Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

Beside her, Zandrie quietly reached for her hand.

His grip was firm. Grounding.

And in that small, silent gesture, Cassie found just enough strength to steady herself-just enough to keep from breaking The receptionist watched her for a long moment. Silence stretched between them.

Then, with a soft exhale, the woman turned back to her terminal.

“We strictly follow the appointment schedule,” she said, her tone returning to professional neutrality as her fingers hovered over the keyboard.

“I can place you in the next available slot… which is in a week.”

The faint clicking of keys filled the space.

Cassie turned to Zandrie. The dread on her face was no longer hidden.

Zandrie met her gaze-and for the first time, there was nothing he could offer but a quiet, defeated sigh.

They both knew. A week from now- There might be nothing left of Malakai to save.

The thought settled heavily between them. Hope… was slipping.

Cassie’s vision blurred slightly as tears threatened to fall, but she forced them back, swallowing the ache rising in her chest.

“What will happen to them…?” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to stay composed.

“The employees… the farmers… their families…” Her grip on Zandrie tightened.

“They’ll be the ones who suffer the most.”

Zandrie squeezed her hand in return.

“We’ll find a way,” he said quietly.

Even if his own certainty was beginning to crack.

“The CEO will be leaving shortly.”

The receptionist’s voice cut through their quiet despair.

Cassie and Zandrie both turned sharply toward her.

The woman didn’t look at them. She continued working, as if what she was saying carried no weight at all.

“The elevator on the left side of the lobby isn’t for employees,” she continued calmly.

“Only the CEO and top executives use it.”

Cassie’s breath stilled.

“In about a minute,” the woman added, glancing briefly at her watch, “he’ll be coming down for a meeting.”

A pause.

“But he won’t be alone.”

Her gaze flicked toward the elevator.

Chapter 12

“There will be security. You won’t be able to approach him easily.”

Cassie opened her mouth, but no words came out at first.

“Madame…?” she managed faintly.

This time, the receptionist looked at her directly.

u’re brave,” she said, her tone quieter now, more personal.

ing here like this… knowing what could happen.” Her eyes hardened slightly.

re not known for mercy. Especially not toward traitors.”

ch word was deliberate.

“You’re in a wolf’s den, Madame Chairman,

ontinued.

“And if they decide to–”

A beat.

“You’ll be devoured without he

Silence followed. Cassie inh

And when she exhaled,

“I have to do someth

“For everyone

“I won’t

“I’ll

ted.

ice steadier now.

Her spine straightened.

one dragged us into this mess.” Her eyes sharpened.

troys me.

for a long second. Then sighed.

at of that elevator,” she said, glancing toward it once more before returning to her screen.

the woman added without looking up.

sie replied softly.

to try.” A faint, strained smile touched her lips.

uck.”

nk you,” Cassie whispered.

drew in a deep breath-slow, steady

en another.

Let’s go,” she said,

st in time

e elevat

he left side of the lobby.

+15 Bonus

Men stepped out first-grim, imposing, their presence alone enough to clear space around them.

Security

Then-

+15 Bonus

Him.

The CEO emerged at the center of the formation, his presence commanding, his expression unreadable.

Cassie’s heart pounded. But she didn’t hesitate.

“CEO Wright-good day.”

Her voice rang out, clear and firm.

“I am Cassidy Greene, Chairman of Malakai Group. I need to speak with you.”

The entourage didn’t slow. Didn’t even acknowledge her. They walked past her as if she didn’t exist.

Cassie’s chest tightened. But she stepped forward again.

“I’m here to talk about the patent—” she called out, louder this time, forcing every ounce of courage into her voice.”—the one Malakai is being accused of stealing.”

That did it.

The man stopped.

Everything stopped.

The air itself seemed to freeze.

Slowly-

He turned.

His gaze landed on her.

Cold.

Unforgiving.

And for the first time since she arrived-

Cassie felt it.

The full weight of the wolf’s den.

****tbc****

r

D

Share

Comments

Support

+15 Bonus