Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85

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Tonight marked the moment the public announcement would finally be made.

The Pierce Hotel and Convention Center overflowed with Bay City’s most influential figures–executives, investors, media moguls, and power brokers whose names alone could sway markets. Crystal chandeliers spilled warm light over polished marble floors as restrained conversations rippled through the hall, thick with speculation and anticipation.

Even CEO Jefferson Holt had arrived early that morning, an unmistakable signal of how momentous the evening truly was.

By night’s end, Knowles Corporation would be formally unveiled as a subsidiary of Holt Corporation–an outcome secured through the calculated maneuvering and ruthless precision of CEO Zandrie Wallace.

And as his wife, Cassidy made her entrance.

Alone.

She stepped into the grand hall wrapped in a fiery red off–shoulder gown that sculpted her figure flawlessly, the bold color commanding attention without a single word spoken. The fabric flowed with each measured step, accentuating her poise and quiet authority. Her hair was drawn into a sleek, tidy bun, revealing the elegant line of her neck and shoulders–an understated frame for a beauty that was both arresting and unmistakably refined.

Heads turned.

Conversations faltered.

Cassidy Greene Wallace didn’t merely attend the evening’s most important announcement-

She owned it.

And that was precisely why two pairs of deathly eyes followed her every movement as she wove through the crowd.

“Isn’t that Cassidy Knowles?” someone whispered. “The adopted daughter who slept with her sister’s boyfriend six years ago?”

“Yes… I remember,” another murmured. “I didn’t know she was back.”

“She’s even more stunning now,” a third voice chimed in. “I wonder what became of her after the scandal.”

“By the looks of it,” someone scoffed softly, “she’s doing exceptionally well.”

“Of course she is. She’s CEO Wallace’s wife–Zandrie Wallace of Wallace Plantation. He negotiated the acquisition himself. And he’s Jefferson Holt’s favored son.”

A pause followed.

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“Oh… so she’s the wife,” someone said slowly. “But wasn’t there a video circulating? CEO Wallace–drunk -with Miss Mirriam Knowles in a hotel?”

Disbelief flickered across the faces within the small cluster.

“History repeating itself,” another voice snorted, amused. “Or maybe revenge.”

A soft laugh followed.

“Who knows what those Knowles sisters are really playing at.”

Behind the polite smiles and champagne glasses, judgment sharpened.

And Cassidy, walking straight through it all, never once slowed her steps.

She had prepared herself for this night. In truth, she had been expecting worse.

With the Knowles family circling like vultures, anything could happen–and Cassie had come armored in composure, ready to endure every whispered insult and sharpened glance.

“Cassidy.”

The voice reached her before she could make it to Zandrie and Jefferson Holt, who were deep in conversation with Red Knowles and several Knowles executives. Cassie turned just as Mirriam approached, her smile flawless, practiced–so painfully fake it was almost laughable.

Cassie recognized it instantly.

Mirriam leaned in as though to greet her affectionately, brushing her cheek against Cassie’s in a mock display of sisterly warmth.

“You really have the audacity to show up here tonight,” Mirriam whispered through clenched teeth.

“Well,” Cassie replied lightly, amusement glinting in her eyes as she returned the cheek kiss, “I am CEO Wallace’s wife. Why wouldn’t I?”

She even added a sweet smile for effect.

To the surrounding guests, they looked like gracious sisters reunited–poised, elegant, affectionate.

Only they knew they were standing with knives pressed to each other’s throats.

“And Knowles blood still flows in my veins,” Cassie continued smoothly. “Aren’t we family? Or at least… that’s what you used to say.”

Mirriam’s smile twitched.

“I worked hard for this collaboration,” she muttered, fury seeping through her words. “All on my own. While you did nothing. And yet you dare to claim something you had no hand in.”

“Acquisition. It was an acquisition” Cassie corrected calmly.

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Mirriam’s jaw tightened. “Whatever. This is a major milestone for Knowles Corporation. I will not allow you to ruin everything we worked for.”

Her glare was sharp, but her posture remained perfect–every inch the polished executive.

Cassie met her gaze evenly, unflinching.

“How could I possibly ruin anything?” she asked softly. “I’m here to support this business deal. To support my husband–and Knowles Corporation.”

She tilted her head slightly, her smile serene.

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