Chapter 11
Cassandra was a little taken aback
Chapter 12
Cassandra had just set foot in the company the next day when Aidan approached her.
At first, she thought he had agreed to sign the agreement. To her dismay, he didn’t agree to it. Instead, he asked to negotiate and even made demands.
He demanded that she attend the business dinner with him, as she had always been his plus–one in the past. Many of the company’s clients had a good impression of her. Besides, they admired her for her patience and trustworthiness.
Aidan had been in talks for a few deals lately, and he didn’t want to invite trouble or raise the suspicion of his clients by attending the event with Clara.
To avoid affecting future deals, he decided to attend with Cassandra, who agreed to it. After all, it was just a dinner, wasn’t it?
She texted Tristan to give him a heads–up about her attendance at the business dinner.
Tristan was taken aback when he received the text. A smirk started to play on his lips. Could that be the same business dinner that Liam Mercer, his assistant, previously mentioned?
Tristan had not planned to attend the dinner as he was newly married. However, since his wife decided to go, he’d go as well.
One could imagine Liam’s confusion when Tristan said he’d attend the dinner. Tristan had never been so fickle. He’d never change his decision.
Liam was amazed when he saw Tristan smiling at a text on his phone. The world had been out of order lately!
After work, Cassandra left the office and found Aidan’s car parked nearby.
When she approached, the car door opened to reveal Clara and her meticulous makeup.
“Cassandra, you don’t infnd Aldan bringing me to the event for some exposure, do you? I’ll have to learn about the business in the future anyway.”
Cassandra quietly smirked at the sight of Clara’s take sinile. She had anticipated Aidan bringing Clara along, as those two lovebirds had been hanging out with each other a lot lately.
Her gaze swept past Clara. Sounding calin, she replied, “Why would I mind? I’m not the other woman.”
Clara recoiled at Cassandra’s cold attitude. The smile froze on her face. “Cassandra, please don’t make it sound like that. We’re family at the end of the day.”
Cassandra snickered. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Are we a family? Clara, have you forgotten that I have long cut ties with the Callum family? Do not get me involved in your family matters.”
Clara’s face paled when Cassandra snapped at her, but she did not get to reply because Aidan’s head had poked out. He said irritably, “Cassandra, get in. Let’s not
waste time.”
Cassandra opened the door to the front passenger seat and got in..
Clara gave Aldan a helpless and pitiful look.
He explained to Cassandra, “I’m bringing Clara along so she can make some friends. She’ll be a designer at F&W soon. Get your mind out of the gutter!”
A look of contempt flashed across her eyes. Cassandra knew that they had slept together many times. Their relationship was definitely not platonic.
Still, she didn’t bother to argue with him. Their relationship was none of her business.
The atmosphere in the car was awkward and weird.
They attracted much attention when they entered the venue together, Cassandra was dressed in a simple and graceful black evening dress. She was aloof but poised and gave off an assertive vibe.
In contrast, Clara was clad in a pink laced evening dress. Her makeup was Impeccable, and she looked sweet.
Aidan wore a nicely–tailored suit. He drew much attention standing between the two ladies.
The guests murmured among themselves as their curious eyes darted among the trio.
“Isn’t that Mr. Ziegler? Why is he with two ladies?”
“I heard he’s broken up with his fiancé. He’s now dating that woman next to him.”
“How complicated!”
Cassandra ignored the gossip and headed to the drinks section, where she picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip.
Her eyes scared the venue as if looking for someone, She had just read Tristan’s inessage. He had a social event to attend tonight as well.
Would he be here?
Meanwhile, Aidan started to introduce Clara to the business figures at the event with a smile. Clara held onto his arm with a sweet smile, looking extra demure.
Victoria approached Cassandra. Her boss had asked her to attend the business dinner. Frowning, she asked, “Cassie, what’s wrong with Aldan? How could he show tus kept woman off when everyone knew you two were dating before this?”
“It’s fine: We broke up.” Cassandra flashed a faint smile. “It’s a waste of a few years, though.”
Love always started off great, and she lost herself in it. Loolding back, it was all but a joke.
