LOGINCass, Scarlet, and Amanda stepped out of their lobby, their plans for the day still up in the air. They had enjoyed their holiday in France and were sad it was coming to an end.
As they settled into their hotel and freshened up, the three friends gathered "So, ladies, what's on the agenda?" Cass asked a mischievous glint in her eye.
Scarlet laughed, her excitement contagious. "Let's start with a tour of the city! I want to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal."
Amanda chimed in, "Sounds like a plan! And we are going clubbing today"
Cass nodded, her enthusiasm matching theirs. "Absolutely!"
With their plans set, the trio set off into the bustling streets of Paris. They strolled along the Seine River, marveling at the stunning architecture and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, its majestic presence captivating them.
"Wow," Scarlet whispered, her eyes widening with awe. "It's even more incredible up close. I can't believe we're actually here!"
Cass grinned, feeling a sense of fulfillment as she took in the sight with her sister and friend
They spent the day exploring the city, hopping from café to café, indulging in flaky croissants and rich espresso. The laughter flowed freely, and the bonds between the three friends grew stronger with each passing moment.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the city, Cass suggested, "How about we head to the beach? It's a perfect way to unwind after a long day of walking."
Scarlet's eyes lit up at the idea. "Yes! I can't get enough of the beach scene and all the hotties at the pool. Let's go!"
They hopped on a train and made their way to the beautiful beach town of Nice, the sound of crashing waves and the salty sea breeze refreshing their spirits. They kicked off their shoes, feeling the sand between their toes as they strolled along the shoreline, their laughter carried away by the gentle ocean breeze.
The trio found the perfect spot on the beach, laying out their towels and settling in for a relaxing afternoon. They dipped their feet in the cool water, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.
As the sun began to sink below the horizon, casting vibrant hues of orange and pink across the sky, Cass suggested, "You know what? Let's go out and experience the nightlife of France!"
Scarlet's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes, yes, yes! I want to dance the night away!"
Amanda nodded in agreement, her smile wide. "I know one of the bubbliest clubs nearby"
Amanda led them to a trendy club in the heart of the city. The music thumped through the walls, and the energy inside was infectious.
They danced with abandon, their laughter mingling with the beats, creating a soundtrack of unforgettable moments.
In the midst of the pulsating crowd, Cass's eyes locked with a handsome stranger who exuded an air of mystery and confidence that Cass couldn't help but be attracted to.
His dark, tousled hair, and intense gaze drew Cass in, igniting a spark of curiosity and desire.
As if propelled by an invisible force, Cass found herself making her way toward him.
"Hi, My name is Marcus." Even his voice sounded velvety and powerful.
"My name is Cass, I am here on vacation with my friend and sister" Cass didn't know why she had divulged so much information
Marcus smiled she seemed so shy "Can I get you a drink?"
Cass looked behind her and could see Scar and Amanda already dancing and in the midst of conversations.
"Alright! I want a Negroni" Cass said. This was her last day in France and a little fun never hurt anyone.
They had chatted and laughed for a while when Marcus extended a hand, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "Care to dance?"
Cass's heart raced as she placed her hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down her spine. They moved onto the dance floor, bodies swaying in sync with the rhythm of the music.
The world around them faded into a blur as they lost themselves in the moment, the only thing that mattered was the intoxicating connection they shared.
Marcus couldn't help but be attracted to the woman before him. He had come to France to clear his head amidst his family's problems when his friend Brian had cajoled him to come to the club with him.
Although he had resisted, he couldn't help but thank Brian in his thoughts since he got to meet Cass.
Their bodies moved in perfect harmony, a magnetic pull guiding their every step. Cass could feel the heat of Marcus's breath on her skin, his touch sending electric waves of pleasure through her body.
They danced as if time stood still, their movements a language of desire and longing.
They danced together, their bodies moving in sync as if they had known each other for years. Their chemistry was undeniable, and before they knew it, the night carried them away.
Cass suddenly remembered her sister and Amanda and looked around for them but they were nowhere to be found.
She took out her phone to call them when she saw that they had texted her already. Scar was feeling sick and had gotten a cab to take her to the hotel while Amanda was having a nightcap with one of her friends at another location.
"Do you want to leave?" Marcus asked when he saw her looking at her phone.
Marcus didn't want her to leave yet but he didn't want to impose his presence
"Yes, Can you take me to my hotel please?"
They left the club hand in hand, and Cass was surprised when she saw his car, It was a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Marcus drove through the city while Cas sat languidly. He couldn't help but notice her flushed cheeks, her pouty lips or how the air blew through her hair. Her neck looked slender and Marcus wanted to run his tongue through it.
Marcus shook his head to clear his mind of his thoughts.
"Stop!" Cass said suddenly.
