The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape novel Chapter 117

CASSIE 7: Lingering Resentment

“You left without your bodyguard?” Asher barked through the phone. “Are you crazy? Where are you right now?”

I stayed silent.

“Cassie, don’t make me lose my patience. If this is about what happened last night, I had to ensure Vanessa was okay. So, I left the gathering.”

It wasn’t the first time he’d used another woman as an excuse, but it was the first time I felt completely numb to his justifications.

“Okay,” 1 finally murmured, the only word I could muster through his tirade.

He didn’t say anything back, probably speechless about my response. So I hung up. blocked his number without a second thought, and gently put my phone on the table.

I glanced across the table at Ronan Carter, whose piercing eyes had been observing me throughout the uncomfortable conversation.

“I’m grateful for your help, Mr. Carter,” I said, straightening my posture. “Please, let me at least give you some money to cover the fees you paid on my behalf.” I thought about my ruined bag and shoes. “It was my fault anyway. I passed out… You didn’t know how important those things were to me.”

A small wave of sadness hit me as I accepted that my things were just luxury. After all -I couldn’t take them to the grave anyway.

I shifted in my seat, ready to stand and leave, when Ronan finally spoke. “I’m not accepting money as payment, Miss Monroe.”

I blinked in surprise, instinctively crossing my arms over my ‘small‘ chest as if shielding myself

“What exactly do you mean by that?” I blurted. “I’m not about to offer myself as payment for one night of assistance.”

At least he’s exceptionally gorgeous. Not that it matters!

‘Geez, Cassie, get a grip!‘

Ronan’s expression darkened. “Could you please remove whatever inappropriate scenario is running through your head? It’s not as if I’d be interested in what you’re so adamantly protecting…” he said pointedly, clearly referring to my small boobs!

Ouch. That stung more than anything Asher had said

I lifted my chin defiantly. “I know you probably prefer women with more curves, but being small–chested is my advantage in my modeling career. Still, what do you mean you won’t accept money? You can’t blame me for being suspicious.”

“I’ll tell you when the time’s right,” he replied coolly. “I’ll contact you myself”

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CASSIE 7: Lingering Resentment

“But I’m not staying in this city,” I protested. “What if you call and I’ve already left? I won’t be able to repay you. Money’s the only thing I can offer.”

“I’m not short on money,” he stated matter–of–factly–mic dropped. “I’ll call you soon.” Fine. I didn’t argue. Let him have it his way.

***

Asher located me at the company, where I was assisting Evan with resolving the crisis at our European branch.

What’s almost laughable is that he wasn’t alone; Vanessa was with him.

But I already knew Asher’s game. He was either trying to clear his name, gaslight the women around him, or simply provoke me. He loved seeing me jealous or angry over his endless womanizing.

Nevertheless, I maintained my focus on the work spread across Evan’s desk.

Fixing the company’s problem had become my top priority because it was the only way I could finally free myself from Asher’s control. I was determined to end the arranged engagement between our families, which had long since become a joke.

“Did you two fight again?” Evan asked, noticing my mood.

“No. There’s nothing to fight about,” I replied casually. “I’m just busy.”

“Hello, Miss Monroe!” Vanessa interjected unexpectedly. “I want to apologize for the incident the other day. Evan, she’s likely upset with Asher because he accompanied me to the hospital despite being with Miss Monroe at the event. We essentially abandoned Miss Monroe at the gathering… I’m truly sorry about that.”

Evan presumably believed I was sulking over the situation.

I lifted my gaze and met Vanessa’s eyes. “I’ve already stated that I’m not angry. Why are you trying to tell me how I feel?”

Vanessa visibly flushed with embarrassment and swallowed nervously. “Uh, I didn’t mean anything by it, Miss Monroe. Please don’t be mad.”

“Cassie, what kind of attitude is that? She already apologized…” Evan muttered. Asher’s lips curved into a smirk, no doubt thinking I was jealous; he was undoubtedly assuming I was envious, particularly regarding his decision to accompany Vanessa.

I rose from my seat with my laptop in hand, unable to hide my irritation any longer. My gaze was deliberately fixed on my brother across the desk.

“Evan, do you realize we have a meeting scheduled in ten minutes? Why does it look like you’re not even getting ready?”

He casually glanced down at his phone’s calendar, acknowledging the virtual invitation with barely a flicker of concern.

“You go ahead. Just send me the summary afterward.”

CASSIE 7: Lingering Resentment