Sixty two

CHAPTER 62

The room felt silent after Ben left, leaving Cassandra and Antonio alone. Cassandra tried to keep her expression composed, remaining calm despite the questions racing through her mind. Meanwhile, Antonio gave a faint smile, sliding his chair closer.

“Cassandra, there’s something else I want to discuss with you,” he said in a low tone, almost whispering.

Cassandra nodded slowly. “What is it?”

Antonio observed her face for a moment before saying, “I want you to accompany me to a gala tonight. It’s an important event, and your presence would mean a lot.”

“A gala?” Cassandra asked, slightly surprised. “I wasn’t aware of this.”

Antonio smiled. “I intended it to be a surprise. Besides, you’ll be the center of attention.”

Cassandra swallowed, trying to maintain her composure. “What makes this event so significant?”

“Investors from various countries will be present,” Antonio replied. “I want them to see that I have a strong and elegant partner.”

Cassandra only nodded. But before she could respond further, footsteps echoed from the corridor. Cassandra turned, anticipating who it might be, but it was only a servant carrying a cup of tea.

“Sorry to interrupt, sir,” the servant said, bowing slightly. “Your tea.”

Antonio nodded as he accepted the cup, while Cassandra simply watched, her thoughts racing. She knew Antonio wouldn’t ask for anything without a reason.

“Cassandra,” Antonio called, breaking her train of thought. “What’s on your mind?”

“Oh, nothing,” Cassandra answered quickly. “Just imagining how tonight will unfold.”

Antonio chuckled. “Don’t worry too much. I’m sure you’ll impress everyone.”

Evening arrived faster than Cassandra had expected. She stood in front of the mirror, wearing the red gown Antonio had chosen. The gown shimmered with golden accents, making her look stunning. Yet beneath it all, her heart was restless. This gala might not be just another event.

As she descended to the living room, Antonio was already waiting. He wore a black suit with a maroon tie, perfectly matching Cassandra. His face radiated satisfaction as he saw her approach.

“You look incredible,” Antonio complimented her, extending his hand. “Ready?”

Cassandra gave a faint smile, accepting his hand. “Always ready.”

The gala took place in a grand ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers and fresh flowers. Formally dressed guests mingled, enjoying the soft music played by an orchestra in the corner.

Antonio led Cassandra into the room, drawing the attention of many guests. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd, but Cassandra remained calm, gracefully following Antonio’s lead.

“One thing to remember,” Antonio whispered as they walked. “Smile, and don’t let anyone see your weakness.”

Cassandra gave a slight smile. “Understood.”

Antonio introduced Cassandra to several important guests. She played her role perfectly—smiling, speaking politely, and giving the impression that she was completely at ease. However, her focus wavered when she noticed a familiar figure in the corner of the room.

“Ben?” she murmured quietly.

Antonio turned. “Did you say something?”

Cassandra shook her head. “No, just feeling a little thirsty. May I get a drink?”

“Of course. I’ll be here,” Antonio replied.

Cassandra made her way to the drinks table, ensuring her steps remained steady. Yet her eyes stayed fixed on Ben, who appeared to be speaking with a man in a gray suit. Ben’s expression was serious, and the man occasionally glanced toward Cassandra.

“Cassandra,” a soft voice interrupted. She turned to see a middle-aged woman with a warm smile. “I’m Agnes, an old friend of Antonio’s. You look stunning tonight.”

Cassandra returned the smile politely. “Thank you, Agnes. It’s nice to meet you.”

Agnes chuckled lightly. “Antonio is lucky to have someone like you. I hope he realizes that.”

“Antonio is always full of surprises,” Cassandra replied, attempting to sound casual.

Agnes gave her a meaningful look before saying, “Be careful, dear. This world isn’t as beautiful as it seems.”

Before Cassandra could ask further, Agnes had already walked away. Her words lingered in the air, leaving Cassandra with a growing unease.

