Chapter 237

“What’s so surprising about that?” Cassian shot Aurora a look that could’ve rolled his eyes right out of his skull.

Aurora looked like she’d thought of something, then gave Anastasia a pitying expression.

Anastasia was confused—what was with that look?

“You poor thing,” Aurora said to Anastasia sympathetically.

Anastasia: “…???”

Anastasia was completely lost—she had no clue what Aurora was talking about.

Cassian’s face darkened as he pulled Anastasia behind him like a protective mother hen.

Aurora clicked her tongue and, to preserve what little dignity Cassian had left, said, “Cassian, if you can’t perform, don’t hold the poor girl back.”

Cassian’s eyes flashed dangerously. “Who says I can’t perform?”

“If you could, why haven’t you touched a woman in all these years?” Aurora challenged.

Anastasia’s head was spinning. Cassian had never been with a woman? Then why was he so… experienced? She’d thought…

“I just never met the right person,” Cassian said coldly.

Aurora made a knowing “ohhh” sound. “I get it now. Anastasia is ‘the right person.’”

Cassian didn’t answer, but his silence spoke volumes.

Anastasia blushed furiously, her heart pounding out of control.

Sonia watched from the sidelines, getting increasingly anxious.

She whispered to Jenny, “I brought Aurora back to break up Anastasia and Cassian, but look at them now…”

Jenny was equally confused. Someone as possessive as Aurora had previously blocked Sonia from getting close to Cassian, so Jenny had assumed she’d do the same with Anastasia. But apparently she’d been wrong?

Jenny thought for a moment. “I think the boss just doesn’t know what kind of person Anastasia really is. Once she sees her true colors, she definitely won’t like her.”

Sonia clenched her fists so hard she nearly drew blood. If that’s what it took, she’d make sure Aurora knew exactly what kind of person Anastasia was.

Aurora bumped Cassian’s shoulder. “Why were you fighting just now? Need me to handle it?”

“No, I’ll deal with it myself,” Cassian replied.

“When are you coming home? Mom and Dad miss you,” Cassian asked Aurora.

Something flickered across Aurora’s face and she waved him off. “No way. I’m still traumatized by all those ‘eligible bachelors’ Mom keeps trying to set me up with. I’m out.”

Before Cassian could respond, Aurora had already bolted.

Sonia and Jenny hurried after her. “Aurora, wait up!”

Anastasia watched Aurora’s retreating figure thoughtfully.

Knowing Anastasia was curious about Aurora’s identity, Cassian took her hand and explained, “Aurora is my foster sister. Her parents died when she was little; her father died saving my dad, so my parents took in both her and her sister. Though she’s only a few months older than me, and I refuse to call her sister to her face.”

Anastasia laughed—this was the first time she’d seen Cassian being so stubborn and childish.

She squeezed his hand playfully. “Come on, drive me back to work.”

“Absolutely.” Cassian’s eyes lit up.

Anastasia usually didn’t want Cassian dropping her off so openly, so she must be making a statement for Jasper’s benefit.

As Anastasia walked past Jasper, he caught her faint, sweet scent and his heart stirred.

He called out through his split lip, “Ana.”

He was playing the victim now—he only called her name so gently when he was trying to manipulate her emotions.

Back when they were together, whenever he acted vulnerable like this, Anastasia would always soften.

He expected the same thing to happen now.

But this time, Anastasia didn’t even glance his way. She walked right past him without acknowledgment.

Jasper reached out desperately, grasping at empty air.

He stared at her cold, indifferent back, devastated. Was it really over forever?

But he couldn’t accept it. He refused to accept it!

Could years of history really end this easily?

“Jasper.”

Valeria rushed over, seeing the injuries on his face. She reached out sympathetically. “How did you get hurt?”

But before her hand could touch his face, Jasper slapped it away.

“Get away from me. Don’t touch me,” he said coldly.

Valeria’s throat tightened with hurt, but she forced herself to stay calm. “Okay, I won’t touch you. Let’s just get you to a hospital.”

Jasper flagged down a taxi and got in.

Just as Valeria was about to climb in after him, Jasper slammed the door shut and told the driver to go.

Valeria pounded on the window, shouting, “Jasper, I’m not in the car yet!”

But Jasper couldn’t stand looking at her right now—she just made him more irritated. “Drive.”

“But…” The driver glanced toward Valeria.

“Drive! Keep arguing and I won’t pay you!”

The driver reluctantly started moving. Valeria lost her balance and fell.

The driver, thankfully going slowly, immediately told Jasper, “She fell! The lady fell!”

Jasper’s heart clenched with unexpected concern. “Stop the car!”

Seeing Jasper get out, the driver finally relaxed.