Chapter 75
Chapter 75
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Cassie didn’t want Asher to know where we were going, so it felt like we were sneaking off into the night.
Our plan started with a charity event as the perfect cover before we hopped into a Bloomify van heading to Cathedral City.
The beauty company was indebted to Cassie and me, so when I asked for their help, they didn’t hesitate to say yes. From Cathedral City, we would board the private helicopter Bloomify had arranged to take us directly to Mexico City.
This trip was what I had been orchestrating over the past few weeks while Grayson and I had been apart.
“Asher has been making things difficult for me,” Cassie explained. “That’s why I’ve been pretending everything is fine between us these past few days. I didn’t want him to suspect anything. I want him to feel the full weight of his regrets.”
I hesitated but finally voiced the question that had been gnawing at me. “Cassie, why did you agree to marry Asher? Why did you accept the engagement?”
She sighed deeply, “What choice did I have, babe? In my family’s eyes, Asher is the perfect man for me.”
But surely your parents know about his infidelity?” I pressed, unable to hold back my frustration.
“Oh, they know.” Bitterness crept into her voice. “My mother even scolded me when I broke up with him after catching him cheating. To her, men like Asher–wealthy, powerful, and from the upper class–see other women as nothing more than fleeting distractions. That’s just how it is in her eyes…
“Ultimately, it’s about appearances, the power we project to others. We have their money, and that’s what matters to her!” Cassie’s fingers twisted in her lap. “My mother adores my dad’s damn money more than anything else!”
Cassie let out a bitter laugh, her eyes glinting with painful memories. “She always said, at the end of the day, we—the legal wives–have the rightful claim to everything. That’s what matters in her eyes.”
Her voice became mocking as she continued, “Asher’s previous women were even brazen enough to confront me. Can you imagine? I was shattered, brokenhearted. I didn’t recognize myself when I looked in the mirror.”
I glanced at Cassie. Her gaze was distant, her thoughts far from the present.
“For years, my parents normalized Asher’s betrayals until I started believing them myself; I accepted his infidelity. But the leukemia diagnosis changed everything. Facing my own mortality made me finally understand my worth. I started planning to make Asher feel the pain he caused me. I wanted him to regret it, to carry the weight of breaking his promises to me for the rest of his life.”
“Is that why you made me your healthcare proxy?” I asked, my voice trembling as I fought back tears. I couldn’t understand why Cassie had chosen me, especially considering she was the princess of the Monroes, the younger sister of Evan. I never knew she harbored such resentment toward her own family.
“Yes. Because you’re the only one who truly cares about me, Issa, the person I trust to be by my side for the rest of my days.”
The intensity of her words overwhelmed me. I pulled over to the side of the road and hugged her tightly, holding her as if I could shield her from all the pain she’d endured.
It felt like fate had entwined our lives, binding us together to be each other’s strength when we needed it most.
Though Cassie didn’t bring up Grayson, I could see that she understood. She knew, just as I did, that our journey with no clear end meant I was leaving behind more than just a city.
From Mexico, we flew to Europe. A few days later, we finally settled into Cassie’s villa in the Bahamas–a place no one in her family knew existed.
***
1/3
Chapter 75
Meanwhile…
SummitGlow Talent’s recent transition has captured the media’s attention, with Valeria now handling most of the reporter inquiries. However, she remains tight–lipped when it comes to questions about Isabella.
Social media was filled with rumors as three weeks passed without any word from Isabella. The speculation grew orlee with each passing day.
I saw her at the Emerald Bay Hospital with my cousin. But the details are confidential, so I have no idea what the was doing there,‘ reads one comment on a blog post.
Another chimed in: ‘I’ve been seeing her there almost daily while visiting my family
‘Wait, is Isabella sick?‘
The old doubts resurfaced as well, harsh commenters cutting through the worry. They are still questioning labella’s actions
‘Are you all still falling for Isabella’s games?‘ one critic wrote.
‘Exactly! She’s just manipulating public attention again, planning her next headline grab
Meanwhile, Pulse Five has felt the impact of the management change, though they continue to praise Isabella
In Grayson’s office…
“Asher Reid?” Grayson asked, glancing up at the assistant.
“Yes, boss. He insists on speaking with you,” Eliot replied.
Grayson didn’t understand why Asher, Isabella’s friend’s fiancé, wanted to speak with him. As far as he knew, Asher had no reason to be here–especially since no one knew he owned Elevate.
Still, he said, “Let him in.”
When Asher entered, his face was thunderous.
“Where is she?” he demanded. “Where’s Isabella?”
Grayson frowned, trying to process the question.
Asher continued, “No one knows about your connection with Isabella, but I saw you together at the bar. I know you’re in a relationship. Tell me, where is she?”
Asher’s body trembled with emotion.
“Mr. Reid, you need to calm down,” Eliot warned, stepping forward.
Asher’s eyes blazed with frustration. “Isabella took my Cassie–she’s been gone for days without a word! She’s kidnapped my girlfriend, and the only person I can think of who might be hiding them is you, Mr. Blake!”
Grayson and Eliot exchanged a weighted look before Grayson turned back to Asher.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying. Mr. Reid,” Grayson said slowly. “I haven’t spoken to Isabella in nearly a month. Yes, we were involved, but that relationship ended.”
“Then where are they?” Asher demanded, his voice rising. “Why has Cassie disappeared without a trace?”
“We don’t know, Mr. Reid,” Eliot explained, his tone softening. “Old Mrs. Blake passed away, and the boss has been occupied ever since.”
Chapter 75
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After Asher left the office, Grayson found it impossible to focus.
found
When Eliot returned, he spoke with his voice laced with concern. “Boss, I’ve out that Ms. Isabella and Ms. Cassie are both missing. What if they’ve been kidnapped?”
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