Chapter 27
Lorraine suddenly remembered that during dinner yesterday, Cassian had grabbed her phone and changed his contact name from “Cassian” to “Husband ”
At the time, he’d insisted with complete seriousness that since they were legally married, keeping his name like they were just casually dating made no sense.
He’d taken her phone and updated it himself without asking permission–very typical Casdan behavior
Seeing “Husband” flashing on her screen now sent an unexpected Duner through her chest. The swiped to answer, her voice unconsciously turning softer. “Hey, whats
Candan’s deep voice came through crystal clear. “You still at the office? Don’t leave without me–I’m coming to get you. Time to move you into our place.“]
He’d been counting down to this moment all day
Warmth spread across Lorraine’s cheeks. “Okay, I’ll want for you.”
She ended the call quickly, soddenly aware of her modsence.
The moment she hung up, she found herself wearing into Jasper’s abacutely furious face
He stood there looking like he wanted to strangle ameone, eyes blazing with rage and wounded pride]
“Lorraine, want to explain why some guy is calling you and your phone says Husband?” Jasper’s voice was pure ice, loaded with accusation
Jhrraine’s eyebrows shot up, annoyance flashing. That’s literally none of your business anymore, jager. We’re not together. remember? You don’t get to police my phone calls
Valeria quickly jumped in, looking shocked but pleased. Jasper, don’t stress about IL Ana’s obviously just trying to make you jealous. There’s no way she actually found someone else this fast.“||
That seemed to bring jasper back from the edge. His fury cooled as he ego reasserted self
Right–Lorraine was completely alived with him. No way shed moved an already ||
This was just another desperate play for his aftration []
“Ana, if this is some sad attempt to make me jealous, congratulations–mision accomplished. But don’t fucking test me vode dripped condescension
Lorraine’s tone stayed perfectly calm but deadly cold. You have some serious delusions of grandeur, who I date or marry is absolutely none of your concern.”
“The buyout paperworks on your desk til finah transferring my projects this week. You have seventy–two hours to decide–purchase my shares or I’m selling to outside investors.”
With that, Lorraine walked outwith complete composure
The second shell, Jasper grabbed the contract and shredded it violently []
Tucking bitchell
This new version of Lorraine was completely impossible to manipulare
Valeria watched the destruction nervously before speaking carefully. “Jasper, what if Ana actually did End same rich gay? Maybe that’s why she’s demanding so much money. Three hundred million is pretty balley though..
“She’s not getting shil,” Jasper snarled. “If that ungrateful cunt wants to leave, she can walk away with nothing but the dotives on her back.“|||
He’d thought Lorraine was smarter than this. Turns out she was just another greedy gold–digger ||
Valeria’s eyes lit up with malicious satisfaction. Exactly! She’s being ridiculously greedy a few thound in severance would be generous. ||
Jasper pulled Valeria against his chest possively. “You’re rational, haby. Note that paychio,”
*TO always have your back,” Valeria purred, running her fingers through his hair” “hot now that you’ve pissed her off royally, we probably can’t get those design tiles-||
“Don’t worry about that,” Juper whispered again her ear. “We know her password, I checked earler–her latest designs are basically finished. Once she clears out
“Perfect” Valeria’s umed predatory. “Oh, and I bought some new lingerie today.. that pink ler set you like..]]
“You read my mind perfectly,” Jespers mood Instantly improved. “Definely want a petvate fashion show later
They were back to groping each other within seconds. ||
After escaping Jasper’s taste office, Lorraine returned to her workspace and began wrapping up her responses
Honestly, there want much to transition
She’d always empowered her ear to handle their own projects, and everyone had proven themselves more than capable
She spent the afternoon documenting ongoing natives and pending decisions
By six PM, everything was organized and ready for her replacement
She ako needed to clear out her personal tem to make room for whoever Jasper hired next.]]
Sure enough within minutes of Lorraine leaving Valeria red into her office like the snake she was
After confirming the coast was clear, Valeria quickly accessed the computer and began saling design files, a virious mile spreading i
“Stupid bitch,” Valeria muttered while copying everything is her flash drive. Thanks for doing all the hard work for me, Can’t wait to take credit for your talent.
She transferred every design me before sneaking back out like the thief the was
From her concealed postion down the hall, Lorraine watched Valeria’s retreat wh cold sadisfaction.
Step one of her revenge plan was officially complete
Then she headed down in meet Cassin
His sleek black Bentley was already waiting at the curb when the esterged from the building
Through the tinted windows, the could see him watching the rat unce with quien intensay, starting tonight, she officially become part of his daily routine |
Manhattan’s skyline was just begining to sparkle as evening descended..
Lorraine approached the car and slid into the passenger seat, immediataly enveloped by his expensive cologne and warm presener,
“Sorry, have you been waiting for the asked, suddenly darling shy
Cassian turned to study her face, something protective fackering in his usually guarded my “pust got here. How was your last dayr
“Productive,” she said with ads. Tomcat tree.
“Good.” His voice carried quiet satisfaction rady to come home
The way he said. Thom–like she belonged there–made her heart skip
Cassian drove her back to Eabeth’s brownstone first, where his daiver efficently loaded her belonging
He’d offered for Elsebeth to move in with them, but she’d graciously declined, insting newlyweds needed space in figure things out
Plus, she valued her independence too much.
up now
Though Elisabeth wouldn’t budge, Cassian was already arranging for a part time ho cheeper to check her regularly
Finally, they headed to his place together.]]
Cassian’s penthouse occupied the top doses of Central Park Tower–the tallest residental building the world and crown jew of hillionaires Pow
“Home sweet home,” Casdan announced as they pulled into the private garage beneath the building ||
Lorraine followed him out while the driver handled her baggage, trying not to gawk at the marble and gold fixtures surrounding them
Noticing her nervous energy, Calan’s voice turned reassuring. “Hey, I’s just us up there. This Marin, the housekeeper, but she only comes during the day.”
That helped Lorraine relax slightly, though butterflies were still doing aerobics in her stomach
ury were married, but they barely knew each other. Moving in together
jumping off a cliff blindfolded
Caper 21
Plus, Cassian’s reputation was pretty intimidating.
Though their limited time together had been surprisingly normal]
The private elevator whisked them up forty–plus floors in snooth silence.
When the doors opened directly into his penthouse, Lorraine’s breath caught.]
The space was absolutely stunning–floor–to–ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, modern minimalist design with warm touches that kept it from feeling cold.
Holy shit,” she whispered, then immediately blushed. “Sorry, I mean.
Cassian’s laugh was rich and genuine–the first time she’d heard him really laugh. “I like the first reaction better. What do you think?“]
“It’s incredible,” Lorraine said honestly, still taking it all in. “Like something out of Architectural Digest
“Our home,now,” Cassian corrected gently, moving closer. “I want you to feel comfortable here.”
The way he said “our home with such quiet conviction made something warm unfurl in her chest.
Thank you,” she said softly. “For everything
Cassian stepped even closer, his hand finding hers. Thank you for giving this a chance.”
For a moment they just stood there, hands linked, city lights beginning to twinkle beyond the windows.
This crazy arrangement was starting to feel like it might actually work
10
