Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 54

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Chapter 54

“Losing the company would be a disaster,” he continued, his tone heavy with manufactured sincerity. “Not just for us, but for the people who depend on it for their livelihoods.”

I lowered my gaze, pretending to weigh his words, hiding the cold amusement curling in my chest.

“As CEO Wallace’s wife,” he went on, pressing his advantage, “nothing would really change. Knowles Corporation would remain with the Knowles. Since you’re married to him, Wallace wouldn’t be losing anything either.”

The logic was neat. Self–serving. Almost elegant.

And every word made it clearer just how desperate they had become.

“I don’t want to lose Knowles Corporation,” I murmured softly, my voice trembling just enough to sound fragile.

“I know, Cassie,” my father said at once.

“That’s why we must work hand in hand–to save the only inheritance I can leave you and Mirriam.”

He reached across the table, clearly intending to take my hand. I moved first, lifting my fingers to wipe at the corner of my eyes, then covering my nose as I sniffled softly–forcing him to withdraw.

“I’ll try my best, Dad,” I said, taking a steadying breath before offering him a small, determined smile. “Even though Drie doesn’t involve me in his business dealings, I’ll talk to him later.”

“Yes,” Mirriam cut in quickly, her voice strained as she leaned forward.

“Just think about our family’s legacy–about it being taken away from us.”

I nodded in agreement, fully committing to their performance.

“I will. I can’t let Knowles Corporation be taken away from us.”

Then, as if a sudden thought struck me, my expression darkened.

“But… please hope Drie will be in a good mood tonight,” I added hesitantly, lifting anxious eyes toward them. “He has quite a temper when he isn’t.”

“What do you mean?” my father asked at once. “Are you having difficulties in your marriage with CEO Wallace, Cassie?”

Madame Rima’s eyes lit up instantly–far too eagerly for someone feigning concern.

“Drie is… wonderful, most of the time,” I said carefully, avoiding their gazes as if hiding pain. “But-”

“Cassie,” Rima interrupted, her voice suddenly syrupy, awkwardly maternal. “Whatever you’re going through, you can tell us. We’re family. We should help each other.”

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Chapter 54

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I turned to her slowly, making sure my eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

“Before we met,” I said quietly, “Drie was… quite playful.” I lowered my head, pretending to wipe away tears I had already summoned.

“He had many flings. And sometimes I suspect he still does–even here. He’s only careful when his father, CEO Jefferson Holt, is around.”

“Yes, yes,” my father nodded thoughtfully.

“CEO Holt is notoriously strict with his sons. Only CEO Wallace ever gained his approval. It would be disastrous for your husband if he were caught.”

“You mean… CEO Wallace has mistresses?” Mirriam blurted out, her eyes widening–not in shock, but unmistakable excitement.

I shook my head gently. “Not exactly. Just fleeting flings. Perhaps it’s how he relieves stress. Managing a multibillion–dollar conglomerate isn’t easy.”

“Multibillion dollar?” Mirriam whispered with wide eyes.

I watched them through lowered lashes and almost smiled at the reaction I had provoked.

“And you just… allow him to treat you this way?” my father demanded suddenly, slamming his palm against the table in theatrical outrage.

I flinched.

“Drie helped me when I had nothing–after I left Bay City,” I said softly.

“He was my savior. Marrying me was already a stroke of luck I don’t deserve. I can’t afford to displease him.” I smiled bitterly.

“He provides everything–security, comfort, a luxurious life. All I need to do is be more understanding.”

The lie tasted sweet.

“Other than that… peculiarity,” I added, lifting my head with a hopeful smile, “my husband is a good man.”

I straightened, resolve settling into my expression. “And I will do my best to talk to him about investing in Knowles Corporation–even if he doesn’t fully trust me with business matters.”

My father’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “We’re counting on you, Cassie. You’re the hope of the Knowles lineage.”

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