Chapter 41

When Cassian spotted Jasper making a move toward Anastasia, his eyes went deadly cold. He was about to march over there when he saw Anastasia walk away, looking completely fed up. Only then did he ease up. He’d definitely need to watch out for Jasper going forward.

Hotel Garden

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Valeria watched Jasper chase after Anastasia. Her face turned ugly, her hands balling into fists. She was dying to storm over and tear them apart. But with Joanne right there, she had to keep her cool.

Joanne saw it too and went ballistic. “That fucking slut! She’s already got another guy wrapped around her finger, and now she’s still trying to mess with my brother’s head. What a two-faced bitch!”

Valeria switched into helpless victim mode, her eyes getting all watery.

“Maybe she’s only with that other guy to make Jasper jealous. If they still have feelings for each other, I should probably just bow out gracefully,” she said.

“Valeria, stop talking crazy! My brother’s into you now. It’s that shameless home-wrecker who won’t back off. You’re the only one I want as my sister-in-law—don’t you dare give up!” Jeanne practically shouted.

She really did like Valeria. Valeria had been spoiling her with designer purses and high-end makeup recently. She was super generous with the expensive gifts. Plus, Valeria came from real money—she was gorgeous and loaded. Even Mrs. Hale was impressed. So Joanne was determined to lock Valeria down as family.

“Joanne, I’m crazy about Jasper, and I don’t want to lose him. But it’s not really my call, you know? What am I supposed to do?” Valeria’s voice quivered with fake emotion.

“Valeria, don’t stress about it. I’ll find a way to completely destroy that bitch’s reputation.” Joanne’s voice turned vicious.

“You’ve got something in mind?” Valeria could barely contain her excitement.

“Oh, absolutely! Just sit back and watch me work!” Joanne said with a smug grin.

Valeria had to bite back her smile. Joanne was such a useful idiot! A few manipulative words and she was completely booked. Now all Valeria had to do was grab some popcorn and enjoy the fireworks.

Don’t let me down, Joanne! Having another person gunning for Anastasia definitely improved her odds.

Anastasia was up early working at Intakinu when Cassian came downstairs. He noticed the resume she’d left on the coffee table. “Job hunting?”

Anastasia nodded. “Yeah, I’ve been taking some time off, but I’m ready to get back into it.”

“You’re in design, right? You should apply to Rhodes Corp. Our design division is actually hiring right now,” Cassian suggested casually.

Anastasia paused. If she wasn’t sleeping with Cassian, she’d jump at the chance. Now that things were complicated between them… People would definitely talk if they found out. They’d assume she’d fucked her way into the position.

“I don’t know… that might be kind of awkward,” Anastasia said hesitantly.

“Why? You go through the normal interview process, prove yourself on talent alone. I have complete faith in your skills.” Cassian knew exactly how good she was—Philips had done his homework. J&A had basically built its entire reputation on Anastasia’s designs. A killer designer was the heart of any company. Jasper had been too much of an arrogant prick to see what was right in front of him. Soon enough, reality would teach him a hard lesson.