When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 274

Chapter Two Hundred And Seventy–Four: Where You Stand.

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The new lab was exactly what Cassienne wanted. It felt like her secret heaven. A place of peace and quiet reflection. Clean surfaces, structured lighting, and glass panels reflected work rather than comfort. Every piece of equipment was placed with intention. Nothing existed for decoration–Everything had a purpose. It was exactly how Cassienne Rhodes wanted it. This was her space, her world, her rules, and her pride.

She stood at the central console, reviewing data on the screen in front of her while Tessa Philips stood beside her, quietly reading out updates from a tablet. On the other side, Elena Brook sorted through documents, marking changes and noting priorities. Everything moved efficiently. Measured. Controlled.

Cassienne nodded once, her attention still on the screen. “Push the second batch to review,” she said.” And reschedule the afternoon briefing. I do not want interruptions.”

Tessa noted it immediately. And then, the door opened.

No one reacted at first. Visitors were expected, so it was okay. But something shifted.

“Continue,” a familiar voice said.

Cassienne’s hand stilled for the briefest moment. Behind her, Tessa and Elena exchanged a glance before stepping back. “Give us a moment,” Tessa said softly.

They left without another word. The door closed behind them, and silence followed. That was when

Cassienne turned.

Dreston Tremont stood a few steps away, looking composed and handsome. Every part of him matched the image the world believed about him. But his eyes say something different.

Cassienne broke the silence. “You should not be here,” Cassienne said calmly.

“I had an official reason,” Dreston replied.

“And the real reason?”

There was a slight pause from Dreston. Then he replied. “I missed you.”

The words were quiet, but they carried so much weight.

Cassienne held his gaze. Her expression did not break, but something softened deep within it. “You should not say things like that here,” she said.

Dreston stepped closer. “I should not come here. I should not say anything. I should not even look at you for too long,” he said. “But I could not stay away.”

Cassienne’s fingers tightened slightly against the edge of the console.

“You have been avoiding me,” he added.

“I have been working.”

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Chapter Two Flandrest And bevosity Four Where You Stamne

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“You cancelled every one of our meetings.”

“I told you why.” She paused briefly. “The doctor said no stress,” she continued. “I am following instructions.”

“That is not all,” Dreston said.

Cassienne did not deny it because it was not. She had been keeping her distance. Not because she did not want him. But because she did. She really missed him. But she’s also angry with him. 1.

Dreston stepped closer. Close enough now that the distance between them felt intentional and painful.

“You are right in front of me,” he said quietly. “And I can’t even touch you.” His voice dropped. “Do you know what that feels like?”

Cassienne looked at him. “I know,” she said softly.

They stood there. Holding back everything they wanted. “We chose this,” she added.

“No,” Dreston replied. “We accepted it.”

Silence followed.

“This is torture,” he said under his breath.

Cassienne exhaled slowly. “I know.”

He looked away briefly, forcing himself back into control. “There is a gala tonight,” he said.

“I know.”

“I have to take Tina with me.”

Cassienne nodded once. “That is expected.”

“You are attending.”

“Yes. As a VIP.” She said, no connection to you,” she added.

Dreston let out a faint breath. “Of course.”

“We just have to keep playing our part,” Cassienne said. “That is all.”

Dreston studied her. “You make it sound easy.”

“It is not,” she replied. “But it is necessary.”

“I do not like her near you,” he said.

“And I do not like her near you.”

Their eyes held. Then the moment passed. Cassienne turned back to her work. “I have things to finish.”

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Chapter Two Hundred And Seventy Four Where You Steind

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Dreston nodded. “I will see you tonight.”

“Yes.”

And just like that, he left, closing the door behind him. The corridor swallowed him whole. And now, his expression hardened immediately.

Steve approached him with a tablet. “Sir, we picked up something unusual. Someone has been tracking access into this facility.”

Dreston’s eyes narrowed. “Internal?”

“No. External. And precise. They know what they are looking for.”

There was a pause from Dreston’s side. “Find them,” Dreston said coldly.

Across the city, inside a quiet modern residence, the atmosphere was far from calm.

Corren Thornwyck sat behind his desk. A stack of documents spread out in front of him. His posture was steady, but the bandage beneath his shirt told a different story. He was not fully recovered. But he was not resting either.

Standing across from him, Merrick Ashbourne watched in frustration. “For the last time, I advise you to stay away from Cassienne and Dreston,” Merrick said. “I do not want you getting hurt again.”

Corren did not respond. He continued reviewing the documents in front of him.

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