Easton had no clue about the chat between Cassidy and Declan, or that Cassidy wanted to bring her admirer along for the trip.
After getting everything sorted, Easton announced the vacation to everyone. "Before Owen's break ends, let's take this chance to go on a holiday and chill out."
"Vacation? I'm in!" Owen quickly agreed. "Do you already have a spot in mind?"
"Yep, I've picked the place." Easton mentioned the island's name. "This time of year is perfect for a trip there. Anyone got any issues with that?"
Everyone nodded in agreement, except Ryder, who looked a bit hesitant. In the whole Cooper family, he was the only one always butting heads with Cassidy. Ryder worried they might scheme against him during the trip, and that Cassidy might secretly plan to have him taken out.
After thinking it over for a few seconds, Ryder also nodded in agreement.
Thinking of Zoe, Cassidy smiled and said, "Everyone can invite their friends to join us. Let's make this a great vacation."
No one objected, but Easton turned to look at her, and Cassidy kept her cool, smiling as she met Easton's gaze.
Cassidy's suggestion to invite friends for the vacation felt a bit off to Easton since they hadn't talked about bringing friends when they planned the trip.
Easton had originally wanted a private getaway with Cassidy, but because she was worried about their relationship being exposed, he agreed to a family trip. Now she was suggesting inviting friends, which meant more people, straying from his initial plan.
But from Cassidy's expression, Easton couldn't pick up anything weird. He remembered how carefree and happy she seemed while with friends at the Moore family party, thinking recent events might have shaken her, making her want her friends around. Understanding her need for support, Easton agreed, and as a result, everyone invited their own friends.
With so many people, Easton quickly arranged for a private jet to the island.
This island was a famous tourist spot, known for its stunning scenery. Sunlight filtered through the coconut trees, casting a warm glow on the soft, fine sand. Gentle waves lapped at the shore, leaving behind delicate trails of foam. People could stroll along the beach, enjoying the soothing sea breeze.
"Cassidy, this place is gorgeous!" Hailey shouted excitedly, then turned and, seeing Chase, quickly covered her mouth.
Cassidy found her reaction amusing.
With a slight blush, Hailey lunged forward to tickle Cassidy, leaving her no choice but to beg for mercy.
Zoe stood behind Cassidy, watching them play, cautiously looking for Easton's figure.
When Cassidy brought Zoe along, Easton noticed her but didn't think much of it until he kept catching her gaze, realizing something was up. He even suspected Zoe had intentionally gotten close to Cassidy to get invited on the trip.
But Easton didn't say anything because Cassidy seemed to have a good relationship with her. Just after getting off the plane, Zoe stole a glance at him. Easton felt a surge of irritation but looked away, holding it back for Cassidy's sake. No one noticed this little moment.
Easton had already sorted out the hotel, and after getting off the plane, everyone headed there to drop off their luggage.
By the time they wrapped up and stepped outside, night had already fallen. They had a private gathering under the starry sky, with the gentle sound of waves mixing with the soft music, making everyone feel the magic of this perfect island night.
In this dreamy setting, Cassidy brought Zoe over to find Easton.
Easton was happy to see Cassidy, but his mood shifted when he saw Zoe with her.
Without noticing Easton's change in demeanor, Cassidy pulled Zoe to sit next to him and introduced her. "Easton, this is Zoe Parker, a friend I recently met. She's super kind and gentle."
Zoe's face turned red when she saw Easton. She sat down next to him, too shy to even lift her head, looking like she wanted to disappear into a corner.
Cassidy had hoped Zoe would chat with Easton alone, but Zoe was too shy, and Easton was too cold, so Cassidy decided to help break the ice.
"Easton, don't be so cold. Zoe's the sweetest girl I've ever met. You won't regret getting to know her. You guys chat, I'll go find Hailey." With that, Cassidy left.
After Cassidy left, Zoe sat nervously beside Easton.
Easton finally got it and frowned, thinking, 'Maybe this Zoe girl isn't really Cassidy's friend. Maybe she likes me, and Cassidy brought her along to get her close to me. Is Cassidy trying to push me towards another woman?'
Without noticing Easton's expression, Zoe gathered her courage to speak. "Hi, I'm glad to be on vacation with you all. My family often talks about you, saying you're really impressive. I never thought I'd get to go on vacation with you."
Zoe smiled at Easton, but before she could see his reaction, he stood up.
"I have something to do. I gotta go." Easton didn't even bother with an excuse; he just wanted to leave.
Not wanting him to go, Zoe instinctively reached out to stop him. "Does it have to be done now?"
Easton dodged her hand and quickly left, not looking back at Zoe once.
Zoe watched him walk away, slowly pulling back her hand. She didn't expect Easton to be so unwilling to talk to her, and she looked disappointed.
Easton was fuming as he walked away, thinking, 'What is Cassidy thinking? I told her I'd marry her, and she still wants to introduce me to other women!'
Standing nearby, Chase saw the whole thing and guessed Cassidy's plan. Seeing Easton leave angrily, he walked over with a grin. "Easton, why are you so mad? I think Ms. Parker really likes you. She was blushing the whole time next to you, and when you got up to leave, she really wanted you to stay."
Easton shot Chase a look, and Chase burst out laughing.
"Come on, don't be so mad. Honestly, I think you and Ms. Parker would make a good match. She's so gentle, like a soft kitten. Doesn't that make you want to protect her?" Chase asked.
Easton sneered, "If you like her so much, why don't you go after her?"
"No way." Chase shook his head quickly. "Even if I wanted to, she wouldn't like me. I can tell, Ms. Parker came here for you."
Chase leaned closer to Easton. "I think you should give Ms. Parker a chance. Since Cassidy says she's great, she must be a good girl."
Easton glared at Chase and pushed him away. "Get lost."
After that, Easton walked off; he needed to find Cassidy and have a serious talk with her.
Meanwhile, Cassidy, hoping Easton and Zoe would hit it off, left happily. She planned to find Hailey and enjoy the beautiful night, but Owen stopped her.