Chapter 87
I thought I was bringing Anastasia to learn from these women. Turns out she taught them a thing or two. Seeing how naturally Anastasia and Lancey interacted—like a real mother and daughter—several socialites immediately began gravitating toward them, clearly hoping to network their way into the Rhodes family’s good graces. Everyone could see that Anastasia held a special place in the family. This girl’s going places.
Valeria was practically shaking with rage, her hands balled into fists. Just wait. I’ll find a way to get back at her. The humiliation was eating her alive, especially since Jasper had been distant lately. There was even that night when he’d come home drunk and kept mumbling Anastasia’s name in his sleep. That was the ultimate insult.
Valeria had barely slept that night, wanting desperately to confront him about whether he was still thinking about that bitch. She’d expected Anastasia to crash and burn after leaving Jasper, maybe end up struggling to make ends meet. Instead, she’d somehow landed Cassian Rhodes—Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor. It’s not fair.
She’d been so sure this wine event would finally expose Anastasia as the fraud she was. Instead, Anastasia had outshone everyone in the room. The event was winding down when a commotion erupted near the ballroom entrance. Anastasia looked up to see Cassian striding in, impeccably dressed in a charcoal gray suit. His arrival immediately commanded attention from every person in the room, especially the socialites, who were practically swooning.
He walked directly to Anastasia and Lancey, his face softening into a smile. “Hey Mom, Ana. Ready to head home? I thought I’d come pick you guys up.” Cassian had tried calling Anastasia several times during the event, but she hadn’t answered. When he couldn’t reach her, anxiety had kicked in, and he’d decided to come check on her himself.
Lancey looked surprised. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you have meetings all afternoon?” Cassian shrugged casually. “Wrapped up early. Figured you’d be about done here, so I thought I’d save you the trouble of getting a car.” Lancey couldn’t resist teasing him. “You’ve never been this thoughtful before. I’m guessing this is really about picking up your wife, isn’t it?” Cassian’s grin was answer enough.
Anastasia felt her cheeks burn red, but warmth spread through her chest. She could tell Cassian had come specifically because he was worried about her navigating this social minefield. “Perfect timing,” Lancey said with a knowing smile. “We were just about to leave anyway.”
Every woman in the room was staring now. Had they really just seen Cassian Rhodes smile? And look at the way he’s looking at Anastasia—like she’s the only person in the room. Cassian reached for Anastasia’s hand, intertwining their fingers naturally. “Come on, let’s get out of here.” Anastasia nodded, following his lead toward the exit.
Behind them, the socialites watched with a mixture of envy and fascination. Anastasia could practically feel their stares burning into her back like laser beams.