Chapter 10
1057 Words
CASSIAN'S POV
I was about to leave for work when I saw Saraphina run out of the house, calling out to me. I turned off the car engine and stepped out.
When Saraphina finally got to me, she was a little bit out of breath, and for some reason, seeing her like that made me smile, but I was quick to hide it.
"Do you need something?" I asked.
"I'm sorry, it's just..." She trailed off, as if afraid to say anything to me.
"It's okay, Saraphina. You can speak to me about anything." I said calmly.
Saraphina nodded. "I want to ask about the plan, we haven't really talked about it." She said, but then she looked like she wanted to say something else.
"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice soft. "Is there something else?"
Saraphina heaved a deep breath. "I'm thinking of getting a job as well, although I don't know if anyone out there would want to employ me, but I'm going to give it a shot. I hate being idle, so I won't be able to sit around for too long, not doing anything doesn't sit well with me."
"Hmm...I see." I nod my head in understanding. An idea suddenly hit me and I looked at her. "How about coming to work for me as my secretary?"
Saraphina's eyes widened with shock. "What?!" She blurted out. "I...I mean, are you for real? You want me to work as your secretary at your father's company? Can I even do that? What will people say? What if you get into trouble because of me?" She shook her head in disagreement. "No, Cassian. I don't think I can do that."
"You're worrying too much about nothing." I replied. "Just come to work for me and I'll take care of the rest. You asked about the plan right, this is one step into it." I opened the car door and got in, then I drove off.
I stared at Saraphina from the rearview mirror, I could see the confusion on her face. Saraphina working as my secretary would be the perfect way to get under my brother's skin.
I know Lucien too well, even if he isn't with her anymore, her being with me was going to drive him insane. I can't wait to see the look on his face when I break the news of me being married to Saraphina to him. The thought alone made me smirk in satisfaction.
***
Arriving at my father’s company, I paused before stepping out of the car. The tall building loomed above me, a symbol of everything I once thought I’d left behind. Yet here I was again, staring at it with a hunger that burned deeper than ever. Revenge. Power. Ownership. I wanted it all, and I would stop at nothing to take it.
The guards outside bowed as I walked past, their respect automatic. My father had already told me about the meeting they were going to have, so I headed straight for the conference room. A woman in a sharp suit stood at the door.
"Mr. Cassian?'' She asked.
I gave a curt nod.
''Please go in. They’re waiting.'' She opened the door. I drew a steady breath and stepped inside.
Every head turned toward me. But it was Lucien’s reaction that caught my attention—his shock was written all over his face. I nearly laughed, but I kept my expression cool, unreadable.
''You’re late.'' My father said flatly.
''Apologies, Sir. Traffic.'' I replied, voice calm.
He waved it off and gestured for me to sit.
Once I was seated, he addressed the room. "This is Cassian Vale. My second son, he will serve as the new Chief Strategic Officer.''
Murmurs rippled through the room, but I barely heard them. My focus was on Lucien. He couldn’t stop staring at me, his eyes burning with rage. When our gazes met, I smirked deliberately. The flicker of fury that crossed his face was priceless.
Irritating him was only the beginning.
The meeting ended, and as the room emptied, Lucien shot to his feet, fury radiating off him. He stormed toward our father.
''How come no one told me about this?'' His voice trembled with rage.
''I didn’t realize I had to report every move I make to you, Sir.'' Father replied, his tone mocking.
Lucien faltered. ''That’s not what I meant. I’m just… surprised.''
''Surprised, or scared?'' Father asked coolly.
Lucien’s brow furrowed. ''What?''
Father glanced at me, then leaned close to Lucien and whispered something I couldn’t catch. Whatever it was, it drained the fight from him—his shoulders slumped, his defiance gone.
Father patted Lucien’s shoulder before walking to me. His hand rested briefly on my shoulder. ''Welcome back. I trust you’ll make me proud.''
''Of course, Dad. I won’t let you down.'' I said, my voice steady with determination.
He nodded and left the room.
Lucien’s eyes snapped to me, cold and venomous. He strode forward, and for a moment I thought he might strike me. I braced myself, ready. I wasn’t the terrified boy he used to bully—I had changed.
"I see you’ve returned.'' He spat.
I smirked. "Father called. I answered. I guess he doesn’t trust you as much as you thought."
"What did you say?" Lucien stepped closer, his voice sharp.
"You heard me. Or do you need me to spell it out?'' I replied, daring him to push further.
He studied me, then scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping. ''You… there’s something different about you. You think you’ve grown wings, but you’re deluding yourself if you believe you’re a match for me.''
I stayed silent, refusing to waste words on his arrogance.
Lucien sneered. ''I’ll enjoy clipping those wings, reminding you exactly where you belong. Never forget who you are, Cassian—you’re nothing but the son of a mistress. Don’t think I’ll let Father hand everything to you. You don’t deserve it. You’re illegitimate. Trash.''
I held my composure, calm and unflinching. My silence seemed to please him—he smirked, mistaking it for weakness.
''I’ll see you around, brat.'' He hissed before storming out.
I clenched my fists, rage boiling beneath the surface. The urge to strike him was strong, but I forced it down.
"Bastard.'' I muttered under my breath. "We’ll see about that.''
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