Thirty

CHAPTER 30

Cassandra stood at the doorway of Jessica’s apartment, her coat draped over her arm. The night air awaited her, carrying the faint promise of clarity—or so she hoped. Jessica leaned against the doorframe, her usual smirk fading into an expression of rare concern.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Jessica asked, crossing her arms.

Cassandra nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. I just need to get back and… figure things out.”

Jessica sighed, her fingers tapping against her elbow. “Alright, call me if you need anything. And remember, Cass, don’t overthink it. Sometimes, you just have to choose.”

“Thanks, Jess.” Cassandra’s voice was soft but genuine.

With that, she stepped out into the night, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as she hailed a taxi. Sliding into the backseat, she gave the driver Antonio’s mansion address. The drive was quiet, save for the hum of the engine and the occasional honk of distant cars. Cassandra’s mind raced, replaying Jessica’s words over and over.

When the taxi stopped in front of the mansion’s grand gates, Cassandra hesitated for a moment before stepping out. The sprawling estate was eerily quiet, the usual signs of life conspicuously absent. She pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, her heels clicking against the marble floors.

“Hello?” Cassandra called out, her voice echoing through the large space. There was no response.

She wandered through the familiar halls, checking the usual rooms. The dining room was empty, the study untouched. Even the kitchen, which was often bustling with staff, was silent. With a sigh, she returned to the living room and sank into the plush sofa. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and despite the tension in her chest, her eyes began to close.

But her rest was short-lived. A sudden, sharp knock at the door jolted her awake. Cassandra sat up, her heart pounding as she stared at the entrance. The knock came again, more insistent this time. Before she could react, the door creaked open, and one of Antonio’s bodyguards stepped inside.

“Miss Cassandra,” the man said, his voice low and hurried. “Someone’s here looking for Mr. Antonio. They’re… forcing their way in.”

Cassandra frowned, standing up. “Who?”

Before the bodyguard could answer, a young woman pushed past him and entered the room. Her movements were deliberate, her posture exuding arrogance. She was impeccably dressed, her heels clicking against the floor with every step. Her eyes scanned the room before landing on Cassandra, narrowing in disdain.

“So,” the woman began, her voice dripping with condescension, “you’re the infamous Cassandra.”

Cassandra straightened, her eyes locking onto the woman. “And who are you?” she asked, her tone steady but laced with curiosity.

The woman smirked, her red lips curling in a way that made Cassandra’s stomach tighten. “Someone far more important to Antonio than you could ever imagine.”

The words hung in the air like a challenge, and Cassandra’s mind raced. Who was this woman, and what did she want with Antonio? One thing was clear: tonight was not going to be quiet.

Cassandra and the bodyguard exchanged bewildered glances, confusion written on their faces. Before either of them could decide what to do, the sound of a car pulling up outside broke the tension. Cassandra walked to the window and saw Antonio stepping out of the car with his secretary, Ben.

Moments later, Antonio and Ben entered the living room. Antonio walked in calmly, his eyes quickly assessing the situation. The bodyguard stepped forward immediately, bowing slightly.

“Apologies, Mr. Antonio,” the bodyguard said in a low tone. “This woman forced her way in and—”

Before he could finish, the woman—whom Cassandra now knew as Claire Thompson—interrupted arrogantly. “Antonio,” she said in a sickly sweet tone, walking briskly toward him.

Without hesitation, Claire wrapped her arms around Antonio in a tight hug, as if to display their closeness to everyone in the room. Cassandra felt her heartbeat quicken, her chest tightening. She couldn’t suppress the sudden pang of jealousy.

Antonio showed no visible reaction. He simply stood still, letting Claire hug him. After a few seconds, he calmly disentangled himself. “Claire,” he said flatly, his tone void of emotion.

Claire smiled smugly, then glanced at Cassandra with a condescending look. “We need to talk, Antonio. Now,” she said with urgency.

Antonio gave a small nod. “Follow me to the study,” he replied.

He turned and began walking toward his study, Claire confidently following behind him. Cassandra remained rooted in place, feeling confused and abandoned. She let out a long sigh, trying to calm her chaotic thoughts.

Ben, who was standing near the door, seemed about to follow Antonio but hesitated. Cassandra, noticing this, locked her gaze on him. As Ben turned to leave, Cassandra instinctively reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him.

“Wait,” Cassandra said quickly. “Why do you always look at me like that? With that disdainful glare, as if I’ve done something wrong?”

Ben turned, his expression blank. He gently but firmly removed his arm from Cassandra’s grasp. “That’s none of your business,” he replied curtly.

Before Cassandra could respond, Ben leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a sharp whisper, loud enough for only Cassandra to hear. “Be careful, Cassandra. I know your secret.”

Cassandra’s eyes widened, and her breath caught. Before she could ask further, Ben turned on his heel and left the room without another word. Cassandra stood frozen, her mind swirling with new questions and growing fears, a dark shadow now looming over her.