When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 160

Chapter One Hundred And Sixty: You’re Not Working Tonight.

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At exactly seven in the evening, Dreston’s sprawling mansion hummed with quiet, purposeful energy. Staff moved discreetly through the marble hallways–adjusting lighting, checking the security perimeter, preparing the black fleet of cars waiting in the circular driveway. Upstairs, in the master suite, the atmosphere was softer, and more intimate.

Cassienne stood barefoot in front of the full–length mirror framed in antique gold. The red gown Dreston had chosen for her clung to her body like liquid fire.

The rich crimson silk molded to her waist and hips, accentuating every curve before cascading in elegant, fluid lines to the floor. A high slit ran up one side, revealing the graceful length of her leg with every subtle shift of weight.

The sweetheart neckline dipped just enough to frame her collarbones and the delicate hollow at the base of her throat. The diamond necklace he had fastened around her neck earlier caught every flicker of light–each stone throwing tiny rainbows across the cream walls.

Her black hair had been styled into loose, romantic waves that spilled over one shoulder, a few strands left free to brush her cheek. She had kept her makeup soft but striking: a bold red lip to match the gown, smoky shadow that made her blue eyes glow, and a touch of highlighter on her cheekbones. She looked powerful. Regal. Untouchable. 1

Behind her, Dreston stood in front of his own mirror, adjusting the cufflinks on his crisp white dress shirt. The black tuxedo had been tailored to perfection–sharp shoulders, narrow lapels, a single- breasted cut that emphasized his broad chest and trim waist.

The black bow tie was knotted with precision, and his dark curls had been tamed just enough to look effortless rather than rigid. He looked every inch the billionaire CEO, but the softness in his eyes when they met hers in the mirror told a different story.

For several long seconds, neither of them spoke.

Cassienne caught his gaze lingering. “What?” she asked softly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

He crossed the room in slow, deliberate steps until he stood directly behind her. His hands settled lightly on her waist, warm through the thin silk. He didn’t pull her back against him; he simply held her there, letting her feel his presence.

“You’re breathtaking,” he said, voice low and reverent.

Her heart gave a quick, unsteady flutter. “You chose the dress.”

“And you make it unforgettable.”

He bent his head and pressed the gentlest kiss to the bare curve of her shoulder. The touch was feather- light, but it sent a slow shiver racing down her spine. She turned in his arms to face him fully.

“Are you ready?” he asked, thumb brushing the underside of her jaw.

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Chapter One lundred And Sh You’re Not Working Tonight

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“With you?” She placed her palm flat against his chest, right over his heartbeat. “Always.”

He smiled, small, private, full of everything unspoken between them.

They descended the grand staircase together. Outside, Steve opened the rear door of the lead Rolls- Royce Phantom. Cassienne slid in first, the silk pooling around her like spilled wine. Dreston followed, and the door closed with a soft, expensive thud.

The car glided away from the mansion, headlights cutting through the early–evening dusk.

The gala was held at The Pinnacle, one of the city’s most exclusive hotels. Its ballroom occupied the entire top floor, glass walls offering a panoramic view of the glittering skyline. As they stepped out of the private elevator, the first thing Cassienne noticed was the hush that fell over the room.

Crystal chandeliers the size of small cars hung overhead, refracting light in every direction. Massive LED screens wrapped around the upper walls, cycling through breathtaking visuals: neural networks blooming like galaxies, smart cities pulsing with data streams, robotic arms assembling microchips with surgical precision.

A live string quartet played a soft, modern arrangement of classical pieces–elegant but never overpowering. Waiters in crisp black moved like shadows, offering flutes of chilled champagne and bite- sized canapés.

Heads turned as Dreston and Cassienne entered.

Conversations stuttered. Eyes widened. Whispers rippled outward like water disturbed by a stone.

“That’s Cassienne.”

“Yeah, that’s NULLWRAITH.”

“The beautiful Auralink CTO.”

“Mr. Tremont is lucky. They look perfect together.”

Dreston’s hand settled at the small of her back–firm, protective, but never possessive.

He guided her forward with calm confidence, matching her pace, never rushing. Cassienne kept her chin high, her smile polite and composed. She felt the weight of every gaze, but she did not falter. She had earned her place here.

Within moments, executives began to approach.

“Mr. Tremont. Ms. Cassienne. It’s an honor.”

“Congratulations on Auralink’s latest quarterly results.”

“We’d love to discuss predictive Al integration-”

“Perhaps we could schedule something about global esports expansion-”

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Chapter One Hundred And Sixty. You’re Not Working tonight.

“I have a proposal for your next–generation data architecture

The questions came fast, eager, laced with barely concealed ambition.

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Before any of it could turn into an impromptu negotiation, Dreston stepped in smoothly.

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