"Well, I believe that you underestimate my power in controlling the dirty headlines, Ms. Castillo," he retorts.
"You wouldn't want to choose me, Mr. Klein," I hiss. "In fact, you will regret it. I'm someone whom you wouldn't want to mess with. It's not too late to decide to marry that fiancée of yours—"
"What can I say?" He shrugs. "You're hotter than her."
That catches me off guard. Did he just say that I look better than that gorgeous supermodel?
"Oh, she's blushing." Luke chuckles. "I like it."
My cheeks heat up even more, and I just want to choke this man to death. "My answer is still the same. It's a big no. In yourdreams, Mr. Klein."
I'm starting to have a headache, so I turn on my heels. I need to leave this place in an instant. Just as I'm about to go through the door, his voice echoes again.
"Remember, Cassie," he says. "With me, you'll have leverage against Astalis Records, for once."
Wondering what he meant, I frown, but I need to get out of here to keep sane. And so I walkout, leaving him.
3
________
CASSIE
The next day, I find myself curled into a ball on the couch, looking at the disgusting picture of Lucas Klein on the projector screen as my team conducts another meeting at my house.
Staring at his face, I scoff. On the exterior, he might be every woman's dream, but inside, he's everyone's nightmare. It's such a shame that such an angelic face is tainted by such a devilish heart.
"Lucas Klein," Peter informs. "28 years old. Currently the one and only successor of Klein Enterprise. His father started shoving him into the board of directors around seven years ago, when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Surprisingly, he has turned the tables and made Klein Enterprise one of the most influential companies in the world."
I note the information with disinterest, while Paul whistles. Mike, however, growls in irritation. He's still very much pissed that Luke dared to get rid of him yesterday.
"He was number two on Tatler's list of the richest and most eligible bachelors in the world last year," Peter continues, and I roll my eyes, bored. "It is said that women fall not only for his charm but also for his intelligence. The guy is smart as fuck. It's not easy to save a company that was once on the verge of bankruptcy, but Lucas Klein proved that he could turn what was impossible into possible. His business has grown significantly during those seven years, expanding into various sectors, a few of which are news and media, social networks, hotels and high-end brands."
I've never heard Peter curse before, so he must envy that crazyman a lot.
"I don't care if he's a walking god. He's mental," I mutter.
Silence falls, and I know that my whole team is now staring at me. They've known that I turned down Luke'sofferyesterday.
Yes, it's an offer, not a proposal. I will never ever acknowledge that he proposed to me—the thought of it makes my skin itchy.
Oscar lets out the biggest sigh I've ever heard.
"I must agree with you this time, Cassie. Indeed, he is," he says, sounding so tired it surprises me.
I snap my head toward him, trying to figure out what he's trying to point out.
Finally. Has he realized how stupid that arranged marriage idea is?
"I'm sorry, Cassie." Oscar leans his back against the couch, his arms spread at his sides, his eyes filled with guilt. "I shouldn't have tried to persuade you to agree with him. This is your personal life we're talking about, and we've barged in a little too far. I'm not married, so I have zero experience to give you advice, but I guess that marrying the man you love would be a good start. You shouldn't marry that asshole."
I'm suddenly speechless. To say that I'm touched is an understatement. Oscar is a man who would definitely grasp any golden opportunity that ever crosses his path, and right now, he's willing to let it go because he cares about me.
"We can still work it out, you know," he says. "Your next album is coming out, but I'm thinking of postponing it because now is just not the best time. Maybe it's time for you to take a rest for a while. Get out of the spotlight until the rumor dies, perhaps for one or two years. All this time, you've been working extremely hard, and you deserve a break."
A genuine smile forms on his lips, and I know that he means what he said, not because he's mad at me.
I'm so overwhelmed that I feel like running to him and suffocating him with a tight hug. A break? Is this real? Because thisfeels too good to be true. I don't even remember the last time I felt like a normal person—it feels so long ago.
