Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134

Zandrie entered without haste, but the moment he crossed the threshold, his eyes went straight to Ashton-sharp, questioning. The look lingered only briefly before shifting to Cassie, assessing, measuring, as if trying to read the atmosphere she had left

behind.

Cassie, however, seemed entirely unfazed. She leaned back into her seat with deliberate ease, crossing one leg over the other as though she belonged there as much as anyone. When their gazes met, she held his without flinching, her expression calm, almost pleasantly indifferent.

“Have you discussed the important matter you mentioned with CEO Pierce?” Zandrie asked casually as he took the seat across

from Ashton, though the curiosity beneath his tone was unmistakable.

“Sparingly,” Cassie replied, offering him a sweet, composed smile. “Thirty minutes is hardly enough.”

Zandrie scoffed under his breath, shaking his head at her boldness.

“Well then,” Cassie said lightly as she rose from her chair, smoothing the fabric of her dress with unhurried grace.

“I’ll leave you gentlemen to your important meeting,” she said smoothly, a polite smile settling on her lips.

“With the company still in the middle of a major transition, I’m sure you have far more important matters to discuss.”

She glanced briefly at Ashton-just a fleeting look, but one that carried something unspoken-before turning back to Zandrie.

“I think I’ll enjoy the rest of the afternoon shopping.”

Without waiting for a response, she walked toward the door with steady, confident steps.

Two pairs of eyes followed her as she left-the quiet authority in her posture, the subtle sway of confidence in her stride lingering in the room even after the door closed behind her.

For a moment, neither man spoke. The air she left behind felt different-lighter, yet charged.

“Shall we proceed with the meeting, CEO Pierce?” Zandrie said after a moment, his tone calm but edged with quiet scrutiny.

“That is, if you are not too… preoccupied.”

He had been watching Ashton for the past several seconds-watching the way the man’s gaze remained fixed on the door long after Cassie had disappeared, as if he could still see her standing there.

The remark pulled Ashton back. He turned to Zandrie and immediately caught the other man’s knowing look.

“Uh-of course, CEO Wallace,” Ashton replied, clearing his throat as he gathered himself.

He adjusted his posture, smoothing an invisible crease from the sleeve of his suit, the small gesture buying him a second to regain his composure. Then he walked back to his chair and took his seat, his expression settling once more into the calm, controlled authority expected of him.

By the time he looked up again, there was no trace of distraction on his face-only the steady focus of a man ready to conduct business.

They had been deep into a serious discussion for several minutes, the atmosphere inside the office heavy with figures, projections, and strategy, when Ashton’s phone suddenly rang.

The sharp vibration against the polished desk cut through the tension.

Ashton glanced at Zandrie, a silent apology in his eyes. Zandrie gave a brief nod and gestured for him to take the call.

Ashton picked up the phone. “Grandma…” His voice softened instantly, the firm edge he used in meetings melting into something gentle, almost boyish.

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But as the voice on the other end continued, the warmth drained from his face.

“What…?” he muttered, unease creeping into his tone. His shoulders stiffened, fingers tightening around the phone. The color seemed to leave his features as he listened, silent and rigid.

Across the desk, Zandrie watched closely, brows knitting together at the visible shift in Ashton’s demeanor.

When the call ended, Ashton lowered the phone slowly, drawing in a steadying breath.

“I apologize for cutting our meeting short, CEO Wallace, he said, already rising from his seat.

“My grandmother has been taken to the hospital.”

There was no attempt to mask the urgency in his voice.

“I understand, CEO Pierce,” Zandrie replied immediately, closing the folders spread across the table.

“Your grandmother comes first.”

“We’ll schedule another time to continue this discussion.”

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