When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 351

Cassienne or Dreston were quiet almost throughout their journey to Lisbourn. Perhaps it was because both were lost in thought, turning over the same heavy questions again and again.

Tina. More specifically, what Tina knew and why she had mentioned Garry.

Ever since Ray’s urgent call, a strange, uneasy feeling had settled deep inside Dreston’s chest, the mention of Garry Richardson didn't leave his mind. It made no sense, at least not yet.

Garry was his friend, a respected businessman who should have been busy managing the Richardson family vineyard and expanding their renowned wine empire. Yet somehow his name had suddenly surfaced in the middle of an attempted kidnapping, mysterious attacks, and Tina’s near-fatal accident.

Something wasn’t adding up, and the unknown pieces gnawed at him relentlessly.

Beside him, Cassienne remained quiet, her hand resting comfortably inside his. Occasionally Dreston’s thumb brushed against her knuckles in slow, soothing strokes. Neither of them noticed they were doing it anymore. It had become natural, a silent habit that grounded them both amid the chaos.

The moment the private jet landed smoothly at the private aviation terminal in Lisbourn, Ray Simpson was already waiting on the tarmac. The doctor looked exhausted, his shirt sleeves were rolled up, and there were visible signs that he had not slept much in the past day. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, but his posture remained professional and alert.

Dreston noticed immediately. “You look terrible.”

Ray snorted, a tired but genuine sound. “Good to see you too.”

Cassienne laughed softly. The small moment of lightness eased the tension just a little. Only a little. The three of them headed directly toward the hospital with no detours and no delays. Whatever Tina knew, they needed to hear it fast.

…….

Tina’s hospital room at Simpson Medical Center was still heavily guarded. Dreston noticed that immediately. Additional security officers stood outside the door, while several more occupied strategic positions throughout the floor. Ray noticed him looking and offered a quick explanation. “I doubled security.”

Dreston nodded approvingly. “Good.”

They entered the room together. The space was quiet, sunlight filtering gently through the windows. Machines beeped steadily beside the bed, Tina looked much better than the last time they had seen her, but only physically. The emotional damage was painfully obvious. Her face had grown thinner, and her eyes carried a deep, lingering fear that no medicine could erase.

The moment she saw Dreston and Cassienne enter, fresh tears gathered in her eyes. Cassienne’s heart softened instantly, whatever mistakes Tina had made, nobody deserved what had happened to her. Nobody. Cassienne stepped closer first, her voice gentle. “How are you feeling?”

The simple question broke Tina completely, tears rolled down her face as she tried to speak. Nothing came out. Only frustration and helplessness. Ray quickly intervened, his voice calm and reassuring. “Easy. The tests came back fine.” He looked toward Dreston and Cassienne. “There is no permanent damage. Her voice will return.”

“When?” Dreston asked.

Ray shrugged slightly. “Could be days. Could be weeks. Right now her body is still recovering.”

Tina closed her eyes briefly. The inability to communicate was clearly upsetting her more than anything else. Cassienne gently squeezed her hand. “You don’t have to force yourself.”

Tina opened her eyes again and looked toward the notepad resting beside the bed. Ray handed it to her along with a pen. Everyone waited in heavy silence. Tina’s hand shook slightly as she began writing. The words appeared slowly, painfully. But eventually she turned the notepad around.

Dreston took it first. His eyes narrowed immediately.

‘Garry was kidnapped.’

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