Chapter 75
The three Mastiffs barked in unison.
Lilian clapped her hands. “Perfect! That seals the deal for official adoption. Congratulations, Ms. Blake. These dogs are fiercely loyal. If you ever encounter difficult clients, just let them off the leash.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I don’t mind… but doesn’t this make things weird with Mr. Scott? He’s technically their dad, right?”
The mental image hit her full force. Both of them would become the dogs‘ godparents?
“Doesn’t bother me,” Ryan said without missing a beat.
Cassandra shot him a suspicious glance.
Lilian, still playing enthusiastic host, jumped in again. “Well, then! To celebrate Ms. Blake adopting these three, how about a toast?”
Ryan raised his wine glass. “To you, my dear wife… I mean, mother of my children.”
Cassandra inwardly gave a dry laugh. Still, she picked up her glass and clinked it against his. ” Godmother.” She corrected him firmly. “God. Mother.”
Back in Daisy’s suite, Cassandra hadn’t even fully closed the door before Daisy pounced on her. “What’s that smell on you?”
“Maybe… the scent of a mother’s love?”
Daisy blinked. “Excuse me?”
“I’m officially a mom now. Of three very large, furry ‘sons.“”
Daisy was shocked. “Wait. Did Ryan mess with your brain? He’s out here chasing his bromance with Cameron, and now you’re what–switching teams to become a dog mom in a family drama? What are you? A divorced stepmother now?”
Cassandra faceplanted into a throw pillow. This was not how the evening was supposed to end.
She’d gone there to confront Ryan about how disturbingly well he knew her daily life. Instead, she ended up becoming the godmother of three Mastiffs.
How did this even start?
In Ryan’s suite on the 64th floor, his three “sons” were sprawled across the carpet like furry sentinels, calm and content. On the bed was an ocean of photo albums–there were easily
hundreds.
Ryan sat at the edge and opened one at random. Cassandra was in high school, still in that hideous school uniform. Her face was chubbier, but she was an undeniable beauty,
A high ponytail swung down her back as she napped over her desk, a pen mark faintly pressed into her cheek. She looked endearing.
He closed the album and opened another. This time was during college. She had won the debate competition and looked so proud of herself on the stage.
Next was her wedding photo. She stood in a white dress, arm–in–arm with Cameron as they offered a toast. Ryan remembered the moment clearly.
Cameron had laughed and said, “Ryan, she’s my wife now.”
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Cassandra had smiled bashfully. She didn’t even glance at him. Her gaze had been full of love for Cameron.
He shut the album with a sharp slap and tossed it to the corner of the room. Then, he lit a cigarette and walked to the balcony.
They were the parents of the three Mastiffs now. Why couldn’t that count as married?
Someone knocked at the door. “Mr. Scott. It’s Lilian.”
“Come in.”
Lilian entered, arms full of folders. “Mr. Scott, these are the records you asked for–every schoolmate and alumnus Ms. Blake has ever interacted with. It’s all here.”
“Put it on the table.”
“Yes.” Then, she turned to leave.
“Lilian.”
She stopped. “Yes?”
“Starting tomorrow, I want every piece of trash from her room. I want it all delivered to me.”
Lilian froze.
“Do I sound crazy?”
Lilian didn’t reply.
A smirk curled on his lips, but there was no amusement in it. Just so
ing raw and heavy.
He took a drag of his cigarette. His voice was low and rough. “Every pain her is mine.”
