When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 320

Dangerous

The atmosphere inside Aurora Stephen’s boutique was unusually busy this afternoon. Assistants moved back and forth between fitting rooms carrying carefully arranged garment bags while two stylists argued sortly near the fabric display over which imported material should be used for a custom evening gown.

The soft sound of instrumental music floated through the elegant space, blending naturally with the quiet conversations happening around the showroom.

Near the center fitting platform, Aurora Stephen stood reviewing sketches on a digital tablet while one of her assistants waited nervously beside her.

“No,” Aurora said calmly, zooming in on the design again. “The neckline ruins the structure of the dress completely. It’s too aggressive.”

“But the client specifically requested something dramatic.”

Aurora handed the tablet back without looking up. “Dramatic and tasteless are not the same thing, Sophie.”

The assistant immediately nodded. “I’ll have the design team adjust it.”

Aurora sighed softly after the girl hurried away Her boutique had grown far beyond what she originally imagined when she first opened it years ago. These days, most of Southvale’s wealthy elite booked appointments months ahead simply to wear one of her pieces. Even international celebrities had started reaching out quietly through private stylists.

And now with the upcoming Nexora Gala in Lisbourn approaching, the entire fashion industry seemed to be losing its mind at

once.

“Aurora.”

She looked up immediately.

Her assistant approached quickly, lowering her voice slightly. “Someone is here to see you personally.”

Aurora frowned faintly. “Do they have an appointment?”

“That’s the thing…”

The assistant hesitated.

Aurora narrowed her eyes slightly. “Sophie.”

“It’s Mr. Thornwyck.”

Aurora blinked once.

“Corren Thornwyck?”

“Yes.”

For some reason, her heartbeat shifted slightly.

She lowered the fabric sample in her hand slowly. “Did he say why he’s here?”

“He said he needs your professional assistance.”

Aurora stared at the assistant for two full seconds before letting out a quiet breath.

Professional assistance.

Right.

25 Borus

Bacauer & Phromate CEO definitely had no assistants, stylists, or lutury consultants capable of buying him formal wear without personally visiting a boutique

Aurora knew exactly with

was And strangely enough, the realization warmed her more than it should have.

By the time she stepped onto the main showroom floor, Corren Thornwyck was already standing near one of the display sections with both hands tucked casually into the pockets of his dark trousers.

Several female employees nearby were very obviously pretending not to stare at him.

Unfortunately for them, Corren Thomwyck was difficult not to notice.

Tall.

Naturally elegant

Dressed in a charcoal fitted shirt with the sleeves rolled slightly to his forearms

His relaxed posture made him appear approachable, but the expensive watch on his wrist and the quiet authority in the way he carried himself still reminded everyone exactly who he was

The CEO of Coral Reach Systems One of the most influential men in the tech world.

And somehow, he was currently standing inside Aurora’s boutique pretending he came to shop personally.

Corren looked up the moment he saw her approaching And immediately smiled.

Aurora hated the effect that smile was beginning to have on her “You came personally,” she said as she stopped in front of him.

Corren tilted his head slightly. “Should I have sent a robot instead?”

Aurora folded her arms lightly. “A personal assistant would’ve made more sense.”

“Probably.” His eyes remained on her. “But assistants don’t know your schedule.”

The answer came too smoothly.

Aurora looked at him for a moment before shaking her head faintly. “You’re becoming dangerous.”

“That sounds promising.”

Despite herself, she smiled slightly.

And somehow, Corren noticed even that tiny expression immediately. “You smiled.”

“Don’t get excited.”

“Too late.”

Aurora gestured toward the private consultation area near the back of the boutique. “Come on then, Mr. Thornwyck. Since you apparently need emergency fashion intervention.”

Corren followed beside her easily. “You make it sound tragic.”

“It is tragic. I saw the jacket you wore to the hospital last week.”

“That jacket was expensive.”

“That jacket was confused.”

Corren laughed quietly, and the sound drew several curious glances from nearby employees who clearly had never heard the famously composed CEO laugh so naturally before.

+25 Bonus

Made the private consultation lounge, Aurora motioned for him to sit while she reviewed a few fabric samples spread across the table nearby

“So,” she asked calmly, what exactly are we shopping for?”

“The Nexora Gala.”

Aurora nodded slowly. “I figured

Corren leaned back comfortably against the couch while watching her move around the room. “The entire industry is going.”

“That’s because half the industry wants investors and the other half wants attention.”

“And which half are you?”

Aurora glanced at him over her shoulder “The half charging both of them.”

That made him smile again. She was quick and confident too. And Corren found himself enjoying every second of it far more than he should have

Aurora selected several fabric samples before finally sitting across from him. “How involved is Coral Reach Systems this year?”

“We’re presenting the new adaptive gaming interface”

Aurora raised a brow. “Trying to compete with Netok >*

“Absolutely not.” Corren laughed softly “Cassienne’s project is terrifying ”

Aurora smiled faintly at the mention of her friend “She’s been working nonstop lately.”

Corren’s expression softened slightly. “I know”

Aurora noticed the shift immediately. It wasn’t romantic or longing Just genuine care. And honestly? That somehow made her respect him more.

Most men would have struggled emotionally after everything that happened publicly between Cassienne, Dreston, and Tina. Yet Corren had somehow remained steady throughout it all. Protective without crossing boundaries. Present without demanding anything.

Aurora lowered her eyes briefly toward the fabrics in her hands. Maybe that was part of what drew her toward him lately.

He felt… safe.

Which was ironic considering powerful men had never made her feel safe before.

Her thoughts drifted unexpectedly toward Garrick Richardson. The memory unsettled her quietly.

Garrick’s disappearance still bothered her more than she admitted aloud. One moment he had been part of their social circle, and the next, he was simply gone. No explanation. No proper goodbye. No closure.

At first Aurora told herself she did not care. But sometimes late at night, she still wondered what happened.

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