When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 98

Chapter Ninety–Eight: Dreston Can Ruin Things For Us.

“Mind if I join you?

Cassienne turned, offering a courteous smile. “Of course.”

And they spoke easily.

About the expo. About innovation, and about how the tech world was shifting.

“You seem unusually knowledgeable about system behavior under pressure,” Jeff remarked casually. “Especially in competitive digital environments.”

Cassienne chuckled lightly. “I’ve always believed that stress reveals design flaws faster than tests.”

Jeff’s interest sharpened. “Competitive environments like… gaming?”

Then she paused for a moment. Just for a second.

“Well,” she said thoughtfully, “e–sports ecosystems are fascinating. Real–time adaptation, pattern recognition, user psychology. it’s tech stripped to its rawest form.”

Jeff smiled, but inside, his mind raced.

But before he could probe further, Corren stepped in.

“Cass,” he said smoothly, “they’re about to start the next segment. Thought you’d want a seat.”

“Excuse us,” Corren said coldly. He took Cassienne’s hand and led her away. Jeff forced a smile but stepped back. He feared Corren and Dreston.

They were giants in the industry. He knew that he could not mess with them. But Corren and Dreston knew Jeff as well. He was dangerous too. He played dirty, hacking and spying.

Cassienne blinked. “Who was that?”

“No one good,” Corren said, kissing her hand. “Stay with me.”

The night heated up..

Then the drama peaked. Dreston couldn’t hold back. He left Tina chatting with friends and walked over to Cassienne who was laughing at something Corren said, causing Dreston’s face to darken.

“Corren,” he said sharply. “A word?”

But before Dreston could say more, Tina pulled Dreston towards the dance floor. But Dreston stood still.

Merrick appeared quietly. He had watched from the side. As Corren’s friend and CTO, he knew how to calm storms. “Hey, guys,” he said casually, like it was nothing. “Great speech, right? Dr. Stallone just mentioned partnerships. Let’s not ruin the vibe.”

Dreston paused, glancing at Tina who was still holding his arm. And without any other word, he followed her, leaving Cassienne with Corren.

Corren nodded, pulling Cassienne into a hug. “Sorry,” he whispered. She felt his heart racing. “I won’t let him hurt you again.”

But that’s not what Cassienne thought. Her mind had travelled far. And she feared for what was coming.

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The band started slow music, and Couples moved to the dance floor. The gala had turned romantic now.

Corren led Cassienne out. His hands on her waist, hers on his shoulders. They swayed gently. “Keep your eyes on me, let me help you forget your pain.”

Cassienne smiled. She knew that Corren was kind. But there are more things he still didn’t know about her. Things

that scare her more.

Across the floor, Tina pulled Dreston close. “Forget them,” she whispered. Her body pressed to his. He smiled down at her, spinning her once. Tina laughed, feeling alive. But his mind wasn’t with her.

Dr. Stallone’s last words echoed as people danced. “Innovation thrives on bold risks. Take them tonight.”

The night ended beautifully. Laughter mixed with music. Connections made. But as Cassienne and Corren danced their last steps, her phone buzzed in her purse. She ignored it at first. Then, she checked quickly.

A text from an unknown number: “We need to talk. About your secrets. – Jeff”

Her face paled. Corren noticed immediately. “What is it?”

“Nothing,”

,” she said, forcing a smile. But inside, fear stirred. What did Jeff know? And how far would he go?

The gala’s energy lingered as people left the ballroom. Soft lights still glowed. Some stayed for late drinks. Cassienne walked with Corren to the elevators. Her mind raced with the text. Jeff’s words felt like a threat.

“You seem quiet,” Corren said, his arm around her. They reached their floor, the VIP suites. “Want to talk?”

She shook her head. “Just tired.” But her blue eyes hid worry.

In her room, she changed into a soft robe. She sat on the bed, staring at her phone. Who was Jeff? And how did he get her number?

Down the hall, Dreston and Tina entered their suite. Tina kicked off her heels. “That was fun,” she said, pulling him close. Her lips found his. Dreston hesitated.

“I am tired.” He said, and walked towards the bathroom. His mind was on Cassienne. But Tina noticed. “Still thinking about her?”

He sighed. And he chose not to answer which made Tina frustrated.

Later, Merrick met Corren in the lounge. They’re having drinks together.

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