Can We Put This Behind Us

"Alexander, you can't just cut me off!"

Cassandra whispered the words to the empty car.

She had returned to the country for one reason. She had crossed Theodore Vance, a dangerous mistake.

Only one person had the power to stand against him. Alexander Blackwood. He was her only hope for fixing this.

If he abandoned her now, she was ruined.

Fear twisted inside her, sharp and cold. She leaned forward, grabbing the arm of Alexander's subordinate in the front seat. "Call Alexander. Immediately!" Her voice trembled.

The man didn't turn. His tone was flat, detached. "Miss Sterling, if you have a message, I will relay it to Mr. Blackwood."

Shock froze her. "What does that mean? Is Alexander refusing to see me? We've known each other for years! He wouldn't do this!"

The subordinate remained impassive. "I am acting on Mr. Blackwood's direct orders. Your refusal to cooperate only complicates the situation."

Fury burned in her throat, but she swallowed it.

This man had served Alexander for a long time. Angering him would seal her fate.

She took a slow, deliberate breath. She forced calm into her voice. "I understand."

Cassandra fell silent for the rest of the drive to the hotel. But her mind raced. A venomous thought took root.

"This is Evelyn's work. While I was gone, that cunning woman poisoned Alexander against me. That's why he's shutting me out. Evelyn, you will pay for this," she vowed silently, her nails digging into her palms.

The next morning, Evelyn arrived at work as usual. But the moment she entered the office, Nathanial Reed was waiting. He looked annoyed. "Evelyn, you're late."

She was confused. This was her normal time.

Before she could speak, Nathanial waved a dismissive hand. "Just put your things away and go to the reception room. Now. Miss Sterling is waiting."

The pieces clicked into place quickly.

After the incident at Serenity Oaks yesterday, Alexander had arranged for Cassandra to stay elsewhere.

Now, Cassandra was here. Probably to replace her as the designer on the project.

A heavy disappointment settled in Evelyn's chest. She had invested so much in this design. She was so close to finishing.

But there was no choice. She would have to accept it and move on.

"Understood," she said, her voice neutral. She turned and walked directly to the reception room.

Evelyn braced for hostility. She expected coldness from Cassandra.

The reality was a shock.

The door opened. Cassandra rose instantly. A brilliant, warm smile spread across her face. As if they were dear friends.

"Evelyn, hello!" Cassandra moved forward and took Evelyn's hand in a smooth gesture. "I need to apologize," she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "I'm truly sorry if my actions yesterday caused you any distress."

Evelyn was taken aback. The change was jarring.

Cassandra's smile became pleading. "I hope there are no hard feelings between us. Alexander and I have a long history. I rely on him sometimes. I never intended for you to misinterpret our relationship."

She gave Evelyn's hand a gentle squeeze. "Can we please start over?"

The words were perfect. Flawlessly delivered. Evelyn could detect no false note.

A conflict of emotions stirred within her. Perhaps Cassandra was genuine.

Was it petty to hold a grudge over something so small?

Alexander and Cassandra were childhood friends, after all.

Evelyn let out a soft sigh. The tension in her shoulders eased. "Cassandra, I may have overreacted yesterday. Alexander explained everything to me. There's no need to worry. I'm not upset with you."

Her voice was gentle as she met Cassandra's gaze.