Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

A few days had passed since their last encounter–and since the dream that had left Cassie shaken and unsettled, she had not seen Ashton even once.

His absence brought her a sense of relief, as though distance could dull the intensity of what her mind had conjured. She had no idea how she would face him again.

The very thought of that dream–of how vivid, how intimate it had felt–was enough to send heat/ rushing to her face.

Embarrassment curled tightly in her chest, followed swiftly by confusion. It hadn’t just been desire, that lingered, but a sense of familiarity she couldn’t explain, as though her subconscious knew something she did not.

Still, peace could only last so long.

Today, she would set foot inside Knowles Corporation.

Her heart thundered with a strange mix of dread and anticipation as the realization settled in. She wasn’t there for business–Drie would handle every negotiation. Her presence wasn’t required, nor expected.

This visit was personal.

It was a return to something she had once dreamed of an ultimate ambition from her past. Walking into that building felt like stepping into a version of herself she had long abandoned.

Cassie drew in a steadying breath, trying to quiet the storm inside her. She told herself this was just a building. Just a visit. Just another step forward.

“What are you doing here, Cassidy?”

Cassie straightened instinctively at the familiar voice, her spine stiffening as hurried footsteps closed in on her.

Rima Knowles appeared before her, flanked closely by Mirriam, her expression already carved into suspicion and barely restrained hostility.

“You look far too anxious, Madame,” Cassie replied calmly, lifting her chin as she offered them a polite smile. “I’m merely here for a visit.”

Rima’s eyes narrowed. “And who gave you the idea that you’re free to visit whenever you please? Knowles Corporation is not a park.”

Before Cassie could respond, Rima reached out and seized her arm, fingers clamping down with sharp insistence. The pressure was firm–almost painful. If not for the long–sleeved cardigan shielding her skin, the woman’s nails would have drawn blood.

Cassie’s gaze drifted downward to where Rima’s hand held her captive.

Chapter 48

+25 BONUS

Slowly, deliberately, she looked back up. Her eyes were cold–void of apology, void of fear. The effect was immediate.

As though burned, Rima released her at once, fingers recoiling.

“After six years away,” Cassie said lightly, brushing off the spot where she’d been grabbed, “I was simply curious to see what’s changed around here.”

Her tone was casual, almost idle, but the message beneath it was unmistakable.

“Don’t ever cause trouble here, Cassidy,” Rima warned through clenched teeth.

Cassie smiled–pleasant, composed, entirely unmoved.

“Oh, I won’t, Madame Rima,” she said sweetly. “Unless certain circumstances require it.”

The smile only deepened Rima’s scowl.

“Don’t panic,” Cassie playfully added, her voice smooth as silk. “I’m truly just here for a visit.” She noticed the way Rima’s eyes darted briefly around the space, restless, alert as though Cassie’s mere presence was enough to disturb the air itself.

Perhaps she was a threat. Or perhaps it was only Rima’s peace of mind that stood on fragile ground.

Cassie held her smile and met the woman’s gaze steadily.

“You’ve really become arrogant, Cassidy. Who do you think you are now?”

Mirriam suddenly surged forward, her anger breaking through its fragile restraint as she shoved Cassie hard. The force caught Cassie off guard, sending her staggering backward a step, her breath knocked loose in surprise.

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