CHAPTER 26
Cassandra stepped into the bustling lobby of Emperal Hospital, her nerves taut as she scanned the room for Detective Martinez. The hospital’s sterile white walls and the constant shuffle of doctors and patients only heightened her unease. She finally spotted Martinez near the reception desk, holding a brown envelope that seemed to carry the weight of the Foster case within it.
“Detective,” Cassandra greeted, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
Martinez turned, his face lined with a mixture of fatigue and determination. “Cassandra,” he said, gesturing for her to follow him. They walked down a quieter corridor before stopping in an empty waiting room. Martinez handed her the envelope.
“These are the fingerprint samples collected from Michael Foster’s residence,” he began, his voice low. “It’s a lot, Cassandra. More than we’d normally expect for a typical scene.”
Cassandra opened the envelope, pulling out the evidence sheets. The number of distinct fingerprints listed made her brow furrow. “This many?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Could there have been multiple people at the scene?”
Martinez nodded grimly. “Yes. Michael Foster hosted a party the night before he was found dead. It was a celebration—apparently, he had just sealed a major business deal.”
Cassandra’s heart sank as the pieces began to align in her mind. “Let me guess,” she said, her tone measured. “The deal was with Antonio Franches.”
Martinez’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You guessed it. Antonio’s name keeps popping up in this case, but we need more than just his association with Foster. That’s where you come in.”
Cassandra met his gaze, her resolve hardening. “What do you need me to do?”
Martinez crossed his arms. “We need a list of every guest who attended that party. Foster was known for his extravagant gatherings, and there’s a good chance someone saw or heard something important that night.”
Cassandra nodded, already forming a plan in her head. “I’ll find out who was there,” she promised. “I’ll dig through any guest lists, social media posts, anything I can get my hands on.”
Martinez’s expression softened slightly. “I knew I could count on you,” he said. “But be careful, Cassandra. If Antonio is involved, you’re treading on dangerous ground.”
Cassandra gave him a tight smile. “When am I not?”
Martinez’s phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen before giving her a curt nod. “I have to get back to the precinct. Keep me updated.”
As Martinez walked away, Cassandra clutched the envelope tightly, her mind racing. The mention of Antonio at every turn was no longer just coincidence—it was a thread connecting everything. And now, with the fingerprints and the party, the thread was becoming a noose.
Back at Antonio’s office, Cassandra re-entered the room to find him sitting casually in his chair, swirling a glass of whiskey in one hand. The air was thick with an undercurrent of tension, and she immediately noticed that Ben was no longer present.
“Back so soon?” Antonio drawled, raising an eyebrow at her.
Cassandra forced a smile, slipping back into her role. “Work doesn’t leave much time for long breaks.”
Antonio leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. “You’re always so dutiful,” he said, his tone laced with mockery. “But remember, Cassandra, your first duty is to me.”
The sharp edge in his voice made her stomach churn, but she nodded, playing along. “Of course.”
Antonio’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he leaned back, his smirk returning. “Good. Now, why don’t you tell me what’s really keeping you so busy?”
Cassandra kept her expression neutral, her mind racing for an answer that wouldn’t raise suspicion. “Just chasing leads for stories,” she said lightly. “Nothing as glamorous as it sounds.”
Antonio studied her, his dark eyes searching for cracks in her facade. “You’re full of surprises, Cassandra,” he said, his voice low and almost teasing. “Just don’t forget who holds the cards in this little arrangement.”
His words hung in the air like a challenge, but Cassandra didn’t flinch. Instead, she gave him another practiced smile. “I never forget, Antonio.”
As she sat there, her thoughts drifted back to the evidence Martinez had given her. Antonio’s web of influence stretched farther than she had imagined, and the more she uncovered, the more dangerous her position became. But for now, she had to bide her time and play her role—because the truth was a weapon, and she intended to use it when the moment was right.
