The penthouse lights shimmered over the glass walls, reflecting the city skyline like a thousand tiny secrets. Cassandra stood by the window, a glass of red wine in her hand. Her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile as she watched the night swallow the city whole.
"Everything's falling into place," she murmured to herself.
Across the room, a tall man in a charcoal suit leaned casually against the marble counter. His face was hidden by the dim light, but the way he watched Cassandra made one thing clear — this wasn't a partnership of trust, but of convenience.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Cassandra," he said quietly. "If Jaden finds out—"
She turned sharply, cutting him off.
"Oh, he already suspects. But suspicion means nothing without proof. And right now, I'm the only one who knows where the money trail leads."
She set the glass down and walked closer, her heels clicking against the marble.
"He thinks he's protecting Lydia," she continued, voice dripping with sarcasm. "But what he doesn't realize is that the more he shields her, the closer she gets to the truth — and to me."
The man smirked. "You really think she'll find out about you?"
Cassandra's eyes gleamed. "Oh, she will. That's exactly what I want."
She paused, letting the tension hang heavy in the air.
"Jaden destroyed everything that mattered to me once — my company, my reputation, my life. So I'll let his precious Lydia uncover the truth herself. When she realizes what kind of man Jaden truly is…" Cassandra's smile turned cold. "She'll be the one to destroy him."
The man frowned. "You're using her as bait?"
"Not bait," Cassandra whispered, stepping close enough to trace a finger along his tie. "As a weapon."
Outside, thunder rolled across the night sky — low and distant, like a warning. Cassandra turned back to the window, watching the lights flicker in the storm.
"By the time the sun rises," she said softly, "Jaden won't know which enemy to fear more — me, or
the woman who loves him."