When Cassidy woke up, Easton was already gone, having slipped back to his room before dawn.
She pulled back the curtains and opened the window, letting the morning sunlight flood the room. Breathing in the fresh air, Cassidy felt a pang of anxiety about how to transfer her assets.
She hadn't figured out how to leave the Cooper family yet. Leaving directly was out of the question; Easton would go to great lengths to track her down.
Maybe faking her death?
But if she did, Easton would definitely suspect those close to her.
Her family, her friends—they would all become targets of Easton's suspicion.
The Monroe family might be safe, but Hailey, her best friend, would certainly be under scrutiny.
That was too risky.
Suddenly, Cassidy's eyes lit up.
Easton's plan also involved her faking her death to escape. Could she use that opportunity?
She definitely could, as long as she convinced Easton she was truly dead.
The most important thing now was to transfer her assets. She didn't want to find herself without enough money to live on when she managed to escape the Cooper family.
But how should she transfer her assets?
Transferring funds directly to a new account would definitely raise suspicions.
Just as Cassidy was fretting, Hailey called her.
"Hey Cass, I've got this new clothing project. Think you could invest?"
An investment project!
Hailey's call gave Cassidy a brilliant idea.
"Absolutely!"
After hanging up, Cassidy immediately transferred a large sum of money to Hailey.
Hailey was thrilled and sent her several "kiss" emojis.
Cassidy felt a surge of happiness too. Hailey's call had given her a perfect way to transfer her assets.
Over the next few weeks, Cassidy invested in various small projects, transferring her money into one of them.
It was a community fund for a small town she had chosen to live in.
Once she completely left the Cooper family, she would settle in that town.
Far from the family feuds, she would enjoy the life she loved.
But her spending spree caught Ryder's attention.
"I heard you've been throwing money at a bunch of projects lately. You think investing is some kind of game, you clueless woman?"
Ryder didn't hide his disdain for Cassidy, his words dripping with sarcasm.
Cassidy simply looked at him. "I'm spending my own money. Your problem has nothing to do with me."
She was about to leave the Cooper family soon; there was no need to endure Ryder's rudeness any longer.
Ryder hadn't expected Cassidy to retort so quickly, his expression turning sour.
He snorted, "If you lose it all, don't come crying to the family!"
"That's not your concern." Easton's voice suddenly cut in. He walked straight to Cassidy's side, his sharp gaze fixed on Ryder.
"Cassidy can invest in whatever she wants. It's none of your business."
With that, Easton transferred a large sum of money to Cassidy's account right in front of Ryder.
Ryder's face fell further as he watched.
Cassidy was equally shocked. When she saw Easton preparing to transfer the money, she reached out to stop him, but Easton was faster.
Before her hand could reach him, Easton had already completed the transfer.
"Cassidy, even if you lose money, it doesn't matter. You can do whatever you want."
Ryder was furious, pointing at Easton before storming off. "You're out of your mind!"
He must be crazy to give Cassidy that much money!
Cassidy was stunned by his actions. After Ryder left, she wanted to return the money, but Easton anticipated her move and held her wrist.
"Cassidy, I wanted to give you. You can't return it."
Cassidy felt deeply touched and ultimately didn't return the money.
She often thought about how Easton had cared for her during this time.
He always stood by her side, supporting her every decision, and defended her when she was in trouble.
Only Ashton had done that before.
Easton's actions moved her deeply, and she occasionally wondered what it would be like to stay by Easton's side.
But as soon as the thought emerged, she dismissed it.
She had to leave the Cooper family, no matter what Easton had done for her; she couldn't change her mind.
Cassidy spent half a month investing in various projects, transferring a significant amount of assets.
Time passed, and it had been nearly four months since she claimed to be pregnant, but Cassidy's belly showed no signs of change, which aroused Ryder's suspicion.
He investigated Cassidy's activities and found she still went for regular check-ups. The doctor confirmed the pregnancy and health of the baby.
But this didn't dispel Ryder's doubts, so he confronted Cassidy again.
"How long have you been pregnant?"
Cassidy knew Ryder would eventually suspect her fake pregnancy, so she wasn't afraid, her expression calm.
"Almost four months. Why?"
Ryder glanced at her belly, then her face, as if trying to find a flaw.
He sneered, "Are you really pregnant?"
Cassidy frowned at him, knowing he was deliberately provoking her.
Ryder could investigate her, but she could also investigate his activities.
Ryder hadn't found evidence of her fake pregnancy. As long as she acted normal, Ryder couldn't do anything to her.
"Haven't you already investigated whether I'm pregnant? I assume the doctor would tell you the truth!" Cassidy sneered.
Ryder's actions were exposed, making him embarrassed. But he hadn't found any evidence against Cassidy, so he left angrily.
His departing gaze was cold and venomous, like a snake marking its prey, ready to strike as soon as the prey let its guard down.
Cassidy told Easton about Ryder's growing suspicion, and he realized he needed to speed up their plan.
Easton pulled the worried Cassidy into his arms, soothingly patting her back.
"Cassidy, don't worry. I'll handle this."
"In a few days, there's an art exhibit. I'll arrange for a car accident. You can use that to fake your death and escape."
"I've already prepared a new identity for you. Once the plan succeeds, we can be together!"
Easton was excited, his arms tightening around Cassidy.
Cassidy hugged Easton back, burying her face in his chest, pretending to be happy.
Her eyes filled were with excitement and tension, but her emotions were different from Easton's.
Easton thought they would soon be together, while Cassidy thought she would soon leave the Cooper family.
She had to seize this opportunity, this one and only chance.