Antonio sipped his whiskey, his dark gaze never really leaving Cassandra. He set the glass down slowly, then spoke in a soft yet deliberate tone, “Make me happy tonight.”
Cassandra froze. Her breath caught for a moment, and questions immediately swirled in her mind. What did he mean? Why was he saying this so suddenly? She worked hard to keep her expression neutral, even though confusion clouded her thoughts. “What do you mean?” she asked, her voice sounding calmer than she felt.
Antonio only smiled—a smile that felt more like a warning than an invitation. He rose from his chair, his steps slow but deliberate as he approached Cassandra. Each movement seemed to make the air in the room heavier. Cassandra felt her body tense. Her hands clenched tightly on her lap, her fingers gripping the fabric of her trousers, trying to suppress the tension surging through her.
Antonio stopped just behind her. His warm breath touched the nape of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. “Don’t pretend you don’t understand, Cassandra,” he whispered, his voice a near murmur that filled the empty space between them.
Cassandra’s hands clenched even tighter, but she remained silent, refusing to react to the game Antonio was clearly trying to play.
Antonio leaned in closer, his lips brushing softly against the skin of her neck, kissing her in a way that made her heartbeat race uncontrollably, despite her desire to resist him. The sensation of his breath against her skin only made it harder to breathe. Cassandra closed her eyes, trying to summon the strength to stay composed.
“I have another gift for you,” Antonio finally said, his voice low but filled with promise.
Cassandra opened her eyes, trying to read his intentions behind the cryptic statement. They locked eyes, Antonio’s gaze shimmering with something she couldn’t quite define—dominance, seduction, or perhaps a darker game altogether. She fought the urge to recoil, even though her entire body screamed to resist.
“What kind of gift?” Cassandra asked, her voice calm despite the unease coursing through her.
CHAPTER 27Detective Martinez approached Alexander’s desk, his expression thoughtful but tinged with the weight of the case. Alexander looked up from his computer, a small smile forming on his lips as he greeted the detective.“Detective Martinez,” Alexander said, leaning back in his chair. “You look like you’ve been busy.”“I always am,” Martinez replied, placing a brown folder on Alexander’s desk. “These are the fingerprint results from the Foster case. I’ve already handed a copy to Cassandra.”Alexander nodded, flipping the folder open. His sharp eyes scanned the documents, noting the sheer volume of fingerprints found at the scene. “It’s a lot,” he muttered.“It is,” Martinez confirmed, crossing his arms. “Foster hosted a party the night before his death. Apparently, it was to celebrate sealing a deal with Antonio Franches.”Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly. “Antonio again,” he said quietly. “That name keeps popping up.”Martinez nodded. “It does. And while we don’t have solid e
CHAPTER 28Cassandra stepped into her favorite boutique, a small yet elegant shop tucked away in the corner of the city. It was her go-to spot for finding something both chic and understated, the kind of outfit that allowed her to blend in while still feeling like herself. She quickly scanned the racks, pulling out a simple yet stylish navy dress that hugged her figure without being overly formal. The shop attendant recognized her instantly, offering a warm smile and showing her to the fitting room.Moments later, Cassandra emerged in the dress, her hair tied back in a loose bun. She caught her reflection in the shop’s mirror and allowed herself a rare moment of satisfaction. The dress was perfect—not too much, not too little. She paid for it and left the shop feeling more prepared to face the night ahead.At exactly eight o’clock, Cassandra arrived at the concert venue. The energy was electric, the crowd already buzzing with anticipation for Maroon 5. As she made her way through the
