Chapter 23
Rachel suddenly remembered that during dinner yesterday, Cassian had grabbed her phone and changed his contact name from “Cassian” to “Husband.”
At the time, he’d insisted with complete seriousness that since they were legally married, keeping his name like they were just casually dating made no sense.
He’d taken her phone and updated it himself without asking permission–very typical Cassian behavior.
Seeing “Husband” flashing on her screen now sent an unexpected flutter through her chest. She swiped to answer, her voice unconsciously turning softer. “Hey, what’s up?”
Cassian’s deep voice came through crystal clear. “You still at the office? Don’t leave without me–I’m coming to get you. Time to move you into our place.”
He’d been counting down to this moment all day.
Warmth spread across Rachel’s cheeks. “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”
She ended the call quickly, suddenly aware of her audience.
The moment she hung up, she found herself staring into Jasper’s absolutely furious face.
He stood there looking like he wanted to strangle someone, eyes blazing with rage and wounded pride.
“Rachel, want to explain why some guy is calling you and your phone says ‘Husband“?” Jasper’s voice was pure ice, loaded with
accusation.
Rachel’s eyebrows shot up, annoyance flashing. “That’s literally none of your business anymore, Jasper. We’re not together, remember? You don’t get to police my phone calls.”
Valeria quickly jumped in, looking shocked but pleased. “Jasper, don’t stress about it. Ana’s obviously just trying to make you jealous. There’s no way she actually found someone else this fast.”
That seemed to bring Jasper back from the edge. His fury, cooled as his ego reasserted itself.
Right–Rachel was completely obsessed with him. No way she’d moved on already.
This was just another desperate play for his attention.
“Ana, if this is some sad attempt to make me jealous, congratulations–mission accomplished. But don’t fucking test me.” His voice dripped condescension.
Rachel’s tone stayed perfectly calm but deadly/cold. “You have some serious delusions of grandeur. Who I date or marry is absolutely none of your concern.”
“The buyout paperwork’s on your desk. I’ll finish transferring my projects this week. You have seve. vo hours to decide–purchase my shares or I’m selling to outside investors.”
With that, Rachel walked out with complete composure.
The second she left, Jasper grabbed the contract and shredded it violently.
Fucking bitch!
This new version of Rachel was completely impossible to manipulate.
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Chapter 23
Valeria watched the destruction nervously before speaking carefully. “Jasper, what if Ana actually did find some rich guy? Maybe that’s why she’s demanding so much money. Three hundred million is pretty hallsy though…”
“She’s not getting shit,” Jasper snarled. “If that ungratefulcunt wants to leave, she can walk away with nothing but the clothes on her back.”
He’d thought Rachel was smarter than this. Turns out she was just another greedy gold–digger.
Valeria’s eyes lit up with malicious satisfaction. “Exactly! She’s being ridiculously greedy. A few thousand in severance would be generous.”
Jasper pulled Valeria against his chest possessively. “You’re so rational, baby. Not like that psycho.”
“I’ll always have your back,” Valeria purred, running her fingers through his hair. “But now that you’ve pissed her off royally, we probably can’t get those design files.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Jasper whispered against her ear. “We know her password. I checked earlier–her latest designs are basically finished. Once she clears out tonight…”
“Perfect,” Valeria’s smile turned predatory. “Oh, and I bought some new lingerie today… that pink lace set you like…”
“You read my mind perfectly,” Jasper’s mood instantly improved. “Definitely want a private fashion show later:“–
They were back to groping each other within seconds.
After escaping Jasper’s toxic office, Rachel returned to her workspace and began wrapping up her responsibilities.
Honestly, there wasn’t much to transition.
She’d always empowered her team to handle their own projects, and everyone had proven themselves more than capable.
She spent the afternoon documenting ongoing initiatives and pending decisions.
By six PM, everything was organized and ready for her replacement.
She also needed to clear out her personal items to make room for whoever Jasper hired next.
Sure enough, within minutes of Rachel leaving, Valeria slithered into her office like the snake she was.
After confirming the coast was clear, Valeria quickly accessed the computer and began stealing design files, a vicious smile spreading across her face.
“Stupid bitch,” Valeria muttered while copying everything to her flash drive. “Thanks for doing all the hard work for me. Can’t wait to
take credit for your talent.”
She transferred every design file before sneaking back out like the thief she was.
From her concealed position down the hall/Rachel watched Valeria’s retreat with cold satisfactio.
Step one of her revenge plan was officially complete.
Then she headed down to meet Cassian.
His sleek black Bentley was already waiting at the curb when she emerged from the building.
Through the tinted windows, she could see him watching the entrance with quiet intensity. Starting tonight, she’d officially become. part of his daily routine.
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Chapter 23
Manhattan’s skyline was just beginning to sparkle as evening descended.
Rachel approached the car and slid into the passenger seat, immediately enveloped by his expensive cologne and warm presence,
“Sorry, have you been waiting forever?” she asked, suddenly feeling shy.
Cassian turned to study her face, something protective flickering in his usually guarded eyes. “Just got here. How was your last day?”
“Productive,” she said with a small smile. “I’m officially free.”
“Good.” His voice carried quiet satisfaction. “Ready to come home?”
The way he said “home“-like she belonged there–made her heart skip.
Cassian drove her back to Elisabeth’s brownstone first, where his driver efficiently loaded her belongings.
He’d offered for Elisabeth to move in with them, but she’d graciously declined, insisting newlyweds needed space to figure things out
Plus, she valued her independence too much to give it up now.
Though Elisabeth wouldn’t budge, Cassian was already arranging for a part–time housekeeper to check on her regularly.
Finally, they headed to his place together.
Cassian’s penthouse occupied the top floors of Central Park Tower–the tallest residential building in the world and crown jewel of
Billionaires‘ Row.
“Home sweet home,” Cassian announced as they pulled into the private garage beneath the building.
Rachel followed him out while the driver handled her luggage, trying not to gawk at the marble and gold fixtures surrounding them.
Noticing her nervous energy, Cassian’s voice turned reassuring. “Hey, it’s just us up there. Plus Maria, the housekeeper, but she only comes during the day.”
That helped Rachel relax slightly, though butterflies were still doing aerobics in her stomach.
Sure, they were married, but they barely knew each other. Moving in together felt like jumping off a cliff blindfolded.
Plus, Cassian’s reputation was pretty intimidating.
Though their limited time together had been surprisingly… normal.
The private elevator whisked them up forty–plus floors in smooth silence.
When the doors opened directly into his penthouse, Rachel’s breath caught.
The space was absolutely stunning–floor–to–ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, modern minimalist design with warm touches that kept it from feeling cold.
“Holy shit,” she whispered, then immediately blushed. “Sorry, I mean… wow.”
Cassian’s laugh was rich and genuine–the first time she’d heard him really laugh. “I like the first reaction better. What do you think?”
“It’s incredible,” Rachel said honestly, still taking it all in. “Like something out of Architectural Digest.”
“Our home now,” Cassian corrected gently, moving closer. “I want you to feel comfortable here.”
The way he said “our home” with such quiet conviction made something warm unfurl in her chest.
willing Our Three Kids
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Chapter 23
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything.”
Cassian stepped even closer, his hand finding hers. “Thank you for giving this a chance.”
For a moment they just stood there, hands linked, city lights beginning to twinkle beyond the windows.
This crazy arrangement was starting to feel like it might actually work.
