Chapter 84


    Chapter 84


    +5


    O


    Cassandra went quiet for what felt like ages after putting down the phone. It wasn’t until Ondo came


    back to the bedroom that she pulled herself together.


    Simultaneously, Michael departed from the hospital, clutching his prescribed medicines. All warmth


    deserted his handsome face.


    20


    In the car, the assistant turned to Michael and asked, “Heading home, Mr. Collins?”


    Michael let out a hum, closed his eyes, and sank back into the seat.


    The journey back to his condominium, conveniently close to the office, unfolded in silence. Dismissing


    the medicines, he swiftly headed for the bathroom to take a shower.


    Cassandra’s words, creating distance between them, echoed in Michael’s ears. It was just impossible


    for him to bepletely emotionless about it all.


    He wasn’t blind to Cassandra’s sensible stance. In fact, it was her clear understanding of her desires


    and


    boundaries that attracted him to her in the first ce.


    中


    Even if she spelled it out for him, his feelings for her weren’t likely to shift.


    4


    Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stuck around all these years.


    With a resigned sigh, he muttered to himself, “Cassie, you’re truly being harsh on me.”


    Freshly showered and wrapped in his robe, Michael emerged from the bathroom. To his surprise, a


    woman had entered unnoticed at some point, now lounging on the couch and engrossed in her phone.


    His face scrunched up as he questioned, “What’s the reason for this surprise visit? Didn’t I emphasize


    the need to stay away at this time? Are you aware he’s growing suspicious?”


    The woman, possessing a visage that couldunch a thousand ships and a voice as soothing as a


    babbling brook, replied, “I understand. I opted for the scenic route. No one will notice. You can rx.”


    His stance softened a bit, but he warned, “Even if nobody notices, don’t let your guard down, and don’t


    push your luck. If we’re busted, all our careful nning goes down the drain, got it?”


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    “Yeah, I got it. I’ll tread more carefully next time. By the way, how’d you end up with that cut on your


    face? What happened?” Noticing the injury, the woman rose from the couch and approached Michael,


    her eyes filled with


    concern.


    “It’s nothing,” Michael responded nonchntly.


    “Don’t you trust me?” the woman questioned.


    “I had a minor sh with Ondo,” Michael rified.


    “Why?” she asked emotionally.


    “Is it because of Cassandra?” the woman continued before Michael could even answer.


    Michael furrowed his brow and responded, “It has nothing to do with her.”


    “How can it have nothing to do with her? Besides Cassandra, what else could cause a sh with


    Ondo? I don’t get it. What is it about Cassandra that draws you in? Why risk our mission for her?


    Can’t we just include her in-” The woman’s words were abruptly cut off.


    “That’s enough,” Michael snapped. “I’ve said it before, what we’re doing has nothing to do with


    Cassandra. My rtionship with her is irrelevant to our goals. If you won’t even listen to me, then


    what’s the point of continuing?”


    His expression turned icy, leaving no room for disagreement. The woman reluctantly conceded, “I get it.


    I’ll. follow your lead.”


    “Well, it’s gettingte. You should head back. Don’t bother dropping by unless it’s something important,


    got it?”


    Michael said.


    “Yeah, I’ll leave now,” the woman responded.


    “Drive safely.” Michael walked her to the door, keeping an eye on her as she entered the elevator


    before closing


    1. it.


    Despite that, he remained uneasy and sent her a text. Michael: [Remember my words. Don’te


    searching for me on your own. If there’s something, I’ll reach out to you. Understand?]


    She replied with a simple “ok,” and only then did he finally set his phone aside, feeling reassured.


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    Chapter 84


    +5


    Perhaps influenced by Michael’s actions, Ondo began making it a daily routine to personally pick up


    Cassandra, as long as his schedule allowed. On the days he couldn’t manage it, he made sure either


    Taylor or a designated driver was there to fetch her.


    Cassandra hesitated at first. “You don’t need to monitor me every single day, do you?”


    “I’m doing it for your safety. I don’t want anything to happen that could harm our marriage again,” he


    dered with an air of authority, leaving Cassandra speechless. She could only quietly ept his


    decision.


    Well aware of Ondo’s actions, especially observing Cassandra’sck of resistance, Michael couldn’t


    help but ask, “Is Mr. Quinn doing this to prevent any misunderstandings between us?”


    “No, he might just have too much free time,” Cassandra exined.


    Michael also felt her aloofness recently. Unable to hold back, he asked, “Cassie, is he stopping us from


    talking? If so, just tell me, and I’ll keep my distance to avoid causing you any trouble.”


    “No, you’ve misunderstood,” Cassandra replied.


    “Then, why have you been so distant these days? Cassie, I get you, I know your thoughts. Has Ondo


    said something to you?” Michael stared right into her eyes.


    Cassandra pressed her lips together and replied, “Michael, you’ve got it all wrong. I’m not a toddler. I’ve


    got my own judgment. And, between us, keeping a bit of distance is kind of necessary. Getting too


    chummy can lead to some serious misunderstandings. It wouldn’t be fair to your future girlfriend, you


    know what I mean?”


    Michael chuckled. “So, are you matchmaking for me now?”


    Cassandra said solemnly, “I’m just saying, in theory. You can’t stay single forever, can you?”


    “Why not?” Michael asked, squinting. “Did I identally stress you out and make you unhappy,


    Cassie?”


    Cassandra shook her head. “No, don’t overthink it, Michael. We’re friends. Friends don’te with


    pressure or misunderstandings, right?”


    Michael fell into a sudden silence upon realizing he had been friend zoned.


    Cassandra’s phone rang at that very moment, shattering the awkward atmosphere.


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    Chapter 84


    She nced at the caller ID on the screen and answered, “Hello?”


    “I’m here,” Ondo said.


    “Huh?” Cassandra furrowed her brows slightly.


    SG ALE


    “I’m outside yourpany. Workday’s over, right? Want me toe up and grab you?” Ondo’s deep


    voice came from the other end of the line.


    Cassandra pursed her lips and nced at Michael. “No worries. I’lle down in a second,” she


    replied promptly.


    “Alright, I’ll wait for you,” Ondo said.


    +5


    After ending the call, Cassandra stowed away her phone and turned to Michael. “Michael, I’m leaving


    work now.”


    “Sure, take care,” Michael responded.


    “Yep.” Cassandra packed up her stuff and left the office.


    As she stepped outside, her eyes quickly caught sight of a sleek ck car parked at the curb.


    Approaching it, she opened the passenger door and hopped in.


    Peering through the floor–to–ceiling windows of the 18th floor, Michael could only make out a small


    figure. Nevertheless, he imagined her expression, likely one of happiness.


    After securing her seatbelt, Cassandra turned to Ondo. “Why are you here so early? Were you


    absent from work?”


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