CHAPTER 29Cassandra lay on Jessica Wallan's plush bed, staring at the ceiling. The hum of traffic outside and the occasional creak of the building's pipes filled the silence in the room. Jessica, who was also lying beside her, seemed lost in her own thoughts. An unspoken understanding hung in the air—the kind of understanding forged by years of friendship. But it didn’t last long; Jessica shifted and abruptly sat up.“I need a cigarette,” she muttered, opening the bedside drawer to retrieve a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. She walked over to the desk near the bed, lit a cigarette, and leaned against the table, exhaling a thin trail of smoke that curled upward like a question mark.Cassandra shifted onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. “Jess, there’s something I need to tell you.”Jessica raised an eyebrow but remained silent, taking another drag. Her eyes signaled Cassandra to continue.“I made a deal with Antonio,” Cassandra began, her voice barely audible. Her throat
CHAPTER 30Cassandra 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
CHAPTER 31Antonio slammed the door to his study, the sound reverberating throughout the room. Claire, entirely unfazed by his display of anger, strolled leisurely toward his desk. She turned and perched herself on the edge of the polished mahogany, one leg crossed over the other, her skirt riding up just enough to reveal her toned, slender thighs.Antonio leaned against the door for a moment, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto Claire. “What do you want, Claire?” he asked sharply, his tone calm yet laced with menace.Claire tilted her head, her lips curling into a coy smile. “What do I want? Antonio, darling, I should be asking you that.” She gestured dramatically around the room. “You disappear for months, and then I hear about… your marriage.” Her voice dripped with mockery as she emphasized the word. “And worse, I wasn’t even invited. How utterly rude of you.”Antonio pushed himself off the door, walking toward the desk with measured steps. He placed both hands on the surface,
CHAPTER 32Antonio's question hung in the air, his deep and smooth voice echoing in Cassandra's mind. Her breath hitched as Antonio's presence filled her senses—the warmth of his body so close, the faint woody and musky scent of his cologne. Before she could muster a reply, Antonio's fingers gently lifted her chin, tilting her face to meet his.“Look at me,” he murmured, his tone low yet commanding.Cassandra's gaze finally met his. Antonio's eyes bore into hers, an intense mix of amusement and something far darker. Her heart raced, her resolve faltering under his sharp scrutiny. She hated how easily this man controlled her reactions, how his touch made her so unsteady.Antonio's lips curled into a sly smirk, satisfaction evident in his expression. He reveled in the power he held over Cassandra—the girl who once wanted to destroy him, now ensnared in his web. Slowly and deliberately, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers.Cassandra froze, her hands clenched at her sides. A st
CHAPTER 33Silence filled the room after the passionate night between Antonio and Cassandra. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a soft glow, enveloping the room in a tranquil atmosphere. Cassandra lay asleep on her side of the bed, her body bare, her face serene as if the weight of the world had disappeared in her slumber.Antonio sat at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on Cassandra's form, bathed in shadows. He reached for the blanket at the foot of the bed and carefully pulled it up to cover Cassandra’s bare body. His movements were slow, as though he was afraid of waking her. In the stillness, he studied her face—her soft eyebrows, lips now slightly swollen from their kisses, and her steady, peaceful breathing.A small smile formed on Antonio's lips. For a moment, he felt at peace, as if Cassandra was someone he could genuinely trust. But that thought lasted only a fleeting second. His expression shifted to one of seriousness as memories flooded back—Cassandra’s intent to
CHAPTER 34A calm atmosphere enveloped the police station as Cassandra stepped inside, the familiar scent of coffee and ink greeting her. She adjusted her coat, shielding herself from the lingering chill outside. As usual, the station was bustling; officers and staff moved back and forth, their voices blending into a familiar background hum. Her eyes quickly found Alexander at his desk, his slightly tousled hair a testament to his focus as he rifled through a pile of files.Noticing Cassandra’s arrival, Alexander’s face lit up with a warm smile. Without saying a word, he rose from his chair and headed toward the small pantry in the corner of the station. Cassandra tilted her head, watching him curiously. Moments later, Alexander returned, holding a steaming cup of hot chocolate.“Here, for you,” he said, placing the cup on the edge of Cassandra’s desk as she took a seat. His tone was gentle, like a small ritual he enjoyed every time Cassandra visited.Cassandra stared at the cup, her
