Chapter 34: Ian’s arrogant plea.

Chapter 34: Ian’s arrogant plea.
Chapter 34: Ian’s arrogant plea.

The day after the article dropped, Eric was able to get Ian in contact with Cassandra.

“Would you like me to call her for you sir?”

Ian stared at the info; his fingers slightly trembling. It had been over five months since he last saw her and now THIS was the reason he was calling. A huge wave of guilt swam over him. Slight confliction in his eyes as he looked up at Eric;

“No….I have to do this.”

Eric nodded slightly and exited the office. With some heavy digging, Eric was able to find Cassandra’s work cellphone number. Hesitantly, Ian dialed.

Cassandra instantly recognized the number. A slight chill crept down her spine as she stared at the flashing screen. She’d expected he would be calling soon. After a slight pause, she finally answered.

“This Cassandra Davis.”

………

Ian froze; it had been so long since he’d heard her voice. It was like hearing a gazelle for the first time. Hearing her say “Davis”, however, gave him mixed emotions. On one hand he was glad she didn’t say “Crawford”; but on the other….hearing her not say “Keller” was like a punch to his gut. Nervous, he finally answered.

“Hello Cassandra. It’s been a while, how have you been?”

Cassandra could feel her veins turning to ice as she heard his voice. The fact that he could sound so “casual” during a time like this is what pissed her off the most.

“Apparently I’ve been out here having an affair instead of worshipping my poor husband and the daring woman that saved his life.”

Ian instantly paused. He could hear the venom in her voice. No longer any doubts, Cassandra had indeed seen the article....and she was pissed. Swallowing hard, Ian could feel his Adam’s apple bob. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

“Cass….baby….I swear-”

“I’m not your fucking baby Ian….what do you want?”

The distance in her tone was shattering Ian’s heart with each word she spoke.

“Cassandra….I didn’t….that article wasn’t me.”

Cassandra sat with a blank expression; she’d figured he wasn’t the one that dropped that article. Knowing what she had on him, she figured he wouldn’t be THAT stupid. Which only left one other person….Dara.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better? Whoever talked to the press obviously is connected to you.”

Ian rubbed temples. He didn’t want to fight with Cassandra.

“Cassie….I’ve handled the situation. The story has been recanted, and the reporter was fired.”

Cassandra raised her brow; she knew Ian’s damage control booklet like the back of her hand. Always passing the blame to someone else. He would make the reporter the fall guy.

“Ian….are you aware that story is now on just about EVERY social media platform. Your little recantation didn’t even make front news. How does that benefit me?”

That was the main thing Ian was concerned about; how fast the story would spread! Rubbing his forehead, he tried to think of something fast and reassurring to say.

“I….we’re working hard to get it removed from the other platforms-”

“You think that matters? Even if you do remove it….the damage is done….my reputation is ruined.”

Ian let out a deep sigh, he was running out of ideas. No solution seemed sufficient.

“Then what can I do to make this situation-”

“Tell the truth.”

Ian immediately froze. Was she being serious?

“T-The tru-”

“Yup….tell the truth. Call a press conference, bring the reporters, and tell them….tell EVERYBODY…..the truth. Only then will we be even.”

Before Ian could respond, Cassandra continued.

“Oh! And I want to press charges against whoever slandered my name. So make sure you cough up that information as well.”

Ian felt like he was chewing crushed glass! Was Cassandra serious! There was no way he would let her press charges against his sister! Even if she was wrong; that type of embarrassment could ruin her! Not to mention stain the Keller name! Cassandra knew this! Why was she being so difficult!

“C-Cassandra….don’t you think you’re being a little too rash! It’s not even that serious!”

Cassandra let out a loud and sarcastic laugh.

“Are you fucking kidding me Ian! Not that serious? According to who! Right now….as we speak; I’m getting tore the fuck apart online! That little recanted story….no one believes that shit! They’ve all assumed my ‘sugar daddy’ paid the reporter off. And since you made sure the reporter can’t be found….we don’t even have a way to prove otherwise.”

