Chapter 78 The Cat and Mouse Game
Owen took a deep breath and respected Cassidy's decision.
But his words had clearly rattled Cassidy, making her mess up while mixing drinks. She made a few mistakes.
The bartender, clueless about what had happened, suggested she take a break.
Cassidy agreed, but as she put down her tools, she noticed an unexpected visitor standing at the door.
Despite Owen's careful departure, he hadn't noticed the car tailing him.
Easton had gotten wind of Owen's nighttime departure and immediately ordered someone to follow him.
He watched Owen enter the bar and linger at the door for a bit, assuming Owen had already passed on important info to Cassidy, before slowly making his way inside.
The bar was buzzing, packed with people drinking and enjoying the music. The vibe was chill and carefree, with guests singing and dancing along to the tunes.
Easton stood at the entrance, taking in the bar's decor, which was clearly Cassidy's style.
It seemed this bar was Cassidy's own place.
Realizing this, Easton's expression darkened.
Cassidy had used his plan to slip away from him and had hidden herself in such a remote spot to open a bar.
Did she really think that by hiding far away, he wouldn't be able to find her?
Easton let out a cold laugh. Once he found Cassidy, he would make sure she understood what she should and shouldn't do.
Cassidy felt her breath catch when she saw Easton at the door.
Owen noticed her change in expression and followed her gaze, spotting Easton too.
Luckily, Easton hadn't noticed the bar area yet, so he probably didn't know Cassidy was there.
"Cassidy, you need to leave now!"
Cassidy nodded and quickly ducked into the restroom.
Locking herself in a stall, she tried to calm her breathing, even though she knew Easton hadn't seen her yet.
She hoped Owen could distract Easton and that he wouldn't find her in the restroom.
Owen had already pieced together the events of the night upon seeing Easton.
Easton probably didn't know Cassidy's exact location and had only pretended to, aiming to deceive Owen.
If Owen believed Easton had found Cassidy, he would rush to contact her, leading Easton right to her.
Easton must have had someone tail Owen from the moment he left the Cooper Manor; otherwise, he wouldn't have arrived at the bar so quickly.
Damn it, he had been outsmarted by Easton!
Owen was frustrated with himself for not realizing he was being followed, and now he had brought trouble to Cassidy.
After Cassidy left, Owen turned his attention back to Easton, hoping to slip away unnoticed.
But as he turned, he found Easton's eyes fixed on him.
It was too late for Owen to leave; Easton was already approaching.
"Owen, I didn't expect you to come to such a remote place for a drink."
Easton's face wore a smile, but his tone was icy, devoid of any warmth.
Owen tried to smile but failed.
Easton casually ordered a drink and turned to Owen. "So, Owen, what brings you to this place in the middle of the night?"
Owen's face paled. "I just think the drinks here are great, and the atmosphere is nice."
Easton nodded. "The people here are nice too, right?"
He was furious. The thought of Cassidy hiding from him and running a bar in a remote town with another man made Easton livid.
He slammed his glass onto the table, making Owen's face turn even paler.
Easton began scanning the bar, looking for Cassidy.
Owen quickly stood up to block Easton's view. "Aren't you here to drink? Why..."
"Owen." Easton coldly called his name, his gaze sharp as a blade. "You know why I'm here. If you say one more word, I'll kill you right now."
Given the remote location, disposing of Owen's body would be easy.
Easton didn't hide his murderous intent, and Owen knew he was serious. Despite his rational desire to protect Cassidy, fear enveloped him and he instinctively stepped back.
Easton pushed him aside and continued searching for Cassidy.
He scoured every corner of the bar but couldn't find her.
"Hiding, huh." He chuckled, as if he had stumbled upon an amusing game, suddenly very interested.
Since Cassidy liked playing cat and mouse, he would indulge her.
If the cat caught the mouse, the cat would decide the mouse's fate.
Owen sensed the danger and tried to stop Easton again, but Easton wouldn't let him interfere. A single glance had his bodyguards restrain Owen.
Now it was just him and Cassidy in their game, and he wouldn't let anyone interrupt.
The remaining bodyguards blocked all exits, giving the mouse no chance to escape.
The entire bar was searched, leaving only the restroom.
Easton stood at the restroom door, hearing only the lively chatter and music from the bar, yet he felt he could hear the mouse's faint prayers from inside.
The mouse he sought seemed to be hiding in a stall, praying he wouldn't find her.
The bodyguards called everyone out of the restroom, leaving one stall door unopened.
Cassidy listened to the commotion outside, knowing Easton was there.
Everyone else had left, and the outside grew quiet.
Cassidy could clearly hear footsteps approaching the stall, each step feeling like it was crushing her heart, making it hard to breathe.
The footsteps stopped outside her stall, and she could hear Easton's steady breathing, as if everything was going according to his plan.
She didn't want to open the door, but she knew she had no other choice.
Taking deep breaths to steel herself, Cassidy finally opened the stall door.
Easton stood there, unsurprised by her action. Seeing her, he raised an eyebrow, as if to say: "I told you, I wouldn't let you leave me."