Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189

“We do not breathe the Persename to survive

Amid the lingering mockery, Ashton said nothing

+15 Bor

He simply stood there-still, composed its gaze fixed on Roel Danes with an intensity that made the air feel heavier by the second

Then

A sharp ringtone cut through the silence.

Roel’s phone.

He frowned slightly before answering, his tone still carrying its earlier arrogance.

“Yes?”

But the moment the voice on the other end began speaking Everything changed. Roel’s expression froze.

His eyes widened, the color draining from his face as the words sank in. The hand holding his phone tightened unconsciously, his earlier confidence unraveling in real time.

Around him, guests leaned in, curiosity sharpening their gazes. What could possibly make a man like Roel Danes look… horrified?

“No…” he muttered under his breath, barely audible.

“What happened, President Danes?” Vincent Rouy asked, unease creeping into his voice as he noticed the man’s sudden pallor Roel lowered the phone slowly.

For a moment, he seemed unable to speak-his mind struggling to catch up with the reality being delivered to him.

“Danes Enterprise’s investors…” he finally managed, his voice boarse, “…they’re pulling out.”

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

Roel’s gaze snapped toward the stage, locking onto Ashton–this time no longer filled with mockery, but something far closer

to fear.

“That,” Ashton said calmly, meeting his stare without flinching, “is only the beginning, President Danes.

His voice was quiet, yet it carried effortlessly across the hall

“I don’t need anyone to validate my name.” The weight of his words settled heavily in the room

Roel stood rooted in place, stunned into glence.

“Shit…” he muttered under his breath

his steps quick, uneven, almost desperate. What began as a Then, without another word, he turned abruptly and strode away walk soon bordered on a hurried escape, as he rushed to salvage whatever remained of his collapsing empire

All eyes followed him. Watched him Her

Slowly, Ashton shifted his attention to the others left behind

Mia gas was unreadable bow Cold.

His Knowles, Vincent Rowy, Edward Shen, and MirtiAITI

The insults you hurled at Cassidy tonight,” he said evenly. “will not be forgotten

+15 Bonus

A pause.

“I’ll settle the score with each of you.

No one dared to respond.

Then, without warning, Ashton turned.

Before anyone could anticipate his next move, he reached for Cassie his hand closing around hers-and gently but firmly led her down from the stage.

A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd.

Cassie did not resist.

She walked beside him calmly, her expression composed, her gaze forward-as if she had already expected this moment the instant her identity was revealed to him.

Together, they made their way toward the nearest exit. Ashton did not look back. And neither did she.

The grand hall, once filled with tension and spectacle, fell into a strange, lingering silence as the two disappeared beyond the

doors.

All that remained on stage were Zandrie Wallace, Jefferson Holt, and the rest of the Malakai executives.

Zandrie adjusted the microphone, his expression effortlessly returning to its earlier composure-as though the chaos that had just unfolded was nothing more than a minor interruption.

“Well then,” he said smoothly, a light enthusiasm returning to his voice, “Malakai has prepared quite an evening for all of you.’

He offered a polite smile.

“Please-enjoy the party.”

Music slowly resumed. Conversations hesitantly picked back up. But the atmosphere had changed.

Off to the side, Jeff Russ shook his head, leaning slightly toward Zandrie as he spoke under his breath.

“Cassidy’s in for a rough evening.”

Zandrie let out a quiet scoff, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“She’s been looking forward to it,” he replied.

He glanced briefly toward the exit where Ashton and Cassie had disappeared.

“Don’t be fooled by her gentle and demure nature,” he added with a faint shake of his head.

A knowing smile followed.

“She is anything but demure… when it comes to Ashton Pierce.”

****tbc

23