Chapter 174
""No need. If they abandoned me, it means I wasn't wanted. Why dig up the past and open old wounds?""
Cassie shook her head, a mix of defiance and resignation in her voice, ""I just think this world is so unfair. How can people like the Brooks rise again, reach new heights and continue their wrongdoings?""
Facing a corporate giant like Peace Group, she was all too aware of her inability to stand against them.
David hesitated, then suddenly offered, ""If you're open to it, I could help...""
""No need."" Cassie cut him off.
""Cassie, everything I said last night was true. I want to marry you,"" David declared earnestly. ""Your enemies are my enemies.""
Cassie shook her head decisively.
She had once entered a marriage for revenge and regretted it deeply; she wasn't going to make that mistake again.
David tightened his grip on the steering wheel, saying weakly, ""If Joseph were to say all this to you, would you agree?""
A flash of surprise crossed Cassie's eyes. She looked up, instantly understanding. David must have seen her answer Joseph's call the night before.
""You've known each other for a while, right?"" David was sharp; his mind pieced things together quickly. ""I should have realized sooner. Joseph's a proud man who doesn't just represent anyone. You, with neither money nor power—how could he offer to help so easily?""
Cassie kept her composure, biting her lip without a word. Now that David had guessed, no matter his opinion of her, there was no need for explanations. After all, she and Joseph hadn't crossed the final barrier, but when she signed that contract, she had prepared herself to be, in a sense, owned.
Her silence was an admission.
David's heart ached sharply, and with a wry smile, he said, ""It's my fault for being powerless to save you back then.""
""Don't say that. I'm doing quite well now.""
To be honest, Cassie preferred being indebted to Joseph rather than to David. Maybe it was because, in the end, she and Joseph were legally tied.
""Do you like him?"" David asked abruptly, fixing his gaze on her.
Cassie was taken aback, quickly averting her face.
""Cassie,"" David said softly, ""I always hope for your happiness. I want your relationships to be blessed and for both parties to be free and equal, not as if someone has lassoed around your neck. If you ever decide to leave him, know that I'm here to help.""
""Thank you."" Cassie was touched. David neither mocked nor looked down on her; instead, he enveloped her with his generosity. Perhaps if she had met him sooner, without that misunderstanding, she might have fallen for this refined and gentle man.
""If you truly mean that thanks, stop calling me Mr. Foster. I'm only a few years older than you—just call me big brother. And if Joseph ever gives you trouble, your big brother will be here to help out,"" David said with a teasing wink. ""Don't turn me down, or I'll be losing face.""
With a resigned nod and a smile, Cassie called out, ""Big brother.""
That was fine. She and David would need to see each other often for upcoming renovations, and this way, it wouldn't be so awkward.
...
Forty minutes later, Cassie stepped out of the car in front of the grand River Mansion and walked through the villa’s entrance.
The staff had gone grocery shopping, so she seized the moment to bury herself in the blankets and succumb to a deep, satisfying sleep.
Come noon, she was woken by the staff for lunch.
“You know,” the staff chided with a teasing smile, “Mr. Hernandez was worried sick last night. He kept calling non-stop, late into the wee hours. Honestly, you’re in your twenties; does he need to fret over you that much?”
The staff continued with a warm chuckle, “Mr. Hernandez, he spoils you like a child. Holds you close to his heart like a precious jewel.”"
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