Chapter 61

Cassie and Lily were sitting in a cafe. There is a table next to the window. Both enjoyed the warm afternoon sunlight. Cassie is looking at Lily. "This place has the best panini sandwich; thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Brown."

Cassie nodded. "He has been really helpful in these two months; I think I can never pay him back.”

Lily’s face lit up in pride. “I am glad to hear that I raised a gentleman who helps when people are in need.”

Cassie swallowed her bite. “You've raised two gentlemen. I am aware that Ryker is different, but he has been nothing but a significant source of entertainment for me since my mom's passing."

Lily giggled. "Since you entered their lives, I've witnessed a significant change in both boys. They are getting along with each other, and there is nothing in the world that can make a mom smile when her offspring have each other's backs."

Cassie smiled. “I am honored to be a source of your happiness. Lily, you are a phenomenal mom. You know When Daniel told me about his stepmom, I assumed she must be evil, akin to the stepmom in Cinderella's tales from my childhood. However, Daniel admires you; he values you more than his dad.”

Lilly laughed in her soft style. “My boys are right. You have a wonderful sense of humor and innocence.”

Cassie’s eyes widened. “Do they talk about me with you?”

Lily sipped her coffee and nodded. “Yeah, a lot, and since they move in with you, mostly our conversations roam around you.”

Cassie squared her shoulders. “I didn’t realize I had that kind of effect on both.”

Lily took a deep breath. "Before you entered their lives, my boys were always at each other's throats." No, actually, I am wrong. It was always Ryker who bullied my poor Daniel. They now talk and care for each other thanks to you, dear. You brought out the best in my boys.

Cassie blushed. “Trust me, Lily, I haven’t done anything. There was always a love underneath Ryker's misunderstanding, and Daniel never responded to Ryker's bullying because he always loved his brother."

Lily reached out for Cassie’s hand. “You have brought much-needed harmony into my life; you have no idea how stressful I have been in the past years for my boys.”

Cassie nodded solemnly. “I can understand everybody had a difficult time but hey, it's time to smile because there is nothing for you to worry about anymore.”

Lily sighed. “You are a powerful girl, Cassie. I am sure your parents must be feeling proud watching you flourish in your life from above.”

Cassie smiled but didn’t say a word. Lily immediately sensed she needed to change the topic. “You know, even Derek can see the change in our boys,” Lily chuckled. “Even though he will never admit it, I can read his face.”

Cassie sighed and hesitantly asked. "Speaking of Mr. Brown, how did you two end up getting married because, based on my two months of observation, you are completely different people?"

Lily nodded and laughed. "I was young and naive; I fell for a billionaire who was ruthless, and when I realized he wasn't what I thought, it was too late to call off because Ryker and Daniel needed me, and they were in their cribs."

Cassie raised her brows. “And you are calling me a powerful girl?”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t consider myself powerful because if I was I would have gotten out of this dead marriage but I never had the courage.”

Cassie after wiping her mouth. “I needed some tips to come in Mr. Brown’s good books.”

Lily pressed her lips. “Derek is complicated. He doesn’t like anyone except the money. Don’t take his hatred personally.”

Cassie exhaled. “I thought there had to be something to do so I could prove myself worthy to him.”

Lily looked at the time. “I think you are already doing a wonderful job so keep being yourself and don’t worry about Derek.”

Later Lily asked Cassie about her junior year and Cassie told Lily about her lined-up classes and the upcoming projects. After lunch, Cassie thanked Lily and headed to the office.

As Cassie stepped out of the cozy café, she felt the warmth of Lily's words linger in her heart. She turned back to give Lily one last wave, grateful for the genuine connection they had shared.
Cassie never imagined how Lily had been supporting all three of them. She was expecting a big hurdle but Daniel was right: Lily is an angel in human form.

Cassie's thoughts moved to Derek as she approached the office. His icy demeanor had always perplexed her. On the one hand, she wondered if his hostility stemmed from his refusal to approve of her relationship with Ryker and Daniel. Derek perceived her as an intruder.

Derek, meanwhile, was clearly opposed to her working for the company. He had been very explicit from the beginning that he disapproved of her being there. Despite Cassie's tireless efforts to establish her value, Derek continued to be irate and disapproving. Maybe he felt that she was an obstacle to his power and authority over the family and was annoyed that she was there despite his objections.

Cassie entered the office and Derek was looking at him with blood in his eyes. She looked at the time and she was fifteen minutes late. She cleared her throat to explain but Daniel intervened. “Have you brought the file I told you?”

Cassie squinted. “What?”

Daniel looked her in the eyes. “I told you to pick up a file on your way to the office. I forgot at home, mom gave it to you,” he forced her to play along with him “Right?”

Cassie finally comprehended what Daniel was doing so she nodded while looking at Daniel and then at Derek. “Yeah, I got the file.”

Derek crossed his arms against his chest. “I can’t see a file in your hands.”

Cassie facepalmed. “I kept it on Daniel’s desk.”

Daniel smiled. “Cassie can you please come to my office as I have to assign you tasks for the rest of the day.”

Cassie and Daniel rushed to his office and Derek was flaring his nostrils because he knew Daniel just saved her from his wrath.