Chapter 84Cassandra opened the bathroom door with a heavy heart, her mind still clouded by her conversation with Alexander. The sound of water dripping from the faucet accompanied her steps as she opened the laundry basket to check the clothes needing washing. But as her eyes fell on the pile inside, they widened in shock.On top of the pile lay Antonio’s white shirt, stained with blood. The red marks were stark, even though some had started to dry. Cassandra’s heart sank. Her hands trembled as she picked up the shirt for a closer look. There was no doubt—it was blood. A lot of it.She stood frozen, holding the shirt in her hands. What had Antonio done? Was this his own blood, or... someone else’s? Questions swirled in her mind, but she knew she wouldn’t find answers just standing there. Quickly, Cassandra rolled the shirt into a bundle and scanned the room, her mind racing to find a safe place to hide it.Walking out of the bathroom, Cassandra carried the shirt to the bedroom. She o
Chapter 83The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room. Cassandra stirred slightly, her head resting on Antonio’s chest, lulled by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She blinked a few times, realizing they had fallen asleep together on the sofa. Antonio’s arm was still draped protectively around her, his face serene and unguarded in sleep.For a moment, Cassandra hesitated, gazing at him. In this vulnerable state, Antonio seemed different—less guarded, almost tender. A faint smile appeared on Cassandra’s lips as she gently slid out of his embrace. She reached for the folded blanket nearby and carefully covered him, her fingers pausing briefly on his shoulder.“Sleep well,” she murmured softly before heading upstairs.When Antonio woke up, the blanket still covered him, and the living room was silent. He glanced around, his senses sharpening as he realized Cassandra was no longer there. Stretching his limbs, he stood and walked toward
Chapter 82The dimly lit warehouse smelled of metal and dampness, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing in the distance. At the center of the room, Viktor Reznov and Thomas Rivera were tightly bound to metal chairs, their faces lined with tension and bruises. Marcus stood nearby, his large frame exuding a cold authority, while Ben paced back and forth, his expression clouded with thought.Ben’s gaze shifted toward the two men, his jaw tightening. “This is truly unbelievable,” he said, his voice a mix of disbelief and disappointment. “Antonio gave both of you a chance—a way out of ruin. He loaned you capital to build your businesses, and this is how you repay him?”Viktor sneered, refusing to meet Ben’s eyes. Beside him, Thomas glared at Ben with undisguised disdain. “Spare me your lecture,” Thomas rasped, his voice hoarse. “Antonio is nothing more than a loan shark. Sure, he lent us money, but the interest he charged? Outrageous.”Ben stopped pacin
Chapter 81That morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains of Cassandra's room. Antonio sat in the chair by the bed, his gaze fixed on his wife, who was still sound asleep. Thoughts of looming threats weighed heavily on his mind, but watching Cassandra sleep peacefully gave him the strength he needed.A soft knock on the door made Antonio turn his head. He stood and walked out cautiously so as not to wake Cassandra. In the hallway, Marcus was waiting, his expression tense.“Sir, we have new developments,” he said in a low voice. “We managed to unlock the burner phone found in Thomas’s pocket.”Antonio nodded, signaling Marcus to continue.“There were several encrypted messages, but one name appeared repeatedly: Viktor Reznov. We believe he’s the mastermind behind all of this.”The name made Antonio pause. Viktor Reznov wasn’t just another name in the criminal underworld; he was someone with a fearsome reputation. Antonio realized that this wasn’t an ordinary threat.“Where w