Returning to Antonio’s side, Cassandra couldn’t shake Agnes’s cryptic warning. Yet she forced herself to stay focused. Antonio smiled as she approached.

“Are you having a good time?” Antonio asked.

“Of course,” Cassandra replied, though her mind was still clouded with questions.

Before their conversation could continue, a servant approached with a small piece of paper. “A message for you, Miss Cassandra.”

Cassandra accepted the note hesitantly. When she opened it, she read the brief words: “We need to talk. Meet me on the balcony.”

Her heart raced. She glanced toward Antonio, who seemed unaware. Who had sent the message? And what awaited her on the balcony?

Cassandra stood for a moment, staring at the slip of paper in her hand. The note left her thoughts in turmoil. Who had sent it? What did they mean by meeting on the balcony? She turned to look at Antonio, who was engrossed in a conversation with an elderly man in an elegant suit, seemingly oblivious to her.

This was an opportunity too valuable to ignore.

Walking carefully, Cassandra slipped away toward the indicated balcony. The room was crowded, making it easy for her to move unnoticed. When she reached the balcony, illuminated by small hanging lights, she found the place deserted, bathed in soft moonlight. The night air was chilly, causing her gown to flutter slightly.

“Who’s there?” Cassandra called, her voice trembling with a mix of caution and curiosity.

From behind one of the balcony’s pillars, a man emerged. His body was cloaked in a long black coat with the collar turned up, and a wide-brimmed hat obscured most of his face. Cassandra couldn’t see him clearly, but something about his stance felt familiar.

“Cassandra,” the man’s voice was low but firm, “you need to stay away from Antonio. He’s extremely dangerous.”

Cassandra took a step back, maintaining her distance. “Who are you? And why should I trust you?”

The man didn’t answer immediately. He stepped closer but remained in the shadows. “I’m a friend. I don’t have much time to explain, but you’re in danger if you stay with him.”

“A friend?” Cassandra squinted, trying to recognize the voice.

The man hesitated for a moment, then regained his composure. “I’m here to warn you. Antonio isn’t who you think he is. He manipulates everyone around him, and he won’t hesitate to destroy you if you get in his way.”

Cassandra felt her blood run cold at his words. “Why should I trust you? You don’t even have the courage to show your face.”

The man sighed, sounding frustrated. “I have to conceal my identity. If Antonio finds out I’m here, it’ll endanger us both.”

“Trust me,” he urged, his tone growing more desperate. “Antonio has done terrible things. If you stay by his side, you’ll lose not just your freedom but your life.”

Cassandra swallowed hard, fear and confusion swirling inside her. “Then why are you here? Why risk everything to tell me this?”

The man paused, then spoke in a softer voice. “Because I care about you. I don’t want to see you destroyed.”

Before Cassandra could respond, the sound of footsteps approached from inside the room, nearing the balcony. The man quickly stepped back into the shadows.

“Hey wait!” Cassandra called, but he had already leaped off the balcony, vanishing into the darkness.

Cassandra stood frozen, staring at the spot where Thomas had disappeared. The footsteps drew closer, and moments later, Antonio appeared in the doorway to the balcony.

“You’re here,” he said warmly, though his brow arched slightly. “I was looking for you.”

Cassandra forced a smile, trying to hide her unease. “I just wanted to enjoy some fresh air.”

Antonio gave a small smile, stepping closer. “You don’t need to be alone. Fresh air is better enjoyed together.”

Cassandra nodded faintly, though her mind was far from their conversation.

As the night ended and Antonio escorted her back to her room, Cassandra felt as if she stood at a crossroads. If she trusted the man she barely recognized, she needed to leave immediately. But if she misjudged the situation, she’d lose all chances of fighting Antonio from within.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, Cassandra gazed at the red gown she still wore. “What should I do?” she murmured, her hands clenched tightly. Time was running out, and she knew one wrong decision could mean the end of everything.