Congratulations on regaining your freedom!” Victoria chirped excitedly. “By the way, there are a lot of young, successful attendees tonight! I also heard that Tristan Freeman is here. How thrilling! Rumors say he’s hotter than celebrities!”
Cassandra’s heart skipped a beat. Was Tristan really here?
“Come un. Let’s make some new friends” Victoria pulled Cassardia away.
Chapter 1
The event that Cassandra thought would be boring seemed livelier with Victoria around.
Cassandra had just had a chat with a few business partners. She was about to excuse herself to get some air when a sweet voice rang in the air.
“Cass, you’re here!”
She looked up and saw Clara.
“Why are you looking for me instead of spending time with Aidan?” Cassandra sounded aloof. A sarcastic look flashed across her eyes.
She remained stoic and unfazed as she stared at Clara’s face of exquisite makeup.
Clara smiled innocently. “Cass, calm down. Aidan has always cared about you. It’s just… There’s some misunderstandings between the two of you.”
That elicited a scoff from Cassandra. “You’re so good at faking. Aren’t you tired of it?”
Taken aback, Clara quickly smirked. “Cass, I’m not tired of it at all. The best is yet to come!”
While speaking, she grabbed Cassandra and plunged into the pool with her.
Cassandra quietly cursed as she fell. “Damn it!”
Clara was such a psycho!
After Cassandra was dragged into the pool without warning, she became drenched from head to toe. Her hair plastered against her face. Needless to say, she was
now a mess.
She struggled to stand up in the pool. Wiping away the water on her face, she glowered at Clara.
“Clara, are you crazy?” Her voice was filled with simmering rage, and her eyes were frosty.
Many guests had turned their attention to the pool after hearing the loud splash. A crowd began to gather.
Victoria, who had just come back from the restroom, cursed under her breath when she realized what had happened.
She knew that, with Clara around, something bad would happen for sure.
Aidan noticed the commotion as well. He rushed over and pulled Clara from the pool.
“Aidan, don’t blame Cass for this. She didn’t drag me into the pool on purpose.” Lying in his arms, Clara bit her pale lip. Looking disheveled, she explained the situation to him.
eart raced.
“Come with me. I’ll give you a tour.” He led her into the house.
While they walked, he introduced the place. “This is a 3,000 square foot house with a main bedroom, three guest bedrooms, a study, and two bathrooms…”
She was silently in awe of his wealth to be able to afford such a large house on premium land.
When they arrived at the main bedroom, she stood at the door as her gaze landed on the king–size bed. Her heartbeat quickened again.
The interior of the bedroom was in line with the house’s minimalist aesthetic. The warm lighting on the plush bed made it look exceptionally cozy.
Standing beside Cassandra, Tristan noticed that she had spaced out. With a smirk, he teased her, “What’s wrong with the bed?”
She snapped back to reality and looked embarrassed. She whispered, “No… I just thought it was a little too big.”
He let out a light chuckle. Sounding doting, he asked, “Isn’t that good? We could do whatever we like here.”
His low and gentle voice, coupled with his suggestive tone, made her blush harder.
Her head was lowered, and she toyed with her fingers, feeling both nervous and expectant.
Tristan’s attitude softened when he noticed her embarrassment. “Cassie, are you nervous? Don’t worry. I will respect your wishes. Let’s only spend the night together when you’re more at ease here.”
She shyly agreed to it.
However, he soon added, “I hope you don’t keep me waiting for too long, though.”
Her blush deepened when she heard his comment.
“By the way, we’ll have dinner at Freeman Villa and discuss the wedding.“”
She immediately snapped around. “Are we throwing a wedding banquet?”
He replied, “Of course. I’ll pay for a grand wedding for you.”
“Actually… Don’t bother. Let’s talk about it later.” Cassandra was reminded of the many remaining issues she had with Aidan, and she didn’t want to attract trouble at the wedding.
“Sure. It’s up to you.” Taken aback, Tristan respected her decision nonetheless.
The next morning, Aidan received a call from his family, requesting his return. Since he was enjoying Clara’s company at that time, he brought her to the Ziegler
residence.
They showed up, fingers locked like a loving married couple.
Upon seeing them, Beatrice approached with a smile. “Aidan, you’re home. Who is this?”
She slot Clara a look of confusion.
