Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 60

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.”

Her gaze flicked briefly toward Mirriam–an unfortunate decision. Her sister returned it with a victorious, taunting smirk.

“I honestly don’t know when I’ll be able to come back,” Zandrie added, his eyes holding hers with intent

this time.

“Just rest. Enjoy shopping.”

Cassie understood the message immediately.

“Oh,” she said softly. “Alright. I’ll go back then.”

Sensing the tight coil of tension around him, she chose to retreat–for now. The hotel would give her time. Time to think. Time to decide her next move.

Without sparing either of them another glance, Cassie turned and walked away–her back straight, her steps steady, utterly composed.

She did not flinch beneath the weight of their stares, even as she felt them follow her departure like invisible blades.

Behind her, Mirriam wasted no time.

“The others are already waiting at the bar, CEO Wallace,” she said, her voice turning soft and sweet, layered with practiced charm.

“We’ve prepared a special wine to celebrate the success of this collaboration.” Her smile was flawless- the kind meant to disarm, to entice, to reassure.

“Great,” Zandrie replied, relief edging into his tone. He gestured for Mirriam to lead the way and followed closely behind.

As they walked, Mirriam slowed just enough to glance back over her shoulder, her lips curving into a satisfied smirk as her eyes traced the direction Cassie had gone.

Chin lifted, spine straight, she carried herself like someone already savoring victory–convinced that everything she wanted was finally within her grasp.

****tbc****