When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 266

The noises from earlier had faded into a distant hum, replaced by the steady rhythm of machines and the occasional footsteps of passing nurses. Inside the private suite, the lights were dimmed, casting soft shadows across the room.

Most of them had stepped out.

Aurora had gone to handle the press situation outside. Daisy followed shortly after, unable to sit still any longer. Jessica remained nearby but kept her distance, giving Cassienne space. Merrick had taken a call in the hallway.

Corren was resting. The medication had finally pulled him into sleep, his breathing steady now, his face no longer twisted in pain.

Cassienne stood by the window alone. The city lights stretched endlessly beyond the glass, calm and indifferent to everything that had just happened.

Her reflection stared back at her. She was still looking composed. But inside, nothing was still. She thought of how it all started. All of it. The lies, the headlines. And then, Dreston’s voice.

“I am announcing my engagement… to Tina Ackley.”

He had made the announcement earlier than they had agreed. Why? Was it because he also believed there was something going on between her and Corren? Or was it because something else had happened?

She closed her eyes briefly to process everything. When she opened them, instead of confusion, she got only clarity. “They’re moving faster than I expected,” she said quietly to herself.

Behind her, Jessica shifted slightly. “You don’t look surprised,” she said.

Cassienne turned slowly. “I’m not,” she replied.

Jessica studied her carefully. “That doesn’t look like a reaction to betrayal.”

Cassienne gave a faint smile. “It isn’t.” That was all she said.

Jessica did not press further. Because whatever was happening, it was deeper than it looked.

Across the city, inside a private office at Auralink Technology, the atmosphere was the complete opposite. Dreston stood by the window, his back to the room.

The city stretched beneath him, but he wasn’t looking at it. He was replaying everything that had happened.

The broadcast, the words, the moment everything changed. Behind him, Joseph, his father, sat calmly, his expression unreadable.

Steve stood near the door, tablet in hand. “It’s done,” Steve said. “The announcement is everywhere”

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Dreston did not respond.

Joseph leaned back slightly. “Public reaction?”

Steve glanced at the screen. “Divided,” he replied. “Some are supporting the decision. Most are questioning the timing. The narrative about Cassienne and Corren is gaining traction.”

Dreston’s jaw tightened. That part was the part he hated. Not the announcement. Not Tina. But Cassienne’s name, being dragged.

Joseph watched him. “You knew this would happen,” he said.

Dreston finally turned. His eyes were darker now. “I didn’t expect them to move this aggressively.”

Joseph nodded slightly. “Then we were right about one thing,” he said. “This isn’t just about Tina.”

Silence settled.

Dreston walked back toward the desk, his hand pressed lightly against the surface. “I saw the footage,”

he said.

Joseph raised a brow.

“The way they framed it,” Dreston continued. “Cassienne and Corren.” A pause. Something flickered

across his expression.

Jealousy? Maybe. It was subtle and controlled. But it was real.

Joseph noticed it. “You don’t believe it,” he said.

Dreston let out a quiet breath. “I know my wife,” he replied. But his gaze hardened slightly. “I just don’t like seeing another man that close to her.”

Joseph almost smiled. “That’s expected,” he said.

Dreston ran a hand through his hair. “He was protecting her,” he added after a moment. “He took a blade

for her.”

That thought sat heavily. More like gratitude, jealousy and respect. All tangled together.

Joseph stood slowly. “You’re human,” he said. “It doesn’t change the plan.”

Dreston nodded once. “It doesn’t,” he agreed and straightened. His expression settled back into control.” Let them believe it,” he said. “Let them think I chose Tina.”

Joseph’s eyes sharpened slightly. “And when they move again?”

Dreston’s gaze turned cold. “We’ll be ready.”

Elsewhere, in a private penthouse suite bathed in soft golden light. Tina stood in front of a mirror. A

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