Three

CHAPTER 3

Cassandra drove to the familiar luxurious mansion, her former home, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She felt disgusted by what she was about to do, but the thought of avenging her parents strengthened her resolve. Antonio's name and the memory of her parents' deaths were intertwined, fueling the fire of revenge that had burned for years.

She prepared meticulously, choosing an outfit that was both alluring and practical. A sleek black dress that hugged her curves yet allowed her to move quickly in case things went awry. She strapped a small knife to her thigh, hidden but easily accessible, and slipped a set of lock-picking tools into her bag. Her police training had taught her to always be prepared.

"Calm down, Cass. It's just a one-night stand. Everything will be over when he lets his guard down, and you can plunge this knife into his chest." Cassandra spoke to herself as the car stopped in front of the mansion. Her blue eyes scanned the area, a warm feeling spreading through her chest at the sight of her family’s mansion now in Antonio's hands. "Damn, this is too emotional. I really have to kill Antonio tonight."

Wiping away the tears that had started to fall, Cassandra stepped out of the car. She grabbed her small bag and walked toward the mansion's main entrance. Two burly guards stood there, looking identical with their bald heads and all-black attire for the night.

"Who are you?" one of the guards asked.

Cassandra handed over the invitation envelope to the man in front of her. She lifted her face and said, "I'm here for Mr. Franches."

One of them took the envelope, scrutinizing Cassandra from head to toe before reading the letter inside and cautiously opening the door. The guards exchanged glances and let Cassandra pass through.

"Mr. Franches is in the dining room."

That was all Cassandra needed to know, as she was familiar with every room in the mansion. It had been her home and should have remained so. Cassandra's footsteps caught Antonio's attention in the dining room. He was sitting alone, enjoying a steak, when Cassandra finally appeared and stood there nervously.

Cassandra had never lost her confidence like this before, but Antonio's gaze... it was truly blinding.

"Hi?"

One of Antonio's eyebrows arched. He smirked and pointed at Cassandra with the knife in his hand. "Can you sit with me in that short dress?"

Antonio's comment made Cassandra look at herself. It was indeed a short and tight dress. Too sexy! Cassandra had never worn it before. It was a gift from Jessica. However, Cassandra didn’t expect that a dress that seemed so scanty would pull her into her own revenge circle.

"I suppose it's fine. Aren't we going to take all of this off in bed anyway?"

Cassandra bit her lip, feeling utterly disgusted after saying those words. But Antonio just chuckled and asked her to sit across from him.

"You're realistic, huh?"

"I just don't like small talk," Cassandra admitted.

The aroma of the grilled steak, browned to perfection, finally reached Cassandra's nose. She saw it, it looked delicious with fresh vegetables and fries on the side of the plate.

"Do you like steak?" Antonio cut another piece of meat, stabbing it with his knife. He looked at Cassandra again. "This is the best meat I have."

"Is that the right way to offer a lady dinner?"

Antonio chuckled again, chewing the piece of meat. "You know this is just the appetizer, right?" He pointed at Cassandra with the knife. "You should eat before I devour you."

The thought of 'first sex' nearly made Cassandra vomit on the spot. She tried to hold the fork and knife with her slightly trembling hands. She was still a virgin, had never dated in her life, but wasn't ending up in bed with her enemy the most disgusting end?

"By the way... Miss Wallan didn't mention the price. How much should I pay you tonight?"

Antonio's words made Cassandra pause. The knife’s sharp tip now stuck into the fries on the plate. Slowly, Cassandra looked up and saw Antonio across from her. Damn, Antonio was so straightforward.

And Cassandra hid her anger with a forced smile. "I think you'll offer me a fair price."

"So... you think you can satisfy me in bed?"

"Not just that, I'll send you to heaven, Mr. Franches." Or hell. Cassandra smiled again, then took a slow sip of the orange juice beside her plate. She imagined stabbing Antonio with the knife hidden under her tight dress and watching her parents' killer die after all these years. That thought made Cassandra smile in her seat. "So we better hurry up with this appetizer."

Antonio's eyes twinkled with amusement, his gaze never leaving Cassandra's. "You're eager, aren't you?" he said, his tone mixed with mockery and curiosity. "I like that. But don't rush. There's something special about savoring this moment."

Cassandra forced a smile, her fingers tightening around the knife. "I guess you're right," she replied, trying to match his relaxed tone. "Why hurry when the night has just begun?"

Antonio leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at her. "Tell me, Cassandra, what brings a woman like you to my house tonight? I find it hard to believe you're just here for fun."

Cassandra's heart pounded, but she quickly regained her composure. "Curiosity," she said smoothly. "I've heard so much about you, Mr. Franches. I wanted to see for myself what you're really like." And find out the truth about my parents' deaths.

Like a king in his domain, Antonio wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. He looked classy and expensive. Raising an eyebrow, Antonio continued, "I've finished eating. Can we move on to the main event of our evening?"

"I can't wait for that."

"Let's have some fun in my bed, Miss Baker."