Chapter 112

Anastasia smiled softly, her voice light. “Yeah, just finished. Where are you?”

Cassian chuckled quietly. “Right behind you.”

Anastasia was confused for a moment, then turned around to see Cassian leaning against his car, looking at her with warm eyes. He was wearing a perfectly tailored black suit that made him look especially tall and handsome.

Anastasia hurried over, her voice carrying pleasant surprise. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you have a business dinner tonight?”

Cassian reached out to gently pull her close, his tone affectionate. “Nothing’s more important than you. I was worried about you being out alone, so I wrapped things up early.”

Warmth flooded Anastasia’s chest as she looked up at him, her eyes sparkling tenderly. “Thank you… babe.”

Anastasia still felt shy calling him “babe,” but Cassian insisted on it, even in public. Every time she used the endearment, she could see his lips curve upward, clearly pleased.

Cassian leaned down to kiss her forehead softly, his voice low and tender. “Come on, let’s go home.”

Anastasia nodded and followed him to the car. The vehicle slowly pulled away from the venue, disappearing into the night.

Meanwhile, Jasper and Valeria stood at the venue entrance, having witnessed the entire scene. Jasper felt a sudden tightness in his chest, especially watching Cassian and Anastasia’s intimate interaction. His hands unconsciously clenched into fists.

Seeing this, Valeria was internally furious but deliberately spoke with mock casualness and sarcasm. “Amazing how quickly my sister found her next meal ticket. She’s really got some skills.”

Jasper’s expression immediately darkened. His gaze remained fixed on where the car had disappeared, inexplicable irritation and anger rising within him. His voice was low and cold. “Let’s go.”

Valeria was intimidated by Jasper’s attitude and didn’t dare say anything more, feeling hurt by his coldness. She bit her lip, her hatred for Anastasia deepening. She silently vowed to make Anastasia pay.

Jasper took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. He turned toward his own car, his tone distant. “I’ll drive you home.”

Valeria obediently got in the car. She couldn’t pinpoint when it started, but whenever Anastasia was involved, Jasper became unpredictable and moody. This was becoming a serious problem she needed to address.

The car sped through the streets, quickly reaching her building. Instead of getting out immediately, Valeria turned to try seducing Jasper. “Want to come up for a drink? I bought… this really cute mint green lace lingerie set…”

Jasper usually loved these little bedroom games. This was exactly the tactic Valeria had used to wrap him around her finger initially. Jasper kept his eyes straight ahead, his voice completely flat. “Maybe next time. It’s late—you should get some rest.”

Seeing his firm rejection, Valeria felt deeply disappointed but didn’t want to push further. She forced a smile and said softly, “Okay then. Drive safe, and call me if you need anything.”

Jasper gave a noncommittal “mm” in response. After Valeria got out, she stood on the sidewalk watching Jasper’s car disappear, intense hatred building in her chest. She clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, but she felt no pain.

“Anastasia, what gives you the right to keep stealing what’s mine? I won’t let you get away with this!” Valeria hissed through gritted teeth, malice flashing in her eyes. Then she immediately made a phone call.

Just wait and see.

The next day, Anastasia got up on time for work. After returning home last night, Cassian had been in quite the mood, and they’d both ended up exhausted and sleeping very late. Though Anastasia was somewhat tired, she was still in good spirits.