When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 81

Chapter Eighty–One: Healing But Not Gone.

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Cassienne stood quietly in front of the vanity mirror, it was very early in the morning. Slowly, she lifted the hem of her top and stared at her ribs. The once–deep purple bruises that had marred her skin were finally fading, the deep colors softening into lighter shades of yellow and pale blue–Healing, but not gone.

She exhaled softly. Despite everything, she was already dressed for the office.

Dreston had told her not to come to the office this morning. He was so serious about it, insisting she needed more rest, and more time to heal. But time was a luxury Cassienne didn’t have, at least, not now. Not with the tech expo looming so close.

Today, she was meant to lead the team–her team–in defending the products that would be showcased at the upcoming expo. Cassienne believed deeply in professionalism and perfection. If Auralink Systems was going to stand out this year, it would be because of preparation, coordination, and performance.

Time was already working against them.

If they failed to get everything done on schedule, how could she expect them to compete? The other companies wouldn’t be attending the expo to play around. Every single one of them would be coming armed with innovation, confidence, and hunger to win.

Cassienne sighed and gently lowered the white lace tank top back into place, smoothing it against her skirt. She stepped away from the vanity, picked up her jacket, and shrugged it on. Then she reached for her handbag.

Now that she was fully dressed, she returned to the mirror once more.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she tilted her head to the side, checking the small plaster behind her right ear. The sight of it made her chest tighten for just a second–the memory of the incident rushing back uninvited.

She forced herself to snap out of it. Letting her hair loose, she shook her head lightly and ran her fingers through the thick strands. Her natural waves fell freely, cascading down her back in dark, glossy ripples. With the hair covering her ear, the plaster was completely hidden.

Now that she was satisfied, Cassienne straightened her posture. Now, she was ready.

Auralink Systems was quiet, as usual. The employees sat at their desks, with their eyes glued to their computer screens. Their fingers moved swiftly across keyboards. This was one of the things Cassienne appreciated most about Auralink.

It was different from Coralreach. At this hour, Coralreach staff would still be chatting–coffee cups in hand, laughter echoing across the floor. But here, work came first. Always. 1

Wearing flats, Cassienne’s steps made almost no sound as she entered the building. No one noticed her pass by as she moved straight toward the executive elevator. Coincidentally, no one else was waiting.

The elevator arrived almost immediately. She stepped inside, the doors sliding shut behind her. When it opened again at the development floor, she stepped out without hesitation.

But something felt… off. The floor was unusually empty.

At first, she thought someone had already begun the meeting without her–which was strange, but not impossible. However, as she walked further in, voices reached her ears. They were coming from down the hallway, from the conference room.

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Cassienne smiled faintly. “Good,” she thought. “Things are moving well.”

She reached the conference room door and pushed it open. Then stopped.

Every head turned toward her almost at the same time. Shock was written clearly on every face in the room.

Standing at the front of the conference room was Tina Ackley, confidently addressing the team. She wasn’t just talking–she was analyzing the products, explaining features, pointing things out on the screen.

At the head of the table sat Dreston. His face was unreadable as his eyes locked onto Cassienne.

“Good morning, everyone,” Cassienne began calmly. “I’m sorry for coming late, but I-”

“It’s fine,” Tina cut in abruptly. “You can sit down.”

The room went uncomfortably quiet again.

Cassienne didn’t like the sharp, dismissive tone of Tina. But she let it slide. She walked into the room, heading toward Dreston’s side.

Before she could reach the seat, Dreston stood up and pulled it out for her.

“Thanks,” Cassienne said quietly.

He nodded, and they both sat down. Outwardly, everything seemed normal. But Cassienne knew better.

Dreston hadn’t said a word, but she could feel his displeasure. He had told her not to come, and she had done exactly the opposite. Still, he said nothing.

Tina resumed speaking.

As Cassienne listened closely, her brows slowly drew together. Something wasn’t right. Tina wasn’t leading the team–she was positioning herself as the center of attention. 1

This wasn’t how expos worked. Cassienne could already see the problem. She raised her hand. And the room fell silent immediately.

“Excuse me,” Cassienne said evenly, “but this isn’t your role,right now, is it?”

Murmurs spread across the room. Heads nodded. Some people exchanged glances, clearly agreeing with her.

Tina stiffened, her expression darkening. “What are you doing?” she snapped, glaring at Cassienne.

She had forgotten herself. She had forgotten that she wasn’t speaking to just anyone–but to the Chief Technology Officer.

But Cassienne remained calm.

“I’m sorry if my question came across as offensive, Miss Ackley,” she said. “But what you’re doing isn’t part of your responsibility right now. You should allow the developers to handle this.”

She leaned back slightly in her chair, composed and authoritative.

“At the expo, you already have an important role,” Cassienne continued. “You’ll be meeting investors, representing Auralink, and communicating our value. That’s where your focus should be. Let the developers do the technical presentation.”

The murmurs grew louder. Then Dreston spoke.

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“Miss Ackley,” he said firmly, “I share the same opinion as the CTO. Please take your seat and let her lead the meeting. I don’t have all day.” 1

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