Chapter 146 Chapter 146
Cassandra woke up early that morning, the sun barely touching her face through the white curtains. She sat up slowly, her mind already full of plans. She had cried enough, and now, she told herself, it was time to act.
She walked to the mirror and stared at her reflection. Her eyes looked tired, but she smiled anyway — a fake one, the kind that could fool anyone. “From today,” she whispered to herself, “no more tears. No more weakness. Nathaniel will never see me as a fool again.”
She stood up, brushed her hair neatly, and wore a simple silk robe. When she stepped out of the room, the maids greeted her carefully, their eyes full of fear. They had all seen how she slapped Rose last time for asking an innocent question.
“Good morning, ma’am,” one of them said softly.
Cassandra smiled sweetly, to everyone’s surprise. “Good morning, girls. I hope you all slept well.”
They nodded quickly, whispering to one another as she walked away.
Inside the dining room, the smell of breakfast filled the air — toast, eggs, and hot tea. Nathaniel was already seated, reading something on his laptop. He barely looked up when she entered.
“Good morning, darling,” she said in a soft, calm voice, forcing a pleasant smile.
He gave her a short glance. “Morning.”
She sat opposite him and poured herself some tea, keeping her fake calmness steady. Inside, her heart was still burning with anger. He still doesn’t trust me, she thought. But he will. I’ll make sure of it.
“Did you sleep well?” she asked, pretending to sound caring.
Nathaniel nodded slightly. “Yes, I did. I have a meeting later today.”
“Oh, I see,” she said. “You’ve been so busy lately. Maybe I could help a little. You know… just to make things easier for you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Help how?”
She smiled again. “I was thinking… since I already understand most of your business dealings, maybe you can make me your personal manager. I could handle some of your schedules, maybe attend meetings when you’re not available. Just to support you.”
Nathaniel looked at her for a long moment before closing his laptop slowly. “Cassandra,” he said calmly, “I appreciate your offer. But no. I don’t need a manager right now.”
Her smile didn’t fade, but her heart sank instantly. “Why not? Don’t you trust me?”
He stood up, adjusting his shirt. “It’s not about trust. I just can’t afford to bring anyone into my personal dealings right now — not even you. Too many things are at stake.”
She froze. Not even you?
Nathaniel picked up his phone and started walking away. “Enjoy your breakfast,” he said without turning back.
When the door closed behind him, Cassandra’s fake smile slowly disappeared. Her jaw tightened, and her hands shook slightly as she stared at his untouched cup of coffee.
“How dare you,” she whispered under her breath. “How dare you talk to me like I’m nothing?”
She stood up so suddenly that her chair scraped against the floor. The maids at the corner flinched in fear, pretending to clean. Cassandra turned sharply toward them.
“What are you looking at?!” she snapped.
“N–Nothing, ma’am,” one of them stammered.
Cassandra took a deep breath, then forced another fake smile. “Good. Then mind your business.”
She walked back to her room, but once the door closed behind her, she kicked her dressing stool hard. The wood cracked under her foot.
“I begged him nicely,” she muttered, pacing the floor. “I smiled, I pretended… and still, he refused me?”
Her breathing quickened as her thoughts grew darker.
“Fine, Nathaniel,” she said, staring out the window. “If you won’t give me power, I’ll take it myself. You’ll soon see who truly deserves to control that company.”
She sat down, crossing her legs slowly as a calm, dangerous smile spread on her lips.
“No more sweet talk. No more begging. It’s time to play my own game.”
And for the first time in weeks, Cassandra felt a strange peace — the kind that comes before a storm.