When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 159

Chapter One Hundred And Fifty–Nine: You Need A Break.

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Her heart skipped a beat. “Thank you, Ivy.” She stood, smoothing her skirt, and the three women left the conference room together, heels clicking on the polished floors.

Back in her office, Cassienne pushed open the door to find Dreston seated at the small conference table in the corner. He looked effortlessly handsome in a tailored gray suit, his dark curls, neatly combed.

On the table were takeout boxes from her favorite seafood restaurant–aromas of garlic, lemon, and fresh ocean wafting through the air. He glanced up with a warm smile. “You’re working too hard.”

Cassienne’s assistants discreetly placed her tablet and folders on her desk before excusing themselves, closing the door softly behind them.

She walked over, her ponytail bouncing lightly, and leaned down to press her lips to his. The kiss was sweet and lingering, a few seconds of stolen intimacy that made her forget the morning’s awkwardness with Tina.

When she pulled away, her brown eyes sparkled. “And you’re spoiling me.”

Dreston chuckled, pulling out a chair for her. “Sit. Eat. You need a break.”

They unpacked the food together–succulent grilled shrimp skewers drizzled in garlic butter, creamy lobster bisque in steaming bowls, fresh crab cakes golden and crispy, and a side of lemon–herb salmon fillets. Cassienne took a bite of the shrimp first, savoring the juicy flavor. “This is perfect. Thank you.”

He watched her with affection, spooning some bisque. “How was the meeting with the developers?”

She nodded, swallowing a mouthful. “Promising. One pitched an Al tool for predicting user trends. The type that could revolutionize our data analytics. Another on blockchain security, which aligns with our growth plans. The third was a collaboration platform; scalable, user–friendly. I’ll review the prototypes later, but I’m excited.”

Dreston listened attentively, his fork pausing mid–air. “Sounds like you’re keeping Auralink at the top. I’m proud of you, Cass.” He reached across the table, squeezing her hand. “But tonight, no work. I’m taking you to a gala.”

Her eyes widened, fork hovering. “A gala? Tonight?”

He grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Surprise. It’s for tech innovators–networking, but mostly an excuse to show you off. Wear something stunning.”

Excitement bubbled in her chest. “I can’t wait. What time?”

“Seven. But first, we’re going out now. Another surprise.”

She laughed, finishing her crab cake. “You’re full of them today.”

They ate the rest of the meal in comfortable conversation–light teases about work, shared bites of salmon, the lobster bisque warming them both. By the end, Cassienne felt recharged, the food and his

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Chapter One)lunxired And Fifty Nine You Need A Break

company erasing any lingering tension from the morning.

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Once finished, they cleared the table together. Dreston offered his arm, and they left the office. In the hallway, bodyguards fell into step around them, discreet but vigilant.

Steve, Dreston’s head of security, a tall man with a no–nonsense expression, led the way to the elevator. Down in the lobby, more guards flanked them as they stepped into the bustling street. Steve opened the back door of the sleek black SUV waiting at the curb, and Cassienne slid in first, followed by Dreston.

The door closed with a solid thud, and the car pulled away smoothly into traffic.

“Where are we going?” she asked, curiosity piqued.

Dreston squeezed her hand. “You’ll see.”

The drive through the city was short but scenic. Skyscrapers giving way to upscale shopping districts.

They arrived at a high–end boutique, its facade elegant with gold–trimmed windows displaying mannequins in exquisite gowns. The sign read “Elyse Couture” in flowing script. Steve parked and opened the door, scanning the area before nodding them out. Bodyguards positioned themselves

outside as Dreston led Cassienne in.

The boutique’s interior was a haven of luxury. Crystal chandeliers casting sparkling light, plush velvet chairs, and racks of designer pieces in silks and satins.

A sophisticated woman in a tailored black suit approached them immediately, her smile warm and professional. “Mr. Tremont‘, welcome back. And this must be the lovely Ms. Cassienne. We’ve prepared a private suite for you.”

Dreston nodded. “Thank you, Marguerite. Lead the way.

They were ushered into a spacious private room, mirrors on three walls, a raised platform for fittings, and a champagne cart waiting. Soft classical music played in the background. Marguerite poured two flutes of bubbly.

“We’ve selected pieces based on your preferences, Mr. Tremont. Shall we begin?“1

Dreston turned to Cassienne, his eyes full of adoration. “This is for you. I want you to shine tonight.”

The fittings started with gowns–first a deep emerald number with a flowing train, which Cassienne tried on, twirling in the mirror. Dreston shook his head.

“Beautiful, but not quite.”

Next, a sapphire blue off–the–shoulder dress that made her eyes pop. He tilted his head. “Closer.” But it was the third, a stunning red gown with a sweetheart neckline, fitted bodice, and a high slit, that made his breath catch.

The fabric shimmered like rubies, hugging her figure before flaring at the knees.

“That’s the one,” he said, voice low. “You look like a queen.”

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Oppler or Handred And Fifty Nine You Need A Brook

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Cassienne blushed, smoothing the material. “I love it.”

Marguerite nodded approvingly. “Excellent choice.”

But Dreston wasn’t done. He signaled to an assistant who brought out a velvet case. Inside sparkled diamond jewelry, a necklace with a teardrop pendant, matching earrings, and a bracelet.

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The stones caught the light, throwing rainbows across the room. “These are for you,” he said, fastening the necklace around her neck himself. His fingers brushed her skin, sending a shiver down her spine. Because you deserve the world.”

Cassienne touched the diamonds, eyes wide. “Dreston… they’re breathtaking.”

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