Ian’s eyes widened, he hated how well Cassandra knew him! It was true, the previous night, Ian struck a deal with the reporter. Recant the story saying the information given to him was not properly vetted and in return he would pay him another 10 million dollars.

“So that’s 15 million in total if you include the five my sister gave you. So how about it Royer…..seem fair?”

Jason Royer looked at Ian with bewildered eyes, if he accepted this deal….it would also mean the end of his career as a journalist.

“B-But….my career-”

“It’s either this or I have you thrown over a fucking bridge…..your choice Mr. Royer.”

Jason’s eyes widened in horror! He had no doubt Ian Keller was telling the truth. With a heavy head, he nodded in agreement. Later that night, he released a statement saying due to insufficient evidence, he was recanting the story for now until further vetting could take place. Ian had him word it like that to avoid calling his source a liar. He knew Cassandra would be out for blood.

“Cassandra….I can’t let you press charges against-”

“Why! Because it’s your precious baby mama! You still want me to give a fuck about that gi-”

“It wasn’t Dara! It was…..it was Issie.”

Cassandra’s eyes widened in shock. She hadn’t expected the culprit to be her. While it was true Ian’s family didn’t care for her and vice versa; she’d always shown the Kellers respect. Her and Isabelle didn’t have the greatest relationship, but she didn’t think she would be dumb enough to spread a story without securing the facts.

“Is that right? Well….I’m sure she got her information from source weekly Dara.”

Ian’s brows furrowed. She wasn’t wrong….technically Dara did say Cassandra cheated first.

“That was a misunderstanding…..Dara assumed you were with Crawford because of something I-”

“So then you slandered me first. Shall I also sue you?”

Ian panicked!

“What! No!! That’s not what I meant! I only-”

“Then I don’t give a shit! I’m pressing charges against your sister and I’m suing your little baby mama. Let’s see what the public thinks when they do the math. She’s what? Five months pregnant and we’ve only been divorced for four? Hmm.”

Ian began to grow frustrated. Though he didn’t want Cassandra to be lied on, he couldn’t afford for his or Dara’s reputation to be tarnished either! She was carrying his son and that type of stigma! Ian knew firsthand what that could do.

“Cassandra….how about I compensate you for your pain and-”

“I don’t want your fucking money! I-”

“CASSANDRA!”

Ian’s patience was running thin, why was she so difficult about this! Taking a deep breath to calm down, Ian continued.

“Cassie….I am begging you to please let this go. I have a son on the way. This type of stigma…..never mind what it will do to my and her reputation….think about what it will do to my son-”

“Hahahahaha!!!!”

Cassandra began laughing hysterically! Was Ian serious right now!

“Oh my….Ian….you really think I give a rats ass about the reputation of your little outside baby….HA! Give me a fucking break! He’ll have a stigma regardless once ‘high society’ makes a big deal about him being born a bastard. Right now this about-”

“Dara and I are getting married next week! Besides….you’re literally shacking up with Crawford! That betrayal alone is enough to piss me off! Be lucky I recanted the story Cassandra! For all I know….you really were fooling with Crawford behind my back!”

Cassandra sat quietly. Ian’s words sliced through the air like blades of poison. So THAT was the reason he wanted all of this to go away. Didn’t want his precious new bride being hit with the stain of a homewrecker. Thinking about all the shit Ian did to her in her previous life AND this one…..yet he still sat tall….filled with arrogance…..not a hint of guilt pissed Cassandra off in a way she'd never felt before. Suddenly, a devious plan formed into Cassandra’s mind.

“Okay Ian.”

Ian could hardly believe his ears! She’d agreed!

“A-Are you serious?”

“Sure. You have a new wife, new baby, new life. Why should I continue to get in the way. I live in the East now…..we won’t even cross paths.”