10
Chapter 28
Hearing Cassian’s words, Lorraine felt butterflies explode in her stomach, heat creeping up her neck
The way he’d been looking at her just now–like she was something precious–made her pulse race uncontrollably.
“Come on, let me show you around properly.” Cassian intertwined their fingers and led her deeper into the penthouse]
As they walked, he pointed out different spaces with obvious pride. “Ahour thirty–two hundred square feet. Master suite, three guest bedrooms, home
effice, and two and a half baths…”
Lorraine tried not to gawk In Manhattan real estate, this much space was basically priceless.
When they reached the master bedroom, she froze in the doorway, staring at the enormous king–size bed that dominated the room
Her heart started hammering against her ribs
The bedroom was stunning–floor–to–ceiling windows, modern furniture, and soft lighting that made the luxurious bedding look impossibly inviting
Cassian noticed her deer–in–headlights expression, his mouth curving into a knowing smile. “Something wrong with the bed, Mrs. Rhodes?”
The way he said “Mrs. Rhodes sont shivers down her spine
“No, it’s just really big,” she managed, voice barely above a whisper.
Cassian’s laugh was low and slightly rough “Bag is definitely better. More room for all sorts of activities”
His voice dropped to that dangerous frequency that made her knees wobble, and Lorraine’s face went nuclear
She stared at her feet, twisting her wedding ring nervously, caught between panic and anticipation
Seeing her genuine nervousness, Cassian’s expression gentled. He stepped closer, tilting her chin up with one finger. “Hey, look at me. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. I meant what I said–we go at your pace
Lorraine met his eyes, finding only patience and warmth “Okay,” she breathed
Then Cassian’s mouth quirked up slightly. Though I’m hoping you don’t torture me for too long.”
Lorraine turned roughly the color of a fire truck
“Oh, and tomorrow we’re having dinner with my parents. They’re dying to start planning our wedding celebration.”
Lorraine’s eyes went wide. “We’re doing a hig wedding?l
“Of course. I want the whole world to know you’re mine.” His possessive tone made her stomach flip “Something unforgettable.”
“Maybe we should hold off on that for now. I’ve got some loose ends to tie up first.” The last thing she needed was Jasper and his toxic family crashing her wedding
Cassian studied her face for a moment. “Whatever you need, we’ll do this however makes you comfortable.”
His immediate acceptance of her wishes made something warm bloom in her chest |||
7
The next morning, Jasper got an imperious summons from his mother to come home immediately
Since he’d been enjoying breakfast in bed with Valeria, he decided to bring her along to make the visit more entertaining
They strolled into the Hale family’s Upper East Side mansion hand in hand, playing the part of Manhattan’s golden couple
Megan appeared in the foyer wearing a perfectly coordinated outfit and her brightest fake smile. “Jasper, darling! And who’s this gorgeous creature?“||
She looked Valeria up and down with obvious interest
Jasper squeezed Valeria’s hand proudly. “Mom, meet Valeria Omelas. Her father owns Omelas Industries“]]
Megan’s eyes practically glittered with dollar signs.]
The Omelas heiress! Now this was the caliber of girl she’d always envisioned for her son so much classier than that trashy little nobody Lorraine []
Since Sharpson Omelas’s messy divorce and remarriage, most of society had forgotten about his estranged daughter. Lorraine had completely severed ties with her father and refused to use the family name anyway!
Not that she’d want to be associated with that scandal
Meanwhile, Valeria was practically vibrating with excitement to finally be inside the Hale mansion.]
The Hales were practically American royalty–old money, social connections, political influence. Dating Jasper was definitely a step up from her usual crowd.
r’s such an honor to meet you, Mrs. Hale, Valeria said with practiced sweetness.
Megan immediately melted, grasping Valeria’s hands like they were old friends. “Oh, you’re absolutely darling! So elegant and well–hrad. Come in, come in–I’ve had Cook prepare lunch.
Valeria blushed prettily at the warm reception “You’re too kind.”
Jasper relaxed seeing his mother’s instant approval “Easy, Mom. Don’t scare her off on the first visit.“]]
Megan laughed melodiously, linking arms with Valeria. “I’m just thrilled! Finally, a girl with proper breeding and social standing. I couldn’t be happier!“]
She led them to the formal dining room and personally seated Valeria in the place of honor.]
Once they were settled with champagne, Megan’s expression turned business–like. “Now Jasper, have you dealt with that Lorraine problem yet? []
-Still working on it. She’s demanding three hundred million for her shares.” Jasper’s voice carried barely controlled irritation]
Megan’s face contorted with outrage “Three hundred million? That little gutter cat has lost her fucking mind!”
Valeria’s pulse quickened with vicious satisfaction, though she maintained her innocent facade. “Mrs. Hale, please don’t let Ana upset you. She’s probably just lashing out because she’s hurt.“]
Megan’s Laugh was pure ire. “Hurt? That pathetic social climber should be grateful we tolerated her as long as we did! Who does she think she is, trying to extort our family?”
Jasper shifted uncomfortably “Mom, legally she does own forty percent of the company. The paperwork’s ironclad
What he couldn’t bring himself to admit was that without Lorraine’s talent and connections, J&R would still be a pape dream
His family had always seen him as a trust fund brat playing at business.]
Megan’s voice turned arctic. “I don’t care what some papers say. That opportunistic little whore doesn’t dictate terms to the Hale family! Three hundred million? She can go fuck herselfr
Jasper rubbed his temples. “We need to be strategic here. The company’s worth over a billion now–from a pure business standpoint, buying her out might be the smart move.
Megan was silent for a long moment, calculating. “Fine. If we absolutely must pay that gold digger, offer her fifty million. Take it or leave it.“]]
“I was thinking more like a hundred million,” Jasper countered.
“Seventy–five million, final offer. Not a penny more for that bottom–feeder.“]
“Deal,” Jasper agreed. He’d been planning to lowball Lorraine anyway.]
“Good. Now, don’t forget about tomorrow’s Met Museum gala. Your father says Cassian Rhodes will be there. If you could get an introduction, it would be worth millions in future business”
“Absolutely. I’ve already prepared my approach–most of our key investors will be attending too. This was exactly the kind of networking opportunity that could launch him into the big leagues.
“Excellent.” Megan was pleased to see her son finally acting like proper Hale family material.
What she didn’t realize was that every ounce of Jasper’s current success stemmed from Lorraine’s vision and hard work]
When they’d first started dating, the Hales had been dismissive and offered zero support
Lorraine had built their design studio from nothing and transformed it into an industry powerhouse.
Only after J&R became profitable had the family started treating Jasper with respect.
But they’d conveniently rewritten history to erase Lorraine’s contributions entirely
