Chapter 73 Chapter 73
Vanessa sat in the living room, crossing her legs while scrolling through her phone. The house was quiet, and she was bored. Then she heard the sound of heels coming down the stairs — quick, sharp, and proud.
It was Cassandra. She looked fresh, her hair loose, her lipstick shining. Vanessa raised a brow. “You’ve been gone since morning. Where did you disappear to?”
Cassandra smiled lightly, pretending not to hear the question at first. She walked to the mirror beside the wall and began fixing her earrings. “Just went out to clear my head,” she said.
Vanessa dropped her phone and smirked. “Clear your head, huh? With Marcus, maybe?”
Cassandra froze for a second but quickly covered it with a fake laugh. “You and your big mouth. Do you ever stop guessing?”
Vanessa stood and walked closer. “Guessing? Come on, Cass. I know you too well. You always have that same glow after seeing him.”
Cassandra sighed and sat on the couch. “Fine, yes. I went to see him. But you don’t have to act like my mother about it.”
Vanessa’s smile faded. “I’m not acting like your mother, Cassandra. I’m acting like someone who still has sense. What if Nathaniel finds out? You think he’ll forgive you?”
Cassandra rolled her eyes. “He won’t find out. He’s busy with work, meetings, and his useless company. He barely notices when I’m gone.”
Vanessa sat beside her, serious now. “That’s what you think. But men like Nathaniel — quiet and calm — they’re the ones you should fear most. Once they find out they’ve been played, they don’t talk. They act.”
Cassandra turned and gave her a cold look. “Are you trying to scare me?”
“No,” Vanessa said softly. “I’m trying to save you. You’re walking too close to danger, Cass. That man can destroy you if he finds out you’re cheating.”
Cassandra chuckled and leaned back. “Destroy me? Please. Nathaniel worships me. I’ve got him wrapped around my finger.”
Vanessa shook her head. “You think so. But I see things you don’t. His eyes have changed lately. He doesn’t look at you like he used to.”
Cassandra frowned. “What do you mean?”
Vanessa shrugged. “I mean maybe his heart isn’t fully with you anymore. Maybe he’s distracted.”
Cassandra turned away, her hands suddenly tight on her lap. “That’s nonsense. He loves me.”
Vanessa watched her quietly for a while, then said, “Love doesn’t blind men forever. Be careful, Cass. You might be digging your own grave.”
Cassandra stood up sharply, brushing off her dress. “Enough of this talk. I know what I’m doing. Marcus is just a little fun — nothing serious.”
Vanessa leaned back on the couch, her eyes cold. “Fun can destroy everything you’ve built. One wrong step, and Nathaniel will take back everything — his money, his house, his name. You’ll be left with nothing.”
Cassandra turned to face her again, her voice rising. “You worry too much. I’ve come this far, Vanessa. I won’t stop now. Marcus makes me feel alive. Nathaniel gives me power. I can handle both.”
Vanessa crossed her arms. “You sound crazy. You’re playing with two men like you’re picking dresses. It won’t end well.”
Cassandra smiled bitterly. “It will end the way I want it to. You’ll see.”
Vanessa looked away, shaking her head. “I’ve warned you, sister. Don’t say I didn’t.”
There was silence for a moment. Cassandra turned back to the mirror, touching up her lipstick, pretending not to care. But deep down, Vanessa’s words echoed in her head.
What if Nathaniel really finds out? What if he’s watching?
She brushed the thought aside and said aloud, “No one will ever know.”
Vanessa stood up and grabbed her bag. “Alright then. Keep lying to yourself. But remember, secrets don’t stay secrets forever.”
She started walking toward the door, but before she left, she turned and added, “If you get caught, don’t drag me into your mess.”
Cassandra looked at her reflection one last time and whispered under her breath, “I won’t get caught.”
But even as she said it, a strange chill ran down her spine. For the first time, fear crept into her heart — not of losing Marcus or money, but of losing everything.