Chapter 60
“We’ve been quite busy these days,” Mirriam continued, deliberately dragging out the words. “That’s why he hasn’t been able to come back.”
Busy. The implication hung heavy in the air.
“If you’re hoping to see him,” Mirriam added, lips curving smugly, “I’m afraid he doesn’t have time to spare.”
Cassie’s expression didn’t change. She merely returned the smile–calm, measured, infuriatingly composed.
“You seem very well acquainted with my husband’s schedule, Mirriam.”
Mirriam crossed her arms, clearly pleased.
“Well, I hate to admit it, but I am.” She leaned back slightly, as though delivering a victory speech.
“CEO Wallace has taken every point I’ve raised–every suggestion I made. It seems he’s finally met someone who can match his brilliance in business.” Her voice lifted with pride.
“Someone who can stand beside him–not just at home, but in taking his wealth and influence to greater heights.” The arrogance was unmistakable now, gleaming in every syllable.
Cassie regarded her for a brief moment before responding, her tone casual, and calm.
“And you’re already convincing yourself that person is you?” Her words landed softly–but with precision -cutting cleanly through Mirriam’s smugness.
“Who else?” Mirriam scoffed, casting Cassie a dismissive glance–the same look she had been receiving from her sister for as long as she could remember. As if Cassie were insignificant. As if she had never
mattered.
“And since we’re already here,” Mirriam added lightly, “let me share a little secret.”
She leaned closer, invading Cassie’s space. Cassie, however, remained perfectly still, unflinching.
“The contract has already been finalized,” Mirriam whispered, pride dripping from every syllable. “Soon, CEO Wallace will be signing the collaboration.” Her lips curved into a smug, triumphant smile.
“It was ridiculously easy,” Mirriam continued, chuckling softly.
“All I had to do was step in and take the reins. Turns out, I’m the sole savior of Knowles Corporation.”
Cassie inhaled slowly before responding, her smile composed–almost serene.
“Well, that’s wonderful, Mirriam,” she said evenly.
“Knowles Corporation will remain within the family. After all, Zandrie is married to me. Which makes us
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family.”
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The word tasted bitter on her tongue. Family. She had abandoned that illusion long ago–but appearances still mattered, especially in front of Mirriam.
Mirriam shrugged, her smile turning dark. “Let’s see about that, Cassidy.”
Cassie’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“Life is full of surprises,” Mirriam replied with a soft laugh. “I can’t believe that after six years, you’re still this naïve.”
Cassie didn’t look away. She held her sister’s gaze, unwavering, silently demanding an answer.
Mirriam leaned in again, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Do you really think I’d let Knowles Corporation fall into your hands?” Her smile sharpened.
“You’re delusional.” She paused, savoring the moment.
“I’m keeping the company for myself,” Mirriam added smoothly. “And that includes your husband.”
She pulled back, her expression openly triumphant.
“Stealing your husband will be easy,” she murmured, her tone almost gentle–taunting.
Cassie gave no reaction. Not a flicker. Not a crack.
“Cassie, what are you doing here?”
Zandrie’s voice cut through the tension.
Mirriam turned instantly, her demeanor shifting with practiced ease.
“CEO Wallace, Cassie dropped by to see you. I already told her we’ve been incredibly busy these past few days.”
Before Cassie could speak, Zandrie nodded, clearly flustered.
“Yes–uhm, Cassie. We’ve had a lot of discussions regarding the collaboration. We needed to finalize everything before the contract signing.”
Everything he said made sense.
What didn’t was the way he refused to meet her eyes. Or the guilt he failed to hide entirely.
“Well, that’s great,” Cassie said with a polite smile. Whatever storm brewed inside her, she revealed none of it–not even to Zandrie.
“You’ve been working nonstop,” she added gently. “You must be exhausted. Do you want me to wait for you? We can go back together.”
The suggestion sounded casual, unassuming–deliberately so.
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Zandrie hesitated. Then, firmly, “We still have a lot to finalize. I don’t know when we’ll be finished. You should go back to the hotel, Cassie.”
She studied him for a moment before nodding. “Then I’ll wait for you there.”
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