Chapter 190 Chapter 190
The evening breeze drifted through the open window of the Kingston mansion as Nathaniel stood before his mirror, adjusting his black tuxedo. The faint scent of cologne filled the air, and his reflection looked calm — but his mind was far from it. The last few days had been tense with police investigations, silent suspicions, and the near-death accident that still haunted him every time he closed his eyes.
He took a deep breath, forcing a small smile. Tonight was supposed to be about business and image — not fear. The dinner party had been planned weeks ago, and all eyes would be on him. He needed to appear strong, unbothered, and in control.
“Are you ready, darling?” Cassandra’s voice called softly from behind him.
Nathaniel turned and froze for a moment. Cassandra was standing at the doorway, dressed in a long emerald-green gown that shimmered like liquid silk under the light. Her makeup was perfect — every detail carefully chosen to radiate elegance and confidence.
“You look… stunning,” Nathaniel said with a faint smile.
Cassandra gave a small, rehearsed laugh. “I know,” she replied, brushing her hair over one shoulder. “I have to look perfect tonight. After all, people will be watching.”
Her tone carried that familiar edge — pride mixed with something colder. Nathaniel nodded silently and adjusted his cufflinks again. He could sense the tension that still lingered between them. After the accident, Cassandra had acted like the most loving wife in the world, caring for him and making sure everyone saw her as the devoted spouse. But Nathaniel knew something about her had changed. She was too careful, too sweet… almost pretending.
As he was about to respond, there was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in,” Nathaniel said.
Vanessa stepped inside, wearing a simple but elegant wine-colored gown. Her wavy hair framed her face beautifully, and her calm, gentle presence brought a bit of warmth into the air.
“Wow,” Vanessa said, smiling faintly. “You both look perfect for the evening. The guests won’t know who to stare at first.”
Cassandra chuckled lightly and replied, “Hopefully, they’ll be looking at me.”
Vanessa laughed softly but didn’t miss the sharpness behind Cassandra’s joke. She had known her cousin long enough to recognize when she was masking jealousy or bitterness. But tonight, Vanessa decided to stay quiet. The atmosphere was already heavy, and the last thing she wanted was to add more fire to it.
Nathaniel buttoned his jacket and picked up his watch from the dresser. “The car should be ready in ten minutes,” he said, glancing at Cassandra. “Are you done?”
“Almost,” Cassandra said, turning to the mirror and adding the finishing touches to her lipstick. She smiled at her reflection and said softly, “There. Perfect.”
Vanessa walked closer, admiring the golden necklace Cassandra had on. “That’s beautiful. Is it new?”
Cassandra smiled proudly. “Yes. Nathaniel got it for me last week.”
Nathaniel looked at her reflection in silence. He had indeed bought it, but not out of love — out of guilt. Guilt for the emotional distance between them, guilt for how cold their marriage had become.
“Shall we?” he asked, snapping out of thought.
“In a minute,” Cassandra said, turning toward Vanessa. “Are you going with us or coming in your car?”
Vanessa replied, “I’ll go with you both. It’s better that way. Besides, I don’t want to drive alone tonight.”
Nathaniel nodded. “That’s fine.”
The butler entered briefly to inform them that the car was waiting outside. Cassandra picked up her clutch bag and perfume, sprayed a final mist in the air, and took a deep breath.
“Let’s go then,” she said with a confident smile, looping her arm through Nathaniel’s.
As they walked through the grand hallway, Vanessa followed quietly behind. She watched Cassandra’s posture — the pride in every step, the way she held Nathaniel’s arm as though she were staking her claim in public once again.
But deep inside, Cassandra’s mind was not calm. Her heart raced, her thoughts spinning with dark plans and jealousy that refused to fade. She wasn’t done with anything — not Savannah, not Adrian, and not even Nathaniel. Everyone who had ever made her feel less would one day pay.
“Vanessa,” she said suddenly as they reached the staircase. “After the dinner, we might need to talk. There’s something important I’ve been thinking about.”
Vanessa blinked in surprise. “Oh? About what?”
Cassandra smiled faintly. “You’ll see. Let’s just get through tonight first.”
Nathaniel didn’t seem to notice the subtle undertone in her voice. He was focused on maintaining his composure. Tonight’s dinner would bring investors, partners, and journalists — he couldn’t afford to look shaken or distracted.
The three of them stepped out into the cool evening air. The black luxury car stood waiting by the driveway, the chauffeur holding the door open.
Cassandra turned to Vanessa and said with a small smirk, “Let’s make sure tonight, the world remembers the Kingstons in style.”
Vanessa smiled politely, though a quiet unease stirred within her.
As the car door closed behind them and the driver started the engine, the night seemed calm — yet something in the air whispered that this dinner would not end as peacefully as they all hoped.
The preparations were complete.
The stage was set.
And the night of revelations was about to begin.