Julian expected gasps of shock. Instead, Cassandra's face hardened into steel.

Her voice cut through the air. "Julian! You dared to record us secretly?"

Her eyes locked onto the device in his hand with lethal intensity. If this got out, it would be catastrophic.

"Someone! Now!" Cassandra's voice thundered.

She pointed a furious finger at Julian. "Seize this traitorous snake!"

On her command, several large bodyguards sprang into action, surrounding him.

Julian was stunned by her ferocious reaction, his heart pounding.

Clutching the device, he made a desperate dash for freedom.

The bodyguards were faster. They easily blocked his path and slammed him to the floor.

"Help! Let me go!" Julian's voice cracked, his face pale with terror.

Meanwhile, Cassandra's angry mask melted into a composed, smug smile. She sauntered over to the pinned man. With a casual gesture, she plucked the recorder from his grasp, her tension replaced by cold triumph.

Julian trembled violently, his voice breaking as he switched to begging. "Miss Sterling! I was wrong! I won't dare do it again, please, let me go!" His eyes were wide with desperation.

Cassandra, lips curled in a smug grin, leisurely aimed the device at him. "Since you enjoy filming so much, let's make you the star. Give me your final words," she mocked.

"Final words?" Julian choked, his face ashen. "W-what do you mean?"

Cassandra ignored his rising terror, her expression unreadable.

His earlier arrogance had only sealed his fate. There would be no mercy.

With chilling calm, Cassandra glanced at the lead bodyguard and gave a slight nod. Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "A snake like Julian doesn't deserve to live. The only way to ensure silence... is permanent silence."

Horror washed over Julian's face. His whole body shook as the reality hit him.

Was Cassandra really going to kill him? Just like that?

How could she?

What was she thinking?

Killing someone as if it were nothing—she was insane!

"Cassandra! You can't! If I die, it won't stay hidden! You'll be caught!" he shouted, fear evident in every syllable.

Seeing her unwavering resolve, Julian finally broke down sobbing. "Cassandra, I was wrong! Forget the money! Just get me out of the country! I'll do anything!" his voice cracked in a desperate plea.

Cassandra's expression didn't flicker. "It's far too late for regrets. But before I decide, I need to be sure you'll never talk."

Her tone was ice. A sinister glint sparkled in her eyes.

Out of the corner of her eye, Genevieve, who had been silently watching, jolted. She never imagined Cassandra would go this far.

"Cassandra... you can't mean... kill him? We don't have to! Just exile him!" Genevieve's voice trembled uncontrollably with fear.

She had allied with Cassandra to outmaneuver Evelyn and gain positive press. This had spiraled into something dark and terrifying.

"Silence!" Cassandra's shout cut through the air, her glare instantly silencing Genevieve.

Genevieve recoiled, her pulse racing as a cold, heavy dread settled over her.