Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

“I wasn’t expecting this meeting,” I said calmly as I lifted my gaze to my father.

“What can I do for you, CEO Knowles?”

Early that morning, Drie received a message from Lemuel informing him that Red Knowles wanted to meet with me. I didn’t hesitate–I welcomed the request.

If anything, I had been expecting it.

Now, we were seated in one of the upscale restaurants tucked into the heart of Bay City’s bustling downtown. Inside, everything was carefully curated–soft music, muted conversations, polished silverware, and the faint scent of roasted coffee and expensive cologne.

The perfect place for civil smiles, polite lies, and carefully negotiated apologies. And I was more than ready to indulge.

I already knew what this was about. Anyone with half a mind would. After what happened yesterday, this performance was inevitable. Madame Rima’s carefully softened expression and Mirriam’s unusually restrained silence said everything before a single word was spoken.

Still, I chose to play dumb.

Red Knowles cleared his throat, the sound thick and uneasy. “Uh… about yesterday,” he began, releasing a long, regretful sigh.

It was almost laughable–seeing CEO Red Knowles hesitate like this. The man was a master at

performance; even his inability to meet my eyes looked convincingly genuine.

I lifted my hand and gently rubbed my cheek–the same cheek he had struck the day before. Not enough to be dramatic. Just enough to remind him.

His shoulders slumped.

“Dad didn’t mean to lose his composure on you, Cassie,” he said quietly.

“… I surprised myself too.” He dragged a hand down his face, slow and deliberate. “I’m truly sorry.”

I watched him carefully. The remorse looked rehearsed–polished to perfection.

“Knowles Corporation has been struggling these past few years,” he continued, his voice lowering as if weighed down by invisible burdens.

“The pressure… the stress–it’s been affecting my judgment.”

Rima Knowles seized the opening immediately.

“Your father has been under so much strain, Cassie,” she said gently, her voice unrecognizably soft.

“I hope you won’t hold what happened yesterday against him.”

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Chapter 53

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It was almost impressive–how effortlessly she wore kindness when it suited her.

Red nodded, encouraged. “CEO Wallace may have already mentioned the company’s situation to you. Without this collaboration, Knowles Corporation won’t survive another six months.”

I blinked, then offered a small, almost apologetic smile.

“Oh… when it comes to business,” I said quietly, lowering my gaze modestly, “Drie doesn’t really discuss those things with me. And honestly, I don’t understand corporate matters anyway.”

I caught it–the quick, meaningful glance they exchanged. Exactly as expected.

“He only brought me along because he knew I was from Bay City,” I added casually.

“I didn’t even know he was dealing business with Knowles Corporation. I found out only yesterday, so I went to the company immediately.”

Their attention sharpened.

Red exhaled again, rubbing his face. “I really regret what I did,” he murmured.

“By the time I realized it… it was already too late.” He looked at me anxiously. “I hope I didn’t offend CEO Wallace.”

I smiled–soft and wistful.

“Zandrie is a very reasonable person,” I said. “He’s incredibly patient with me–even when I didn’t tell him the truth.”

Their expressions stiffened.

“When we met,” I continued gently, “I hid my identity. I introduced myself as Cassidy Greene. I used my mother’s maiden name” I tilted my head slightly.

“He had no idea I was a Knowles. He only found out yesterday–and he didn’t take it against me at all. As I said, he doesn’t mix personal matters with business.”

Silence settled over the room.

“After we returned to the hotel,” I went on, my voice warm with memory, “he immediately checked on me.” My fingers brushed my cheek again, slow and deliberate.

“While he was holding a cold compress to my face, I told him a little more about who I am.”

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