When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 279

Chapter Two Hundred And Seventy–Nine: Don’t Hold Me

+25 Bonus

Finally, the music softened, and it drew attention. All conversations lowered. Glasses were set aside. Everyone turned toward the stage without being asked. And at the center of it all, Jeff Sandler stepped forward with the ease of a man who understood exactly what he was about to do.

He waited until the room gave him its full attention. “Tonight,” he began, his voice steady, “is not just about innovation. It is about direction. Where we are going, and who will lead us there.”

A few people nodded. Others watched more closely.

“We are entering a new phase in technology. One that does not separate industries, but connects them. Gaming, artificial intelligence, digital ecosystems–they are no longer separate paths.”

Then he paused briefly.

“And to move forward, you need more than vision. You need the right people.”

His gaze shifted, and landed on Cassienne Rhodes. A quiet shift moved through the room.

“Which is why,” Jeff continued, “Nerox Technology is proud to officially welcome Cassienne Rhodes as a strategic partner in our global expansion.”

A round of applause followed immediately. Some clapped because they believed in the decision. While some because they understood what it meant. But for others, they did not want to be left behind.

Cassienne did not move right away. She stood where she was, her expression calm, her posture remained unchanged.

She had expected the announcement.

She acknowledged the applause with a small nod, without giving anything out. No reaction that suggested surprise. No smile that invited attention. Inside, her thoughts were quieter than the room

around her.

This is where it begins.

Across the hall, Tina Ackley watched everything, her fingers tightening around her glass. All this, for Cassienne.

She could hear the applause. She could see the admiration in people’s eyes. She could feel the room leaning toward Cassienne in a way it had never leaned toward her.

Her jaw tightened slightly. “All this… for a gamer,” she muttered under her breath.

Beside her, Dreston Tremont did not look at her. “Not just a gamer,” he said calmly. “That’s your mistake.”

Tina turned her head slightly. But he decided to be quiet again. He knew that he didn’t need to say much.

The applause faded, and music returned. But this time, it changed. The tempo slowed into something more structured and planned. It was an invitation to the dance floor.

1/4

Te Hundred And Seventy–Nine: Don’t Hold Me

+25 Bonus

Couples began to move toward the dance floor in an organised way.

The kind of dance where partners changed, where movement was guided, and where proximity became part of the experience.

Cassienne watched the dance for a moment. Then Corren Thornwyck extended his hand toward her.” May 1?” he asked.

Cassienne looked at him briefly. Then placed her hand in his. “Of course.”

They moved together easily. There was no tension between them. And no hesitation. Just the dance.

Corren’s hand settled at her waist, steady but careful. His movements were controlled, mindful of her

condition, but confident enough not to draw attention to it. Inside, his thoughts were far less calm than his expression.

She looks tired. And he noticed it.

The slight delay in her breathing. The way her shoulders held just a little too much weight. And something in him tightened.

She shouldn’t be doing all this. But he knew better than to say it out loud. Because Cassienne was not someone who stepped back.

Across the room, Dreston watched. He should not have, at least he knew that. But he did. His eyes followed the movement of Cassienne and Corren as they moved across the floor with ease.

He watched Corren’s hand still at her waist. That did not sit well with him. Corren has no rights ever to touch his wife in that manner. His jaw tightened slightly.

It shouldn’t matter.

That was what he told himself. It’s part of the plan. But his mind did not agree, because no matter how logical it was, it did not feel right.

Beside him, Tina noticed. Of course she did. She followed his gaze again, watching the same thing he was watching.

And this time, she understood everything. It wasn’t just attention. But it was something else. She could

see it clearly.

Her grip on the glass tightened. So this is what you look like when you care.

The thought settled quietly. And she did not like it.

The music guided the movement. Partners shifted. Steps aligned. And then, the first change came. Hands released. Positions adjusted. Cassienne turned around and found herself facing Dreston.

For a brief second, she froze. Not physically, but internally. Because she was not prepared for that.

Dreston stepped forward. His hand found her waist. He was careful and gentle.

2/4

Chapter Two Hundred And Seventy–Nine: Don’t Hold Me

+25 Bonus

Cassienne’s breath caught slightly.

This is a mistake. That was her first thought. But she did not pull away. Because she could not.

The music moved them. And suddenly, they were close. Intentionally close. They have missed this closeness. So Dreston took advantage of it and made good use of it. His gaze rested on her. “You shouldn’t be this close to me. But I can’t help it.” he said quietly.

Cassienne looked up at him. “Then don’t hold me like this,” she replied. Her voice was steady.

But her heart was not. Because she felt the warmth that came with his touch. The familiarity and the safety she had been avoiding.

Dreston’s grip tightened just slightly, as if he did not want to let go. And that was the problem. He lowered his voice. “I’ve been trying to stay away from you.”

Cassienne’s eyes held his. “You’re not doing a very good job.”

A faint breath escaped him. Almost a laugh. But there was no humor in it. Because this wasn’t easy for him. For a moment, everything else disappeared. The music, the room, and the people watching. None of

it mattered.

And that scared her. Because this was exactly what she was trying to avoid.

Across the floor, Tina watched. And this time, there was no confusion. No doubt. She saw it clearly, the way he held her, and the way he looked at her. She could see the love for Cassienne in his eyes. And it

was real.

Something inside her snapped quietly. The music shifted again. This time, the partners changed.

Dreston had no choice than to release Cassienne. Although he was reluctant. But slowly, he let go. As if letting go required effort.

Cassienne stepped back, regaining her space, and regaining her control.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify