Chapter 13

Lily lay in the arms of another man, their bodies entwined under the soft glow of the bedside lamp. The man, a handsome and rugged figure named Mark, brushed a strand of hair from her face and looked at her with a mixture of lust and impatience.

"When are you going to get me the money I need?" Mark asked, his voice a low growl in the quiet room.

"Be patient, Mark," Lily replied, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Alexander is on the brink of securing a billion-dollar contract. Once that goes through, I'll have access to everything we need."

Mark's eyes narrowed. "And you're sure this contract is happening?"

"Positive," Lily assured him. "I've been keeping close tabs on everything. Once the deal is signed, we'll have more money than we could ever need. Alexander will be too busy celebrating his success to notice what’s missing."

"Good," Mark said, pulling her closer. "But remember, I won't wait forever."

Lily chuckled, running her fingers down his chest. "You won't have to. Just a little bit longer, and we'll be free of him. He'll be left with nothing while we live the life we've always dreamed of."

As they lay there, savoring their conspiratorial plans, Lily's phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up, seeing Rachel's name flash on the screen. With a sigh, she answered the call, putting on her most concerned voice.

"Hello, mother ," Lily said.

"Lily, where are you?" Rachel's voice was anxious. "I haven't seen you all day."

"I'm at a friend's house," Lily lied smoothly. "She's going through a tough time after a breakup, and I couldn't just leave her alone. I'll be back as soon as everything is settled."

Rachel seemed to relax a bit. "Oh, I understand. Just take care of yourself, okay? We need you here."

"Of course, mother ," Lily replied. "I'll be home soon."

As soon as the call ended, she tossed her phone aside and turned back to Mark, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Now, where were we?"

Unbeknownst to them, a secret camera hidden in the room captured every moment of their illicit encounter.

★★★ CROSS COMPANY ~ ALEXANDER OFFICE ★

Alexander sat at the head of the conference table, flanked by some of the company's most important investors. The room was filled with an air of anticipation as they discussed the final details of a massive new venture.

"I want to thank all of you for your trust and support," Alexander said, his voice steady and confident. "This project is going to take our company to new heights. Our projections indicate a significant return on investment within the first year."

One of the investors, Mr. Roberts, nodded in agreement. "We've reviewed the plans thoroughly, and I have to say, the potential here is enormous. We're fully behind you, Alexander."

"Thank you, Mr. Roberts," Alexander replied. "I assure you, this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together."

As the meeting concluded, Alexander's manager, David, approached him with a broad smile. "Great news, Alexander. The contract has been approved. The details of the signing ceremony have been sent to your email."

A surge of joy washed over Alexander. "That's fantastic, David. Thank you for your hard work on this."

Unable to contain his excitement, Alexander quickly excused himself and headed to his office. He sat down at his desk, opened his laptop, and eagerly checked his email. There it was—the confirmation he had been waiting for. The billion-dollar contract was officially his.

★★★ TIFFINS COMPANY ★★★

I sat in my office, a satisfied smile on my face as I looked at the invitation I had sent to the Crosses on behalf of my wife. Everything was falling into place. Just as I was lost in my thoughts, my phone rang, and I saw that it was my sister, Evelyn.

"Hey, Evelyn," I answered.

"Teddy! How's everything going?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.

"Better than ever," I replied. "The plan is moving forward smoothly. How about you? How's the project survey going?"

"It's going well," Evelyn said. "But I can't wait to get back. I miss being in the thick of things. How's Cassandra?"

"She's doing great," I said, unable to hide my pride. "She’s transformed completely. You wouldn’t even recognize her. She's stronger, more determined than ever."

"That's amazing to hear," Evelyn said. "I always knew she had it in her. And how are things with the Crosses?"

"Exactly as planned," I said. "We’ve got all the evidence we need to bring them down. Alexander is about to sign a huge contract, but he has no idea that it's going to lead to his downfall."

Evelyn laughed softly. "I can't wait to see their faces when everything unravels. Just make sure you stay one step ahead. You know how cunning they can be."

"Don't worry," I assured her. "We’ve got everything under control. By the time they realize what's happening, it will be too late."

After ending the call with Evelyn, I leaned back in my chair, contemplating the final stages of our plan. With Cassandra's transformation and our meticulous preparations, the Cross family would soon face their reckoning.

★★★ STAR HOTEL ★★★

The hotel was a grand, luxurious establishment, with a sweeping lobby that seemed to stretch up to the sky. The ceiling was adorned with intricate crystal chandeliers, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the marble floor. The walls were lined with plush, velvet curtains, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers.

Alexander, accompanied by Lily and Rachel, his mother, walked into the hotel, their eyes wide with wonder. They had never seen anything like it before. As they made their way through the lobby, they were greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses.

Alexander, dressed in a tailored suit, walked over to a group of important-looking men, who were gathered near the podium. They were all dressed in suits and ties, their faces stern and serious.

"Ah, Alexander, good to see you," one of them said, extending a hand.

"Good to see you too, gentlemen," Alexander replied, shaking their hands.

They chatted for a few moments, discussing the finer points of the contract. As they talked, I walked into the hall, I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze upon me. I was looking exceptionally I made my way to the podium, a confident smile spreading across my face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome," I said, my voice booming through the hall. "I apologize for the delay, but my wife, the owner of the company, will be joining us shortly. She will be finalizing the contract with the Cross family."

The room erupted into a flurry of whispers and murmurs. Alexander's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. Who was I, and what was my connection to the contract? I could sense his skepticism, but I didn't mind. I was used to people underestimating me.

"Who is your wife?" one of the men asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

I smiled, my eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, she is a woman of great power and influence. You will be impressed." I glared at Alexander, my smirk growing wider. I knew he was trying to figure me out, but I wasn't going to make it easy for him.

Soon the door opened revealing an angel.