Chapter 80The old docks were shrouded in fog, the salty air heavy with the stench of decay. Antonio’s men had surrounded the warehouse, their movements precise and silent. Inside, tension crackled like electricity in the air. Thomas, cornered and desperate, gripped a hidden blade beneath his coat, his mind racing with thoughts of escape—or revenge.Antonio entered the dimly lit warehouse, his sharp footsteps echoing off the walls. Behind him, Ben followed cautiously, his eyes scanning the room for threats. Marcus and a few other men spread out, forming a loose perimeter around Thomas.“It’s over, Thomas,” Antonio said, his voice calm yet threatening. “You have no way out.”Thomas’s eyes darted between Antonio and the others. “No way out?” he sneered, attempting to mask his fear with false bravado. “You think you’ve won? You don’t even know who you’re up against.”Antonio stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. “Then tell me. Who are they? Who’s pulling your strings?”Thomas hesitated, b
Chapter 79The dim light in the warehouse flickered, casting long shadows across the cold cement floor. Antonio stood near a stack of crates, his fingers brushing the edge of his jacket. He motioned for Ben to approach. Ben stepped forward cautiously, sensing the weight of the conversation that was about to take place.“Ben,” Antonio began, his voice low but firm. “I need your honest opinion. What do you think about today’s situation?”Ben’s brow furrowed. He had always been loyal to Antonio, not just as a secretary but as someone who deeply understood the complexities of Antonio’s world. “Sir, with all due respect, it’s not the situation itself that worries me.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “It’s you.”Antonio raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not offended. “Go on.”Ben took a deep breath. “You’ve changed, Antonio. Ever since Cassandra came into your life, your priorities have shifted. It’s understandable, but it’s also dangerous. You’re putting her above everythin
Chapter 78Antonio and Cassandra arrived at the grand estate that served as their residence. The large iron gates closed behind them with a resounding clang as the car stopped in the driveway. Antonio stepped out first, quickly moving to Cassandra's side to help her out of the car."Cass, are you sure you're okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face for any signs of discomfort.Cassandra nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'm fine, Antonio. Really. Just a bit tired.""Let's get you inside so you can rest," Antonio's voice was soft, but there was a commanding tone that left no room for argument.Once inside, Cassandra sank onto the plush couch in the living room. The warm light from the chandelier above cast a soothing glow, but the tension between them remained palpable. Antonio paced for a moment before suddenly stopping."Cass," he began seriously, "I need to step out for a while. There are some things I need to handle with my men. The situation from earlier needs to be addressed im
Chapter 77"Call for the backup car now!" Ben spoke firmly over the phone, his voice echoing amidst the chaos. He stood tall at the scene of the accident, his eyes fixed sharply on the black car speeding away in the distance. It didn’t take long before two other black cars arrived, speeding and stopping right in front of them.“Mr. Antonio, Miss Cassandra, please get into the first car. I’ll go after that vehicle,” Ben said, swiftly opening the car door.Antonio helped Cassandra, who still looked a bit shaken. “Cass, let’s go. We need to get to the hospital,” he said, his tone both firm and gentle. He ensured Cassandra got into the car safely before turning to Ben. “Be careful, Ben. Don’t let anything happen to you.”Ben nodded confidently. “Don’t worry, sir. I’ll make sure they don’t get away.” With that, he got into the second car and sped off, following the trail of the car that had hit them.Inside the car, Cassandra held Antonio’s hand tightly. “Antonio, are you sure we need to g
CHAPTER 76That morning, the sunlight streamed softly through the large window of Antonio and Cassandra’s bedroom. Cassandra woke up earlier than usual. She was still reminiscing about the warmth of the previous night, but a sense of curiosity crept into her heart. Antonio, who usually woke up early for work, was still sound asleep beside her. His peaceful face made Cassandra smile slightly.When Antonio finally woke up, he looked at Cassandra tenderly. “Morning, my love. Have you been up long?”Cassandra shook her head with a smile. “Just now.”Antonio sat up, tidied his slightly messy hair, and suddenly seemed to remember something. With a burst of energy, he got out of bed and walked toward the large wardrobe in the corner of the room.“What are you doing?” Cassandra asked, her tone puzzled, as she followed Antonio’s movements with her eyes.Antonio didn’t answer. He opened one of the wardrobe doors, reached inside, and pulled out a large maroon box decorated with a gold ribbon. Hi