Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 80

Chapter 80

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The tension at the table sharpened into something almost tangible as Madame Rima fixed Cassie with a deathly stare, her eyes cold and calculating.

“You suspect your mother’s death involved foul play?”

Another voice cut cleanly through the charged silence. Everyone, including Cassie, turned to its direction and saw Ashton Pierce walking toward them.

Mirriam was the first to react. She rose abruptly from her seat, smoothing her dress as though the movement were instinctive, practiced. A bright, eager smile bloomed on her lips as she tilted her head just so.

“Ashton–you’re here too,” she greeted, lashes fluttering with unmistakable enthusiasm.

He didn’t even glance her way, which immensely soured her mood. She did not even try hiding his irritation at Cassie. But no one gave her attention.

Ashton walked straight past her, stopping only when he stood beside Cassie. His attention was wholly fixed on her now, his gaze steady, intent–waiting.

Cassie met his eyes, surprised but unshaken.

“Miss Sylvia noticed that something was amiss during my mother’s death,” Cassie said calmly, turning slightly so her words carried without raising her voice.

“So I came to seek Madame Rima’s help–since everything happened under the roof of the Knowles

residence.”

Her tone was measured, almost casual, as if she were discussing an ordinary matter rather than reopening a wound long buried.

Cassie hadn’t expected to see Ashton here. Her plan had been simple. She had been waiting for the right moment to confront Rima Knowles in public, where restraint would be mandatory and masks impossible to fully maintain. Spotting Rima at the restaurant earlier had presented the perfect opportunity. Bringing Sylvia along had been intentional.

She wanted to see Rima’s reaction. And she had gotten exactly the confirmation she needed.

Ashton’s presence, however, hadn’t been part of the equation.

For a fleeting moment, Cassie considered the complication he represented–how his involvement could derail her careful pacing. Then she dismissed the thought.

If anything, his presence only amplified the pressure.

Cassie glanced briefly at Madame Rima again, her expression unreadable, her lips curving into the faintest hint of a knowing smile.

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Chapter 80

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This confrontation had just become far more interesting.

“Surely, Madame Knowles will help you seek justice–if there is indeed foul play,” Ashton said calmly as he turned to Rima.

The old matriarch stiffened.

For a heartbeat, her face drained of color before she quickly forced a polite smile, the kind born of habit rather than ease.

“Ah–of course, CEO Pierce,” Rima replied, her voice steady but thin.

“If there was any misconduct surrounding Daisy Greene’s death, I will not hesitate to assist.”

Her assurance sounded practiced. Her unease did not.

“Glad to hear that, Madame,” Ashton said, offering a brief nod before shifting his attention back to Cassie.

“I can recommend a team to handle the investigation,” he continued evenly.

“Medical forensics included. I’ll have them begin as soon as possible.”

Cassie listened–but her eyes were on Rima.

The older woman sat rigid in her chair now, fingers curled too tightly around her cutlery, her composure cracking at the edges. The sight sent a quiet thrill of confirmation through Cassie.

“I would appreciate that, CEO Pierce,” Cassie replied, her tone gracious, almost demure.

“Professional help will certainly speed things along. I’ll sign whatever documents and consents are needed to initiate the investigation immediately.”

She dipped her gaze modestly–only to lift it again, briefly, deliberately–just long enough to catch the unmistakable flicker of fear crossing Madame Rima’s face.

Mirriam could no longer hold herself back.

“Ashton,” she interjected with a strained smile, “why are you indulging Cassidy like this? You’re not even close. I didn’t realize you cared so deeply.”

The smile on her lips failed to reach her eyes.

Ashton turned to her slowly.

“When did I ever need to report to you who I care about, Miss Knowles?” he asked coolly, his gaze sharpening.

Mirriam faltered for half a second before recovering.

“I was only curious,” she said quickly. “It has been years since you last saw each other.”

A faint, knowing smirk curved Ashton’s lips.

Chapter 80

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