Holding Clara’s hand, Aidan introduced her to Beatrice. “Mom, this is Clara. She’s the daughter of Jack Callum, CEO of Callum Corporation.”
Beatrice’s eyes lit up in excitement when she learned that Clara was Jack Callum’s only daughter. That made Clara the perfect match for Aidan and a much better candidate than Cassandra ever was.
Ever since Sophia–Jack’s mistress–officially became the lady of the house, Cassandra and Matilda moved out and cut ties with the Callum family. As such, only a few knew that Cassandra was Jack’s daughter.
It wasn’t like Cassandra cared to bring it up. She abhorred the association with every fiber of her being.
Clara understood that the Ziegler family was much more influential than her family. She’d be marrying up.
With that in mind, she demurely greeted Beatrice. “Hello, Mrs. Freeman.”
When Beatrice heard that, she was all smiles. She enthusiastically held Clara’s hand. Sounding doting, she purred, “Are you Clara? What a nice young lady you are. You’re pretty and graceful.
“Come in and have a seat. Don’t just stand around.”
Clara was a little flustered by Beatrice’s zeal. Blushing, she nodded obediently. “Thanks, Mrs. Freeman.”
Aidan Lelt relieved after seeing Beatrice’s warm welcome for Clara. Smiling, he said, “Mom, this is Clara’s first time at our place. Don’t scare her away!”
Beatrice laughed and patted his hand. She addressed him tenderly, “Look at you! I was just happy. I’m glad you brought home a nice young lady like Clara.”
She guided Clara to sit on the couch and served her a cup of tea. “Clara, have some tea. Make yourself at home”
Clara nodded.
Beatrice was suddenly reminded of Cassandra. She asked her son, “Aidan, have you settled matters with Cassandra?”
“Not yet, Moth Cassandra holds 40% of the stocks She will only give them up to me it lofter her 30 million dollars,” Aldan answerest in a serious tone.
Beatrice’s expression immediately sank. Her tone took on an angry edge and sounded still. “ 40 million dollars? Isn’t that bitch being too greedy?”
Clara teit gleeful upon hearing Beatrice’s criticism of Cassandra, but she took care to maintain a demure sintle.
Chapter 1‘
22
She gently coaxed Beatrice, “Mrs. Freeman, stay calm. Don’t get worked up for someone like Cassandra. I guess she’s… probably feeling disgruntled.”
Beatrice scoffed. Sounding disdainful, she questioned, “And why is Cassandra feeling disgruntled? She should know her place!”
That put a frown on Aidan’s face. He sounded exasperated. “Mom, stop it. Cassandra owns 40% of the stocks–that’s a fact.”
He was too prideful to reveal the fact that F&W Jewelry wouldn’t have existed without Cassandra. The Zieglers still saw him as a good–for–nothing who leeched off his family.
Beatrice became dissatisfied. “Aidan, how could you speak up for Cassandra? She’s a nobody and doesn’t deserve to negotiate with us! She’s delusional for demanding 30 million dollars!”
Sighing, Aidan replied calmly, “Mom, this is not the time to be emotional. The company is doing increasingly well. This is a worthwhile investment if we think of the long–term future.”
After a moment of silence, Beatrice snapped coldly, “Even if we plan to buy back her stocks, we can’t let her have her way! She shouldn’t dream of getting 30 million dollars for her stocks.
“Aidan, negotiate with her. The most we’ll pay is 10 million dollars–not a cent more!”
“Okay. I got it.” Aidan had already planned to negotiate with Cassandra in the first place.
“By the way, there’s a business dinner tomorrow. Your dad reminded you to attend it. From what we heard, the head of the Freeman family, Tristan, will be there too. If we get to know him, we don’t have to worry about business opportunities anymore,” she reminded him.
“Mom, I got it. I’ll be there. Many of my business partners will be there too.” It was an important business event, after all, and Aidan had his own plans..
“Good.” Beatrice was glad to see Aidan finally holding his own. Little did she know that Cassandra deserved the credit for Aidan’s success today.
When they first dated, the Zieglers looked down on them and opposed the relationship.
Since then, Cassandra had set up a studio and later a company. Only when they became successful did the Zieglers start to look at Aidan in a new light.
