The Tycoon's Secret Wife's Escape novel Chapter 129

CASSIE 19: Red–handed

A small notepad rested beside the framed photograph, a pen nestled between its pages. The notebook naturally fell open to Asher’s recent entry when I opened it.

“She loves me deeply. I know she’ll forgive me.”

Even now, I couldn’t comprehend where he found such courage, such unwavering self–assurance.

“It was your fault, Cassie.‘

Exactly.

I stayed in Asher’s room, trying to regain my strength. Outside, the mansion was alive with laughter and celebration, the complete opposite of the quiet I had here.

My feelings weren’t anything like they used to be, back when I’d walk through those halls, sharing smiles and friendly chats. For now, I would wait here, alone with my thoughts, until the consequences of whatever transpired outside found their way to me.

***

Meanwhile, outside Asher’s room…

Vanessa observed Asher searching anxiously for Cassie, a plate of carefully prepared food in his hands, a peace offering he had made himself for the woman.

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe were deep in conversation with a powerful mogul, completely unaware their daughter was missing from the party.

Vanessa grew uneasy, fearing she’d be blamed if anyone noticed. But the thought of Asher gave her the nerve to act. “Have you seen Cassie?” Asher asked a passing server who balanced a tray of champagne glasses.

“I’m not sure, sir,” the server replied. “But I think I saw her earlier by the pool while I was serving.”

“Maybe she already went home,” said one of Asher’s aunts, accepting a drink from the tray. She was notorious for her gossip. “She likely hasn’t forgiven you yet.”

“No, that’s impossible. She specifically told me she would wait and mentioned she was famished,” Asher muttered, confused, clearly unsettled by Cassie’s behavior.

Vanessa took her chance, saying, “I saw Miss Monroe with Mr. Berry. There was… an unmistakable intimacy between them. The way they looked at each other…”

Asher’s frown deepened. His aunt raised an eyebrow.

“Now that you mention it, I’ve noticed how Mr. Berry watches Cassie strangely,” the lady said. “At the last event, I caught him practically salivating while looking at her, even licking his lips at one point.” She hesitated, then added, “But do you really think Cassie would cheat on you with that man?”

Vanessa responded with an innocent shrug. “If it meant hurting Asher… maybe.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” the woman snapped, but Vanessa noticed the hint of curiosity behind her feigned outrage. Asher turned to Vanessa, his jaw tightening. She flinched slightly under his gaze but could tell she’d hit a nerve. “Where exactly did you see them?” His voice was dangerously controlled.

“Heading toward the bedroom wing,” Vanessa answered promptly. “They seemed… quite determined.”

Asher’s expression darkened. Cassie knew every corner of this mansion and had been an honored guest countless times at Mrs. Reid’s invitation. The implications struck him with devastating clarity.

At the same time, a wave of fear and anxiety tightened Asher’s chest. Was this Cassie’s way of getting back at him for everything bad he did?

With long, purposeful strides, Asher moved toward the private wing of the mansion, colliding with a server whose tray of cocktails clattered dramatically to the floor. The sudden commotion drew numerous curious glances.

“I’m sorry!” Asher muttered distractedly, continuing his determined march without breaking stride.

“What’s happening?” whispered several guests, sensing impending drama.

“Cassie Monroe’s cheating on Asher with Mr. Berry!” the aunt blurted out, barely hiding her excitement, clearly looking forward to the drama that was about to unfold.

As expected, a group of curious invitees began trailing the scene. Most couldn’t believe the accusation–Cassie’s reputation was spotless–but the urge to uncover the truth was irresistible.

“Where did you see them?” Asher demanded, turning to Vanessa.

CASSIE 19: Red handed

“In that room,” she replied, casually pointing toward a specific door–the guest suite the Reids had set up for Rebecca.

The aunt, almost giddy with anticipation, had her phone poised, ready to capture the moment the princess of the Monroe family caught red–handed.

“What’s going on here?” Mrs. Reid’s voice rang out as she walked toward the crowd.

Her eyes shot a sharp look at her son.

“Asher, what mess have you started now? Can’t you even let me have my birthday without drama?”

“It’s not Asher causing trouble, sister–in–law! It’s Cassie!”

“What kind of nonsense are you spewing?!” Mrs. Reid demanded.

The woman pointed at Vanessa. “She witnessed Cassie entering the bedroom with another man! Ask her yourself!” Mrs. Reid’s chest tightened with disappointment as she realized Vanessa was again the cause of the trouble. Her face showed deep frustration before it shifted to a cold, calculating expression as if she were looking at someone unworthy of her attention.

“If Cassie isn’t in that room, and you’re just stirring up trouble to get my family upset, then let me make this clear, Vanessa: you are no longer welcome in my presence or my home. Asher will have you fired on the spot!”

“Asher… please…” Vanessa murmured, her voice faltering.

“You’re always creating drama, and I won’t let you do it again!” Mrs. Reid continued, her voice rising with controlled anger.” Have you not caused enough damage already? You choose to fabricate scandals even during my personal celebration?” “Mrs. Reid, I swear, it’s not my intention.”