When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 255

Chapter Two Hundred And Fifty–Five: I Hate Her.

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The morning at Auralink carried its usual rhythm. Staff moved with purpose through the glass corridors. Voices overlapped in quiet coordination. From the outside, the company looked steady and strong.

Inside the CEO’s office, however, the atmosphere was different.

Dreston stood by the window, his hands resting lightly behind his back as he looked out over the city. His expression was calm, but there was nothing relaxed about him. Every move from this point forward had to be precise.

Behind him, Steve stood near the door, silent and alert. “Everything is set,” Steve said. “Recording systems are active.”

Dreston nodded. “Good.”

He did not turn around. His mind was already on the conversation ahead. Then a soft knock came at the

door.

“Come in,” Dreston said.

Steve opened the door, letting Tina walk in. He left immediately, closing the door behind him with a soft

click.

Tina stepped into the office. She was dressed sharply, her posture confident, her gaze steady. There was no hesitation in her steps as she crossed the office, as though she already knew the ground she stood on. “Dreston,” she greeted, her tone smooth.

He turned slowly to face her. “Tina.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then he gestured toward the chair across from his desk. “Sit.”

She did, crossing her legs with quiet ease. Dreston moved to his chair and sat down, his gaze fixed on her. “I have thought about everything,” he said.

Tina’s lips curved slightly. “I was hoping you would,” she replied.

Dreston leaned back slightly, his posture controlled. “I have come to a decision.”

Tina did not interrupt. She watched him, waiting.

“I will do as you asked,” Dreston said. The words landed clearly, and deliberately.

Tina’s expression shifted. Satisfaction flashed briefly across her face before she masked it. “I knew you would make the right choice,” she said.

Dreston held her gaze. “But it will not happen immediately,” he continued.

That stopped her. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Care to explain?”

“I will not create unnecessary drama,” Dreston said calmly. “Cassienne and I need to end things

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Two Hundred And Fifty fivell! Hote Her

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naturally, and quietly, without drawing attention.”

He paused, letting the words settle. “Once that is done, I will announce our engagement.”

Tina studied him carefully, measuring every word. There was a brief silence.

Then she smiled. Not softly. But knowingly. “I like that,” she said. “It shows maturity.”

Dreston said nothing.

Tina leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the arm of the chair. “Since we are discussing the future,” she continued, “there is something else.”

Dreston’s expression did not change. “Go on.”

“I want the CTO position.” The request was direct and unapologetic.

Dreston’s eyes hardened slightly.

“No.” The answer came immediately.

Tina blinked once. Then she laughed softly. “I was not asking,” she said.

Dreston leaned forward now, his voice lower. “And I am not negotiating that,” he replied. “You do not have what it takes to hold that office.”

The room grew still. Tina’s expression changed. The softness disappeared. “You should be careful how you speak to me,” she said quietly.

Dreston did not look away. “And you should be careful what you demand.”

A tension settled between them. Sharp and unyielding.

Tina stood up slowly. “Then there is no deal,” she said.

For a brief moment, Dreston said nothing. His mind moved quickly. He remembered Cassienne’s voice.

Let her shine. Play her game.

He exhaled slowly. Then nodded once. “Fine.”

Tina paused. She turned back. “Fine?” she repeated.

“I will consider it,” Dreston said. “You will get the position.”

The words tasted bitter. But his expression did not show it. Tina watched him closely. Then she smiled again. Satisfied. “In that case,” she said, “I can be reasonable.”

She picked up her bag. “I will extend your time,” she continued. “Two more weeks. Not a day beyond that.”

Dreston nodded. “That works.”

Tina turned toward the door.

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“Wait.” Dreston’s voice stopped her.

She turned back slowly. “Yes?”

Dreston’s gaze sharpened. “Stop sending those messages to Cassienne.”

Tina’s expression did not change immediately. But something flickered in her eyes. “I do not know what you are talking about,” she said lightly.

Dreston leaned forward slightly. “Do not play games with me,” he said. “If you want this deal to work, you

leave her out of it.”

Silence followed his words.

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