of your father, and he’s being neglected.”
Lorraine’s heart sank even further. She debt crushed under the weight of Cassian’s words. Her father, who had always tried to shield her, was now suffering, and her mother, the woman who should be taking care of him was preoccupied with greed and power. And Amber–her unpredictable, wild sister–was running amok, making everything worse.
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12:11 PM
Chapter 74
Lorraine’s thoughts raced. The idea of him suffering, abandoned in that mansion, sent a surge of panic through her.
Cassian, observing Lorraine’s distress, softened his tone. “Look, Lorraine, I know you might not want to believe me, but your father needs help. He needs you. Whatever’s going on with Amber and your mother, it’s only going to make things worse for him. You’re the only one who can protect.
him now.
Lorraine bit her lip, her mind spinning. Should she trust Cassian? Could she? He had lied and manipulated her in the past, but the thought of her father suffering, neglected and alone, was too much to bear.
u expect me to just believe you after everything you’ve done!” Lorraine asked, her voice trembling slightly, though she tried to keep it steady.
You
“I know I haven’t exactly earned your trust, but this is different,” Cassian said. His gaze locked onto hers, unwavering. “Think about it. Lorraine. Who else would come to you about your father? Amber sure as hell won’t. Your mother’s too busy with her ambitions to care. And as much as you might hate to admit it, you know I’m right about this.”
Lorraine’s mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. She hated the idea of trusting Cassian, but what if he was telling the truth? What if her father really was suffering because of Amber’s erratic behavior and her mother’s selfishness? She couldn’t live with herself if something. happened to him and she didn’t at least check on him.
Cassian took a step closer, his tone soft but urgent. You can hate me all you want, Lorraine, but this isn’t about me. This is about your father. If you don’t do something now, you might not get another chance.”
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Lorraine clenched her fists, her mind tom between suspicion and concern. She couldn’t stand the thought of her father being mistreated, especially after everything he had done for her. But trusting Cassian felt like stepping into a trap.
“Fine,” Lorraine finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tll go. But if I find out you’re lying. Cassian. I swear you’ll regret it.”
Cassian nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smirk forming on his lips. “I wouldn’t lie about this, Lorraine. Your father means more to you than anything, and Eknow you wouldn’t forgive me if 1. did”
Without another wond, Lorraine turned on her heel and walked away, her heart heavy with dread. She didn’t trust Cassian, but she couldn’t ignore the possibility that her father needed her. As she left. Cassian watched her go, his expression unreadable.
For Lorraine, this wasn’t just about her fat
lih—it was about whether she could face the chaos waiting for her back at the mansion.
After divorce he wants[/caption]