Marcus parked and looked to ask her what was wrong when she said
"Take me to your room" and bit her lip looking away shyly
Cass didn’t remember the drive back to the Wells estate.Her mind was too loud.Too fast.Too focused on the email burning in her pocket like a live wire.You’re next.The words looped in her head the entire ride, even as Caleb’s car cut smoothly through traffic. She kept glancing out the window — scanning faces on sidewalks, cars behind them, the shadows between buildings.Every movement felt like it meant something.Every silence felt like a warning.Caleb parked near one of the side entrances and stepped out immediately. “Let’s get inside. We’ll sweep your devices in the office.”Cass nodded, still clutching her phone like it might detonate.Inside the mansion, the warm lighting and quiet hallways did little to steady her. Her pulse was a drum under her skin, loud and insistent.Caleb led her to Marcus’s home office and locked the door behind them.“Let me see the phone again,” he said.Cass handed it over. Caleb connected it to a secure cable, his face illuminated by the blue glow
Morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of Marcus’s home office as Cass set a new stack of documents on the table. She hadn’t slept much the past couple of nights — her mind kept looping through the access logs, the technician, and every unanswered question left hanging in the air.She didn’t feel fragile anymore.She felt focused.Caleb stood across from her, tablet in hand, posture firm and attentive. Marcus leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed, watching her with that sharp, assessing gaze he always wore when he was worried but trying not to show it.“Alright,” Cass said, steadying her breath. “Let’s continue from where we left off.”Caleb nodded and tapped his screen.“We’ve made progress,” he said. “And things have gotten… complicated.”Marcus’s jaw flexed. “Start from the top.”Caleb hesitated before answering. “Not much on the technician, but…”He slid his tablet across the desk. A grainy CCTV still filled the screen — a man exiting the private staff entr
Cass stayed in the study long after the door had closed behind her. Sunlight pooled across the polished desk, warming her skin, but her insides resisted the calm. Relief and disbelief tangled tightly together, and beneath both lingered something she wasn’t ready to examine — something unsteady, almost dangerous.She traced the timestamp on the access logs again. Jake had been there. He had physically walked into the archive room the night before her evidence disappeared.Proof.Real proof.Finally.She breathed out slowly, pressing her palm against the page like she needed to anchor herself to the reality of it.A soft knock sounded.Cass closed her eyes. She should have known he’d come. Marcus Wells didn’t walk away from problems. He cornered them.“Come in.”The door opened.Marcus stepped inside, his movements careful, almost hesitant, as if he wasn’t sure how close he was allowed to get. He shut the door behind him but didn’t break her gaze.“Cass.”She turned, trying to keep her
Cass exhaled slowly as she set the access logs on the table. Her fingers traced the timestamp again—Jake had been there. He’d walked straight into the archive room the night before her evidence vanished. She had always known he betrayed her, but seeing it in print made her chest tighten with fierce relief.Caleb stood beside her, explaining the findings while Scar leaned over her shoulder like an overexcited commentator.“It isn’t just the logs,” Caleb continued, voice steady. “We tracked his phone location. He was within the building’s perimeter for over two hours.”Cass nodded. “Enough time to steal the files and plant the envelope.”Scar slapped the table lightly. “We finally have him. Oh my God, Cass, you’re getting your name back.”Cass swallowed hard, emotion catching in her throat. “It’s… finally starting to feel real.”Marcus watched her from across the table—quiet, unreadable, but intensely focused. Every time she lifted her gaze, he looked away a second too late.Caleb shift
Cass was lying next to him.Not on another couch. Not across the room. Next to him. On his bed.His pulse spiked so hard it hurt.No. No, no—please tell me I didn’t—He pushed a hand into his hair, heart hammering against his ribs. Memories slammed into him in blurry fragments:Amber. The pregnancy. His anger. His heartbreak. His drinking—God, so much drinking. Cass’s voice somewhere in the fog. Warm hands helping him. His own voice cracking—too raw, too emotional. “Don’t leave me… please, Cass…”He winced. Actually winced.He didn’t remember falling asleep. And he DEFINITELY didn’t remember Cass getting in bed beside him.She shifted slightly, her lashes fluttering open. Her eyes widened the second she realized how close they were.“Oh—” Cass scrambled back like she’d touched fire. “Oh, my God—I swear it’s not what it looks like!”Marcus swallowed, throat dry. “Did I… do something?”“No!” Cass said instantly, shaking her head so fast her hair flew. “Nothing happened. You w
Her belly? What was he talking about? Marcus exchanged a quick, puzzled look with Cass before making his way to the living room. As he entered, he was met with an unexpected sight. Amber, his ex-girlfriend, sat on the sofa, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Amber!!! What are you doing here?" He asked with a calmness that betrayed the surprise and shock he felt She stood up gracefully, revealing a bag she had used to cover her belly. The shock on Marcus's face was palpable as he saw her visibly pregnant. Cass, standing behind Marcus, felt a mixture of surprise and discomfort. "Marcus, darling, it's been a while," Amber greeted, her tone dripping with a calculated sweetness "What are you doing here, Amber?" Marcus asked again, struggling to conceal his astonishment. Amber's smile widened as she surveyed Marcus and then turned her gaze to Cass. "I couldn't believe you'd move on so quickly, let alone get married just two months after our breakup." Marcus frowned, his mind racing to







