Chapter 105

Sharpson had heard Rhodes Global was developing a luxury spa resort. Securing even one contract would solve his cash flow problems and boost his reputation. That's why he'd asked Anastasia to come home—he wanted her to make introductions. Whitney had to swallow her resentment; if Kingsley Corporation went bankrupt, she couldn't maintain her privileged lifestyle. She had no choice but to grin and bear it. Anastasia smiled sardonically, curious to see what they were up to.

“No thanks, Whitney.”

“Anastasia, sit down. I need to ask you something,” Sharpson said impatiently.

“What is it?” Anastasia responded flatly.

“What’s your relationship with Cassian Rhodes? I’ve been wanting to ask since the birthday party,” Sharpson inquired.

Anastasia was momentarily stunned. She’d expected him to ask after the party, but he’d held back this long. Of course, she knew what Sharpson was scheming. She definitely wouldn’t let him have his way.

“We don’t have a relationship. I asked him for a favor once, and he reluctantly agreed. But he warned me it was the last time. I have some pride—I won’t keep bothering him,” Anastasia said casually.

Sharpson frowned. “Are you telling the truth?”

The way they’d interacted, laughing and talking together, it didn’t look like nothing.

Anastasia smiled self-deprecatingly. “I know my place. How could I fantasize about connecting with someone like him?”

Sharpson’s brow furrowed deeper, frustration building. He’d thought Anastasia might be his breakthrough, but now that hope was dashed. His tone turned harsh. “I thought you might actually be useful for once. Turns out you’re just as worthless as your mother.”

When he mentioned her mother, Anastasia’s expression turned ice-cold. “Mr. Kingsley, if you were so capable, you wouldn’t have called me here. Let me tell you—even if I did know Cassian, I wouldn’t introduce you. You’re not worthy.”

With that, Anastasia stood up and walked out. Staying even another second felt suffocating. Though she’d known what kind of person Sharpson was, having it confirmed again still disgusted her.

After Anastasia left, Whitney dropped all pretense, looking contemptuously at her retreating figure. “I told you—a man of Cassian Rhodes’ status and position could have any woman. How could he possibly be interested in Anastasia?”

Sharpson sighed, feeling overwhelmed by his problems. Just then, Valeria came home. Seeing Anastasia’s departing figure, she asked, “What was Anastasia doing here?”

She wasn’t trying to claim family assets, was she?

Whitney said irritably, “We thought she knew Cassian Rhodes and could make introductions. Turns out they’re not even close.”

“Dad, Mom, what were you thinking? How could Anastasia possibly know someone that important? She’d probably throw herself at him and he still wouldn’t want her. Don’t worry—once Jasper and I get married, everything will improve,” Valeria said smugly.

Whitney nodded. “You’re right, sweetheart. Hold onto Jasper tight. The Hale family is top-tier—once you become Mrs. Ilale, we’ll all benefit.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I know what I’m doing,” Valeria replied.

Though Jasper had seemed a bit distant lately, not as enthusiastic as before, it didn’t matter. Valeria had her secret weapons. Men always want novelty—you just had to keep stimulating them, giving them fresh excitement, and they’d become addicted. Valeria silently vowed to become Mrs. Hale no matter what.