Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 30

“Or you’re just hopelessly devoted,” Drie teased.

Cassie fell silent, her expression turning thoughtful. Was that truly how he saw her unyielding not out of resolve, but out of lingering devotion?

“How lucky he is,” Drie went on lightly. “Cassidy’s heart never wavered after all these years.”

He tipped his glass back and drained its contents.

“Even her husband couldn’t make it waver,” he added, casting her a sideways glance.

Cassie lifted her chin, summoning a playful edge to mask the weight of his words.

“And would my husband give me a reason to be devoted to him?” she countered.

For a brief moment, their gazes locked–hers sharp and challenging, his thoughtful, almost searching as the unspoken question hung between them.

“I won’t dare gamble whatever we have,” Drie said at last, turning his gaze away.

He exhaled slowly, a humorless chuckle escaping him as he slipped his free hand into his pocket. “I’m my father’s son,” he added. “Impulse runs in my blood.”

Cassie studied him quietly.

“I’m afraid I can’t afford the kind of devotion you’re capable of,” he continued, his voice steadier

now.

“It’s safer this way.” He turned back to her with a faint smile.

Cassie returned it–measured, knowing, unoffended.

“CEO Wallace.”

Their private exchange was interrupted as several Holt Corporation executives approached, Zandrie’s brothers included. The shift in the atmosphere was immediate.

“It’s been quite some time since you got married,” Jeff Russ remarked, his gaze settling pointedly on Cassie.

“Strange that I only heard about it through rumors.”

The unspoken scrutiny hung in the air, thinly veiled behind polite curiosity.

Cassie met their scrutiny with effortless calm, unfazed by the blatant assessment in their eyes.

“Excellent taste, brother,” Jameson Corell remarked, his gaze lingering on Cassie with open approval -measured, evaluative, as though she were an acquisition rather than a person.

“Congratulations,” Jeff Russ added, clapping a hand on Zandrie’s shoulder.

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“Not only on securing a beautiful wife, but on earning Father’s approval.” His smile sharpened.

“I must say, I’m curious what miracle you pulled off to salvage Wallace Plantation and secure this collaboration for him.”

Jameson chuckled. “Does brilliance develop from bedding as many women as possible?” he mused aloud.

“If so, I might need to reconsider my life choices.” His eyes flicked deliberately toward Cassie. “Oh–pardon me,” he said belatedly, feigning surprise as if only just noticing her presence. “My brother has… interesting hobbies. Much like our father.” He smiled thinly. “I trust you’re aware of that. Cassie, was it?”

“I am well aware, Mr. Corell,” Cassie replied smoothly, meeting his gaze without flinching. Her tone was polite and controlled.

Jameson’s smirk deepened.

“We were all surprised to hear he’d gotten married,” he continued.

Zandrie shot him a warning look, but Jameson ignored it entirely.

“We honestly expected him to settle with one of Savannah City’s heiresses,” Jameson went on casually.

“He dated quite a number of women from… respectable families,” he continued smoothly.

“Women who could help him in business and further elevate his social standing.”

His eyes swept over Cassie once more–assessing, dismissive.

“But I suppose a full–time housewife has its own appeal,” he added with a shrug.

“There’s something very manly about being the sole provider.”

He smiled thinly. “After all, nothing beats fresh laundry and a warm, home–cooked meal waiting after an exhausting day at the office.”

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