When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 97

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The grand ballroom of the Lisbourn Royal Resort shone under crystal chandeliers. Soft golden lights danced on marble floors. Tables were set with fine china and fresh flowers.

Tech leaders from around the world filled the space. They wore neat suits and elegant gowns. The atmosphere buzzed with quiet talks about new ideas and big deals. This was the first night of the tech expo–a gala meant to bring rivals together as friends. No hard business yet. Just connections and smiles.

But tonight, drama hid behind the polite laughs.

While everyone connected. The doors opened wide, and Cassienne stepped in. Her emerald off–the–shoulder dress hugged her curves perfectly. The silk fabric flowed like a gentle wave down to her ankles. It had a high slit on one side, showing just enough of her smooth leg with each step.

The color matched her blue eyes, making them glow brighter. Tiny crystals sparkled along the neckline, catching the light like stars. Her long black hair fell in soft waves over one shoulder. A simple diamond necklace rested on her collarbone. Red lips curved in a shy smile. She looked like a dream–strong, beautiful, and full of mystery.

“That’s Cassienne Rhodes.”

“The CTO of Auralink?”

“She looks… different.”

“Is she alone?“.

The room paused for a moment, all conversations stopped immediately and beads turned, Men stared with hungry eyes, while omen whispered in envy, which is normal with women. Cassienne felt the weight of it all. Her heart beat fast. But she held her head high, walking in with grace. 1

At the far end of the ballroom, Dreston noticed her.

He had been standing beside Tina, one hand resting lightly at her lower back as they spoke with a group of executives. Tina looked radiant tonight. She was dressed in a champagne–gold gown that sparkled under the lights, her arm looped confidently through his.

They looked like a power couple. And they knew it. But the moment Cassienne entered, Dreston’s attention shifted before he could stop it. His gaze locked onto her.

For a fraction of a second, Tina felt it. She followed his line of sight, and saw Cassienne.

Her smile stiffened, just slightly.

“Well,” Tina said smoothly, tightening her hold on Dreston’s arm, “she certainly knows how to make an

entrance.”

But Dreston didn’t respond to her.

Because the woman walking into the room was not the Cassienne he had once known, not the quiet wife who stayed behind him, who blended into the walls.

This Cassienne commanded respect and space for herself.

Far away, Corren stood near the bar. His green eyes locked on her right away. He wore a black tuxedo that fit his tall frame which was made for him. Their eyes met and her smile grew wide. This will be the very first time Cassienne will see him dressed that way.

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A proud smile spread on his face too. He crossed the room quickly, offering his arm. “You look like a goddess,” he whispered, his voice low and warm. His hand brushed her bare shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine.

“Thank you,” she said softly. Her cheeks turned pink. She took his arm, feeling safe with him.

As they moved through the crowd, eyes followed them. Corren noticed every glance. When a young tech investor lingered too long on Cassienne’s figure, Corren pulled her closer. His arm wrapped around her waist possessively. “Mine,” he murmured in her ear. She laughed lightly, but it made her feel wanted.

While Tina spoke to some investors, Dreston’s gaze followed Corren and Cassienne. His jaws tightened.

Though Cassienne didn’t notice them at first. She was busy. Important people pulled her into talks. A group of venture capitalists surrounded her. They asked about her ideas on AI in games.

“Your thoughts on user engagement are fresh,” someone said, a woman with deep blue eyes. “We need more women like you leading.”

Cassienne smiled and shared her views. She talked about making games feel real, with emotions and choices. They nodded, impressed. Notes were taken. Business cards exchanged.

Cassienne knew that this was actually not her field. But since she’s also knowledgeable in AI and games. Her ideas flowed naturally, uniquely.

Corren stayed close but let her shine. He loved seeing her confident. But when a handsome developer tried to flirt, asking for her number. He said, “for collaboration,”

Corren stepped in. “She’s with me,” he said firmly, his hand on her shoulder. The man backed off fast.

Dreston saw it all from afar. His jaw tightened. Tina tugged his arm. “Let’s dance later,” she said playfully. But Dreston’s eyes stayed on Cassienne. Jealousy burned in his chest. But he kept his peace.

The speaker took the stage. A famous innovator named Dr. Elena Stallone. She was tall, with silver hair and a kind smile. The room quieted.

“Tonight, we celebrate not just tech, but the human spark behind it,” she began. Her voice was strong.” Innovation isn’t about gadgets. It’s about connecting hearts and minds.”

People clapped. Waiters served champagne. Groups formed again. Cassienne sipped her drink, still talking to the capitalists.

The speaker continued.

“Tonight,” she said, her voice warm and steady, “we’re not here to compete. We’re here to connect. Innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation–it thrives in collaboration.”

Applause followed immediately The speech came in waves. It was short, impactful segments between music, networking, and presentations. Talks of ethical tech, sustainable innovation, and the future of AI–human collaboration.

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