Chapter 19

Cassian’s driver had the car waiting at the museum’s entrance, its sleek silhouette exuding understated luxury against the Manhattan skyline. Cassian held the door open for Anastasia like the gentleman he was, waiting until she was settled before sliding in beside her. The car pulled smoothly away from the chaos they’d left behind.

Anastasia leaned back against the leather seat, watching the city lights blur past her window in streams of gold and white. Sensing her mood, Cassian’s voice was reassuring. “Don’t overthink what happened tonight. I’ve got you covered.”

Anastasia turned from the window, forcing a small smile. “I’m okay. Just tired, I guess.”

Cassian’s expression darkened slightly. “About what happened at the gala—I’ll handle it. No one puts their hands on you without consequences.” He immediately called his assistant. “Phillips, I need you to pull security footage from tonight’s Met Gala. Focus on the reflecting pool incident around nine-thirty.”

Anastasia blinked in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to take such immediate action. His protective instincts were actually pretty touching. Plus, throwing that wine in Valeria’s face had felt pretty satisfying already. Warmth spread through her chest at feeling genuinely protected for the first time in years.

Back at the gala, the remaining guests were getting restless. Most people had come specifically hoping to network with Cassian Rhodes. They kept glancing toward the entrance, not wanting to miss their golden opportunity.

Jasper had originally planned to take Valeria to the hospital, but remembering his father’s instructions about tonight’s importance, he’d sent his assistant with her instead. He stayed behind, determined not to miss his chance. Standing in the corner with a champagne flute, Jasper kept checking his watch and scanning the crowd. His mood was souring by the minute. He’d been counting on tonight to finally get face time with Rhodes, but the man was nowhere to be found.

“Maybe the intel was wrong?” he muttered under his breath. Other guests were starting to gossip. “Didn’t someone say Rhodes had already arrived? Where the hell is he?” “I heard he was spotted earlier, but then he left with some woman.” “A woman? No way. Rhodes never brings dates to these things.”

By midnight, it was clear Cassian wasn’t showing up. Jasper drove home frustrated and empty-handed. He’d planned to check on Valeria at the hospital, but his father had summoned him home immediately.

When Jasper walked into the Hale mansion, every light was blazing. His parents were waiting in the formal living room, looking like they were about to conduct an intervention. “Mom, Dad, why are you still up?”

“Jasper, have you completely lost your mind?” his father exploded. “You brought two women to a business gala? They had a public catfight, and now the Hale family is the laughingstock of Manhattan society!” He’d thought his son had finally matured over the past few years. Apparently, he’d been wrong. There were appropriate venues for personal drama, and elite charity galas weren’t one of them.

“Dad, it was Ana who lost control. She pushed Valeria into the pool,” Jasper protested weakly.

“Shut up! Stop making excuses for your poor judgment,” his father snapped.

“Now honey, don’t be too hard on him,” Megan intervened smoothly. “Valeria is a sweet girl from a good family. It’s that Anastasia who caused all the trouble. At least they’re finally breaking up.”

That mollified her husband somewhat. “Fine. But tell me you at least accomplished something tonight. Did you meet with Rhodes?”

“He never showed up,” Jasper admitted reluctantly. “Must have had other commitments.”

“Damn it. Well, we’ll have to wait for the next opportunity.” Jasper nodded and escaped to his room, his mind churning. Everything seemed to be spiraling out of his control. Anastasia was clearly serious about leaving this time. Fine. Let her go struggle in the real world without him. When reality hit, she’d come crawling back. She was too obsessed with him to stay away permanently. Jasper’s confidence remained unshaken.

The next morning, Anastasia emerged from the master bathroom to find the dining table set with an impressive breakfast spread. Cassian looked up with a smile. “Perfect timing. Come eat.”

As she sat down, Anastasia marveled at his capabilities. Seriously, what couldn’t this man do? The rumors about him being cold and ruthless seemed increasingly ridiculous. Were they even talking about the same person? Cassian pushed a warm glass of milk toward her. “Drink this first. It’ll help settle your stomach.” The gesture was so considerate it made her chest tight with unexpected emotion.

“How are you up this early?” she asked, taking a grateful sip.

“I’m an early riser,” he said casually, not mentioning he’d gotten up specifically to cook for her. Looking at the elaborate spread—eggs Benedict, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and her favorite blueberry pancakes—Anastasia shook her head in amazement. “Seriously, is there anything you can’t do? You’re like a walking Pinterest board.”

Cassian’s mouth quirked up. “Are you complaining about having a multi-talented husband?”

Anastasia blushed, taking a bite of pancake. “Definitely not complaining.” The contrast with Jasper was stark. In three years together, he’d never made her so much as toast.

After breakfast, Cassian offered to drive her to work. “Drop me at the corner,” Anastasia requested. “That car is a little… conspicuous.” The custom Maybach with its distinctive license plates would definitely attract attention.

When they stopped, Cassian caught her hand. “Call me if you need anything. Anything at all.”

“I will. Drive safe,” she said softly before heading toward the J&A building. She thought she’d been careful, but someone had been watching.

Valeria stood near the building entrance, her arm in a dramatic sling from her “pool incident.” She’d spotted Anastasia getting out of the luxury vehicle and immediately recognized an opportunity. A slow, predatory smile spread across her face. So Anastasia had found herself a sugar daddy? That explained her recent attitude. This had to be the mystery “husband” from yesterday’s phone call. What a cunning little slut—already moving on to her next meal ticket.

Valeria quickly snapped photos with her phone, though she was too far away to capture the license plate clearly. She couldn’t wait to show Jasper these pictures. Let him see what kind of woman he’d been defending—a gold-digging whore who was already lining up her next victim. This was going to be fun.