Chapter 119

After hanging up, Anastasia let out a breath of relief. She walked out of the office building and spotted Cassian’s car already parked across the street. She hurried over and opened the passenger door. “Sorry, were you waiting long?”

Cassian looked up, taking in her slightly tired face, and gave her a gentle smile. “Just got here. You doing okay?”

Anastasia buckled her seatbelt and turned to look at him. “I’m fine. Thanks for everything today. How’d you have time to pick me up?”

Cassian started the car. “Your stuff always comes first.”

Honestly, when this whole mess went down today, all Cassian wanted was to be by her side immediately. Even though Anastasia was acting like it was no big deal, he knew she had to be hurting inside.

Warmth spread through Anastasia’s chest. “It was just someone with an agenda trying to stir up drama.”

Cassian glanced at her, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re mine. I’m not letting anyone mess with you.”

Anastasia’s heart skipped a beat, her ears getting hot. She turned to look out the window, trying to hide how flustered she was. The car cruised through the busy streets, neon lights reflecting on Anastasia’s profile and highlighting her delicate features.

After a moment, Cassian spoke again. “From now on, anything happens, you tell me immediately.”

Anastasia smiled. “Okay.”

His protective tone was oddly comforting.

The car eventually stopped in front of an upscale restaurant. Cassian got out and walked around to open her door. “You must be starving. Let’s eat first.”

Anastasia looked up at him with a bright smile. “Thanks for the VIP treatment, Mr. Rhodes.”

Cassian reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. “Tonight’s gonna be even more VIP. Looking forward to it?”

Anastasia immediately caught his meaning, and her face went red.

He usually seemed so reserved and serious, but when it came to this stuff, he had zero filter. The man could be absolutely shameless. Was this his real personality? Thinking about what they’d probably be doing later, Anastasia felt like her face was on fire.

They walked into the restaurant side by side, their silhouettes looking perfectly in sync under the lights.

Jasper was completely puzzled. Thinking about what Anastasia had said, he decided to call Valeria.

When Valeria saw Jasper’s name on her phone, she was thrilled. “Jasper!” she answered sweetly, her voice full of excitement. “Are you done with work?”

Jasper’s tone was cold. “Valeria, what’s the deal with the garbage about Anastasia online?”

Valeria froze, then played dumb. “What stuff online? Jasper, what are you talking about?”

Jasper frowned. “The Anastasia drama – was that your doing?”

Valeria’s heart raced, but she quickly composed herself and put on her victim voice. “Jasper, how can you even think that about me? I would never do something like that. Did my sister say something? She’s always had it out for me—she must be trying to frame me….”

Jasper’s expression softened slightly. “Good. I don’t want you getting involved in this kind of mess.”

Valeria bit her lip, her eyes immediately welling up. “Jasper, would you really believe her over me? I…”

“No, it’s just that last night’s whole thing seemed fishy. Don’t overthink it.” Jasper rubbed his forehead.

“Jasper, do you not like me anymore? We haven’t been together in forever,” Valeria said pitifully.

“Don’t be silly, I’ll come over tonight,” Jasper said, feeling irritated and restless. He needed an outlet.

Valeria’s face lit up immediately. “Really? I’ll get everything ready and have a surprise waiting for you.”

Jasper gave a noncommittal “mm” and hung up.

Everything felt like it was going wrong lately.