5

“What took you so long?” Caspian asked as Cassandra returned from the bathroom.

Cassandra took a seat across from him, indifferent to the man's curious gaze. “A mouse tried to disturb a sleeping lioness,” she replied, hinting at something deeper.

Caspian caught her meaning. He glanced at his son's table and saw that Selene had just emerged from the bathroom. Their eyes met accidentally, and Selene gave him a sweet smile. Caspian ignored her, and focused on Cassandra, who was now in front of him.

“I've ordered your favorite meal, Cass. Eat to regain your strength.” Caspian nonchalantly served Cassandra a plate of bite-sized steak pieces before taking a whole steak for himself.

Cassandra was stunned at the sight of her favorite dish. 

“Is the food not to your liking? Or are you allergic? I can order something else,” asked Caspian, his tone slightly concerned.

Cassandra quickly shook her head, holding Caspian's arm before he called the waiter. “No, this is all my favorite food. I just didn't expect you to know my tastes. Thank you.”

Caspian breathed a sigh of relief and clasped Cassandra's small hand that was still holding his arm. “I know a lot about you, from the little things to the big things.”

The air around them felt different, as if there was an enveloping tension. Caspian's gaze was different, making Cassandra's lips quiver nervously. “You mean?” she asked, looking for reassurance.

Caspian waved his hand, trying to distract her. “Never mind. Hurry and eat. I'll take you home after.”

“Yes.” Cassandra nodded stiffly and began to eat her food with gusto.

She ignored Caspian's attitude, which made her curious. Although she realized that Caspian's attention was probably just lip service, it still had a big impact on her — especially after her relationship with Alaric was destroyed.

***

The music blaring from one of NY's elite clubs was deafening. Selene and Lily chose a private room to discuss their secret plan, surrounded by various bottles of alcohol lined up neatly on a glass table.

“Cassandra stole my first step. She used devious means to get the attention of the wealthy Mr. Caspian. I wonder what he saw in Cassandra's stiff form?” Selene complained, her half-consciousness caught up in the influence of alcohol. But, she was conscious enough to demonize Cassandra.

Lily gently rubbed Selene's shoulders. “I'm sure Mr. Caspian just wants to taste Cassandra's body. Later, when he gets bored, he will definitely throw her away. So you have nothing to worry about.”

Selene nodded her head, feeling a wicked smile spread across her face. When Caspian got rid of Cassandra, she wanted to be the first one laughing happily.

“So, what are your new plans with Alaric?” asked Lily, distracting Selene, who was still muttering curses at Cassandra.

Selene laughed out loud, her eyes sparkling. “Alaric and I are going to embarrass Cassandra, including her family and business associates. Just imagine their reaction when they get a new engagement invitation, but Cassandra's name isn't on it. Just imagining it is enough to get me excited.”

Lily smiled a little, enjoying Selene's moment of happiness. “Finally, people will laugh at Cassandra's failed love stories and think she's not good at keeping men.”

Selene clapped her hands happily, and Lily left the table to go to the bathroom. Meanwhile, Selene took to the dance floor and engaged in an erotic dance with the men.

On the other side of the club, Lily walked quickly to the bathroom while typing something on her cell phone. The tapping of her high heels sounded loud as someone on the other end of the line answered her call.

“Selene isn't going to do anything dangerous to Cassandra. She's just going to circulate a new engagement invitation with her name on it, along with Alaric. And I managed to get Selene to seduce Alaric and work as your spy for years. So you have to keep your word,” Lily said in a serious tone, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.

The heavy voice from behind the phone replied, “You'll get it, Lily.”

“I have your word, Mr. Caspian,” Lily replied and hung up with a heavy sigh. She was tired of playing the role of Selene's fake friend.

However, as Lily pressed the button to lock her phone, her face became desperate. In the corner of the bathroom, a tall man stood with a sharp gaze, watching her.

A feeling of dread washed over her body as she realized that the man was not just another bodyguard, but a person involved in dangerous business.

“Mr. Caspian is waiting for you,” he said firmly. And Lily felt death creeping in with every step she took.